After the previous incident, Han Song-Yi had slipped into a gate without Castorice's knowledge and nearly lost her life.
Since then, Castorice had always kept protective measures around Han Song-Yi—a ring she pretended had dropped from a monster, capable of generating a protective barrier for a limited time.
Though it couldn't hold against S‑rank attacks for long, anything below S‑rank basically couldn't break through it.
The only drawback was that after use, Castorice had to recharge it herself.
But most of the time, that wasn't a concern, because no one would ever trouble Han Song-Yi.
Everyone knew she and Castorice were practically a fixed team.
Yet now, that protection had been triggered.
And Castorice had strong reason to suspect the target wasn't Han Song-Yi at all—it was her. Han Song-Yi had just been caught in the crossfire.
At that thought, the calm she'd maintained until now gave way to a surge of anger, tinged with worry.
Not worry for Han Song-Yi at the moment—she could sense the barrier around her was still holding.
What worried her was: if someone had moved against Han Song-Yi, would they stop there? Unlike herself, who had no attachments, Han Song-Yi had a family.
Castorice immediately called Choi Jong-In.
"Chairman Choi, can you arrange protection for Han Song-Yi's family as soon as possible?"
The call connected instantly. Castorice skipped any preamble—she knew he'd understand.
"My apologies…"
Choi Jong-In's expression was grim on the other end. Rubbing his temples with his left hand, his usual composure was gone, replaced by weariness and helplessness.
"Please rest assured. Hunter Han's family is safe—we had people stationed near them ahead of time."
He'd been investigating the matter even before Cha Hae-in looked into it on Han Song-Yi's behalf.
There was no mastermind behind the scenes, no shady deals—just hunters quietly resisting Castorice's mentioned 'non‑human' identity.
Though the enemy had spoken of 'not from this world,' Castorice's abilities, her unusual appearance, and the fact that the only two known worlds were humanity's and the monster realm led many to simply equate her with monsters.
After all, the two enemies they'd recently faced also looked human—the Monarch of Plagues and the Monarch of Iron Body had only made people wonder whether Castorice was the same.
Coupled with the underlying xenophobia in Korean society, even though many understood logically that Castorice should be kept in Korea, plenty more were driven by irrationality.
When Choi Jong-In learned the full story, he realized this must never be brought into the open before Castorice. It would only push her away—especially with Japan's overtures and Country Y repeatedly asking for her transfer.
This incident could easily drive her right into their hands.
It wasn't as if she had to study in Korea, after all.
Knowing how crucial Castorice was to Korea, Choi Jong-In had covered the whole thing up, not even telling Cha Hae-in, intending to resolve it quietly with the Hunter Association and steer the public opinion.
But these idiots had gone and broken the law to drag it right in front of Castorice.
Choi Jong-In felt his hairline receding by the minute.
Castorice's current attitude proved she already had some idea what was going on—she just hadn't confirmed it or paid it much mind.
And Korea had missed its chance to settle things before they escalated.
"I'm truly sorry…"
He said again.
Castorice didn't take her anger out on him—this wasn't his fault. Even though he'd kept it from her, she understood his reasoning.
Besides, he'd prepared for the worst and stationed people in advance.
But that didn't mean her anger just vanished.
"The rain and the thunder are both heaven's will." Having been God in her previous world, Amber understood that well.
Yet even as a deity, Amber wasn't the type to enjoy handing down punishment—usually, that task fell to Dark Amber.
Unfortunately, this world had no Dark Amber.
Sighing, Castorice opened a portal to Han Song-Yi's location.
The violet light caught everyone's attention—by now, no one could mistake it for anything but Castorice's doing. The hunters who'd been gathered before the protective barrier immediately shrank back.
Even if they were convinced Castorice was a non‑human monster in human form, hiding some sinister scheme, they also knew exactly how powerful she was.
"Hunter… Hunter Castorice."
One man forced a stiff smile. "There's been a bit of a misunderstanding with Hunter Han."
Han Song-Yi glared at him furiously.
She'd just finished school and tried to hail a cab to meet Castorice at the Hunter Association.
But the driver had taken her on a winding detour, all while making sly, disparaging remarks about Castorice. How could Han Song-Yi let that slide?
She told him to stop, then punched him right then and there.
Only an E‑rank hunter, she'd meant to teach him a lesson and find another ride. But the driver jumped out and started shouting that she'd assaulted him.
The commotion drew a crowd, including some high‑rank hunters, who began badmouthing Castorice to her face—or more precisely, throwing snide, insinuating remarks.
Naturally, she lost her temper, argued back, and threw a punch.
An E‑rank hunter's attack was nothing to them—they easily shoved her aside.
If not for the protective barrier, she might have been beaten badly.
No one would just let that go. Han Song-Yi snorted coldly and stated bluntly, "Just now you said Castorice-unnie was a spy sent by other monsters to infiltrate humanity. You said she looks human on the surface but might actually be like that insect woman."
"That was just a joke! I tell my friend I'm his dad—does that make it true? If I call you a lazy worm, are you really a worm?"
The man instantly defended himself.
"What relationship do we have for you to 'joke' like that?!"
Han Song-Yi wasn't buying it. She walked straight over to Castorice. "And it's not just him—none of these people are any good!"
Hearing that, the others' expressions shifted, and they each started offering their own excuses, though inwardly they still didn't take it seriously.
A dark light flickered in Castorice's eyes. She could make them pay once they entered the afterlife, but that would be too slow.
This situation really was tricky. Even if she threatened them now, it would only escalate the conflict.
She didn't mind for herself—no one could push her around—but Han Song-Yi and her family would still suffer for it.
Just as she was considering how to give them a fitting lesson, a black police van pulled up.
Out stepped Woo Jinchul, his hair neatly groomed.
Several hunters followed behind him.
"Nobody move! The Hunter Association has received reports of disorderly conduct here. Everyone stay where you are!"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.