Chapter 33

Since Spatial Expansion Magic, which can artificially expand space, exists…

The Association appeared much larger on the inside than from the outside.

To me, whether viewed from the outside or the inside, it was incredibly vast, and I thought, “What’s the difference?” But according to Seorin, there was at least several times the difference, and she continued explaining.

“So even if lots of hunters come into the Association, the reason there’s still extra space is because of that.”

“Whoa…”

“Isn’t it amazing?”

I nodded my head while looking around the Association and then quietly whispered to the viewers by pulling out my phone from my pocket.

“While we’re at it, let’s find a place to set up the Lair.”

Even though the Association didn’t strictly demand solemnity, I spoke softly so as not to disturb the people around me. However, in the chat window, “hahahaha” quickly started popping up.

[NaDoHoiGwiHaGgyoSiKka – hahahahaha Seriously? Are you whispering just to us because you want to secretly build the Lair where others won’t know?]

[MuriMuriNalara – Aww hahaha Our Hae-un is so cute! She doesn’t even realize what she’s doing. Poor thing.]

[TrooBee – Everyone, SHHH! Let’s keep this secret safe!]

I had only spoken softly to avoid inconveniencing others, but it seemed everyone assumed I was trying to keep the location of the Lair hidden. Feeling a little wronged, I shook my head vigorously to deny it, but everyone kept sending “haha” messages and refused to believe me.

‘Sad…’

How did things turn out like this? Wondering if I really lacked credibility, I was sulking when Seorin pointed towards the back of the stairs and asked:

“How about over there? Not many people walk around there, and there’s dirt too.”

Indeed, it looked fine as Seorin said. There was a small park-like resting area nearby, and since it was tucked away in a corner, not many people passed through either. It seemed like a place where ants and ladybugs would be happy without causing much inconvenience. Nodding my head, I showed the location to the viewers.

“What do you think about here…?”

[HaeUniGwiYeoWae – Not sure, but show us Hae-un’s face first! She’s so cute~]

[ApguRgiYopguRgi – Seems good? Not many people pass by here, so we won’t get disturbed.]

[DaeHakWonSengMoJibJung – Is this spot good? Sister, why don’t you come to my office? We’ve got plenty of snacks and toys.]

Looking through the reactions, it seemed like everyone approved. So, after getting prior permission from the surrounding people and whoever managed the area, I decided to install the Lair.

‘But there’s nothing special here.’

Because it was such a secluded spot, the surroundings were completely empty. I decided to seek permission from others later and headed toward the manager with Seorin when…

[DaeHakWonSengMoJibJung – I already talked to the Association president and reserved this space exclusively for Hae-un. She can decorate it however she likes.]

Things moved forward faster than expected. Gratefully bowing to Han Arin, I carefully pulled out the crystal from my pocket.

‘Then I’ll place this in the center…’

After placing it… Hmm, what should I do now?

After pacing around the crystal on the ground for a few minutes without figuring out how to use it, I glanced at the chat window and noticed someone kindly offering advice.

[DonManGoSuBangHan – Just touch the crystal and say ‘activate’.]

The method was simpler than I thought, so I bowed gratefully and immediately squatted down to shout ‘Activate’!

[Activation in progress – 1 hour 59 minutes 59 seconds]

As soon as I said it, a hologram-like timer appeared above, glowing blue. Staring at it in amazement…

[DonManGoSuBangHan – While it’s activating, you might want to start building the Lair. Should I send over a Spirit Master?]

At this question, I shook my head vigorously, showing off my strong arms honed from hard training, and declared confidently:

“No way! I can do it myself!”

[DonManGoSuBangHan – Alright then? Haha. If you run into any trouble, feel free to let me know, and I’ll send help right away.]

There probably wouldn’t be an issue, but just in case, I nodded and said “Thank you” before looking around.

‘First, I should block off the surroundings.’

Actually, blankets were the easiest option, but after learning they collapse too easily, I crossed them off the list.

‘So, ideally, I need sturdy materials…’

Like wood, for example. As I stared at the trees in the small park, pondering briefly, I shook my head and dismissed the idea.

‘Those are off-limits.’

Messing with private property is one of the worst inconveniences, so it’d be better to find materials that wouldn’t harm others. After searching thoroughly but finding no suitable wood nearby…

‘What should I do? Should I go with blankets after all?’

While feeling stumped, a sudden brilliant idea popped into my mind.

‘The dump!’

If I’m lucky, I might find an old desk or something to build the Lair. Sharing this thought with Seorin and Chae-a…

“There’s a place I want to check.”

Upon hearing this, both gave me puzzled looks.

*

When we arrived at the dump, Chae-a and Seorin reacted completely differently. Chae-a happily bounced up and down, clearly thrilled.

“It’s full of treasures!”

It looked like she was about to dive into the pile of trash. Trying to calm her down while looking for usable items, I heard Seorin speaking nervously, glancing around uncomfortably.

“Hae-un, if you need materials, I can buy them for you.”

Shaking my head, I chuckled smugly.

“No way! This has mana too!”

“That… isn’t what I meant. Sister…”

Seorin awkwardly alternated between looking at my phone screen and me, forcing a smile. Unable to understand her behavior, I blinked before smiling gently and explaining.

“If it’s the smell bothering you… well, I can handle it alone!”

“No no, that’s not it! Ugh, alright, I’ll help too!”

Seorin sighed in resignation, tying her hair back neatly. Despite my assurance that I was fine, she ignored me, looked around, and asked:

“So, what are we looking for?”

Raising my hand high, I replied:

“To build walls and support structures, we need wood!”

“Oh, walls.”

Seorin paused thoughtfully for a moment before pointing to a nearby desk and asking:

“Would something like this work?”

The desk was in surprisingly good condition, but I was initially worried about taking it. However, upon confirming the trash collection sticker, I could confidently nod.

“Phew, lucky!”

Though not perfect, it seemed good enough to build walls, so I grinned. Wanting to boast to the viewers about finding a decent wall material, I proudly checked my phone…

[JadoSparkling – Wait, why are you kids rummaging through the trash? Is it because you’re hungry?]

[SenPongGiChoeBoYa – Hahaha no way! Even if they were starving, they’re not stray cats to dig through garbage cans!]

[ZeroJoA – I just came in. Why are they going through the trash? Did some adult ask them to clean it up?]

Instead of the reaction I expected, the chat window filled with confusion. Watching my tail wag wildly before suddenly drooping, I felt deflated. Then, a comforting message appeared.

[DonManGoSuBangHan – Why are you picking up a desk?]

Reaching out to touch the desk, I explained honestly:

“To use it as a wall!”

[DonManGoSuBangHan – ??? Walls will automatically form once activated…]

“Huh?”

My whole body squirmed in shock. Blinking repeatedly, I leaned closer to the phone, signaling for an explanation. Half the chats loaded as the helpful viewer quickly responded.

[DonManGoSuBangHan – By infusing mana into the crystal, you can create walls of your desired size and position. Sorry, I should’ve mentioned this earlier.]

“…”

Too stunned to respond, I blankly blinked when suddenly, Chae-a ran up holding a bunch of plastic bottles, giggling.

“There’s treasure galore here…! Chae-a is so happy!”

Hearing this, I realized my trip here wasn’t wasted and regained my determination. Quickly grabbing my wiggling tail, I giggled along with Chae-a. Excitedly, she declared:

“So, Chae-a wants to live here!”

“Hmm?”

“Chae-a likes it here!”

Oh no, she can’t stay here.

Panicking, I shook my head vigorously, but Chae-a didn’t seem to understand, smiling happily and dancing around.

Watching Chae-a like this made me deeply sad, wondering what to do. Nearby, Seorin calmly addressed her:

“If you live here, you won’t be able to stay with Hae-un. Is that okay?”

With those words, Chae-a froze instantly. Her expression turned teary-eyed as she shouted:

“No! No way!”

Then, clinging tightly to me, she yelled to Seorin:

“Not staying here! Chae-a will stay with Hae-un!”

Chae-a hugged me firmly, determined not to let go. As a result, I ended up dangling in her grip. Realizing this wouldn’t work, Chae-a began dragging me somewhere.

“Chae-a…?”

Seorin watched in bewilderment as Chae-a dragged me off, seemingly on an unplanned excursion.

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