Beast Hunt
High-ranking hunters receive extensive support from the state. From simple tax breaks to direct financial aid covering housing costs. The government's efforts to secure vital awakened personnel are so diverse that even the hunters themselves are often surprised by aid coming from unexpected sources.
And of course, that support isn't free. Hunters ranked B-grade and above are legally required to complete a set number of public service requests each year. This serves as the bare minimum justification for the special privileges granted to hunters, and as a mechanism to ensure their forces can be mobilized in emergencies.
Though the pay is a bit stingy compared to regular hunts, it's not like they're being exploited for free. So hunters accept the system known as the Public Service Request Law without much fuss. The fact that non-hunters have no choice but to serve around 30 months in the military also helps hunters swallow it more easily.
Of course, for S-rank hunters, even that is just worthless scrap paper...
Park I-rae, having just climbed to A-rank, naturally had to fulfill her duties. And right on cue, a pretty good opportunity had arisen.
The Gyeonggi Province tiger incident had broken out in the early winter of the new year. With public service request quotas freshly reset, plenty of hunters would sign up, making it a prime chance for good rewards. Of course, that didn't mean it was risk-free.
But basically, the more people involved, the less burden on each individual. Night watches, mission scopes, survival odds in a pinch—all improved with numbers.
And for Park I-rae, the best part by far was Seong Ye-han's participation.
"This time for sure..."
It had been days since she'd first crossed that line with her senior. Sex with Seong Ye-han was always satisfying enough, leaving her floating on clouds of bliss. Yet there was an inevitable lingering regret.
"He's definitely done it with other women..."
Park I-rae knew Seong Ye-han already had another woman. And yet, during their first time, she'd caught that awkwardness in how he used the condom.
Given his ability's nature, sex with women was essential. She didn't know if it took one time or more to activate, but no high-spec female hunter capable of boosting an E-rank like him to S-rank would settle for a one-night stand.
In other words, his awkwardness with condoms meant one thing: He was enjoying raw sex with other women.
Whether he went all the way inside or pulled out like in those porn videos, she couldn't say. But skipping the contraceptive patch altogether was a matter of pride for Park I-rae.
As far as she knew, men generally preferred raw over condoms. So Seong Ye-han's insistence on using one implied either she lacked appeal, or he was being cautious with her because he cared more about the other woman.
She refused to even consider the former. So Park I-rae decided to act on the latter.
Make it so he couldn't spare a thought for any other woman. Force him to focus solely on her. Rip away that thin, stubborn barrier completely.
Park I-rae had no intention of losing as a woman... as a bitch in heat, just because she'd started a step behind.
The post-hunt timing—after a tense, blood-pumping life-or-death hunt—was universally acknowledged in the hunter world as prime sex o'clock. This would be her chance to stamp his mark deep inside her body for good.
And on top of that, Park I-rae had prepared a special item.
"With this..."
After getting involved with Seong Ye-han, she'd researched contraception just in case. Beyond condoms, there were plenty of options—which cleared up some misconceptions from her faulty knowledge and revealed quite a few methods women could take.
One product she'd discovered: a glowing hot pink sticker-like patch called the
[Rare / Consumable]
Its unfamiliar name and vibrant color had caught her eye. Reviews raved about satisfaction rates, but what sealed it were the testimonials: partners went wild for it.
She'd even bought the recommended outfit to pair with it. Shamefully lewd just looking at it. But if her senior liked it... if it made him forget all other women and drown in her alone, she could endure the embarrassment.
"Senior... this time for sure..."
Park I-rae hugged the square packets close, steeling her resolve.
Seong Ye-han was the first to notify the Hunter Association of his participation in the tiger hunt. They welcomed him with open arms, processing his paperwork smoothly.
No matter the laws or obligations, they couldn't force S-ranks. Contrary to public perception, the Association and government higher-ups—who knew the tiger threat better than anyone—saw his voluntary cooperation as an unexpected windfall.
An S-rank was a universal key solving most problems, a guarantee of success, and a morale booster for participating hunters.
Sure, rumors questioned if his combat prowess matched established S-ranks. But an S-rank was still an S-rank. Even under strictest scrutiny, they outclassed A-ranks entirely.
Plus, as a physical-type S-rank, he got bonus points. Traditional ability-based S-ranks had overwhelming firepower but often glass-cannon physical limits, requiring careful handling.
But a physical S-rank like Seong Ye-han—especially with his standout strength stats—was a reliable all-purpose tool, like a MacGyver knife you could trust anywhere.
"Truly grateful. I was debating going myself when you saved me."
Thus, it was almost inevitable that Seong Ye-han, visiting the Association, would meet Jeong Beom-ho.
"I'm doing it 'cause I get something out of it too."
Seong Ye-han eyed the imposing middle-aged man before him. Gray streaks in his black hair, wrinkles around the eyes, a scar over one—exuding the aura of a battle-hardened legend.
Jeong Beom-ho. Hunter Association president and Korea's living legend. Dragon slayer. Guardian of Seoul.
Unyielded by the man's steely gaze, Seong Ye-han relaxed into the sofa.
The president got flak online as a boomer, but he was more righteous than anyone. As long as Seong Ye-han didn't screw up first, no reason to clash. Better yet, a potential ally.
No need to tense up.
"Give and take, eh... Reminds me of someone."
Jeong Beom-ho murmured, thinking of a certain woman who claimed to just do her duty but ran herself ragged saving people. Right now, she was probably slashing monsters at the southern tip of the peninsula.
"Think of me as pursuing business a bit more thoroughly than Seon-hui noona."
"Seon-hui noona...?"
Jeong Beom-ho blinked at the unexpectedly intimate address. He knew Yeo Seon-hui had met Seong Ye-han on her own whim and likely "handled business," but this was next-level chummy.
Yeo Seon-hui was good-hearted but not one to let people in easily. They'd met less than a month ago—how were they this close already? Surprising.
"Noona, though...? Has that tomboy shipped her conscience to the heavens?"
"Why not? Seon-hui noona's plenty noona material. Got some surprisingly cute sides too."
"That wild girl... cute...? You sure you don't need a hospital first?"
"Women have many facets. And she's a total knockout besides."
Jeong Beom-ho joked, figuring if she'd let him in, there must be something to trust. Seong Ye-han took it lightly. Though inwardly shocked at the disagreement, Jeong Beom-ho felt relief that Yeo Seon-hui had built a decent rapport with this new S-rank.
If Seong Ye-han were like Shin Ye-hwa, the stress would've been nightmarish.
Anyway, the two continued their amiable chat. It could've been a highly successful first meeting...
"President, a guest has arrived."
"Who is it? Tell them to come back later unless it's urgent."
"Well..."
The call from the secretary's office—who knew better than anyone that Jeong Beom-ho was meeting Seong Ye-han. What kind of visitor would interrupt?
The president himself? Jeong Beom-ho pondered as a familiar young woman's voice came through the receiver.
"President, it's me. Yeon-ah."
"Yeon-ah...?!"
"Yeon-ah... no way?"
Even Seong Ye-han, listening in, couldn't hide his surprise. The identity of the visitor was Korea's last S-rank hunter he hadn't met yet.
The Saintess, Ha Yeon-ah.