Diving into the Eachgal Abyss

"Alright, everyone, great job on this raid. Time to clock out!"

""Thank you for your hard work!""

The team dispersed as if nothing had happened, all thanks to Team Leader Kim Hyeon-gwang's words.

The unintended drama with Hyeji sunbae had been undone by my regression after falling from the building once. Now it was just a secret only I knew.

That said, this Clairvoyance skill was totally off the rails.

"Should I call this a good thing or not?"

Activating Clairvoyance and scanning the surroundings revealed the same scenery: blue sky, towering buildings, cherry blossom trees already in bloom. Nothing had changed. But focusing on one spot let me see through objects to the view beyond. The x-ray effect lasted about 1-2 seconds, roughly.

Short as it was, it was still enough time for an awakener to do plenty in combat, so it might not be practical there. But why did it go straight to x-ray on Hyeji sunbae? Unpredictable skill, for sure. Not that I wanted to see her body or anything.

"Alright, let's head back to the Association now."

"Huh? Aren't we clocking out?"

"We will, but we gotta file the report first."

Anyway, we had to report the successful A-rank dungeon clear to the Association, so the three of us returned for that.

"Sion-ssi, are you feeling okay?"

"Ah, no, I'm fine."

Bonus: It was getting hard to face sunbae now.

"Home really is the best."

I finished a 15-minute shower with hot water from the showerhead, then blow-dried my hair easily.

Then, straight dive into the fluffy bed.

Nothing fancy, but this was luxury unimaginable in the North Sea.

Even as palace lord there, I'd waited for bathwater to heat up and washed my hair with a wet towel.

The maids handled everything, so it wasn't uncomfortable, but I sure missed modern conveniences.

"Heehee, nice and toasty."

With the electric blanket on under the bed and covers pulled up, a warmth impossible in the North Sea enveloped my back.

Back home, stocks were fine, and I'd acquired Ice Jade Divine Palm. According to I-hwa sensei, martial arts weren't like other skillbooks—you didn't just "click" to learn them. You had to understand and internalize the content, taking even the quickest folks a month...

'Oh, looks like I got it.'

'No way, even with top talent... Wait, for real?'

'Heehee. My hand's sparkling!'

I skimmed it once and mastered it on the spot.

Fucking easy, man. What were they whining about?

I'd been a bit nervous hearing that without talent, it could take years of effort with no success, but nah, piece of cake.

Got home, rested up, filed the Association report smoothly. One thing left.

"Gotta check the gallery."

Time for some ego surfing.

Not because I craved attention like some exhibitionist— as an Association hunter, I needed to know my public image while doing the job.

Unlike private guild hunters, I'd be showing my face to the public a lot, so reputation was key.

One problem, though.

"What bullshit have those Eachgal fuckers posted this time...?"

I dreaded what abyss lurked in the gallery.

Before entering this dungeon, I'd properly browsed the Awakener Gallery, and holy shit, the profound posts there. Made me nostalgic for the days crying over my button-popping chest pics. Anonymous communities were terrifying.

"Sigh, convenience store first."

Couldn't face the Eachgal abyss stone-cold sober.

Last time, I even read some goblin x me smut. So, plan: booze from the store, get tipsy, then dive in.

Grabbed wallet, threw on a windbreaker, headed out.

'Nice weather.'

Unlike the North Sea's endless 24/7 snow, Korea's sunset evening felt utterly peaceful.

Enjoying the calm vibe with light steps, I reached the convenience store.

Door chime, clerk greets me.

"Welcome to CS Convenience! Oh, wait...?"

"Yes?"

"You're from the Association, right? Loving the broadcasts!"

"Ah, thanks..."

Fuck, how far has my face spread?

Even Association folks get more public exposure than regular hunters, but this much?

Lately, more people recognizing me.

Feeling awkward, I grabbed booze quick and headed to checkout.

"Check out, please."

"Um, if you don't mind..."

"Yes?"

"Could I get a photo?"

I'm no idol, why the photo frenzy?

"Uh, one pic should be fine."

"Thank you!"

Hard to ignore those eager eyes, so I agreed. Took her phone, snapped a selfie—felt like a celeb.

"Cherishing this forever!"

"No need to go that far..."

Paid quick, headed home.

These situations always embarrassed me.

Plus, still in my old place, so neighbors spotting me more lately.

Should move or something—silly thoughts as I chugged the fruity canned booze.

Now, time to face the gallery abyss!

"Why post that on the gallery, you fucker!"

No more photos for anyone. Ever.

"What the fuck..."

About an hour into the gallery, realization hit.

Booze or no booze, this shit was immune. Army discharge had me quit smoking, but now I craved it.

"On second thought, better not smoke."

Smoking's all harm, no gain, after all.