Chapter 20 - Debut (2)
Debut (2)
Byeon Ha-neul was a reporter for a small media outlet.
Recently, however, she had heard an intriguing piece of news.
‘…An F-rank Hunter stopped a villain that appeared in Yeongdeungpo?’
Byeon Ha-neul immediately began investigating.
As she dug deeper, that wasn’t the only news related to the Hunter in question.
A dungeon outbreak that occurred in Bukhansan.
Handled alone.
Passing the Hunter exam as the top scorer with outstanding performance.
And on top of that—
‘He even joined the Villain Response Department as a mercenary…’
An unusual trajectory.
All the more so considering he was only F-rank.
The detailed exam results hadn’t been disclosed yet, and since he was affiliated with the Association, guilds seemed unable to approach him directly…
Still, judging from what she heard, there were quite a few guilds and agencies eager to recruit Lee Jeon-seok.
But there was something strange.
Despite his rising fame, there wasn’t a single interview.
Curious about this, she asked a senior reporter.
“Lee Jeon-seok? Ah, that Hunter.”
The senior let out a long sigh and shook his head.
“The Association’s blocking all interviews.”
Judging by his expression, the frustration was obvious.
He’d probably gone to the Association himself and gotten kicked out.
Of course—
‘So no one’s managed to get an interview yet?’
Instead of being discouraged, Byeon Ha-neul felt even more intrigued.
No one knew anything about Lee Jeon-seok yet.
If she managed to land an interview in that situation—
‘A scoop!’
She’d earn praise from her senior, and upper management might even consider promoting her.
Even if not, there would surely be some kind of reward.
‘Let’s go.’
After that—
Byeon Ha-neul moved quickly.
She went to Bukhansan and Yeongdeungpo.
She visited the Association and, like her senior and other reporters, was chased out.
Still, Byeon Ha-neul didn’t give up.
Passion.
Effort.
Perseverance.
Those were the only things that had gotten her into a newsroom as a reporter in the first place.
She visited the Association several times a day and recorded witness testimonies while roaming Bukhansan and Yeongdeungpo.
Several days passed like that.
“Ughhhh…”
Byeon Ha-neul collapsed onto a park bench.
She wiped the sweat off her face with a handkerchief.
Then she pulled out a notebook from her bag and opened it.
The pages were densely filled with writing.
Stories about Lee Jeon-seok, gathered from multiple witnesses.
━ He was scary.
━ His eyes were kind of… I know you shouldn’t judge by appearances, but it really sent chills down my spine.
━ His looks and outfit? Um… he was taller than I expected, and his hair was kind of long—almost like a woman’s. And somehow, his face suited that hair? Anyway, surprisingly handsome.
These were statements from survivors of the dungeon outbreak in Bukhansan.
Meanwhile, testimonies from Yeongdeungpo had a slightly different tone.
━ The way he fought was beautiful. Like he was dancing.
━ If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here right now… Ah, is this going in an article? Then could you include that I’m grateful he saved me?
━ A hero? Of course he’s a hero! If it weren’t for him, more than half the people there would’ve died!
Nothing but praise.
Lastly, Byeon Ha-neul sought out people who had taken the Hunter exam with him.
━ He felt like a completely different kind of person.
━ It was chilling. He was so strong it made jealousy impossible—and scary, too.
After compiling all the opinions in her notebook, Byeon Ha-neul reached a conclusion about Lee Jeon-seok.
‘A supernova.’
A rare genius who appears once in a great while.
She didn’t know much about his personality, but—
Talent and luck.
A Hunter supported by both.
In cases like that, most people quickly rose to A-rank or even S-rank.
By then, getting an interview would be even harder.
But…
‘I can’t even meet Hunter Lee Jeon-seok himself.’
Where did he live?
She didn’t know.
She didn’t know where he usually went, either.
The Association remained completely silent.
Witnesses had only seen him briefly and had no contact information.
Of course, what she had gathered so far was already enough for an article—
‘But those are everywhere already.’
[The Feats of an F-rank! Listening to Witness Testimonies.]
An article with a title like that had just been posted.
It contained content similar to what she’d discovered.
This would never be a scoop.
Perhaps that was why—
Byeon Ha-neul let out yet another sigh.
That was when—
A man exited the item shop across from her.
Byeon Ha-neul looked at him instinctively.
Coincidence?
Or fate?
Messy hair.
Chilling eyes.
An appearance that somehow covered all of it.
‘Nah, no way.’
She tried to look away, but—
‘Still… just in case.’
In the end, she couldn’t suppress her curiosity.
All her previous struggles clouded her judgment.
“Excuse me—are you Hunter Lee Jeon-seok?”
Byeon Ha-neul approached the man and asked.
If she was right, it was huge.
If she was wrong, she could just apologize for the mistake.
Soon, the man opened his mouth.
※ ※ ※
On his way home—
A man suddenly approached.
“…Yes?”
When Lee Jeon-seok nodded belatedly—
“…Ah!”
The man—Byeon Ha-neul—asked with sparkling eyes.
“Th-then, would it be possible to have a short interview? Just a few minutes! I’ll guarantee anonymity, of course!”
She looked extremely excited.
Judging by her words and behavior, she was clearly a reporter.
Kim Baek-dong had said he was blocking all reporters, but coincidences like this couldn’t be avoided.
An interview.
Honestly, he had no interest.
What was the point?
Lee Jeon-seok was about to refuse—
But before he could—
“Since you awakened not long ago, how were you able to step forward so readily in the Yeongdeungpo incident?! Weren’t you scared?!”
Byeon Ha-neul shoved her face closer.
She was clearly overexcited.
“Hmm…”
Lee Jeon-seok hesitated.
Should he answer?
If he didn’t—
That might cause problems in its own way.
Reporters often wrote articles however they wanted.
And she was even offering anonymity…
So Lee Jeon-seok decided to answer briefly and leave.
“I just did what I had to do.”
“I see! You simply did what a Hunter must do…”
Scratch, scratch—
Byeon Ha-neul enthusiastically wrote in her notebook.
She asked a few more questions after that.
Lee Jeon-seok answered shortly, avoiding anything that could identify him.
Then—
“Thank you!”
Only after five minutes did he finally escape the reporter.
Continuing on his way—
He was about to head straight home, but—
‘Oh right. I need to buy a suit.’
A lie he’d told his parents suddenly came to mind.
He’d said he got a clerical job at the Association…
Showing up to work in a white T-shirt and jeans would definitely seem strange.
Left with no choice, Lee Jeon-seok changed direction and bought a gray suit that would go well with a black coat.
When he got home, Han Yuri was just setting the table.
“You’re back?”
“Yes.”
“Wash your hands and sit down.”
He did as she said and sat at the table.
But there were only two sets of dishes and utensils.
“Where are Dad and Ji-hye?”
“Your dad’s at a company dinner, and Ji-hye’s eating with friends.”
Han Yuri spoke as she laid out the side dishes.
Lee Jeon-seok waited until she sat down.
“Go ahead and eat.”
“I’ll eat with you, Mom.”
“Oh, you…”
Ho ho—
Han Yuri smiled, clearly pleased.
Lee Jeon-seok smiled faintly as well.
It was nice.
This kind of ordinary daily life.
Happiness he never had before—and could never even hope for.
Which made him want to protect it even more.
A resolve made countless times before.
No matter how often he repeated it, it wasn’t enough.
“Thank you for the meal.”
Only after Han Yuri sat down did Lee Jeon-seok finally pick up his chopsticks.
※ ※ ※
“……”
Lee Jeon-seok sat blankly at his desk.
Then suddenly—
Shrrk—
He opened the window to air out the room.
The sky showed the first signs of dawn.
‘Six already?’
He’d been sitting there meditating, and morning had come before he knew it.
He hadn’t slept at all, yet he didn’t feel particularly tired.
Because of the Mark of Eternity.
His mind didn’t wear down, nor did it feel fatigue.
So there was no real need to sleep.
No—
More accurately, he couldn’t sleep.
On the first day after regressing, he lay in bed trying to fall asleep, but stayed up all night.
That was when he realized the Mark of Eternity had stolen his sleep.
He didn’t feel despair.
So what if he couldn’t sleep?
It wasn’t like insomnia that left him exhausted.
The only issue was boredom.
So at night, he usually meditated in his room.
And now, early morning—
He decided to try something different.
He turned on the old computer he hadn’t touched in ages.
Wooooong—
It powered on with a noise reminiscent of a jet engine.
Lee Jeon-seok opened an internet portal site.
Then—
‘…A small hero of F-rank?’
An embarrassing headline caught his eye.
Bukhansan.
Yeongdeungpo.
A hero who saved citizens from two disasters.
A Hunter who passed the exam with outstanding skill.
The article referred to him as “Mr. Lee,” without a full name…
But it was obvious.
It was about Lee Jeon-seok.
[F-rank Hunter Mr. Lee explained the Yeongdeungpo incident by saying, ‘I simply did what needed to be done.’ In an age where Hunters increasingly pursue only personal gain, isn’t a Hunter who doesn’t even spare himself for others a true hero?]
The interview from yesterday had been published verbatim.
The comments were something else.
━
└ Wow… stepping in as F-rank couldn’t have been easy.
└ Seriously.
└ These days, Hunters only care about money and fame. Some won’t even clear dungeons if the pay’s a bit low.
└ Hunter-dragon people lol
└ Hunter-dragon my ass. They don’t even deserve to be called Hunters. This guy’s the real deal—a hero.
━
Nothing but praise.
Of course, there were some hateful comments—
But public reaction to them was ice-cold.
━
└ What nerve does an F-rank have to step in? There were Overseers on site—he should’ve stayed out of the way.
└ He said he did what had to be done. Hunters are supposed to protect civilians.
└ People praising him still aren’t enough, and you’re lecturing?
└ Why don’t you just rot at home forever?
━
It was only natural.
As mentioned in the article and comments—
Most Hunters these days chased money and fame.
They didn’t save people they could save.
They ignored collateral damage.
Because it didn’t pay, and there was no recognition.
They acted like nobles.
In that situation, a Hunter who saved civilians out of altruism was bound to be welcomed.
If something went wrong—
That Hunter might be the one who saved them.
‘More than I expected…’
Curious because of what Kim Baek-dong had said, he looked it up—and there were more articles about him than he’d thought.
Some had even made it onto TV news.
They all called him the same thing.
A hero who protected citizens from monsters.
No matter how many times he heard it, he couldn’t get used to it.
A hero…
Still, it wasn’t bad.
‘About time.’
Before he knew it, it was past seven.
Lee Jeon-seok washed up, ate a quick breakfast, and got ready for work.
He put on the suit he’d bought yesterday and draped the Concealer’s Coat over it.
Then he wore his necklace and ring.
Since the Association was essentially a corporation for Hunters, they didn’t strictly regulate attire or accessories influenced by items.
After that—
“I’m heading out.”
He greeted his parents, who had just woken up, and left the house.
※ ※ ※
Step—step—
Lee Jeon-seok walked alone through the quiet Association building.
He took the elevator up.
‘Was it the 24th floor?’
That’s where the department was.
Soon—
Ding—
He arrived at the 24th floor and stopped in front of a door.
[Villain Response Department]
A sign hung there.
He opened the door.
“Huh?”
A man stood face-to-face with him.
A familiar impression.
Lee Jeon-seok quickly remembered who he was.
‘The one who was with Team Leader Kim Baek-dong.’
Overseers usually operated in pairs.
That applied to Kim Baek-dong as well.
And the man before him was Kim Baek-dong’s partner and subordinate.
He hadn’t seen him in the future.
But he wasn’t completely unfamiliar.
He’d heard about him.
Park Il-woo, age 25.
A-rank Hunter Overseer.
According to Kim Baek-dong, he’d died during an ambush on the Gaebyeok Union.
Seeing someone destined to die soon gave him a strange feeling.
“Oh, you must be the new recruit?”
Park Il-woo extended his hand for a handshake.
“I’ve heard about you. I’m A-rank Overseer Park Il-woo. Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
Lee Jeon-seok shook his hand.
Then—
“Park, Intern.”
A familiar voice.
“Yes, Team Leader!”
Park Il-woo turned as he answered.
Kim Baek-dong was seated deeper inside the office.
He glared sharply at Park Il-woo.
“He may be your junior, but he’s not a full-time employee—he’s a mercenary. Show some respect.”
“Ah, sorry. I got a bit excited…”
Park Il-woo laughed awkwardly.
It was only natural.
A mercenary who’d leave in two months.
Even if he was a junior, it was temporary.
Eventually, they’d be strangers.
Speaking casually right away was rude.
However—
“I’m fine with it.”
Lee Jeon-seok shrugged.
Then—
“If he says he’s fine…”
Park Il-woo glanced nervously at Kim Baek-dong.
“Tsk. Do as you like.”
“Yes, sir!”
Kim Baek-dong shook his head.
He seemed used to this.
Lee Jeon-seok looked at Park Il-woo.
He felt like an unusual person.
Most interns followed their seniors unquestioningly, but Park Il-woo had a lively, distinctive personality.
The fact that he was still here meant he was capable enough.
“Hunter Lee Jeon-seok, have you reviewed the manual we sent in advance?”
Kim Baek-dong asked.
Lee Jeon-seok nodded.
“Yes. I’ve read everything.”
“Then I assume you’re familiar with the basics, but…”
Kim Baek-dong continued.
“Just in case—our department operates in two-person teams. We divide shifts into morning, afternoon, evening, and dawn. Four teams rotate every six hours.”
“I’m on the dawn shift with the Team Leader. It changed recently.”
Park Il-woo added.
Kim Baek-dong continued calmly.
“You’ll mainly be assigned to the morning shift.”
He already knew.
He’d read it in the manual.
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thankfully, it wasn’t long, leaving time for other important matters.
“Your assigned senior officer will be—ah, perfect timing.”
Kim Baek-dong’s gaze shifted toward the entrance.
Lee Jeon-seok turned slightly to make way.
The office door.
Standing there—
A familiar woman.
Snow-white hair and striking beauty.
Kim Baek-dong pointed at her.
“Section Chief Ivanov will be your senior.”
He’d heard this beforehand.
But she clearly hadn’t.
“Team Leader? I—”
“Section Chief Ivanov.”
Kim Baek-dong cut her off.
“You know you can’t keep throwing tantrums like a child forever.”
The atmosphere grew heavy.
“There’s a limit to how much I can accommodate you. I can’t keep someone who’s broken protocol for over two years. You understand what I’m saying, right?”
He spoke gently, but the message was clear.
If things continued like this, she’d be fired.
It was only natural.
Anya Ivanov.
She’d been unable to participate in major operations because she hadn’t formed a team.
For two whole years.
Even Kim Baek-dong had his limits.
“…Understood.”
Anya finally nodded.
Reluctantly, but with no other choice.
Being fired outright wasn’t what she wanted either.
‘As I thought.’
Lee Jeon-seok reached his own conclusion.
‘She must’ve been fired in my previous life.’
Back then, he hadn’t joined as a mercenary, and Anya hadn’t formed a team.
‘So she didn’t die?’
Of course, he couldn’t be sure.
Judging by Kim Baek-dong’s expression, he didn’t want to fire her either.
There was a good chance he’d convinced her to stay somehow.
Then what had happened to Anya in his previous life?
“I’ll head out now.”
After finishing handover, Park Il-woo left.
Kim Baek-dong remained seated, busy with work.
Perhaps something related to the Gaebyeok Union.
“Hunter, please take the seat at the end.”
Kim Baek-dong pointed to an empty desk.
Lee Jeon-seok sat there.
It was directly across from Anya.
An odd tension drifted through the air.
Awkwardness layered upon awkwardness.
Lee Jeon-seok turned his head away.
A yawn escaped him.
‘…Quiet.’
He’d joined the Association—
But there was nothing to do.
That was the nature of mercenaries.
They were treated similarly to full-timers—
But as outsiders, they couldn’t be assigned internal work.
‘That’s why the mercenary system disappeared eventually.’
In the past, manpower shortages made it useful.
The contract pay was generous, so many Hunters joined temporarily.
But that was the past.
Now things were different.
With guilds and agencies proliferating, the talent pool had grown enormously.
In that awkward silence—
“Team Leader.”
“What is it?”
“We’ve received a dispatch request.”
Anya spoke.
“There are two villains holding hostages at a bank in Mapo-gu. They’re demanding a large sum of money and a safe escape route.”
Her tone was serious.
“One is B-rank with the Berserk trait, a former organized crime member released two weeks ago. The other is A-rank—also from the same gang—but we don’t have detailed information…”
She glanced at the wrecked bank interior.
“Our personnel have sustained multiple injuries. Their abilities seem troublesome.”
“I see. We’ll take over from here.”
“Please…”
The exhausted police officer bowed and stepped back.
Lee Jeon-seok and Anya approached the bank.
Crossing the safety line toward the entrance.
“Hunter Lee Jeon-seok. Since you lack experience, you can wait outside.”
Anya spoke considerately.
Lee Jeon-seok was still only F-rank.
She knew he was talented—but sending him against an A-rank already was too soon.
However—
“I’ll handle it today—”
Before she could finish—
“…?”
Lee Jeon-seok vanished.
Not just his body—
Even his presence disappeared completely.
When he reappeared—
Slice—
One of the villains collapsed, his throat severed.