C-rank Hero
Elraim, the C-rank fairy hero, puffed greedily on her fancy cigarette while peering out the window. She'd only returned to the capital a week ago after wrapping up her mission, and now she was savoring this rare downtime. Lately, all the other C-ranks were scrambling to rank up, grabbing missions left and right, dragging her into the frenzy too. It was exhausting as hell, but she couldn't afford to fall behind her peers. Hell, that orc buddy of hers had already jetted off on another gig just days after getting back, bragging to her about how he was on the cusp of B-rank. Hmph, muscle-headed moron. The guy had been grinding nonstop for years with sheer brute force and numbers, and even Elraim couldn't keep up. Plus, lately, she'd been feeling a twinge of doubt about this whole hero gig... Her motivation had noticeably dipped compared to the early days. What she really craved was a cushy spot in some top guild, mentoring rookies at her leisure. A C-rank should snag something decent like that, no problem. Lost in these thoughts, she suddenly heard frantic knocking at the door.
She hated interruptions during her rest, so irritation surged instantly. Her voice came out sharp. "Who is it?!"
"Sorry to bother you while you're resting, Hero... But there's something urgent."
It was the healer Bella. For some reason, Elraim always cut her some slack. ...The girl was just too damn sweet for a human.
"...Come in."
Her tone softened a bit. Bella eased the door open cautiously, but her body language and expression betrayed uncontainable excitement. What's gotten into her? Bella was usually so composed, so Elraim's curiosity piqued.
"Hero...!"
"What's so urgent?"
Bella pressed her hands to her chest and took several deep breaths. She must be thrilled out of her mind.
"First off, sorry for interrupting your rest. It was unavoidable..."
"It's fine. Just spit it out."
"Ah, but... you might not even care..."
"Bella, just tell me already."
The hero let out a dry chuckle at Bella's trailing words.
"That person's back."
"...What?"
The vague "that person" oddly conjured a specific face in the hero's mind: that infuriating male human, Kang Ji-hyuk. But she played dumb anyway. Pride and facade, you know.
"Who's 'that person'?"
"Kang Ji-hyuk."
"...Oh, that human? ...Why's he back?"
"You know. The candidate thing."
"Right, yeah."
Her feigned ignorance was flawless. Of course, Elraim knew all about it already. She'd heard the rumors upon returning to the empire. Some idiot candidate had snatched a 100-point mission. That was Kang Ji-hyuk. And the rumors were spot-on. What a moron... Even if it was competitive spirit, there were missions you took and ones you didn't. Grabbing a 100-pointer? Insane. Even she, a C-rank, had to seriously weigh a 50-pointer. And this was just some candidate nobody. Even the S-rank hero currently making legends had only pulled 50 points as a candidate—and that had been a historic record that set the capital ablaze! The fairy figured the dumb human had flunked spectacularly. No sane person would think otherwise. He should've known his limits. The guy screamed "unhinged" from the start. She'd expected trouble, but blowing a golden opportunity like this? Classic.
"When'd he get back?"
"Two days ago. ...And don't freak out."
Bella beamed. Elraim suddenly felt a chill sink into her chest. Somehow. ...No way.
"He completed the mission—! Ji-hyuk's a real hero now—!"
The genuinely stunned fairy forgot her dignity and gaped.
After the hero inauguration ceremony, Ji-hyuk headed to the mansion provided by the imperial family. His crew marveled right from the front gate.
"Fucking hell, this is why you gotta climb the ladder first," Gid muttered thickly, eyeing the lavish estate.
The servants lined up in the hall, bowing to their temporary master, Ji-hyuk.
"Welcome. His Highness the Prince gave us advance word. I'm Durka, here to assist you during your stay."
The professional manager was a middle-aged human man. Assigned by the prince, he'd handle Ji-hyuk's errands while he was here.
"Nice to meet you. Kang Ji-hyuk."
"It's an infinite honor to serve you, Hero."
Ji-hyuk shared a light handshake with Durka. The manager led the way, with Gid, Mahushu, and Kayak trailing behind. Yael and Giranoshi had returned to the magic academy and guild, respectively.
"Pick any room you want."
"Sweet—."
Gid grinned slyly and claimed one on the spot, flopping onto the bed. The plush luxury mattress handled his hefty frame with ease. Mahushu picked a room with a great view—she was itching to explore the capital. Kayak went for one overlooking the backyard, probably to watch Ji-hyuk and Mahushu train.
The manager escorted the hero to the mansion's grandest chamber. Ji-hyuk scanned it and nodded lightly. Perfect, minus the gaudy excess.
"Thanks for the trouble, manager."
"Not at all. Just doing my duty."
Ji-hyuk dismissed him. "Call if you need anything," Durka said before leaving. Silence settled. Ji-hyuk exhaled deeply and stepped onto the terrace. Sunny day. The peaceful capital sprawled below. He stood there awhile, gaze caught by the bustling streets.
From that day, nobles—somehow getting wind—started sending agents unannounced, loaded with gifts. Their game was obvious: cozy up to the rising star hero. But Ji-hyuk had no interest in these transparent meets. He played the injury card. Still recovering from expedition wounds. The 100-point mission sold it—they bought it quick, figuring deep scars came with the territory. Score: dodged hassle, pocketed swag. The "tokens of appreciation" cash already matched his mission payout. After three solid days of R&R, Ji-hyuk prepped to leave. Time to visit his master Eizel at Crescent Lake. She'd insisted he come straight after becoming a hero. He intended to keep that promise. As he wrapped up for an early dawn departure, Durka knocked at his chamber. The manager rarely initiated, so Ji-hyuk sensed something big.
"What is it?"
"A distinguished guest has arrived."
Distinguished? Not the prince—that'd be phrased differently. ...No immediate guess.
"Said 'Elraim' would ring a bell. She's in the drawing room."
Ah—. The unexpected visitor was a welcome one. Must've heard the capital buzz.
"Got it. On my way."
Ji-hyuk's lips curled involuntarily. He'd been wanting to see her anyway. He pictured her face. Pride intact, she'd act cool despite the shock. Obvious.
The hero headed straight to the first-floor drawing room, connected to a lovely garden for prime tea vibes. Two familiar faces waited: Elraim and Bella, naturally.
"Hero, long time no see."
"...Yeah, long time."
The fairy hero greeted primly. No casual "you" this time—she knew they were equals now. Ji-hyuk couldn't hold back a grin. He glanced at the healer. Bella looked dying to greet him.
"Bella."
"Ji-hyuk—!"
"...Bella."
Elraim called her lowly. Watch your tone. Oops. Bella corrected quick.
"Hero, really... it's been so long."
"Indeed. You can't imagine how I've awaited this."
"No need for formalities. It's embarrassing."
"...Right, let's drop it."
Status clear now. Ji-hyuk using honorifics felt off—especially after Elraim's switch. He spread his arms to Bella. Ah—. She wanted to rush in but eyed her superior. Elraim shrugged indifferently: do what you want. Only then did the innocent healer approach and hug him. He held her tight, patting her back, whispering:
"Still scared to sleep alone at night?"
Her cheeks flushed; no reply. He hadn't really expected one—just reminiscing. They parted. Her joy bloomed into a pure, beautiful smile. How he'd missed this! She couldn't look away from his face. The fairy cleared her throat. Bella snapped to, retreating sheepishly.
"Anyway, congrats. Becoming a hero ain't easy, but you pulled it off."
"Never thought I'd live to hear you say that."
Ji-hyuk smirked. Oblivious Bella giggled innocently. ...Damn pest. Elraim caught the subtle jab. ...Though she'd started the snark first.
"Rumors everywhere. Historic record, they say. ...Nobles are dying to meet you, eyes blazing."
"Aigoo, they must not know treasure when they see it, wasting time on a nobody like me. Noble eyesight going bad?"
"Nobody? Hardly. 'First in history' isn't tossed around lightly. Right, Hero?"
Bella sought Elraim's nod, but the fairy stayed stone-faced. Ah—. The naive girl finally clocked her boss's mood. Whoops, so oblivious. Even pure as she was, Bella knew the subtle hero rivalries. She wanted Elraim to thrive, but not at Ji-hyuk's expense. Hoped they'd get along. Ji-hyuk didn't want bad blood with her—or any hero, really. That was his 15th-loop resolve. Boosting her ego here seemed smart. Fairies lived and died by pride. He nodded lightly to Elraim. She blinked—what's this?
"I've wanted to thank you properly. First, for accepting me as a teammate. Second, introducing me to Master Eizel."
"...Good thing you haven't forgotten the favors. Humans often do."
"Wouldn't dream of it. Always grateful. ...Forgive my bratty antics earlier as little-brother antics..."
Ji-hyuk smiled warmly. Elraim deflated with a pfft. He'd stopped exactly at the line. Sly fox. Hard to hate the guy. Bella sensed the fairy's thaw. Phew. And Ji-hyuk was impressive—flipping moods like that on the prickly fairy. Wait, no calling her prickly, Bella. She reined in her thoughts. Sweet heart, really.
"Anyway, spill. What happened out there? A 100-pointer's gotta have stories."
Elraim wanted the tale. Bella's curiosity burned too. Ji-hyuk licked his lips, rubbing his palms.
"It's a long one."
"We've got time."
"Alright. Where to start..."
His gaze drifted to the garden—then farther.
"...From leaving the capital."
The two women leaned in. And his story truly began.