A Rare Leisurely Weekend
After deciding to take a day off to ponder his next hunting ground, Taejeong was enjoying a leisurely morning breakfast while watching TV.
[Japan Trade Agreement Signed.]
[Russia's Third Dispatch Canceled. Replaced with Material Resources.]
[Goddess Choi Da-som Fan Signing Event. 11 AM at L Department Store.]
"Fan signing event? Was it today?"
Taejeong's eyes, while watching the news, turned to the woman beaming brightly on the TV screen.
Choi Da-som. She was one of the most popular star hunters in present-day Korea.
One of the 3 Dragons 7 Stars, having reached A-rank at the youngest age ever. Not only that, but her beauty matched her abilities, making her such a hot celebrity that she had over twenty fan clubs alone.
Taejeong was also one of her many fans. But unlike the others, his feelings were those of a friend.
"Already... eight years?"
Choi Da-som and Yoo Taejeong were classmates from elementary through high school.
They had even dated for a whopping six years. But after graduation, she suddenly vanished without a trace, becoming unreachable. It was only later that Taejeong heard she had become a hunter.
Back then, he hadn't yet been worn down by society, so he couldn't understand why she cut off contact. He visited her guild just once, but they only repeated that they couldn't tell him anything.
But he didn't even have time to feel sad. As the head of the household, he had to take care of his younger sister.
Social life began, and only after a few years had passed did he finally realize it. She was already living in a different world from his.
And Taejeong accepted it quite naturally.
'Who would've thought we'd both end up as hunters.'
As he turned his gaze back to his meal, his phone began to ring.
His balls-to-the-wall best friend.
"Hello?"
-Hey, it's me, Seok-ho.
"I know. What's up, calling on a weekend morning?"
-Just, man. Been a while since we caught up. Come out.
"Now?"
-Yeah. What else you gonna do? Got something to pass on too.
"Where to?"
-Han River.
"The hell, all the way to the Han River...?"
-Brings back old memories, doesn't it? Come on, man.
"Fine, whatever. Send me your location."
It was a sudden appointment, but Taejeong didn't refuse. He was planning to rest today anyway, and it had been a while since he wanted some fresh air.
After a quick wash and change of clothes, Taejeong took a taxi to the destination.
He arrived at a scenic spot along the Han River. Far off, Kim Seok-ho was waving enthusiastically to greet him.
"Long time no see, man."
Taejeong pointed at the ground as he approached the cheerful Seok-ho.
"What's with this childish animal picnic mat? You here for pretend play?"
"Sit down first."
"So, what's the sudden deal?"
"Do friends need a reason to meet? Here, drink this."
"What's this?"
"Herbal tea from high-altitude Himalayas. Good for stamina, they say."
"No need for stamina right now... Hmm. Tastes good."
"Right? This stuff's expensive, man. But hey, you never get a girlfriend?"
To Seok-ho's question, Taejeong slurped his tea nonchalantly, showing no interest.
"Now's not the time for that."
"Why not? So-young's all grown up now, nothing holding you back. Man, humans need yin-yang balance to live long."
"You do plenty. I'm not thinking about it yet."
"Wait... you still hung up on Da-som?"
Taejeong chuckled at Seok-ho's cautious probe.
"Dude, it's been eight years. Eight years changes mountains and rivers."
"True, but after six years together, she just ghosts without a word. Aren't you curious?"
"Not really. She must've had her reasons."
"Damn, our Taejeong's grown up. Feels like yesterday you were bawling at my place eight years ago."
"You bastard, twisting memories. When did I ever?"
"Anyway. Remember this place? We three—me, you, and Da-som—came here a lot when things got heavy."
"Yeah. We were broke as hell. Nowhere else to go. But why you keep bringing up the past? You going through something? Depressed?"
"Depressed? Too positive for that. Actually, reason I called you today... it's about Da-som."
"What?"
"She came by yesterday. Said if you're cool with it, she wants to meet and pass on a message."
Taejeong set down his tea and stared at Seok-ho at the out-of-the-blue remark.
"Pass on a message? What message?"
"How should I know? She looked really stressed lately. Face was a mess."
"She looked fine on TV earlier. Probably busy schedule. Being one of the famous 3 Dragons 7 Stars and all."
"So, you gonna meet or not?"
"Nah. What's the point now."
"Not curious?"
"Even if I knew, what changes? Time's passed, Seok-ho. That's not important anymore."
"Still, meet her once. She seemed like she really wanted to see you."
"Anyone hearing thinks I'm some big shot. Whatever. Just tell her to take care."
"Show-off bastard. Anyway, who knew she'd become a hunter? Feels like yesterday we were scarfing tteokbokki and laughing together."
"Come to think of it, this guy was always there no matter what."
"That's why kids thought we three were dating... Hey, Taejeong."
"Yeah?"
"World's so unfair, huh? Some become hunters earning tens of millions, even billions a day. Others slave away for peanuts a month."
Taejeong couldn't help but feel a pang at Seok-ho's gripe. It felt aimed right at him.
"About Da-som cutting us off... Maybe she thought we were too insignificant. No gain rubbing elbows with us."
"Dude, what's with you today? Something really up? Cut the weird talk, let's grab food. Big bro's treating big today."
Kim Seok-ho smirked at Taejeong's words.
"What, kimbap hell?"
"You punk, is that all you think of human Yoo Taejeong class? Follow me. Treating to something real good today."
The place Taejeong took Seok-ho was a famous omakase spot in Gangnam. A whopping 500,000 won per person. A hot spot he'd feverishly searched up on the taxi ride over.
Seok-ho, who hadn't seen the prices beforehand, gawked at the bill after the meal.
"Dude, you didn't go bankrupt for this, right?"
"Bankrupt my ass. Can't even treat my bro like this?"
"Lotto?"
"Got a bonus, bonus."
"Even a bonus, 500k per head... Hold up. I'll Venmo mine."
"Forget it, man. So-young mooched sides from your place back in the day—pays for itself."
"Still feels bad."
"Then set me up on a blind date later."
Heading to the taxi stand after parting with Seok-ho, Taejeong somehow looked weighed down.
'Why bring it up now?'
It had been a full eight years. Even the memories had faded. Back then, he'd thought he'd never forget, but amazingly, his feelings for her had naturally dissipated. To the point he could cheer for her thoughtlessly.
Eight years was that kind of time.
Lost in old thoughts as he walked, he soon reached the stand.
'Hm? What's with these people?'
Arriving at the stand, Taejeong spotted a noisy group chattering away.
"Dude, just buy one damn car? What's this every time? We got communal funds."
"Ugh, taxis are cheaper. If we can afford a car, buy more potions."
"Cheapskate."
"This ain't cheap—it's rational."
Staff in hand, sword on back, gleaming armor. Hunters, no doubt.
Two women, two men.
'A team, huh. Maybe I should try team hunting sometime.'
Watching them stirred a sense of adventure in Taejeong. Huddled heads planning, combining strength to smash strong monsters. It was the dream for new awakeners.
Problem was, it fizzled out quicker than expected.
With nothing to do waiting for a taxi, Taejeong pulled out his phone and logged into the community. To scout his next dungeon.
After fiddling for a few minutes, he sighed inwardly. Hunting wasn't easy at his current level.
For good reason: most upper Blue Gate dungeons he needed were owned by guilds.
Meaning smooth hunting required belonging to a guild from now on.
But he still didn't want to reveal himself.
Two years ago, a rare class emerged in Korea. A Taming Master, one of only about twenty worldwide.
Bathed in media spotlight, poised for glory, he was found as a cold corpse in a dungeon. Government and major guilds unusually investigated, but no results.
Rumors swirled: rival guild hit, or guild offed him for disobedience. Nothing confirmed.
But past cases showed such rumors weren't baseless.
'They'd swarm me for sure. Try pulling me in any way. No guarantee I won't get hurt in the process. This ain't like regular corporate scouting.'
Deep in guild thoughts, suddenly a woman from the group beside him approached.
"Um..."
"Yes?"
"Taxi's almost here—mind if we go first?"
"Ah, taxi? Sure. You were here first."
"Ah, thanks!"
She bowed cutely and rejoined her group. Then a man's scolding drifted over.
"Dude, we got here first—obviously we go first. Why even ask?"
"Idiot. We're hunters. Gotta be considerate to civilians."
"That's for big shots. What consideration from a scrub like you...?"
"Hey! Done talking?"
"Yeah, what'cha gonna do?"
"Hey hey, cut it. It's here."
The childish spat ended at another's mediation, and they stepped out for the taxi.
Right then.
Shiiieeeek-!
Suddenly, an unknown light rippled in the air. It spread instantly, engulfing them, and the four hunters vanished.
Taejeong, who had watched from the start, was dumbfounded.
"What the...?"
Befuddled by the unprecedented sight, a middle-aged man in the taxi rolled down the window and called to him.
"Hey, you getting in?"
"Pardon? Ah, yes."
Whatever it was, chalking it up to bad luck, Taejeong grabbed the door.
That instant.
A massive, indescribable light poured before his eyes.
At the same time, a faint alert tone rang.
Paladin and 4 others. Recall complete.