Chapter 59

While driving with Si-hyun in the car, Director Jang glanced at the navigation system.

We’re almost nearing the area with the gate.

After confirming there was still plenty of time, he pulled over on a quiet road.

It was time for a serious talk.

“Ms. Si-hyun.”

“…Yes?”

Since she was wearing her seatbelt, Si-hyun just turned her head to look at him.

Director Jang calmly began laying out his carefully organized thoughts.

“I assume you realize this dungeon is no ordinary one.”

Nod nod.

When Si-hyun nodded, he continued.

“If you participate, information about your nun outfit persona will definitely spread.”

“…Yeah, that makes sense.”

“And as you know, I don’t really know much about you. Just guesses on my part.”

Director Jang paused briefly before continuing.

“The bigger things get, the harder it is for me to handle everything within my authority alone – especially if we need to keep your identity concealed. Could you share more information with me?”

“…”

“It would be best if we also informed a few people in the Management Division like Team Leader. After all, you’ll likely be taking on C-rank dungeons soon. They’re all trustworthy.”

“Hmm…”

“Please trust me. I’ll do my utmost to maintain your secrecy and disguise your identity.”

With a serious expression and tone, Director Jang looked straight at Si-hyun.

Si-hyun stared back at him, lost in thought.

Given that she’d already cleared a dungeon with Ji-a, he probably had figured out her skill level was at least B or A-rank by now.

Though he likely didn’t know the specifics of her abilities.

Still, she had received help from him occasionally.

She didn’t have deep trust in him yet, but considered him reasonably reliable.

Most importantly, she appreciated how politely he was asking instead of demanding like those jerks in the other world always did.

Maybe sharing some minimal information as a gesture of goodwill wouldn’t be so bad?

After organizing her thoughts, Si-hyun nodded and spoke.

“I know that the more active I become, eventually information about me will come out.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I just want to delay it as long as possible. I’d like to take it easy for a while. So…”

Si-hyun fidgeted with the veil resting on her lap. After brief consideration, she made her decision.

“I’ll mostly be observing today, but if I need to act, I’ll go all out.”

“Go…all out? What exactly does that mean?”

At Director Jang’s wide-eyed question, Si-hyun grinned mischievously.

“If things go badly, I might just leave the country. Consider it a warning to handle things properly.”

“Hmm…”

That was quite a meaningful statement despite her innocent smile.

Director Jang fell silent, mulling over their brief exchange.

What exactly did “going all out” imply about her capabilities?

Was her mention of leaving the country genuine?

Was her warning directed at him specifically or others as well?

So many questions from such a short conversation.

Regardless of Director Jang’s pondering, Si-hyun continued speaking.

“So when the later group departs today, please prepare accordingly.”

“Prepare for what exactly?”

“A way for me to discretely return home after today. Transportation or whatever. That’s all!”

“That’s certainly something I can arrange.”

Director Jang nodded while organizing his thoughts again.

The plan was set, but ultimately she hadn’t shared any unnecessary information with him.

Perhaps this indicated the limits of their current trust?

“No, no,” Director Jang shook his head and shifted his thinking.

Reviewing her actions since returning, he recalled how she initially refused counseling and mentoring, avoiding contact altogether.

But now?

She was willing to accommodate polite requests.

This conversation wasn’t about drawing lines with the Management Bureau.

Rather, it was about gradually building mutual trust.

As the saying goes, “There’s a difference between ‘ah’ and ‘uh’.”

While we don’t know how today’s dungeon run will conclude,

The clearer our post-operation plans are,

The more it indicates an opportunity to develop greater trust with her.

Perhaps this means she’ll delegate tasks to us while evaluating our performance based on results?

Having organized his thoughts, Director Jang looked back at Si-hyun.

She was smiling gently, waiting for him to speak.

“Rest assured, I’ll handle things properly.”

“Pfft. Thank you.”

They exchanged a handshake while maintaining eye contact.

* * *

Ji-a sighed deeply after entering the dungeon with the advance party.

So far, the dungeon clearing was proceeding smoothly.

Thanks to the outstanding performances of two S-rank Hunters from Morning Guild and the Master of Knight Guild, also an S-rank Hunter.

Of course, once they enter the inner dungeon within the dungeon, things might change.

But for now, everything was going well.

However…

“What happened to that person?”

“…Skeleton Mage used magic.”

A woman who kept staring blankly and talking unnecessarily.

“Wow, that guy’s equipment is really trashy. No money?”

“…”

She kept chatting nonstop.

“That corner guild Hunters really suck at fighting.”

“…”

All useless comments.

Ji-a kept her eyes forward, resisting the urge to say something every time this woman ruined the tension.

“Oh, our oppas are doing great! Right, right?”

“…Yeah, typical Morning Guild.”

“Want to join us, Ji-a? I’ll recommend you.”

“…I’ll think about it.”

Before she knew it, Ji-a gave a response similar to Si-hyun’s.

Her opponent didn’t seem to attach much meaning to it either, returning to watching the battle.

This situation had been repeating for half a day since entering the dungeon.

Occasionally, when monster waves overwhelmed the front lines:

“Kyaaa?! Eek!”

Her screams hurt Ji-a’s ears.

“Attack! Dodge! Move aside!”

She was completely useless.

Ji-a silently shook her head.

Of course, if this woman was truly worthless, she wouldn’t have been allowed in the expedition team.

She was an A-rank Supporter Hunter from Morning Guild, the only one of her kind in Korea.

While she didn’t contribute directly to combat and required protection,

Her pre-battle enhancement skills boosted the advance party’s Hunters,

And her post-combat healing skills perfectly treated all the Hunters’ wounds.

Her skill power was undoubtedly top-notch.

Watching this, Ji-a couldn’t help but think of Si-hyun again.

Her recovery and buffing were obviously superior.

Just being around her felt reassuring and mentally restorative.

Appropriate support always came during intense battles.

Not to mention, she excelled in physical combat too.

Of course, Si-hyun was remarkable for being versatile in everything,

But naturally comparisons arose after experiencing it firsthand.

The contrast was painfully obvious.

“I miss Si-hyun… Is she starting lectures at the Academy by now?”

While protecting the female supporter from undead monsters launching another wave,

Ji-a quietly sighed to herself.

After another battle concluded,

Ji-a quietly listened to the S-rank Hunters’ conversation.

“Those creatures weren’t supposed to appear in an A-rank dungeon.”

“The monsters are getting stronger.”

“…Hmm, ominous indeed.”

When the Master of Knight Guild muttered this, Ji-a unconsciously nodded in agreement.

While there were no immediate issues with protection,

The deeper they ventured into the dungeon,

The stronger the monsters became.

It felt like entering the throat of a crocodile waiting to devour its prey.

* * *

“Perhaps it’s time to put on your veil.”

“…Yes, I will.”

As the cars began moving slowly upon receiving the signal,

Following Director Jang’s suggestion, she slowly lowered her veil while looking around.

Military personnel started appearing.

Director Jang had completed the necessary procedures and brought the car near the gate.

“First, let me explain my thoughts, Ms. Si-hyun.”

“Yes, please speak.”

After parking among the gathered vehicles and unfastening his seatbelt, Director Jang spoke.

“Team Leader of the Management Division is someone you can trust. I’ll share the information I know up to that point. We’ll see about further disclosures depending on the situation.”

“Okay.”

“And today, rather than being D-rank Hunter Jeong Si-hyun, we’ll present you as a Hunter seeking naturalization in Korea. I’ll take full responsibility.”

“…Hmm.”

“Lastly, regarding today’s operation compensation, we’ll route it through Hunter Kim Ji-a. That seems most appropriate.”

“Agreed.”

She nodded satisfactorily.

While his statements seemed deliberately vague,

Everything Director Jang said was pleasing.

Continuing this relationship going forward seems promising.

After all, I’m not particularly interested in hunters’ honor or achievements right now.

Unless I become a respected professor admired by students…

Would adding dungeon exploits to my career help me become that professor?

No, I’ll think about that later. There’s plenty of time.

Anyway, while his claims of responsibility might be slightly exaggerated,

Given his demonstrated sincerity, I should reciprocate with some degree of trust, right?

“Director Jang Han-soo.”

“Yes, is there anything else you need?”

“Hehe, not that.”

She smiled before continuing.

“Today’s dungeon. If I need to intervene, assuming I’m not dead beforehand, I’ll bring everyone back alive.”

“…”

What? I didn’t say anything strange, yet Director Jang has an odd expression.

“…Excuse me?”

“Haha! Very dependable! I trust you.”

“No, I’m serious.”

“Yes, I sincerely believe you.”

Director Jang turned to exit the car.

As she prepared to follow, he suddenly turned back.

“This isn’t enough. Ms. Si-hyun, is there any other reward you’d like?”

“…Hm?”

“Anything at all. I’ll do my best.”

“Anything… Ah! How about this?”

She lightly clapped her hands in response.

“Get me Momobin merchandise. All kinds!”

“…Pardon? Merchandise?”

“It’s hard to find even when I want to buy it.”

If he gets interested while searching, it would be great if Director Jang became a Momobin fan too.

She kept that thought to herself.

“Hmm… Understood! I’ll investigate and make sure to acquire it for you.”

Director Jang answered with determined expression.

He looks like he’d create them if they don’t exist.

“…Hey, this might actually be a good idea?”

Shouldn’t be impossible with enough money?

Need to resolve the dungeon matters first though.

Feels like I’ve gained a new goal somehow.