Gg…ugh…
When fish pulled up from the sea are set outside, they struggle violently at first, but before long, they slow down as they can’t breathe and begin to twitch as if having seizures.
Right now, Baek Wisin’s state was just like that.
“Ch-ch-chief?!”
“Hey, get the medicine! No, the potion, potion!”
The San Guild dispatched to Korea was thrown into chaos by the unexpected commotion.
The San Guild is fundamentally evaluated as the largest and most powerful hunter guild in the world, and the guild master of the San Guild was highly esteemed, not to mention the lord of Shanxi Province.
And, as expected, every one of the great and powerful executives of the San Guild was either an S-grade Hunter or possessed equivalent strength. Baek Wisin was also a proud executive of such a guild. The members who followed Baek Wisin, dressed in the San Guild’s uniform, all looked up to him.
Though they were not executives but merely ordinary guild members, just being near someone who was an executive of the great San Guild and the lord of Shanxi Province was enough for them to take great pride in themselves.
However, seeing Baek Wisin, who couldn’t even establish a proper defense and was knocked into the ground in less than a second, they could hardly accept the reality of the situation.
If this were a long-range battle, it would be understandable.
Baek Wisin, the Hunter, was a tank who stepped forward in the front lines and was known for his straightforward attacks as a physical enhancement S-grade Hunter, so having strong abilities that earned him the S-grade was pretty strong. If it were illusions or utility skills stretched out from a distance, even Baek Wisin wouldn’t have a high chance of winning.
Yet, Baek Wisin, who was most confident in close combat, lost consciousness in one blow, unable to even react to what began as a surprise attack.
It was no wonder that his subordinates and members were losing their minds.
Hmph~ hrumph~
“Uh, uh… uh, hey!”
“What is it?”
“I don’t want to ask this now, but… um, is this okay…?”
“Yeah.”
Perhaps due to her panic, Yoonjeong’s accent slipped out, but Shia casually held her hand and moved past the members of the San Guild.
“Oh no… It feels like someone has turned into mush…”
“I controlled my strength. He won’t die from that.”
Honestly, Shia felt a twinge of guilt for her actions. Yet, as soon as she overheard those unknowns threatening Yoonjeong, Shia found it difficult to maintain her emotions.
In such a situation, the words ‘if you fight and win, I will let you go’ were said, so in a way, she was merely fulfilling that promise.
“I only did exactly as I said.”
A surprise attack? Cowardly?
Don’t talk nonsense. The moment the permission to fight was given, the fight had begun.
And since Shia was a knight who knew honor, she had no intention of playing along with silly games about being a warrior or whatnot.
‘Why should I play along with someone I’m not even close to…’
She didn’t know who those guys were, and there seemed to be quite a commotion above, but ultimately, it was of no concern to Shia. All she thought about was that those trying to threaten Yoonjeong would not be allowed to go unpunished.
“Stop.”
And just as she was about to step outside the building, a dark shadow blocked the window.
“What, what’s that? A shadow?”
“…Teresa…?”
In that moment, seeing the shadow that seemed to slither like slime, Shia couldn’t help but think of Teresa, whom she knew as the Shadow Black Witch from her previous world.
‘No, that can’t be.’
The amount of the shadow blocking Shia was quite small, and the viscosity and purity were light.
If Teresa were serious, she would cover the entire city of Seoul, not just this building, but now facing a feeble shade wielder like this seemed laughable.
Of course, it didn’t appear the owner of the shadow had any intention of attacking or blocking Shia, as a woman with braided hair soon emerged from the darkness.
“…….”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Wang Soyoung, an executive of the San Guild and the leader of the Black Plum Blossom. Shia Hunter.”
Bowing politely, Wang Soyoung elicited a protective step forward from Shia, who stood in front of Yoonjeong.
“Hey, Shia… is it okay for things to get this big…? That person seems pretty high up too…”
“No, I’ll take responsibility, so don’t worry.”
Oh my, how cool…
Unknowingly, Yoonjeong felt her face flush slightly.
“By the way, you know about me too?”
“I came to know you thanks to the recommendation from ‘Yeonseo.’ It is more than enough to draw attention from a foreign guild. Plus, since you do personal broadcasts, it wasn’t hard to gather information.”
“I see… so?”
Crack!
“Are you going to say that I have to fight and win to get out of here?”
As soon as Shia’s words ended, five tentacles shot out from her waist.
As if each tentacle resonated with Shia’s uncomfortable feelings, they menacingly glared at Wang Soyoung.
Let me make it clear.
Shia doesn’t mind being engaged herself.
She can accept it benevolently, casually, and with a tolerant stance as the Seongnyeo.
So long as they don’t cross the line too far, she has the willingness to reform and accept even the most wicked of individuals, that is the Mangja Seongnyeo Shia.
However, she cannot stand seeing her own people getting hurt, suffering, or in distress.
At that moment, Shia will crush everything, crossing every boundary of restraint without a second thought.
“Well, it doesn’t matter. Whether it’s one person or two… they won’t die.”
“No, no. That can’t be. You sound scary. I dislike violence.”
“Is it okay for someone who dislikes violence to threaten a child like this? Just now, the guy you laid down became all tough as soon as he saw me…”
“Ah, I’m really sorry about that…”
Wang Soyoung rubbed her forehead as if she had a headache.
“It’s obvious— that muscle-headed fool over there, who just fell down, couldn’t restrain himself and rushed directly at you, Shia Hunter? Ugh, I’m sorry on behalf of my colleague. I have no intention of threatening or blocking you or Yoonjeong.”
“Get to the point.”
“Hey, it’s okay. It’ll be over soon.”
Surrendering, Wang Soyoung withdrew the shadows blocking the entrance and window.
“Yoonjeong, you must have heard from the administrative officer, but we’d like to scout you…”
“I said I don’t want to… No, I said it.”
“Is that so?”
Wang Soyoung seemed to think for a moment, then looked at Shia.
“However, Shia, what is your relationship with Park Yoonjeong?”
“………”
“I understand you came to Korea to attend the S-grade promotion ceremony starting soon. Shouldn’t you be busy preparing for it now?”
Wang Soyoung wore an expression of confusion.
“As far as I know, you don’t have any relation with either of them? You’re not Yoonjeong’s family. Not friends or colleagues at work. So how come it seems like she’s a huge fan of your broadcast? Are you her parent or relative? No, no, from what we’ve investigated, that can’t be the case, can it? You two have no connections at all, right?”
“…Just a meal friend.”
“Pardon?”
“A meal friend.”
“What does that mean?”
Shia let out a small sigh.
Even she didn’t find that excuse convincing.
“It’s because I feel lonely eating alone, so I go out to eat together.”
“…..”
“Isn’t that right? Yoonjeong?”
But what’s the big deal?
I made an excuse that wasn’t even an excuse, a reason that wasn’t a reason, and what do you want to do about it?
Ah, don’t tell me you’re going to stop it?
You’re going to smash it all up?
Are you going to drag this conversation on? Are you trying to surround me and Yoonjeong like a tactical maneuver?
Go ahead.
I’ll show you just how well I can use my ability to compel.
“Uh, euh… that’s right! That’s right!”
At that, Wang Soyoung looked stunned.
But, so what…
It was the same for Wang Soyoung that she couldn’t hold onto Yoonjeong if she expressed her refusal.
Even though Yoonjeong didn’t understand why Wang Soyoung was offering such good conditions, it didn’t matter to her.
If Wang Soyoung’s official representative nature in South Korea escalated the situation with a show of force together with the muscle-headed man, it could lead to an uncontrollable mess.
While money could cover the media’s mouth, this was Korea where the strongest Hunter Yeonseo resides.
One wrong move, and the Knight of Radiance could go crazy on them.
‘Moreover, having come to represent the San Guild… I can’t tarnish the lord’s face.’
Above all, they had no idea why Shia was so keen on protecting Yoonjeong, so it wasn’t worth the risk of provoking them lightly.
“Understood. I’ll refrain from further touch. Farewell. I can’t force someone who doesn’t want to go. More than that, looking into Shia’s eyes, I feel as if that muscle brat will bash me into the ground, so I can’t bear it.”
“Alright.”
With that said, Shia grabbed Yoonjeong’s hand and passed by Wang Soyoung.
And as Shia passed, Wang Soyoung whispered quietly into her ear.
“Shia Hunter?”
“What?”
“I’m looking forward to the S-grade promotion ceremony, okay?”
“You’re not my friend.”
“Oh my, how haughty.”
○○○○○
Shia took Yoonjeong to a soup restaurant (Sunjigukbap House) near her home.
Soup, huh.
If she were a girl, she would have expected spaghetti or dessert, or maybe some sweet cakes, but she never thought she would take her to a soup place, especially one so polarizing as Sunjigukbap.
“It’s delicious.”
“Uh, yeah. It is… But…”
“Hmm? Nom nom…”
Looking at the tall pile of bowls beside Shia, Yoonjeong shook her head with a horrified expression.
How many bowls is that…?
It looks like it’s over thirty…
“Oh, is it good?”
“Yes! It’s good! Hwaah!”
Isn’t that steaming hot?
How can she just hold the bowl with one hand and pour it down her throat?
“Well, if it’s delicious for you, then that’s good…”
In case you were wondering, Yoonjeong had promised to treat Shia with the amount she received from the party leader today as a token of her gratitude for Shia’s help.
While it was indeed unexpected for a girl to choose soup, Sunjigukbap was known in 2088 for being an economical and affordable meal.
Yoonjeong had eaten soup multiple times with the uncles from the Hunter party, so she wasn’t averse to it. In fact, she thought it might be nice to treat Shia economically.
That was until over thirty bowls piled up next to Shia.
“……..”
“Hehe, it’s delicious.”
“……”
What the hell… I said I would treat her… but why is she eating so much?
And why isn’t her belly even bulging?
“…Um, no, Yoonjeong, are you full?”
“Uh, yeah? One bowl is plenty for me.”
“…sniff…”
“Eh?”
“sniffle…”
Why is she crying again!?
“Let’s eat together…”
“What does that even mean?”
“If I eat alone, I feel lonely…”
“…….”
At those words, Yoonjeong froze.
“Let’s eat together, okay?”
“…Yeah.”
Dammit.
Money and everything else, whatever.
Even if I blow it all here, I can just run the dungeon rounds again tomorrow!
Yoonjeong decided to give up on the thoughts about the price and dragged the Sunjigukbap in front of her.
Right, she saved me.
She said she feels lonely eating alone…
How could I leave her by herself…?
‘Alright then, let’s eat for now.’
Being quite hungry, Yoonjeong began to eat Sunjigukbap along with Shia.
Only when Yoonjeong started eating did Shia stop her fake crying and smiled as she ate her bowl of Sunjigukbap.
Yeah, how long has it been since I shared a meal with my mom?
Ah, no… She’s not my mom.
She’s not my mom.
“Is there something on my face? Why are you staring?”
“Yeah, you got something on your nose.”
“Ew!? Ah, come on…!”
Yoonjeong likes Sunjigukbap…
That’s enough, then.
For your information, Yoonjeong didn’t end up paying for the Sunjigukbap.
Because the soup restaurant was a place where Shia had already paid about 100 million won in advance, receiving a free-use pass to come down and eat soup whenever she had time.
“No, I said I would pay for it…”
“It’s fine. Um… no, Yoonjeong.”
“Uh, yeah…”
It became a situation where Yoonjeong felt she indebted Shia, which made her sigh.
She wanted to show her gratitude in some way, but since she had already accumulated such a significant debt, there was no way she could take on more…
“Hey, um… is your house okay?”
“My house?”
“Is the sunlight coming in well? Is there good ventilation? Is the heating okay?”
“Do you want to live with me!?”
“No, what are you even saying!? Are you crazy?! We’ve only just met, and you’re already proposing to live together? Do you suggest this to everyone you meet?”
Seeing the rapid-fire barrage of such nagging, Shia instinctively felt the need to distance herself from Yoonjeong.
“Speak up! Are you seriously suggesting to live with just anyone…?”
“…Only you.”
“……”
Shia’s confession caused Yoonjeong to fall speechless again.
“…Then, do you at least clean up properly?”
“Uh, yeah?”
Cleaning…?
Honestly, she had never cleaned even once.
She merely relied on her purification miracle.
When it started to smell or seemed dirty, she would quickly cast purification magic throughout the whole house and then lay down.
If things piled up, she might push them to a corner or do some simple organizing, easily, but she had truly never done what one would call proper cleaning, not even once.
She washed dishes by using purification magic and just rinsed off the dishes with water; looking at Shia’s flustered expression, Yoonjeong seemed to catch a clue as she stood up with a sharp gaze.
“…Shia.”
“Yeah?”
“Lead the way.”
“Wh-what?”
“I said lead the way home!”
Without noticing, Shia felt she couldn’t rebel against Yoonjeong.
Is this kid really a D-grade Hunter?
Considering the passion pouring out of her, she seemed no less than an S-grade Hunter.
○○○
After Shia and Yoonjeong left, Wang Soyoung returned to the office to find Baek Wisin sitting pretty much unchanged, causing her lips to twist in frustration.
“Oh my, you look fine, don’t you? Muscle Pig?”
“…………….”
Fortunately, it seemed Shia had balanced her strength. Or perhaps Baek Wisin’s body was sturdier than expected, as aside from a stiff neck, he looked relatively fine.
However, it was a fact that he had made a foolish blunder.
“Are you stupid? Are you sane? Do you challenge an S-grade returnee the moment you meet? Have you lost your mind??”
“Ugh, damn it…! Shut up, Wang Soyoung! If only I hadn’t let my guard down this time…!”
“Oh, is that so? Let’s assume you weren’t careless. Let’s say it was just a practice match or whatever. But if an S-grade ability user fights in the middle of a city, what do you think will happen? The news and media will flock immediately, right? If things escalate, the Knight of Radiance might lose her mind and come for us! Do you really plan on tarnishing the lord’s face the moment you come to Korea as a representative muscle-headed pig? Or should I start calling you a brainless pig? Respond, please.”
“…Cough.”
Wang Soyoung took one last look at Baek Wisin, who was cracking his neck.
Only then did Baek Wisin seem to realize that even if his actions were rude toward Shia, what he’d done was simply provocation fueled by his pride, regardless of the consequences to follow.
“Ah, you’re in Shanxi Province. Please, refrain from acting like a muscle-headed brat.”
“I’ll try.”
“And Administrator Ryang Hwachun.”
“Yes!”
The administrator bowed deeply to Wang Soyoung.
“Have you secured the schedule for the promotion ceremony at the Korean Hunter Association?”
“Yes. According to information obtained from an internal collaborator, it’s scheduled to start in two days.”
“Good. And… we must ensure Park Yoonjeong. She’s the perfect candidate for the lord. We must take her with us.”
“What about the means?”
“Do whatever it takes. Just keep in contact with Yoonjeong.”
“Hey, Wang Soyoung.”
“What is it, Brainless Pig?”
“Ugh, stop calling me that! Anyway, I don’t know why, but Shia Hunter is protecting Park Yoonjeong. What if she continues to shield that girl?”
“Then… hmm… I guess I’ll just have to throw something enticing through a smart watch or contact the guild master of the Sanwool Guild. We can’t provoke Shia any further and cause unnecessary friction.”
In the first place, neither Wang Soyoung nor Baek Wisin had anticipated this situation at all.
The main reason they had come to Korea was to collect the ‘seed’ mentioned by the lord, witness the S-grade promotion ceremony happening in Korea, and survey the potential S-grade returnee, Isia, and Yeonhwa, who is the granddaughter of Yeonseo, who had been showing promise.
Yet, unexpectedly discovering the historical best “perfect candidate” that even the flowers were reacting to in Korea was startling, but the fact that this candidate was being surrounded by someone like Shia, who was not even blood-related, was a pretty bizarre situation.
“Carrots won’t do. If Yoonjeong continues to reject us… until we board the plane to China, all our conduct will be recorded as an official action of the San Guild and a representative of China. We need to resolve it through legal and rational means if possible. Ensure to keep that in mind, Administrator.”
“Understood. However, even if…?”
“What if that doesn’t work…”
Then we have to proceed to unreasonable and irrational territories.
