The Guild Master's Bubble Wrap Bliss
Popping auto-regenerating bubble wrap feels so damn good. You really can't predict a single thing about a person's fate. The world is full of surprises—you gotta live long to see them all.
At first, I thought the world was ending when my gender swapped... but look at me now—three good things have already happened.
First off, I've gotten close to Yi Hayeon. Back when I was a guy, no one came near me. But after turning into a woman, unexpected connections started popping up.
Was getting close to Hayeon because of the gender swap? ...Yeah, I can say that for sure. There are no real friendships between men and women, after all.
Second, my streams are blowing up way more than I expected. Why the sudden boom? Sure, my ability helps, but it's gotta be the female body too. Over 90% of viewers are guys—they'd rather watch a female streamer than another dude, right?
...Not that I'd say it myself, but plenty come for this stunning face and massive tits.
And the most important third: I've joined Defenders, one of Korea's top 5 mega-guilds.
...This one I never saw coming.
"Semin, aren't you way too tense? Your hands have been shaking like crazy."
"O-of course I'm tense... He's an S-rank hunter! An S-rank!"
"He's our guild master first and foremost. Anyway, no need to stress that much. ...He's quirky and pretty laid-back—maybe a bit too much."
"Sigh, now you're making me more nervous..."
I rode the elevator to the top floor of Defenders Guild HQ with Hayeon. Simple reason: to meet Kim Jongwook, one of the nation's 15 S-rank hunters and Defenders' guild master.
Never dreamed I'd be greeting an S-rank... Life's full of plot twists.
...But is it normal for new recruits to meet the guild master right away? Sure, it's an honor, but who wouldn't feel the pressure? Especially since it's an S-rank. It's like a fresh corporate hire getting a one-on-one with the CEO.
I glanced at Hayeon. "Unnie, did everyone else go through this?"
"Huh? What?"
"The guild master interview. I signed the contract less than 30 minutes ago?"
...Yeah, I'm barely a guild member—embarrassing to even say it. Who the hell gets a private audience with the GM 30 minutes post-contract?
Hayeon chuckled. "Everyone does. No exceptions if you wanna join Defenders. ...Think of meeting the master as the final gate."
"Even so, guild masters don't usually do interviews themselves."
"Other guilds, maybe. But ours... like I said, he's super unique. Come to think of it, 'interview' might not be the right word. You'll see."
An S-rank must be swamped, yet he makes time for every member? That's some serious guild love.
...Maybe I don't need to freak out. He sounds decent.
At the guild master suite door, Hayeon turned to me. "Alright, just go in."
"W-wait... you're not coming with?"
"Duh, it's your interview, not mine. Fighting!"
She bolted into the elevator before I could reply.
Alone now, I paced in front of the door. ...Ugh, one-on-one with an S-rank? Too much for a shut-in like me.
What'll he say? Is this an interview in disguise? What if he wants an on-the-spot item pull? If something pervy pops out...
Lost in pointless worries, 10 minutes flew by.
...Can't stall anymore. Okay, let's do this. S-rank or not, he's just human. I signed fair and square—no reason to cower.
Pumped with self-pep-talk, I slowly opened the door.
The view hit me: floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Seoul, antique desk, trophy case packed with at least a hundred wins. And smack in the middle, totally out of place—a single bed.
On it, snoring away: Kim Jongwook, presumably.
...I think I walked into the wrong room.
"...Um, excuse me..."
"Yaaawn... Hold up. Lemme finish this coffee first."
I stared blankly at the guy sipping coffee in the chair. I'm dying of awkwardness over here, and he's chill as hell?
Mid-to-late 30s, kind eyes, just-rolled-out-of-bed vibe—but that charisma radiating through his skin. Muscular build no clothes could hide.
Yup. This was Kim Jongwook, Defenders' guild master and S-rank hunter.
Hard to believe the TV legend was real. ...Though I didn't expect him snoring on a bed.
It eased my nerves a bit, but shattered some S-rank illusions.
He finished his coffee, looking more awake, and addressed me. "Han Semin, right?"
"Y-yes!"
"Nice to meet you. Kim Jongwook, Defenders guild master."
"...Streamer Han Semin."
I debated intros—'item vendor' felt too fancy; streamer it is.
"Semin. Straight to the point: can you show me your item pull?"
"...Sure."
Expected that. But those sparkling eyes worried me. Please be something good...
I prayed inwardly and activated my ability.
"Whoa, that's the portal? Way cooler in person than on video."
...Don't look so hyped, please.
Hand in—familiar squishy feel. Soft, satisfying... what is this?
Pulled it out: bubble wrap.
"Why bubble wrap?!"
"Oh, bubble wrap?"
Damn, total dud... He stared in delight while I despaired.
He grabbed an appraiser from his desk and scanned it.
◈ An item used to prevent damage to objects. Exact name unknown—commonly called 'bubble wrap.'
◈ Developed for protection, but ironically used for fun too.
◈ Popping it gives a strangely addictive pleasure.
◈ Effect: Regenerates to original state every 1 minute.
Fuck! Literal bubble wrap? Why trash like this at such a crucial moment?!
Sure, it's addictive, but not S-rank demo material.
...Is my Defenders stint over in an hour? Might break the fastest expulsion record.
I eyed him anxiously. But instead of disappointment, he got excited.
"This is genius! Semin, mind if I try?"
"Uh... y-yeah, here."
He snatched it and went wild, popping like a kid in candy land.
"Nngh...! Yes, this feel! Infinite bubble wrap!"
I watched, baffled. Heard he was quirky, but this topped it.
Damn, he looks fun. Watching makes me wanna pop some too.
...Bubble wrap lives up to the hype.
"Um... if you like it, keep it."
Not dumping trash—this is genuine.
He looked touched, then extended a hand. "Welcome to Defenders, Semin."
"P-please take care of me!"
...And just like that, the guild master interview ended anticlimactically. On a high note.