Chapter 101
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 101
Chapter Title: The Hole Opens
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The Lulu magazine had always specialized in somewhat risqué photo spreads.
So in that field, they could boast an expertise unmatched by any competitor in the industry.
Even for them, accustomed to countless models striking seductive poses with calculated allure...
Luna's performance was... something truly extraordinary.
Technically, she might have been a bit clumsy.
Her poses were awkward, her gaze unsteady, her body trembling faintly.
But paradoxically, that very awkwardness and the vulnerable quiver in her eyes created an effect.
Something raw and genuine that no polished model could ever produce.
"......"
The shoot wrapped up in that hushed atmosphere.
The photographer swallowed hard and finally released the shutter.
She approached Luna, who was quietly straightening her clothes.
For the photographer, this was just her job...
But deep down, she truly believed it was art.
Beautiful things move you.
That's only natural.
Her voice trembled as she confessed her honest feelings.
"Luna... you were incredible."
In response, Luna simply nodded silently instead of replying.
She rose from her spot, walking past the staff toward Elise, who stared at her with a dazed expression.
Her movements were smooth and graceful.
"Elise."
She gently stroked her little sister's black, velvety rabbit ears with her hand.
Elise flinched at the sudden touch, her shoulders quivering.
"Remember when I asked you?"
Luna whispered into her ear.
"If you were in heat."
Her fingers slowly traced along Elise's ear.
Elise swallowed dryly at the blatant caress.
"Looks like you are."
Luna smiled faintly and brushed past her.
The next morning,
the stove league was in full swing.
Some guilds were leisurely sealing deals.
Others... were struggling desperately.
And Haetae Guild clearly fell into the latter category.
Compare Haetae Guild's status before and after Jin Sea joined.
Before she arrived, Haetae ranked 36th in Korea.
Not bad by any means, but hardly top-tier—just a solidly average guild.
After she joined?
Top 10.
One person had transformed the guild's entire reputation.
Haetae Guild, Jin Sea's lounge.
Normally, it would offer a stunning city view, but today felt different.
"I'm not leaving. I just want to test my market value."
Jin Sea sat on the sofa, speaking in a cool tone.
In front of her stood a front-office staffer with hollowed-out eyes—like he hadn't slept in days—practically on the verge of kneeling.
"Sea Hunter, please..."
His voice quivered with desperation.
On the table nearby, her phone screen displayed Haetae Group's stock plummeting vertically since markets opened.
All from a single headline: "Jin Sea's Re-Signing in Doubt."
Who leaked it? No idea. But crucially, it wasn't wrong.
The staffer was going insane.
If the guild's top ace, franchise star, and pillar—Jin Sea—left, Haetae's future would be uncertain.
And all the blame would naturally fall on the front office.
'I told them not to push her...!'
The staff had worried about this already.
Why force someone who risked her life in raids to appear on trashy variety shows?
Who benefited?
The real issue was the higher-ups curbing her growing influence out of fear.
They couldn't stop her rising power through shares or sway.
"If you reconsider, we'll meet any conditions you want..."
"No... I'm just going to shop around a bit."
Jin Sea narrowed her eyes. She had every right to be annoyed.
This was the umpteenth visit, repeating the same plea like a parrot.
But the staffer couldn't give up.
Grasping at straws, he bowed deeply once more.
"Ha..."
Jin Sea shook her head.
'This should be enough...'
In truth, the whole stove league drama was part of her plan.
Jin Sea had never intended to leave Haetae, not for a second.
Sure, Seon-woo's words—"You can quit if you want"—had tempted her briefly.
The urge to rush to his side was real.
Guarding him at the Association, tumbling together day and night? Tempting...
But Jin Sea always saw the big picture. The path most helpful to him.
Her long-term goal: swallow Haetae Guild whole.
So this was just taming them in advance.
Awakening the foolish higher-ups who feared her growing influence.
[Park Sung-ho]: Sea Hunter, I need to speak with you. Can we meet briefly?
One of the directors—the old man who'd pressured her most aggressively.
A smile tugged at Jin Sea's lips.
She stood, lightly patting the still-pleading staffer's shoulder.
"Enough. Go on now."
Jin Sea intended to become Haetae's queen.
To offer her kingdom to her king.
The next morning, I was chatting with the system while preparing for my client.
The oven filled the air with the savory aroma of baking bread.
Today's snacks for clients: fresh bread.
I'd prepped the dough last night before bed and baked it first thing this morning. A variety for them to choose from.
Hard to imagine anyone hating it.
Mid-conversation,
the system dropped a bombshell.
"For real? You can eat food too?"
Yes!
I pondered.
Wait, then what the hell are you, exactly?
"Are you human?"
[......]
It dodged again.
"Fine, whatever."
I pulled the golden loaves from the oven onto a tray, pondering anew.
Its response sparked a sudden curiosity.
What food does it like, I wonder...
I wonder...
"!"
A hunch flashed in my mind.
"Mint chocolate?"
Gasp...?
Σ(°°)
Unbelievable! How did you know?
It was true.
Mint chocolate...
Not my personal favorite or dislike...
But a flavor I'd never make myself.
But if it's what it likes, that's different.
"I'd love to make some for you. Wonder if that's possible?"
I said with a grin.
Obviously not, but...
...Are you serious, User?
"Of course."
If I can make it, I will.
I don't know if it's a system, human, or something else entirely...
But it's helped me immensely, and I genuinely care for it.
Mint chocolate? Piece of cake.
Connection port...
Forced opening!
What the—?
That's when it happened.
"?"
- Woo woo woo...
The kitchen air began to hum faintly.
- Crackle...
A crack spiderwebbed across the pristine white wall in front of me.
"......?"
- Crack! Pop!
"What the hell?!"
I ducked instinctively.
The fissures spread rapidly, and suddenly—a small hole punched right through the center.
It stopped growing.
Just big enough for two fists.
No insulation or cement inside, as you'd expect.
Just pitch-black void, lightless abyss.
...This is max output.
"You... you did this?"
I blurted into the air, too stunned.
Yes! I wanted to taste your bread so badly!
Put it in this hole... and I'll feel amazing!
I peered cautiously into the hole.
Nothing visible.
How do I even explain this? Dimensional breach?
Not that shocked, honestly.
I'd suspected it wasn't ordinary.
Plus, I'd heard rumors.
Dimensional travelers who cross voids, not just transfers.
But their existence was unconfirmed...
No way...
Don't stare so intently... it's embarrassing...
(⁄ ⁄>⁄ ▽ ⁄<⁄ ⁄)
"......"
Mint chocolate.
I can do it.
I can...
But I eyed the wrecked wall and the void beyond.
"This isn't even my building..."
[......Oops.]
My practical point left it speechless.
Forgot about property ownership, huh.
Then, something sleek slipped from the darkness.
"?"
A slender, pale hand.
A woman's smooth hand.
It hovered mid-air briefly.
Then...
👍
No worries! I'll fix it later!
It flashed me a vigorous thumbs-up.
Just trust me!
(•̀ᴗ•́)و
