Level Up Monster

Chapter 34

Societies

party to make the Monster hunts more effective . Initially, the Society system began with the idea of forming a party to make the hunt for Monsters more effective. But over time, goals and scope evolved far beyond that initial premise. From the humble beginnings of a 'hunting party' where only the Knights and Hunters can join, the, flexible individual meetings where members will communicate with each other in pursuit of a better tomorrow.

So, right now, people other than Knights and Hunters, such as Magicians, Blacksmiths, Alchemists (clearly in very low numbers), as well as ordinary civilians joined the Society. The current situation is that nearly half of the country's population has joined one or more Societies in South Korea alone . Which means that the number of Communities continues to increase and thus, there are as many as 30,000 officially active Societies in South Korea alone.

And among all the active Communities in the country, none is more famous than perhaps 'Trilogy'.

Its leader, Kim Yak-Sahn, is also the current Master of the Order of the Order of Goryeo Knights.

Currently the only S Class to rank Society in the country, the Trilogy boasts a membership of 273, and they all come from quite diverse and colorful backgrounds. (Surprisingly, even Society has a ranking system. The higher the ranking, the higher the number of members.)

Its members consisted of: Knights and Hunters had a rank of at least upper Intermediate Level, Magicians, some big fish from the political and financial worlds, famous celebrities, and even Iron-Savvy and Alchemists. It would not be wrong to say that the communications that take place internally within the Trilogy could easily control the entirety of South Korea.

Recently, with the arrival of more giant pairs like the Trilogy, more and more voices have been saying that the Society in Class A and B should be called a Guild or Clan, for the sake of differentiation. Already, one or two media outlets are trying out those terms to see how it works with the viewers.

th , in other words, today, is the day the Society 'The Monster' is born~!" "Congratulations ~ October 8th, in other words, today, is the day the Institution 'Monster' was born ~!"

"Ah .... Well, thank you."

Sae-Jin gives an uninterested answer inside the Monster Store; she comes here after receiving a confirmation phone call that her Institutions have been officially recognized and registered. In his arms, he carried a stack of 'Community Operational Graphics' and 'leader name cards'. (TL: I TLed Society Operational Chart literally. * )

"Really, you are just too amazing! From the very beginning, your institute has been rated as D-class!"

"It looks like we are witnessing the beginning of the legend of ~!"

Kim Sae-Jin considers all of this *a slightly burdensome kiss. More precisely, as a person who had no clue about the importance of an Institution, he could not understand why these people were busy making a fuss in front of him. The truth was rather obvious; he had been living a busy, busy loner life with work until now, so why would he pay attention to the symbol of many, the Society?

"… To start off as a D-, is that supposed to be so amazing?"

"Eh? O, of course! Usually, most start in Class F, and if the evaluation is favorable, then E!"

The increase in the ranking of the community depends on the results. And when it comes to 'results', it not only means a successful hunt for Monsters by Knights, Hunters and /or Magicians, but also includes things like doing volunteer work as well.

measuring the number of these services rendered for the good of the populace, was some nameless government entity that no one seemed to know what it was; In charge of measuring the amount of these services rendered for the good of society, are some nameless government entities that no one seems to know what they really are; but because there are no specific complaints from the Society, there are no, that could mean that their evaluation process is all 100% above board.

"Is it good to have a higher ranking?"

"…. Uh?"

Members of the same Society usually feel close friendship with each other; they also outwardly show no hostility towards other Communities.

The reason is, as the name suggests, Society is basically like a student club found in universities. Classes were assigned to make classification easier, but in the end, nothing was fortunately made other than the personal connections that would form within a Society.

So, a Society is simply an environment to meet people and make connections.

"Y, yeah, that's a good thing! And if you can develop a deep relationship with other members. I'm so envious!"

When looking at the Society that Sae-Jin had formed from this point of view, it could be seen as something rather important. After all, its members are A-ranked Wizards and multi-billionaire granddaughters.

On a side note, one of the main reasons why the Sae-Jin's Society was started was because the D-Class had a lot to do with the exploits of the A-ranked Wizard, Hazeline.

"Yes. I am also happy with the high rank. I got the urge to raise his rank even higher in the future. Then, I'll go now, now."

But, for Sae-Jin who has no knowledge of how Society operates, she simply scratches the back of her neck and turns to leave as if it were all in a day job.

Looking at the uncaring man's back, the government employees present had no choice but to bring along an irritating curiosity, a collective desire, to figure out what kind of background this man had.

*

– "But why did that name end up as 'The Monster' ?!"

Yu Sae-Jung's confused voice came out from the mobile phone's handle.

"There is no specific reason. I just left. I mean, whatever name I choose, they keep telling me, 'it's been taken'. So I went for something no one wanted. But even 'Monster' was taken away. So, I just stuck 'The' in front of him. "

– "It is true .. that there is one too many Assemblies at the moment. Even civilians are busy creating their own civil society associations. Mountaineering communities, Football societies, etc …. Ah, true. There are people who form Institutions even in my school, calling them study groups and such. "

* SFX to boil water *

While in the middle of the call, the water began to boil. Sae-Jin puts the phone on the speaker and puts it on the table.

– "Are you in the middle of eating?"

"No, not yet. I'm cooking this time."

– "Well, alone?"

"Yes. I'm pretty good at cooking, you know. Even as good as a professional chef."

* SFX for knife cutting goods *

The kitchen knife lit up like an electric curved and sliced vegetables in uniform. The pieces of vegetables that were cut in the blink of an eye were all formed into perfect geometric symmetry as if they were measured with the right ruler.

As expected, the Goblin Workmanship, now in C-, proved to be an outstanding skill once again.

(TL: "s" literally Food Discovery . ) – "Fut. If that's the case, then you should apply for a place in Hunters' Food Sense." (TL: " ⁇ " literally Food Discovery.)

The 'Knights and Hunters' Food Sense' is a program where Knights and Hunters show off their cooking skills in a duel style format. Sae-Jin has heard that there are some participating Knights who are crazy enough to rely on their constitution to cook with Mana instead of using any cooking equipment.

"No way, because I'll never lose. Which means I have to keep making appearances like, forever."

– "It doesn't even make sense .. Then, you have to cook for me later on."

Sae-Jin stops moving for a moment. He'll feel good about himself. But he remembered the age difference. Although there was only a four-year gap, he was still a minor. (TL: The author wrote " ⁇ ⁇ 4 ⁇ " here. It is almost impossible to describe what these words mean without going through a long explanation. So I TLed without it.)

"… Well, that's it, but can you tell me your address?"

– "Why the sudden change of topic .. which one do you want to know – which is in Gangwon Province or which one is in Seoul? Why do you need it so much?"

"Give me the place where you live most often. I heard that the leaders of the Institution should distribute gifts to the members either on a monthly or yearly basis. So, I was thinking .... that I should send you a membership gift to help me, even if it was meaningless. "

Yu Sae-Jung chuckles at her answer and tells her address.

– "By the way, what gift do you plan to give me?"

"Uh ... Well, you'll have to find out later."

There are many things he can give her. Potions, weapons, and if he wanted to become stronger, then even Magic Tattoos. If he were to send her a weapon, there was a high chance that she would be infatuated by it.

But he needs more time for that. For now, it was too early to reveal his true identity to her.

'… Should I add the Orc blacksmith as a member as well?'

Really, if he did this, then moving as a blacksmith should become more convenient for him, and since he was the leader of the Society in charge of member records, the, he could add anyone without the need for a rigorous vetting process as well.

Of course, he would need a written agreement, but really, it would be easier to get it from himself.

*

Two in the afternoon.

Kim Sae-Jin decides to hunt as a human for the first time in a long time, and steps towards the Monster field.

The Orc's Forge K's products . The performance of the equipment is guaranteed because they are all products of The Orc's Forge K. spirits and had absorbed them too . Plus, he had turned the other two equipment into spirits and had absorbed them as well.

'What is this?'

However, just as he stepped into Rest Stop, all eyes suddenly focused on him. This place is quite big, for sure, but Sae-Jin can clearly feel all those eyes peeping at her.

"….?"

Yu Sae-Jung wasn't even with me today, anyway? Sae-Jin hurriedly checks her clothes. No problem there. His armour was also a type of clothing, so they did not need to attract attention either …

But before long, he was able to solve the puzzle.

"Haha, how are you?"

An ominous greasy man approaches Sae-Jin and hinders his progress.

Sae-Jin can't help but panic a little when this man, whom she has never met before, approaches and starts greeting her with a certain amount of arrogant arrogance.

But this man simply brandished his hand to shake as if he was not bothered by the reaction.

"I heard it from the grapevine, Mr. Kim Sae-Jin, that you have formed the Institution."

"…H . "

It seemed like the news of him forming the Institution had spread like a plague.

Even though the government workers made a little splash back then, he did not expect the news to spread this quickly …

"Oh, right. I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Kim In-Soo, a Mid Knight Knight of the Genesis Knights Order." (TL: Decided to use the English translation "Gaebyeok" from now on. Got this guy's feelings will appear again in later chapters ..)

The man introduces himself first when Sae-Jin just stands there looking at his hands wordlessly.

Sae-Jin's eyebrows narrowed after hearing Kim In-Soo's name. He was pretty sure to hear it from somewhere ….

"Ah, Mid Tier Knight nicknamed 'Saviour of Light'?"

Sae-Jin did see it from somewhere. It was the man from the advertisement he saw on the outdoor electronic billboard, as he spewed out those tacky and unsavory lines. He is the Mid Tier Knight of the Genesis Order, Kim In-Soo.

"Ehem. As expected .. Yes, this is me, the Savior of the Light. Also, I plan to rise to the upper middle level soon."

"Ah, yes .. How are you. But what can I do for you?"

"That, well, I heard Mr. Sae-Jin has formed the Union. With Miss Yu Sae-Jung."

With a fake cough, Kim In-Soo dealt over a business card . Keheum – With a fake cough, Kim In-Soo hands over a business card.

"It was a wise choice to form your own institute in these difficult times. But, don't you agree that having just two members is a bit, well, not enough?"

Kim In-Soo stopped talking there. It seems like he is waiting for Sae-Jin to take a hint and continue the conversation from here onward.

"… That's right, but I only formed one to rise to the top Mid Tier rankings, so the number of members doesn't really matter to me. Oh, and it's not two, but three members."

"Awha. Really it?"

And another period of silence. Wondering what this nonsense is about, Sae-Jin just bows a little to say goodbye and tries to enter the Monster field.

"Oh, hey. Where the hell are you going? I, I'm still standing here."

Shit for him, Kim In-Soo grabbed his shoulder. Sae-Jin observes this man with disgruntled eyes before finally realizing why he is acting this way.

"… Do you want to join Lembagaku?"

"Eh? Ah, this is not what I want, but ...well, if you ask for my help, then, of course, why not. You know, I've enjoyed a friendly relationship with Miss Sae-Jung. We met in The Eden recently, and have shared many conversations, as well as exchanges of advice …. "

As if he had infinite number of things to say, Kim In-Soo yapped on and on without taking a break . Blahblahblah-As if she has a lot to say, Kim In-Soo barked continuously nonstop.

But Sae-Jin becomes convinced of one thing.

Every time Kim In-Soo talks about Yu Sae-Jung, her eyes will shine and she puts more emphasis on her voice; plus her cheeks will be slightly flushed. In other words, this man had developed a very clear case of love for her.

"Khea. Well, what do you think? When Miss Sae-Jung is looking for an Institution to join, I will ask her to join my 'Glow Rescue' Institution, but then, you've been stalking her. I can still ' "I understand why Miss Sae-Jung agreed to join you, but ... But well, it's still possible to be a member of some Society, you know? The achievements will be shared but, if Mr. Sae-Jin wants me, then …"

Kim In-Soo stops saying he will join the Society. While busy raving, he waits for Sae-Jin to bow down and make an offer first.

"Ah .. it is true that it would be good for the Society if a Knight like you joined, but .. there is one condition for a prospective member."

"Eh? A condition?"

"Yes nih . "

Kim In-Soo makes a face of disbelief. There were many other Societies on condition to join, but they were led by High-level Knights or ranked Magicians. So, how could a very small little hunter …?

"The new members must be fully subject to my will."

"… Uh?"

Kim Sae-Jin talks without thinking too much to kick this guy out. But instead of that happening, Kim In-Soo stood there, his eyes round and confused, before suddenly, his face started picking up the color of tomatoes.

It wasn't too difficult to figure out what sort of picture was blooming inside the head of this disgusting-faced man.

"What do you mean by 'fully submit to your will'?!?! You, you-you-you, what have you done to my little Sae-Jung … ?!"

"This is only for new members. Miss Sae-Jung is not a new member, but a founder. And trust me, what you're thinking right now, I won't ask anyone to do that."

Kehv . " "……… Keheum. "

Although the face that was dyed with the color of the mature Maple tree leaves returned to normal very quickly, Kim In-Soo's overbearing attitude did not weaken in the least.

And after a long, silent and hostile stare, Kim In-Soo says that no sane person would agree to such conditions and walk away shaken.