"From what you see in this world... who do you think holds the most power?"
Was this a trick question? I could see the merit of asking something like this to test me, but the answer was quite obvious wasn't it?
It seemed to be the government.
'All Hunters register within the Hunter Association, and it's a public agency dedicated to protecting the citizens.'
They recieved their salaries from the government, and depending on their contributions and ranks, had other benefits.
'Since only the government posseses the technology 'Awaken' a person, those who undergo the process have to sign an exclusivity contract with them, ensuring they use their newfound powers for the greater good, as Hunters.
It gave them obligations and rules to follow.
Therefore, the government—The Hunter Association—was in charge... at least, on the surface.
"I'm not sure by what you mean." I smiled instead. "It does seem like it's the government, right?"
"Indeed. That's what it seems like. But the real answer is just the opposite."
The twist was just as I expected.
"Hunters are the true people in power. Think about it. Without the power to enforce those regulations and obligations, which Hunter will listen to the Hunter Association?"
That was the major issue. A civilian government could not hope to control those who had way more power than them. The Unawakened could never put the Awakened on a leash.
'In the end, the more powerful still triumph.'
"That is why powerful Hunters occupy he helm of the Association, and most positions of authority. As the chairman of this country's Hunter Association, I am an S Class."
I understood what he was implying.
"My subordinates respect my authority, and they also fear my power. Having someone powerful occupy the topmost position gives order to those at the bottom of the hierarchy, don't you agree?"
It made sense. I could definitely see why such a system operated.
The question I asked him earlier also began to answer itself. If an S Class was the one who stood at the top of the Hunters Association in South Korea, then the situation had to be similar all over the world.
And if that was the case, then the one who stood at the the very top of The Zenith wouldn't simply be a country, or a nation's power, but an individual or group of individuals who possessed the greatest power.
They were probably too powerful to remain affiliated with a country, thus they were perfect for being independent and unbiased for a cooperative union of the nations.
"The one who heads the Zenith is the strongest Hunter in the world. His name is Chad." Chairman Sung smiled at me. "Does that answer your question?"
"It does. Thank you." With a smile plastered on my face, I responded.
'Chad, huh? I see...'
"You said Aloe Vida went on a mission with your grandson, right? Where did they go? Also, does that mean Aloe agreed to join the Hunter Association?"
The one who spoke was Kuzon, and it seemed he was more interested in Aloe's whereabouts than anything else.
I completely understood his line of reasoning.
"A-ah, not really. She's more of a contracted worker, since it'll help her gain access to information she wouldn't otherwise have, and she will be compensated for her services."
Aloe had been in this world for over a month. She had to earn a loving somewhat, and also find ways to investigate her arrival in this strange place, as well as the possibilities for her return.
Since she was a smart lady, I knew she would have chosen the most optimal option.
"Miss Vida is very powerful. She's on the level of S Class Hunters, maybe even higher than your average type. We only have a few individuals who are capable of that, even on a global scale, and most of them are centralized in The Zenith." Chairman Sung explained even further.
Why did it feel like The Zenith wasn't simply a form of united nation gathering, but mofe of an enforcer.
'The fact that they transported their rare SS Class Monster Core to them, despite it being their country's property, and the fact that most of this world's strongest occupied positions there; everything seemed awkwardly strung together.
"How many S classes do you have in South Korea?" I asked, narrowing my gaze on the old man.
"... I'm the only one left."
'Ah, I see...' He used an interesting choice of words there.
"What happened to the others? They left for the Zenith, didn't they?"
"H-how did you know?"
"It's obvious. I'm guessing they offered your Hunters a more enticing deal than you people in the Hunter Association. Besides, since the Zenith is also meant to protect the lives of the people as a public organization, they aren't violating their contract."
In fact, one would say they were adhering to it.
"Your country, as well as the other countries, are under the Zenith. If your Hunters choose to switch boats, they aren't jumping from one boat to another, but are simply leaving a small canoe that is aboard a massive ship."
That was what described this situation best.
"You are right." The Chairman sighed, his hands trembling a little.
"Unfortunately, we've passed the point of no return. That's why Miss Vida is so important to this country. So far, she has helped out in many Dungeon Break incidents, and she has also assisted in Dungeons. We owe her a lot."
It was a shame that Kuzon and I had now arrived to take her away. I could see the glimmer in the eyes of the Chairman as he spoke.
Clearly, he had the same worries I thought he did.
'Without Aloe, these people will be sitting ducks. And judging from the worried expression of the Chairman, it seems there's still more to be done—probably even bigger than anything this far.'
I could already make a guess. However, until he was willing to talk, it was best I kept my mouth shut.
"Thank you for all the information, as well as your hospitality."
"Haha, it's no problem. You all could have chosen to cause us problems, but you decided not to. I am thankful for that." The Chairman rose to his feet to shake us.
'I can sense his fears and worries. He's concerned for his people, isn't he?' My thoughts echoed as I gripped his hand for a handshake.
'Forgive me, Chairman. I have to do this.'
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[A/N]
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