Rookie: Baek Jaesung 1
It had been quite a while since I'd gone out alone.
Whenever I headed out, I always had one of the girls clinging to my side. Even trips to the neighborhood supermarket involved draping one of them over my arm, to the point where the cashier lady once asked what kind of superpower I had that let me switch girls out every single day.
I answered proudly that I was a dungeon hunter. In the dating market, nothing sells better than a pro with that "hunter" title—big money, short lifespan.
Truth be told, the idea that dungeon hunters die young is a statistical trap. The average age is so low because so many entry-level hunters from 10th to 8th rank bite the dust. The variance in lifespan by rank is huge.
If you isolate hunters 7th rank and above, their average lifespan actually blows past regular folks. Hunters tend to live long, as a rule.
Today's outing was to meet my master, Kim Minyoung. I hopped on a bus headed for Gangnam Station.
Beep!
Every time I tapped my transit card, I craved my own car. I'd just been thinking about it until now, but this time I really needed to get my license and buy one.
The bus wasn't that bad, but having a ride that could take me wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted, would be way better. A personal vehicle really is a modern necessity.
Hunters could always cab it, but even that looks lame if you're piling the family in for a day trip.
I killed time on my smartphone, browsing cars. I never paid much attention to them before, so picking one felt overwhelming. Window-shopping's tough when you're clueless.
"Next stop, Gangnam Station. Gangnam Station. After that..."
Before I knew it, I'd arrived while scrolling. If you want to get somewhere fast, don't go with a loved one—go with your phone. Another revelation today.
Ding~!
I rang the bell and got off at Gangnam Station. The bustling scene hit me right away.
Dominating my view was the Hunter Association building, as always. The sleek blue glass tower was Gangnam's landmark. No matter how many times I came, that majestic vibe never faded.
If only they ditched the asshole mark at the top—that crossed "十" and "X" looking like a butthole. Who the fuck designed that retarded shit?
That butthole was the Hunter Association's symbol.
Official name: Bound Star.
Nobody called it that. In Korea, it's the Asshole Mark; abroad, Asshole Sign.
After a quick security check at the entrance, I headed inside. The lobby was as hectic as the exterior—suits and casuals scrambling everywhere. Just a typical day at the busy Hunter Association.
As Master Kim Minyoung had instructed, I told the lobby guide I was here to see her. She asked me to wait and made a call.
"The director will be down shortly, so please hold on a moment."
Kim Minyoung was the director of the Hunter Association's training department. I called her "master" because it stuck better, and she seemed to prefer it too.
About three minutes later, she emerged from the elevator. Light T-shirt, jeans—casual as hell. Her natural beauty made even sloppy everyday clothes look stunning.
Lots of folks at the Association dressed comfy like that. With all the weird weapons around, it barely drew eyes.
But Master Kim Minyoung's eyepatch on her left eye pulled stares despite the casual fit. That imbalance was one of her charm points.
"Sorry, did I keep you waiting long?"
"No, less than five minutes."
She eyed me with her uncovered right eye. I scanned her up and down, then slyly looked away. Don't stare too obviously—she'd hate it.
She pointed toward the main entrance.
"Let's head to my place first."
"Your place, Master?"
Just like that!?
Her unexpected words tumbled out.
"Yes. I've got a car ready."
She strode out confidently. What the hell? Why invite me home so suddenly?
Things are going better than expected. Maybe today's the day?
I couldn't shake the anticipation. Gulped dryly without thinking.
Of course, too early to celebrate. Whether I'd struck gold or just a worthless rock would only show once we got there.
Heh. Can't help getting excited, though. What if she just offers instant ramen... Gulp! Maybe I'll taste Master Kim Minyoung's luscious thighs today!
But my fantasies shattered the second we left the building. Took less than a minute.
"After you, miss."
A black-suited chauffeur with shades held open the long limo door. She slid into the back seat naturally, patted the spot beside her, and said,
"Hop in."
"Ah, yes."
I'd pictured a studio or small apartment. Not this. No way a driver in a limo shows up for that.
Come to think of it, she was the heiress of one of Korea's top hunter families. No way she'd slum it in a tiny flat.
Still, a limo and personal driver? Today kept throwing curveballs.
The limo didn't go far. Her place was in Hannam-dong, one of the country's ritziest neighborhoods.
She's got a palace.
It pulled up to a grand traditional hanok. Smaller than the Silver Lin Manor from the Extreme Sword Heaven world, but no less dignified.
How much cash to build something this size on prime land? Selling just the property would set you for life.
As we stepped out, the massive traditional gate swung open wide. Not automatic—servants had been waiting.
"Welcome."
Two prim women in hanbok bowed deeply. Both had sleek black ponytails down to their waists, faces so similar they screamed identical twins.
Twin maids greeting guests—it felt like another world.
"Come on in."
"Ah, yes."
She marched ahead. I followed into the compound.
The estate had a huge main house and several annexes. She led me to the largest annex.
"This is where I live."
"I see."
Traditional exterior, but inside? Totally different.
Shoes off, and bam—modern living room with desk, chair, computer, bookshelves, all neat and tidy.
Straightforward decor. Furniture screamed high-end, with a compact kitchen attached.
The vibe was stark overall. Felt like a crash pad for sleep only. Perfect for the lone wolf Kim Minyoung. No way she'd deck it out in frilly pink.
She gestured for me to sit, then set water on the coffee pot.
"Coffee okay?"
"Sure."
Can't turn it down. I eyed the room while she brewed.
Three small side rooms off the living area. One bathroom, probably. One bedroom, the other...?
Weirdly spacious for one person. Minimal decor amplified the emptiness.
Perfect for fucking.
Annex meant noise would get swallowed up. I pictured doing it here—taboo thrill creeping in.
She whipped up coffee quick. Basic instant stuff. Didn't match the hanok, but hit my taste just right.
She sipped first, then spoke slowly.
"Feels like we parted not long ago... but you've changed. Dramatically, and for the better."
She clocked my growth instantly. No surprise for a master like her.
Her praise straightened my posture. A guy's growth is prime mate bait. In nature, the strongest males claim the females.
Kim Minyoung scanned me with intrigued eyes. Shame they weren't lewd. One day, I'd fill them with filth.
"Never seen anyone grow this much in so little time. Even I couldn't pull that off. My eye for talent never fails. I'm getting chills!"
"Your praise leaves me speechless."
Keep it coming. And if those chills could hit her erogenous zones...
She downed her coffee and stood. I finished mine right on cue.
"Seeing your progress, I can't just sit. Before we dive in, as your master, I want to test it out."
She emphasized "master."
Glad to be the good disciple meeting expectations. Thanks, Han Kangwoo.
"I'm always up for your guidance, Master."
"Perfect! To the training ground!"
She led me outside.
This massive hanok had proper training facilities—not the half-assed setup in our party house basement. Could cut loose with abilities here.
"A full training ground at home. Jealous."
"Endless practice is the key to growth. Feel free to use it anytime."
She dropped that heart-pounding line casually. Opening her home like that!
Isn't this too easy? Time to plug that loose pussy with my dick.
The spacious ground was empty. She'd cleared it, or maybe she was the only user. Either way, no prying eyes—great for sparring. Or lucky lewd scenarios if things went south.
We faced off, five steps apart, ready.
"This is just to gauge your growth, so I'll only defend. Don't worry about guarding—come at me."
"Got it!"
I yelled confidently, but even grazing her hem? No guarantees.
I'd gotten stronger, no doubt. Han Kangwoo's teachings elevated me. But Master Kim Minyoung was still that invisible peak. The gap between us remained heaven and earth.
All I could do was show my progress. No greed for hits—looking pathetic would backfire.
I assumed attack stance. Deep breath, purified the mana in my heart.