Chapter 8
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: Let's Get Some Clothes
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Next day. I was busy preparing to go out from early in the morning.
"Umm… This doesn't fit either."
Only one day left until I meet the Vice Guild Master of Azure Rose Guild. I couldn't exactly show up there in just a ripped t-shirt, could I?
With my body completely transformed, I had no clothes at home that fit anymore. I needed to buy new ones.
But to buy clothes today, I'd have to go outside—and to go outside, I needed clothes.
So there I was, trapped in this bizarre loop, rummaging through every piece of clothing in my room.
The only bottoms I could scrounge up were a pair of track shorts with drawstrings. If I cinched them tight, they at least resembled clothes.
For tops, I grabbed a few t-shirts and hacked them apart with scissors. Trial and error meant tossing a couple ruined ones, but by the third attempt, I managed slits for my wings.
Flap flap.
Moving my wings didn't make the shirt slip off or pinch them. Perfect.
"Yeah. This'll do."
I hiked the shorts up just enough to reach my tail. They felt precarious—like they'd slide right off if someone tugged—but there were no other options.
Steeling myself, I opened the front door. Sure, my unusual look would draw stares, and that made me nervous, but a surge of confidence pushed me out anyway.
'Even after paying off my debt, I've still got 40 million won left. And I earned it in just one day!'
A fortune I'd never even touched in my life. That money gave me the guts to strut confidently, even in a torn t-shirt and mismatched shorts.
And with it, I was headed somewhere I'd never dreamed of visiting.
A department store.
The kind packed with luxury brands and sky-high prices. Normally, I'd balk at wasting money there, but to meet the vice master of the nation's top guild, I needed to dress the part.
I planned to outfit myself head to toe, brand new.
I slipped out of my studio building and onto the main road. Sunlight warmed my wings and tail. And then, countless eyes locked onto me.
My horns, wings, and tail—glinting like gold in the sunlight—were more than enough to turn heads.
'Hehe. This is the majesty of an SSS-Rank skill holder!'
That's right. I wasn't some ordinary job-hunting college grad, Lee Da-yoon, anymore. I was Dragon Lee Da-yoon, the world's first SSS-Rank skill awakener.
Feeling cocky, I puffed out my chest and strode along. For the first time as an SSS-Rank, I could even enjoy the attention.
…Right up until I reached the subway station.
"Whoa… cosplay? She's adorable."
"That tail and wings are pro-level quality."
"Drama shoot or something?"
Groups of people chattered about my appearance every time I passed.
"Awakener with beast traits? She's gorgeous."
"Must be a kid who just awakened! How's she that cute?"
What started as stares turned into open compliments and critiques, and embarrassment started creeping in.
Then I spotted people pulling out their phones to snap pics, and my face burned hot.
Sure, I'd wanted attention—but not like this.
Without thinking, my wings huddled close, wrapping around me. My tail curled up like a scared puppy's. Far from basking in the stares, I bolted for the emptiest subway car I could find.
After a 30-minute ride, I arrived at the S Department Store in central Seoul.
"Wow…"
The building was like a modern twist on a medieval castle. Everyone passing by was dressed to the nines, like they were all big shots. Luxury oozed from every inch.
Gripping my tail to keep it from snagging, I spun through the revolving doors. Cool AC air hit me, along with bright indoor lights and the faint scent of high-end perfume.
'So this is the mecca of capitalism.'
Glittering displays everywhere—every step sparked a new temptation.
The sparkling jewelry especially kept stealing my gaze. Gold and silver alongside rare gate-sourced gems in every accessory. Everything seduced me.
That white gold necklace over there, forged from a gold-platinum alloy—its heft and sheen screamed perfect for an SSS-Rank like me…
'No, no. Get a grip, Da-yoon. You're here for clothes.'
Stuff like that was useless anyway, and the prices were insane. What I needed were clothes that fit—not pointless rocks.
I shook it off and scanned for clothing sections, but the first floor was nothing but cosmetics and designer bags.
Escalators were a slog with my short legs, and the second floor? Flashy women's wear for rich housewives—nothing that'd fit me.
'Where the hell are the normal clothes?'
Where could someone like me shop? Third floor? Fourth? Fifth?
The directory map was useless—just a list of unfamiliar brands, no hints on where to find my size.
'This is turning into a disaster.'
An hour in, and crisis loomed. At this rate, I might not snag clothes all day.
As I reached for my phone to search online, another phone in my bag caught my eye—the one Director Joo Deok-hwan had given me yesterday, saying to call if I needed anything.
I'd rather not owe the Hunter Management Bureau any favors, but this was an emergency. Whether they sourced clothes or guided me here, I needed a fix.
I powered it on and dialed the saved contact: 'Call if needed: Yoo So-jeong'.
Rrring—
It connected before the first ring finished.
"Uh… is this bureau staff?"
"Yes. I'm Yoo So-jeong, assigned as handler for Awakener Lee Da-yoon. What assistance do you require?"
Swallowing my embarrassment, I explained.
"Um… I need clothes to wear tomorrow right away, but I can't find anything suitable at the department store."
"You need garments that fit your body. Understood. Where are you currently?"
Sounded like she was coming herself. Made sense—online orders wouldn't cut it for today.
"S Department Store main branch. You're… coming in person?"
"Yes. I'll arrive within 30 minutes."
"Uh… thank you?"
I hung up after her clipped response. Now what? No need to hunt for directions myself…
Right—there was that cafe on the first floor with the irresistible sweet aroma.
'Maybe grab a drink and wait?'
…
"Huuu…"
So much for just a drink. I'd demolished two slices of cake, six macarons, and a strawberry frappuccino without moving from my seat.
The price tags—10,000 won per drink—shocked me, but damn, it was worth every bite.
I'd vaguely heard camera clicks while munching cake, but whatever.
'Anyway, 30 minutes are almost up.'
Guess she was running late.
'Might as well try that chocolate cake over there, then.'
As I stood to order another slice, a presence sidled up beside me. I turned.
"Pleased to meet you, Awakener Lee Da-yoon. I'm Yoo So-jeong."
A tall woman in a crisp black suit had appeared right by my table.
Her face was impassive and blunt-looking, but strikingly beautiful in a cool way. With an assertive bust. No wonder she seemed familiar—she was the staffer who'd driven me home yesterday.
"Y-you got here fast."
"Yes. I have a movement-related skill."
Of all the timing. I'd hastily shielded the three empty plates and drink with my wing.
…Please don't let her think I'm some sweets-obsessed pig.
No such luck—Yoo So-jeong glanced at the plates, scooped them up in one hand, and returned them to the counter.
"What sort of assistance do you require?"
She asked with that same stoic expression. …Yeah, I must've left a bad impression.
"First off, I want to hit a place for decent clothes. Got someone to meet tomorrow."
"Understood. Then I'll escort you to the VVIP Personal Shopping Room."
"…Pardon?"