episode_0047

It happened about 15 minutes after taking a break.

In front of me, five hunters appeared with their distinctive presence.

“…They’re fast.”

I knew they were coming with [Unprecedented Sense], but they almost appeared out of thin air.

Feeling the gap in our abilities, I was confident that I would be caught in just a minute if I tried to escape.

The Emergency Rescue Team.

A team of regular hunters created at the request of the Association.

Comprised of mid-level hunters with at least B-rank experience.

Among them, the woman in the center, who I assumed was the leader, exuded an A-rank level of strength.

“The pressure is real.”

Just looking at them made my heart tighten.

I felt like if this person made a move, I wouldn’t be able to resist and would die.

The four B-rank hunters behind her were the same.

They seemed like they would resist, but I was sure the outcome would be the same.

The only man, a guy with a beard, seemed somewhat manageable.

“So this is the strength of B-rank and the power of A-rank hunters, also known as a one-man army.”

Just a difference in alphabet, but the perceived strength was on a different level.

“…Meow.”

The cat next to me seemed to feel the same way I did.

I was sure they weren’t enemies, but it was an unavoidable physiological reaction.

“Excuse me. Rescue Team 1. I’m the leader, Song Gayoung. Are you Mahana and Yuseha?”

“Yes, that’s us!”

“Yes, thank you for coming.”

As I nodded, she extended her hand in return.

“No, we’re the ones who are late. Actually… I hate to say this, but we thought the worst had already happened and we were just trying to catch the culprit.”

Song Gayoung, the hunter, showed a hint of apology.

I could understand perfectly.

It took them about 30 minutes to get here.

That was enough time for the villain to commit a crime and escape.

“By the way, is there a reason you were late?”

“Well, there’s supposed to be a communication artifact in the that shows the location.”

She explained that for some unknown reason, most artifacts had stopped working, causing a delay in locating them.

I had a suspicion.

The powder scattered on the ground as the poison spread.

That must have been the cause.

“Um, I know about that part…”

“Really? Can you provide a detailed report… Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll visit you later since both of you must be seriously injured from the fight. I’ll-”

“No, no. It’s just that we used too much magic. We’re not hurt. Since we’re already here, let’s write up the investigation report.”

Me and the cat cooperated as best as we could with Song Gayoung’s questions.

Using my [Unprecedented Sense] skill, I had already predicted the incident before it happened.

I was extremely surprised by the strategy of turning the tables on the undead horde that had been sent.

Then, inducing the enemy’s consumption.

Tracking the internal conflict.

And finally, blocking the escape route and defeating them in a life-threatening battle.

Song Gayoung and Rescue Team 1 listened intently to my story, sitting in a circle.

“Oh, this guy… He looks young, but he’s got guts. I like him as a man!”

“Most people would just run away. Impressive. It seems like the gods are on his side.”

“He’s a super rookie. You’re the man, junior!”

“…He’s handsome… Even explaining things is cute.”

Uh, um.

I didn’t mean for this to happen, but…

This atmosphere is kind of…

“Feels like a meeting, doesn’t it?”

Ah, of course, I’ll exclude the bearded man who’s burning with camaraderie all by himself over there…

Anyway, that’s the end of the report.

Team 1 immediately began the cleanup.

“Looks like they’re dead.”

The first thing they found was the bodies of two people.

They were torn apart by the undead, with gruesome wounds all over.

I didn’t bring Meonyangi here on purpose.

I didn’t want to show him such a gruesome scene.

Naturally, I didn’t feel sorry at all.

It was a fitting retribution, and I felt relieved that they were dead.

“I don’t want any lingering regrets.”

The bodies of the Pyodokju were neatly taken care of.

All their belongings were collected.

They said that an investigator would be sent later for a thorough examination.

“I guess this case is closed.”

As I watched Song Gayoung diligently moving around,

Someone put their arm on my shoulder.

It was the ashen-haired woman who was lazily listening to my story earlier.

“Oh, junior. You seem to have a strong stomach.”

“Huh?”

“Usually, most people would gag at the sight of such gruesome bodies. The difference between monsters and humans is huge, right?”

Uh, well, it’s familiar…

I’d sound suspicious if I said that.

I scratched my cheek awkwardly.

But the ashen-haired woman suddenly started complaining without even asking.

“Really. Can you believe I got fooled?”

“Um. Uh, yeah?”

“She said the rescue team is popular. They work overtime all the time, wandering around all day, no personal time. And whenever something happens, they’re the ones who have to deal with it. Always being pushed around by the higher-ups~”

After that, the ashen-haired woman kept talking to me about various things.

Seeing the faces of the other team members saying, “She’s at it again,” it seems like she’s always been like this.

“She even got dumped by her boyfriend she was dating recently? Well… how can you have a relationship when you only see each other once or twice a week? Lonely~ I’m so lonely, junior~”

“Uh, I see…”

“You see our captain over there? He’s 29 this year? But he’s never dated anyone until now? Doesn’t it make you feel sorry for him, junior?”

Song Gayoung’s face turned red at those words.

She’s definitely an A-class hunter.

It seems like she’s well-known in this area.

“J-Jin Minji!”

“Oh, I might get in trouble like this. Well then, see you later, junior~”

She waved her hand and walked away.

Approaching me confidently, Song Gayoung coughed! and extended her hand.

“Thanks to you, everything ended safely. Thank you for your cooperation, Hunter Yuseha.”

“I truly appreciate your help once again.”

Shaking hands, she showed a bright smile.

In situations like this, a business smile is important, something I learned from social life.

“…”

Huh? But Song Gayoung’s reaction seems strange.

She keeps coughing frequently, and her face is turning red up to her neck.

Her eyes are rolling around and she can’t meet my gaze.

Then the ashen-haired woman who ran away earlier speaks with a sly expression.

“Hehe. You shouldn’t mess with the captain, right? The age difference-”

“-Jin Minji. Be quiet!”

* * *

All the incidents came to an end.

Of course, the most important task was still ahead.

After all, that’s why I entered the in the first place.

“Meonyang. Are we still far away? The owner of the shrine seems like he’s about to wake up soon.”

“M-Meow! Just a moment, just a moment… I’ve never worn this outfit before. I-I’m confused.”

A moment later,

Squeak.

The door of the old dressing room opens, and a cute pair of cat ears peek out.

A petite girl with two tails swaying gracefully.

Of course, it’s Meonyang.

She walks out slowly, looking embarrassed.

Fiddling with my fingers, I glanced up at me.

Embarrassed, she muttered a small “Meow…” and avoided eye contact with me.

“Se, Seha, how do I look?”

“……”

“Seha…?”

Wow…

Crazy.

‘Holy…’

Shaeet―!!!

My mind goes blank.

My heart tightens to the point of pain.

The outfit the Meow was wearing was none other than a hanbok.

Not the traditional hanbok with flowing lines, but a specially modified hanbok with a skirt that was short and cute, yet simple.

‘Wow, is the person who designed this outfit a genius for adding accessories to the jacket?’

This attire is the traditional attire for performing the “Moohee’s Dance.”

Let’s not question why this is considered traditional attire.

Cute, pretty, and charming is all that matters, as per the first law of “Gosla.”

As long as we keep this in mind, there should be no problem with the adventures to come.

“Seha?”

“Meow, my heart hurts too much.”

“……Meow?”

A moment later.

The Meow starts dancing in the spacious [Sodang].

Not a beautiful dance using light fabric, but a playful dance like a children’s party.

“Meow, Meow, Meow!”

She danced with all her might, showing off her moves here and there.

In my eyes, she gets a million out of ten, but it seems she’s not scoring well as a judge.

[A spirit who has watched countless Moohees at the Sodang for a long time will evaluate the dance.]

[Strict, solemn, and serious mode activated.]

[First, high scores for cuteness.]

[Bzzt―! Hand gesture on the left side. Wrong!]

“Me, Meow! I’m sorry!”

“Because you’re cute, I’ll let it slide.”

“Me, Meow?”

Watching this, I smiled satisfactorily and slowly spoke.

“How was it? Do you think this is enough to pass?”

“……”

The woman crossed her arms with a disgruntled expression in response to my question.

“…So why did you call me here in the first place?”

“I told you. It’s important to have someone trustworthy by your side.”

“……Sigh.”

The woman sighs, revealing her identity as Moon Bora.

Meeting her after a long time, she touched her forehead and thought.

‘Why am I here…?’

One hour ago.

Moon Bora was practicing magic with the goal of taking the entrance exam for the “Gonys Hunter Academy.”

Then, she received a phone call.

The following content made her complexion stiffen involuntarily.

“A class…hunter attack?!”

The one attacked was none other than Yuseha and Mahana.

Although she didn’t show it, the quick-witted Moon Bora quickly understood the situation.

‘The information about has been leaked.’

Fortunately, they were able to repel the attack.

But if someone called her directly, it must be evidence that something had happened.

With a worried heart, Moon Bora hurriedly headed towards the gate.

Upon entering in a rush, she saw Yuseha waving his hands nonchalantly and a team of protectors responding with “The guardian has arrived. Understood,” before disappearing.

It was then that Moon Bora realized she had been had.

“…Yuseha?”

“Yes.”

“…Don’t answer cutely. Anyway, I’m not your guardian.”

“Huh? You’re not?”

“Yiik!!”

“Just kidding~”

Truly, even at their first meeting, she felt that he was incredibly rude.

“Still, it’s true.”

“…What do you mean?”

“The fact that you’re someone trustworthy. There was no one else I could call besides you.”

With those words and a bright smile, she was even more puzzled.

“Why am I someone trustworthy? Just to be blunt, what if I do something shady behind your back-”

“-I won’t.”

“…What?”

“You’re not that kind of person.”

“……”

Her words left me speechless.

How can he be so sure to make such a statement?

Just empty words? Flattery?

‘…No.’

His eyes were filled with unwavering sincerity.

Looking into Yuseha’s transparent gaze, Moon Bora felt a slight unease.

“…I am currently more suspicious of you than anyone else.”

Yet, do you believe in me?

Moonbora turned her body.

It seems like Mahana’s test is coming to an end safely, so there is no need to stay here any longer.

“Don’t you want to say hello to the cat?”

…”

At his words, Moonbora stopped in her tracks.

When she first saw Mahana here, Moonbora barely swallowed her rising shock.

‘It’s hard to believe.’

It wasn’t just the dance that surprised her.

Even from a distance, the growth was clearly felt.

While she remained a small girl, her back felt much stronger and more dignified than before.

‘And that…’

Yuseha was the same.

Strong from the beginning, but upon seeing her again, it felt like she had grown incomparably.

It’s only been a little over a month.

It’s logically impossible.

But as he ultimately achieved what he had promised to himself, Moonbora couldn’t help but harbor ‘doubts’ of distrust towards Yuseha.

“What we’re doing right now is not polite. And I would like to hear directly from Mahana.”

“Is that so.”

“…Then, see you at the academy.”

After finishing her words, Moonbora reached out her hand towards Yuseha.

Unlike before, it was a handshake without taking off her gloves.

…”

With a slightly bitter smile at the fact, Yuseha held her hand.

* * *

Clack.

“Master, please depart.”

“Yes, miss.”

With Moonbora’s words, the luxurious limousine quietly began to move.

A car here with solid security against bullets and noise.

One of the few safe havens where she could relax.

“…Phew.”

Uncharacteristically, Moonbora let out a deep sigh.

Unconsciously, she tapped her fingers on the seat floor.

It was evidence that she was agonizing and suffering in her mind.

‘…Pull yourself together, Moonbora.’

The dilemma was short.

She didn’t believe it.

She prayed it wasn’t true.

But after seeing it with her own eyes today, wasn’t she convinced?

She reached into her pocket and took out her phone.

She dialed the number she had memorized.

The name ‘Professor Paeng Jin’ appeared on the screen, and the call was soon connected.

“Yes, Professor. Yes, yes… The coordinates are as I sent. Yes, the team in training is Rescue Team 1. With Song Gayoung as the leader, it shouldn’t be difficult to confirm the body.”

A voice continued on the phone.

Presumably a woman, Moonbora remained silent before speaking.

“Yes, it’s just my own speculation. I’m inclined to believe it’s not him. I’m just moving to prevent the worst-case scenario of a large loss of life if it is real. Yes, then, I’ll see you at the Gones Hunter Academy.”

Click.

After ending the call, Moonbora quietly wiped the screen.

Looking out the passing window, she silently prayed once again.

Please…

I sincerely pray that you are not a mine.

‘Yuseha…’

I will pray with all my heart that you are not a mine.