Chapter 912
Chapter 912
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 912
Chapter Title: Hawaii
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After a satisfying tryst with Ha Seung-hee, I headed toward the lecture hall in high spirits, only to find Oh Jun-hyuk already there. Unlike me, he was slumped in his seat with a dark, gloomy cloud hanging over his head.
"Jun-hyuk, why the long face?" I asked.
"The freshmen these days are bold... They don't pull any punches with their rejections," he muttered.
"It's the Hunter Department," I reminded him.
Regular college freshmen might walk on eggshells around their seniors, but the Hunter Department was built differently. While they respected strength, they weren't about to tiptoe around anyone.
"You seem pretty upbeat, though. What have you been up to?" Jun-hyuk asked, eyeing my cheerful expression.
"Just had some fun," I replied vaguely.
I was about to take my seat when my smartphone buzzed in my pocket.
"Who is it? Another girl?" Jun-hyuk teased.
"Professor Park's summoning me. Be right back," I said, leaving the hall and heading toward the office.
Professor Park wasn't alone when I arrived. He was deep in conversation with a man in a sharp suit who stood up the moment I walked in.
He looked to be in his early thirties, with neatly parted hair and clean features. He had the professional air of a typical office worker, but I could immediately sense the powerful aura radiating from him. This was no ordinary civilian—he was a hunter.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hunter Sung Yu-jin. I'm Park Oh-jong from the Seical Guild," the man introduced himself.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Sung Yu-jin," I replied as we shook hands.
Seical Guild. It was one of Korea's top ten guilds, currently ranked fourth—at least according to the unofficial rankings.
"I stopped by to see Professor Park and didn't expect to run into you. It’s my lucky day," Park Oh-jong said smoothly.
I knew better; this wasn't a coincidence. Someone had definitely tipped him off.
"Professor Park, you called for me?" I asked, turning to the professor.
"You're a senior now, Yu-jin, and you'll be graduating next year. It’s time to start thinking about your future," Professor Park explained. "Park Oh-jong is an executive at Seical Guild and has taken a keen interest in you. I thought it would be best for you two to have a chat".
The situation annoyed me slightly, but I kept my face neutral. I knew Professor Park meant well. In the hunter world, top-tier guilds were like elite conglomerates, and Seical was one of the giants. For a professor to introduce an undergrad to one of their executives was a major opportunity.
If I were just some average hunter, I'd probably be bowing in gratitude right now. But I’m not exactly average.
I took the seat across from him as suggested.
"Hunter Sung Yu-jin, are you currently affiliated with any guild, or do you have plans to join one?" Park Oh-jong asked.
"Nope," I answered simply.
"Great. Then why not join Seical Guild? With someone of your caliber, we’d be willing to take you on even before you graduate," he pitched. "You’d start in Raid Team 2, but I can personally guarantee a promotion to Team 1 as soon as you get some experience".
Park Oh-jong was smooth as silk. His sales pitch flowed without a single stutter—he’d clearly practiced this many times.
The offer was massive: an annual salary of 30 billion won, free access to premium guild training facilities, full training support, top-tier gear, and even housing. For a newcomer, it was unheard of—even executives at global corporations wouldn't get a package this generous.
I have zero interest in joining a guild... but damn, it still feels good to hear an offer like that.
Seical’s aggression made sense. In just two years of being a hunter, I’d already climbed to B-rank, making me Korea’s top prospect. Rumors were already circulating that I had the potential to reach S-rank, and they were betting heavily on that future.
"I’m sorry," I said.
"...May I ask why you're declining?" Park Oh-jong’s face stiffened. I’d shot down his blockbuster offer without a moment's hesitation.
I couldn't exactly tell him I was too lazy to deal with guild life; he’d never buy that.
"Nothing is set in stone yet, but I've already been in talks with a few other guilds," I lied smoothly.
"...Which guilds, if you don't mind me asking?" he pressed.
"Suwol Guild and Jaun Guild," I replied.
Both were top-ten behemoths. Suwol was the second-ranked guild where Han A-young was stationed, and Jaun was ranked sixth, home to Jin Woo-sung of the Yeongcheon Sword Hall.
"What kind of terms were they offering...?" he asked.
"Sorry. I'm not at liberty to say," I told him.
"Sigh. It seems we were too late," Park Oh-jong muttered. He quickly regained his composure and flashed a professional salesman's smile as he handed me a card. "Still, Seical's doors are always open to you, Hunter Sung Yu-jin. If you ever change your mind, find me anytime".
I pocketed the card, though I had no plans of actually calling him. After he left, Professor Park sat back down across from me.
"Talks with Suwol and Jaun? I hope I didn't overstep by bringing Seical in," the professor said.
"Nah, it's fine. Making a connection with Seical is a win on its own," I replied, sounding much more polished than usual. My experiences in the Playful World had definitely sharpened my ability to talk my way through these situations.
"That’s a good attitude to have. The hunter world runs on connections," Professor Park noted. "The more contacts you have, the more help you can find when you need it".
"Yeah. I'm working on building my network," I said with a grin.
Truth was, my network was already pretty stacked. I had the S-rank candidate Han A-young, the A-rank Association executive Baek Ji-eun, the Sejin Group heiress Ha Seung-hee, and the master of the Yeongcheon Sword Hall, Jin Woo-sung. My Rolodex was more than just bulging; it was elite.
???
A few days later, Han A-young, Han Ha-rin, and I touched down in Hawaii. A waiting car whisked us from the airport to our lodging while the tropical sun blazed overhead.
How did we end up in Hawaii? You can blame Han A-young for that.
As an S-rank candidate, she received massive government backing. S-rank hunters are essentially national assets that boost a country's power, so the state was aggressive about supporting her growth.
The Hawaii trip was tied to the A-rank dungeon, "Whirlwind of Heroes," a famous training ground known for making hunters who emerge from it significantly stronger. Entry usually required approval from the U.S. government and astronomical fees, but the Korean government had sponsored her free entry—along with Han Ha-rin and me.
They rarely allow companions to tag along... It just goes to show how much they value A-young.
Bringing Ha-rin as her sister was one thing, but the fact that they let me come along was a surprise. Are they investing in me too?
I glanced around at the rest of our group. It wasn't just us three; there were also Korean Hunter Association staff, government agents, and an A-rank hunter named Jang Go-jun from A-young's guild. Apparently, he was joining the dungeon run as well.
Our lodging was a beautiful pension overlooking the sea. The moment you stepped into the yard, you could smell the fresh salt air.
"The dungeon entry is tomorrow afternoon. Everyone, use today to rest up," the Association guide briefed us before heading out.
We checked out the interior, finding the fridge fully stocked with fresh meat and vegetables.
"Everyone, gather up. Let's assign the rooms," Jang Go-jun called out.
"There are plenty of rooms. Just pick your favorite," I suggested.
"Right. Go-jun, do like Yu-jin says and choose whichever one you want," Han A-young added with a smile, casually resting her hand on my shoulder. Jang Go-jun looked a bit miffed at the display of intimacy, but no one seemed to care.
"Fine. You guys pick first, and I'll take whatever is left," he muttered.
Han Ha-rin moved first, pointing toward the end room on the second floor. "I'll take that one".
"Huh? Oh, okay. What about A-young and Yu-jin?" Go-jun asked.
"It's fine. I'll take the room right next to Ha-rin," A-young said.
"I'll... uh..." I trailed off. There were four rooms upstairs, and Jang Go-jun was clearly expecting me to grab one of them.
"I'll take the one downstairs. How about you, Go-jun hyung?" I asked. I deliberately chose the ground-floor room near the entrance. If he tried to pick a room upstairs now, it would be too obvious. Any guy with basic manners would be forced to take the other downstairs room.
"...I'll take that one then," Jang Go-jun said, gesturing to the other ground-floor room.
With the rooms assigned, we unpacked and changed into more comfortable clothes before regrouping.
"Guys, should we head out for dinner? We’re in Hawaii—we have to try loco moco," Go-jun suggested. "We can walk around the area too; it’ll feel great".
"Mm. Sounds good to me," Han A-young agreed. Han Ha-rin stayed quiet, but I could tell she was eyeing the idea of local food.
"Hyung, I'm actually beat from the flight. I think I'm just going to grill something here," I said. "You guys go ahead and enjoy the loco moco".
"...Me too. I'm staying in," Han Ha-rin added.
Jang Go-jun's face lit up instantly; he was clearly still hung up on A-young.
"Well, if Ha-rin is staying, I’ll stay too," A-young said to Go-jun. "But Go-jun, you were the one who researched all those food spots and walks. Don't mind us—go out and enjoy yourself".
"N-no, I can't leave you guys here alone. I'll stay," he insisted.
"Nah, there’s no need to babysit us. Just go," A-young pushed.
"It's really fine..." he stammered.
But A-young kept pushing until Jang Go-jun finally, reluctantly, headed out. He shot me one last anxious glance before leaving. I knew he’d be back in less than an hour, but for now, the spacious pension was occupied by just me and the sisters.
"Nunas, how about we do a BBQ in the yard?" I suggested. "There's even a pool... Did you guys pack your swimsuits?"
"Yep. You want to see?" A-young teased.
"Nah, no swimming yet. Food first," I said. "Ha-rin sunbae... Wait, you've graduated now—Ha-rin nuna. Maybe the swimsuit later?"
I cozied up to Han Ha-rin, putting my arm around her shoulder and leaning my face close to hers.
"Hey, hold on... Mm..." she started. But before she could snap at me, I silenced her with a kiss.
"Hey! You're leaving me out?" Han A-young complained as she hugged me from behind. I was sandwiched between them, with giant sisterly breasts squished against me from both sides. My dick was already hard and making its presence very well known.
???
Outside, Jang Go-jun was checking his phone's map for nearby restaurants. He’d researched all the best Hawaii eats, but most were too far from the pension to walk.
I have to get back quickly.
He couldn't stop picturing Sung Yu-jin, Han Ha-rin, and Han A-young back at the house. He knew Yu-jin and A-young weren't dating—he’d personally asked her himself.
I did see them at a motel once... But maybe it wasn't for that. She said they weren't together.
If they weren't dating, it meant he still had a shot. Ha-rin being there too meant nothing could happen, right? Still, he felt a nagging sense of unease. Skipping his favorite spots, he hurried back to the pension, returning in just forty minutes.
They were already barbecuing in the yard. A-young and Ha-rin were sitting at the table while Yu-jin manned the tongs.
"Go-jun hyung, you're back already?" Yu-jin asked.
"...Yeah. It ended up that way. Everything okay here?" he asked suspiciously.
"Just grilling. Sit down and eat," Yu-jin invited.
"I can help with that," Go-jun offered.
"It's almost done," Yu-jin said, twirling the tongs with a bright, innocent smile.
Jang Go-jun took a seat across from A-young. She had her arms crossed over her chest. Maybe it was the hot weather or the beer on the table, but her face was flushed a deep red.
"Go-jun, was the loco moco good?" she asked.
"Yeah, it was tasty," he replied. "A-young, you seem a bit fidgety. Is everything okay?"
Drip. Drip.
He heard the sound of water drops hitting the ground. Looking down, he realized they were coming from directly under A-young.
"I-I just spilled some beer. Don't worry about it," Han A-young stammered, grabbing a napkin and frantically wiping underneath her chair.
"Ha-rin... why are you covering your mouth? Are you feeling sick?" Go-jun asked, turning his attention to the other sister.
"......"
Han Ha-rin was scowling with her hand clamped firmly over her mouth. Her other hand was pressed tightly against her chest.
Gulp. Gulp.
Her throat bobbed as if she were swallowing something thick. Finally, she wiped her lips and dropped her hand.
"I just had some booze in my mouth," she said curtly.
"In your mouth? Why?" Go-jun asked, confused.
"It was a penalty. I had to hold it for ten minutes," she explained.
"Are you guys doing penalties like that now?" he asked.
Sung Yu-jin approached the table with a fresh plate of grilled meat.
"Here you go, hyung. Eat up".