Chapter 25 Noona's Support 2
Chapter 25: {Sister's Support} 2
{Sister's Support}
"Seo Yu-rin, it's been a while. Six years, right?"
"Y-yes, that's right!"
As Yu Ha-rin spoke while looking at her, Seo Yu-rin hurriedly replied, her face tense with nervousness.
Watching her expression, Yu Ji-hu debated whether to intervene, but right now, Ha-rin was assessing a guild member in her capacity as the leader of the Underground Guild. This wasn't a space where he should interfere, so he quietly focused on listening.
"You probably already know this, but currently, the government is purchasing F-rank Mana Stones for 120,000 won each."
"Yes."
Compared to six years ago, the price had only risen by a measly 20,000 won.
F-rank Mana Stones were worth 120,000 won, while E-rank ones went for 330,000. The stones Yu-rin usually obtained by solo-clearing Rifts were E-rank.
"The Underground Guild distributes 90% of the Mana Stones to participants and takes a 10% profit. So, for an F-rank stone, which typically trades for 300,000 won, we pay out 270,000. For E-rank stones, which go for about a million, we pay roughly 900,000."
The price of E-rank stones had nearly tripled.
Considering most guilds only paid out 80%, the Underground Guild was being unusually generous.
In truth, most Ability Users capable of obtaining E-rank stones were already affiliated with guilds, so the government's purchase price of 330,000 won was practically meaningless. Cases like Seo Yu-rin—unaffiliated and hunting alone in Rifts—were rare exceptions.
"We also provide insurance and benefits. You'll receive free weekly health checkups, and the guild covers full-body regeneration treatments for members at no cost. If you have family, we allocate a death benefit based on rank... though I suppose that clause doesn't apply here."
Ha-rin already knew Yu-rin had no parents.
And the reason she could bring this up so casually was because she and Ji-hu were also orphans who had lost their parents.
"Um... is it possible to designate someone other than family?"
Yu-rin asked cautiously.
Ji-hu immediately understood what she was getting at, and Ha-rin seemed to as well.
"You mean Sarang Orphanage?"
"Yes. If I die... could the payout go to the director there?"
"Of course."
Yu-rin visibly relaxed. She certainly didn't plan on dying, but there was always a what if.
If she did die, the orphanage receiving the insurance money would ease the director's financial burden.
"How much would it be?"
"At your current skill level, after taxes, around 500 million won. Suicide isn't covered, though."
Yu-rin looked stunned at Ha-rin's words, but Ji-hu actually thought the amount was a little low.
'500 million?'
It felt uncomfortable to think a human life was valued at just that, but Ji-hu, who had a rough grasp of reality, knew this was already far more generous than most places offered.
"That's... a lot."
"Mhm. And since entry-level guild members earn around 200 million a year, your salary would be about 300 million."
A yearly salary of 300 million meant a monthly payment of 25 million won.
"Th-three hundred million... That's an incredible amount."
Yu-rin seemed overwhelmed by the figure, but Ji-hu couldn't bring himself to laugh at her reaction.
'Yu-rin... I have 20 trillion in my account.'
Compared to the weight of that sum, 300 million didn't even feel like real money.
"Also, we'll provide basic weapons, armor, and Recovery Potions. The details will be explained when you fill out the paperwork."
The benefits Ha-rin listed for the Underground Guild were overwhelmingly good.
No wonder higher-ranked guilds were considered dream workplaces for Ability Users.
And among them, the Underground Guild—led by the Empress, Yu Ha-rin—was the strongest in the world, so its benefits were on another level entirely.
"So, with these terms... will you join?"
"Yes, please accept me."
Yu-rin had clearly made up her mind.
"Good. I'll process it right away. Head down to the first floor to fill out the paperwork, and it'll be done immediately."
"...Understood. I'll do my best."
Yu-rin gave a slight bow to Ha-rin, then turned to Ji-hu.
"Ji-hu, I'll head down first."
"You must be exhausted. Go rest. We can talk about Rift strategies tomorrow."
"Okay. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you then."
As Yu-rin stepped into the elevator and descended, Ji-hu sensed her movement before speaking up.
"Noona."
"Yes, Ji-hu?"
"Did something upset you today?"
At his question, Ha-rin smiled faintly and shook her head.
"No, not really."
Ji-hu could tell she was lying.
Even after six years apart, he prided himself on knowing his sister better than anyone else.
In front of others, she never let it show, but when they were alone, her emotions became transparent—as if she didn't even try to hide them.
"Noona, are you really not upset?"
"Alright, I'll be honest. I'm not angry. Just... a little disappointed."
Ha-rin admitted this as she slowly walked toward him.
"What are you disappointed about?"
"You went out to eat with Yu-rin, right?"
"Yeah, but... Oh."
Ji-hu finally realized what had bothered her.
"You're disappointed because I didn't go out with you first?"
"Exactly."
Ha-rin didn't hesitate to confirm.
Without a shred of embarrassment, she openly admitted she was disappointed her little brother hadn't prioritized her. Ji-hu couldn't help but laugh.
"Then, Noona, want to go out for dinner tonight?"
"Yes, I'd love that."
A small smile finally appeared on Ha-rin's face.
As he watched her, Ji-hu thought to himself:
'Noona is always prettiest when she smiles like this.'
Then Ha-rin took his hand and spoke.
"Ji-hu, come with me for a second?"
"What's up?"
"Hehe, you'll see."
Ji-hu obediently followed her lead, and as they reached her desk, he noticed a bracelet placed on top.
It was a golden bracelet adorned with an intricate red dragon motif—clearly something special.
"What's this?"
At first glance, it seemed ordinary, but upon closer inspection, he could sense an immense power sealed within.
"I had this specially made for you."
Ji-hu examined the bracelet carefully. It felt like something had been sealed inside—something alive.
"Noona... did you seal a creature from the Other World in here?"
"Mhm. A very dangerous and violent Red Dragon."
As she spoke, Ha-rin retrieved an identical bracelet from her subspace and slipped it onto her wrist.
The only difference was that hers bore the image of a black dragon instead of a red one.
"This one contains a Black Dragon I sealed."
Just as Ji-hu had brought back the Holy Sword from the Other World, it seemed Ha-rin had also brought back several things.
But unlike him, who had only used the Holy Sword without crafting or collecting anything else, she had clearly put effort into creating these artifacts herself.
"Take it for now. Tonight, I'll show you how to use it."
"Got it. Thanks, Noona. I'll treasure it."
Ji-hu understood that this gift was Ha-rin's way of supporting him.
He didn't know how to use it yet, but that would change when night fell.
And judging by the sheer magnitude of energy radiating from it, this Red Dragon had undoubtedly been defeated and sealed by none other than his sister.
'A Red Dragon sealed by Noona... Just what kind of power does it hold?'
Ha-rin smiled faintly as she looked at the bracelet she had given Ji-hu.
This bracelet would make her beloved little brother even stronger.
'It'll be a big help, won't it?'
She became aware of her own anticipation—waiting eagerly for evening, for nightfall.
Though she was a little regretful that Yu-rin had been the first to go out with him, the mere thought of having dinner alone with her brother filled her with excitement.
Perhaps it was because of the six years they had spent apart, but now that Ji-hu had finally returned to her side, every moment with him felt precious.
'Ji-hu, Noona will support you no matter what. So stay by my side forever, okay?'
That was all she wanted.