It was undeniable that the Bunker Cave Guild members treated me differently now. They listened more closely to my words and paid more attention to my movements. As Seong Hyunjae said, people don’t bother with someone insignificant. Imagine a famous celebrity and an ordinary pedestrian walking down the street. How many would bother staring at the latter? The same goes negatively—if someone looks menacing and wields a knife, everyone will dodge around them. They’d rather pretend not to see, yet they’d still keep an eye on you.

Han Yujin is F-rank with a unique skill in the world, but publicly he’s under the protection of S-ranks. Whenever someone requests breeding services, it usually goes to the various guilds—mostly the Haeyeon Guild—because they assume he’ll follow the orders of nearby S-ranks, not operate independently.

It was only natural. Who would go up to the rabbit clinging to the side of a lion and ask, “Excuse me, rabbit, could you help me with something?” Usually you’d ask the lion first: “Mind lending me that rabbit for a moment?”

“But Seong Hyunjae has stepped aside for me.”

That must have surprised them. Yu-Hyun and Ye-Rim had stuck close to me while guiding me around the breeding facility, but they were family. Ye-Rim was still young, too. And both primarily showed concern to protect me.

But Seong Hyunjae put me out front. He wasn’t family—just the Guild Master of Sesung tied to me by contract. In other words, he was signaling that Han Yujin deserved the respect of a Sesung Guild Master.

“In the end, it’s still because of Seong Hyunjae’s influence.”

I shoved aside my fleeting self-doubt. After all, I’d worked hard to get here, hadn’t I? Three months ago, would Seong Hyunjae have treated me this way? He wouldn’t have put me front and center; he’d have stood beside me, saying, “My rabbit has many talents—go through me if you have any questions.” Not this.

So about ten percent of this is my own doing. That’s true.

“I can guarantee your growth to A-rank, so don’t worry.”

I smiled at Jason.

“I assume word has spread discreetly, and even reached the ears of the Bunker Cave Guild Master—about the skill that checks information on non-awakened beings.”

“Oh, yes. It’s actually quite well known.”

There were even those who sold the information to China. Since the Awakening Center reported it to the Hunter Association, I never expected the secret to last. By now, leaders of national Hunter Associations and major guild masters probably all know.

“It even treats young monsters as non-awakened, letting you check their potential growth stats. The monster you brought is guaranteed to grow to A-rank or higher.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Additionally—”

I took a sip of water. Throughout the conversation, I tried not to look at Seong Hyunjae. If I showed I was seeking his approval, it would be pointless. Better to pretend he wasn’t there.

“You can also learn how to grow them into mature forms.”

“…Excuse me?”

Jason’s surprised face drew every guild member’s gaze to me. The clatter of dishes ceased, and a brief silence fell.

“Of course, the conditions aren’t easy. For high-grade monsters, it might take years to meet them. Still, you’d have a method.”

“So without going through a breeding facility, you can obtain high-grade mounts.”

“Yes. As you’re our first overseas client, I’m giving you a heads-up. Soon we’ll hold a small gathering for high-rank hunters in need of mounts. You saw the broadcast from China, right?”

“The information you mentioned then was—”

“The world’s only mount-breeder did look a little tired.”

He continued lightly, as if brushing it off.

“I felt bad keeping everyone waiting endlessly, so I decided to release the info.”

Several hunters swallowed dryly. Even S-rank hunters desired mounts, but A-rank hunters could only dream. No one knew when their turn would come. It’d take years for every S-rank hunter worldwide to get a mount, and countless competitors remained. Yet here was a way to raise them yourself.

Who could resist?

Major guild masters lusted after it, too. Even the largest guilds had only one S-rank, and most wouldn’t reach double digits in five years. All the rest were A-rank—if they could each add a high-grade mount, their power would skyrocket.

“Preparations are needed, so the schedule isn’t fixed yet.”

“Are there any attendance conditions?”

“Perhaps. But we’ll send you an invitation. You’re a valued client.”

“Thank you.”

Once I’d dangled that bait, they’d flock to it on their own. I couldn’t call them in myself, but them coming of their own accord was fine.

‘I can’t keep dragging Seong Hyunjae around with me forever.’

I nearly glanced at him again. Still, since it was important information, I could use it as bait… He didn’t need such tactics. I was insanely jealous. Just by tossing his body into the fray, he could swallow a nation whole. Was he always like this? Is that why he caught the crescent-eyed one’s attention? Even being brilliant comes with hardships.

“I hear you’re very busy.”

Jason had turned to Myeong-woo in the meantime. His purpose in Korea was mount breeding, but naturally he was interested in Myeong-woo too. When Ye-Rim completes the SS-grade weapon, she’d go wild. They were still deciding whether to announce it.

“I heard you’ve declined invitations and visits.”

“I’m not planning to take overseas requests yet. I don’t really enjoy these affairs.”

“Oh? Really?” Myeong-woo shifted his gaze to me.

“I came only because Director Han Yujin invited me.”

All eyes turned back to me. I felt a bit embarrassed. Myeong-woo maintained his cool, distant demeanor. I wondered if something bad had happened before my arrival… but everything was fine. He even gave me honey threads.

Various conversations fluttered around, and talk turned to Noah.

“There’s still much puzzlement over Guild Master Ark’s sudden departure.”

I heard Noah had received many offers to join # Nоvеlight # other guilds. Ark Guild had mainly assisted other guilds’ raids rather than launching their own, so mid-to-large guilds regretted losing them. If it were just an S-rank guild, losing one rival wouldn’t matter, but Noah was unique.

“I plan to stay in Korea for the foreseeable future.”

When asked if he’d return, Noah smiled faintly.

“Of course, I can’t promise circumstances won’t change. But whatever tasks I undertake, I remain Director Han Yujin’s hunter.”

I blushed again. I felt I was receiving far more than I’d given. Luckily Noah got along with the building staff. I turned my gaze sideways and met Yu-Hyun’s eyes. My brother grinned silently. From the other side, I heard Ye-Rim chatting quietly with Hyun-A.

“Director Han Yujin is—”

Jason looked at me.

“More than just a simple mount‐breeder, it seems.”

I hesitated, then simply smiled.

A dessert buffet was laid out in the spacious lounge. Moon Hyun-A lined up ten bottles of liquor on the white table.

“Special wine made from dungeon‐grown fruits.”

She smiled brightly and raised an arm in greeting.

“Even high-grade awakens can feel a slight buzz. Ah, Director Song. We’ll get formal approval soon, so don’t worry. And it’s a personal investment, not from Breaker Guild.”

So she’d already produced it. It seemed based on liquor brought from the dungeon world. Hunter‐market liquor could be lucrative, but this was clearly bait. Pitching it as Moon Hyun-A’s private investment would make Breaker Guild patrons drool.

‘A perfect lever to pull.’

It had myriad potential uses.

“I’d like to sponsor wine for Director Han’s gathering.”

“Of course, you’re welcome.”

It was the ideal promotional opportunity.

“Ye-Rim, you can’t have any.”

I quickly stopped Ye-Rim from touching a wine glass. She narrowed her eyes and grumbled.

“I still have so long before I’m an adult!”

“Time flies.”

Soon I’d need to switch off Fear Resist, so I might as well have a sip. Does it affect me? I raised my glass, and Yu-Hyun seized the bottle.

“Not too much.”

“Don’t worry.”

I didn’t really like wine… ugh.

“Here, you drink this. You’ll need that one.”

Moon Hyun-A pointed to a bottle with a different label. Yu-Hyun took my glass and drank it, then refilled it. This one’s sweeter.

“I think Director and I have similar mental ages. Honestly, I might be older.”

Ye-Rim muttered as she sipped strawberry juice. Gyeol, now perched on Ye-Rim’s shoulder, took a sip and evidently liked it—he stretched out a paw for more.

‘I should say something soon.’

My heart pounded. I set down my glass and looked at Chloe standing over there.

“Shall I go with you?”

Yu-Hyun whispered. Who confesses with their brother in tow? That’s just asking for a slap.

“I’m fine.”

“Or we could say it here. Why must it be separately?”

“Yu-Hyun, confessions aren’t public performances.”

“Not allowed?”

“You should do it someplace with the right atmosphere, just the two of you. And get to know each other a bit first—going straight to ‘I like you’… I guess I’d do that, but it’s still not right.”

After a few dates, meals, and chats. I beckoned to Gyeol to come to me, took a deep breath, and stepped forward. As I approached Chloe, curious eyes followed. My face burned.

“Chloe Alger, Hunter.”

“Yes, Director Han Yujin.”

Chloe smiled faintly as she looked down at me.

“Could you spare a moment? You visited D&L, the filming equipment developer.”

“It was a valuable experience. Thank you for granting permission.”

“My pleasure. It’s great promotion for an investor.”

Stop staring. I suggested we move to business. Yu-Hyun and Director Song glanced at me with concern but didn’t stop us. Except for Seong Hyunjae and Moon Hyun-A, everyone knew Chloe as an A-rank hunter. And with Gyeol beside me, I temporarily wielded S-rank abilities.

“Please, do not leave the hotel.”

Just before we exited the lounge, Director Song warned. I assured her we wouldn’t and glanced at Seong Hyunjae and Moon Hyun-A. They gave a reassuring nod. Even if something went wrong, they’d handle it.

In the hallway, I switched off Fear Resist. My heart pounded anew. I should have brought Peace. This was reckless. I was already embarrassed. My expression must look ridiculous.

We began with business talk and then, at the right moment—steadying my breath, I led us to the prearranged spot. Chloe followed and spoke.

“It’s a pity live broadcast was impossible.”

“…Yes. But a dungeon is like another world. If communication were possible, you could travel in without the gate, and that would be problematic.”

We stepped through the glass doors onto the terrace garden—a small outdoor space nestled between buildings. It’s hidden from below but partially visible from above. We walked to the visible area. Seong Hyunjae and Moon Hyun-A had likely left the lounge and climbed up by now.

“I was impressed by your tutorial on evacuation procedures for lower-rank hunters and non-awakened beings.”

“There are many others, too.”

“But none as meticulously produced as yours.”

“It was simply easier to film with a high-rank hunter.”

Chloe replied modestly.

“If you could film inside dungeons, you’d focus on high-rank ones, right?”

I asked. My mouth felt dry. I really should’ve brought Peace.

“The high-rank dungeons will be filmed, of course, but I’d rather document lower-to-mid-rank dungeons. There’s far less攻略情報 for them compared to high-rank dungeons. Lower-rank hunters struggle with basic攻略, and high-rank hunters clear them too easily.”

True enough. Mid-rank dungeons see basic攻略, so it’s not worth spending time on low-rank ones—only lower-rank hunters suffer. By the time detailed攻略 appears, years have passed.

“That’s a commendable intention.”

Whether before or after my rebirth, nothing had changed. I met Chloe’s gaze squarely. Fear—not excitement—filled me, but on the outside I probably looked like someone afraid to confess.

“So, Chloe, I like you. This is far too early to say and might sound sudden, but I don’t know when I’ll get another chance. So please hear me out. I love you, Chloe. I respect you.”

I closed my eyes on impulse and opened them again. A message window popped up.

[Target is under the effect of a similar skill! Keyword application is impossible.]

Right. That figures.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep