Edmond Richmond was the strongest of humanity.

Even among the Born S-Ranks, whose transcendence was guaranteed by their very existence, he possessed a power so extraordinary that he would begrudge being called second in uniqueness.

Aptitude: Dimension Lord.

In Korean, it translated to Dimension Lord.

His power was a collection of techniques developed by intelligent beings from other dimensional realms, and simultaneously, his aptitude itself served as a clue to uncover the cause of gate occurrences—the invasion of otherworldly forces.

Through his abilities, humanity was able to deduce that multiple dimensional realms existed in the world, and that all of these dimensions were interconnected.

The hypothesis that gates might not be simple invasions by dimensional species, but rather pan-dimensional disasters, was also a theory that emerged after Edmond’s aptitude was revealed.

Finally, even the hypothesis that the Hunter System was an inherent technique of alien indigenous species fighting against the gates—themselves invasion species—gained traction thanks to his aptitude.

That was simply who he was—a man whose aptitude alone spawned countless academic topics.

Of course, this was not the time to delve deeper into those matters, so let us focus only on what stood out.

So, why was his power so special?

The answer lay in the unfolding battle.

Kwarrreung—!

The most famous of his powers, [1st Dimensional Realm: Aman].

A concept straight out of a fantasy novel—aura—wrapped around Edmond’s entire body.

Every time he swung his sword, the Haetae’s flesh vibrated wildly, shaking from the sheer impact.

The Haetae’s counterattacks were absorbed by fragments of aura floating in the air, never reaching Edmond.

This was because aura was a substance that altered the direction of forces acting upon a target, while also serving as a power that could unleash stored impacts wherever the user desired.

The area surrounding the two entities began to turn desolate.

Physical force beyond reasonable limits had started to crush the environment.

Even just his aura was capable of that much.

But now, having grown enough to be called the Savior, he possessed several other tools besides his aura.

[Opening the 3rd dimensional realm! Fall back!]

The 3rd Dimensional Realm: Juliad.

A dimension belonging to those who called miracles that defied the laws of heaven ‘magic’.

As Edmond extended his hand, black electrical currents bloomed like petals over his aura sword.

It was a famous combination. The attribute embedded within the black lightning was chaos, a lethal technique that diffusely reflected the impacts accumulated in his aura to disassemble biological organs.

The moment Edmond thrust it forward—

Kwarrreung!

Kkyuaaaa—!

The Haetae’s hide was pierced.

Despite the adorable scream, raw pain echoed from within it.

Edmond laughed heartily and spoke.

[The piercing feels delightfully squishy!]

At this very moment, one could not call that composure carelessness.

After all, wasn’t this the debuff of the All-Ages Filter?

Why else would Jung-woo consider berserk to be the most ideal pattern?

‘In the case of physical enhancement types, they receive the largest debuffs if only because of the changes to their physical structure.’

If it came down to a messy brawl, the Haetae was inevitably at a disadvantage.

However, he had not yet severed its neck.

Thus, they needed to firmly seize the momentum.

“I’ve torn off its hide. The other entry teams will join the assault.”

The translucent fibers that had grown over the Haetae’s shoulders and merged into a ring shape were the organs forming the basis of the creature’s confusion ability.

Beyond the reactivation of the Domain, it was half-certain that the berserk state currently in use could also only be operated stably with the help of that organ.

The S-Ranks from Universe and the Association simultaneously launched a combined offensive.

It had been a brief joint training, but they possessed reflexes guaranteed by their physical specs alone.

As long as they understood each other’s attack methods, complementary assaults that didn’t interfere with their trajectories were entirely possible.

Kwagwagwagwang—!

They carved away at the Haetae’s flesh like a relentless storm.

As depicted within the filter, clumps of cotton began to peek out from beneath the Haetae’s fur.

This point was the turning point.

‘Living creatures…’

Only when their survival was threatened would they resort to measures that required permanent sacrifice.

It was the same principle as a lizard severing its tail to escape.

The higher the grade of the magical beast, the more extreme the methods became.

Kiiiiiiing—!

Gate Resonance.

The Haetae was attempting to consume all of the territory’s resources.

Then, what would it do with that?

This, too, was within the range of deduction.

Writing the scenario.

The observed Haetae did not enjoy fighting.

Rather, it was an entity that preferred to block intrusions from its fixed position and raise the stability of its own territory.

With such a conservative disposition, it also possessed an ability called confusion.

It knew how to use it for berserk, and had lived without feeling the need to develop its abilities, to the point where that was its only means outside of its Domain.

Combining the clues to reach a conclusion.

Hatred, helplessness, and a sense of crisis directed toward an enemy it could not defeat.

There was only one option left for the Haetae.

‘Mutual destruction.’

The resonated gate’s mana swept through the space like a storm.

Coats fluttered wildly.

Jung-woo’s eyes widened sharply.

He could sense mana condensing over the Haetae’s body, exceeding its limits.

A simple explosion?

‘No, that lacks plausibility.’

Therefore, the conclusion.

‘Mass berserk.’

It would cast confusion on all living creatures within a certain radius, forcing them into a berserk state.

Making both sides fight until they burned to ashes.

The rampaging mana was dyed in the color of confusion.

And then, the moment it reached its critical point—

“Everyone, ease up.”

At his murmur, the entry team reflexively released their offensive.

Shark avatars emerged from the ground and swallowed them.

Here was the joker card.

“Sea Otter.”

Ppok!

The Sea Otter held up a clam high.

The magic stone embedded within it did not belong to the Three-legged Crow, but to the Trickster.

Kkwarrung!

As it struck the ground, the entry team members who had been engaging the Haetae teleported to Jung-woo’s side.

It was a combat withdrawal utilizing Phase Shift.

Thus, only one person remained to face the berserk explosion.

Edmond spoke in an amused tone.

“It’s a shame the Haetae has turned into a doll.”

The enemy gazed at Jung-woo.

Reading emotions beyond button eyes like those of a doll was not easy, but Edmond managed to deduce its feelings and spoke.

“I wonder how frustrating those eyes must have been. It must have realized it was a self-destruct that couldn’t kill anyone.”

Jung-woo offered no reply, as if determined not to let his guard down until the very end.

He merely observed the Haetae, which was gradually swelling and losing its original form.

He felt the screams growing increasingly torn, ringing against his eardrums.

Then, the moment the Haetae’s body finally became a massive magical bomb—

Jung-woo murmured softly into the radio.

“Haetae subjugation, complete.”

The magical beast’s body exploded.

Gwarurururung—!

Red mana surged like a tornado, piercing a hole through the sky.

It was a fireworks display signaling the end of the battle.

The entire process of the Haetae subjugation was being broadcasted via drones.

From the start of the entry to the finale that ended with the Haetae’s self-detonation.

Setting aside the astonishing combat abilities displayed by the fighters during the process, let us look only at the result.

They had won.

With the astonishing record of zero allied casualties.

[Wtf wtf wtf wtf they won!!!!!!!]

[Jung-woo Jung-woo Jung-woo Jung-woo Jung-woo!!!]

[Is this guy insane!!!]

[Holy shit, you can really catch it like this???]

The streaming comments were in an uproar.

The media reported the news as a special bulletin on broadcasting channels the moment the Haetae exploded, and online communities around the world simultaneously began spreading the news.

[Good boy Haetae, good bye Haetae…]

[Haetae will remember this. Forever…]

[Edmond lived up to his name. But this time, Jung-woo’s judgment outshone even him.]

[The hunt looked brutal perhaps because the Haetae turned into a doll. Or maybe because the matchup was so one-sided.]

Unlike with the Three-legged Crow, this was a fight conducted in the enemy’s main base.

But as if to prove that it posed no hindrance whatsoever, they subjugated the enemy in such a one-sided manner that the word ‘violence’ felt more appropriate.

It was not just any magical beast, but an S-Rank Champion.

With only about 40 participants, including a mere 7 S-Ranks, they had finally pulled off such a miracle.

In terms of combat power, there were out-of-rank variables like Edmond and Jung-woo, but since the world had no way of knowing that, it was simply shocking.

Additionally, there was a reason this particular battle was especially impressive.

It was because they had dominated the situation not by forcing their way through with raw power, but by making strategic choices that were so clearly visible they stood out vividly.

[I was seriously tense the whole time, but there wasn’t a single opening lmaooo]

└ They fought like they measured it with a ruler lmaooo

└ It felt like watching a no-hit run clear of a hardcore game; seriously, whether it was tool usage or pattern analysis, they handled it so well that even I, who haven’t awakened, could understand it.

[Edmond seemed to really like Jung-woo, and now I get why lmaooo]

└ Right, his abilities actually overshadow him, but from the first North Korean reclamation, the top commander role was always Jung-woo’s lmaooo

The reason they were a terror to humanity was that their power always surpassed mankind.

Even as hunters wielded power akin to miracles, even greater magical beasts appeared to trample on that hope.

That was why the terror of the Erosion Zones and the disaster known as Zero Gates had become something difficult to even speak of.

But wasn’t this battle saying otherwise?

That if one exercised wisdom, they could gain a strategic advantage over them even as living creatures.

It was a battle fraught with profound implications.

It was a gesture declaring that humanity would now march toward the Erosion Zones, and a textbook demonstrating realistic guidelines for its feasibility.

Watching the red tornado pierce through the dark clouds blanketing the sky, some felt their hearts race once more.

[I was born in Iowa. Will I be able to set foot in my hometown again before I die?]

[Can the Tottenham Erosion Zone be revived too?]

[South America is the biggest problem. Over half of it is an Erosion Zone, and Zero Gates are tangled up in it too. Even if we could just take back a little territory, the cartels…]

The name of the emotion spreading like wildfire was hope.

The world was sharing the ecstasy of the moment when simple anticipation turned into reality.

It was then, with the world’s focus fixed on the land of Hamhung.

The media, who had been chattering for hours about battle analysis videos and the future of the global hunter community, simultaneously shoved microphones into the faces of the returning heroes who had completed the subjugation.

Jung-woo had been in charge of field command, but handling the media was someone else’s role.

The person most curious about their next move.

And the person whose performance had been as dazzling as Jung-woo’s.

“Edmond! Please say a few words about this subjugation!”

Edmond Richmond stood before the reporters.

Despite countless expectant eyes fixed on him, he showed not a hint of nervousness.

Adjusting his sunglasses, he spoke.

“It was the best lesson. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Teddy Bear hunter once again.”

The word ‘lesson’ indicated that he would be moving on to his next step.

Chwajwajwajwajwak!

The camera flashes went off wildly.

A successful hunt was one whose thrill and heat rarely subsided even after the hunt was over.

For Edmond, today’s hunt was something he could easily dismiss as a fresh and astonishing experience.

His body was still hot, and the thrill of clashing with the berserk Haetae and ultimately striking the back of its head to win had not left his spine.

On the way back to Seoul, Edmond, sitting in the back seat of the sedan, spoke to Jung-woo.

“Have you ever considered becoming the co-chairman of Universe?”

He meant it.

To begin with, Universe was merely a means for Edmond to perfect his hunting.

Being too transcendent an entity to covet position or power, he was more than willing to hand over what was his if it meant acquiring Jung-woo.

Of course, the reply he received was the expected refusal.

“I’m sorry. I’m satisfied with my current position.”

“That’s a shame. I’d like to go hunting with you more often.”

“There’s a place where we both fit in. Besides, personally, we can be friends, but we’re also in a relationship where we have to keep our distance when interests clash. You and I.”

“Is that why the Teddy Bear hunter didn’t participate?”

Jung-woo fell silent at the sudden remark.

A deep smile formed on Edmond’s lips.

“I wanted to see it, what a shame. It’s your sharpest sword, after all.”

“You didn’t go all out either. Shall we call it a draw?”

Jung-woo smiled brightly.

There were times when he looked so human, yet at other times, he felt like he was standing at the opposite extreme.

The current Jung-woo was exactly like that.

He was extremely rational and reasonable.

Even with such a good-natured smile on his face.

“I can’t beat you.”

As he said, Edmond also did not reveal his sharpest sword.

There were plenty of clues to deduce it, making it an open secret, but what was actually shown was a different story.

Why would he hand over unnecessary data?

Thus, Edmond could cheerfully accept those words.

To a hunter, the combination and usage of tools were treasures beyond measure.

Knowing that value grew his fondness for Jung-woo.

“In nature, they call it mutualism. A relationship where you don’t invade each other’s territory and benefit each other’s survival environment.”

“I hope it stays like this going forward.”

“I will continue to be favorable toward you. Forever, as long as you don’t forget that you are a hunter.”

They wrapped up the conversation like that.

Thinking that they would each return to their own paths now strengthened the sense of disappointment.

However, the day they would meet again and join forces would inevitably come.

That stage would be the most extreme land that had never once allowed hunting.

“I look forward to it. To how much you will grow by then.”

“I’ll have to work hard to grow as much as you expect.”

“Right, then shall we end this conversation here?”

Edmond hummed a tune.

It was because there was something he absolutely had to do after a hunt.

They arrived at a hotel in Seoul.

Grinning, Edmond stepped out of the car.

“We need to have a banquet. A day you catch big game requires a festival, doesn’t it?”

Jung-woo also got out, but with a bright smile, he offered an answer Edmond hadn’t expected.

“Ah, I’m sorry about the after-party. It’s almost time for me to clock out.”

“Huh?”

“It’s time to pick up my daughter from daycare. Phew, the timing is cutting it close. I’ll be going on ahead!”

Edmond instinctively checked his watch at those words.

17:00.

And one second.

The moment he raised his head in disbelief—

Ppyong!

A Shark Shadow Avatar stood in the spot where Jung-woo had been just a moment ago.

Edmond stood frozen in place with the dumbest expression he had worn since coming to Korea.

Samuel, barely holding back his laughter, spoke.

“He’s famous, you know. As the avatar of work-life balance.”

“…Seriously? Not a surprise party?”

“He’s not a man who needs overtime pay, so I doubt he’ll be coming back.”

Edmond let out a hollow laugh.

He was a man who defied expectations even at times like this, so Edmond didn’t know how to process this feeling.

Just as an inexplicable loneliness was lingering in his chest—

“Hey! You! Edmond!”

Geun-ho Baek of Marang swaggered over and called out to Edmond.

Since he had been part of the A-Rank support team, Edmond recognized his face.

The stalwart son of Korea, Geun-ho Baek.

The idol of the after-party, Geun-ho Baek.

With a full display of his pearly white teeth, he gave a thumbs up and spoke.

“Go! Go! Party! Do you know samgyeopsal? Soju? That’s the bomb, yeah~!”

It was folksy Konglish, but the meaning got across.

Beggars can’t be choosers, or rather, since they were still colleagues who had fought together, why not share some joy with this guy?

With a light heart, Edmond shrugged to express his agreement.

“Damn, I’m lonely.”

And so, he headed to the after-party with an unexpected partner.

That night, a photo of samgyeopsal grilling on a hot plate was posted to Edmond’s social media, where a single post was worth hundreds of billions of won.

[Lonely party. but delicious.]

It was a lonely party, but it was delicious.

It was an unexpected promotion for samgyeopsal.

[Jjangdmon… are you the strongest even at Korean hype???]

└ Innkeeper… I’m full now…

└ ??? : Just eat this much and leave.

[Lmaooooo this bastard is really enjoying Korea properly before he leaves]

[Did Jung-woo really skip the after-party and clock out exactly on time? He’s a real madman lmaoooo]

└ Edmond < Clocking out is common sense, isn’t it?

└ Ah lmaooo he has to go home and feed his daughter lmaooo

To the public, it was the perfect conclusion.

Universe boarded their flight back home.

It was a journey to receive a hero’s welcome in their home country amidst global attention.

The world had not yet cooled down from the heat of the joint subjugation.

The spark of hope for a new era was not so shallow that it would die out in a mere matter of days.

However, the flow of events was so fickle.

[…News of the Out of Rank magical beast, Jormungandr, crossing the Pacific Ocean.]

As if to extinguish this fervor, despair suddenly marched south.