Chapter 18

After clearing the A-rank Dungeon, I returned home.

I spent my days glued to the couch, becoming one with it.

But even so, this couch? It’s softer and better than any otherworldly bed…

When Si-yoon asked if I was uncomfortable, I honestly thought, “Do I really need to buy a bed?”

Though, when I eventually move to a new place, that’ll be a different story.

For now, this is more than enough.

As usual, while watching streamer Momobin’s live broadcast on TV…

The doorbell rang. When I checked, Ji-a had come over.

Oh right, she messaged me earlier that she’d visit tonight. Got so into the stream I forgot.

“Hi.”

“Come on in!”

As we headed to the living room, Ji-a’s eyes caught the TV.

《Ahggghhh…》

There was Momobin restarting her game at Beginner’s Village again. Despite all our cheers, she still hasn’t cleared it.

I glanced at Ji-a as she sat down. Her eyes were fixed on the screen…

Hmm…

“Uh, should I change it? Is there something you want to watch?”

“Nah, it’s fine. I watch sometimes too.”

“…Really?! For real?!”

I was genuinely surprised.

I didn’t expect Ji-a to also be a fan.

Finding a fellow enthusiast so close by was unexpected.

All traces of embarrassment disappeared, replaced by pure joy.

“Ri-ight… Isn’t Momobin just the cutest?”

“Oh my…”

Ji-a covered her mouth and smiled.

She must agree, right?

“I prefer Momobin over big companies. She has potential to be more famous. It’s weird.”

“Are you disappointed?”

“Of course! Good things should be enjoyed together.”

《Whyyyyyy…》

Just then, Momobin let out another groan on screen. Back to Beginner’s Village again. Poor thing…

Ji-a giggled softly.

I briefly checked my phone during this moment.

《Ahhhggg…》

– hahahahaha

– kekekeke

– Tae-ha

– Time wasted kekkek

– kekekekekekeke

I should join in too.

– (HappySauce)

《Kyaahhhh…》

Momobin is just too lovable.

Watching streams really is fun.

As I looked up from my phone, Ji-a spoke.

“Is Si-yoon working?”

“Yeah, she said not to disturb her when working. No entry allowed.”

“Hehe, makes sense.”

Ji-a gave a playful smile.

Wondering why she made that expression, I stared at her, but she just shrugged it off.

Meanwhile, Ji-a started putting away the items she brought into the fridge.

It was various types of alcohol.

“Alcohol?”

“Oh, did I forget to mention? We agreed to drink together.”

“…I didn’t hear that.”

“Ah, I only talked to Si-yoon about it. Though… don’t you like drinking?”

“Yeah.”

The problem is my tolerance.

Still, I don’t dislike it.

“Have you drank recently?”

“Once with an acquaintance. Three beers was my limit. Any more and I might blackout.”

“Hmm, you’ve gotten really weak compared to before.”

“…If I keep drinking, I’ll build back up.”

Everyone starts out weak.

Anyway, whatever.

I’ll gradually adapt and return to how I used to be. Yep.

While reaffirming this, Ji-a finished organizing and relaxed as she spoke.

“By the way, do you know Director Jang Han-soo from the Management Department?”

“Yeah, I know him.”

“I met with Director today. During our conversation, I realized a few things.”

“…?”

Ji-a stared at me intently for a moment before speaking.

“Are you planning to continue hiding things and living like this?”

“Mm…for now?”

“I see. Then here are a few things you should know.”

“Huh?”

Confused, I tilted my head as Ji-a raised a finger and began explaining.

“First, you’re using the Hunter app. All your dungeon runs are recorded.”

“…Hm?”

“Everything – whether you clear them in bulk or who you go with.”

“…Ah, oh no! I didn’t think about that…”

“It’s understandable since you’ve only been back for a short while.”

So despite trying to hide things, everything showed. That’s why Director called to consult further?

I finally understood Director’s actions.

“…How much have I exposed?”

“Well, it’s true that you’re doing a good job hiding.”

“Wha, really?!”

Surprised, I shouted, causing Ji-a to laugh warmly in response.

“While they suspect you’re unusual, they apparently know nothing concrete.”

“Uh huh.”

“Director said there haven’t been any specific reports yet about strange behavior either. You can consider most people unaware.”

“Oh…”

Good news.

My trust in Director increased slightly.

While nodding, Ji-a raised another finger and continued.

“Next, how often do you use the internet? Community sites?”

“When I have time?”

“Then have you seen anything about someone in mysterious nun robes suddenly appearing at an A-rank Gate?”

“…No.”

Now that I think about it, I’ve never seen anything like that.

Even if my identity wasn’t revealed, there should have been rumors like ‘Mysterious Figure Appears at Gate!’

“That outfit, Director knows about it. He concealed the information within his authority.”

“Wow…”

My trust in Director rose even more.

He might be a decent person after all.

Next time he calls, I should answer properly.

Thank you, Director.

“Anyway, he asked me to pass along a message. He’ll follow your wishes if you stay in Korea.”

“Huh? I’m Korean, so of course I’ll be in Korea.”

“Younger brother obsessed much?”

“…”

Wait, saying it like that sounds weird.

We just get along well, that’s all.

“Hehe, I didn’t mean it negatively. Anyway, what do you think about asking Director for a D-rank rating?”

“Can I do that?”

“The Management Bureau is pretty flexible. They’ll apply exceptions for you.”

“Um…”

Not a bad suggestion, but…

“No, I’ll do it myself if needed.”

“Hehe, good choice.”

Ji-a nodded approvingly.

Right then…

The door opened and Si-yoon came into the living room.

“Ji-a, you’re here?”

“Yeah. Now that you’re done, shall we order food?”

Si-yoon nodded and plopped down on the floor.

Momobin’s live stream had already ended.

I quietly handed the remote to Si-yoon.

“…Sis.”

“Yeah? What’s wrong?”

“Were you and Ji-a watching Momobin’s stream together?”

“Yeah, Ji-a watches often too.”

“Ugh…”

Si-yoon sighed deeply.

Must be tired.

“Feels like Happy Sauce…”

“…?”

Where have I heard that before?

…Hmm, can’t quite remember. Probably a mistake.

“Hey, how about this?”

“What, what?”

Ji-a held out her phone, catching Si-yoon’s attention immediately.

Let the two handle the menu.

I leaned back comfortably on the sofa and waited.

“Will sis be able to eat this?”

“Will this be too much for her?”

“…”

Hold on.

“What are you looking at?”

“Fried stuff! Thinking about ordering tteokbokki too.”

Si-yoon replied energetically.

Tteokbokki. Not bad at all.

“You can order as spicy as you want.”

“Really? For real? You won’t regret it?”

“I can handle fried noodles now.”

I practice tongue training daily.

Don’t underestimate me, got it?

“Heh. Sis, you can always heal with holy power or something, right? It’s basically a cheat code.”

“…Give credit to the spirit of challenge.”

“Yep, yep. Amazing! So today, start with milk first.”

“…Okay.”

Though the compliment felt half-hearted…

Whatever. Following advice, I’ll start with milk.

Glug glug.

Finished off a small pack in no time.

Before long, Ji-a and Si-yoon were chatting happily, having already placed the order.

I sat on the sofa listening to their conversation.

Time passed quickly, and soon the delivery arrived.

Setting up the food neatly on the dining table…

Ji-a, heading towards the fridge, spoke.

“I’m going to drink some sake. What will Si-yoon and Si-hyun have?”

“Eh? You brought that too?”

“Thought of it randomly while at the mart.”

Ji-a pulled out a plump black bottle and shook it lightly to show us.

Junmai Daiginjo?

Having only ever drank soju or beer, I have no idea what this is.

“Want to try?”

“Hehe, if you don’t like it, we can switch to beer. At least give it a taste.”

Ji-a placed the bottle on the table.

Checking the label, it says 16.5% alcohol content.

“Not super high, right?”

“It’s similar to cheongju.”

“Aha.”

Si-yoon quickly set up the glasses.

Ji-a poured into three cups.

“Cheers!”

We all took a sip.

Mm…hard to describe? A mix of sourness and sweetness washed over me.

Not bad.

“You seem to like it?”

“Hm? Yeah. It’s good. I might pick this up if I see it.”

Always eating and drinking the same things gets boring.

Occasionally enjoying something different like this isn’t bad at all.

Taking another sip.

The buzz is starting to rise gently.

This feeling is wonderful.

Satisfied, I gazed at my glass and looked up.

Si-yoon was enthusiastically talking to Ji-a.

“Ji-a, wow! You’re getting really famous. What are you planning to do next?”

“What do I plan to do?”

“Join a large guild! Form parties with famous people!”

“Aah.”

Responding to Si-yoon’s question, Ji-a nodded and answered.

“I intend to keep doing what I’ve been doing. Taking Management Bureau requests while feeling like a quasi-civil servant.”

“Why? Is there a specific reason you have to do that?”

“Umm…”

As Si-yoon urged for reasons, Ji-a’s gaze turned towards me.

Ji-a’s cheeks were slightly red, probably tipsy.

Looking back at Si-yoon, Ji-a continued.

“Working continuously with uncomfortable people is quite exhausting.”

“Yup, that’s true.”

“Until I find someone I truly trust to cover my back, I’ll likely keep going solo.”

“Aha!”

Si-yoon vigorously nodded, understanding.

And the next target was me.

“Sis, when will you become independent?”

“Wha-!”

“Ah, no! Don’t make that face! I didn’t mean it like that…”

Si-yoon fidgeted with her fingers as she continued.

“It’s just…you sleep on the couch every day, so it’s concerning…”

“This couch is perfectly fine. Why doesn’t anyone appreciate its charm?”

“…Yeahyeah.”

Si-yoon shook her head while taking a sip of alcohol.

Watching this, Ji-a chuckled and spoke.

“Speaking of which, Si-hyun.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you free tomorrow?”

“Overflowing with free time. What’s up?”

At my response, Ji-a smiled mischievously, placing her hands in front of her chest as she spoke.

“Then, would you accompany me? I need to visit the President at the Academy, but it’s boring going alone.”

“Hmm…do I have any specific tasks or responsibilities?”

“Of course not! Just think of it as going out for fresh air.”

“If that’s the case, sure.”

Seemed satisfied with my answer, Ji-a grinned widely.

Hearing about the Academy constantly feels familiar.

This might be a good chance to check out what kind of place it is.

“One more drink?”

“Sure.”

“Cheers!”

With Ji-a’s words, we all raised our glasses together.

Drinking with close friends like this…

Is truly enjoyable and happy times.

“Cough cough!”

“Whoa, sis! Here’s water!”

And the tteokbokki was spicy.

Damn…!