"So, do you have any way of finding out more about the Gate Creation and Dungeon Break initiation?"
Upon hearing my question, Chairman Sung sighed and slightly nodded.
"We have put all of our current findings in your automated hard drive. However, we're still working on it." He spoke, glancing a little in Aloe's direction.
"Everything we should know about it should be in the base of the Shadows of Light. Upon investigating the place thoroughly, the Technology there should have significance to their activities. If we can figure out their proper mechanics and functions, as well as access their mainframe, we should be able to unravel this mystery."
Even though he said all this, Chairman Sung still didn't seem to be in a positive mood. Aloe also appeared fidgety.
"What's holding you back, then?"
"Well, Miss Vida destroyed everything in her fight with Chad, so it'll take a lot of time to piece everything together and figure it out."Chairman Sung laughed awkwardly.
"I apologize!" Aloe instantly bowed her head, clearly flustered by the whole thing.
"Haha. It's fine. Honestly. The mere fact that you were able to defeat the strongest Hunter makes it already worth it."
"Thanks for your understanding..."
An awkward silence greeted the room, and I took it upon myself to switch the subject matter to a positive one.
"And how is Sung Han Soo doing now? Heard he's about to begin an international tour."
After saving everyone in the Grand Symposium, the Hunter Representatives of their respective Associations instantly noticed him, and there were many opinions of him.
All of them were positive too.
Just as I planned, he became a centerpiece in the world—an emerging Hero that this reality needed at this focal point.
'Things are going to get rougher from here on out, so having a symbol of hope will help a lot.'
Still, I found myself wondering if this was the best way to handle this situation.
'I could fix the broken pieces of technology for the Hunter Association so they can find out what Chad was hiding, but if I did that it would impede their own progress in doing the same.'
They were ultimately going to find a way out themselves. I couldn't intervene and stunt their growth.
The same applied in a much wider sense.
'I can use my Arcanas to seal all the dimensional fissures of this world and stabilize their dimensional fabric.' If I did that, there would be no more Gates or Monsters to trouble this planet.
But once I realized the kinds of problems I would cause as a result of that alone, and the threats they would encounter in the later future, I had to leave things the way they were.
'The people here need to grow, and these problems are perfect for fostering just that.'
The only thing I could do was to help in quickening their growth.
"Chairman Sung, I will grant you one final means of assistance. Consider it a little gift from me to you."
"R-really?" Sparkles already appeared in the eyes of the old man.
It made me laugh a little—internally, of course.
"I will give you the means to generate Mana Cores, like what Han Soo has, and also improve the Awakening rate of your world's denizens to 99 percent."
"E-eh...? Really?" Not just the Chairman, but every single Hunter Association staff in the room had their faces morph into shock.
I had just stared something absurd, though based on my track record, they already knew I couldn't be bluffing my way out of this.
Perhaps that was why they were so shocked.
'To be honest, the people in this world are even more compatible with Mana than in my original world.'
Seeing how Han Soo grew in such a short whole, while due to his efforts and dedication, I realized that his body readily accepted the Mana and integrated it properly.
However, it was this compatibility that was their flaw. Because their bodies could take in Mana, it distributed the Mana Particles, spreading them across the body, rather than allowing everything to converge in a spot to form a Core.
'Considering how many Hunters already exist without needing the 'Quickening' ritual, or merely directing the Mana Particles to form a Core, I wonder how many will exist if they use a better method to Awaken.'
It was quite possible that those who failed the Hunter Awakening would begin to form Mana Cores over time, like Han Soo, yet would be labeled Inepts.
Not only would I need to educate the Hunter Association of this prospect, and teach them how to go about it, but I also had to inform them to check their records for those whom they deemed to have failed and call them back.
They would be surprised by what they saw.
"We would be very grateful for your guidance, Mr. Leonard!"
Their bows were already getting pretty stale at this point, so I only waved and smiled in response.
'I appreciate the sentiment, though.'
********
After speaking on the subject matter for some time, and also granting them an Artificial Mana Core for study, we concluded the meeting.
With all we spoke about, I was sure they would be able to piece everything else together.
'If Chad and his goons could make Blood Stones, I'm sure they'll be able to properly implement this information using the Artificial Mana Core as a Model and Han Soo as a subject of study.'
I, Kuzon, and Aloe returned to our rooms, where we would be spending the rest of our time conversing before deciding to leave.
I had said most of my goodbyes already. Other than Sung, whom I planned on teaching one final technique, I no longer had any further business in this world.
'I also hope they enjoy my little gift.' A grin formed on my face.
I hoped this world developed a kind of Magic upon the realization that Skills were too restrictive.
Everything was only a matter of time and progression.
'Considering <The Great Blight> that is to befall this world, they better hurry.'
