Machine God with EX-rank talent (Deus ex machina)

The post that called for the assassination of a Korean EX-rank hunter disappeared very quickly.

It was sensitive content that couldn’t be shared on the internet.

Probably, a few careless people leaked it through text messages, but it was swiftly deleted.

In truth, it wasn’t fair to call them careless.

If it wasn’t for Nova, it would’ve been impossible to catch—created and deleted so discreetly and quickly.

“That’s the bigger problem.”

It’s not new that Japan’s far-right groups hate Korea.

It wasn’t hard to come across remarks about killing all Koreans, even without Nova.

But this time was different.

It was far more organized, covert, and not just emotional outbursts but a well-defined operation with a clear goal.

There was a high probability of this being a state-level action.

“Are those Japanese guys out of their minds?”

Such a statement was inevitable.

They were planning to kill a foreign hunter, an EX-rank no less, who had the entire nation’s attention.

If something like that really happened, it could lead to a war between the two countries—a major incident.

“Surely, I’m not the target...”

Very few knew that Hyun Suho was EX-rank.

Nova was always monitoring that, but there were no signs of information leaking.

So the target was clear.

“That dimwitted golden boy… no, should I call him the silver boy?”

He was blessed with EX-rank talent but was lazy and a womanizer.

Everyone around him pampered him, so he grew up thinking he was above everyone.

I could vividly imagine the female instructor with dark circles under her eyes from trying to teach him.

She, too, was a ranker who was respected wherever she went.

Hyun Suho crossed his arms and seriously pondered.

“Those Japanese guys must know about the Death Star, so why are they trying to stir up unnecessary trouble?”

It wasn’t just any country—Japan was one of the most powerful nations in the world.

They must be well aware of the Death Star.

Knowing about the destruction that would come in 10 years, what reason could they have to attack a promising hunter from another country?

“...There must be something.”

There’s no action without a reason.

Especially in a case like this that could completely overturn international relations.

There must be a clear reason and justification to take on such a risk.

“I can’t just leave this alone, can I?”

If I didn’t know, maybe. But now that I do, I can’t just sit back and watch.

Of course, even if I don’t act, the Korean government won’t just sit by either.

They’ve nurtured him like a flower in a greenhouse for years, only to just now let him out into the world.

Even if others don’t know, Hyun Suho knows well.

The debut of the Silver Knight, which received so much praise for its grand entrance, actually ended in a complete mess.

If the Korean government isn’t stupid, they won’t expose the Silver Knight easily until the problem is solved.

“Should I leak this information to the Korean government?”

[We can manipulate the information, but if it’s cross-checked, it may not hold up. A hunter hired by the intelligence team could use any ability, and it wouldn’t be strange.]

“Then it can’t be helped. But just in case, let me know when Eun Hwi-gwang’s next schedule is.”

If they are really targeting the Silver Knight’s life, they’re likely to strike at a battlefield where anyone could die, or at an official event where security would naturally be more relaxed.

The last time I met the Silver Knight, he said he was level 6.

I expected him to make a move only after reaching level 7, but according to Nova, it’s happening much faster than I anticipated.

[Eun Hwi-gwang is scheduled to attend an official event hosted by the government next week.]

“An official event?”

I don’t know what kind of event it is, but if an assassination attempt were to happen, it would be the perfect opportunity.

If I’m going to take action, I need to make sure it’s done thoroughly.

“Is there a way for me to secretly participate as well?”

[You don’t need to worry about that.]

“Why?”

[Because you’ll be invited as well, Master.]

* * * 

Lakshmi.

The name of a goddess in Indian mythology.

The name Lakshmi is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning "goal" or "purpose," and it can be interpreted as "she who leads to the goal."

Although she is a Hindu goddess, in modern times, the name Lakshmi is much better known as referring to a specific individual.

A top-ranker, ranked 10th in the world.

Lakshmi, the Guide.

Like all top-rankers, she, too, possesses an EX-class job.

Currently 92 years old, she is the oldest among the top-rankers.

Although she is Indian, she travels around the world, offering guidance to talented hunters regardless of nationality.

This is why she earned the nickname Lakshmi.

Many hunters have broken through their barriers with Lakshmi's help. Among them were high-rankers, and some even became current top-rankers.

Hence, she is called the Guide.

In the era of hunters, a hunter's level reflects the nation's prestige.

Therefore, Lakshmi's visit is far more important than that of any other dignitary.

When news breaks that Lakshmi is coming, the atmosphere becomes festive months in advance.

The government does everything it can to present as many talented hunters as possible to her.

Currently, the most promising talent in Korea is, of course, the Silver Knight.

Like Lakshmi, he, too, possesses EX-class capabilities.

Some say he might even become Korea's first level 10 and top-ranker.

Many experts believe that Lakshmi's visit to Korea is specifically to see the Silver Knight.

Along with the Silver Knight, exactly 100 individuals can have an audience with Lakshmi.

This number is consistent no matter which country she visits.

Although 100 might seem like a lot, government officials worked tirelessly for days to select those 100.

In these selected young and talented hunters.

As Nova predicted, Hyun Suho was among them.

"This is suffocating."

Hyun Suho, who was unaccustomed to wearing a suit, loosened his tie as he spoke.

This was a government-hosted event. He couldn’t wear his usual casual clothes or hunter gear.

Even though Lakshmi supposedly didn’t care about such formalities, everyone else was making a fuss.

"If that’s the case, they might as well wear traditional Indian clothing."

A government-sent car had arrived at his house. This showed how seriously they were taking Lakshmi’s visit.

"I never thought I’d ride in a government car in my life."

As Hyun Suho got out of the car and arrived at the venue, an agent in a black suit was waiting for him.

"Who are you?"

"Hyun Suho. Light Bringer."

"May I see your ID?"

Security was extremely tight.

Since this was a rare event for Lakshmi, the world’s attention was focused on it.

Not only the Korean media but also foreign journalists tried to enter the venue, but the government strictly controlled access.

This was to prevent the exposure of Korea’s carefully selected promising hunters to other countries.

Hyun Suho, who had recently achieved significant accomplishments, was proudly among the 100 chosen ones.

"Even the Japanese wouldn’t dare pull any stunts here."

This wasn’t just any event venue—there was a top-ranker present. It was unlikely that anyone would try something reckless here.

As he entered the venue, he saw a familiar face.

Jin Seo-yeon, an S-rank supporter and currently in the midst of the successor war for the Jinryong Group.

She, too, was one of the promising talents meeting Lakshmi.

When he last saw her, Jin Seo-yeon was dressed in hunter gear, without any accessories or makeup.

But today, though not overly flashy, she was neatly dressed in a suit, wearing simple jewelry, and had carefully applied makeup.

Even Hyun Suho, who had become indifferent to women’s appearances thanks to Nova and Sirens, was surprised by her beauty.

While Hyun Suho was slightly taken aback, Jin Seo-yeon, who had met his gaze, quickly walked over to him.

"Hello, Suho. I thought I’d see you here."

As always, she politely bowed her head in greeting.

Only then did Hyun Suho snap out of his thoughts and return the greeting.

"Oh! Hello. Fancy seeing you here. But..."

He realized something felt off—Hong Chang-shik, the fireballer who was always by her side, was nowhere to be seen.

No matter how much Hong Chang-shik wanted to, it seemed he couldn’t just walk into this place.

Jin Seo-yeon, sensing his thoughts, explained.

"He's waiting outside the building. I barely managed to talk him out of insisting on coming in."

He could almost hear Hong Chang-shik’s frustrated yelling in his head.

As Hyun Suho exchanged friendly greetings with Jin Seoyeon, he suddenly felt an inexplicable gaze on him.

"Huh?"

Looking around, he noticed the envious stares of the men around him.

Jin Seo-yeon was well-known as a lady of the Jinryong family and as an outstanding hunter.

Even among the 100 chosen promising hunters, she stood out with her special presence.

Normally, Hong Chang-shik would be on high alert, warding off any men who approached her, but this time, he had no choice but to stay outside.

It seemed that many men had been waiting for an opportunity to approach Jin Seo-yeon long before Hyun Suho arrived.

"It looks like some have already been rejected..."

Jin Seo-yeon had been cold as ice to other men, almost to the point of freezing them out.

Yet here she was, acting warm and kind toward Hyun Suho, like a spring breeze.

Everyone seemed curious about who Hyun Suho was.

One of them couldn’t hold back his curiosity and stepped forward.

"Who are you? Who do you think you are, getting all cozy with Seo-yeon?"

Sure enough, Hyun Suho turned his head at the familiar voice, and there stood the real star of this event.

"Eun Hwi-gwang?"

The Silver Knight, Eun Hwi-gwang.

It seemed that Eun Hwi-gwang was one of those who had already been rejected by Jin Seo-yeon.

He looked exactly the same as he did during the last dungeon break.

And, of course, not in a good way.

He was still as slick as ever, obsessed with women, and even more needlessly jealous.

"Have you not changed at all?" 

Hyun Suho asked, sounding disappointed, which caught Eun Hwi-gwang off guard.

He had been about to speak arrogantly but suddenly hesitated, nervously asking, 

"Y-You... Could you be the Light Bringer?"

Come to think of it, when they last met, Hyun Suho had been wearing a mask.

At an event where a top-ranker like Lakshmi was present, it wasn’t possible to wear something like a mask, so this was Eun Hwi-gwang's first time seeing Hyun Suho’s face.

Seeing Eun Hwi-gwang’s surprise, Hyun Suho tilted his head and asked with a smirk,

"So? Have you reached Level 7? You were boasting that you’d surpass me before."

"Khh!"

Judging by the fact that he couldn’t respond, it seemed he was still at Level 6.

Well, even with an EX-class rank, reaching Level 7 at the age of 27 wasn’t an easy task.

Then Eun Hwi-gwang, as if making excuses, said,

"I-I'll reach it today."

"Today? So, you’re saying you’ve already filled up your experience points."

In other words, his experience points were full, but he lacked the necessary enlightenment.

He probably planned to get help from Lakshmi today and advance to Level 7.

As if remembering this, Eun Hwi-gwang suddenly started boasting loudly.

"Y-Yeah! I’ll reach Level 7 soon! And when our levels are the same, I’ll be stronger than you! After all, I’m an EX-rank hunter!"

Eun Hwi-gwang shouted, full of bluster.

All the while, he kept glancing at Jin Seo-yeon, trying to impress her.

"Sigh!"

Hyun Suho couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

To think he had been willing to go through so much trouble for someone like this...

‘Maybe I should just let him get assassinated?’

[That’s an idea I can support.]

It was a moment when he seriously considered it.

Suddenly, the event staff in the venue began moving busily.

"L-Lakshmi is entering."

At those words, many of those present swallowed nervously.

A Level 10 top-ranker.

A great mentor who had guided many hunters.

They were finally going to meet her.

Even Eun Hwi-gwang straightened up and focused on the stage.

There, they could see someone slowly walking out.

Step. Step.

Was she barely 140 cm tall?

Already small enough to be mistaken for an elementary school student, she was hunched over, making her appear even smaller.

Her frame was frail and emaciated, with bones nearly visible, and her exposed skin hung loosely without any elasticity. Her hair, completely white, looked as if it would break off at the slightest touch.

She seemed so feeble that even walking appeared to be a struggle.

In short, she looked even more pitiful than an old grandmother from the back of a room.

When the hunters, who had been brimming with tension, saw Lakshmi, they let out a deflated sound.

"Is she... Lakshmi? She looks weaker than my grandma."

"This doesn’t make sense. Could this be a mistake? How can someone like that be a top-ranker?"

While it’s true that a hunter shouldn't be judged by their appearance alone, her first impression was so unbelievable that it was hard to believe she was the top-ranker respected around the world.

Of course, not many were foolish enough to express this outwardly, but most seemed doubtful about whether she really was Lakshmi.

And as for Hyun Suho...

'What... What is this...'

Ever since Lakshmi appeared, he had been trembling uncontrollably.

Throughout his time as a porter and hunter, he had encountered countless monsters.

He had faced catastrophe-level monsters like the Bone Dragon, Elder Lich, and Demon Kraken, and had even fought them.

But never before had he felt such an overwhelming pressure that made his body tremble.

Not even when he faced beings from other dimensions did he feel anything like this...

‘Is this what a top-ranker is? Do all top-rankers possess such unbelievable power?’

How could a person possess such strength?

It was beyond surprising, overwhelming, or incredible.

It was... incomprehensible.

It felt like standing in the middle of a vast universe, facing a blazing sun.

A presence so immense it seemed to envelop the entire Earth.

Even Hyun Suho could only perceive this power because Lakshmi had intentionally revealed a fraction of it.

‘Why can’t anyone else sense this?’

As he trembled under Lakshmi's power, he glanced around and realized that he was the only one who seemed to feel it.

The Silver Knight, also an EX-class, seemed to sense something off but only scratched his head in confusion.

In fact, Jin Seo-yeon had a more significant reaction.

Her entire body’s hair stood on end, and she unknowingly took a step back.

As Lakshmi entered the venue, she stretched out her back as if loosening up and then leisurely began to scan her surroundings.

She swept her gaze across the room indifferently, as if viewing a landscape.

And when her eyes met Hyun Suho’s, she smiled.

[So it’s you.]

Lakshmi’s voice echoed like thunder in Hyun Suho’s mind.