NOVEL WEB Chapter 40
In a cafe near the Rotten Mountain Dungeon, Yeonhwa had been watching Isia’s broadcast on her smartwatch for a long time.
Occasionally, some people would recognize Yeonhwa, the granddaughter of Yeonseo, but since it was a quiet cafe, she could enjoy her peaceful and calm time without interruption.
Yeonhwa wasn’t very knowledgeable about Hunter broadcasts, but even as a novice, she found Isia’s show quite enjoyable and easy on the eyes.
Of course, there had been Hunter broadcasts about monsters being eaten or featuring disgusting themes in the past. However, while those shows often relied heavily on attention-grabbing and provocative topics to gather views, Isia’s broadcast maintained a certain decorum even from an objective standpoint.
The fun of gross food Hunter broadcasts comes from drawing in viewers with grotesque and disgusting monsters or dungeon byproducts, often exposing themselves to horrible and self-deprecating jokes. Naturally, given the nature of the topic, it was easy to cross lines, and it often featured streamers struggling and retching over bizarre foods rather than being entertaining.
However, Isia’s broadcast felt refreshing amidst the overwhelming flood of content on the Switch. She engaged with the viewers frequently while making jokes, managing to provide laughs without crossing any lines.
If she had been performing dangerously disgusting food acts, it would have likely made viewers cringe, but instead, Isia impressively maintained a comfortable level of “chaos” while keeping it entertaining.
If Isia had said she would eat an S-grade monster like the sinister Centipede Dragon without even cooking it, viewers would have generally conjured up images of the centipede’s repulsive appearance and felt nauseated.
But instead, Isia took a professional approach. She didn’t just bite into the monster raw like some would expect. She carefully peeled and coated it in batter, making it crispy and golden, resulting in a visual effect that made viewers think, “Huh? That actually looks delicious?”
“Isia unnie surprisingly has a knack for broadcasting,” Yeonhwa thought.
From Yeonhwa’s perspective, Isia had put on a perfect show. The fact that Isia had lived for over 60 years as the emperor’s right hand and a saintess seemed genuine, as her first broadcast set an unbelievable record of over 10,000 viewers; Isia remained calm and engagingly absurd, deftly maneuvering the audience.
Typically, lesser-known Hunter streamers often lose their footing due to pressure, whether for money or public opinion. Even though Hunters are stronger than ordinary humans, their essence and psyche remain human, so when a multitude of viewers tries to sway a streamer’s broadcast, it’s usually destined to sway in response—this is the fate of lesser-known broadcasts.
Even if they sway, as long as it brings out the fun or draws positive responses from viewers, it may be okay. But often, the ending for streamers swayed by audiences isn’t a good one, whereas that was far from likely for Isia.
“The genre Hunter galleries are completely in an uproar…”
Even though Yeonhwa hadn’t personally streamed, the genre Hunter gallery was filled with countless posts about Isia, leaving her feeling oddly sentimental.
The conceptual post section was overrun by hundreds of users discussing the debates disguising whether Isia was S-grade or not, and even some perverse individuals were sharing odd phrases like “Hehe, Noona…” while watching clips of Isia’s broadcast.
It made sense that interest was focused on a Returnee turning out to potentially be S-grade after decades. It might not just be the citizens of their country; governments or Hunters from other nations could also be keeping an eye on Isia.
[Let me summarize today’s broadcast of the Chaotic Saintess.](943)
LlN: Recommended Count: 1192
1. Broadcasted a raid in the B-grade dungeon, Rotten Mountain, located in Seongnam City.
2. Attempting to fry Bladed Centipede.
3. Instead of the Bladed Centipede, an S-grade monster, the Centipede Dragon appeared. Cooked and consumed the Centipede Dragon.
4. Thought it would be disgusting, but surprisingly cooked it deliciously. It looked just like a normal large fry if you didn’t know.
5. According to the Chaotic Saintess, the flesh of the Centipede Dragon seemed to be a mixture of shrimp and crab meat.
Below is a jumble of random talks regarding the Chaotic Saintess and her Hunter rank.
She mentioned that she hadn’t officially been ranked, but it certainly seemed she was S-grade. Seeing how she smashed Wyverns’ heads in the Kurtala Mountains and then took down the large S-grade monster, the Centipede Dragon, hiding in Rotten Mountain with a single blow guaranteed her skills.
At the very least, she was in the upper echelons of A-grade.
Still, it can’t be confirmed that she is indeed S-grade.
Even reporters can get provisional Hunter certificates from the Hunter Association.
And while receiving dungeon entry permits is separate, the Chaotic Saintess still hasn’t had her Hunter rank ascertained, meaning we can’t solidly say she’s S-grade.
Unless the Hunter Association officially announces, “Isia is S-grade,” we can only guess about her rank, which is basically Schrödinger’s rank.
Whether it’s F-grade or S-grade, currently, Isia isn’t an official Hunter.
She’s a sort of odd middle ground between a civilian and a Hunter who can access dungeons.
But the reason Isia can broadcast with the Hunter Association certification mark despite not being an official Hunter raises many questions, and usually boils down to one of two things.
One is that the Association still hasn’t fully assessed the Returnee Isia’s capabilities.
Whether Isia refused the capability assessment or if the Association has other concerns is unclear, but since it’s only her first broadcast, it’s too early to conclude.
The other possibility is that Isia truly possesses undeniable S-grade abilities that she hasn’t been officially assessed for yet.
As you know, S-grade Hunters are all classified as having asymmetric power at a national level, and A-grade Hunters can be promoted through standard Hunter tests or specific monster subjugations.
However, S-grade Hunters must undergo individual testing and meet certain standards to be classified as S-grade after moving up from A-grade.
If suddenly creating an S-grade Returnee without proper testing arises, it could lead to fairness issues and discontent among other Hunters, so it’s likely her rank will be on hold until a promotion period.
In reality, civilians like us don’t even fully understand how S-grades are selected, so we can’t confirm anything definitively.
Continuing to be unable to confirm or assert something is frustrating, but that’s the reality.
If Isia participates in the national accredited promotion tournament next first quarter, there’s a high chance of her receiving S-grade.
[Analysis follows]
[But is Isia going to enter the Hunter promotion tournament?]
LlN: [No clue]
LlN: [Wouldn’t she? If she becomes S-grade, she’d instantly become super rich.]
LlN: [It seems she might participate.]
[If Isia truly gains S-grade, would she become the 11th in our country?]
LlN: [Yeah, leaving out China, that would mean the largest number of S-grades. Even now, we have the highest proportion of S-grades to the population.]
[From today onwards, I’m subscribing to the Chaotic Saintess.]
LlN: [But the nickname is way too much LOL.]
LlN: [Honestly, something like Titty Saintess might be better.]
LlN: [You’ll see when you watch the broadcast, but she truly acts chaotic…]
LlN: [Yeah, but she’s still a lesser-known one.]
LlN: [Let’s see if you keep saying that later LOL.]
[Wonder if she’ll collab with any other Hunters or streamers?]
LlN: [No clue]
LlN: [With her S-grade capabilities and competence, why would she bother collabing?]
LlN: [That’s a point, LOL.]
[Hehe, I wanna be in the tentacles of Noona Saintess…]
LlN: [You madman]
LlN: [Me too…]
LlN: [Damn it;]
“If I were broadcasting and saw those kinds of people… I would have sent them all to my lawyer…”
The thought of being grilled by so many malicious entities and Susus sent shivers down her spine. However, Isia seemed to delight even when being roasted, finding the malicious comments endearing, so Yeonhwa figured she wouldn’t face those malicious characters or end up in court.
“At least I won’t meet my lawyer frequently.”
Yet still, bearing the thought of it in mind, Yeonhwa archived all the chats or posts from the genre Hunter gallery or Isia’s broadcast that crossed lines.
“What if Isia isn’t okay but is just holding it together? It could all build up and explode one day, and then I would ensure everyone who crossed that line will face their consequences…”
“What would explode?”
“YEEK?!”
It was only then that Yeonhwa noticed Isia’s footsteps were almost silent, like an assassin’s.
People often say that after living as a Hunter, concealing one’s presence becomes a habit, and Isia appeared to fall into that category.
In Isia’s case, she had experienced many wars and battles in her previous world, which likely developed her stealthy strides.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Phew, it’s okay. By the way, it seems you finished your broadcast well.”
“Yep.”
Isia, sitting across from Yeonhwa, wore a bright smile.
Every time, seeing that innocent and radiant smile made Yeonhwa feel her tight heart loosen slightly.
Surely Isia had enjoyed the fried Centipede Dragon, as her smile was even brighter than usual.
“Should we head home first? Have you been waiting long?”
“It was unnie’s first broadcast. Since you didn’t even know the way home, how could I go by myself?”
“Thanks. Honestly, I was a bit lost about how to get back.”
When Isia had casually mentioned eating “Bladed Centipede fries” during the broadcast, Yeonhwa was beyond incredulous—she was in shock.
What were you thinking!?
Unlike Wyvern eggs, the Bladed Centipede is filled with poison! It’s not even food to begin with!
Yeonhwa vehemently opposed the idea of Isia eating centipedes, suggesting they change the menu and do a new broadcast right then and there.
She wondered how anyone could possibly eat something so horrendously disgusting, but when she actually watched the broadcast, it turned out to be surprisingly palatable.
No, considering she single-handedly defeated the S-grade Centipede Dragon, it’s not just “okay”—it was an unprecedented broadcast! Ultimately, the fried Centipede Dragon looked presentable, making it easy to deem the entire broadcast as a remarkable success.
“Should I grab a cup of coffee too? I feel like the oil from the Centipede Dragon fry is still lingering in my mouth.”
“UUH… I can imagine that.”
“It’s just fries, though?”
“I was worried there might still be that bitter liquid from the centipede left in your mouth.”
“It’s fine. Ahem, do you want to confirm that?”
“No thanks.”
Isia sat across from Yeonhwa, as the Yeon Family’s carriage was on its way and would likely arrive in about 30 minutes.
In the meantime, it was perfect to enjoy a simple coffee in the cafe with Yeonhwa.
“By the way, unnie, I’m suddenly curious.”
“Hm?”
“You know dungeon byproducts and monster materials are sold at exorbitant prices in Hunter Market or auctions, right?”
“Yep, today’s Centipede Dragon claw could go for millions to billions. Many fetch tens of billions at auctions.”
“… Doesn’t that feel like a waste? That could buy a lot of chicken.”
It was a reasonable question.
In the world, the variety of food and cooking is endless.
Among them, Isia likely had many favorites.
Right now, Isia orders take-out about 30 portions of chicken, bossam, and various foods daily. Those delicious dishes never bore her, and the chicken’s owner always delivers, happily exclaiming, “Thank you! Thank you!” and generously provides ten large drinks for free.
She’s become the life source for the take-out food establishments near the Returnee Shelter.
With such a background, it raised a question about why Isia chose cooking monster meals rather than savoring “regular food.”
“Then… you don’t have to cook using monsters, right? There’s plenty of delicious food outside. Even if you need the malicious entity, you could just consume the necessary amount and sell off the rest to eat something tasty outside, right? You could even go eat beef with me.”
Even Wyvern eggs exceed a million, and other eggs surpass three million each.
She could cook braised beef or have raw tentacle sushi of the Bladed Centipede. The colossal Centipede Dragon could be deep-fried.
Upon realizing what Yeonhwa was implying, Isia smiled lightly, resting her chin on her hand.
“You’re a bit naive. What do you think I thought about while broadcasting today?”
“I’m not naive, okay?”
She didn’t answer the question but suddenly went off-topic!
“While broadcasting… let me think. I would have felt tired or lost focus, I guess…”
“Sure, it wasn’t entirely comfortable, but… it was really pleasurable?”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
If she enjoyed it, that’s truly a relief.
In reality, how many people genuinely enjoy being streamers in this Hunter broadcast scene?
At least many streamers seem to experience a drop in happiness as their hobby turns into a job.
“People ate with me. I was alone at the Returnee Shelter, even cleaning up after meals by myself. No family, it was quiet. Looking out to the city skyline at night felt beautiful. It looked surprisingly different from the Seoul of 2024 I lived in—various things felt unfamiliar, making me think…”
“What kind of thoughts?”
“Am I really meant to be here?”
After her return, Isia had wasted the first month aimlessly.
Eating alone, frivolously spending the 100 million won aid she had received, she lived almost like a being unable to end their existence, fated to hollowly pass time.
It wasn’t merely because there was nothing to do.
Nor was it due to hunger.
It was simply that being alive in this place felt absurd and meaningless to her.
“But those who watched the broadcast enjoyed themselves, whether they were malicious or not, pure-hearted or not… I came to cherish all of that.”
With her lips curling into a smile, Isia appeared somewhat lonely.
At her core, she was a Returnee.
Having lived too long in her previous world, she was disconnected from all accomplishments and connections tied to it, leaving her estranged in this new environment.
If a wandering stone were to settle here, it would need a long period to truly integrate.
“When I fried the Centipede Dragon, the chat lit up rapidly with praises—and surprisingly appealing fries emerged, making those who at first seemed cynical suddenly cheer for me as I felt all of it important to me. Just like you said, some occasionally crossed the line, but it’s okay. I can forgive them. Actually, I’m not sure I can forgive, but as long as they just watch me eat, it genuinely warms my heart.”
Yeonhwa realized something.
Isia, who always appeared okay on the outside, seemed to reflect extreme loneliness in that moment.
Was that why she had been so chaotic from the moment the broadcast went live?
“So basically, what I’m saying is, if people enjoy watching me, that’s all that matters. Meanwhile, I get to experience the joy of eating malicious delicacies while indulging in unique monster cuisine. It’s like getting a pass to stay in this world.”
Could it be that her loneliness was driving her to seek attention, wishing to engage in more conversations with people and share experiences together?
“Oh, don’t worry too much about me, Yeonhwa. Naturally, I feel far more gratitude toward you and Yeonseo than those malicious net runners.”
“…Unnie, if you’re feeling lonely, how about we just all live together?”
“Don’t be so reckless about that, Yeonhwa. You’re still so young and inexperienced with the ways of the world.”
Don’t spout such words carelessly, Yeonhwa.
Otherwise, you might just get eaten.
Do you really think I wouldn’t know that?
“Alright, the carriage has arrived; let’s go.”
“…Okay.”
The way Yeonhwa looked at Isia bore an unusual light in her eyes.
○○○○
“WOW, you’ve completely skyrocketed after just a week…”
A-grade Hunter and seasoned streamer Cheon Ah-Young couldn’t keep her jaw from dropping as she scanned the genre Hunter gallery and the Switch.
‘Hunter Isia.’
The unique woman who, a few days ago, had raided Wyvern stew with her in the Kurtala Mountains.
Of course, she was exceptionally strong and far more beautiful than Cheon Ah-Young, leading her to think that if she became a Hunter streamer, she’d surely rise in popularity.
Cheon Ah-Young herself had enjoyed the Wyvern egg gifted from Isia, wrapping up her ‘A week in the dungeon’ content from the Kurtala Mountains with great success, breaking the viewership records for that series and amassing generous donations as well.
“Hmm, should I send a collab request now to see if I can ride that wave?”
Though the idea of ‘riding a wave’ might sound somewhat negative, in the streaming industry, Cheon Ah-Young was a senior and a professional streamer.
They could potentially park an ecosystem of mutual benefit.
Especially if Cheon Ah-Young teamed up with someone like Isia, a potentially S-grade Hunter, it could lead to incredibly enjoyable content.
“…No, never mind. I’ll hold off for now.”
Yet, she couldn’t shake the doubt.
Isia was still just a fledgling frustrated by her very first broadcast.
Despite breaking the 10,000 viewers mark in just her debut broadcast, she probably hadn’t yet properly defined the direction of her channel.
Moreover, not just in the world of Hunters but in the realm of Hunter streamers, things could be unpredictably treacherous and rough around the edges.
Some even collude with guilds to build their own power and influence, and they were likely watching the rising star that was Isia.
“Ugh, thinking about it again makes me sick just considering those bastards…”
Who do people think the enemy of Hunter streamers is?
Monsters? Malicious viewers? Net Runners?
No, it’s other Hunter streamers.
They’re not merely competitors but true malevolent and horrifying threats that could put their lives at risk.
Isia likely wouldn’t realize just how many enemies she had made in her first broadcast.
“Still, I should repay her for the wonderful Wyvern egg…”
Cheon Ah-Young texted her manager, sinking into her bed.
‘Still… given how terrifying that was, she probably won’t go down without a fight.’
No, it was even possible that Isia could rank up to S-grade and put those lowlifes in their place.
“…Wait, thinking again, should I seriously make a proper move on Isia?”
With that, Cheon Ah-Young found herself entangled once more in contemplation.