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Hajin P.o.v
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On a fine afternoon, Rachel and I were being questioned by Cube's investigators. Shiki had already gave his testimony so he wasn't here with us.
I was still sore from the added streak of Stigma yesterday, but I still cooperated earnestly thanks to Rachel sitting next to me in an upright position.
"Thank you."
Rachel said so without a change in her expression.
"What?"
"For saving me."
"Oh, right. So, where are you going?"
"Back home."
"Ah, to England."
"Yes."
I see, so she was going back to England.
It made sense. England should be safer than Cube. The Queen's residence was a fortress that even a manifested devil couldn't easily enter.
We were going in the same direction. My smartwatch rang.
It wasn't a text message, but a call.
From Chae Nayun.
I had a feeling I shouldn't pick it up, so I ignored it.
"I'm also taking Cube's Portal, so…"
My smartwatch rang once again. I immediately ended the call.
Then a message arrived.
[Hey, you wrote that report, didn't you?]
[I just don't understand. Just how are you in any position to say something like this?]
[I don't have the sense or talent of an archer? Have you ever used a bow before? I'm so freaking speechless.]
[And you said I'm stupid? What, you think you can mock me because you're good at studying?]
[You wanna fight? Wanna make a bet? Want me to teach you how hard it is to use a bow?]
"What is this bombshell…"
A barrage of five messages fell on me in just ten seconds.
However, the last message caught my attention.
Bet.
I recalled my gift [Master Sharpshooter]. Even though I've never used a bow, I should be able to easily defeat her.
[Sure, let's fight and bet on it. I'll also use a bow.]
It was about time to show her the difference between someone of talent and a true genius.
"…Why isn't she replying?"
For some reason, Chae Nayun stopped messaging me. Did she think it was meaningless to make a bet with someone who wasn't an archer?
Looking up, I saw that Rachel had gone ahead. I quickly ran and caught up to her.
Rachel glanced back at me.
"Haha, I'm also using the Portal. I'm going to Wonju."
"…Ah, yes."
We walked side by side to the Portal without talking.
We eventually arrived at the Cube Portal Station, which was fairly empty. Because Cube had asked the cadets to leave if possible for a more thorough investigation, most cadets had already left.
Rachel should now take the Seoul Portal to transit through to England, while I'd take the Portal to Wonju.
"Um, if it's okay… can I ask you, how did you do that back then?"
But before we separated, Rachel asked me a question.
It seemed she found it hard to accept what happened. After all, I had blown up a wall with a simple handgun.
"Oh that, I can create runic bullets. Teach's lesson for your infomation."
He didn't teach me much about Rune but let's throw him under the bus anyway.
Rachel stared at me before nodding.
"Thank you again. I'll bring something back from England as thanks."
With that, Rachel left towards the Seoul Portal.
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I arrived in Gangwondo Wonju. Perhaps because it was midday on a weekday, the Portal Station was bustling with people to the point there was barely any space to breathe.
I plowed through the swarm of people and left the Portal Station.
"Hajin~ Here!"
When I came outside, a man in a well-tailored suit and sunglasses shouted my name. It was Park Soohyuk. Next to him was an HUV, though it was an old model.
He looked completely different.
I approached him with a smile.
"Wow, I almost didn't notice you. Looks like you had fun with my money. Maybe you should be investigated for embezzlement."
"Haha, this is a proper business expense. Get in."
Park Soohyuk opened the back door as though he had done it a thousand times before.
I got in the car.
"So, where did you want to go?"
Yesterday I had asked Park Soohyuk if he could take me to a certain location in Wonju's fields. That place is a minor dungeon I found using the 'Book of Truth'. Clearing it would grant me some stats points.
My power had risen a lot since I synchronized. It had been over a month and I have gather enough strenght to challenge people like Kim Horak and Chae Nayun. Even then, I want to gain as much stat point as possible.
This was probably the second time I would have to go all out. Thanks to Teach, I knew where my limit were.
"Just go to the field we were at before."
"Alright, then I'm going~"
"So, how's the business lately?"
"It's much better, thanks to you. Everything is easier with a car."
A mode of transportation was an important core item in any business. For a monster hunting agency, an HUV was practically a necessity.
"It's over there, but there are a lot of people already."
Not long afterward, we arrived at the entrance of the Field.
"Let's get off for now."
"Yeah."
To get a permit for our vehicle, Park Soohyuk and I got off.
"…Hm?"
But in the distance, I saw a familiar face.
To be honest, she was eye-catching no matter where she went. Her long black hair fluttered in the air and shone under the sunlight. Her incredibly charming black dress made her stand out even in this sea of people.
Yoo Yeonha.
She was observing the Field, surrounded by people who I presumed to be her guild members. The serious expression she had as she spoke made her seem as though she were an adult.
"Oh, right."
I suddenly recalled that it was about time Yoo Yeonha came to the Wonju's Field for business.
In the original story, she became the greatest investor for SH Agency. After finding out that Kim Suho had a contract with SH Agency, Yoo Yeonha invested an astronomical sum to SH Agency, which turned out to be incredibly successful. This was the point where Park Soohyuk and Yoo Yeonha began their royal road.
"What, do you know her?"
"Mm… I do, but let's just go."
She seemed busy, so I pretended not to see her.
But at that moment…
"Eh?"
Yoo Yeonha discovered me.
Clack, clack. She approached me on her high heels, but the height of her heels was too threatening. She seemed taller than me.
"What are you doing here?"
Yoo Yeonha looked into my eyes and asked. We were at the same eye-level.
"I'm here to make money."
This was a lie.
"Mmm~ I see."
Yoo Yeonha glanced at Park Soohyuk, who was next to me.
It felt like I needed to introduce them to each other, so I did.
"This is my agent."
"Ah, nice to meet you. I'm SH Agency's head manager, Park Soohyuk."
"I'm Yoo Yeonha. I'm still a cadet."
"Ah, yes."
I stole a peek at the two of them.
Park Soohyuk and Yoo Yeonha.
Though it wasn't my intention, their meeting was moved forward by three years. As for the consequences, I wasn't sure. But it didn't seem like a bad thing.
I also glanced at the four men standing behind Yoo Yeonha like guards. Their equipment was all high-class goods.
"Ah, they're members of Essence of the Strait."
Yoo Yeonha introduced them to us. The members stood around, not knowing how to react, but Yoo Yeonha's stinging glare immediately caused them to bow.
"Essence of the Strait…?"
Disbelief emerged on Park Soohyuk's face. Essence of the Strait was the rank 2 guild. Park Soohyuk must never have imagined being in contact with them.
Wiing—
At that moment, my smartwatch rang.
It was from Chae Nayun.
[Haa, what would I gain by betting with someone who doesn't know anything about bows? Just screw off.]
It seemed she was planning on ignoring me, but I couldn't let that happen.
I kindled her rage.
[What, you're scared?]
[Ha. You wanna die? I was going easy on you, so don't you…]
[Just like you said, I've never even touched a bow before. But if it's you, I can defeat you at any time.]
After sending the message, I crossed my arms.
But suddenly, Yoo Yeonha asked.
"…Are you perhaps texting Nayun?"
Startled, I stared at her.
"W-What? How did you know?"
Wasn't I the only one capable of hacking into others' smartwatches?
Yoo Yeonha grinned and put up a hologram of her smartwatch screen.
[Hey, look what this kid is saying to me. I'm speechless. S.P.E.E.C.H.L.E.S.S. Do I take on this bet?]
From the looks of it, Chae Nayun was telling her friends about what I said and asking them for advice.
"Aha."
I spoke shortly.
"Tell her to do it."
"Eh? Have you used a bow before?"
"Nope, not even once."
I haven't even touched one. In fact, before coming to this world, I haven't even seen them outside of movies and the Olympics.
"But I can still defeat her."
However, this was a contest of pure skill. My Master Sharpshooter Gift was specialized for the sharpshooter role, while Chae Nayun's Gift didn't directly support a role and was more relevant to swords.
"How can you be so confident? Isn't your gift related to guns?"
"…"
I stared at Yoo Yeonha silently. I was pondering on how to answer her question.
"Tsk, fine. I won't ask. So sensitive…"
But Yoo Yeonha misunderstood my reaction and clicked her tongue before I had the chance to answer.
She then stared at Park Soohyuk and his HUV before asking.
"Ah, if you're here to hunt, can I come with you?"
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Yoo Yeonha couldn't understand what he was saying.
"If she gives up on using a bow, she can advance much further."
Kim Hajin added those words somewhat bitterly. At least, that's what Yoo Yeonha felt.
Yoo Yeonha then began to see what was going on.
Without interest, there was no criticism. One had to carefully scrutinise something to see its flaws. In a way, giving proper criticisms was harder than giving compliments.
In that sense...
Just how long has this man been watching Chae Nayun to be so sure of his thoughts? Three months? Half a year? A year? Or perhaps even longer?
'...Come to think of it.'
During the third year of Agent Military Academy, Kim Hajin was in the same class as Chae Nayun. They were both only 11 years old. From then until now, six whole years had gone by.
Could it be that for six years, this man...
Clunk!
"Ak!"
Suddenly, the HUV shook violently and came to a stop. Yoo Yeonha hit her head against the headrest of the front seat.
"W-What's going on!?"
Yoo Yeonha was inexperienced with such things, but both Park Soohyuk and Kim Hajin weren't. Park Soohyuk turned off the engine and spoke
Yoo Yeonha was inexperienced with such things, but both Park Soohyuk and Kim Hajin weren't. Park Soohyuk turned off the engine and spoke.
"We're here."
"Where is this place?"
Yoo Yeonha looked around to find a surrounding full of trees.
"I don't know. Hajin told me to go here."
Yoo Yeonha looked towards Hajin and saw him fiddling with some bushes. He then stepped on one of the bushes and...
*Rumbling*
The ground opened up revealing a pathway downward. Hajin looked back and nonchalantly said.
"It's a dungeon."
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Park Soohyuk stayed behind while Yoo Yeonha and Kim Hajin entered the dungeon.
Hajin told her to follow him behind. He would mop up the final reward while anything else dropped would be shared.
Hajin picked up a nearby rock and wrote 'Berkanan'.
The Runes ᛒ sculpted on the rock lit up and the rock started floating and slowly moving away from the two. The lack of light sources made the stone glowed brightly.
"C'mon, let's go." Hajin said.
"Okay." Yoo Yeonha replied softly. She was too distracted to see what Hajin was doing.
Being in a dark and tight space was far from her cup of tea. In the story, Yeonha was described as having a lot of mental illness. It could trigger some of them if things went horribly wrong. Yeonha didn't have the mind to care what Hajin was doing.
Soon they met their first obstacle, a sea serpent. Hajin quickly took out his gun.
"Aim for his tail." Hajin instructed Yoo Yeonha.
She gave him a quiet nod.
He then scribbled on the floor. The strange language confused Yoo Yoenha as she didn't recognise them, but only felt like she had seen them somewhere before.
ᛖᛚᛞᛁᛜ ᛊᛚᛇᚱ ᚱᛖᛏ. / lightning, strikes true.
The ancient words soon glowed, and a thunderbolt crashed down onto the serpent. It screamed out in pain as the lightning seared its flesh.
Hajin went closer to the sea monster as Yeonha supported him from behind by binding its mouth. The sea serpent, still paralyzed from the lighting, couldn't move as Hajin aimed his gun at the serpent's head.
*Bang*
The bullet went straight into the monster's eye, painfully and blindingly.
The monster struggled in vain, swinging its tail at no one. The battle soon ended as Hajin and Yoo Yeonha ganged up on the sea creature from afar.
A moment of silence helped the young cadets ease their tension. Yoo Yeonha approached Hajin to question his display.
"What was that at the start? Was it your gift?"
"You can say that."
"What do you mean by that?"
"It's like what I said."
"Fine, keep your secret. I'll find out anyway."
"Suit yourself."
After that, the dungeon raid was smooth. Numerous yet weak monsters popped out like fodder to their firepower. Nothing bad happened as they moved to the final room.
"It's the entrance to the dungeon's final room. Be careful from here."
"..."
I pushed the door open as we slowly walked in.
Waiting in the room was a humanoid monster. It had snakes for hair and a serpent lower body, a medusa. Its gaze could cause paralysis and turn people into stone. Fighting in close range is suicidal.
Luckily, both of us thrive in mid-range and above. And I got just the trick to beat it.
"Stay behind the boulder, I'll handle it."
"And how do you suppose to do so?"
"With this."
Using Stigma, I conjured a small double-sided ice mirror in my hand. Yoo Yeonha took a look at it in silence.
"Watch."
I rushed toward the medusa and threw the mirror over her head. The monster ignored the mirror and focused on me. It closed its eyes preparing for the petrifying gaze. The few seconds of blindness were the chance for my execution.
[Displacement]
I swapped with the mirror behind the monster. The medusa cast its gaze unknowingly to its demise. The petrifying light hit the mirror and bounced right back at her. The reason for a double-sided mirror was so the gaze would be reflected at either side.
The medusa froze solid at its own attack. I got closer from behind and finished the job. The medusa screeched and crumbled into stone.
[With the death of the medusa, the 'Perseus replication feats' have been completed.]
[You gain 1 stat point.]
[Desser Eagle gained 'Bane of monsters': Depends on your invariable luck stat, attacks may deal more damage to monster-type opponent.]
I next check my smartwatch, and I'm surprised. I managed to get more than I thought. For whatever reason, this dungeon was based on the heroic tale of Perseus despite its mismatched order.
I'm going to place that stat point in perception. And when I do that.
[Your special stat, accumulation of luck, activates!]
[All variable stats permanently increase by 0.5]
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Silence followed as the two made their way to the entrance. No one spoke a word.
Both of them were busy minding their own business. Hajin was focusing on checking his newly gained strength while Yoo Yeonha was writing her mind off about her experience. When they got out of the dungeon, Hajin broke the ice.
"We're out."
"Indeed, I wouldn't want to stay in that dark space any longer."
"Where is Soohyuk? I don't see his car?"
Yoo Yeonha followed Hajin's gaze to find out that they were alone. Only trees and bushes greeted them, as there was no other sign of living beings around.
"Did he leave us here?"
"I don't know. Maybe something came and he had to run for it."
Hajin's speculation was soon answered as an old HUV roared its engine nearby and caught their attention. And from the driver's seat is Park Soohyuk calling out to them.
"Mr Hajin, Ms Yoo Yeonha, over here."
"Where were you, hyung?"
"Some monsters came up so I have to drive away for a while. I did come back a few times, but I didn't see you two. I'm so sorry about that."
"No it's fine, it's not your fault. You're here anyway. Let's go back."
The three then headed back to the province to settle their spoil. Most of them went to Yoo Yeonha as agreed, and Park Soohyuk got his shares along with Yoo Yeonha's business card.
Soohyuk later left to cash in his and Hajin's drops. He would then send the money the next day. As for now, the cadets have no reason to remain here... That until...
"So I'll be leaving now.... Hey! Are you listening to me? Hey!!!"
As much as Yoo Yeonha wanted to scream in my ear, Hajin ignored her. The scene in front of Hahin shocked him a little too much.
Seeing that her attempt at getting his attention failed, she followed his gaze to see what was so important for him to be distracted. She got her answer very quickly.
Amidst the busy crowd, a woman was walking alongside a man. It was a normal scene of two close people, if not for their identities, or lack of them.
Despite the man wearing sunglasses and casual clothes, the two long rat tails couldn't be any more iconic. Of all people who could be here, why must it be his very own sadistic Teacher Shiki. But it wasn't him who shook Hajin to his core; the woman walking and talking next to him was.
At first, Hajin thought that he had just seen the Boss of the Chameleon Trope walking with his teacher, a combination of absolute destruction. But a closer look told him a different tale. She was brighter than the stone-cold killer that he knew.
Her long, smooth, wine-coloured hair made her light-toned skin the centre of the canvas. Her mature face with deep red eyes gave off an alluring vibe. Like a model in this modern world.
Black stockings and a long white sweater covered her whole body from under the shoulder, making one question if she wears anything below. The voluminous figure she has didn't help the case.
However, just through a brief look at her appearance, Hajin felt a creeping chill in his spine. He was the one staring at her from the side, but somehow, he felt like he was being watched.
Yoo Yeonha also froze at the scene. Not because she didn't know who Hajin was looking at, but because of the lack of intel on whom he was looking.
During her time at Cube, every cadet is an open book to Yoo Yeonha. There is nothing that she didn't know about them, not until his sudden arrival.
His past? Blank. His power? Unidentified. His relatives? No one. Only his name and origin country were known. But that information could also not be trusted.
Yoo Yeonha was sure of it. Even the 'Violet Banquet' didn't have his info. So why was it true if everything else were lies.
The only constant that she knew was how he was addressed by the man beside her Kim Hajin, another blank card.
'If I remember correctly, this guy called him 'Teach'. If so, what is their relationship? A teacher-student? Or a relative one?'
Yoo Yeonha was frustrated by the fact that the only clue she had on each of them was linked together. Only with certain help may she uncover something about these two.
'I have to ask for uncle's help. He's the only option I have for now.'
Yoo Yeonha wrote the memo in her mind, hoping that she would find out something later on. For now, she can only focus on getting to 'her guild'.
"I'll go my way from here." Yoo Yeonha said, snapping Hajin back from trance.
"Oh yeah... See you back at Cube."
After taking in Kim Hajin's average appearance once again, Yoo Yeonha turned back.
Hajin, seeing that Yoo Yeonha decided to go home. He may ask a few questions later if he ever saw her again.
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Earlier, the same afternoon.
Shiki P.o.v.
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A quiet afternoon, soaked in chilling wind and warm sun. No school due to the recent incident. It would have been a good nap for me but Murphy's Law always strike true.
And he strikes in the form of my Lancer, Scáthach.
"Master, I want to see this world." She spoke up.
"Huh???"
"I said I want to see this world."
"No, I get it the first time, not that I disagree, but why?"
"This world, though it is the same and much weaker than ours, is still a different world.
Then there are still things I may not know yet. Hence my request."
'Things? She meant strong people, right?'
"Okay, but why do you have to tell me? You can just go, right? You don't need my approval."
"You're right, but that is if I go alone."
'Ahhh shit. There goes my nap.'
"Fine, I'll tag along. So where are we going today?"
"It's good that you understand. Now get dressed."
And with that, my precious sleep was gone. Replaced by a date with the Queen of Dúin Scáit.
Gangwondo were obviously our destination as Lancer didn't know where else to visit. We spent half of our date going around the shopping places.
We bought a lot of things, including books, bedding and clothes for small girls. Our shopping spree had caught quite a lot of attention, mostly from the clerk.
After sending all of our bought stuff for delivery, we went to a restaurant for an early dinner. The food was nice and the space was pleasant for both of us.
The sun started to go down as we went for one last tour around the places we hadn't been to, noticeably near the entrance to the hunting field.
"Let's go find some monster materials. I want to make something for the little one."
'Looks like she had adopted Evandel, too. Spending her pastime with her must have triggered her maternal instinct.'
"That sounds good to me.
The materials I currently have are going to my students' Mystic Codes, so I'll stock up more for myself too...*Bzzzt Bzzzt*... and Evandel."
This little one has been developing very healthy huh? Is being fed with divine blood have to do with this? Forget it, all good is good.
We finished our shopping date and went back. Thanks The Root for True Magic or I would have been in the deep red right now. The mental strain of forcefully using sealed Magic is intense. Hopefully, the economy will not crash.
Now, it's feeding time for the little seedling and then rest for tomorrow's training session at 9. Not having to go to Cube doesn't mean that you can escape my lesson.
Rachel got her royalty obligation, so she was exempted. Hajin, however, can't slither his way out of this or someone will kick his door down by then.
And then... *Ring ring*...
[Travelling Club – There will be a trip this weekend.]
A message popped out of my smartwatch. Another trip had been planned for the Travelling club. We got the whole week off so the club naturally took advantage of the time given.
I look at the place we'll be visiting.
The club leader made his decision of visiting France and enjoying his time during the trip. There is also a party there as well.
'Perfect chances. I should take Lancer with me as well. She would like to go around the places.
Though she won't be able to openly reveal herself but that is no big deal. It's a two-day trip, we should have some time alone.'
We could avoid the party to have a night walk around the city. After all, France is the best place to visit at night.
I immediately called Lancer to talk about our trip. She was delighted to know that we could use the time of our club to tour the world.
I then message the club president asking if I can go on as a separate person. After getting the green light, we began to plan our trip.
The president said he'll go there to visit his girlfriend after all.
No need to worry about exposing Lancer to the crowd anymore. I can just split off the group and summon her as soon as we get there.
Heaven Feel's had already charged my Command Seal, and I didn't have any other chance to use them besides that one time.
So unless someone got the bright idea to stalk me, we're good to go.
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