The next morning.
With a fluttering heart, I left my house early.
Using public transportation, I arrived at the Wings Guild building.
As I entered the President’s Office, two familiar faces welcomed me.
Da-young was sitting comfortably, sipping coffee, while Han-gyeol, who had been sprawled over the table, straightened up.
“Si-hyun! Come on in!”
“Oh, it’s been a while, Si-hyun.”
“Hello there.”
After a light greeting, I sat down next to Da-young at her gesture.
“Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“No, I’ll just pick up the items and head back.”
“Is it really that urgent?”
“Well… I don’t have any other business, do I?”
“Hmmm… I guess that’s true.”
Da-young made a disappointed face and called up the status window.
She pulled out two bracelets and handed them to me.
“As we talked about last time, two of these make a set. Want to check out their functions?”
“Yes.”
I accepted the bracelets and held them up.
Without the status window, I’d have to analyze the details since I couldn’t know them outright.
But I trust Da-young anyway.
Nodding, I packed the items.
“For now, it only has an alarm function to alert you of danger and location information, but let’s create something better later.”
“I’ll rely on you then.”
“Of course!”
We shook hands.
These items were made for use by ordinary people.
I also learned how to use them to share with Si-yoon.
Having finished my business, I thought about leaving.
At that moment, I unexpectedly made eye contact with Han-gyeol.
He looked like he was hesitating over something.
“…Is there something you need?”
“Uh, no. It’s just…”
Han-gyeol’s lips quivered.
Tilting my head, I watched him when suddenly, words I shared with Da-young while drinking came to mind.
“Han-gyeol.”
“Yes, yes!”
“Um, would you like to exchange numbers?”
“……!”
Suddenly, Han-gyeol’s mouth stretched into a grin almost touching his ears.
“Y-Yeah!”
“Okay then.”
“Pff…”
Hearing laughter, I turned to see Da-young covering her mouth, giggling.
What was so funny?
Anyway, I successfully exchanged numbers with Han-gyeol.
Once I have more contacts, it might not feel special anymore, but…
For now, the fact that I added just one feels slightly thrilling, giving my heart a ticklish sensation.
I should steadily increase my contacts. Hehe…
“Well then, see you next time.”
“Yep!”
“See you again!”
I exchanged light farewells as I headed outside.
Unconsciously checking my phone, I saw a message from Si-yoon.
– Ji-a unni is coming up to Seoul today! She’s gonna drop by our place at night.
It looks like I’ll be meeting an old acquaintance after a long time.
*
Academy.
A facility established to improve the efficiency and stability of Hunters after the Great Cataclysm.
Most Hunters are adults, so a lot of the university system has been borrowed.
Of course, since it’s a distinct organization, there are many differences.
A prime example is that the faculty consists largely of active or retired Hunters.
A vehicle pulled into the academy grounds.
It parked in the faculty building’s parking lot.
The driver’s side door opened, and a young woman with a delicate appearance stepped out.
Dressed neatly in an office outfit, her medium-length hair cascaded softly just below her shoulders.
Having likely been to the academy several times, the woman strode confidently into the building.
She stopped in front of a door with a nameplate.
[President’s Office]
Knocking on the door, she entered after receiving an answer.
A woman in her late 30s, seated in an office chair, stood up as she entered.
“Ji-a, you’re here?”
“It’s been a while, President.”
After greeting each other, the two moved to sit across from each other at a consultation desk.
“I heard the news. You cleared a mid-sized B-rank dungeon alone?”
“After all, I’m an A-rank Hunter myself.”
“Still, it’s dangerous to go alone.”
The president shook her head lightly.
While the rank and size of dungeons and the professions of Hunters vary greatly, it’s usually most common to have four or more Hunters of the same rank together, taking both profit and stability into account.
This is even more crucial as you get to higher-ranked dungeons.
Even though there aren’t many A-rank Hunters, it’s rare to go solo.
“So why did you retire early?”
“Hey, is that my fault?”
The two shared a playful laugh while teasing each other.
Before the president retired from being an active Hunter, Ji-a was her partner.
The two women enjoyed some coffee while catching up on their recent circumstances.
Ji-a recounted her experiences in the dungeon.
The president shared the problems she faces managing the academy.
A variety of conversations flowed between them.
“Faculty shortage, you say?”
“Since they aren’t retired, being active hunters pays a lot better.”
“That’s true.”
“The progress on mana research isn’t going well either. I wonder if we’ll get someone like that returnee from the U.S….”
“……Hmm.”
It’s been just over five years since the Great Cataclysm occurred.
If you consider it short, it’s short; if long, long.
Countries worldwide are vigorously researching mana and status windows.
New uses for mana stones as a resource are being discovered.
However, the truth is that the speed of research is slow.
The principles of mana and the status window remain elusive.
While it’s become possible to observe the emergence of gates in advance, the causes are unknown.
Moreover, there have been cases of special dungeons with unusual characteristics that couldn’t be observed beforehand.
“Do you want to teach as a part-timer next semester?”
“Let’s see then.”
“You’ll probably be busy running around doing dungeons again anyway.”
“Haha…”
In response to the president’s grumbling, Ji-a awkwardly smiled as if to say “yes.”
After more trivial conversations continued, Ji-a stood up first as time drew near.
“I’ll be going now.”
“Okay, be careful on your way back.”
After exchanging farewells, Ji-a checked the time as she exited the President’s Office.
It seemed she’d arrive at Si-yoon’s place just on time if she left now.
*
Ding dong!
Ji-a, carrying a bunch of snacks, rang the doorbell.
A moment later, the door opened, revealing a woman with a cold demeanor peeking her head out.
“Huh?”
“Ah…”
Since they had already communicated through Si-yoon, they recognized each other immediately despite not having met in five years.
“Is that really Si-hyun?”
“Umm… It’s been a while.”
Si-hyun awkwardly smiled, stepping aside to let Ji-a enter.
Si-hyun headed back to the living room first, and Ji-a took off her shoes while watching Si-hyun’s back.
Even though she had heard about it beforehand, the change was surprising.
“Unni, welcome!”
“Hope you’ve been doing well?”
Si-yoon warmly greeted Ji-a.
After Si-hyun disappeared during the Great Cataclysm and left Si-yoon to fend for herself for five years, Ji-a had been there to help and support her.
The two became as close as real sisters.
Si-hyun watched as Ji-a set down the bag for a moment and said,
“Um, Ji-a…”
“Yes?”
“Um, I just wanted to say thank you! You’ve looked after our Si-yoon a lot, right? I really appreciate it.”
Si-hyun bent at the waist, expressing her gratitude.
Ji-a’s eyes widened briefly in surprise.
Then, with a clear smile, she responded in a simple voice.
“Hehe, I’ve just taken care of her occasionally. Right, Si-yoon?”
“Yeah, especially when settling down in Seoul, she helped with all kinds of things!”
“There’s nowhere completely safe, but Seoul is definitely the best in Korea.”
Having finished speaking, Ji-a grabbed Si-hyun’s shoulder to help her up.
Although it felt good to hear the thanks, it wasn’t something she did for a reward.
It now seemed a bit too stiff between them.
“Wow, honestly, it’s been five years, so I can’t remember what your original appearance was like, but you’ve changed so much!”
“…I still feel a bit awkward.”
As Ji-a exaggeratedly said it, Si-hyun forced a smile.
The three then started taking out the contents from the bag Ji-a brought.
They set the food on the table and moved the drinks to the fridge.
Once everything was suitably prepared, they settled into comfortable positions to reminisce.
Ji-a first turned to Si-yoon to talk.
“Si-yoon, how’s your room… um! Um!”
“Haha! Is your room a bit messy?”
In a flash, Si-yoon covered Ji-a’s mouth.
When Ji-a rolled her eyes and looked at her, they locked gazes with shaky eyes.
Vigorously shaking her head side to side.
Ji-a nodded before her mouth was released.
“Ha… did you really have to do that?”
“It’s embarrassing! …I’ll clean it up properly.”
“Uh, yeah. About cleaning your room.”
Si-hyun tilted her head, not understanding.
‘Isn’t it clean enough?’ she thought.
Seeing Si-hyun’s expression, Si-yoon sighed in relief.
“By the way, didn’t any information about returnees get leaked?”
“Yeah, not yet.”
Ji-a gazed at Si-hyun, lost in thought.
If even the president of the academy didn’t know, it was likely information only insiders were aware of.
She didn’t know much beyond what Si-yoon had casually told her.
“About your return, and now that you’re a Hunter too. What rank?”
“E-rank.”
“Ah, I see. What’s your job?”
“Paladin.”
After answering, Si-hyun heard someone nearby chuckling softly.
It was Si-yoon, covering her mouth while laughing.
…Right, there’s no need to hide anything.
Switching her mind, Si-hyun opened her mouth.
“…Actually, I’m a Saint.”
“Uh? Could you repeat that?”
Ji-a’s sharp ears caught the word, but her brain couldn’t keep up.
In response, Si-yoon repeated for her.
“Saint.”
The name of the class was pronounced slowly, one syllable at a time.
Only then did Ji-a blink and stare at Si-hyun.
“…Why.”
“Nothing, just.”
Ji-a pondered for a moment.
Certainly, Si-hyun’s current appearance wouldn’t look out of place as a saint.
Pure, clear white hair that sparkled without a flaw.
Lovely golden eyes that seemed imbued with radiance.
Once recognized, her subtle smile would come off as a benevolent expression.
“…Do you grant blessings if I pray?”
“I can do that if I go into a dungeon.”
The two who faced each other broke into small giggles.
“E-rank must be misleading information, huh?”
“Um, I suppose so?”
“Can I ask what your real rank is?”
“…I’m probably not B, but I think I’m around A.”
Si-hyun calmly organized her thoughts.
The higher the rank, the greater the disparity among Hunters of the same level.
I’ve heard that S-rank goes beyond being human.
Going beyond humans? That probably means they’re like a hero party, right?
Therefore, Si-hyun thought that she was likely at a level like that.
The returnee from America was also said to be B-rank, so there might be some truth to that in her psyche.
In the first place, it was impossible to compare someone purely manipulating mana and divine power with Hunters operating under the status window by the same standards.
“Oh, now I’m curious. Did you hear? I’m A-rank.”
“Yeah, I heard it from Si-yoon.”
“Do you want to go to a dungeon together tomorrow?”
“Um… Are you talking about D-rank?”
With herself being E-rank, even if she had a companion, D-rank was her limit.
Si-hyun pointed that out, but Ji-a shook her head.
“If you apply separately, you can go higher. I guess you haven’t done C-rank yet? Want to try this one?”
“…Is that so?”
Si-hyun grew curious about what level an A-rank Hunter actually is.
At the same time, Ji-a was also curious about where Si-hyun, the returnee and saint, stood in strength.
Their mutual curiosity aligned perfectly.
“Oh wow, I’m the only one being left out. Being an unawakened one is tough….”
“Hehe, Si-yoon, why not go shopping with your sister? How about this weekend?”
“Sure! You’ll come too, right, unni?”
Si-yoon looked at Si-hyun.
But Si-hyun shook her head.
“Shopping is a bit… you two have fun.”
“Aw…”
Si-yoon pouted her lips, but Si-hyun made a point to look away.
It was obvious that following them would only tire her out.
“Let’s stop talking and eat! It’ll get cold.”
Ji-a began to unpack the food she had brought.
The fragrant smell of meat and seasoning filled the living room.
“Si-hyun, you used to love spicy food. So I made sure to get this.”
“Uh, um…”
It was spicy stir-fried pig’s feet.
While Si-hyun appreciated Ji-a remembering her preference, she felt her facial muscles twitching.
After unpacking all the food, she also found some non-spicy salted pig’s feet.
‘Should I eat that?’
No, doing that would hurt her pride.
She didn’t want to give in before even starting.
Si-hyun cautiously took a taste of the spicy pig’s feet.
“Cough! Cough!”
“Are you okay?!”
She had abruptly surrendered.
She’d just have to adapt gradually and conquer it someday…
Even amidst the pain, Si-hyun vowed silently.
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