B-Rank Hunter (2)
Silver and Jade Co. Gangdong Branch.
"Alright, headcount check. Everyone line up in two rows."
The third-year students from Gangdong Hunter High School, out for a rare outdoor training session, were just preparing for their dismissal assembly at the company.
"Hey, wanna swing by a café on the way home today?"
"Which one? If it's the one by the station, sure. Their croffles are the best."
"Then let's go. Heeyoung's coming too."
"That café's great 'cause the part-time guy's hot."
"For real lol. Ahh, I wanna have sex."
"Don't yell it, you idiot."
"Hey, cut the dirty talk."
As with any field trip, high schoolers in unfamiliar settings tended to loosen up fast. Even in the controlled environment of a classroom, it was hard to rein in teenagers at their peak energy—let alone out here. And for seniors on the cusp of graduation? Forget it.
Na Mi-yeon, the supervising teacher from Hunter High School, wasn't expecting much. She was just relieved no one had gotten hurt during the practical training. Most of these kids would be D-rank hunters by this time next year, joining companies. Getting injured by unranked monsters would be the real anomaly.
Some had chosen careers outside hunting, skipping the training altogether. But most here would officially become D-rank hunters at Silver and Jade Co. in about three months. A few prodigies had already been scouted by foundations with sweet deals, but overall, this class had a solid graduation rate.
"Good work on today's training. Head straight home—no detours or distractions."
"...Yes, ma'am~."
"Anybody who wants extra training, stick around. We've got about two more hours."
"......"
"Look at them, going dead silent only when it suits them."
Giggles rippled through the group, but Na Mi-yeon ended the assembly without a fuss. She hadn't really expected anyone to volunteer for makeup lessons anyway.
As she turned to head back to school after sending the kids off, a voice called from behind.
"Teacher Mi-yeon!"
She turned at the familiar, bubbly tone—one any Hunter High teacher would recognize.
"Hey, Jina. What's up?"
"Seona and I wanna do extra training. Where should we go?"
"...You two? For real?"
"Yep!"
Na Mi-yeon blinked in surprise at Han Jina's enthusiastic reply and Han Seona's nod beside her.
"You've both been so diligent lately. Even showing up for night sessions."
"Yeah! Graduation's right around the corner, so we're grinding hard before joining the company!"
"We need to be ready to take down D-rank monsters ASAP."
The Han twins from Hunter High. They'd been average students up to now, nothing standout. But lately, they'd shown a fierce drive toward something. Animal awakeners usually hit clear growth ceilings and coasted comfortably—but these two were bucking the trend. For seniors, sure, but the sudden fire in their eyes caught her off guard.
Come to think of it, their older sister is Han Mina.
Han Mina, an animal awakener who'd climbed to A-rank through sheer ingenuity and grit. These girls had flown under the radar, but blood ran true, it seemed.
"Alright. Since you're aiming for D-rank monsters, I'll let you experience a D-rank dungeon today—as a special treat."
"Sweet!"
"Is that okay?"
"If it gets too dicey or too many monsters show, I'll handle it. You two just focus on fighting D-rankers."
"Got it!"
"Thank you, Teacher Na Mi-yeon."
Let the unmotivated slide, but guide the eager ones with everything you've got. That was Na Mi-yeon's teaching philosophy.
"D-rank... Ten D-rank monsters..."
"...I hope the day comes soon when Oppa Taekyung recognizes us as real hunters."
She couldn't have imagined the dark desire fueling their sudden ambition.
⁎ ⁎ ⁎
After warming up, testing skills, and hunting at the Association, it was past 4 p.m. when I stepped outside. The early dusk hit home—days shortening, year-end approaching.
It got me reflecting on my accomplishments this year.
Up to February, I'd haunted my old school daily, desperate for awakening. March through June? Three months holed up at home, dead inside.
Now, end of the year, I was a B-rank hunter—prepped to transfer to a company guild. Massive growth in half a year, even by my standards.
The transfer wasn't locked in yet, but even if it fell through, no biggie. I'd outgrown my stagnant past self beyond doubt. I could keep climbing solo if needed.
Companies were just a stepping stone to my real goal anyway. Faster on the planned path, or a detour? That was the diff.
Right now, though, I desperately wanted in—for personal reasons.
Three women I'd slept with were company hunters: Kang Hyeun, Cha Yuri, Han Mina. All in Sky Blue Shield, Hyeun's party. So my target was clear: join them.
Quick promotions and hiding my male identity meant solo raids so far. But hunting's thrill was partying up, synergizing to topple bosses.
That seaside villa Kraken hunt with Sihee and Eunbyeol? I'd pass on repeating it, but the rush was real.
So yeah, I wanted into the company ASAP, full focus on Sky Blue Shield. With Hyeun, Yuri, and Mina, no rejection over being a guy.
Cheon Jihee was the wildcard—I'd never met her. But with three yeses, she'd probably roll with it.
...Worst case, charm offensive. Last resort, though—no seducing in front of Hyeun or the others.
All assuming the transfer panned out. I'd need Eunyoung noona's help big-time. Han Mina's recommendation alone wouldn't turn "Association hunter Kim Sungcheol" into "company hunter Sung Taekyung."
Perfect timing anyway—I had to tell her and Hyeun about my B-rank promo. Called for a promo-celebration dinner.
A few rings, then her voice.
"Yeah, son? What's up?"
"Noona, free for dinner tonight?"
"...D-dinner?"
Her voice spiked with blatant fluster over the line.
"Noona?"
"Oh, uh, yeah, I am... but..."
"But?"
"Sh-shouldn't you check with Hyeun first, not this ajumma? You two were busy lately and missed each other."
Ah, she'd jumped to conclusions. Fair—our recent meetups usually ended in bed, process be damned.
"Nah, not what I meant."
"Oh, r-really?! Heh, this ajumma's such a worrywart..."
"Got some good news to celebrate. Dinner at your place if you're free? Hyeun too, obviously."
"R-really?! Haha, ha..."
"Grabbing booze and snacks on the way—cool?"
"Of c-course! I'll prep dinner too, so take your time, son~."
"Sure~."
Who'da thought "dinner?" would short-circuit her straight to sex. She hid it well, but Eunyoung noona's mind was wired that way for me now.
"...It's been a while, so that should be fine."
Plan was promo drinks with Hyeun and noona, scout company transfer while keeping Association history. But I knew it wouldn't end there.