What do people usually do when they finally meet up with their friends after a long time due to being busy with work or life in general?
Well, it might vary based on the group’s purpose or individual hobbies, but typically, they end up watching a movie or heading to a gaming cafe, while sharing food and chatting away, right?
Even in the year 2088, during the peak of the Hunter Age, gatherings weren’t too different from the past.
After feeding Meaty Lirisia and sending her off, Shia, Menelapie, and Yeonhwa were pondering what to do when Shia suggested they check out the newly reopened movie theater near Hongdae.
Since there were similar forms of entertainment in the previous world where Shia and Menelapie resided, Menelapie was quite curious, expressing excitement over how interesting the movies on Earth would be.
As they entered the theater, the three of them each carried different expectations.
Shia felt the anticipation of a fun movie.
Yeonhwa was just happy to be out with Shia, breaking her mundane routine.
Menelapie, on the other hand, was looking forward to what came after the movie.
It seemed that due to not entering the dungeon range during the recent Erosion Incident in Mapo District, the theater managed to avoid quarantine or temporary closure, so even on a weekday, there were plenty of people.
With the lively atmosphere and glamorous decor of the theater, just entering stirred excitement in the air.
“……….”
“……….”
And when the movie ended, the three of them exited the screening room with blank expressions on their faces.
“……..M-muh… I’m so sorry…”
Hiccup!
Perhaps feeling overly guilty, Shia was hiccupping as she bowed her head to Yeonhwa and Menelapie outside the theater.
Normally, Yeonhwa would have reassured her with, “No, no! It was better than expected!”
But no, Yeonhwa would always stand by Shia’s side no matter what she did… Even if it meant helping bury a nasty Net Runner that she wasn’t fond of in some hidden hill.
However, now she couldn’t possibly say anything…
“…………….”
“…………….”
“Wha…?”
Menelapie averted her gaze, staring at a shabby poster in front of the screening room.
The poster boldly proclaimed, “The battle against the inevitable begins!” and featured the phrase “17th Mine” in huge letters.
Normally, Menelapie would have soothed Shia with words like, “As long as you enjoyed it, that’s what matters. Everyone has different tastes and preferences; I, as your companion, will gladly respect and share your preferences.”
Even if the movie fell short, Yeonhwa and Menelapie could usually be okay with just being able to be with Shia.
But…
How was the movie?
If Teresa were here, she’d have grabbed Shia by the collar and exclaimed, “Hey, you big-headed idiot! Are you trying to kill me with boredom?! Ah, wait! You already succeeded, you idiot!”
“Shia…”
“Unnie…”
“Wha…?”
Shia could no longer bear the piercing stares directed at her.
It would have been better if they erupted in anger like Teresa would.
Instead, Menelapie and Yeonhwa looked at her with pity, sending Shia further into despair.
Shia’s thoughts were simple.
Did that lousy movie just get a sequel?
Not the 8th Mine, but the 17th Mine?
It seems it became a hit and turned into a series!
Given it’s showing in theaters, it must be at least decent!
That’s what led her to choose that movie.
But upon seeing those vaguely trashy posters with overly dramatic phrases, Shia realized that she wasn’t so knowledgeable about the movies in this world after all.
Most importantly, it had been over 60 years.
With her memories as hazy as thick fog, she couldn’t recall which part of that movie felt like rotten tomatoes, leading to this disaster.
Yup…
No matter how hard I think about it, I’m the fool for expecting that 17th Mine to be enjoyable.
No, I was beyond foolish…!
But a person is a being capable of conversation, forgiveness, reason, and intellect.
“I’m sorry… I’ll do whatever it takes…”
“…!”
“…?”
As soon as she spoke those words, both Menelapie and Yeonhwa, who had just displayed displeased expressions, suddenly turned their heads in shock.
Whatever it takes?
Did you just say whatever it takes?
“Whatever you say? You just said whatever, right, Unnie?”
“Uh, uh…”
Yeonhwa’s eyes sparkled, and Shia found herself taking a step back without realizing it.
It felt like she had just thrown a helpless lamb into a lion’s den, the guilt of showcasing the rotten tomatoes of the 17th Mine hanging heavy in the air.
What could she do? She had already said it…
“Haha, then. I won’t decline. You should ask for anything you can use as soon as you can.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just tell me, but within what I can do…”
“Are you implying that I’m like a loan shark trying to strike a deal? Don’t worry, it’s not going to be a big deal. I just want to try the alcohol of this world.”
“Alcohol?”
If Shia had an obsession with meat, Menelapie had a hobby of collecting various alcoholic drinks, wines, and traditional liquors. She even had a special place in the Royal Palace just for storing her drinks, and Teresa sometimes sneaked in to take some.
“Alcohol? That sounds good after a long time. I agree!”
So, a while later, after planning to have a moderately light dinner since they’d eaten a lot of beef for lunch, the three of them decided to head to a bar, even if it was slightly early for dinner because Menelapie wanted to experience Earth’s alcohol.
Although the bar hadn’t been on the original plan, Shia had no say in the matter.
Honestly, it wasn’t that big of a deal. Eating tasty snacks and drinking at a bar was something Shia would never dislike.
The place they headed to was a cocktail bar with luxurious decor, one they had previously visited.
“Oh! You’re back!”
“Hello!”
As soon as Shia stepped in, the bartender bowed at a 90-degree angle, likely remembering how she had once consumed 218 cocktails in one sitting.
Leaving all decisions to the bartender, the trio delved into their feast.
Perhaps trying to wash away the horrid memories of the 17th Mine they’d just seen…
“Ooh, the foreign alcohol is unique.”
“Cocktails are made by mixing various alcohols, fruits, milk, or juice.”
“Right? Isn’t it tasty? Yeonhwa used to come here sometimes, and I had one last time, it was really good!”
Fortunately, it seemed that Menelapie, who typically had a refined palate, also enjoyed the cocktails at the bar.
Thus, the three of them continued to drink.
Drinking. Drinking. And drinking more.
However, at some point, Menelapie and Yeonhwa stopped sipping their drinks.
Though they naturally had smaller capacities than Shia, even considering that, they laid their cocktail glasses down quickly.
Glug, glug.
Phew.
“Hehehe, one more!”
“Yeah, yeah. Chug it down.”
“Unnie? You’re not already tipsy, are you?”
Once the Revenant Seongnyeo had a taste of alcohol, she began to uncontrollably empty her glass faster, which started to worry Yeonhwa.
“No, no! I’m not tipsy…”
“You are tipsy.”
“Hehehe, right. I’m tipsy.”
Compared to the 218 cocktails she had before, she had only consumed about 50 cocktails this time, but the comforting atmosphere and the joy of drinking with her beloved Shia and Menelapie made Shia tipsy even quicker than usual.
Even if she lost control under the influence of alcohol, she felt she could trust Yeonhwa and Menelapie with herself.
Last time she had dived into the Han River and even caught a whale… She at least needed to return home in one piece today.
“I don’t want to. I want to drink more…”
“There are others here too, Unnie. We can’t let those genre Hunter GIFs spread around thanks to that Gallery Master, so let’s go.”
Whaaa.
With the recognition of her accomplishments from the specialty Hunter awards and the Erosion Dungeon incident, Shia had gained quite a reputation, so it wouldn’t hurt to maintain some image.
If things went wrong, some crazy journalist might write a sensational piece like “Next S-Rank Hunter Isia: Drowning in Alcohol Shenanigans?”
Of course, as soon as such an article broke, Yeon Family’s administrative officer, Yeonju, would cut it down in no time.
“Huhu, hee… Huh…”
Today, Shia…
“Hehehe…”
“What’s up, Menelapie?”
“Isn’t it cute? The Revenant Seongnyeo, who saved a world, is getting so weak over just a few drinks… Ah, but perhaps getting tipsy from the mood might be a factor as well.”
“True. It’s strange but before you came, Unnie had drunk alone. She was very lonely back then.”
“Oooooh, do tell me more.”
“She said she was lonely on her own and suddenly patted my head. She drank over 200 cocktails. It seemed she was curious about the cocktail I was drinking, and she leaned in too close, took a sip, and grimaced, which was pretty cute. Honestly, considering her looks, she doesn’t seem like someone who’s 85 years old.”
“Hehehe. Changes not a bit.”
“Hehehe… hic!”
Overall, when Shia gets drunk, she loses her usual maturity and becomes quite entertaining.
Back then, she had been drinking out of loneliness, but this time, having Menelapie with her, she felt nothing but joy and happiness, leading her to become even tipsier than before.
“Well, since you’ve shown me something fun, I’ll show you something fun too.”
“Something fun?”
“Yeah, quite a fun thing indeed.”
If Menelapie says it’s fun, it might be worth expecting.
“Shia is strong, unyielding to any adversity or trial, but… she’s quite weak to alcohol.”
Yeonhwa already knew this.
Why was she reiterating a story?
“Although she’s strong against all toxins and meat… she becomes particularly weak around alcohol and children.”
“Children… So you thought of me as a child, Unnie?”
“From my perspective, you still seem like a sprouting seedling. But that’s not the main point.”
Speaking softly, as if telling a tale from the past, Menelapie continued.
“Shia, if you get drunk and fall asleep… you won’t wake up.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. No matter what happens.”
“What?”
At that moment, Yeonhwa, supporting Shia from the side, caught a glimpse of Menelapie’s somehow ominous and devious-looking eyes, sending chills down her spine.
And catching eyes with Menelapie, who was supporting Shia, she caressed Shia’s cheek with one hand.
Yeonhwa felt a strange sensation, imagining Menelapie’s hand like a snake’s tongue tasting its prey.
“No matter what happens. The next morning, Shia wakes up as if nothing happened after drinking. After the alcohol, she won’t remember a thing.”
“……”
“If she had just gotten moderately tipsy, that would be one thing, but it seems today… Shia is getting excess drunk to the point of not remembering anything later?”
In that moment, Yeonhwa realized.
Menelapie, having shared 64 years in the previous world, undoubtedly knew the Revenant Seongnyeo was somewhat weak against alcohol.
There’s no way she wouldn’t know.
Perhaps she could list exactly which types of alcohol and how many bottles it takes for Shia to get wasted.
That Shia was weak to alcohol and often acts cute when tipsy—she’d known it all along. And then…
“………………..”
“Yes, you wouldn’t remember a thing.”
Upon realizing those ominous glances exchanged with Menelapie, Yeonhwa was certain.
Menelapie had a clear and distinct intent when she deliberately made Shia drink.
Wow, normally she acts as though she has no ulterior motives or lurking desires… Is this what an Emperor looks like?
Yes, a mask of this level is necessary. After all, she had to act as the Empire’s Empress, right?
“So, Yeonhwa. Since Shia is drunk, she’ll need a place to rest, won’t she? It might be a bit awkward if she goes home and her mother sees her like this.”
“…That’s true.”
“If possible… Hmm, resting for at least a night would be good before returning home in decent shape.”
“………”
“I still don’t know this world’s geography and culture well, so I’ll need your help.”
Swallow.
Without noticing, Yeonhwa swallowed nervously.
Her lingering gaze turned towards Shia, who was now half-asleep, leaning against Menelapie.
“Shall we go together?”
“…..”
Shia’s face slightly flushed more than usual.
Even though the malicious Net Runners may call her a ‘foul Seongnyeo’ or ‘that cursed bitch’…
It’s just talk; Shia was, no matter when, still radiant enough to be a true Seongnyeo.
With her graceful neck, silver hair cascading down her cheeks, and a figure that couldn’t quite be concealed by her outfit.
Yet, today, she was completely defenseless and couldn’t even keep her eyes open.
Yeonhwa didn’t contemplate for long.
Yeah, Menelapie was right.
If possible, it would be best to return home looking good.
For a day… perhaps just a quiet place to rest.
“Gahhh!”
“Eh? Unnie?”
“Shia?”
Then suddenly, Shia, who had been leaning on Menelapie, jerked awake as if experiencing convulsions and fell off her.
In that sudden episode, Menelapie couldn’t shake off the awful thought that perhaps it was a ‘hunger attack,’ but Shia’s skin remained intact and no foul liquids dripped from her.
“Unnie, what’s wrong…”
“Smell!”
“Huh? Smell?”
Yeonhwa raised her sleeve and sniffed, uncertain if something foul was coming from her.
There was a hint of cocktail in the air, but it wasn’t a bad scent.
Actually, it smelled rather fragrant, close to perfume.
“Smell? What do you mean…”
“MAWANG SMELL!!!”
“….!?”
At those words, Menelapie’s eyes gleamed.
Not merely gleamed, but the air around them instantly became heavy.
Thank goodness no civilians were nearby; if there had been, they might have struggled to breathe.
“Did you say ‘Mawang’? Unnie, please explain in detail…”
“Hmph, heh… the one who disturbs the world, the foul beast…”
“Uh… Unnie?”
And just like that, a mace appeared in Shia’s hand.
Yeonhwa knew exactly what that mace was.
[The Revenant’s Royal Scepter]—the very mace that Shia often favored.
With it, she had crushed the head of the Black Minotaur in one blow. A powerful weapon that had also smashed the Mawang’s skull.
“Evil Mawang, foul beast…. Justice… Justice… huuh….”
“Unnie?”
“Justice’s… Meat Fairy won’t forgive!”
And with that, Shia bent her legs slightly, showcasing her strong thighs that peeked through her twisted skirt.
Whoosh!!
Then, like a missile, she vanished in the blink of an eye!
Watching the spectacle, Yeonhwa snapped back, shaking Menelapie’s shoulder.
“We must hurry, Menelapie…!”
“……….”
“Menelapie??”
Then Yeonhwa turned back to see Menelapie.
Never mind, better act like I didn’t see that.
“That damn, filthy, lowly Mawang is trying to do something now of all times, ruining the most crucial moment! That lowly piece of trash dares to…!!!”
The way Menelapie cursed was like the chant of a curse.
Yeonhwa couldn’t help but wonder for a moment if this was really the hero of legends.
~~~
“So, that girl… No, Justice Meat Fairy is here because she sensed the Mawang’s scent, huh?”
“…Looks like it.”
After hearing the situation from Yeonhwa, Lirisia sighed in relief. Apparently, Isia hadn’t been stalking her since the start.
Pfff! Pfff! Pfff!
Kaboom!
“Wait a moment; hold on.”
“Forgive me, I won’t!”
Thump!
[That hit me. Whoa, hold on. That hurts.]
“Ha ha! You’ll pay for this! You will!!!”
Pfff! Pfff! Pfff! Pfff!
Lirisia sighed as she observed Shia, mercilessly pummeling the Mawang like she was beating a dog on the hottest day of the year.
“Take that! That’s for the beef!”
Thump!
[Ouch…!]
“This one’s for the pork!”
[Ugh… I won’t let this go…]
“This one’s for Shiplani!!”
[What in the world is that…!]
“And this is for every piece of meat in this world!!!”
“Damn you… Gahhh!”
Kaboom!
Pfff! Pfff!
However, it was perhaps a blessing that, even though Shia was tipsy with alcohol, her Seongnyeo instincts kicked in as soon as the Mawang appeared, rushing to face the threat.
If things had gone awry or if Shia had responded sluggishly, Lirisia might have been taken over by the Mawang’s fragment.
While she was ready to fight with all her might, it was a relief that it hadn’t come to that.
Clack clack…
At that moment, Lirisia heard footsteps approaching and realized Menelapie had arrived.
“Oh, you came too. Hey, could you help calm down your Seongnyeo over there and take her home? She’s drunk, right?”
“………”
But sensing something was off about Menelapie’s aura, Lirisia tilted her head.
What’s going on?
Her demeanor felt unusual.
Normally, Menelapie would at least acknowledge Lirisia with a nod, but right now, she was exuding a fierce gaze, feeling more like a drunken madwoman.
Lirisia felt a chill run down her arms and a shiver pass through her.
“What’s with you? Didn’t I just say…?”
Shhh…
Yet, Menelapie didn’t reply to Lirisia’s words and dashed past her.
The direction she took was straight towards the Mawang, who was currently getting pounded by Shia.
With a golden aura radiating from her foot, she delivered a powerful kick to the Mawang’s belly, which was concealed by Wang Soyoung’s skin.
WHAM!
“…uh.”
“Whoa…”
In that moment, Lirisia and Yeonhwa both unconsciously gaped in disbelief.
“Because of that foul being… because of this damn lowly Moung…!”
[No, stop… My spine…!]
“Exactly! The vile, world-disturbing Mawang will NOT be forgiven by the Justice Meat Fairy!”
“Stop! Grrhh!”
Wham! Wham!
And Shia, witnessing the chaotic scene, burst into laughter and joined the fray against the Mawang.
It was confirmed: Wang Soyoung had already been devoured by the Mawang, and what they were laying waste to was a corrupted shell.
No mercy could be shown; annihilation was required to prevent many lives from being lost.
But still… could they really brutally beat this thing despite its human like appearance?
After all, it would feel like it was experiencing intense pain…
“Die! Die! Die! Die! Life after life!”
“Chug! Chug! Hahaha!”
Yeonhwa and Lirisia remained seated at a distance, picking the dust off their clothes.
This was turning out to be quite…
Thump! Thump! Thump!
“Uheeheeheehee!”
“Die, die, die! You foul, despicable Mawang! How dare you, how dare you!!!!”
It was likely going to take a while.
“…………”
“Is this what a hero or a Seongnyeo should be like…?”
“Whew…”
Lirisia pondered again if she was really defeated by this absurd duo of hero and Seongnyeo.
Perhaps Isia was a case unto herself, but what could possibly compel the Requiem Seongnyeo to act in such a manner?
