episode_0010

At first, the atmosphere was tense, but neither I nor Sungyeon blushed at this sort of thing, and it quickly eased.

Guild Master Seres seemed like she had a lot to say in many ways, but being in front of Sungyeon, she held back, and we changed clothes and headed to the lounge.

There, guild members from 【Chomok】 that we saw yesterday were gathered along with broadcasting station officials for documentary production or interviews with Sungyeon.

“For that reason, we have a new member who has joined us. Let’s all get along well and don’t forget to contact the Guild Master if any problems arise~!”

After Sungyeon introduced our relationship and set the tone vaguely, the guild members awkwardly clapped their hands together.

Awkward as it was, forcing a ‘clap clap clap’ felt just like an elementary school talent show.

“Just introduced is 【Scavenger】 Hong Changki. Though he’s D-rank, he will work hard. Please teach him well!”

So, to lighten the mood, I bowed deeply.

The cause of yesterday’s disturbance was me. The culprit who even snatched away the festival’s main star, the Guild Master. I had to act modestly here.

“If the Guild Master brought him then…?”

“He’s an acquaintance? Then he’s one to us too.”

“We may have many thoughts, but maybe it’s not the time to bring them up here…”

“I don’t want to be scolded by the Guild Master again.”

“We were wrong yesterday, so let’s not be angry.”

“Right. Rumors are just rumors. If not, why would the Guild Master recruit him?”

“He’s an acquaintance. Isn’t the reason obvious?”

“Yeah. Watch what you say.”

“…Tsk.”

Although everyone was stiff, the atmosphere relaxed.

Some still showed resistance, but that’s a problem time will solve.

More importantly…

-Oh, a new guild member in these times!

-The D-rank Hunter famous for scavenging, Mr. Hyena?

-Isn’t he the one criticized for corpse picking?

-Why did you recruit him?

-Did you do it as a favor to an old friend?

-Please answer.

…This is the issue here.

While the documentary is one thing, people who came for interviews are rudely questioning Sungyeon.

I stepped forward.

“Ahem. As explained earlier, he is my benefactor, friend, and a skilled Hunter.”

-But his reputation isn’t great.

-He’s been criticized for scavenging corpses; everyone just curses him.

-It has even caused a stir on the internet. As the Guild Master of Chomok, how do you feel about that?

“Yes. It’s true that he scavenges corpses. However, that is part of [volunteer work] for the bereaved families.”

-Scavenging corpses, you say.

-We understand, but it’s frightening to dismiss it as volunteer work.

-Since when has corpse picking been volunteer work?

“How many bodies of deceased Hunters returning intact to their families from the tower do you think there are? You’re not experts, and you wouldn’t know. So, I anticipated this and obtained statistics from the [Hunter Association] today. Out of 100% of total deaths, only 5% return to their families intact. This figure doesn’t even include minors and those in their twenties.”

-5%!

-But regarding scavenging corpses…

“Rumors are just rumors. He, Changki, despite negative talk, is an extremely diligent person. Over the past year, he has returned over 200 bodies to families through the association, and including remains, it’s over 500. One person accounts for a portion of the 5% in the association’s statistics. They will soon be awarded a commendation by the association. I trust in his abilities and character without doubt.”

-So, there was no so-called favoritism involved?

“It’s been almost 19 years since we last met. When we first met, I couldn’t even recognize your face. Instead, I evaluated your performance for admission, and as I just mentioned, the evidence was more than sufficient. Even though there were criticisms, you are a holder of the D-rank, right? I thought that if we cleared up any misunderstandings, you would contribute to the guild.”

– I see.

– Hearing the story, it seems like an exceptional talent.

– Well, 500 cases is quite a lot.

– Dividing the body and bones seems like an exaggeration…

– Guild Master Chomok. Dismissing rumors as just rumors. Recruiting him, the talk of the town. How about it?

– Not bad, right?

– That’s true. Everyone was curious about Chomok Guild’s movements.

– Being a lifesaver, with a little embellishment, it could turn into a good story.

– Try to adapt it well.

The room was filled with people tapping away on their pads.

At times, there were words that were not easy to ignore, but just as I was about to move past them, Sungyeon’s hand lightly grasped my arm.

“Intentional?”

“Yeah.”

“Damn. Devious bastard.”

With the atmosphere as it was, even the guild members were influenced by it. People tend to be swept up by the atmosphere around them, and in such situations, gossip spreads easily. Moreover, the moment someone doesn’t conform here, they are stamped as a bad person, and those who resist are very few.

“That’s all for the story. Especially for the journalists, today wasn’t meant for appointments. Please disperse and those here for filming, proceed with your original tasks.”

“The top floor is a restricted area. You can freely enter elsewhere.”

Following Sungyeon and Vice Guild Master Seres’ orders, the journalists dispersed, leaving only the video team heading inside.

I thought they might stick around a bit more, but the other party was a high-ranked Hunter. Knowing they could easily erase themselves physically, they carried themselves with great dignity within the tower.

“Um…?”

Several people approached me.

They were the faces I saw at the lounge yesterday.

“Why are you like this?”

“I want to apologize. I was sorry yesterday.”

“That guy isn’t really a bad person. He just had a bit too much to drink yesterday… and on top of that, his beloved one passed away…”

“He was in our party.”

“Oh, I see.”

It felt like they were scolding him in a friendly manner rather than me.

For a moment, I pondered what to do, but unfortunately, I wasn’t a cider pass. Ever since Sungyeon got angry at him, cursed at him, and kicked him yesterday, I didn’t think much about it.

If I said anything here, I’d be seen as leveraging Sungyeon’s authority…

Moreover, these people kept siding with him, saying, “You crossed the line.” They were the kind of people who knew how to point out when their colleague was wrong without agreeing with them. Good seniors indeed.

“It’s okay. I also got angry and cursed. It was a misunderstanding, so please don’t blame yourselves, seniors.”

“Thank you…”

“Look at this. He’s not really a bad person, but we made a big mistake.”

“That’s true.”

Selling favors feels good.

It’s unbelievable that I was such a good person.

“Did everyone hear!? All those who have been talking nonsense since earlier, come out! Do you think our Guild Master did those things because he was in a bad mood!”

“He was really a good person, you bastards!!”

The results of selling favors came back immediately. When the senior Hunter raised his voice, the atmosphere ignited, and other Hunters bowed their heads in response.

“I also want to apologize. I’m sorry.”

“Me too.”

“If the Guild Master brought him, he can’t be a bad person.”

“That’s right… he wouldn’t bring someone he barely knows… we’re not idiots.”

They apologized one by one, and I also sincerely lowered my head, establishing a connection. The awkward air made me want to escape, but this is also part of social life. I’ve been hunting alone all this time, but now I’ll have to work with them.

As I went along with the flow, another fox who boarded the atmosphere spoke up.

“Are you two done talking?”

“Sure.”

“Yes.”

“I see. In that case, I will also offer my apologies. I sincerely apologize for rushing in without realizing there was a misunderstanding.”

Nodding slightly, Seres the butler bowed politely.

Though still not fully convinced, his gesture of bowing showed professionalism.

“Hmm.”

Was this person really my bra? Or was it a disguise worn by Sungyeoni?

If it was the former, bowing like this would be truly difficult. From their perspective, apologizing to a pervert who had flown off with their bra was just as bad. Yet, unable to resist Guild Master’s authority, they held back tears and apologized to the pervert. How pitiful could one be…

‘Could it be that I’m already getting on Guild Master’s bad side from the start? Why does my social life always turn out like this?’

Internally lamenting, they respectfully lowered their head to match the atmosphere.

‘I hope this helps ease Guild Master’s mood even just a little.’

“Changgi, what are you going to do now?”

“What?”

“About your residence. Our guild provides homes for guild members. You can stay here if you want, or we can arrange for you to stay at your original place.”

‘Right. This place had a guild members-only restaurant.’

Truly a large corporation. It was amazing welfare, making me marvel.

The welfare here was top-notch. The room was spacious, a world of difference from where I lived.

The food must be delicious too. Considering that a nutritionist would balance everything, moving in right away seemed appropriate.

“Hesitating? Just come. It’ll be more comfortable once you’re here.”

“I’m planning to go to the Golden Tower next. So, are we planning to move the guild home as well?”

“Yes.”

“It’s a bit much to move twice. I’m not sure if I’ll get along well with others. So, until we move the hunting grounds, maybe I should stay separately…”

“Then do that. Feel free to use it whenever you need, so don’t worry about it.”

Nodding in understanding, they wondered… Is joining and explaining everything done now?

What should I do next?

Climb the tower again? Or build camaraderie with senior members?

“If you’re okay with it, how about having a drink with us?”

“Alcohol?”

“You took Guild Master out yesterday. So, we’re having another celebration today. Will you come too?”

“Oh!”

The seniors must have invited me; I have no reason to refuse.

So, should I spend some time building camaraderie with these people at the guild home today? But just as I was about to step forward, a husky laughter stopped me.

“Oh right! Changgi, can you check your phone when you have time?”

“Why? Is it about the clothes message you sent earlier?”

“Not about the clothes. I sent another message. Be careful not to let others see it.”

“…Huh?”

Feeling puzzled by the sudden request, but since the seniors didn’t seem urgent, they excused themselves to the restroom.

It’s better to check these things promptly. Especially when it comes to Sungyeon’s stories.

“What kind of message is it that I need to be cautious about?”

Sitting on the toilet seat, they checked underneath and above for any hidden cameras, then turned on their phone.

There was a notification [1+].

It was Sungyeon’s number.

[Today’s Incoming Call Log]

[♡Song Sungyeon♡]

[10:10 AM]

[Reservation for 1 sex partner]

[Time: Tonight at 11:30 PM]

[Location: Come alone to the area marked on the map below]

“Hello, Changgi. I’ve made the reservation we talked about yesterday. I’ve heard your preferences and have a few requirements, which I’ll write down.”

“Be careful not to be followed when you come. No masturbation on the day. No condoms. Kissing is okay. There are other demands, but I’d like to keep them to myself.”

“When you arrive at the destination, we’ll contact each other directly, so take it from there.”

“It might feel awkward at first, but hang in there.”

“…Already!?”

Seriously!? How long has it been since we made that promise for a sex party? Was I that popular?

Ew, I’m starting to get nervous!!

“Damn, I accepted it without much thought, but what if a Halcas shows up?”

When your Hunter rank is high, your dignity as a human also increases, making your appearance superior.

I’m also D-rank, but I look decent enough.

However… what if the opponent is ambiguously a Halcas?

…Fuck!

“You accepted it too hastily. Even if you were drunk, you should have thought a bit more before speaking.”

It’s too late to enjoy such regrets.

The chance of it being a Halcas… is almost nonexistent. Again, the higher the Hunter rank, the better the appearance.

Still, there’s a slim chance.

But there’s no way a guy like me, a speckled kid, would be normal and want to hook up with a sex maniac!!

“Hey, this isn’t some gacha game; it’s turning into a real mess, damn it.”

Having to have sex without even knowing who the other person is.

With half anticipation and half worry, I attended the drinking session, trying my best not to get too drunk, spending an anxious night until dawn.