Chapter 28 Noona Picked It Out
Chapter 28: {Big Sister's Picks}
{Big Sister's Picks}
It took Yu Ji-hu exactly five minutes to adjust to having his sister Yu Ha-rin right beside him.
During that time, he had to keep his eyes closed while eating, and even after finishing his meal, Ha-rin remained seated next to him, refusing to leave.
"So, Ji-hu. Can you tell me how you plan to form your party members now?"
In the Underground Guild, those who tackled Rifts usually formed parties, with the executives typically selecting the most efficient combinations themselves.
Of course, members had the freedom to choose, so some partnered with external Ability Users, but entering a Rift required trusting someone with your life.
"Aside from Yu-rin, I don't really have anyone in mind. Honestly, I've been away from Earth for six years, so I don't know many people."
"I figured as much."
Ha-rin's question was merely for confirmation.
"Then, noona, do you have any recommendations?"
"Mhm. Nationality doesn't matter, right?"
"As long as we can communicate, it's fine... but where are they from?"
From the sound of it, the people she was recommending weren't Korean.
"I'll explain in detail when we get home, but I have four in mind—one of them is Korean."
"Korean... Wait, is that you, noona?"
At Ji-hu's words, Ha-rin smiled and nodded.
"Yep, that's right. Do you mind?"
As expected, one of them was his sister, Yu Ha-rin. She wanted to form a party with him.
Most likely, she was worried about him.
'She must be concerned about my Phantom Pain acting up.'
Especially if it happened inside a Rift—that would be dangerous.
But having his sister Ha-rin as a party member posed its own problems.
"...I don't mind, but the other party members might feel pressured."
Ji-hu had no complaints about teaming up with his sister.
With her, even the most difficult Rifts would become trivial, though he was already capable of handling most on his own.
But judging by Seo Yu-rin's reaction—someone who had known Ha-rin since childhood—Ha-rin's name carried too much weight.
Even meeting a head of state wouldn't make people as nervous as standing before her.
'Noona's influence has already surpassed that of a nation.'
As the number of Ability Users grew and the dangers of Rifts intensified, Ha-rin's overwhelming power and her elite executives only solidified her position further. Her status had long eclipsed that of any country.
"That makes sense. But wouldn't they get used to it after seeing her often?"
Ha-rin's reasoning wasn't wrong.
"Probably. So, should I start by getting them acquainted first?"
"That's right. For now, I'll support you in gathering party members and getting settled. Once things stabilize, we can team up properly. Sound good?"
"Yeah, let's do that."
With that, Ha-rin decided to focus on supporting him first before joining him later.
"Then I'll send word tomorrow to have them come."
"I'm curious about the nationalities of the other three."
"Hehe, I've been keeping an eye on them just in case."
Ha-rin's influence extended beyond Korea, reaching various countries worldwide, so it wasn't surprising if they were from anywhere.
Then, with a smile, she pulled out her phone and sent a message somewhere.
"Let's finish eating, rest a bit, and then I'll teach you how to wield the power of the bracelet I gave you."
"Got it, noona."
After their meal, Ji-hu and Ha-rin returned home via Ha-rin's spatial teleportation.
At the same time, far away in Europe, someone received a message.
"Her Majesty the Empress has given such an order?"
The man holding the communicator wore a bewildered expression.
He was an A-class member of the Underground Guild—not quite an executive, but still among the stronger Ability Users.
And thanks to [a certain item] exclusively issued to A-class members and above, he wielded power far beyond ordinary A-rankers.
But the Underground Guild was an organization where absolute obedience to orders was paramount, especially those from the Empress herself.
Yet this particular order left him utterly perplexed.
—Yes, prepare Saintess Sophia. Her Majesty will personally come to retrieve her.
"Ah, but... Sophia currently has scheduled activities in Italy."
Sophia Clark.
A talent personally rescued by the Underground Guild—no, by Empress Yu Ha-rin herself. Though she was active in Italy, her nationality was British, of Scottish descent.
Her ability was special even among Ability Users—classified primarily as a healer.
But unlike most healers who mended wounds, she could cure diseases as well. This had quickly earned her the public image of a saintess.
On top of that, she was extraordinarily kind-hearted. Under Ha-rin's direct protection, most who tried to exploit her were filtered out, and with the guild's backing, she provided free healing to those suffering from incurable illnesses—albeit with restrictions to avoid backlash from medical professionals.
To many, her work was nothing short of miraculous.
Most assumed she would eventually hold influence equivalent to an executive within the guild. Given the guild's standing, her activities should have been leveraged to showcase that the Underground Guild wasn't just about overwhelming force but also extraordinary talents like her.
At least, that's what the man thought. But Empress Yu Ha-rin had other plans.
'For her to come personally... What could be so important?'
He suspected something major was afoot, but considering the time difference with Korea, she would likely arrive within a day.
No—what puzzled him more was why she wasn't retrieving Sophia immediately if she was in such a hurry.
'Surely the Empress wouldn't be... in a relationship?'
The man had seen Empress Yu Ha-rin a few times before.
Her inhuman beauty was so divine it evoked involuntary awe, and her flawless proportions and peerless looks made even photos of her irresistible.
But the overwhelming pressure she exuded in person made it impossible to harbor any impure thoughts about her.
Having faced that pressure firsthand, he knew he'd never forget it.
"By today...?"
His gaze fell upon Saintess Sophia.
A girl who looked about fifteen, her radiant golden hair swaying as she smiled brightly.
'Sigh... She's going to be heartbroken when I tell her.'
But in the end, both he and she had no choice but to obey orders.
"Sophia."
The man called her name as he approached.
"Ah, Mr. Geon-woo! Did Her Majesty just give an order?"
Having overheard the word "Empress," Sophia asked eagerly.
Surprisingly, she spoke not in English but in Korean—after awakening her abilities, she had studied the language obsessively.
Her enhanced memory as an Ability User allowed her to master Korean in just a few months.
Though still slightly awkward at times, it was more than enough for conversation.
"Ah, well... Her Majesty is coming personally to retrieve you, so you should wrap up your tasks and prepare."
"Her Majesty... personally?"
Sophia's eyes widened in shock.
"I'd better get ready, then."
To Sophia, Empress Yu Ha-rin's orders were absolute.
Not just because everything she had now was thanks to her, but also because she personally idolized the Empress.
To her, Yu Ha-rin was nothing less than a role model.
"Ji-hu, rested enough?"
"Yeah, noona."
"Then I'll show you lightly, in a sparring format. Get ready—I'll prepare too."
Just as Ji-hu was about to change into suitable sparring clothes, the door opened.
"Ji-hu."
Ha-rin stepped inside.
"Noona... I was just about to change."
"I know."
She nodded, then smiled faintly.
"Ji-hu, can you grant noona one wish?"
"A wish?"
"Mhm. Only you can fulfill it."
The playful glint in her eyes made Ji-hu suspect she was up to something.
"What is it?"
"Before I tell you, can you promise to grant it if it's something noona really wants?"
Rather than stating her wish outright, she pressed him first to agree. Sensing her persistence, Ji-hu eventually nodded.
"Okay, if it's something I can do."
For his sister, who had given him everything, he'd do anything.
Ha-rin beamed at his answer.
"Good. Then, Ji-hu... noona's request is..."