The World of the Suspicious Hunter
I knew this game pretty well among people who were into it. Suspicious Hunter in Another World was famous for its incredible freedom and outstanding gameplay. It was a modern fantasy setting with hunters and gates—the kind of thing you see everywhere. The problem was that it was an eroge.
The main story followed the protagonist as he entered an academy for training Korean hunters. He’d clear gates, spar, meet heroines, and of course have plenty of sex. Honestly, it was more popular for being genuinely fun than for the porn. Thanks to its reputation, an all-ages version with some new events and content was scheduled for release.
I had just finished another ordinary, boring day at university and returned home. The moment I fell asleep while waiting for the new version of Suspicious Hunter in Another World to drop… I woke up inside that very world. And in a girl’s body, no less.
It’s already been twenty years since I came to this world. That’s more than enough time to adjust to my changed gender, age, and entire reality. At least I can take comfort in the fact that I wasn’t possessed. If I had suddenly taken over someone else’s body, I probably would’ve caused an accident during the adjustment period. Most of all, I’m relieved I don’t feel like I stole someone else’s family.
“Haa…”
I walked toward the academy, lost in thought. How the hell did things end up like this?
“I’m not even sure if this is the right thing to do.”
My name is Baek A-rang. In the original story, I didn’t even appear. But I can’t let my guard down. This insane game has such ridiculous freedom that even an extra labeled “Classmate 13” could end up getting fucked. Letting my guard down could mean I might get railed by the protagonist himself.
Obviously I have zero interest in doing anything with a guy, so normally I would twist my own body inside out to avoid getting involved with the original plot…
“But it’s not like I have a choice here.”
Later—right before graduation—a gate will open. The second X-rank gate that will decide the fate of the entire world. Clearing that gate is the ultimate goal of this game and the very reason the protagonist exists. So I have to make sure he doesn’t die a meaningless death or quit being a hunter. A few major events from the original story have already been twisted because of me, so dealing with the consequences is my responsibility too.
“At least I won’t be meeting the protagonist right away.”
For better or worse, the protagonist enrolls next year. That makes me his senior by one year. It might actually be easier to get close to him as a classmate, but maybe being his senior will let me keep him in check with authority? Then again, what am I supposed to do when he becomes a third-year?
Anyway, the reason I’m attending the academy is to support the protagonist’s growth. My own grades don’t really matter, but I need to be at least above average if I want to teach him anything. That way I’ll have the justification to do so.
Since my house wasn’t far, I arrived before I could sink too deep into my thoughts. I never thought I’d feel nervous about something like this again, but the sensation felt strangely refreshing.
This was the setting of the original story—the only awakened academy in all of Korea.
It was Mir Academy.
The place was buzzing. Students and their families, guild representatives, reporters—every kind of person imaginable had gathered, creating an absolute uproar. In a way, it was only natural. Ever since the Day of Awakening, awakened individuals had become protectors of national security, a military force, and a new upper class that made money through magic stones and various resources. A single awakened person could save a failing household, so for families it was basically like winning the lottery.
“…”
Watching people laugh and chatter with their families made my mood sink. It felt like I was the only one standing far away in a completely different world. Really… it made me miss—
“The entrance ceremony will begin shortly. All non-enrolled guests, please move away from the seating area. I repeat—”
The announcement played, and people began to withdraw, gradually quieting down. Once complete silence fell, the entrance ceremony began.
It proceeded exactly as expected. The school’s founding purpose. Introduction of the faculty. The principal’s congratulatory speech. The kind of obvious, clichéd remarks that made you wonder why you had to listen to them at all.
And then—
“Next, we will have a congratulatory address from the Association President.”
It was time for the Korean Hunter Association President’s speech. Excitement rippled through the crowd.
He still looks strong.
Shin Ui-ju, President of the Korean Hunter Association. Korea’s first awakened individual after the Day of Awakening and an S-rank hunter. A hero who had led the charge in clearing gates and maintaining public order from the very beginning, when there were no systems or support in place. A living legend recorded in history textbooks.
And a very nagging uncle.
Whatever else he was, he was an object of admiration for the new students. After all, he stood at the absolute peak in skill, fame, and power. To me he was just a talkative old man, but lately he’d been so busy that his lectures had decreased.
“First, I would like to congratulate everyone who has entered the academy—”
The students watched with passionate eyes while I stared blankly with a sour expression, just waiting for it to end. By the time even the freshmen were starting to look tired, the Association President’s speech finally concluded.
The academy’s classes were a mix of high school and university systems. On Mondays and Tuesdays, random groups attended regular classes covering basic theory and simple laws. From Wednesday to Friday, students could choose elective courses suited to their career paths. This included not only combat roles but production classes as well.
I moved to the classroom assigned for regular lessons and took a seat in the back, waiting for the instructor.
“Hello, I’m—”
“Excuse me, but—”
“These days the gates have been—”
The initial awkwardness between strangers quickly gave way to the lively chatter of active personalities. Since we’d be stuck in the same classroom for a while, it was probably good to get along.
“Hi!”
That didn’t mean they had to come to me, though.
“Hey.”
It’s not like I had social anxiety or anything, but I wasn’t the type to naturally chat with people I’d just met. I didn’t even know what topics to bring up.
“What’s your name? When did you awaken? Oh, I’m Kim Chae-eun! I awakened three months ago! And—”
But wow, her tension level was way too high.
“I’m Baek A-rang.”
I calmed her down a bit before continuing the conversation.
“I awakened when I was eight.”
“Eight? That’s really young.”
Most awakenings happened between fifteen and thirty. It wasn’t unheard of outside that range, but eight was definitely on the young side.
“Hey, hey~ What rank do you think you’ll get? A-rank? B-rank? Or maybe even S-rank?”
“Who knows… I guess it’ll come out according to my ability.”
“What~ Why are you so indifferent? This could be the day that changes your whole life, you know?”
Well, that’s because I already know what my rank will be.
“Instructor’s here. You should head back now.”
“Huh? Okay.”
She started to leave but then turned around again.
“By the way, how old are you?”
“…Twenty.”
“Really?”
She returned to her seat and added, “I’m twenty too.”
“Wait, what?”
“Let’s get along from now on.”
Was that why she bothered turning back? She’d spoken casually from the start, so I answered the same way. At least she wasn’t older than me—that was a relief. Come to think of it, this wasn’t middle school. People of all ages could enroll here.
While I was thinking that I’d gotten tangled up with someone who didn’t seem like a bad person but would probably be annoying, the room grew quiet and the instructor began his introduction.
“My name is Kang Yun-seok. When I was actively working, I served as team leader of the Wolmyo Guild’s Second Raid Team.”
Small gasps of admiration spread through the room. The Wolmyo Guild was one of Korea’s top three guilds. Being the leader of their Second Raid Team meant he possessed enough skill and experience to overwhelm most hunters. I wasn’t sure why someone like that had retired to become an instructor here, though.
“The regular class groups won’t change much over the three years you’ll attend the academy, so it’s best to get close to your classmates. With that in mind, let’s do some simple self-introductions.”
I didn’t understand why we had to do self-introductions like elementary school kids, but everyone else was doing it, so I went along.
“My name is Yoon Seo-il and—”
The introductions proceeded one by one. With only about twenty people per class, it didn’t take long. I kept mine plain and simple. I didn’t want to draw attention.
After the last person finished—
“Alright, since only one person is left, let’s wait just a little longer.”
Huh? Hadn’t we just finished with the last person? I didn’t understand who he was talking about, but I soon figured it out. My senses picked up someone running toward the classroom.
Being late on the very first day—what a guy.
And soon enough, I saw a man suspiciously peeking through the classroom window. At least he had the decency not to burst through the door like he was breaking it down. That was a relief, since many awakened people tended to be arrogant.
“Student, come in already.”
At the instructor’s words, the man who had been peeking through the window carefully entered the classroom.
But… why did he look so familiar? Was he famous?
“We were just in the middle of self-introductions. Keep yours short and take an empty seat.”
“S-sorry for being late…”
The late student bowed his head right there and stated his name.
…And at that moment, I remembered exactly where I had seen him.
It had been so long that I’d momentarily forgotten the original story of this world.
“My name is Cheon Ma-ru.”
The very character who had ruined the reputation of Suspicious Hunter in Another World.
“Please take care of me from now on.”
Because he was the character in the Geum Tae-yang position.