Chapter 13

The next morning.

With a fluttering heart, I set out from home early.

Using public transportation, I arrived at the Wings Guild building.

When I entered the office, two familiar people greeted me.

Da-young was sitting relaxed, sipping coffee, while Han-gyeol, who had been sprawled on the table, sat up.

“Si-hyun, welcome!”

“Oh, it’s been a while. Si-hyun.”

“Hello.”

After exchanging light greetings, I took a seat beside her following Da-young’s gesture.

“Want a cup of coffee?”

“No, I just came to pick up the items and leave.”

“You don’t have to rush, do you?”

“…I don’t have anything else to do here, right?”

“Hmm… well, yeah.”

With a slightly disappointed look, Da-young summoned her status window.

She then pulled out two bracelets and handed them to me.

“They’re a set as we discussed last time. Want to check their functions?”

“Yes.”

I took the bracelets and examined them.

Without a status window, I’d need detailed analysis to fully understand their abilities.

But I trust Da-young anyway.

I nodded and pocketed the items.

“For now, they only have an alarm for danger and location tracking, but let’s make better ones later.”

“Looking forward to that.”

“Of course!”

We shook hands.

These items are designed for regular folks too.

I also learned how to use them so I could teach Si-yoon later.

With my errand done, I thought it was time to head back and stood up.

At that moment, by chance, my eyes met Han-gyeol’s.

He seemed to be hesitating about something.

“…Is there something you need?”

“Ah, no. But…”

Han-gyeol moved his lips.

I tilted my head in confusion, then suddenly remembered something I talked about with Da-young during a drinking session.

“Han-gyeol.”

“Yes, yes!”

“Do you want to exchange numbers?”

“WHAT?!”

Han-gyeol’s mouth stretched almost to his ears.

“Y-Yes!”

“Alright.”

“…”

A laugh echoed, and I turned to see Da-young covering her mouth, giggling.

What’s so funny?

Anyway, I successfully exchanged numbers with Han-gyeol.

Someday when I have more contacts, it might not feel like much…

But right now, I can’t even fill one screen.

Just having one more contact made me feel…

A little excited, maybe? My heart tingled pleasantly.

I’ll keep growing this list. Hehe…

“See you next time.”

“Yes ma’am!”

“See ya.”

We exchanged casual goodbyes again before stepping out.

My phone buzzed with a message from Si-yoon.

– Ji-a unnie is coming to Seoul today! She’ll drop by our place tonight.

Looks like I’ll get to meet an old friend after all.

* * *

Academy.

An institution established after the Great Cataclysm to improve hunters’ efficiency and stability.

Most hunters being adults, the system borrows heavily from universities.

Though it’s still a distinct organization with many differences.

One notable example is that most professors are either active or retired hunters.

A vehicle pulled into the Academy grounds.

Parking in front of the faculty building.

The driver’s door opened, revealing a young woman with a refined appearance stepping out.

Her neatly pressed business suit complemented her mid-length hair falling just below her shoulders.

Apparently a frequent visitor, she walked confidently inside.

Stopping in front of a door marked:

[President’s Office – Academy]

Knocking twice, she entered upon hearing a response.

A woman in her late 30s rose from her seat behind the desk.

“Ji-a, you’re here?”

“It’s been a while, President.”

They exchanged pleasantries before moving to the consultation desk and sitting across from each other.

“I heard about it. You cleared a medium-sized B-rank dungeon alone in the provinces?”

“Well, I am A-rank too.”

“Still, going solo is dangerous.”

The president shook her head lightly.

While dungeon ranks, scales, and hunter classes vary greatly…

Typically, considering both profit and safety, groups of four or more hunters of the same rank form the most common parties.

This becomes increasingly important for higher-ranked dungeons.

Even though A-rank hunters are rare, going solo is uncommon.

“So why did you retire first?”

“Hey, is that my fault?”

The two exchanged playful banter, having been partners back when the president was still an active hunter.

They casually chatted over coffee, catching up on recent events.

Stories from Ji-a’s dungeon runs.

Challenges the president faced managing the Academy.

“Shortage of faculty?”

“Yeah, if they weren’t retired, being a hunter pays much better.”

“That’s true.”

“Our mana research isn’t progressing well either. Do you think we’ll ever get a returnee like America did…?”

“Hmm…”

It’s been just over five years since the Great Cataclysm.

A short time perhaps, but quite long too.

Countries worldwide are actively researching mana and status windows.

Various uses for mana stones as new resources are being discovered.

However, the slow progress of research remains a fact.

Nothing has been uncovered about the principles of mana or status windows.

While gate appearances have become somewhat predictable, their causes remain unknown.

Some special dungeons appear without warning too.

“Wanna teach a semester course?”

“We’ll see.”

“You’re probably just gonna be busy running around dungeons again.”

“Aha…”

The president’s muttering earned a slightly awkward laugh from Ji-a.

More trivial conversations followed.

As time approached, Ji-a stood up first.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

“Take care getting home.”

Exchanging farewells, Ji-a left the President’s Office and checked the time.

Leaving now would get her to Si-yoon’s place at just the right time.

* * *

Ding dong!

Ji-a rang the bell after stocking up on food.

After a moment, a young woman with a cool expression peeked out.

“Hmm?”

“Ah…”

Having already communicated through Si-yoon, the two immediately recognized each other despite the five-year separation.

“Is that really Si-hyun?”

“Uh… Long time no see.”

Si-hyun gave an awkward smile and stepped aside to let Ji-a in.

Si-hyun headed to the living room first, while Ji-a watched her retreating back after taking off her shoes.

It was surprising, even though she had been warned.

“Unnie, welcome!”

“Doing well?”

Si-yoon happily greeted Ji-a.

For the five years since her brother Si-hyun went missing in the Great Cataclysm…

It was Ji-a who helped and supported Si-yoon, orphaned.

This led to the two becoming close like real sisters.

Si-hyun watched Ji-a put down her bag for a moment before speaking.

“Uhm… Ji-a…”

“Yes?”

“So… uh…”

Si-hyun hesitated momentarily.

Seeing her former classmate transformed into an elegant beauty filled her with admiration.

Her neat demeanor and confident face.

Si-hyun had always liked these qualities about Ji-a.

“Um, first of all, I wanted to thank you! For taking such good care of our Si-yoon. Truly, I’m very grateful.”

Ji-a’s eyes widened briefly.

Then she smiled warmly and spoke plainly.

“Hehe, I just helped out occasionally. Right, Si-yoon?”

“Yeah, especially when settling into Seoul!”

“Not that anywhere’s perfectly safe, but Seoul’s still the best option in Korea.”

After finishing her sentence, Ji-a helped Si-hyun stand up.

While receiving thanks felt nice,

It wasn’t given expecting repayment.

Now it felt overly formal.

“Wow, honestly, it’s been five years so I barely remember what you used to look like… You’ve changed so much?”

“…I still feel strange myself.”

Ji-a playfully exaggerated, earning a wry smile from Si-hyun.

Afterward, the three began unpacking the contents of Ji-a’s bag.

Setting out food on the table and moving drinks to the fridge.

Once everything was prepared and everyone settled comfortably, they started catching up.

Ji-a spoke first to Si-yoon.

“Si-yoon, how’s your roo—EEP! EEP!”

In a flash, Si-yoon covered Ji-a’s mouth.

“Hahaha! Is my room messy?”

“Embarrassing! …I’ll clean it thoroughly.”

“Okay, talking about cleaning your room then.”

Si-hyun tilted her head in confusion.

‘This place seems clean enough already,’ she thought.

Seeing Si-hyun’s reaction, Si-yoon sighed in relief.

“By the way, haven’t details about returnees been released yet?”

“Nope, not yet.”

Ji-a gazed thoughtfully at Si-hyun.

Since even the Academy president didn’t know, it must be restricted information.

She only knew the basics Si-yoon had shared.

“Hearing you’re back and that you’re a hunter now… What rank?”

“E-rank.”

“Ah. And your class?”

“Paladin.”

After answering, Si-hyun heard soft chuckles from beside her.

Si-yoon was covering her mouth, trying to suppress laughter.

…Guess there’s no point hiding it then.

Changing her mind, Si-hyun spoke up.

“…Actually, I was a Holy Maiden.”

“Huh? Could you repeat that?”

Ji-a’s keen ears caught the words, but her comprehension lagged behind.

So Si-yoon repeated it for her.

“Holy… Maiden.”

Each syllable emphasized clearly.

Realizing finally, Ji-a stared blankly at Si-hyun.

“…Why.”

“Just because.”

Ji-a pondered silently.

Admittedly, Si-hyun’s current appearance fits the title ‘Holy Maiden’ perfectly.

Immaculately pure white hair.

Beautiful golden eyes shining like divine light.

Upon closer inspection, her gentle smile even looks compassionate.

“…Would praying bring down blessings?”

“If you’re entering a dungeon, I’ll do it for you.”

The two shared a quiet laugh, giggling softly.

“E-rank must be fake info, right?”

“Probably?”

“Can I ask your real rank?”

“…Not B, probably around A?”

Si-hyun thought carefully.

The higher the rank, the greater the disparity even among hunters of the same level.

I’ve heard S-rank transcends human limits.

Transcending humans… Sounds like Hero party level, right?

That’s why Si-hyun figured she was roughly at this level.

Also, since the American returnee was reportedly B-rank,

It seemed about right.

Besides, comparing someone purely using mana and holy power like herself

To hunters benefiting from status window adjustments wouldn’t be fair anyway.

“Wow, now I’m curious. Heard you’re A-rank, right?”

“Yeah, from Si-yoon.”

“Wanna go to a dungeon together tomorrow?”

“Uh… D-rank, right?”

Being E-rank, even with a partner, D-rank would be the limit.

Pointing this out, but Ji-a shook her head.

“Special applications allow higher levels too. C-rank dungeons aren’t experienced yet, right? How about trying one here?”

“…Sure?”

Si-hyun became curious about how strong an actual A-rank hunter was.

At the same time, Ji-a grew curious too.

Just how skilled was Si-hyun, a returnee and Holy Maiden?

Their curiosity aligned.

“Wow, leaving me out. Being non-awakened is sad…”

“Hehe, how about shopping with Unnie instead? What do you think about weekend?”

“Sounds great! Unnie will come too, right?”

Si-yoon looked at Si-hyun.

But Si-hyun shook her head.

“Shopping’s not really my thing… Have fun you two.”

“Pfft…”

Si-yoon pouted, but Si-hyun deliberately ignored her.

Going along would just be tiring.

“Alright, let’s eat before it gets cold!”

Ji-a began opening the food containers she brought.

Delicious scents of meat and seasonings filled the living room.

“Remember you liked spicy stuff back then, Si-hyun. So I specially got this.”

“Uh, y-yeah…”

It was chicken feet in spicy sauce.

Si-hyun appreciated Ji-a remembering, but could feel her facial muscles twitching.

Should I try the salt-only version instead?

No, pride won’t let me surrender before even starting.

Carefully, Si-hyun tasted the spicy chicken.

“Cough! Cough!”

“Are you alright?!”

She surrendered immediately.

But amidst the pain, Si-hyun firmly resolved:

I’ll adapt eventually and conquer this someday…