Chapter 6
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: A New Beginning (1)
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"Let's see..."
After parting ways with Bang Han-na and returning home, I mulled things over while cleaning up the mess to sober up from the drinks.
'What can I actually do?'
Truth be told, if we're just talking about what I can do, it'd be quicker to list what I can't.
I've made a fair bit of money over the years as Queens' Lead Producer.
I'm an unemployed guy with time to burn, and I know exactly how the future plays out—what's there I couldn't handle?
It's not about just doing something. I need to find what only I can do.
'Something only I can do...'
Come to think of it, I possess a pretty special ability.
The power to read others' abilities and understand them as perfectly as if they were my own. The more time I spend with someone, the deeper my grasp gets, and once I understand an ability, I never forget it.
But since it's not truly my ability, perfectly replicating it is tough...
I've overcome that flaw through sheer effort.
For example, Seol Ju-hee's 'Ice Jade Divine Art' is beyond my reach.
I handle mana, not internal energy like she does, so that's impossible.
But its subsets—like her unique martial arts or qi circulation methods—can be adapted through practice in other ways. In fact, that's how I earned a rep as a once-in-a-generation prodigy.
Of course, after my injury, it didn't mean much...
Anyway, instead of using this ability to grow myself, I focused on developing Queens' three members.
Seol Ju-hee's martial arts.
Hong Yu-ra's swordsmanship.
And even Im A-rin's magic.
Thanks to that, the three of them are far stronger than in the original novel, giving me hope that I can change the ending.
Only I can provide the right feedback and growth tailored to their personal abilities and hidden potential.
It's something only I can do.
But is ability everything?
No, not at all.
Around my second year at the academy, I founded Queens and signed with Cheonhwa Guild in my third year.
I've managed the team for nearly a decade, beating out fierce rivals to claim the number one team ranking spot.
Sure, the three outliers were a huge factor, but I won't say I contributed nothing.
'I've lived pretty diligently, huh.'
How long had I been lost in these reflections on my past and capabilities?
─Bounce!
A sudden spark of inspiration hit me. I shot up, grabbed my phone from the nightstand, and opened the messaging app for the first time in ages.
[Unread Messages: 300]
'That's a lot.'
I ignored the flood from countless contacts and found Kim Jun-hyeong's number, firing off a new message.
[Need a producer over there?]
*
The next day.
"You're really doing this?"
"Does it not work since I'm not a civil servant?"
I met up with Kim Jun-hyeong and headed back to Seoul City Hall.
To become Team Seoul City Hall's Lead Producer.
"No, if you're willing, we'd love it..."
"Then no problem."
Kim Jun-hyeong froze with his hand on the office doorknob, turning back with a serious look.
"...Ji-hyeok. Honestly, this gig sucks. You know the inside here's a total mess. Even if it's temporary, it won't do your career any favors."
He was genuinely worried I'd ruin my career.
'He's not wrong.'
Frankly, taking over Seoul City Hall's team isn't a smart move for me.
It's a team planned to be disposable from the start.
The key members are D-rankers not even up to academy club level, with no real support—and who knows how much budget we'll get.
No need to waste time and career points on something like this.
However...
'That's exactly why it's perfect.'
Right now, no team fits me better than Seoul City Hall.
My biggest goal is changing the future of this hopeless world.
I've already developed Seol Ju-hee and the other two, so that's one worry down—but I can't just sit idle.
That's why I plan to use info from the original novel's memories to take my own measures.
If I joined a proper team, I'd be swamped with handovers and such, derailing my plans.
But Team Seoul City Hall?
According to Kim Jun-hyeong, they've only picked members and staff—nothing's started.
Meaning no one can interfere, no matter what I do.
'Who'd dare get in my way?'
I took Queens—from academy club level—to etch my name in hunter team history.
"Jun-hyeong, I appreciate the concern, but I've thought this through. You think I'd jump in without a plan?"
"......"
Kim Jun-hyeong didn't relax at my bold claim. He let out a short sigh of resignation...
"I wash my hands of it."
With that "you're on your own," he turned the knob.
*
The same time.
Queens' office.
"......"
Seol Ju-hee, attending the regular meeting, was in a foul mood.
Forty minutes in, and it hadn't even properly started.
"Yoon-seok! Still nothing!?"
"Y-Yeah, looking... But Producer's bookshelf has too many files..."
"What have you been doing without prepping ahead? And who's 'Producer'? Speak properly!"
"Sorry!"
The staffer rummaging through the mountain of analysis docs Do Ji-hyeok had piled up apologized to the barking Gu Seok-il and hurriedly flipped through them.
"Ugh..."
Hong Yu-ra and Im A-rin felt the same discomfort.
Barring emergencies, meetings had never been delayed before.
Let alone canceling one over unprepared materials—that was unthinkable.
"Anyway... Tsk."
Gu Seok-il, done chewing out the analysis team, plopped down at the table and addressed Queens' trio.
"Sorry. Should start soon. Why didn't that Do Ji-hyeok kid prepare a handover..."
Gu Seok-il naturally blamed the delay on Do Ji-hyeok.
And he wasn't entirely wrong—all of Queens' strategies and docs came from him.
He'd craft perfect plans blending team traits, tendencies, gate intel, and matchups, handling most himself for efficiency.
Other staff helped, sure... but mostly assisting his analysis, so replacing him outright was no easy task.
"......"
As discomfort crept in from his absence already showing, Seol Ju-hee spoke up.
"Forget it. Cancel the meeting."
"Huh?"
"It's a gate we've cleared before. No strategy needed—we'll manage."
"Uh, yeah..."
As Gu Seok-il gawked, Im A-rin and Hong Yu-ra voiced opposition.
"Even if we've done it, going in blind's risky, right...?"
"I agree. Environment shifts constantly—not somewhere to slack."
This gate was S-rank.
Unlike lower ones, it threw variables nonstop—demanding extra caution.
"That's why we've always planned..."
Hong Yu-ra added, trying to persuade Seol Ju-hee.
"No."
Seol Ju-hee cut her off sharply.
"We don't need strategies. Honestly... they've worked so far because we're just that strong."
Hong Yu-ra and Im A-rin couldn't argue.
Do Ji-hyeok's plans shone, but they were built on their strength anyway.
"...T-True, but..."
Seol Ju-hee turned from them, glancing at Gu Seok-il.
"Guild Leader. I've thought it over—no need for a new producer."
Gu Seok-il sweated, quickly playing along.
"Ahem... Yeah, makes sense. You're the strategy itself. No need for a new Lead Producer. What do you two think?"
Gazes shifted to Hong Yu-ra and Im A-rin.
A weird tension filled the room.
Agreement: smooth sailing.
Opposition: first internal rift in Queens.
"...I'll go with you."
Hong Yu-ra backed Seol Ju-hee to avoid division.
All eyes turned to Im A-rin.
"I-I..."
Shrinking slightly, she glanced between Hong Yu-ra and Seol Ju-hee.
Truthfully, Im A-rin preferred having a Lead Producer.
Under Do Ji-hyeok, their opinions never clashed—he decided everything.
No conflicts meant less hassle.
But now, with him gone, real power lay with Seol Ju-hee.
Even official leader Hong Yu-ra backed her.
"...M-Me too..."
Im A-rin had no choice but to nod.
She knew opposition would shatter the team.
"Good."
Seol Ju-hee, unifying opinion dramatically, signaled the new era to Gu Seok-il.
"That's settled. Prep accordingly."
"...Got it."
Gu Seok-il nodded with a subtle expression.
"Meeting's over for today."
And with Seol Ju-hee's words, it ended.
The new Queens had begun.
*
Small meeting room in Seoul City Hall.
A modest banner reading [Team Seoul City Hall] hung on one wall, with a hastily made PPT on the electronic blackboard below.
"Let's start with quick intros."
Orientation kicked off with Kim Jun-hyeong's words.
"I'm Kim Jun-hyeong, handling overall management for Team Seoul City Hall. Nice to meet you all."
Clap clap clap clap─
Kim Jun-hyeong, saddled with overalls as a "formality," was followed by a young woman in the same boat.
"Admin staff Han Gyu-ri. Nice to meet you."
Her chin-length brown bob gave a sharp, prickly vibe; she wore a stiff expression, clearly unhappy here.
And...
"Hello, everyone."
My turn.
"We met at interviews? I'm Do Ji-hyeok, your new Lead Producer."
I met eyes with the three team members seated before me.
First day jitters—they all brimmed with enthusiasm.
"You might be curious, so quick rundown: Until recently, I was Queens' Lead Producer. You know Queens? Tops the hunter team rankings."
"...!"
Recognition dawned; they looked stunned.
I smirked, confident I'd hooked their interest.
"Had to step down for personal reasons, but now I'm your manager. Even skipped Sejin Guild for you all—so let's work hard."
Eyes sparkled at the Sejin Guild mention.
I smiled brightly, wrapped my intro, and passed to the members.
"Hello! I'm Jeong Su-in!"
First up: Jeong Su-in, tall and sturdy.
"Twenty-three, D-rank! Nice to meet you!"
The oldest member looked like a tank but wielded a slim sword as dealer.
"Hello...! I'm Kim Na-rae!"
Second: Kim Na-rae, plain and unadorned.
"Twenty-two, D-rank spirit summoner! Nice to meet you!"
Hardworking and capable vibe—she's a B-rank potential supporter, set to be the team's glue.
Clap clap clap clap clap─
Two intros down.
Her turn.
"...H-Hello...!"
Standing a bit tensely, she placed a hand on her enormous chest, forcing a bold voice.
"I-I'm twenty-one! Handle shields! Nice to meet you!"
The one who showed me my path—the main reason I chose Seoul City Hall.
"Han-na. Your name!"
"Ah... Bang Han-na! Nice to meet you...!"
Bang Han-na.