How to Survive Next to a Calamity-Class Boss
Just when they thought they had seen it all, someone even more absurd appeared.
Her temporary classification was Calamity-class. The sudden appearance of such an unprecedented boss left both the Hunter Management Bureau and the government nursing massive headaches.
They couldn't exactly rain artillery fire down on the middle of Seoul, and even if they did, there was no guarantee it would do anything to her.
Yet, whenever they tried Plan B—discreetly steering the vehicle out of Seoul—she would notice immediately.
"Is my lodging in a quiet area?" she would ask, casting a pointed look at the driver.
Somehow, she knew the geography of Seoul perfectly, as if she had already memorized the map. The Bureau had no choice but to scrap several of their backup plans on the spot.
They couldn't keep her driving in circles forever.
So, the Bureau decided to fast-track their next plan.
They would transport Ari to a special research facility built for monster study.
By law, all monster-related research institutes in South Korea were required to have a high-risk isolation zone.
It was a safety measure designed to temporarily contain entities whose identities and danger levels had not yet been verified.
The Bureau ordered this containment area to be hastily decorated to look like a cozy, livable room.
And keeping Ari distracted so she wouldn't suspect a thing...
"W-would a place like this be alright for your lodging?"
...was the solemn duty of Han Jihyun, an agent of the Hunter Management Bureau.
"It's just a temporary stay, so anywhere is fine. Oh, but I do hope the bed and pillows are fluffy."
"Y-yes! Fluffy bed and pillows, got it."
*Tap, tap, tap, tap.*
Jihyun immediately typed out the report on her smartphone.
Her mind screamed with a desperate desire to just go home.
How on earth do I get out of this...?
Unfortunately, the higher-ups were now firmly convinced that the Calamity-class boss had taken a liking to her.
Because of this, even when Ari graciously told her, "You've worked hard today," Jihyun couldn't bring herself to leave.
Thinking of her career prospects like a true salarywoman, she shook her head and chose to stay by Ari's side.
She comforted herself with the thought that she was simply overflowing with patriotism.
"By the way, you're adapting to modern society incredibly fast."
"Hmm... Well, it's not exactly the same, but I've experienced something similar before."
"Ah, I see."
Jihyun mentally noted down every single detail.
Watching her, Ari suddenly looked down at her own clothes, comparing them to Jihyun's.
She was wrapped in a long sheet of white fabric that draped down to her ankles. Aside from her arms and shoulders, it was completely modest.
In a way, it resembled a modern dress, but...
It's definitely different.
It felt more like a piece of high-quality fabric draped over her rather than actual clothes.
If she walked around the streets like this, people would probably mistake her for a cult member.
Lodging was one thing, but she definitely needed to get some new clothes.
Like the ones Han Jihyun was wearing next to her...
"..."
Ari gasped inwardly.
A sudden realization hit her.
Unlike the fantasy world where men and women dressed similarly, and unlike her past life when she was a man...
She now had to wear modern women's clothing!
"Hmm..."
Wait, hold on. Now that I think about it, isn't this a massive problem?
She could dress casually at home, but when going out, she would need to dress appropriately for the time, place, and occasion.
For instance, if she went to a pool, she would need a swimsuit.
Although her preference for staying indoors hadn't changed much from her past life, she wasn't entirely the same person.
Having lived as a fairy and learned the joy of splashing around in spring water, swimming was one leisure activity she refused to give up.
...But wouldn't a revealing outfit like a bikini be a bit embarrassing?
I'm sure there are unisex clothes, though.
Or should she just get used to women's clothing?
Lost in this deeply serious and important dilemma, Ari began to scrutinize Jihyun's outfit.
She tried to picture herself wearing the exact same clothes.
Sensing her gaze, Jihyun quickly smoothed down her clothes, playing the role of a model to perfection.
She was not only polite but incredibly quick-witted.
Ari offered a bright smile in response to Jihyun's customer-service grin. Jihyun's smile widened in return.
Deciding to postpone the decision for later, Ari looked out the car window.
Oh, a convenience store.
Should she ask to stop by?
The thought crossed her mind briefly, but...
No, no. I'll have plenty of time to go there later. No need to burn through the content so early.
She quickly changed her mind.
Just then, the car stopped at a red light.
Ari happened to lock eyes with the driver, who was watching her through the rearview mirror.
Seizing the opportunity, she spoke up.
"Excuse me, Mr. Driver."
"...Y-yes?!"
He answered energetically, but kept his eyes glued straight ahead.
Ari couldn't help but admire his professionalism, maintaining focus on the road even while conversing with a passenger.
"That shop right over there. I'd like to have that for a late-night snack."
She pointed to a shop that practically screamed, "We sell fried chicken here."
How long had it been since she last had chicken?
Her mouth was already watering.
She looked at the driver with eyes full of anticipation.
"W-well, the thing is..."
The driver stammered, looking extremely troubled.
Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and the veins on the back of his hands bulged as he gripped the steering wheel.
Huh? Is there a problem?
As Ari tilted her head in confusion, Jihyun quickly intervened.
"That place isn't very good!"
"Pardon?"
"There's no parking space, so it's inconvenient, and their menu was just a temporary fad. They're totally outdated now!"
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, yes! Instead, I'll order delivery from a really popular chicken place on our way to the lodging!"
At those words, Ari clapped her hands in delight.
Right! This was Korea!
"Delivery! That sounds amazing!"
"Right? I know, right?"
"Fufu."
"Haha!"
The two shared a pleasant laugh, like close friends who had just agreed on something wonderful.
Meanwhile, the traffic light turned from red to green.
The stopped car began to move.
The driver, stepping on the accelerator, was filled with deep admiration.
He had been too panicked to even open his mouth, yet Hunter Han Jihyun had covered for him so flawlessly!
I guess you need nerves of steel like that to stay by the side of a Calamity-class boss, he thought.
Resolving to thank her properly later, the man focused on driving.
Meanwhile, Jihyun was screaming internally.
Please, driver, please get us there quickly...
Her heart was pounding so hard she felt like she might die.
She sent a status report through her phone while arranging the chicken delivery.
Should I order beer too...?
"What are you doing so diligently?"
"Hieek!"
Ari's sudden interest made Jihyun let out a strange squeak.
*Screeech.*
Passing through security checkpoints, the car finally arrived in front of the research institute building.
Finally!
Hurrying out of the car, Jihyun walked around to open the door for Ari, swallowing a sigh. Anyone watching would think she was the boss's personal secretary. But still.
Once we get her into the isolation zone, my job is done!
Neither she nor the higher-ups actually expected to perfectly contain a Calamity-class boss like Ari.
But at the very least, it would buy them time and prevent her from suddenly vanishing into thin air...
"Jihyun."
"Ah, yes?"
"Is this really the lodging? It's a bit different from what I expected."
"W-well, that is...!"
Caught off guard, Jihyun felt her teeth chatter as she blurted out the first excuse that came to mind.
"After careful consideration, we prepared a place that makes it easy to communicate with us while blocking any annoying outsiders from bothering you!"
The excuse poured out of her like rapid-fire artillery.
Ari tilted her head, listening intently, and fell into thought for a moment. Then, she straightened up and spoke.
"Ah. Then I'll leave it to you. Make sure another crowd of armed people doesn't come rushing in."
"P-please leave it to me!"
*Whew.* Jihyun quietly let out a sigh of relief the moment Ari looked away.
That was the end of their conversation.
Once Ari fell silent, Jihyun followed suit.
They followed the staff member who came out to guide them into the building.
Just like when they went to the reception room earlier, they passed through multiple security checkpoints.
Throughout the walk, Ari simply observed the interior of the building closely, without saying a word or doing anything unusual.
Finally. I can finally rest...
Arriving at the high-risk isolation zone, Jihyun felt a wave of relief wash over her.
Right at that moment.
Ari, who had been quiet the entire time, spoke up.
"But you know."
"Y-yes?"
"Is there something you need...?"
Jihyun and the research institute staff member answered almost simultaneously.
Staring quietly at the entrance of the isolation room, Ari turned around to face them.
"This building... there's a lot of impure energy... quite a few monsters here. Why is that?"
"Ah, well, that is—"
"Don't tell me."
Ari cut off the staff member.
"Is this place also meant for locking up monsters?"
"...?!!!"
"W-well, you see!"
The two stammered, frantically searching for an excuse.
Ari watched their panicked faces with an innocent, childlike smile.
Watching their eyes dart around in panic was oddly entertaining.
Well, I figured as much.
With the memories of her past life intact, she wasn't stupid enough to miss what kind of facility this was the moment she arrived.
She had stayed quiet only because she understood South Korea's position.
I suppose this is the downside of trying to take the easy way out.
Still, compared to the benefits, it was a minor inconvenience.
She would just play along, squeeze whatever benefits she could out of them, and then enjoy a peaceful, healing life.
Having sorted out her thoughts, Ari pointed to the entrance of the isolation room, prompting the still-dazed staff member.
He scrambled to open the door for her.
Ari scanned the interior and spoke.
"Oh. This lodging is actually quite nice."
"I-I'm glad you like it."
"I guess the monsters were kept here to guard the building?"
"Spot on! Haha, you're very sharp."
The staff member wiped the sweat trickling down his temple with his sleeve.
His cheek muscles twitched from forcing a smile.
Paying him no mind, Ari strolled over to one of the walls.
Feeling their eyes on the back of her head, she tapped the wall. *Tap, tap.* As if testing its strength.
She clenched and unclenched her fist a few times before turning back around.
Looking at the frozen staff member and Han Jihyun, she smiled.
"The building is very sturdy. Thank you for providing such a nice place to stay."
"Y-yes! Please make yourself at home. I'll show you the call button, so feel free to call us whenever you need anything."
"Okay, I will."
Ari nodded slightly.
Thinking the ordeal was finally over, the staff member and Jihyun turned to leave the isolation room.
"Ah, and one more thing."
Ari's final words froze them in their tracks.
"I want to go sightseeing in the city tomorrow."
"!!!!"
A request that was practically a bomb dropped right on them!
For a split second, both of them failed to control their expressions, but fortunately, their backs were turned, so she couldn't see.
Quickly composing themselves, they turned back and nodded.
Soon after, the late-night snack was delivered, leaving Ari alone in the isolation room.
Setting the chicken on the table, she sat down and began to happily munch away.
Ari looked around the room blankly as she chewed.
This place... might actually be better than I thought.
The furniture and appliances all smelled brand new.
Everything she could possibly need was provided, and the quality wasn't bad either.
On top of that, she could press the call button to order people around whenever she wanted. For free.
"Hmm..."
Ari stroked her lips, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, in the briefing room where the report had just been received...
"W-what did you say?!"
"She wants to go sightseeing in the city?!"
"Sigh... This is driving me insane."
The atmosphere, which had barely managed to settle down, was instantly thrown into utter chaos once again.