Chapter 91

The state of the world kept changing.

And those changes gradually colored the world like watercolors spreading across water.

[(Breaking News) Russia: Failed Observation Gate near the Arctic goes berserk.]

[High-rank Dungeons are increasing in occurrence.]

[B-rank Hunter Wan Kim decides to naturalize in China.]

[Japan successfully clears an S-rank Dungeon but loses many Hunters.]

Every day, the media churned out articles related to Gates.

In this situation, guilds and countries around the world were desperate for talent.

Amidst all this…

A top-tier rookie appeared in Korea.

Go Ah-reum.

Still a D-rank but leveling up at an incredible speed. And she’s a Supporter!

The rumors about her spread like wildfire, sparking interest from many guilds.

But despite numerous attempts to contact her…

“I’m already with Professor Jeong Si-hyun!”

She cut them all down cold.

This only increased interest in said Professor Jeong Si-hyun.

“Isn’t that the woman from Hunter Kang Cheol-min’s special lecture?”

“I hear her lectures are insane.”

There wasn’t much information available,

but one thing was clear:

She had an exotic look and extraordinary abilities.

Many people swallowed hard at the thought.

Then, on Monday…

“Huh?! A party invitation?!”

Ah-reum, who had been lounging around at home, received a special invite from the Management Bureau.

None other than to Hunter Kim Ji-a’s promotion celebration party.

It was both a way to encourage and shine a light on the promising future talent, Ah-reum.

After finishing the call, Ah-reum sat there, confused.

Kim Ji-a’s celebration party…

Party… Party… I don’t have anything decent to wear!

I’ve never even shopped for something like this before!

The only person who could help her now… Professor Jeong Si-hyun!

Not only is she my mentor, but she also knows Hunter Kim Ji-a—perfect!

Ah-reum quickly tapped away on her phone.

– Professor! Please help me!

– Huh? What’s wrong?

– You got an invite to Hunter Kim Ji-a’s party too, right? I just got invited, but I don’t have anything to wear!

The “1” disappeared almost instantly after reading.

But unlike before, it took longer for a reply.

– Are you busy…?

– No, no. It’s fine.

– Could you help me shop for something to wear…?

– Hmm, I see. Give me a moment…

Ah-reum waited anxiously, her hands trembling.

An S-rank Hunter’s party… I don’t own a single outfit suitable for such an occasion.

I’ve never even tried on anything like that before!

I desperately needed someone to help me shop.

One minute, two minutes passed…

Five minutes later…

– Reinforcements are ready! Let’s go shopping tomorrow evening.

– Waaaah! Professor, thank you so much! You’re the best!

A positive response finally came through.

Ah-reum cheered into the air triumphantly.

* * *

Time passed, and it was now Tuesday evening.

Ah-reum arrived early at the meeting spot, hunching her shoulders as she looked around nervously.

Everyone passing by was dressed beautifully, making her feel incredibly plain in comparison.

“…Will the new clothes I bought fit in?”

Ah-reum shrank back shyly.

Just then…

“Ah-reum! Hi!”

A gentle voice called out her name.

Ah-reum’s face lit up as she turned toward the sound.

“Huh…?”

Confused, she removed her glasses to rub her eyes and put them back on.

She then carefully studied the person accompanying the professor.

That person under the cap… it couldn’t be…

“…Hunter Kim Ji-a?!”

Turns out, the “reinforcements” were none other than the star of the promotion party herself!

This unexpected identity left Ah-reum wide-eyed in shock.

“This is your esteemed disciple?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Si-hyun smiled warmly as she introduced Ah-reum to Ji-a.

After the introduction, Ji-a spoke softly.

“To already be D-rank is quite impressive.”

“No, not at all! It’s all thanks to Professor Jeong Si-hyun! And please speak casually!”

When Ji-a complimented her, Ah-reum blushed furiously and stammered out her reply.

Ji-a nodded with a smile before continuing her conversation with Si-hyun.

“What’s keeping Si-yoon from coming?”

“She has a punishment broadcast today.”

“Ah. Anyway, didn’t think you’d ever reveal it.”

“It wasn’t revealed—it was uncovered.”

“Sure, sure.”

Si-hyun and Ji-a exchanged friendly banter.

Ah-reum watched them silently, mesmerized.

* * *

“How about this one?”

“Wow, that looks great!”

“You look good in everything, Ah-reum.”

“Hehe…”

The trio leisurely enjoyed their shopping time at the brand store.

Ji-a and Ah-reum chatted happily while browsing through outfits.

Si-hyun stood slightly apart, observing them.

‘Thank goodness Ji-a offered to help.’

This wasn’t exactly her strong suit.

She never really cared much about fashion, but she couldn’t ignore a student in need either.

Thanks to Ji-a, she was saved.

“Do you not plan to get fitted, Si-hyun?”

When Ah-reum finished shopping, Ji-a asked with anticipation.

“Huh? Nah, I’ll just wear a suit.”

“Come on, don’t be like that. Get something new. Pleeease?”

Ji-a quickly saw through Si-hyun’s hesitation.

“I just want to match designs with you. Is that okay?”

“Umm…”

“It’ll look even better if we coordinate colors too! Parties like this don’t happen often, so I want to enjoy it properly.”

“…Alright.”

The idea of enjoying the party proved irresistible.

Si-hyun finally gave in.

“Hehe, good choice! What about you, Ah-reum?”

“I-I want to look too!”

“Great! Let’s go!”

The three climbed into Ji-a’s car, heading toward a high-end boutique.

Ji-a confidently chose the store without hesitation.

Through Ji-a, the Management Bureau had been funneling funds to Si-hyun, so Ji-a knew exactly how deep her pockets were.

Plenty of room to splurge.

Si-hyun didn’t worry about money either.

But the real issue lay elsewhere.

“How about this?”

“…Too revealing.”

“What about this one?”

“…Do I HAVE to wear a dress?”

Ji-a’s recommendations were dangerous.

Each piece was undeniably beautiful…

But the thought of actually wearing them…

“…Embarrassing.”

Si-hyun glanced nervously at Ji-a, who greeted her with a bright smile.

‘I appreciate the consideration…’

It wasn’t overly revealing.

She just wasn’t used to it, hence the discomfort.

Si-hyun subtly shifted her gaze toward Ah-reum.

The girl was watching her with sparkling eyes.

‘Is Ah-reum more excited than me…?’

Her excitement was palpable.

Could she already be imagining what Si-hyun would look like in the outfits?

Si-hyun awkwardly chuckled and returned her focus to the clothes.

“…Hmm.”

Fine, let’s give it a try!

She decided to push herself further.

If she could manage fancy dresses, surely she could handle this too!

Si-hyun mustered her courage.

She always wanted to appear cool and dazzling in front of her students.

“What about the dress you’ll wear, Ji-a?”

“Want to see a picture?”

“Sure.”

As Si-hyun’s attitude shifted positively, the shopping experience flowed smoothly.

They even picked out some simple accessories.

And then…

“…Didn’t expect this.”

They ended up purchasing high heels as well.

Back home, Si-hyun gently placed the shoe box down with trembling hands.

Exhausted from the shopping spree, she collapsed onto the couch.

She wanted to rest and deal with the aftermath later.

* * *

The week flew by in a flash.

Jia’s S-rank promotion ceremony, attended by World Hunter Association staff, went off without a hitch.

Jia officially became an S-rank Hunter and cemented her status as South Korea’s undisputed strongest spear specialist.

No one could deny her standing.

Meanwhile, Si-hyun…

Began practicing at home for the upcoming party.

“Pfft! Sister, what IS that?!”

“Hey, stop laughing. This is serious!”

Though Si-hyun tried to maintain a straight face, Si-yoon clutched her stomach laughing uncontrollably.

“Are you serious, sis?! How can I NOT laugh?!”

“Je-baal…”

Si-yoon continued teasing her older sister.

She knew Si-hyun would adapt quickly.

This was the perfect time to tease her while she struggled with the new shoes.

“Eh, sis, why are you walking like a patient? You’re not planning to walk like that at the party, are you?”

“It-I’ll adjust soon! Just wait and see!”

Si-yoon kept ribbing her sister.

Of course, Si-hyun would master walking in heels soon enough.

This first attempt was prime teasing material.

“Whoa, sis, careful! You’re gonna fall!”

“…Why aren’t you helping instead of just sitting there laughing?”

“HAHAHA!”

Si-hyun glared at her sister, who was enthusiastically cheering her on from the sidelines.

Naturally, it had zero effect.

She sighed lightly and took another step.

Again, her footing wobbled dangerously due to the 8cm thin heels.

“…I’m sealing these as soon as the party’s over.”

“Nah, don’t! Your legs look AMAZING! The heels definitely make them look longer and slimmer.”

“So what? They’re still uncomfortable.”

“You’ll adjust eventually.”

“Of course I will…”

Pouting, Si-hyun carefully moved her high-heeled feet.

Seeing this, Si-yoon burst into laughter again.