Lucky Casting and the Midnight Guild Visit
I got casted. 'Quite a few people here since it's Normal, huh.' The inside of the Tower looked like a room made of glass walls. 'Everyone else is in their own rooms.' I could see people focused on their own hunts. 'Wonder if I'll get that good.'
In front of me were two goblins. 'Feels totally different seeing them for real.' In my imagination, goblins were these pathetic mob monsters. But knowing they could actually threaten my life made me tense up. 'Good thing I planned my attack ahead.' Of course, it was only 50% of Judain's power, so I couldn't expect overwhelming strength.
I raised my hand and gathered blood at my fingertips. 'Shoot it like a bullet.'
Fired!
Whoosh—!!!
"Huh?"
The goblin was smashed against the transparent glass wall. Green blood sprayed from its exploded head.
"I'm this strong...?"
I guess I'd been underestimating S-rankers. 'Next goblin.' I raised my hand again, gathered blood, and fired.
Whoosh—!
Same result.
I looked around, and everyone's eyes were fixed on me.
"W-what the... that person."
"A goblin goes down in one hit like that?"
"From Hard mode or something?"
"Why's talent like that in Normal..."
Shocked voices drifted over. 'No soundproofing at all, huh.' Honestly, I hadn't expected to be this strong either. Sure, they were all S-rankers, but I'd never seen them fight for real. '50% of S-rank is still this powerful?'
There was a reason they were worshipped. From how shocked everyone was, it was definitely beyond B-rank. And I'd just awakened, so my powers were still unstable.
[Goblin defeated.]
[Reward issued.]
[Low-grade mana stones x2]
The system notification pulled me back to reality. 'Yeah, what matters is I made some money.'
> [New message arrived.]
Oh, right. Awakeners communicate via these messages.
Hello. This is the Hunter Association HR Department. We believe your talents will greatly benefit the nation. Therefore, we would like to hire you as an Association hunter. If interested, please visit the Association at your convenience.
What? Spam? My brain, tempered by countless spam texts, went straight to suspicion. 'But it says to come directly, so maybe it's legit...' I knew the Association stationed officials in the Tower to scout talent. 'Didn't think I'd get casted like this.'
Didn't feel bad. Actually, felt good. Government job meant stable income.
"Today's my lucky day."
"Alright, now that Mom's out, time to check the backlog."
[From: Hunter Association President Secretary, Lee Su-a]
Association needs you. High position guaranteed. Details in attached docs...
[From: Park Do-hyun, Guild Master of Korea's Sole Great Villain Guild]
For the safety of citizens and hunters, we need you. Please fight for justice. Any request will be granted.
[From: Kwon A-reum]
Hey, fun friend. If you hate this society, hit me up. We'll help with anything.
"So many," Judain muttered.
"They're all tempting, but I prefer big money and freedom."
Judain eyed one message and grinned.
"Yes, something like this."
Wanna have fun with us? Hunt invading otherworlders and make bank!
P.S. If you love freedom, come to us! Other places will suffocate you!
"She sees right through me. Spot on."
Judain knew the Association and other guilds, obsessed with rules and justice, wouldn't take an 8-year-old. "But this place is different."
With Sungwoo's memories, Judain knew how open and merit-based Pungak was. "Gotta thank Mom for watching the news so much."
"Now, to reply."
Judain's fingers danced lightly. Moments later, she sent it.
Greetings. Thy proposal pleases me, so I reply. I too am a being fond of amusement, freedom, and riches, you see. Send the guild location, and I'll visit when I wish.
"If she's really interested, she'll reply."
Judain shrugged.
> [Reply arrived.]
"Quick response. Almost like she had it pre-written."
"Or maybe she did?"
Judain clicked the reply.
Honored you chose us? I'm tearing up! Welcome anytime—we'll be waiting! (Pungak Guild location map.) Congrats on joining us!
"Way better than stiff formalities."
"Now, when to visit?"
Judain propped her chin, lost in thought. "Hmm... Mom went to the Tower today... she'll be tired..." She tapped the floor. "Tonight she'll sleep deepest. Perfect chance."
Judain flashed a mischievous grin. "Worry not, Mother. I'll keep you from dangerous hunter work."
Suddenly, Judain wondered if this was how Sungwoo felt. "Then I must press on. Didn't Mother let me become a hunter?"
Judain was born from Sungwoo's longing—for family, warmth, fear of loneliness. To her, Sungwoo meant everything. Sungwoo thought Judain sprang from pure familial desire, but...
"I must protect Mother from danger. Strong or not."
Judain hugged and stroked the blanket Sungwoo had used.
That night, as Sungwoo slept deeply, Judain rose. She dressed, donned a hat. "No need to show my face."
Judain shaped her blood into a mask. "Sleep well."
She slipped out silently.
The outside world sparkled. Judain glanced at the semibasement window she'd just left. Against the glittering city, it chilled her young heart.
"Why..." Why must Mother live like this? She hadn't slacked or shirked hardship. Why? She wanted to whisk her to somewhere better, away from people's feet.
Such thoughts colored Judain's mind. Sungwoo's memories revealed meanings she shouldn't know yet—what society thought of such places, how people saw Sungwoo.
"Without Mother's memories... I wouldn't know."
"I'd just cling like a normal 8-year-old."
"But knowing her pain, I can't act childish."
Judain steadied herself. Not yet. Needed more prep.
She turned toward Pungak Guild. Luckily not directionally challenged, she arrived in 10 minutes.
Judain entered slowly.
"Hello! Welcome to Pungak Guild."
The staff eyed the small figure curiously but greeted brightly.
"Greetings. I've come to see the guild master—is she in?"
"Pardon? The guild master...? She is, but..."
The staff looked troubled. A masked kid at midnight was suspicious.
"Tell her the guest she's been waiting for has arrived—she'll understand."
Judain adjusted her hat leisurely.
"O-okay... I'll check! Please wait!"
The staff called the guild master's office.
"Front desk calling—what's up?" A bright voice came through.
"Um, someone wants to see you..."
"What? Association again? Send 'em away."
"Not Association—they say they're the guest you've been waiting for."
Silence.
"Ah~ Came quick? Send 'em up. It's the one I was waiting for."
"Yes! Got it."
The staff hung up and turned. "Guild master's office is straight off the top floor elevator."
"Have a good night!"
"Thanks for the info. Have a fine evening."
Judain entered the elevator, reached for the top button—
"Eh."
Too high for an 8-year-old's reach. She called the desk staff.
"Could you press the top button?"
"Oh, sure! I didn't think of that."
Staff pressed it. Elevator whisked up. Judain knocked on the door.
"Hey, been waiting."
The door opened, revealing Seo Eun-a, sky-blue bob and yellow eyes striking.
"Welcome to Pungak."
She offered a handshake.
"Pleased to meet thee."
Judain shook.
"Not standing out there forever—come in."
Eun-a led her inside.
"Before business, a preface?" Her eyes sharpened. "You're no adult, right?"
"Don't bother lying. That tiny body? No one's buying 'adult'."