You're Joking, Right?
"Me too."
Even after becoming an S-rank hunter, Kim Seol-bi had never known a time in my pathetic life as happy as this one—and that was only natural.
At my response, Kim Seol-bi kissed me with a blissful smile. The moment our lips met, a thrilling shiver raced through my entire body.
That's when my phone on the desk started ringing. The caller ID showed just two letters: Director.
I let out a snort. Until yesterday, that name alone had made my legs shake. The Dungeon Management Office director who treated me like a slave. But now, I had zero reason to fear him.
"I'm gonna hop in the shower."
"Sure."
I was stunned when I saw Kim Seol-bi's car parked in the apartment lot. I'd half-expected it, but of course it was a sports car. The futuristic design blending pink and white made me think I'd never paint one like that even if I had the money—but someone with her wealth could customize it however she pleased.
For someone like me who never dreamed of owning a car, I couldn't tell if it was a Lamborghini or a Porsche. Just that it was one of those ultra-expensive models. Probably a limited worldwide edition or something.
Kim Seol-bi activated the key fob, and the engine purred to life with a dignified rumble, like a tiger growling deep in a cave.
She slipped on sunglasses and a mask. I didn't find it odd—she was famous enough that anyone would recognize her. Even B-list celebs wore masks just to step outside, and for someone like Kim Seol-bi, freely showing her face was impossible.
Plus, she was at a rundown studio apartment complex right now. Every other car in the lot combined probably couldn't match the value of hers. An S-rank hunter showing up here would draw eyes—especially with a guy. Tabloids would plaster our faces tomorrow if we weren't careful.
Kim Seol-bi got in first and opened the passenger door.
"Sung-gi, hop in."
"Okay."
She fiddled with the Bluetooth call history and asked, "The Hunter Management Office I know okay? They're all the same, but it's easier at a familiar spot."
Her "familiar" office meant she knew the director there, probably. Better than risking her face getting sold out at some random branch.
"Yeah."
She made the call.
(Speakerphone)
"Oh! Hello, Seol-bi. Long time no call! How've you been?"
"Hey, sis. Got some business today—mind if I swing by?"
"Ah, I'm out for a bit right now. How long till you're here? I'll head back ASAP."
"No need. My friend's here for a rank test—just set it up for him."
"Nonsense~ It's been forever. Of course I wanna see you. Got it—I'll tell the staff you're coming."
"Thanks, sis."
"No problem. Eaten yet? Want me to have the kids prep something? Or grab a bite out together?"
"Sorry, super busy today. Next time."
"Ah...... Okay."
The director sounded genuinely bummed. Seemed like it really had been ages since Kim Seol-bi visited, and she hated cutting it short.
After hanging up, I asked, "Who was that?"
"The director. She cleared it, so we can test right away."
A Hunter Management Office director acting so humble? That rank wielded serious clout. In this hunter-centered world, power and money flowed to them over regular civil servants. Their influence outstripped Dungeon Management Office directors nationwide. And Seoul branch heads? They were on fast tracks to the top.
For her to bow like that... the power of an S-rank was insane.
The car glided smoothly out of the lot. The deep vroom drew stares as the luxury sports car emerged—another driver coming in slammed on the brakes in shock. They could've let us go first, but backed up to clear the entrance themselves, eyes full of envy.
Made me realize just how elite this ride was. No jealousy from an average joe? Nah. An S-rank's presence and wealth were on another plane.
And one was sitting right next to me, asking, "Sung-gi, music? What do you like?"
"Uh, latest hits are fine."
"Wanna hear this one? Been digging it lately."
She fired up the audio, and club-level bass poured from the speakers. Car audio like this? Pricey as hell. Any track on these would melt your ears.
With upbeat, groovy pop playing, we headed to the Hunter Management Office.
"You're joking, right?"
That was the first thing the Hunter Management Office clerk said to me. She wasn't even an awakened civilian—just a regular person. Hunter office staff passed tough exams for their civil servant gigs. Dungeon office workers? Mostly low-rank awakeners or connections—way lower prestige.
The gap hit harder inside the bureaucracy. This peon glanced at my history and job, figured I was fair game to trash.
Kim Seol-bi stood behind me, sunglasses and mask on. To normals, she just looked like a stylish woman. Hunters would sense her aura, but civilians? Clueless.
Seeing I'd awakened 10 years ago, never hunted, no growth records? Yeah, that sparked her reaction. Most wouldn't say it aloud, though. Bad day? Or just rude by nature. Some folks have rotten luck like this.
"What'd you say?"
Kim Seol-bi stepped up immediately.
"And who are you? With him?"
The clerk clearly didn't recognize her. Not because she worked at the Hunter office—any Korean would know Kim Seol-bi's face. How many S-ranks were there?
"Say that again. You said 'you're joking'?"
Kim Seol-bi's voice sharpened with anger, making the clerk flinch.
"Well~ No growth in 10 years? Might as well be a normie. Know how much electricity one scan guzzles? Can't just let anyone waltz in and—"
Total bitch. I'd heard Hunter office staff were notoriously rude from my Dungeon days, but this one took the cake.
"Electricity bill? You just said electricity bill?"
I was floored too.
"Don't they charge for tests? Why bring up power costs?"
"No~ We're busy. Let me spell it out: your odds of being a hunter? Zero percent. Don't waste time—go home."
"Hahaha."
Kim Seol-bi let out a disbelieving laugh. She removed her sunglasses.
The clerk's eyes bulged at her face. Familiar, but not clicking yet. Then Kim Seol-bi's eyes narrowed, and the clerk started choking, gasp gasp.
Quick footsteps approached from behind.
"Oh! Seol-bi! You're here already? I rushed back thinking our timing lined up—sorry I'm late~"
The woman bowing was mid-40s, polished suit radiating high-rank aura.
"D-Director!"
The clerk shot up, eyes darting terrified between the director and Kim Seol-bi.
"Yes. I didn't call ahead figuring I'd beat you, but you hunters weren't inconvenienced, right? She took good care of you?"
"Y-Yes! Of course!"
The clerk bowed frantically to us.
"An honor to meet you!"
Now she groveled deep to Kim Seol-bi, forehead nearly to the floor.
"Director."
Kim Seol-bi scowled.
"Don't you manage your staff?"