Chapter 136
Chapter 136
Civil Servant Hunter’s S-class Resignation Log – Chapter 136
Shin Do-won? It sounds like I've heard the name somewhere before.
Unlike the people listed ahead of him, it wasn't a completely unfamiliar name or one she knew intimatelyit felt like she'd definitely heard it at some point, but the memory wouldn't quite surface. And that was despite him being thirty-nine, right in his prime.
One thing was certain: he wasn't an item crafter favored by recent hunters. Yet the Administrator had added him to the list, which meant he was no ordinary figure.
Active for seven years after the Cataclysm, then practically retired. No wonder I don't know him.
The seventh year of the Cataclysm was when she'd just started high school, before her awakening. She'd had zero interest in Awakeners back then, so it made perfect sense.
Still, the fact that the Administrator had included someone approaching his sixth year of retirement on the list meant he was worth committing to memory.
* * *
......
The first day back at work after the New Year.
After forcing smiles at the crowd chanting Headbang-nim this and Headbang-nim that in front of Association headquarters, Se-ra's grin vanished the instant she reached the office. Colleagues who spotted her icy glare belatedly swarmed over with beaming faces.
Yoon Se-ra-ssi! You're here! We were waiting!
Check this out! We got here early on the first day back after New Year to set it up!
Like it?! Kughhh. I'm bursting with pride. Isn't it just too awesome?!
Peeking out from behind their radiant smiles was none other than...
Congrats! Headbang Yoon Se-ra Achieves Domestic #1!
...a massive banner blaring those exact words.
The flashy design and unwelcome message hit her like a punch. Se-ra sighed, cradling her forehead. She always felt like clocking out the second she clocked in, but today that itch was fiercer than ever.
Why are you all doing this to me......
Oh my gosh! Yoon Se-ra-ssi! That moved? Listen to your voice shake!
Ehey. Even so, crying on a day like this? Don't cry, don't cry. Sure, I get you're thrilled!
Drawing tears from Headbang's eyes. I'm so proud!
Yeah, yeah! Amid the jubilant cheers, Se-ra genuinely wanted to bawl.
But she had no backup here. The Administrator's emoticon was already zipping excitedly overhead like it owned the place.
Heh. Told you, didn't I? Se-ra would love it. Smart move listening to me.
The smug voice belonged to Gong Hae-yeon. So you're the mastermind!
As expected from Headbang's friendGong Hae-yeon-ssi knows her best! The Labyrinth's top contributor hitting #1? No surprise!
Quick, snap a certification shot and post it on our Bang-nim fan cafe!
Ooh, yes! They'll go wild!
Click click. As her colleagues whipped out their phones in unison, Se-ra blinked in bewilderment. Fan cafe? Why are you all joining my fan cafe?
Has Yoon Se-ra-ssi clocked in?
Do Jun-young's voice rang out like a lifeline. Se-ra's head whipped up. Yes! The director will shut this down pronto. Our director...
......
But apparently absence had changed him too. His large hand cradled a delicately wrapped gift as he approached.
D-Director, what's that...
Ah. Belated happy birthday.
She accepted the Christmas-wrapped present wordlessly. It stirred old memoriesnice ones, even...
Giving me a gift with the staff snapping fan pics for the cafe right behind. What a vibe.
Had Do Jun-young caught the employee bug while she was in the Labyrinth? Gloomily unwrapping it, Se-ra's eyes went wide at the reveal.
Th-this is...
Your body's got killer cost-performance now, so you probably don't need it anymore. But just in case.
His tone stayed even, but when their gazes locked, he looked awayDo Jun-young was embarrassed too.
It was an ivory scarf, just like the one from her sole warm memory that winter at eleven.
Scarves always seem to come after the new year starts.
The echo of twelve years ago drew a laugh from her. She looped it on right there in front of him. Winters no longer bit thanks to her upgraded body, but the plush warmth against her cheek felt wonderful.
Thank you. I'll treasure it.
......Yes.
Se-ra tugged it up to her nose with a brilliant smile, and Do Jun-young returned ita rare, tender, heartfelt one.
The Administrator popped up with a blatant what are you two up to? stare. As if it hadn't just been thrilled over the banner.
......?
Somehow its table-flipping emotes had leveled up. No clue where it picked that up.
A little later, Se-ra headed to the Association President's office at Song Han-na's summons. Spotting an even tackier banner slapped across the wall, she sank straight to the floor. Auntie...
Ho-young gave it to me. Cute, huh? Love it.
Jeong Ho-young, Chasa Guild Master, no less. Se-ra wanted to keel over.
Sent Jae-hun a pic, and he was all jealous. Thinking of making another to ship out.
Aunt...!
Or make one more and drape it between your parents' graves?
The image alone was nightmare fuelSe-ra twisted in horror. Her ruthless aunt cackled on, unfazed.
You haven't grabbed that S-rank weapon you're owed yet? Pick it up today. Crimson Flail's toast too, right?
The prize for aiding Seongja Forest. Not forgotten, but Cheorwon Dungeon, WDO conference, Labyrinth raidshe'd shelved it. No urgent needs either.
Thinking of repairing the Crimson Flail. I'll snag one S-rank weapon for sure, though.
Repair? It's not crackedit's pulverized. Let it go.
Gotta fix the Jacket of Revival anyway, so I'll meet an item crafter.
Entrust it to one of ours under Association contract?
Nah, I'm good. Got someone in mind. Mind showing the list?
She trusted Song Han-na's eye, but the Administrator's pick came first.
Song Han-na pulled the list right away. The Administrator's choice matched one entry.
This guy's here too.
Dead last: Shin Do-won, the thirty-nine-year-old crafter retired five years back.
Retired, and still on the Administrator's and Aunt's radars.
Curiosity was killing her now.
Who's this?
Shin Do-won. Peak of the first-gen crafters. Made gear for your mom and me.
Gasp. For real? Why bail so soon? Mid-thirties is prime.
No idea. Sudden hermit mode. Hammer sounds still echo from his place, thoughnot fully quit. Kept him listed for that.
Mom's and Aunt's weapons...
Got a thing for him?
What was the point of hiding? With the Administrator's rec too, Se-ra picked him on the spot.
I'll write a rec letter. Flash it, and even retired, he won't boot you.
Where's he at? Weekend visit if doable.
Gwanak Mountain.
......What mountain?
Gwanak Mountain.
Taebaek, now Gwanak? Hopefully no illegal shack like Baek-mo's. Nahhe knew Association President Song Han-na, unlike her.
Why Gwanak of all spots?
Mountain brimming with fire essence. Perfect for a fire-wielding smith.
Low odds of illegal build, unlike Baek Hee-won. What a relief.
Want company?
No, I'm set. Text the address.
They wrapped up with plans to grab the new S-rank after lunch. Humming, Se-ra exited with the letter in hand.
Song Han-na smirked at her buoyant niece's retreating figure.
Shin Do-won. Haven't heard that name in ages. Hope he sees her.
Se-ra's powerhouse material. Bound to pique Shin Do-won-ssi.
A response came to her mumble. A figure emerged from thin air with steady steps.
As if present from the start, she settled naturally opposite Song Han-naChasa's Jeong Ho-young.
Your stealth's unreal as ever. Se-ra never clocked it.
Playing dumb?
Dead serious. Magic detection bounces off your stealthnobody spots it easy.
Jeong Ho-young's cloaking was elite even among assassins. Likely topped China's Wei Hu, world's best. All thanks to her freak physiology. One in a billion worldwide.
No clue how vital your gift is to me. Thanks, Ho-young.
My savior deserves it. Name your desireI'll deliver.
You're overdelivering already. Like now. Update on my assignment?
Her smile evaporated; fury crept in.
Foreign Awakener influx is up lately, as you predicted. Legal channels, surebut illegals are surging too.
Specialties?
Assassins.
Nationalities?
Looks alone won't confirm, but over half East Asian stock.
Figures. Song Han-na sneered.