Chapter 21
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: Adaptation (1)
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"…?"
Jin Seo-won gave a puzzled look at the combat uniform I was holding.
It felt like she was silently asking why she had to wear something like this.
"No way you're planning to work in that, right?"
She glanced down at her own outfit.
Then she looked back up, her eyes asking what the problem was.
'Honestly, it doesn't really matter.'
Jin Seo-won was dressed in a plain long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans—a casual combo through and through. But with her doll-like delicate features and perfect proportions, it looked like something a model would wear.
It would probably be fine for simple desk work or light activities.
"That outfit looks great on you, but you should wear something more suitable for training, don't you think?"
But she wasn't recruited for that kind of work.
"Did you happen to bring any training clothes?"
"…No."
"Figured as much, so I brought a combat uniform. Wear this just for today, and we'll buy one this evening."
Jin Seo-won looked a bit confused but quietly took the uniform and headed to the changing room.
In the meantime, I gave Bang Han-na and Kim Na-rae, who were on break, a quick rundown of the situation.
Jin Seo-won was here on a temporary basis and thought she was joining as staff. Our ultimate goal was to settle her in as a full team member within a month.
"Pardon…?"
"She thinks she's staff?"
They shot me looks that screamed, Isn't that basically fraud?
And honestly, it kind of was.
For her own good, though.
Wouldn't it be way happier to become a top hunter than some Heavenly Demon?
In that sense, tricking Jin Seo-won was more like a white lie—a kind one.
"Anyway, we'll need to focus on Seo-won for a bit. Doesn't mean I'll neglect you two, of course. I'll actually increase your feedback time even more, so no worries there. Got it?"
Kim Na-rae nodded quietly in agreement.
Bang Han-na just stared at me blankly, showing no real reaction.
She seemed lost in thought.
"……."
The afternoon training resumed.
I showered Jin Seo-won, now changed into her combat uniform, with praise as usual.
"Whoa… How does even a combat uniform look this good on you? These aren't easy to pull off… You could be a fitting model."
With her light brown hair matching the uniform's color, and her great figure, the form-fitting design showed no awkward angles.
"Now that you're changed… Let's start with stamina training."
"…Stamina training?"
"Not just any stamina training—this with the necklace on."
I handed her the mana stone necklace she'd used before and gave a quick rundown on mana control theory.
"Mana's just like muscles. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. If you can handle it delicately while moving, it'll help a ton in real combat."
Jin Seo-won nodded like she understood and quietly put the necklace on.
"Let's start with some stretching?"
"…Okay."
The first day wrapped up with explanations of team rules and structure, plus light stamina work.
Surprisingly, her stamina was better than I'd expected—but still hovering near average, just a notch above what I'd guessed.
'Gonna have to push her hard on stamina for a while.'
I envisioned Team Seoul City Hall's future, factoring in Jin Seo-won's current level.
And…
I realized just how much better our situation had become.
An S-rank main dealer, an A-rank tank, and a versatile B-rank supporter.
The perfect lineup.
And that wasn't all.
Staff and team members alike followed my lead without complaint, no drama in the team, and I held full authority.
A team like this wouldn't fail even if it tried.
'Lucky me.'
As things fell into place effortlessly, I couldn't help but smirk. I started brainstorming countermeasures for the events ahead.
The next day.
"Wider strides!"
"Yes…!"
With Jin Seo-won's addition, Kim Na-rae and Bang Han-na's training ramped up too.
"Han-na, angle that shield more. Pull it inward like this to deflect attacks. Got it?"
"Yes!"
"Let's try it now."
Do Ji-hyeok patted Bang Han-na's shoulder encouragingly and stepped out of the booth.
Bang Han-na stared at his back for a moment…
Then let out a heavy sigh and buried her face in her shield.
"…Haa…."
Ever since Jin Seo-won joined, she'd been drowning in self-loathing.
Loathing for herself, quietly jealous of Jin Seo-won.
Do Ji-hyeok had explained that Jin Seo-won needed a lot of attention, and Bang Han-na got that.
To her, Jin Seo-won seemed like a toddler just learning to walk.
Unfamiliar with everything, painfully introverted and quiet, with social skills so lacking it made communication tough.
She could see why Do Ji-hyeok stuck to her like a caretaker.
But…
Even knowing all that, Bang Han-na was jealous.
Just because Jin Seo-won got so much of his attention.
And it wasn't like Do Ji-hyeok was favoring her over the others.
He'd increased feedback time enough for Bang Han-na to notice, guiding them with nitpicky detail that sounded like nagging from the sidelines.
Of course, she loved the extra attention.
Which only made her loathe herself more.
'…I'm trash….'
Bang Han-na was mortified by herself.
Petty, greedy, beyond saving—total trash.
No talent, yet craving more attention, selfishly wanting to be the special one like a kid.
She gritted her teeth and focused on training to impress him, but…
She couldn't stop the rot inside.
"Everyone, break time!"
Time flew, and rest came again.
Do Ji-hyeok stepped out to chat with Han Gyu-ri and Kim Jun-hyeong.
Only the three team members sat on the benches outside the booths.
"……."
That's when Bang Han-na glanced at Jin Seo-won beside her.
She subtly checked out her figure.
Just like Im A-rin had once eyed her up.
'…Pretty average….'
Unconsciously comparing, Bang Han-na felt a smug superiority.
And then—
'…What the hell am I doing?'
She was shocked at herself for such a pathetic thought.
It hadn't left her mouth, so no harm done, but the fact she'd even thought it crushed her.
"…Haa…."
As she sighed endlessly, berating herself—
"……?"
Jin Seo-won, quietly smacking her lips, started looking around.
Thirsty, searching for water.
'Thirsty, huh?'
Quick on the uptake, Bang Han-na noticed and glanced at her own drink bottle.
"……."
Plenty of options.
Water cooler in the training hall, ion drinks from Han Gyu-ri and Kim Jun-hyeong, or she could share hers.
But…
Swipe—
Bang Han-na turned away, pretending not to notice.
Her eyes trembled with self-disgust,
But she gripped her bottle tight, refusing to share.
"……."
In the end, Jin Seo-won went without as break ended.
Do Ji-hyeok returned right on time, signaling resumption.
"Everyone, back to it!"
Kim Na-rae headed to her booth, Bang Han-na to hers…
"…Um."
Jin Seo-won hesitated, then quietly stopped Do Ji-hyeok.
"What's up?"
"…Water…."
"Oh? Didn't get any earlier?"
"…Yeah."
"Aw, man… Want mine? I took a sip on the way over…."
"…Please."
Pretty parched, Jin Seo-won took it and drank right away.
"Ah…."
Watching from inside her booth, Bang Han-na bitterly regretted not sharing hers.
That evening.
"Good work!"
After training, Bang Han-na changed and packed slower than usual before leaving the hall.
'…Gotta grab a beer….'
Training tomorrow, but she needed a drink to cope.
"…Haa…."
Sighing heavily, shuffling through the lobby—
"!"
She bumped into Jin Seo-won standing blankly at the entrance.
'Why's she still here?'
Puzzled— she'd left earlier— Bang Han-na forced a smile.
"Still here…?"
"…Yeah."
"Waiting for someo—"
Right then.
"Oh? Han-na, you haven't left yet?"
Do Ji-hyeok appeared.
"P-Produce— I mean, Producer! Uh… Heading out now!"
"Perfect timing. I'll give you a ride."
"…Pardon? Oh… Sure!"
Bang Han-na lit up at the thought of riding home with him.
But…
In the back seat, she stared at Jin Seo-won up front.
'…She's coming too, huh….'
She'd half-expected it, but it still felt weird.
"……."
Do Ji-hyeok drove to Bang Han-na's place first.
She was secretly thrilled at the subtle consideration.
(Truth was, it was to drop her off before grabbing dinner for Jin Seo-won, who skipped meals.)
Unaware, Bang Han-na basked in the thought of being prioritized.
"Here okay?"
"Yes! Thanks so much for the ride—you must be tired!"
"No problem. Get home safe and rest up."
"…Good night."
After waving goodbye and getting out, alone again, the self-loathing ebbed back in.
"…Idiot…."
Disgusted with herself, she skipped going straight home and bought a six-pack at the nearby convenience store.
Couldn't risk a hangover messing up tomorrow, so just one pack.
"Puha…!"
Home, showered, simple dinner done— she downed all six beers without snacks.
"…Ugh… Idiot… Moron…."
Buzzed just enough her tongue didn't slur, she muttered to herself…
Ding—
Her phone buzzed on the floor.
A message.
"…?"
She snatched it up.
"…Huh?"
The shocking content sobered her instantly.
[Producer: You busy right now? Got something to talk about—can we meet up quick?]
From Do Ji-hyeok.