“Please arrive in the designated area by 5:00 AM on the day, and until the exam is over, Blue and Peace must absolutely not fly. Unless it’s an emergency, Peace should remain in a corporeal state, and Blue must be kept from leaving the breeding facility.”

Song Taewon delivered the request in a stiff voice upon arriving at the Haeyeon Guild. No matter how familiar Ki Seung‐soo has become, seeing him in person is still intimidating. Tigers and lions may seem familiar from every media, but encounter one on the street and you’ll jump in fright. Director Song repeated that we mustn’t create any situation where examinees might be startled.

“As you requested, Hunter Park Yerim will accompany Hunter Han Yuhyun.”

Instead of drawing lots, the region was set as Busan—the population there correlates with dungeon density, making it the most likely to have a dungeon break. Practically speaking, coverage extends to Changwon as well. The year a dungeon first appeared, the college entrance exam was canceled, though since then there has never been a dungeon break on exam day. Still, should an accident occur and its impact grow…

“If the exam is canceled due to a dungeon break, it will be rescheduled within a month.”

The exam date would be delayed. Fortunately, there’s a backup team of test setters, who, if unlucky, might be stuck an extra month. Director Song handed over detailed written guidelines and continued.

“Hunter Han Yujin may move freely, provided you manage Ki Seung‐soo.”

“Understood. Thank you for your effort.”

At my words, Director Song shook his head briefly, exhaustion showing on his face.

“Not at all.”

“You’re busy enough as it is, ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) yet you even came personally. Isn’t this normally handled by the Association?”

“I oversee only S‐rank Hunters; official notices to guilds and Hunters beyond that come from the Association. And…,”

Director Song hesitated for a moment before adding, “Personally, it’s something I welcome.”

His voice was softer than before. His expression hadn’t changed, but it seemed Director Song was a little embarrassed.

“Of course, one shouldn’t think of it that way—”

“Why not! If it’s work you enjoy, you’ll be more motivated and efficient.”

I cut him off and raised my voice. Managing top‐tier Hunters may be one thing, but assisting students on exam day must suit Director Song’s disposition better. If not for Hunters or Awakening, perhaps he’d have become a teacher rather than a policeman.

Perhaps his usual stern expression would soften into a gentle smile around those he cared about, freely expressing affection for what he loved.

“But don’t overdo it. Even S‐ranks get tired. Above all, maintaining condition on the day is vital. This year, Seong Hyunjae and Riette will remain in Seoul, but Director Song will be our pillar of support.”

Riette was more of a worry, in fact.

“Yes. Thank you.”

Director Song’s sensitivity during exam season may stem from it being one of the few remaining ordinary events he’s involved in. Normally he only deals with top‐tier Hunters. Preventing trouble caused by S‐ranks also protects non‐Awakened civilians, but direct involvement feels different. He probably presents the exam‐related broadcasts stiffly, yet gladly.

“What happens if I take the exam? I have a special exception, but they say it’s good for my image to sit it.”

Yerim raised her hand eagerly.

“You’ll go to the designated region and take it at a prepared exam site. If the exam is halted due to Hunter duties, your final score will be your mock‐exam average plus bonus points. However, if the number of S‐rank Hunters at your exam time exceeds current levels, you may not be reassigned.”

With the current numbers, losing one S‐rank wouldn’t be an issue, so Yerim looked a bit disappointed.

“I wanted to get cheers on exam day. Isn’t it impossible to monitor properly if S‐ranks watch other S‐ranks? Could I just take it at a regular exam site?”

“No.”

“Yerim, we’ll all go. I’ll ask to keep Yuhyun in Seoul, too.”

Though a regular exam site packed with candidates differs inevitably, we should bring as many as possible.

“Right. As long as you have a high‐school diploma, there’s no restriction on taking the exam. Should I come in with you?”

“Sir? Yes! Let’s take it together!”

“If so, me too, hyung.”

At Yuhyun’s words, Yerim scowled.

“No! If your scores are good, it’ll be a nuisance, Guild Master!”

“Then I’ll just fail it. I’m not planning to go to college again.”

“Sure, the more the merrier. We can eat lunch together.”

“If you hand in a blank paper, fine by me!”

Yerim beamed again and nodded. I’d secretly regretted not taking care of Yuhyun, but the thought of entering the exam room together cheered me up. Yuhyun and I were extras, but still.

“Has nothing out of the ordinary happened in the meantime?”

Before leaving, Director Song looked at me—specifically at my turtleneck and the bandage under my ear.

“Nothing serious.”

Luckily it’s gotten chilly; it’s the season where a fully covered turtleneck doesn’t look odd. Director Song gazed at me a moment longer, then turned away. Watching his back, I absently rubbed my neck; I intended to speak, but he’s busy now.

“Hello, Hunter Noah! Chief Han!”

As soon as Noah and I landed in the Sesung Guild parking lot, Kang Soyeong came running up with a bright greeting. She’s never been anything but energetic since I first met her after my return—I suspect she’s the happiest person about my comeback.

“Traffic wasn’t bad, right? How about flying next time? I’ll drive the car for you!”

Soyeong’s eyes sparkled. She’d heard about Noah’s new draconic form but hadn’t seen it herself and was eager.

“It’s not that far.”

“It’s good for the environment! Oh, and Hunter Noah, please wait on the first floor. Chief Han must follow the same rules for now.”

Soyeong lowered her voice.

“Normally, S‐rank Hunters not affiliated with the guild can’t visit like this. Besides Director Song, Chief Han’s bodyguard was the only exception.”

I thought of Chloe, but she’s still known as A‐rank.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Hunter Noah. Have you eaten, Hunter Noah?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Then how about some tea or snacks while you wait?”

“…Yes?”

“I thought you might be bored!”

When we went up to the lobby, Evelyn was waiting. She gave me a slight bow.

“I’ll be responsible for Chief Han’s safety within the guild. Please follow me.”

“Thank you.”

Parting with Noah, I followed Evelyn to the elevator. Though it was another guild, I hadn’t felt like a guest this much in a long time. My first visit, after all, was just a private garden stroll with Noah.

“Um, Hunter Evelyn.”

“Yes, Chief Han.”

“Working with the Breaker Guild Leader must be uncomfortable for you, right?”

I ventured. Both Hyunah-ah and Evelyn seemed displeased…

“I’m fine with it.”

“Really?”

“The Breaker Guild Leader’s skill set and combat style suit me well.”

Evelyn pressed the elevator button as she spoke. That made sense, but…

“However, the Breaker Guild Leader is upset with me.”

“…Upset?”

“He seems to dislike me.”

“That… it’s not that he dislikes you, he just said you two don’t mesh well.”

“I see.”

Evelyn gave a slight, wistful smile as she stepped into the elevator. There must be something between them, but prying felt rude.

“Do you think you two could reconcile?”

“…Yes?”

“I still like him very much.”

Her thin, sad smile met mine. I knew Evelyn’s personality wasn’t ordinary; perhaps her calm, neat appearance gave a strangely melancholic impression.

“The Breaker Guild Leader is someone you can’t help but like.”

“I agree. It sounds like things were okay before.”

“We even called each other unni.”

“Oh…”

“I wonder if lying about my age bothered him. Korea places importance on age, I hear.”

I didn’t think Hyunah-ah would take offense over that alone. But Evelyn believed it was the reason. I’d welcome them getting along again… But where did they meet? Overseas? Or had Evelyn stayed in Korea before?

“When you return, please call me.”

“Thank you.”

Evelyn opened the door for me, gave a polite farewell, and turned away. For now, she was unusually kind for an S-rank Hunter.

‘…I don’t know.’

Other than using a skill on me, she was faultless. Shooting Seong Hyunjae with an arrow—well, I’d probably want to try it myself. And her tone and manner were gentle. But from Hyunah-ah’s reaction and Yerim and Soyeong’s words, she’s someone you shouldn’t let your guard down around.

“There’s no one here.”

The reception room was empty. I sat in a chair and placed my briefcase on the table—no, perhaps on the adjacent chair. On the floor? Should I prepare my materials in advance? After pondering, I set it on the next chair.

‘Nice view.’

There was still some time until the appointment. So it wasn’t that Hyunjae was late, but I felt odd. I’d expected someone to at least bring tea.

‘Is this how it feels?’

To be cut off after receiving special treatment overnight. Still, this was nothing—just a twinge of disappointment. Compared to a dear sibling suddenly running away and severing ties, it was barely a scratch. Not yet real. It might become real someday, though.

At the exact appointment time, the door opened. I stared at Seong Hyunjae entering, then sprang to my feet in alarm. Chloe followed him in. What the—no one said she’d come.

“Hello, Guild Master Han.”

“Seems Dodam’s secretarial team isn’t sufficient.”

Hyunjae immediately flew in with a verbal blade. What—why? He tossed the comment offhandedly and sat across from me.

“Then I will stand.”

Chloe said, then stepped back a pace to stand beside Hyunjae’s chair. I sat back down.

“…I have no reason to hear that from the Guild Master Han.”

Why accuse my secretarial team instead of me? Rather than answer, Hyunjae raised a hand to his neck—my turtleneck? Though he wore a suit, too.

“This is the clothing I requested.”

And a semi‐formal suit at that. Does a tie matter that much? …Perhaps it does. I’d been advised to dress properly in full suit, but thought this would suffice. Hyunjae regarded me with an incredulous look.

“Wasting my time was an easy, light matter for Chief Han.”

“That’s… not the case.”

It’s merely ordinary treatment. Ordinary! I began to understand why people sharpen daggers at Hyunjae. It stung more than I expected.

“Appropriate attire is fundamental in society. I extended full courtesy in my welcome.”

His pale eyes settled coolly.

“Chief Han…”

“…I apologize. But now that I’m here, I can’t change clothes. Today is just—”

“Not impossible.”

Hyunjae pulled out his phone.

“I’ll have clothes delivered.”

“Excuse me?”

“Change into them.”

Here. In this place. At that, both I and Chloe barely raised our eyebrows. What kind of tyrannical abuse of power was this? As the words formed in my mind, I realized he was also testing what I might be hiding. He could have sent a text secretly! Perhaps to show Chloe we’d hit rock bottom… damn.

I clenched my jaw to calm myself. Yes, I’d heard he once made Director Song kneel. His character is vile, indeed.

“As you said, attire should match the occasion and counterpart. I thought this would be fine.”

I offered a crooked smile and continued.

“I assumed someone who abruptly cuts off calls would have discarded manners long ago.”

I lightly smoothed the collar of my turtleneck.

“I even worried I’d been too formal. I never imagined your standards would be so fickle. I’ll be more mindful hereafter.”

Behind my retort, Hyunjae lifted a hand to cover his mouth, his curved eyes flickering toward my neck.

“Of course, in deference to the Guild Master Han.”

Well, aren’t you special? I’m special too. If you hang up again, I’ll show up in jeans—sneakers and a field jacket, even.

“Chief Han remains unchanged.”

Hyunjae said calmly, as if unimpressed. I could almost believe it—Chloe probably had no clue.

“So I’ll let today pass.”

He must still be adjusting to our changed relationship. He’d have said something about my neck if he wasn’t so absorbed. If Chloe weren’t here, he might have confirmed it by force.

When Hyunjae finished speaking, Chloe took her cue.

“Director Han Yujin, are the three of you safe?”

She looked up at him. He must have been concerned they’d stay quietly at Sesung.

“I’m not sure what you mean, but since you ask—I’ve been well recently.”

“A gathering on a Japanese island, I heard.”

“Yes. If you wish, I can send you an invitation too, Chloe.”

“Others wish to attend as well.”

Chloe’s words perked my ears. I didn’t know how she persuaded them, but the Hak Hyul sisters had volunteered to come. I’d be happy to have them.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep