“Anyway, that makes it clear.” I turned my back on Seong Hyunjae and pushed open the glass door. I would tell Director Song about Chloe’s rank, then detain her. There was no ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) reason to just say “goodbye” and let her go. If I held onto Chloe, they’d contact me too. Regardless of their good intentions, I needed to break Park Ha-yul’s skill that bound me. I couldn’t let them use me and pretend nothing happened.

I walked down the silent corridor. Seong Hyunjae did not follow. My chest ached and I stopped.

“…Gyeol, want to go on ahead?”

– No.

I couldn’t smoke in front of the fairy dragon. Instead I leaned against the wall and stood still.

‘I’m so much better now.’ But if I’d been my pre-return self—if I’d just been Han Yujin, Stat F—Chloe would never have told me she disliked me. Maybe she’d have pitied the struggling F-rank hunter instead of fleeing rumors.

‘…I was just fooled, and heard nothing but nonsense.’

He’d intended to tell me everything. Well, he’d said he would before my departure, so if I’d heard it then, I couldn’t have responded. But why now? Oh—had he realized in our conversation that I’d guessed his identity? I’d accused him of colluding.

‘Then I need to move quickly.’

He said he’d resist—but that sounded like escape. What was Chloe’s skill again? She’d only broadcast mid-tier dungeons, so it hadn’t shown much. It was about surviving and clearing without using an S-rank’s full power.

I started walking again. The lounge was still far away, and someone stood in the corridor.

“…Director Song.”

It was Song Taewon. Perhaps he’d come worried—Stat F and an S-rank hunter. I recalled Seong Hyunjae saying he trusted me, but perhaps he’d meant to trust Director Song instead.

“Han Yujin.”

“You were turned down as planned.”

Director Song’s expression wavered at my words—no, at my face he seemed flustered.

“…First, I apologize. I’m poor at offering comfort of this sort.”

“No, I’m fine.”

His gaze wasn’t one of trust.

“More importantly, did Chloe return to the lounge?”

“She did not return.”

“Excuse me?”

“She exited down another corridor ahead. She was alone, so I did not stop her. Was there a problem?”

I stared, then brushed my face with my hand. Of course—she wasn’t part of Bunker Cave Guild, so why would she linger? Having been spotted, she’d immediately seek cover. Damn it, I really…

“I’ll call others.”

Director Song started to turn, and I caught his sleeve.

“That’s not it. I—I feel I’ve been too stupid. This isn’t the time to be standing here like this.”

“…I think it’s fine for you to date.”

“…Pardon?”

“I think you can afford that much.”

Director Song said seriously.

“That’s not what I thought you’d say.”

“I’m a public official.”

“Even though they say civil servants have secure jobs, they don’t say their bodies are steel, right?”

“I’m also an S-rank.”

“Still. I never dreamed I’d hear from you that I could afford to date.”

I laughed softly. I slid down to the floor, leaning against the wall. Even if I chased her now, I’d unlikely catch Chloe. Better to wait for Seong Hyunjae’s reply. If he cooperated.

“You haven’t liked me much, Director Song.”

“I was only worried.”

“Then please sit. My neck’s going to cramp.”

I tapped the carpeted floor. Hesitant, Song Taewon sat beside me. Leisure—nice idea. But it wasn’t the time.

“I don’t know what Seong Hyunjae is thinking.”

“I’ve known him for nearly four years, and even I don’t know.”

“If I were S-rank, I’d have grabbed him by the collar a hundred times.”

“If I may advise—think of it as an act of nature. An unlucky lightning strike.”

“…Then you’d be the perfect lightning rod.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t serve as your lightning rod.”

He answered politely, still serious. Why was he apologizing?

“In truth, I ran beneath a high umbrella and charged into the storm.”

“So I wish you wouldn’t. Don’t worry so much.”

“Can I help not worrying?”

Director Song fell silent. A deep crease formed between his brows.

“Still, I don’t think you need to worry about the Sesung Guild Master’s moods. You can ignore him—like at the banquet.”

“…Pardon?”

Ignore him—even if he does first…

“But I find it a bit… difficult to do.”

“He’s someone you can’t distance yourself from. I must mind him professionally, but you can leave him be.”

“What if he stops caring and leaves altogether?”

“It’ll be peaceful.”

Not untrue, but…

“The Sesung Guild Master—he’s useful because of his abilities.”

“You have enough ability yourself, Han Yujin.”

“Excuse me? Me? Well, including Haeyeon Guild, I could manage force—but overseas too…”

“There’s also Amaterasu Guild and the Martial Alliance. Plus the Breeding Facility and Hunter Yoo Myung-woo, so expanding your power base shouldn’t be hard. You might lean on Sesung since they’re established, but you’re no less capable.”

That’s generous. Or am I underrating myself?

“Director Song.”

“Yes?”

“Did Chloe have any link to my kidnappers—wait! She already left! Too late!”

I grabbed Director Song as he rose. His stern face loomed over me.

“Could it be you knew and still met her?”

“No—just a bit of suspicion. I’m sorry. But I told Seong Hyunjae and Hyun-A. They said my kidnapping wasn’t ill-intended. They needed to prevent the Goblin King from falling to the military.”

“Crime is crime, regardless of reason.”

Director Song said firmly.

“But if sacrificing a few saves many?”

“I’d step in first.”

“Do you mean you’d sacrifice yourself—your own life?”

“You might think it hypocritical, but I don’t believe self-sacrifice is right.”

Surprising. So Director Song perhaps does not favor sacrificing himself. He feels singularly alien, so he thinks sacrificing oneself for others is acceptable?

“I like you, Director Song.”

“…….”

“I think you’re a good person.”

“…However, I cannot stop a conclusion reached through careful thought. Persuasion—I might try. But sacrificing others against their will is never acceptable.”

“Hmm, you could at least stand by.”

“At least I cannot. And my duty prevents leaving an S-rank hunter tied to a serious criminal free. So, I’m sorry, but I must issue a warrant for Hunter Chloe.”

“Please wait a moment. I said I’d return for Seong Hyunjae’s reply. If we can get cooperation, it’s better than a blind manhunt. If you issue a warrant, she’ll surely go into hiding.”

Director Song nodded and we lapsed into silence. Gyeol brushed his head against my neck, soothing me. My chaotic thoughts calmed a bit. Still, I didn’t understand Seong Hyunjae. Be selfish? Betrayal? He said he thought I’d catch her—was that a challenge? Grr…

“…I want to grab Seong Hyunjae by the collar.”

“I’d let you, for your sake.”

“Because I’m F-rank and not a threat.”

“Rank doesn’t matter. If you didn’t want it, even a non-awakened would not touch you.”

“That’s….”

“Same for Hunter Han Yu-hyun, Hunter Park Ye-rim, Hunter Noah, Hunter Moon Hyun-A.”

His voice was calm, stating facts. …They were facts. Yes, I knew them too.

“Ugh….”

“…By the way.”

Director Song hesitated.

“Does Hunter Chloe have feelings for the Sesung Guild Master—?”

“No.”

“I apologize for my presumption.”

Did he think Chloe would dump me for Seong Hyunjae? After I’d shouted I wanted to grab his collar?

“Seong Hyunjae told me to be selfish. What do you think that means?”

“I think that much is correct.”

“Huh… but I want to tell you to be selfish too, Director Song.”

Still, I’m not like you, Director Song. I protect what matters and protest when needed. Being told to be more selfish—does that mean swallow Sesung whole? That I should look after myself now? That without Seong Hyunjae, I’m more useful? Why not give both of us power?

“What about that man Seong Hyunjae—what’s so displeasing about me?”

“…Pardon?”

“Whenever I start to settle in, he’s right there—”

I quickly covered Gyeol’s ears.

“That’s bullshit. If you treat me well, then treat me well. Or just treat me poorly. No consistency. It’s chaos all year round. A bountiful harvest of nonsense. Autumn’s long gone—will you still do this in winter? Plant rice and barley? Well, his greenhouse’s fancy enough he stays green year-round. If so, why not plant flowers or grow rice?”

“…I see.”

“My birthday present next year is a tractor. If you drive any other car, I’ll plow it under. If I get heart disease and end up hospitalized, you’re the culprit, Seong Hyunjae. Please arrest him.”

“That’s a bit difficult. You can’t damage vehicles without cause. And I believe the Sesung Guild Master holds you in high regard—otherwise he’d show no interest.”

…I know that. But still. Gyeol and I rose; I jumped up.

– Dad!

“I’ll be back after grabbing him.”

Speak clearly next time—and anyway, I have to see his face first.

A thin, blue pane glowed softly. The inscription upon it was not of this world. Yet its bearer understood its meaning. The pane floating above my palm vanished in an instant. At that moment, a chill breeze brushed Seong Hyunjae’s nape. Along a faint red line, beads of blood formed.

“Seems you feel some remorse—didn’t even dodge.”

Moon Hyun-A stood atop the terrace railing, sheathing her spear. She flicked away the remaining spider-web-like threads from her body.

“No wonder you let me go so easily—must have rigged something strange. I’ve never seen this item before.”

“It was your birthday gift.”

“Oh? From Hunter Yoo Myung-woo? It works well—takes half a day to free even from a mid-tier. So, big brother…”

The terrace garden lay empty. Moon Hyun-A perched on the railing and glared at the back of Seong Hyunjae’s head.

“Looks like nothing major occurred, but what’s your scheme, huh?”

“I wanted to reconcile with Hunter Miller. We might run into each other often from now on.”

“Run into? Leaders meet maybe once a month at most.”

Once a month is already frequent. Guild masters—S-rank hunters—rarely socialized outside professional matters. An S-rank dungeon raid could last weeks, and any conflict outside could be unmanageable. Among them, only Moon Hyun-A mingled widely; others stayed within their guilds.

Recently she had seen Han Yujin often, though.

“If you’re acting as the Sesung Guild’s deputy leader, you’ll see each other now and then.”

“…What?”

Moon Hyun-A raised an eyebrow.

“You said you were going abroad—are you leaving for good?”

“Soyeong is still young, so I’ll entrust her to Hunter Miller for a while.”

“Director Han will be disappointed. Did you lure me out to say this? Words alone would have made him avoid it.”

Under her suspicious gaze, Seong Hyunjae’s lips twitched upward.

“I introduced Bantes to Han Yujin.”

“…What are you plotting?”

“Team Leader Seok is capable, but he could use Han Yujin’s power for Haeyeon Guild.”

“I don’t know what he’s thinking.”

Moon Hyun-A frowned deeply and continued.

“You once offered to help me—there were other reasons, but mostly I refused because of how you pushed people around. You didn’t just help; you nudged people like pawns to your ends.”

He’d done more than scholarships or living expenses. He’d laid out paths for schools, majors, jobs. Yet he’d never forced directly. He’d manipulated surroundings so subtly they mistook it for their own choice.

“You may not have noticed, but Seok Siyoung sensed it and hated it. He doesn’t dislike you without cause. It’s a good thing affections don’t last forever. You’re no deity to toy with fates—it’s disgusting.”

“My intentions were pure. And I’ve restrained myself now.”

“Seems suspicious, though. Keep shaking that candy box and you’ll break everything inside.”

“I know. But if he’s rolling toward a cliff, shouldn’t I steer him, even if it cracks some candies?”

At his words, Moon Hyun-A scratched the back of her head.

“Not wrong, but are you making him stand on his own? He relies heavily on the Sesung Guild Master, but without you, I doubt much changes.”

He might only feel a bit lonely.

“With neither Han Yujin nor Song Taewon around, he’ll torment random people out of boredom. Director Song will have more business trips, though.”

“He’ll be lonely, of course. That’s why I’ve been waiting.”

“For what—so he won’t rescue me and just say goodbye?”

Seong Hyunjae only chuckled silently. A few days still remained. Given Han Yujin’s nature, he’d worry in private rather than confide in others. He might not try to detain her or might give up. Or he might half-heartedly attempt persuasion, fail, and brandish his blade.

Either way, the word ‘partner’ carried deep meaning, so betrayal was inevitable.

“I’m not used to being hated.”

“What bullshit. I could bring you hatred by the truckload.”

“Those are just stones in a flowerbed—whatever they feel doesn’t concern me.”

“…You’re truly despicable. I miss the moon. Unlike that mad shapeshifter, it was cute. If you don’t want to be hated, stay still.”

“That’s one way.”

Perhaps interest in Han Yujin would fade in one or two years, let alone five. Then it wouldn’t matter, but to ponder an uncertain future and sit still went against Seong Hyunjae’s nature.

“But scolding me is fun, I suppose.”

“Director Song is S-rank. Director Han can be reasonable…”

Moon Hyun-A’s voice trailed off. Soon the glass doors burst open. Han Yujin strode into the terrace garden.

“…Hyun-A?”

“Did you survive being turned down, big brother?”

“…Yes.”

Han Yujin nodded and approached Seong Hyunjae. Song Taewon followed behind, holding the fairy dragon, and stopped at the glass doors.

“Seong Hyunjae.”

Seong Hyunjae gazed down at Han Yujin. I’d thought he’d be out of contact for a day. His brows furrowed with resentment—hurt, anger, frustration, and annoyance.

“I didn’t expect you’d return directly.”

“Keep your mouth shut. Come to think of it, today you said you’d give me accessories. Decoration has no mouth.”

“Indeed.”

Seong Hyunjae tilted his head and smiled.

“Yes, Master.”

His long index finger lightly tapped and departed from his lips. Han Yujin took a deep breath; his shoulders trembled slightly.

“I was going to give you a tirade of curses, but—”

He exhaled deeply again.

“‘Be selfish,’ you said? That means I do as I please, right? Because you told me to. Whatever you do, I don’t care.”

Han Yujin spoke, locking eyes.

“I wish—damn it, I wish you were the last, Seong Hyunjae. Just live on in this world. Do whatever wild nonsense you want. I hope for that, and I’ll make it happen. Whatever your plan, I don’t care. I want it that way.”

He ground his teeth, vowing not to care.

“And Director Song too!”

Song Taewon, standing behind, flinched reflexively.

“Just live a long life. I want to see you living well. I just want to see you. As for you, Hyun-A, I think you’ll manage fine—just be happy.”

“Ah, thank you.”

At Hyun-A’s words, Han Yujin smiled. Then he glared back at Seong Hyunjae.

“I’ll do as I want. You started this. So if you cooperate, fine—if not, get lost. And if you vanish on me, I’ll find you by any means, grab you by the collar, and bring you back.”

By any means.

“I’ll give you one day—to run away.”

He blushed slightly, shy.

“Ah, damn. Anyway, that’s it. Hyun-A, you can drink more?”

“Of course. Take everything left behind the lounge’s open kitchen.”

“Thank you.”

Avoiding Seong Hyunjae’s gaze, Han Yujin pulled out his phone.

“Hey, Yu-hyun? They say there’s more wine behind the open kitchen—Hyun-A brought it. Bring all that remains. I need to get drunk tonight. What? Turned down? Of course! It’s fine. What about you? Anyone turn you down?”

Han Yujin, talking with his brother, glanced at Song Taewon.

“Director Song, is it okay for an S-rank hunter to drink and drive?”

“…There’s no rule, but no.”

“Then only Ye-rim’s left. She has a license though.”

“Please stay at the hotel and sleep here.”

“Oh right, it is a hotel. Yu-hyun, let’s go up to the room. Grab the wine and take the elevator. Yeah—comfort big brother a bit.”

Han Yujin left. Song Taewon followed him. Hyun-A shrugged and looked at Seong Hyunjae.

“He said it himself—things aren’t going as he planned, are they?”

“…This is maddening.”

Seong Hyunjae covered his face with his hand as if hiding.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep