Chapter 7

[Title: Why aren’t the number of D-Rank Dungeons decreasing lately??]

[w]

Hmm, am I imagining things?

– w It’s your misconception.

– Holy crap! All the dungeons near my house were cleared out of nowhere yesterday!

– On the contrary, it seems like higher-ranked dungeons are increasing.

– Are you talking about something else when we’re talking about D-Rank Dungeons?

[Title: Recommend a work featuring a white-haired, golden-eyed girl with a smile]

[w]

I’m really into this kind of thing lately.

– Why are you asking in the Hunter Forum? Go somewhere else lol

– Wut? Why not here?

– That’s changed recently

– Have you seen a Holy Maiden who’s skilled at magic before? (Link)

– Are you bringing up newborns now, pedo-kid;

– Forget that and just read it, it’s fun

– Sure thing! Since I’ve been getting into these too recently, I’ll compile a list and post it

* * *

The director Jang Han-soo of the Hunter Management Agency glared at the computer screen.

There were organized lists of data related to the app used by hunters.

He checked the desired information through administrator privileges.

The gates located in Korea, specifically in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.

Recently, a strange change has occurred.

A change that wouldn’t have been noticed if he wasn’t a public servant.

‘Gates that are densely concentrated are being cleared periodically.’

The occurrence locations of gates and dungeons are random.

No one knows where they will appear.

Thanks to some invention by a returnee from America, they can be observed beforehand.

And yet, someone is clearing them as if saying ‘It’s annoying so let me just sweep them away.’

Director Jang Han-soo reviewed the data of a hunter.

Jeong Si-hyun, E-Rank Hunter, Holy Knight.

Although the information hasn’t been fully disclosed yet, she is the second returnee worldwide.

In the past week alone, she cleared one D-Rank dungeon and thirteen E-Rank dungeons.

Considering the average number of dungeons hunters tackle, it was an ordinary figure.

Just working diligently, nothing more.

But…

“Wow Director, what’s up with this hunter?”

“Oh, someone who recently awakened.”

A team member passing by exclaimed with wide eyes.

“She clears four dungeons in a day, takes two days off, then repeats the cycle?”

“That’s right.”

“Really unique. Isn’t it tiring? Wouldn’t it be better to enter once daily consistently?”

“Seems to be a trait unique to Holy Knights.”

“Aha. Either way, it’s quite impressive! Out of 13 E-Rank dungeons, she soloed 12 of them.”

The team member, genuinely impressed by Si-hyun’s performance, continued on their way.

The director returned his gaze to the monitor.

If it were just statistics, it would’ve seemed normal and wouldn’t have caught his attention.

But looking at the detailed data…

‘I’m perfectly normal! So please don’t pay attention to me!’ It’s almost like she’s asserting that.

Could it be an illusion?

The director rested his chin in thought.

…

Calling her might be better.

The director got up from his seat and moved to the break room.

He made a call to Si-hyun in a quiet space.

…She doesn’t answer.

Is she inside a dungeon?

If so, the call won’t go through.

…No, that’s not it.

He didn’t see any such indication when he last checked.

The director sent a text message to Si-hyun, then returned to the break room with a drink.

At that moment, his phone vibrated.

“This is Jang Han-soo from the Management Department. Thanks for calling back.”

– …You sent a message.

Her clear voice came through the phone.

Her soft tone gently tickled his ears.

“Yes, since you’re the first returnee in Korea, I thought we could have regular consultations. Are you busy?”

– …Yeah, a little.

“Well…”

The director momentarily stumbled over his words.

Anyone could tell it was a reaction akin to “Not exactly busy, but it’s just bothersome.”

Moreover, the tone was far too calm to indicate actual busyness.

“In that case, I’ll keep it short.

The director cleared his throat and continued.

“I’d like to recommend enrolling in the Academy. If money is an issue, there’s also a student loan system similar to universities.”

– …I’m still not sure.

She doesn’t seem interested in attending the academy.

The director pulled out the next move he had prepared.

“How about assigning a mentor?”

– A mentor?

“We’ll assign a hunter from the Management Bureau to you. You’ve already experienced D-Rank dungeons, haven’t you? Isn’t the E-Rank restriction inconvenient?”

– Hmm… Let me think about it.

She bit, albeit slightly.

The director inwardly sighed in relief.

Let’s wrap it up for today.

“Understood. I’ll contact you again later.”

– Yes, thank you for your hard work.

After the call ended,

Director Jang Han-soo leaned against the wall, pressing his hand to his forehead.

Assigning a mentor from the bureau means offering special treatment.

Unless they’re rookies belonging to large guilds, there shouldn’t be any hunters rejecting such an offer.

Yet, the response was a reluctant “I’ll think about it.”

In other words, a mentor is redundant to her.

She does seem to possess remarkable abilities but finds everything bothersome.

The term ‘Hero Party’ suddenly crossed the director’s mind.

“…Forcing her wouldn’t be good.”

If he pushes too hard, it might provoke a backlash, resulting in losses.

Let’s build the relationship slowly and steadily.

Even though it might take a long time…

“Phew…”

It’s a long road ahead.

Still, giving up isn’t an option.

Because the frequency of high-ranked dungeons appearing worldwide is gradually increasing.

We need to secure talent as much as possible.

This isn’t a situation where we can waste capable individuals.

* * *

After visiting the restroom, Si-yoon glanced into the living room.

Her sister, sprawled lazily on the couch, was completely absorbed in her phone.

A smartphone floating in mid-air.

It automatically adjusts its position when she changes posture. How cool!

Can Holy Maidens do stuff like that? She wondered.

It had been roughly a week since her brother-turned-sister came home.

Despite claiming she needed rest, her sister led a surprisingly routine life.

First, waking up before dawn to pray for several hours.

Initially, Si-yoon didn’t know.

Thinking her sister was just an early riser until she woke up to use the restroom one morning.

Surprisingly, she found her sister quietly praying in the living room.

It was just past 5 AM.

Without moving even a muscle, she continued praying until Si-yoon woke up and joined her for breakfast.

Curious, Si-yoon asked.

“Now that you’re not in another world, do you really need to keep praying? You were an atheist before, sis.”

“Hmm, it’s partly out of habit, and doing this gives me strength. Maybe gods do exist?”

She returned as a theist.

Except for the diligent prayers, everything else remained the same as when she was an atheist.

Next, after breakfast, unless she went out all day, her sister would either lounge around watching TV or fiddle with her smartphone.

Si-yoon occasionally heard her muttering strangely.

“I want a status window toooo… New ability!”

Something related to hunting?

Not understanding what it meant, she just ignored it.

Recently, with her updated ID, she opened a bank account.

And during dinner, which they ordered online, her sister started treating.

Though Si-yoon always picked the menu.

As Si-yoon moved to head back to her room, her sister called out.

“Si-yoon.”

“Yeah?”

“I think I’m in big trouble.”

“Eh?! What happened?”

Startled by the sudden statement, Si-yoon jumped on the spot.

Caught off guard by her intense reaction, Si-hyun blinked a few times before looking awkward.

“Ah, sorry! Just talking nonsense.”

“But now you’ve made me curious…”

“Hmm, well… There’s this streamer who’s super cute.”

“…Eh?”

Si-hyun blushed while speaking.

“That’s what they call it, right? My favorite character. The way they speak is so gentle and adorable.”

“Oh, um… Can you show me who it is?”

“Sure!”

Smiling brightly, Si-hyun handed over her phone.

Si-yoon looked at the screen with a growing sense of foreboding.

Then she bowed her head.

Her face turned bright red.

Too embarrassed to lift her head.

“Um, do you dislike this streamer?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Thought she had shifted her interest to novels.

Had she known this would happen, she should have bought her a computer or laptop.

To steer her towards gaming.

Si-yoon peeked at her sister through slightly parted fingers.

Confused expression.

Seemed unaware of who the streamer actually was.

Thankfully.

“Their voice reminds me of you when you were younger. Sometimes they sound a bit childish, but it’s oddly charming.”

“…”

Pretending to be cute right in front of her, it’s kinda…

“Anyway, I’m glad you don’t dislike them. Can I watch this on TV?”

“…”

Apparently, she wanted to watch it on TV.

Si-yoon slowly nodded.

Seemed like her acting tone had achieved great results.

Honestly, she wanted to tell her to stop.

But seeing that cheerful expression, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything.

After suffering in another world for years.

Since it hasn’t been exposed yet, just watching is tolerable.

Still, conditions need to be set.

“On the condition that after I finish work, we watch something else on TV.”

“Of course! It’s not like I use it exclusively anyway.”

Agreeing with a grin after hearing Si-yoon’s words.

After all, she was living under her younger sister’s roof.

Being understanding about her new interests was truly appreciated.

Moreover, her sister kindly taught her various things she didn’t know.

Helping her pursue what she wanted to do.

If the Hero Party were even 1% like this, it would be wonderful.

“Alright, I’ll go to work now.”

“Okay!”

Si-yoon trudged back to her room.

Seeing her suddenly deflated sister, Si-hyun tilted her head in confusion.

“Must be tired from work.”

Does she look like this when she goes to clear dungeons?

Should probably pay more attention, she thought as she turned her head.

The main page of the streaming platform displayed on the TV.

Several recommended videos tempted Si-hyun.

Among them, her gaze unconsciously drifted towards the news section.

[Hunter Assaulted by Civilian. Arrested.]

Hunter assaulting civilians.

The incident with the stalker came to mind.

Thanks to thorough repentance, she hadn’t seen that man since.

“…”

Dangerous.

Our pretty and cute younger sister might charm someone again.

What if it’s another hunter?

Especially if she’s nearby and I’m far away?

Furrowing her brow, Si-hyun’s gaze fell on the corner of the table.

The business card given by the helpful person #1.

A guild operated by a creation-type hunter.

Maybe she should visit, both to clear dungeons and for other reasons.