Minho looked at the email from the anonymous sender and read it aloud. "Greetings, National Level Hunter Lee Minho,
We wish to invite you to the annual International Hunters Conference. Get more information from the Chairman of your hunter body. Thank you."
He raised a brow, an irritated look playing on his face. "The hell is this crap about?"
Right now he just wanted to clear his thoughts on why exactly his father went into Rakkan's gate, and why for a moment there he didn't seem human.
Since Minho didn't know about the vessel change, he was still left in the dark, and his mind was not going to let him believe his father was a monster without proof.
While lost in thoughts, Minho's phone ringed. Checking the caller ID he saw it was Chairman Go. "Why's he calling me?"
He picked the call anyways.
"Good evening, Hunter Minho." Go Gun-Hee's voice came from the speaker.
"Evening Chairman."
"Mm. Well, let's get straight to the point. You have a letter here with us. An invitation letter to be precise."
"International Conference or what's it called?" Minho asked, already knowing what the answer would be.
"Well… yes. You were contacted already?" Chairman Go asked.
"Something like that."
"If you don't mind coming to get it, or it may be sent to you. What does your schedule allow?"
Minho blinked. Why would he be asking if Minho wanted the letter to be delivered to him or not?
"Do you want to meet me?" Minho asked.
"Perhaps. But it's fine if you aren't free. We can always postpone it till tomorrow," said the chairman.
"Send me the letter. I may or may not be there tomorrow," Minho replied flatly.
There was a brief silence on the other end before chairman Go agreed. "Indeed. I will get it sent and be expecting you."
Minho cut the call and tossed the phone to Eslin. "Let's go," he said, voice devoid of emotion.
As Minho got home in his tattered and bloodied clothes, he quietly unlocked the door, turned the handle and went inside.
She wasn't in the living room or in the kitchen. She was probably still upset in her room.
Minho walked quietly to his room and took off his clothes, heading for a shower.
As the warm water soaked his body, Minho drove a hand through his long hair, exhaling deeply. The water streamed down his abs and toned, scarless body. It all started with a system that granted him strength and powers, now we was fully a Monarch.
A being that belonged in the cosmic hierarchy and not the feeble system of the human world. What did he want to do? He wished for power. He got it.
Now the one he was trying so hard to protect couldn't even see him as a protector. He laughed.
Because he wasn't one. He truly was not one. He was a monster in human flesh and that was final. It can't be changed.
He had accepted every inch of it.
Whatever she saw him as. As long as she didn't have to suffer for basic needs and other life struggles, he could bear being hated.
That was what his life was all about anyway. Everyone around him was one of three things. Scared, Haters or those who saw him as weapon.
And for some reason… he liked it that way.
… …
Ten minutes later...
Minho stood in front of the mirror, checking his face.
He picked up a band he had bought on his way back and used it to tie his hair back.
Resting his hands on the sink, he stared into his own eyes quietly. No matter what it was. "Lee Minho is gone. I am just… the Dragon Monarch," he said, walking out of the bathroom.
He got dressed and went out of his room. He spotted some food on the table with a strangely fancy envelope.
Whether she was mad or not, she wasn't going to let him starve. Minho smiled, carrying the envelope.
On it, read: From the Federal Bureau of Hunters To Lee Minho, Republic of Korea.
"Ah, the letter is here already," Minho voiced, opening the envelope and removing the main letter.
…
International Guild Conference
Under the Auspices of the Federal Bureau of Hunters
OFFICIAL INVITATION
To:
National Level Hunter Lee Minho
Republic of Korea
You are cordially invited to attend the 7th Annual International Guild Conference.
The Federal Bureau of Hunters, in collaboration with the Scavenger Guild, requests the honor of your presence at this year's gathering of the world's most esteemed hunters and guild leaders. This conference serves as a pivotal forum to discuss the future of global security, hunter cooperation, and the evolving threats we face.
Event Details:
· Date: [17th August]
· Time: 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony
· Venue: The Grand Majestic Hall, New York, USA
· Attire: Formal
Agenda Highlights:
· Keynote Address by Chairman Thomas Andre (Scavenger Guild)
• Issues Concerning The Deaths Of Some Of The World's Strongest Hunters.
· Global Dungeon Breach Analysis & Forecast
· Symposium on Inter-Guild Cooperation in National Crises
· Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony
Your contributions to the hunter community, particularly during the Seoul Twin S-rank emergence, the humanoid monster attack incident and the Amazon S-rank raid in Brazil, have been noted with great respect. Your insights are invaluable to the discussions that will shape our collective future.
This invitation is extended solely to the named recipient and is non-transferable. Please confirm your attendance within the next three days.
We anticipate your valuable participation.
Sincerely,
Johnny Selam
Director, Federal Bureau of Hunters
…
"So it's merely a means to interrogate me, eh?" Minho grinned. "I pray no one pisses me off."