Solo Levelling: Perception

[Haru's POV:]

"And that's my proposal. We would be unable to provide you with salaries like the other leading guilds but working with the hunter association would grant something more. In a way, you both would be standing shoulder to shoulder with us."

Hearing the pitch of the chairman Go Gun-Hee I couldn't help but think how desperate the association must be without any reliable S-ranker with them.

Unlike in the plot, the chairman came to meet not only Sunbae but me as well since I was also a potential S-ranker.

Truth be told, I thought I would get intimidated by Thomas but Go Gun-Hee is no joke either. Those scars and that overwhelming mana he carries were quite inviting for me to ask him for a dual.

I wasn't a battle manic like a Saiyan but whenever I see someone strong to the point where I couldn't discern their strength, I feel the urge of fighting them.

Sunbae was on my list but I have a better time in mind to dual with him.

Back to the topic, I need to answer him first since Sunbae seems to be contemplating the pros and cons. Well, I know he's gonna decline as well, so why not should I go first?

"I am still a bit contemplating about my choice of the guild, Mr. Chairman. I am uncertain whether I would be joining any guild or not, in the first place. As for why I am declining your offer then I do not chase fame or money since those are superficial things and the same goes for authority as well. What I want is to fight monsters and I believe, dungeons are the place where I belong to. So I am thankful that you offered me such a generous proposal, but I have to decline."

I stood after I spoke up, ready to leave. The old man also got up from his seat to send me off with a handshake which I surely took.

And while I was at it...

"Ah..."

Go Gun-Hee's eyes slightly widened since he must have felt a lot better than previously. Using my reverse curse energy, I restore his health to a certain extent that if he doesn't use his power as a Brilliant Fragment of Light then he can easily remain alive and healthy for more than ten years.

"Consider it a gift."

Go Gun-Hee was too shocked to see me warp away.

****

Since I have already sent my goodbye to Jinah I returned to my house.

I insisted to drop her home but she told me to go home since it was already late. Since Sunbae was with her I didn't need to worry about Jinah. Though I have made her promise me that if something happens then she has to call me first.

Well, the plot wouldn't go haywire to the point where Monarchs suddenly began to appear, and other than those creepy creatures no one could pose a challenge to Sunbae.

'What should I eat... 'I was intending to order online when suddenly Jinah's stern look and her scolding flashed across my mind.

"Well, it won't hurt cooking meals once in a while..."

After changing my clothes I went to check my ingredients, in crave of some chicken fried rice.

'Damn...there's no chicken... '

I seriously need to re-stock various things which demanded a quick trip to the nearby convenience store.

Since I was wearing a trouser over a white T-shirt, I just draped a jacket over my shoulder and walked out wearing my usual sliders.

Reaching the store I quickly began to drop items I needed for my ration.

"Cornflakes, sauce, eggs, chicken, toothpaste...hmmm...."

Ignoring the various looks I was receiving from others I continued my shopping. Well not being narcissistic but I do look better than the average so it was a common occurrence for me to get eyed by others.

Paying for the stuff, I walked out only to halt on the track as I felt my phone buzz.

Taking it out in a slight rush, I was both relieved and disappointed that it wasn't from Jinah. Relieved that she didn't call since it would have meant some kind of emergency and disappointment...well, I don't have to spell it out.

Tapping on the green icon, I answered the call.

"Hey...dad..."

[....why do you sound bored already when I called after such a long period?]

Reiji Sugimoto, the Vice guild master of the Drawn Sword guild and also one of the S-rankers of the fellow Asian country, Japan was on the line.

Despite he adopted me, my past self didn't change his family name, and both of my adoptive parents were cool with it. If we do not count my adoptive father's obsession with his guild and Goto Ryuji, then he's really a great guy.

He's a caring husband and also has provided me with everything I needed or demanded. In return, he never asked anything from me and when I decided to immigrate to Korea, he went against my mother's protest and supported my decision.

Well, of course, their night session was also a reason why he supported my decision but overall, he's a man with whom I don't find a single problem in calling my father.

"I am kinda tired, today. You must have got the news about it as well, right?"

I didn't have to specify what I am talking about and when Dad paused my hunch was already proven to be right.

[You are a S-rank, huh... I haven't told your mother since I want you to tell her yourself.]

I can already imagine how childishly she would hop around the house in joy when she hears my rank. I haven't seen her myself until now but from my memories, my adorable mom is a kind of a woman who can celebrate her child's small achievements like a house drawing as well.

I sighed before I continued walking back to the apartment as I asked my old man something I have been waiting for.

"So? You won't ask me to join your guild and register as a Japanese hunter?"

Truth be told if he asks me to join the Drawn Swords then it wouldn't be an absurd or baseless request. After all, there should be some essence of patriotism in everyone.

Though it might be a little rude of me I have already thought of declining Dad's offer...only if he offers me in the first place.

[Why should I?]

"Eh?" I subconsciously let out a weird sound before the other party continued.

[I mean, it's up to you, where you choose to fight from. In the end, you would be serving humanity in one way or another, no? And in the first place, when I allowed you to move to Korea, I delegated all your life decisions to you. Of course, if you want my help then I am here for you anytime. I just want you to be happy, Haru. ]

My feet have come to a halt without me even realizing it as I heard his words.

I didn't know how to handle these kinds of emotions I am experiencing right now. Maybe I have been avoiding this familial sensation until now or maybe I was just a coward who didn't want to be indebted to others' kindness, however, there was something I got to know today.

I am blessed to have such caring parents.

[Haru, you there?]

"Ah, yeah. Just bumped into something. Anyway, I will be coming back home soon. Don't tell Mom though. Let's surprise her."

[Haha...that certainly would be a sight to witness. And do tell me your departure date. I would arrange a private jet for you.]

"Nah... I have better transportation. Don't sweat about it..."

I don't know when the last time I conversed with Dad for this long. However, this certainly doesn't feel bad...

****

A/N: - Haru would be visiting Japan soon.

Before Jeju Island Haru would clear another floor and extract some more skills.

Drop a comment if you are excited about the upcoming chapters~