A Hikikomori's Outing to the Defenders Guild
Defenders, one of Korea's massive guilds. The name literally translates to "The Protectors," which sounds ridiculously grandiose, but they more than earn it as one of the top five super-guilds in the country. With top-tier A-rank hunter Yi Hayeon and a slew of other high-rankers on the roster, it's undeniably one of the strongest guilds around. Especially the guild master—he's a monster among monsters, the dream of every hunter out there.
A place that didn't seem like it'd ever have anything to do with a shut-in like me. I'd figured I'd never set foot there in my life. But to end up going myself... Honestly, it felt a bit overwhelming, but as someone who'd always dreamed of becoming a hunter, I really wanted to check it out at least once. Because unlike other guilds that chase pure profit, Defenders isn't just about that.
They run regular charity events and volunteer work, even a training program for newbie hunters. No matter how you slice it, it's unusually altruistic for a hunter guild obsessed with max gains. Probably because the guild master is such a unique, kind-hearted guy—it rubs off on the whole guild. Of course, the public loves it—myself included. ...Though who knows what it's like behind the scenes; that's just the image they project.
Anyway, to visit a place like that, I figured I should dress up a bit. After some agonizing, I went with the cardigan crop top Yi Hayeon bought me last time. It's surprisingly thin for long sleeves, so it shouldn't be too hot, and it's the most decent thing I own anyway. ...Plus, it suits me pretty well.
Defenders Guild HQ lived up to its super-guild status, smack in the middle of Gangnam, Seoul. As someone with no friends and zero outgoing personality, this was my first time in Gangnam. I already felt crushed by the insider vibe.
And damn, everyone on the street is stunning. Is this what they mean by "good water"? I couldn't help shrinking my shoulders, my self-esteem tanking. Sure, objectively speaking, I was at peak hotness now, but years of rocking an average guy's face left some deep insecurities that didn't just vanish.
Among the pedestrians, there were folks who looked like hunters—armed to the teeth, easily B-rank or higher just from their gear. ...But were all these passing hunters staring right through me? Nah, not imagining it. That guy up ahead was even creeping closer.
The hunter who closed in was handsome but gave off a sleazy vibe. ...Hmm, face rings a bell somewhere. The murmurs from onlookers suggested he was famous. He approached shyly, face flushing, and spoke up.
"Um, excuse me—this is super forward, but... I-I fell for you at first sight! If it's not too much trouble, could I get your number?"
I stared at him, a bit flustered. Fell at first sight? Lame pickup line. He looked like the type who'd hit on every girl in sight, but he was surprisingly shy. Didn't seem like a bad guy, so polite rejection it was.
"Sorry."
"...Y-Yeah?"
"Not thinking about dating right now. Can't give out my number."
Rejected, he scratched his head like he never saw it coming. "Oh, uh... w-well, then...!"
"Sorry, got an appointment—gotta run."
I brushed past him coldly and kept walking. ...Felt a little bad, but you gotta cut these things off quick before they drag on.
At the Defenders HQ entrance, I gawked like a country bumpkin. Holy shit, I'd guessed it'd be huge, but this huge? The building towered at least twice as high as its neighbors.
Hmm, Yi Hayeon said just head to her office, so in I go? Heart pounding, I approached the gate—and bam, ID scanner right off the bat. Super-guild security, check. But I'd planned for this; with my VIP pass Yi Hayeon, no sweat.
I approached the beefy guard stationed by the gate. "Um, hi?"
"What can I... ahem. What brings you here, miss?"
...Why'd his voice suddenly drop an octave? Not cool at all. Anyway, I explained. "I have a meeting with hunter Yi Hayeon, but I didn't get a visitor pass. Can I go in?"
He eyed me up and down blatantly, snorted, and said, "Listen, missy. You don't just meet Hayeon because you want to."
"...Huh? No, I have an appointment with Hayeon unnie."
"If you did, your name'd be on the list. No visitors scheduled for Hayeon today."
"No way... Ah! Hold on, I'll call Hayeon unnie. You'll let me in then, right?"
"C-Calling Hayeon...?"
"Just wait a sec!"
I whipped out my phone and dialed Yi Hayeon in a panic. ...No answer. Shit, what now? This wasn't in the plan. The guard's gaze turned suspicious.
"Fine, hand over your ID for verification."
"Uh... didn't bring it."
"No problem. Fingerprint on the scanner then."
"N-No, can't do that!"
"...Can't? Suspicious."
I had no official ID right now—print would come up empty, screaming "I'm shady!" Disaster.
The guard started radioing someone. Fuck, am I getting hauled off by the feds?
"Semin!"
Then, a saving grace from out of nowhere. The guard looked over, paling. "...H-Hayeon?"
It was Yi Hayeon, striding up. "Sorry, sorry—I forgot to put you on the list! Perfect timing, huh?"
"Huuu... Th-that's a relief..."
I finally exhaled. ...I'd been shaking seconds ago. Yi Hayeon clocked my ashen face and glared at the guard.
"...You didn't say anything rude to Semin, did you?"
"W-Well..."
"Guess you did. My bad for forgetting the list, but still... what'd you do to scare her pale like this?"
...Atmosphere's getting weird. I waved her off frantically. "N-No, unnie! Guard's innocent."
"...Really?"
"Yeah, just a misunderstanding."
The guard gaped at me. I turned to his stunned face. "Can I go in now?"
"Y-Yes! Sorry about before!"
"I-It's fine! Thanks for your work."
Way to make her more suspicious, dude... No tact, or just too nice? ...Eh, not a bad guy. From his side, I looked sketchy enough. Didn't expect a guild to check IDs that deep, though. Close call. The body scan was rude, but whatever—let it slide.
I trailed timidly behind Yi Hayeon into the office, hunched over. Every hunter we passed had familiar faces—super-guild perks, famous names everywhere.
But one tiny issue.
"Uh, Hayeon? Who's the one next to you...?"
"Oh, streamer Han Semin. You know her?"
"Of course! Love your streams, Semin!"
"...Th-Thanks..."
...More people recognized me than expected. Guess my streams were blowing up with hunters, like she said. Meaning they'd probably seen the whole Reverse Bunny Girl fiasco. ...Wanted to crawl into a hole. But they were all welcoming, so it lightened the mood a bit.
Still, fun peeking around. With such quirky hunters, desks matched their styles—some neat like corporate, others buried in weapons, no room to step.
Yi Hayeon's was at the far end, befitting Defenders' star—two, three times bigger than others. Hands on hips, she boasted, "Pretty awesome, right?"
"Nice, but... this isn't an office, it's a lounge."
"...Ahem."
First thing that caught my eye? A bed. Yeah, the thing for sleeping. Who puts a bed in an office? She's even weirder than I thought.
Under it: latest console, VR gear, massage chair. Total lounge vibes. I gave her a deadpan stare.
"Unnie, zero office energy here."
She bristled. "Wh-What? I get my work done!"
"Sure, sure, bet you do."
Even top workaholic Yi Hayeon was just a regular person after all.