"You were really awesome, Hunter Min-Jae."
"Yeah, you didn't even break a sweat fighting the dungeon boss. And that too without any prior experience."
The squad's voices overlapped as they emerged from the gate, the blue portal shimmering behind them before collapsing in on itself with a soft *whoosh*. The dungeon had begun its collapse the moment the boss fell—standard procedure. By the time they'd crossed back through, the gate had sealed completely, leaving only empty air where it had stood.
"Well, I'm sure that wasn't anything extraordinary," Min-Jae said, brushing some dust off his hoodie. "You've all seen our other two S-Ranks, right?"
"That's true, especially after watching Sung Jin-Woo fight," one of the B-Rank tanks replied. "But still, you were great out there."
Son Ki-Hoon walked alongside them, his expression distant. *Complete monster,* he thought, replaying the fight in his mind—the casual way Min-Jae had controlled the entire encounter, the precision of each ability. *And that was him holding back.*
"If Sung Jin-Woo joins our guild too," another hunter mused aloud, "we'd be the strongest in the country. By far."
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Son said, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone. "He hasn't committed to anyone yet."
Their conversation continued as they made their way through the cordoned-off area. The security barrier came into view, and beyond it, the reporters were still waiting.
"Hunter Min-Jae, look here!"
Cameras flashed immediately. Min-Jae found himself standing between Son and Han Semi as the photographers jockeyed for position, calling out for different angles.
"S-Rank hunters sure get a lot of recognition and media attention," Han Semi said quietly, her voice just above a whisper.
Min-Jae glanced at her with a slight smile. "Are you jealous?"
"Nope." She shook her head without hesitation. "I don't want it. I have different reasons for being a hunter altogether."
Min-Jae nodded, understanding the sentiment. Not everyone was in it for fame, nor was he himself. Though, his reason was otherworldly entirely.
---
Twenty minutes later, after answering a few obligatory questions from the press and posing for a couple of official photos, Min-Jae managed to extract himself from the group. He said his goodbyes to the squad, received a few more congratulations, and headed to his car.
The engine hummed to life, and he pulled out of the raid site parking area, merging into late afternoon traffic.
'I've got the a huge signing bonus from the guild,' he thought, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. 'Might as well do some shopping.'
He glanced down at his hoodie. 'Plus, I really don't like the clothes I have as options right now. Min-Jae's taste was... different from mine.'
The drive to the mall took about half an hour, traffic moving at a steady crawl through the city. When he finally pulled into the shopping center's parking garage, he found a spot on the third level and killed the engine.
He sat there for a moment, staring at his reflection in the rearview mirror—the distinctive white and black hair, the heterochromatic eyes. Then he sighed.
'Should've worn a hat or something.'
Too late now.
He climbed out, locked the car, and headed toward the entrance.
---
The mall was moderately crowded for a weekday evening—people browsing storefronts, teenagers clustered around the food court, the ambient noise of conversation and distant music creating a familiar urban buzz.
Min-Jae had barely made it ten steps inside when he felt it—that prickle of attention. Heads turning. Whispers starting.
"Wait, is that Hunter Min-Jae?"
"No way, here?"
"It is! Look at his hair!"
'Goddammit.'
He kept walking, hoping they'd lose interest, but within seconds a small group of young women had detached from a nearby café and were speed-walking in his direction.
"Excuse me! Hunter Min-Jae?"
He stopped, turning with what he hoped was a friendly but not-too-encouraging smile. "Yeah, that's me."
"Oh my god, I can't believe it!" One of them, maybe early twenties, was already pulling out her phone. "Can we get a picture? Please?"
"Sure," he said, because what else was he going to do? Refuse and look like an asshole?
They clustered around him, phones held at arm's length for selfies. He smiled for each one, trying not to look awkward. Another girl hovered nearby, clearly wanting to ask something but hesitating.
"Um, is that your natural hair color?" she finally blurted out.
"Yeah, it is."
"And your eyes too? They're different colors, right?"
Min-Jae nodded. "Heterochromia. Born with it."
"That's so cool," she breathed.
More people were noticing now. A couple of middle-aged men approached, one holding out a small notebook.
"Hunter Min-Jae, my son is a huge fan of hunters. Could you sign this for him?"
"Of course." Min-Jae took the notebook and pen, scribbling his signature. "What's his name?"
"Jihoon."
"Nice. Tell Jihoon I said hi."
The man beamed. "Thank you so much!"
Another autograph. Another selfie. A kid who looked about twelve asked if Min-Jae could really stop attacks with his mind, and Min-Jae gave a vague but encouraging answer that seemed to satisfy him.
By the time the small crowd finally dispersed—satisfied with their photos and autographs—nearly fifteen minutes had passed.
'I am such an idiot,' Min-Jae thought as he finally escaped into a clothing store. 'Should've at least worn sunglasses or something.'
Inside, the store was quieter, the staff too professional to immediately mob him even if they recognized him. He browsed the racks, pulling out a few items that actually matched his taste—simple, clean lines, dark colors, nothing too flashy.
A sales associate approached, polite and professional. "Can I help you find anything?"
"Just browsing for now, thanks."
She nodded and stepped back, though he caught her doing a double-take at his face before retreating to give him space.
He picked out a few jackets, some shirts, a couple pairs of jeans.
The clothes fit well. He made his selections, paid with his new guild credit card—the signing bonus was generous—and headed back out into the mall.
Two more stops. One for shoes, another for some casual accessories.
By the time he made it back to his car, shopping bags in hand, the sun was setting, painting the parking lot in orange light.
He tossed the bags in the trunk and slid into the driver's seat, letting out a long breath.
'Welcome to being an S-Rank hunter,' he thought wryly. 'Fame included, whether you want it or not.'
Still, as he started the car and pulled out of the parking lot, he couldn't help but smile a little.
This was his life now. New world, new powers, new challenges.
And honestly? Despite the occasional annoyance of being recognized everywhere...
It was pretty damn cool.