Chapter 105
Chapter 105
Civil Servant Hunter’s S-class Resignation Log – Chapter 105
"Now that they've become L-rank, I figured there wouldn't be much danger anymore, but to think they'd walk right into the labyrinth of their own accord. Is that how all the kids these days are?"
He didn't seem drunk, but he must have had a lot bottled up. It probably wasn't easy for someone in his position to voice such frustrations anywhere. Jang In-hu listened silently, like a longtime friend.
"Even my own kids are huge fans of Headbang. They really look up to her for stepping up so boldly like a hero."
"The kids turned out great, didn't they? Both Se-ra and Jae-hun grew up so upright."
He grinned contentedly, as if his earlier grumpiness had never happened. Jang In-hu burst into hearty laughter. Nothing flattered like praise for one's childreneven if they weren't technically his.
"I'd love to treat all three L-ranks to a meal if possible. They're heading into the labyrinth for the world's sake, so I want to show my appreciation."
Hunter wasn't an ordinary job. They were modern heroes, modern heroes protecting the world from monsters, treated like superheroes.
But even heroes weren't like in the movies. The strong ones, especially uncontrollable S-ranks and L-ranks, weren't selfless sacrificial characters who gave everything without asking for anything in return, as the media portrayed.
Human will couldn't be controlled, after all. They could turn their backs on this world at any moment.
That was why the powerhouses had to be respected and kept on the side of maintaining world peace. It was the duty of a president who prioritized national safety above all.
"I'll pass the message along. They won't turn down an expensive, delicious meal."
"Hahaha! Then I'll have to find a top-notch restaurant. If there's anything the three of them need, just let me know. I'll take care of it. By the way, what have they been up to lately?"
"I'm not sure about Kang Hunter or Sung Hunter, but Yoon Se-ra Hunter is house-hunting. Her current place got leaked to the press."
"That makes sense."
"She's been singing praises for a Han River-view penthouse."
"Haha, who wouldn't want that? I hope she finds a good one. Here, have another drink."
Song Han-na accepted the clear liquor Jang In-hu poured and sipped, her thoughts drifting to her niece.
True to her capitalist wage-slave roots, the girl had demanded paid leave the moment she returned. After clearing a Rank-1 dungeon, Song Han-na had naturally approved it for both her and Do Jun-young.
Unlike Do Jun-young, who was still suffering from the mental corrosion aftereffects, Yoon Se-ra was perfectly fine and out house-hunting like crazy.
I wonder if she'll find what she's looking for. It worried her a bitif it got tough, she'd pull some strings to help.
* * *
But Song Han-na's worries were utterly pointless. With money overflowing, what could be difficult?
"Oh my god...! H-how much... is all this...!"
Se-ra had opened her banking app on a whim after hearing the Japan dungeon reward had come in, only to think her eyes were playing tricks.
Zero after zeroone, two, three, four... Hahaha. Did I count wrong?
One, two, three, four, five...
"Life really is all about that one big break..."
The Cheorwon dungeon reward had been substantial too. But this time was differentthe top contributor to the raid was solely Yoon Se-ra, who had solo-killed the Phantom Lord. Plus, Japan had paid up properly, including a life-debt premium for saving their nearly dead hunters.
The total deposit was three times the domestic reward amount.
It was a true life reversal. Se-ra dropped to her knees. Hallelujah. Blessed be the Administrator.
L-rank hunter life? Not bad at all. If only she could quit now, it'd be perfect...!
"Ah, waitno. On second thought, do I even need to quit?"
She wasn't planning to join a guild after quitting. Whether she became a guild cog or slaved away as an association civil servant, it was the sameso why join a guild?
The only perk of the association was easier access to overseas requests compared to guilds. Any annoyances could just be filtered through Song Han-na and Do Jun-young.
Hmm, on reflection, rattling around as the association's little bell didn't sound so bad?
"Perfect. Settled."
Deciding to share the good news with Song Han-na later, Se-ra logged into the item shop first. She planned to sell off the byproducts from Taebaek Mountain, Cheorwon, and Japan to pump up her account numbers.
From lava zone magic stones perfect for fire weapons and armor, to Cerberus hide, claws, and fangs from its kill, and even the Phantom's robe ideal for stealth items. They sold like hotcakes the moment she listed themvery satisfying.
And when she auctioned the ultra-rare Phantom core and the Phantom Lord's iron chains that boosted mental barriers, the numbers climbed like mad...!
"Elizabeth, rejoice! We're securing funds for our luxurious new home...!"
Kiyaoong! Elizabeth, peering at the item shop beside her, wagged her tail.
Hahaha! It had been tough selling while hiding her identity before, but now with no need to watch her back, it was a breeze.
She still hated drawing attention, but with this money, even that seemed bearable. Money was the best, after all.
Kyung. Then Elizabeth pawed at her leg.
Looking down, she saw messages flooding in through the shop. Dozens of them, all similar.
"Sponsorships?"
Thanks to selling lava items and Phantom Lord exclusives, folks had clocked the seller as Headbang. Sharp item crafters were sending sponsorship offers left and right.
It was common for name-brand hunters to get free gear in exchange for wearing it on raids.
"Free stuff is always nice, but..."
Would any suit the labyrinth? Back in her F-rank days, she'd been totally clueless about this scene.
She was getting used to these sudden voice drops-ins. Se-ra scratched her itchy ear.
"Help me out?"
True. He'd picked perfect items from the shop before.
"Then I'm counting on you. Meanwhile, I'll hunt for our new nest."
Gyaaang!
"...Talking all sophisticated, then suddenly fox-yipping? It feels super weird, you know?"
I don't, the fox seemed to say as she rubbed her face against Se-ra.
Sigh. Whateverwho cared? Her baby was this cute!
Se-ra hugged the affectionate Elizabeth tight. The Administrator was getting softer by the day.
* * *
Thanks to his help, Se-ra set off the next day to find that dream Han River-view penthouse.
She planned to inspect each one meticulously and pick the absolute best...
But surprisingly, she scored the perfect place effortlessly. The realtor turned out to be family of a Cheorwon dungeon victim.
"Nothing's too good for our benefactor! I'm just glad I could do something for you!"
With that cry, he unveiled his secret weapon: the ultimate Han River-view unit in the prime spot, one even money couldn't easily buy.
The top-floor penthouse's sleek interior captivated Se-ra instantly.
"The Han River view from my own home is totally different from Seongjae-rim's! Like it, Elizabeth?"
Having moved in ten days before entering the labyrinth, Se-ra had spent the last few days exploring her new pad. The night views were especially killer. Elizabeth wagged her tail in approval.
"Once I furnish it fully, it'll be done."
From her old one-room officetel, she'd only brought clothes and her laptop. The furniture sizes didn't match anyway, and she planned to upgrade to a king-size bed.
My dream's finally real!
"Ah, you're here."
The doorbell rangKang Se-jun had arrived.
"Singing penthouse praises, and now you've actually moved in."
"Cool, right? We could film a drama called Penthouse right now."
"Sounds like a bloody soap opera name."
"What nonsense? How could a classy name like Penthouse be for something brutal?"
She brought tea for two and sat on the sofa, where Elizabeth promptly claimed Se-ra's lap. No signs of leaving, so she let her be.
"So, what's up? Want to hear about Labyrinth Floor 8?"
"That's part of it, but something more important. When Do Section Chief was having nightmares, I saw the scenes in his dreams. He doesn't know."
"You saw a nightmare created by a magical beast's power? Without being hit yourself? Meaning you interfered with the Phantom Lord's ability?"
"Probably this one's power."
Se-ra stroked the fox glaring at Kang Se-jun.
"Through our contract link, when she pulled out Do Section Chief's nightmare, the effect spilled over to me."
"That's possible?"
"Can't explain it any other way."
Plus, the dual contracts had deepened their synchronization. Two bonds made miracles like this feasible.
"...Fine. You've pulled off unbelievable stuff before, so why not."
"Praise?"
"Praise."
Sounded sarcastic, but whateverthe real point wasn't that.
"Anyway, what I saw was pretty shocking, so I came over."
"What does Do Section Chief's nightmare have to do with me?"
"Why not? You're the only one who remembers events from the timeline that vanished from this world."
Kang Se-jun's face hardened instantly.
"You never detailed what you saw after I diedOppa and Eomo killing Park Jin-yong then suiciding, and Eomo destroying Seoul in shock from losing us both?"
Kang Se-jun squeezed his eyes shut.
Her heart plummeted with a thud. Her fingertips trembled as the blood drained away.