Chapter 58

A massive factory was ablaze, its contents reduced to ashes—whether from being smashed and then set alight was unclear. Toxic smoke spread in every direction, making it a no-go zone for civilians. Yet the team assigned by the Guild strode into the inferno without hesitation, seemingly unfazed by the fumes.

“Hmm, this is amusing,” Han Arin muttered with a hollow laugh as she surveyed the scene. Turning to her fellow operatives entering behind her, she added curtly, “Judging from the lack of mana traces, they probably used a mana bomb to wipe everything clean. No need to waste energy; we can just look around briefly and call it a day.”

“But if we don’t find evidence here, the plan might be delayed…” one teammate interjected hesitantly.

Han Arin gave an offhand reply. “Don’t worry about that. There’s always another way to solve things.”

With that, she dispersed mana into the air, raising her staff skyward. Though not her preferred method, given how thoroughly all evidence had been obliterated, there was nothing else to do but proceed this way. Calmly drawing on surrounding mana flows, she began searching intently…

“Mana contrast.”

When someone uses an item imbued with mana, it leaves behind a ‘trace’ of sorts—a faint residue clinging to them for hours afterward. However faint or strong, these traces could linger like breadcrumbs marking their path.

“Of course, since these traces are so vague…”

While nearly impossible, it wasn’t entirely out of the question to track down culprits or missing persons using such faint clues. Determined to give it a shot, Han Arin closed her eyes and carefully sought out any lingering hints.

“…It feels like trying to find a sugar crystal in a desert.”

The sheer complexity overwhelmed her senses: countless items infused with mana, numerous individuals possessing innate magical energy, and artifacts activated even once—all their trails crisscrossing chaotically. Despite the inefficiency, she pressed onward, unwilling to overlook something critical that might help uncover the terrorist group responsible for harming Hae-un earlier.

Just as she wondered if her heightened focus today stemmed from Hae-un’s comforting embrace that morning…

Success! A trace resembling the perpetrator’s signature emerged!

Even a tiny fragment of a clue could lead somewhere meaningful. With renewed determination, she decided to pursue the trail and relayed the news to nearby teammates. “I’ve found it. Follow me.”

And with that, she sprinted ahead, chasing the thread of residual mana. But suddenly, an enormous explosion rocked the area, causing the ground beneath her feet to tremble violently.

Could Perseus have intervened directly? She glanced around curiously, only to spot Seorin emerging from the wreckage, brushing ash off her sword with an expressionless face.

“Could Seorin really have done this?” Han Arin pondered skeptically. For a rookie hunter, the blast seemed far too abnormal. Scanning the vicinity revealed no other hunters capable of such destructive force…

So it must have been Seorin after all?

Han Arin couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity. Despite being in the early stages where most hunters’ abilities hadn’t fully blossomed yet, Seorin already demonstrated combat prowess rivaling top-tier veterans. As Han Arin shrugged, marveling at how much stronger Seorin would undoubtedly grow in the future…

* * *

“WOOHOO!”

Chae-a’s exuberant cheer echoed through the air as sprouts shot up rapidly, growing into a sapling roughly my height. Well, I guess calling it “small” makes me sound diminutive… so let’s say it’s not small!

As I internally justified my reasoning, Chae-a urgently called out to me. “Now the apples will grow big and juicy! Let’s eat some!”

At the mention of apples, I gazed blankly at the young tree—or rather, seedling—which already boasted lush green leaves despite its modest size. Suddenly, Somtul darted forward, enhancing the apple tree with a burst of glowing blue light.

“PIIII!”

The shimmering aura enveloped the tree before dissipating, leaving behind a significantly larger apple tree laden with vibrant red fruits.

“APPLES!” Chae-a exclaimed gleefully, reaching up enthusiastically to pluck one. Meanwhile, I stood dumbfounded, muttering under my breath, “This actually works?”

Our counselor teacher approached us with evident bewilderment. “How did you guys manage this?”

I wanted to ask the same thing but remained silent amidst the confusion. Before I could process the situation further, Chae-a proudly explained to the counselor, “Haeuni, Chae-a, and Somtul made it grow super fast!”

“O-oh, really?”

“Yeah! And we’ll share one with you too!”

Chae-a successfully harvested an apple by lifting Somtul high enough and handed it over to the counselor with hopeful anticipation. The counselor reciprocated with praise, patting Chae-a affectionately on the head. “Thank you, Chae-a! You’re so kind-hearted… Must run in the family?”

“Yup! Chae-a is the best big sister ever! Just like you, counselor teacher!”

“Aww, why are you always so sweet?” The counselor giggled delightedly before pulling Chae-a closer for a hug.

Watching this exchange, I couldn’t help but admire the counselor’s skillful handling of children. When Chae-a turned toward me next, declaring confidently, “Then I’ll take care of baby Hae-un now… Babies need extra attention!”

“B-baby…?”

Taken aback by the label, I froze momentarily. The counselor quickly intervened again, ruffling Chae-a’s hair fondly. “You’re such a good girl, taking care of everyone like this!”

“Yup! That’s what big sisters do!”

As the counselor lavished more compliments on Chae-a, I felt slightly disheartened, still struggling to accept being treated like a toddler. Sensing my dejection, Somtul rubbed against my leg comfortingly.

“PIII!” (Cheer up!)

Their simple encouragement lifted my spirits slightly. Refocusing on the newly grown plants, I resolved to try cooking with our homegrown ingredients.

“With Chae-a around, maybe I should avoid using sharp knives…”

Deciding instead to search for recipes involving scissors or simpler tools, I mulled over possibilities when Chae-a returned carrying new seeds.

“Look what I brought!”

Various types of seeds lay scattered in her hands. Curious about their origin, I blinked quizzically until Chae-a whispered conspiratorially, “It’s a secret… My squirrel friend helped collect them!”

“Squirrel?”

“Yup! They live over there.”

Pointing toward the resting area near our Lair, Chae-a listed off each type excitedly. “These are dandelions, those are sunflowers… Squirrels said they’re all edible!”

“E-edible?”

Dumbfounded, I stared at the assortment before carefully planting each seed one by one. The counselor watched silently before suggesting gently, “Little ones, shall we head back for dinner soon? Today, I’ll…”

Interrupting mid-sentence, Chae-a thrust her head forward eagerly. “Wait! Chae-a can cook too!”

“Really?”

“Yup! Chae-a’s amazing at cooking!”

Though surprised—I’d never seen Chae-a cook before—the counselor nodded encouragingly. “Alright then, let’s see what you can do.”

Ecstatic, Chae-a mimicked my earlier posture by lying flat on the ground before brainstorming aloud. “We’ll make ice cream, cake, and budae jjigae…”

Such an unconventional combination left me skeptical, but determined not to crush her enthusiasm, I vowed to assist however possible. The counselor clapped happily. “Let’s use the nearby kitchen! I’ll order supplies while you two prepare.”

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out money generously gifted by others, intending to contribute. However, the counselor swiftly declined, insisting, “That’s for treats between Hae-un and Chae-a!”

Attempting to slip the cash into her pocket stealthily failed miserably due to my short stature. Longing wistfully for growth akin to the plants, I sighed resignedly.

Spotting my disappointment, the counselor asked kindly, “Is there anything special you two want to eat?”

After a brief pause, I softly replied, “Ramen…”