episode_0004

“Gonnis Archive Life.”

Abbreviated as “Gosra,” the temporal backdrop is modern-day South Korea.

Driving personal cars, opting for buses, subways, and each carrying a standard-issue smartphone… a society that feels familiar and friendly.

Honestly, at times it felt so similar that I wondered if I had truly transmigrated.

However, there were a few things that sharply reminded me otherwise.

First, the occasional sight of ‘monsters’ corpses on the streets.

Seeing dozens of police officers gathering, putting up no-entry signs, and professional butchers coming to dismember the ‘monster’ corpses, various thoughts crossed my mind.

And then, confirming and recording the public incident.

The second was the ‘hunters’ who would interview journalists upon hearing news, right beside them.

“…Lastly… gear up.”

Upon boarding a bus and taking a seat, what immediately caught my eye were individuals brandishing weapons.

Even ordinary citizens, not just hunters, seemed to equip basic self-defense weapons as a matter of course.

Moreover, seeing even elderly folks with gray hair strapping large bows to their backs gave me a feeling like common sense was being thrown out the window.

“…They did say South Korea recovered faster than any other country globally, right?”

The history of “Gosra” is based on a typical invasion through ‘gates.’

Awakened individuals capable of using the power of monsters and magic to access the “Status Window.”

This era saw the downfall of many well-known countries merely by mentioning their names.

Despite suffering catastrophic losses, South Korea remarkably recovered its economy, order, and society at an astonishing pace, growing into a recognized powerhouse worldwide.

This was made possible because two forces joined hands, ushering in a golden age.

“…One being the Academy.”

The main stage of “Gosra” and undoubtedly the most crucial institution.

The “Gonnis Hunter Academy” is one of the primary protagonists.

Functioning as a place that nurtures and produces monstrous talents called characters, it held significant influence in this country.

The second is the “Hunter Association.”

Referred to as the ‘Association.’

Collaborating with the government, they amended laws specifically for awakened individuals beyond conventional regulations, recognizing their rights, honor, and financial assets to ensure their powers were directed towards the right path.

In many ways, it was an institution that exerted significant power in preventing social chaos.

The basic premise was that these two entities monitored each other, competed, and became the driving force behind making this country a better place to live.

Well, it’s somewhat outdated to say this at the current point in time, but…

“Yet their influence remains strong.”

The ‘Association’ operated multiple ‘branch agencies’ like octopus tentacles from a separate headquarters, running them for various purposes.

Among these, the most important institution and a place essential for many hunters to visit was the ‘Guild.’

And that was precisely where I needed to go now.

—

“…Phew. Finally arrived.”

Raising my gaze, a towering skyscraper stood painfully tall.

The entire building was the local ‘Guild,’ right?

“Incredible…”

Well, considering the commissions and intermediary fees one could earn from hunters alone, it was bound to bring substantial profits.

There was no way I’d be broke.

Entering cautiously, the safety door buzzed open.

With each step, dozens of eyes naturally turned towards me.

Each person, donned in sturdy armor and wielding hefty weapons, looked formidable.

– Whoa, is he an aspiring celebrity?

– Apart from being good-looking… he seems too young, doesn’t he? Just turned into an adult. Came here to apply as a hunter, perhaps?

– Seeing a sword at his waist… maybe applying as a dealer. Could he be a 【Swordsman】 class? Needs some tanking (defense reduction), though… should we invite him to a party?

“Hey, what kind of guy is a dealer? Of course, he must be a porter. That’s probably a self-defense weapon. Even the guild is recruiting special porters this time. Isn’t that why you’re here to apply?”

“…Just looking at him makes me feel healed. Going through dungeons with someone like that and partying together would be a wish come true… After seeing only ugly monsters for so long, it’s a luxurious change.”

“…Ahem.”

It’s too embarrassing to say it so blatantly, isn’t it?

The stares I felt when taking the bus and subway were similar, but there was something more overt about this place.

Additionally, I can sense jealousy from other men.

“Is this the life of a handsome alpha male?”

You tax-evading bastard. Pay double the taxes.

“Oh, then I have to pay? Cancel, cancel.”

Thinking that staying here might lead to troublesome situations, I hurriedly headed towards the receptionist.

Hunters lined up at the counter labeled “Mandatory Subjugation.”

“Wow, are all these people here for mandatory subjugation like me?”

“Mandatory Subjugation Order.”

I looked into it out of curiosity, and it seems to be the duty of the country’s most representative ‘Awakened Beings.’

Regardless of gender, everyone must participate… It’s somewhat like a reserve force, but the danger level is incomparable.

“Because we actually enter dungeons inside the gates.”

Actively subjugating living, breathing monsters.

Gates’ dungeons continue to spawn monsters unless completely ‘sealed.’

If these monsters are not dealt with, a ‘breakout’ will occur.

Guilds regularly conduct subjugations, but due to the wide variety of creatures, there are gates where subjugation doesn’t proceed well due to lack of popularity.

‘Mandatory Subjugation’ generally takes care of that.

“Welcome. I’m Arirang, here to assist with your consultation today.”

Before I knew it, the female employee was smiling at me.

“Ah, I’m Yuseha. I’m here for mandatory subjugation this time.”

“Ah~ You’ve come to participate as a porter, I see. There happens to be a party recruiting members for collecting byproducts-”

“-No. No. I came to participate as a dealer.”

“…Eh? You? A dealer? Excuse me, but are you a long-range specialist or part of a special job class?”

“No. I’m a close-range main dealer.”

My response visibly startled the employee.

But maybe that’s what being a pro is all about.

“Hold on a moment!” She started searching for something diligently.

“…Recruiting male dealers. Oh, there’s no vacancy… Uh, excuse me…”

“Yes, yes.”

“What’s your class? It’s not written on the application form here.”

“Executioner.”

“I see, an Executioner? Wait… What did you say?!”

The employee’s eyes widened in disbelief at my response.

For a full 5 seconds.

Then, she slightly furrowed her brows, looking at me as if to say, ‘Unbelievable…’

“…Sir Yuseha. I know you may be aware, but impersonating a ‘class’ is a serious crime. Mentioning something as specific as ‘Executioner’ when you’re a man is…”

Isn’t this a bit unfair?

“No, no. I really am an Executioner.”

Despite my fervent explanation, the female employee still looked skeptical.

Letting out a deep sigh, she took out a yellow kit resembling a blood collection device from the drawer.

“Could you please extend your hand for a moment? We plan to conduct a class examination.”

“Of course.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the sharp needle swiftly pricked my fingertip, stealing a small drop of blood.

And there it was, displayed without falsehood: 【Executioner】 as my class.

“Look at this! I told you I’m an Executioner, right?”

I glanced at the employee with a slightly smug expression, but I couldn’t afford to dwell on that thought.

Her reaction was priceless.

“T-This can’t be real. In this world… Is this really happening?”

The eyes bulged out so much that when the mouth opened with a ‘Heh…’ it seemed quite shocking.

“Excuse me…”

“Oh, oh! I-I’m sorry! I didn’t recognize our guest!”

With a start―!

The employee bowed their head 90 degrees and apologized.

Not only were the other hunters around them focused on the reaction, but the employee showed no signs of stopping.

“Thank you for designating our guild. We promise to connect you with our guild leader for information about Yuseha. We will do our best to protect with the guild’s trust at stake.”

“Uh, well…”

“I-If there are any lingering concerns about earlier rudeness, we can immediately replace the staff-”

“-No. No! There’s no need for that. Just continue, please!”

“Yes, yes! Thank you!”

As soon as the words ended, the employee briskly tapped on the keyboard.

Honestly, I was the most surprised.

‘…And this is the treatment for a single 【Sword Saint】?’

Of course, it’s true that the 【Sword Saint】 class is a scam.

It’s one of the most talked-about professions in the community.

But for me, it’s just one of the powerful job classes.

That’s why I didn’t expect this reaction at all.

‘The position granted by this class must be significant, right?’

Well, I’ll investigate how valuable being a Sword Saint is later, but for now, I should ask about what I was most curious about.

“Excuse me…”

“Yes, esteemed guest!”

“…Um, you seemed very surprised, but… Wasn’t my record here? I heard there was mandatory subjugation even last year.”

“…Huh? Uh, you’ve been continuously substituting for different duties until now… Don’t you remember?”

“…Yes?”

According to the kind explanation, due to fear of fighting with the ‘monsters’ while campaigning, they had substituted their service with volunteering or material support.

“But now you’re officially 19 years old this year, an adult. You can’t substitute your service anymore.”

The female employee looked at me as if she found something pitiful.

Perhaps she thinks I’m babbling out of fear.

On the other hand, I realized why Yuseha, despite being a 5★, had such weak basic stats.

‘…Haah, Yuseha. This guy…’

He’s such a coward that he didn’t even apply for the Gate. No wonder he doesn’t have the [Swordsmanship] attribute.

“Don’t worry. You’re nothing less than a Sword Saint class, right? You’ll surely do your part.”

The employee sent a gaze of ‘Cheer up!’ clenching her fists.

That strange sense of trust shining in her eyes.

‘…This pricks my conscience a bit.’

While I am a Sword Saint, I’m still weak…

“We’re currently in matchmaking. Let me briefly explain in the meantime.”

“Yes.”

“The gate you’ll enter for today’s mandatory subjugation is the ‘Goblin Stronghold.’ The dungeon grade is D. The entry requirements are 2《Strikers》and 1《Backup,》the most basic setup.”

The employee explained various precautions, but even after some time passed, no match was found, and she scratched her cheek awkwardly.

“…Um, esteemed guest?”

“Yes?”

“Um… I’m really sorry, but… Since you’re a male dealer, everyone is rejecting, so… Could you possibly change to ?”

Backup change?

I know what ‘Backup’ means, but change?

I raised an eyebrow, asking ‘What’s that?’ and the female employee let out a small sigh.

“…I can’t help it. I have to make adjustments… Oh! The Striker who will accompany you today has just arrived.”

Huh?

Who?

Where?

Upon hearing that someone had arrived, I looked around.

Since I’m a dealer, there’s a high probability that a tank will show up, most likely a person with a sturdy shield.

However, no matter how much I looked around, I couldn’t see such a person.

Just then―

I felt something approaching.

Slowly, I lowered my gaze.

“…Ah.”

Unconsciously, I exclaimed in admiration.

It’s someone I’m seeing for the first time.

They should feel unfamiliar.

But they felt familiar.

That’s the only way I could describe it.

Pudgy―?

Deep within my chest, a sensation rises like a lump of cotton candy.

Longing, joy, confusion, wonder—various emotions known as nostalgia bubbles took shape.

“You’ve arrived just in time.”

The female employee smiled brightly and extended her hand as if introducing someone.

“Are you Yuseha? You’re the party member leading the mandatory expedition today. Please introduce yourselves.”

Reluctantly—

In response to the female employee’s words, a black furball that had been making eye contact with me began to fidget between her fingers.

A petite figure standing at about 155cm.

A massive shield that seemed mismatched for such a frame and a dull dagger hanging at her waist.

A leather armor covered in various black stains due to poor cleaning.

A slightly pitiful black bobbed haircut and two soft cat ears attached like a headband above it.

Lastly, the appearance of a cute girl with cheeks that were still slightly chubby and soft.

I know this girl well.

Better than anyone else.

Reluctantly—

The hesitating girl slowly extended her hand.

“…I-I’m Mahana.”

The voice I had heard in-game echoed in my ears.

“Oh, please take care of me today.”

“…”

Crazy, is this for real?

Mahana.

Nicknamed Meonyangi.

A 1-star character from “Gonys Archive Life.”

One of the original members never replaced among the countless characters I’ve nurtured.

It was the first encounter with my most precious favorite character.