The next day, Minho left home and went straight to the Korean Hunters Association Headquarters, to meet Go Gun-Hee.
This was his first time here since it got renovated and the energy was different.
As he walked in, each person he walked past, bowed their heads and greeted him with a vibrant energy. Some even stopped their conversations to greet him. The respect was more than usual.
Minho just gave simple nods as he walked past the receptionist who he waved at and she bowed her head with a welcoming smile.
While he was too focused on being seen as a monster in the world, he didn't realize he was recognized as a hero in his country.
After the incident and the news that later came in about him clearing an S-rank dungeon alone, Minho became an adored figure for many Koreans and to some, a symbol of hope.
Minho got to the elevator and the doors slid open before he pressed anything.
Standing calmly, as if waiting the whole time was Woo Jinchul. "Morning, Hunter Minho," he greeted with a bow of his head.
Minho got into the elevator and stood beside Jinchul as he pressed the button to take them up.
"It's a surprise that you're working again, despite being badly injured during the incident," Minho remarked.
"Well of course. We had Hunter Byung help with healing the survivors, so it was rather easy for me to recover," Jinchul explained.
Minho nodded.
"Thank you," Jinchul said.
"Hm?" Minho turned to the man. "For what exactly?"
"Helping us that day. You're the reason most of us are still alive."
"Is that so?" Minho arched a brow. "I see. I didn't get there early enough. A lot still died."
"You were there at their memorial service, you announced your apologies for the lives lost, and you still came to visit the injured in the hospital. Please have no regrets."
The elevator stopped at their destination and the doors slid open.
Minho turned to Jinchul and smiled. "Who said I had regrets?"
With that he walked out, leaving Jinchul in the elevator. Jinchul sighed and let out soft chuckle. "I guess he's not used to being the liked hero," he murmured, walking after Minho.
…
Chairman Go sat in his office, scribbling something down on a paper, when a knock came in and the door opened, revealing Minho and Jinchul.
"Ah, Hunter Minho. It's good to see you've decided to come after all. Good morning," Chairman Go said, standing up.
"Morning, Chairman," Minho said, sitting on the new couch in the office, without permission.
Go Gun-Hee walked to the one opposite him and sat there, Jinchul walking to a stop, behind him.
Minho slid the fancy invitation across the desk.
"I believe you've read it?" Go Gun-Hee asked.
Minho didn't even look at it. "Yeah. So?"
"It's a trap," Go Gun-Hee said bluntly. "The Americans are still angry about Reed. They're using this conference to question you in front of everyone. They'll call you a murderer and a liar."
A slow smirk spread on Minho's face. "Let them try it. It's not like I'm scared of them. Did I tell you I am?"
"That's not the point," the Chairman sighed, sounding tired. "This is politics, not a fight. You can't just punch your way out of this one."
Minho's smirk didn't fade. "Why not?"
"Because if you lose your temper in there, you'll prove them right. If you hit someone, they'll have an excuse to sanction Korea or worse." Chairman Go leaned forward, his voice serious. "My request is simple. No matter what they say to you, no fighting. No violence. Just sit there and take it."
Minho scoffed at the Chairman's words. "You want me to just sit and listen to their insults?"
"Yes. For the sake of this country, you have to show restraint. Can you do that?"
"Since when did I start caring about the country?"
"Hunter Minho, for the sake of what you're trying to fight for."
Minho remained quiet for a bit before saying, "And what do you think I'm fighting for?"
Chairman Go shrugged and leaned back. "I don't know. But I know you are."
Minho stood up to leave, his expression blank, yet it seemed confident. "Alright, alright, I'll go. I'll sit quietly 'for the sake of the country' as you wish."
He opened the door, pausing for a final word.
"But if one of them is stupid enough to cross the line, all bets are off. I don't care who dies next."
"You will not go alone though. So perhaps, he might be able to calm you?" Go Gun-Hee said.
"Huh?" Minho raised an eyebrow, though he knew just who the Chairman was talking about.
"Hunter Sung was also invited to the conference," replied the chairman.
"Tch," Minho scoffed and shut the door, leaving.
… …
Soon, the much anticipated international conference was closing in.
A day before the conference, both Minho and Jinwoo landed in America, though they didn't meet each other when getting on, and also after getting off.
Minho had been given his own personal translator, by the Korean Hunters Association, so he didn't have to wait for anyone when he landed.
The Americans from the Federal Bureau of Hunters waited, but Minho had on a nose mask and told his translator to ignore them.
The ended up following a different path, booked a taxi and got the hotel where they were given accomodations.
After a few hours of searching for Minho, the hotel called, saying he had already arrived there, annoying some of the board members, because he wasn't following protocols.
In no time, the next day arrived and it was time for the International Conference.
More like time for Minho's interrogation.