Chapter 10
Chapter 10
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: Unexpected Encounter (1)
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If it wasn't for the provided dorms, they might even support subsidies for a house contract later... The shock was so great that my mind wasn't working properly.
In the end, I accepted Kang Jiwon's persuasion that we could decide on the housing benefits later.
Since I'd come in with the intention of signing the contract from the start, the rest proceeded as formal procedures.
I skimmed through the contract, asking Kang Jiwon about any points that raised questions.
After finishing the signatures, she collected the papers.
That wrapped up quickly today. Wonder what I'll do when I get home.
As I was thinking that, Kang Jiwon pulled out a new sheet of paper from her pocket.
It was another contract. Same format as the previous one, but the content was visibly different even at a glance.
"Didn't I just sign a contract?"
"That's the camouflage contract for public disclosure. The one you just signed is the confidential one."
If someone like me, who appears to have no connection to the Association, keeps doing this work, it'll raise suspicions from the outside.
So, her explanation was that I needed an identity that didn't seem related to secret agent duties but still signaled Association affiliation.
"Conveniently, there's an open position that suits Han Yujin's abilities perfectly."
She pointed to a specific section on the contract.
Hunter Specialist Counselor.
That was the cover job arranged for me.
As I read through the contract, I couldn't believe my eyes.
This wasn't just a fake identity to hold down a seat—it was premised on actually doing real counselor work.
They want me to pretend to be a real counselor?
"I don't know much about it, but doesn't counseling require a certification?"
"It does for regular counselors. But what you'll be doing is a Hunter Specialist Counselor."
Such wordplay was supposed to fly?
I was a complete novice when it came to psychology from the start.
There was no way I could handle the job properly.
"No need to worry too much. There's already a Hunter doing this job as a Hunter Specialist Counselor. You can shadow him for the first month and learn the ropes."
Just one month... How much could I possibly learn in that short time?
Those words offered no comfort at all.
"No missions during the adjustment period. You'll just need to come to the counseling center on the fifth floor of the Association building on weekdays."
A secret agent in a black suit and sunglasses, gliding through the shadows?
I snapped back to reality, only to find myself facing yet another office job.
Why am I still stuck with a five-day workweek!!!
Hwaaaah!!!!
Like someone cursing the heavens for their given fate, I wailed inwardly as Kang Jiwon continued.
"By the way, the counselor duties come with separate pay."
"Hell yeah, let's do it!"
Double the salary changes everything.
The counseling center on my first day at work had a modern, warm interior.
More unexpected than I thought. I'd expected the Association's bureaucratic vibe, but maybe it's because of the place.
Someone emerged from the inner room at my arrival.
A middle-aged man with a gentle impression matching his sturdy build.
He recognized me right away and approached with a smile.
"Well, isn't this something? Never dreamed I'd get a junior. Name's Jeong Dongsu."
"Nice to meet you." I shook his offered hand and introduced myself.
As odd as it sounds, he didn't look like a Hunter—just a friendly neighborhood uncle.
I asked him to speak casually since I was the one learning, but he politely declined with a warm smile.
Jeong Dongsu introduced me to the tasks I'd handle.
Man the counter, greet clients when they arrive, and pass them to Jeong Dongsu in the counseling room.
Then, when he calls, enter with the client, record the conversation, and assist with whatever he requests.
"Isn't counseling one-on-one? Won't my presence be a problem?"
"You can't learn otherwise. Of course, we'd need the client's consent first, but most will agree. You have a lighter vibe than you think, Yujin."
We entered the counseling room.
A bookshelf, a solid wood table between a pair of chairs in front of it.
A simple room. Jeong Dongsu pointed to a chair positioned well away from the table's side.
"When you enter with the client, sit there and take notes, Yujin."
It was an in-between spot—visible to the client but not drawing much attention.
I asked if it wouldn't be better to stand in the back out of sight, but he shook his head.
"Quite the opposite. It makes them feel watched, amplifying anxiety. You'll need to study the theory too."
He walked to the bookshelf, pondered, and pulled out three books.
What thickness... These were practically textbooks.
"Good introductory psychology books. No need to return them—take your time reading. We're not full experts, but it's good to know the basics."
Thud. A heavy sound echoed as he placed them on the table.
My head spun. No, think positive.
It's not mandatory, so I can take it slow and finish someday?
Or not.
After the explanation, as we left the counseling room, I asked what had been on my mind.
"What ability got you assigned to this job, sir?"
"Want a demonstration?"
I nodded. Unlike me doing cover work, he was a real Hunter Specialist Counselor with an ability suited for it.
Silence fell between us, and after about a minute, he spoke with a playful expression.
"So, how was it?"
Sweat beaded on my forehead. I hadn't felt a thing.
My mistake. Of course it'd be blocked by my mental resistance—I'd overlooked that.
But no way I'd show it. That's social life for you.
I moved my mouth on instinct.
"Whoa, what was that? It's no ordinary feeling. Can't quite put it into words, but something definitely changed. What's the exact effect?"
Pleased with my reaction, Jeong Dongsu chuckled heartily.
"I call it Mental Stabilization. A simple ability to calm the other person's mind."
He continued.
"It doesn't harm the mind, so it's barely affected by mental resistance. That's why I can counsel even stronger Hunters and hold this position."
"Has it ever not worked?"
"Once, I had a chance to counsel an Association S-rank Hunter. Unfortunately, it didn't work at all. But a D-rank like me achieving this much is something to be grateful for."
"Impressive."
This time, it was genuine admiration.
Unlike mine, his ability had zero combat applications.
Yet he'd ranked D? For someone who knew the struggles of non-combat abilities, that was a human victory.
With an embarrassed Jeong Dongsu, the day's work ended.
A few more days passed, and I got a handle on the job.
Not bad at all—it's a sweet gig.
Clients visited only one or two per day, if that.
Listening to stories, some days had zero.
And observing consultations, I understood why Kang Jiwon said not to worry.
Hunter Specialist Counselor wasn't a true professional role.
More like a service job.
Clients here were Hunters struggling with abilities or work—not severe cases needing hospital treatment.
Issues a non-Awakened counselor couldn't grasp.
They didn't need expert therapy.
Jeong Dongsu listened attentively, pondered with them, and just being there to talk helped.
Clients left with brighter expressions.
Some study required, but it was manageable.
It was after lunch, returning to the counseling center.
Jeong Dongsu called me over with an errand.
"One client this afternoon—first session, so I need their info. I requested it from management; go pick it up."
I took the elevator to the department, but nothing was prepared.
The staffer apologized profusely, pale-faced—it was their mistake.
I waited while they searched and printed, missing the scheduled time.
Grabbing the file, I returned to the center.
A voice from inside the counseling room.
Already in session with the client.
Knock knock. I entered, handed the file to Jeong Dongsu, and moved to my seat, but he shook his head.
The client hadn't consented to my observation.
"My apologies."
"Is that the one who wanted to observe my session?"
As I bowed slightly by the door, the client spoke.
"Yes. Since I'm in training, we ask for client permission. If it's a bother, I apologize—"
"No, no, I changed my mind. I permit the observation."
"Pardon? Oh, yes. Thank you. Yujin?"
Startled by the woman's whim but quick to recover, Jeong Dongsu called me in.
Turning, her figure finally entered my view.
Bobbed brown hair—not too short, not too long.
That familiar back view, like I'd seen it somewhere, made me swallow hard.
Just my imagination? Right?
Creeeak. My feet wouldn't move.
A chill ran through me; I slumped into the chair, head down.
"Hmm... Yujin, huh."
"Oh? Do you know Yujin?"
"Haha, no. Just feels like I've seen him somewhere."
"Haha, lucky guy—next S-rank remembering your face. Yujin?"
My body trembled.
No, why... are you here?
"Oh dear, not feeling well?"
Creeeak, and my head began to lift.
Not by my will!
As if invisible hands gripped and raised my head, my forced gaze went straight ahead.
Our eyes met.
Amber eyes burning red.
The one who'd lifted my head with Barrier Creation grinned.
"Are you okay?"
It was Jin Seohyeon.