“Splash!” Water shot up high. I flailed, my feet no longer touching solid ground, but my brother yanked me to safety.

“You okay?”

“Y-yeah. Peace, you’re okay?”

– Grrr.

Peace, having confirmed I was safe, grumbled in mild displeasure as he flew up above the surface. Beyond his shuddering form, I saw other hunters. This wasn’t… a dungeon at all but a swimming pool? No wonder the water felt warm. It looked like a lavish resort, with a broad pool, sunbeds, buffet tables, and a cocktail bar. Staff in uniformed suits bustled about, guiding hunters.

“Please collect any personal belongings over here.”

“Individual broadcasts have been temporarily suspended. The main channel remains live, with the same filming options as personal streams.”

“Private lounge rooms and restrooms are available. Off-camera areas are auto-mosaic’d; please mute video and audio when changing. We are not liable for any issues caused by participants’ negligence.”

“In addition to the outdoor buffet, there is a restaurant and café on the first floor. Hunter Moon Hyunah has provided alcoholic beverages.”

“Combat during rest periods may incur penalties.”

“Results and awards will be announced in one hour.”

It truly felt like the end of some variety competition show. Yuhyun and I climbed out of the pool. Though outdoors, heaters ensured it wasn’t cold; the floor felt warm underfoot.

Few had fallen into the pool—most looked like drenched mice. The culprit who’d soaked the hunters laughed merrily before Song Taewon. Despite failing the Lawless team’s win condition, he wore an exuberant grin.

“Sir!”

Yerim flew to me, clasped my paw in both hands, her eyes sparkling.

“It really was your giant cat transformation skill, right? Am I right?”

“I’m not a cat.”

“Transform again, please!”

Yerim begged, “Just once! It’s my lifelong wish!” I managed to refuse, saying it was too cramped here, but her pleading gaze was uncanny. I must never let anyone know I can shift to such a small form. My secret until my dying breath.

“Han Yujin,” Director Song began—

“My stats are still F, F!” I cut in as soon as I heard his tired bass voice.

“I thought I’d get crushed by a motorcycle. Look at my front paw—no, my palm’s all scraped. See?”

“Please fetch the first aid kit.”

Song Taewon called to a nearby staff member, then turned back to me.

“Please provide a list of carried weapons.”

“Heh, normally even I can’t meddle with a Hunter’s inventory!”

“I’m requesting non-dungeon weapons only.”

“I’ve never drawn any here or in Korea! If I don’t draw it, it doesn’t count as crossing borders.”

The first aid kit arrived—premium-grade, complete with potions, though all I could use were some plain antiseptic ointment and bandages. Yuhyun carefully inspected my paw.

“How’s ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) your foot?”

“My foot’s fine. After we get back to Korea—”

“Have a seat, hyung.”

“Shall I carry him? Yujin, stay still.”

Noah had slipped over to help Yuhyun.

“I’m telling you, my foot’s really okay! I’ll patch it all up in Korea! Promise!”

He’d just swing by Japan one more time. He said he’d bought some of the gear with money too—officially, not stolen. Shishio-san always said to ask if needed. Hope you’re well, Shishio-san.

“But you have a wound on your foot.”

“It was just a little nick. I’ll wash and medicate it. Trust me, Director Song—outside a dungeon, I never draw it, okay? Oh dear, Director Song, you’re soaked too. Let’s go get you cleaned up. Don’t forget to turn off broadcast options~”

Other hunters gathered their belongings and filed back indoors. I hurried to wash, change clothes, and returned outside. Some hunters went to the indoor restaurant, but most opted for the outdoor area.

‘The atmosphere really has changed.’

Before the game, everyone kept their distance. Hunters, especially S-ranks, viewed each other warily—potential rivals. Like solitary predators. Now, the walls had come down for those who’d stayed and cooperated. Early eliminations remained the same, and not everyone changed, but a surprising number did.

‘Fighting together really makes a difference.’

Delouze alone wouldn’t have been enough; Yerim and Director Song had been crucial. Getting drenched and wrestling in the water builds camaraderie, even just a little.

“That grilled pineapple’s good.”

Someone beckoned me over to the barbecue table. It was an offhand remark—but all the more special for its simplicity. Treating me, an F-rank and conspicuous curiosity, as just another participant.

“Really?”

I replied lightly, then tried it—and it was delicious. I offered Yuhyun and Noah tastes as well.

‘This really has changed.’

I’d expected it to take longer. It was just the beginning, but still. I glanced over and saw Song Taewon half-buried in an oversized beanbag. He could rest in peace, but he chose the crowded outdoor area. I didn’t spot Hyunah, Soyeong, Riette, or Yerim yet. I recalled our first meeting.

‘Yuhyun was so mistrustful at first too.’

It’s been less than a year, but it feels like a decade. And the one most cautious—still maybe not fully trusting—

‘Oh, he’s coming out now.’

Despite his light shirt, his hair slightly tousled, flip-flops… I even wore slippers out here. Gyeol hopped down from Seong Hyunjae’s shoulder and waved a forepaw. They both did great.

“Just a moment.”

I told Yuhyun and Noah to wait, then approached Seong Hyunjae. Gyeol hurried onto my shoulder, wrapping his neck around me. I muted my mic and whispered to Seong Hyunjae.

“I feel a bit uneasy that neither you nor Gyeol gained any benefit, especially Gyeol.”

“Being a spectator wasn’t bad either. One particular thief was quite kind.”

Seong Hyunjae smiled; I felt embarrassed. I really didn’t know at the time!

“…Did you ever imagine the mighty Guild Leader Seong would hit rock bottom? How did you become a slave? I still don’t get it.”

“I just walked here. That’s all.”

What is he talking about? Did the monster never show? It sounded like he’d been captured as a slave at random. I thought slaves were assigned by rank order. In any case—

I slipped two gold coins to Seong Hyunjae.

“One’s for Gyeol.”

“Han Yujin, you owe me no favors.”

“I did help you, though. And I won solo, so just take it.”

“You’re still so generous.”

“…Actually, the thief wasn’t me—there were twins among them—but anyway!”

Thankfully, I wasn’t in my original form… though the broadcast showed both original and monster appearances. Damn, would they honor a deletion request? I muttered as a few hunters approached us.

“Is that fairy dragon your mount, Guild Leader Seong?”

“Huh?”

“They announced an F-rank at Dodam, but it doesn’t look like a common low-tier monster, and you carry it around.”

“Besides, it’s a flying dragon-type.”

Gyeol flicked his tail in annoyance. Fair enough—they’d think that. I hadn’t explained why Seong Hyunjae brought an F-rank fairy dragon to the party; they’d assume he was a mount. I unmuted and gave the hunters a businesslike smile.

“I can’t reveal details yet, but it is indeed a monster connected to Guild Leader Seong.”

– Grrr.

Gyeol grumbled softly. He’d actually gotten a little help from Seong Hyunjae—though Seong had no intention of letting him go. Seong offered a gentle smile.

“It truly is the child of Director Han and me.”

“The Dodam mount-breeding facility raises baby monsters with the same care and love as real children~”

I spoke shamelessly. I’d heard such claims many times before.

“That’s right. Director Han and I also have a child.”

Moon Hyunah appeared, smiling at her phone’s photo of “Sorok,” and regarded me kindly.

“You work hard raising our kid, Director Han.”

“U-uh.”

“Our Comet too! And going forward!”

Kang Soyeong interjected, taking my hand.

“Director Han, I think the more kids the better! Let’s form a football team!”

“I’ll… do my best……”

“Hyung, what about our kid?”

Yuhyun appeared holding Peace. Peace growled softly but didn’t struggle.

“Thanks for raising Peace.”

“Uh… yeah. Let’s keep getting along well……”

“I don’t need a mount, though……”

Noah sighed.

“Bellaure and I are bonded, aren’t we!”

Riette babbled. Fine for Bellaure, but why include Noah?

“Sir!”

Then Yerim called out. “Wait, Yerim!” I shook my head urgently. Everyone else fine, but not you! Even if it’s mount talk, stop the nonsense! Thankfully, Yerim, disappointed, pointed at Director Song.

“There’s Song-yi between you and Director Song, right? Director Song, show us the photo!”

Song Taewon stayed silent. How did Yerim know? Did she hack his phone?

The hunters looked at me. The broadcast must still be live—hah. Stay calm.

“Every Dodam mount is cherished. We refuse commissions from hunters who won’t cherish them. The commission requirements are strict. It’s not just about raising them. We work so mounts—monsters that can live alongside people—can coexist naturally in the hunter world and beyond.”

Like my own child! Hunters who take mounts must cherish them like their own—but that might look like PPL.

“One day I’d like to entrust a child to Director Han too.”

“Ahaha, yes. I’ll be waiting for your call.”

Why not? It’s good if they’ll care for them. I told them truly that Seong Hyunjae had mount contracts with Dodam. There’d been Comet and Bare before—and this was already the third. Hayeon had the most.

“We want to entrust more too.”

Moon Hyunah said a bit wistfully. But talk only—before their guild’s independence, they’d hide top-tier baby monsters even if they got them. They said Sorok might be an issue on independence day.

After eating and sinking into a beanbag, more hunters approached me. They asked if we could talk privately; I stood and muted again.

“You said Han Yujin’s transformation is a skill.”

“Yes. It’s not very useful. As I said, my stats remain F-rank.”

“But the fact there is such a skill—”

“Means monsters like that could exist.”

A sharp observation. Of course some hunters would wonder. I looked at them more seriously.

“I can’t say for sure. But I won’t deny it.”

The hunters fell silent. Some just relish dungeon conquests and awakened power, but others doubt the very nature of dungeons—phenomena unexplainable by conventional knowledge.

“So.”

One hunter spoke up.

“We’re not completely clueless. We think Korean hunters—and Director Han—know more. Like the White Research Lab at the mount facility, and now ChatterBox’s party.”

“…Isn’t it also certain Director Han and ChatterBox share a personal connection?”

I nodded slightly.

“I don’t know everything, nor can I reveal all I do know. But it is true that dungeons aren’t mere natural phenomena.”

Someday they might learn more. Or perhaps they’ll never know and peace will endure. The hunters exchanged complex looks. What could I tell them?

“Just one thing.”

The hunter spoke again.

“Can we do it too?”

A question full of meaning. Hesitant, I steadied myself and answered directly.

“Yes, of course.”

If we unite as in the game to protect them, we can surely stop the dungeons. Our world’s hunters aren’t weak. Even before all this, they’d managed some cooperation.

What comes beyond that is…

Moments later, staff announced the awards ceremony was about to begin.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep