Hunter's Duties (1)
Clack, clack—the sharp sound of heels echoed through the silent fifth basement floor corridor. Under the dim lighting, the silhouette that emerged was the Flame Witch, Yeom Hwa-rin. The fact that she carried that staff so openly meant she had no intention of hiding who she was.
She spoke first.
"You're Sia Seong the hunter, right?"
It wasn't the crisp, sharp tone I'd heard on TV news from her trial.
"That's right. Nice to meet you!"
Unlike her nickname of "Queen," she acted surprisingly friendly. Of all the times to run into her, why did it have to be when I looked like such a mess...? Even if the clinic's image had improved, I didn't want to bump into anyone here. Unlike her, cloaked in that robe, I was just in a thin dress, so there was no hiding who I was. And meeting her when I wasn't feeling great? Not exactly welcome.
Because our values clashed completely.
Yeom Hwa-rin treated lower-ranked hunters like slaves, and if they so much as displeased her, she'd hurl fireballs while sneering, "How dare trash like you upset the Queen?" She was an arrogant tyrant with no regard for others. That's all in the past now, thanks to the "Gangwon-do Taebaek Operation" incident she led.
The gate clear went fine, but her core went berserk from mana overuse. The explosion changed the landscape around Taebaek and caused countless casualties, landing her in court. Her infamous line—"While you were all posturing here, your Queen was saving the world. Cross me, and I'll blow up the courthouse"—became legend. Everyone expected her license to be revoked, but...
The government and Hunter Association negotiated, slapping her with a "public hunter" leash to close the case. They couldn't afford to lose an S-rank, and it was ruled unintentional. Around then, a special law passed in Congress, splitting off the Disaster Safety Management Bureau—which handled gates—into a new government agency: the Hunter Administration.
Yeom Hwa-rin became Public Hunter No. 1 under them, laying low until the scandal faded, then resurfacing. Her ranking had plummeted outside the top 200, but she was clawing back into the top 30 with insane momentum.
Running into her in a private space like this? Not thrilled.
"Yes, that's me. And you're Yeom Hwa-rin, the Flame Witch, right?"
"You know me."
"Of course."
A smirk crept up under her robe. Her gaze lingered on my neckline far too long. I instinctively covered it with my hand.
"Even the invincible Sword Princess... hm, I see."
"What do you see?"
"So prickly. Why act like that with fellow pros?"
She flipped back her robe.
Her eyes and hair gleamed like rubies—probably an awakening trait. No panties, though?
"I'm here for my regular checkup with Master."
"Your... Master?"
She looked at me like I'd said something absurd.
"What? Don't tell me you're... that would be a problem."
Yeom Hwa-rin fiddled with her necklace. "Problem" probably meant she was conscious of the therapy stigma. But I had nothing to hide.
"I believe mental health is as crucial as physical. I'll be going now."
"Aw, don't be like that, sweetie. You'll hurt my feelings."
She stepped closer. Her perfume—night-blooming flowers—was so thick it stung my nose, oddly addictive. I almost asked what brand, but held back.
Swoosh—her hand brushed toward my dress hem. My reflexes snapped it away lightly.
"Ow, that hurts."
"To be frank, you're being rude. Casual talk on first meeting? I heard you'd mellowed out since before, but apparently not."
Sniff, sniff—she ignored me and smelled me instead.
"Hm... I get it. Master's twisted bad taste. Must be rough. Or still is?"
"I have no idea what you mean."
"So cold, just like the rumors. Come on, sweetie, how much older are we? Call me sis. You're basically my junior anyway."
"Awakening first doesn't make you my senior."
"Not what I meant. Tricky. Guess I'll have to ask."
"Aren't you here for treatment? I'm not feeling well."
"Fine. But I'm curious—mind if I ask what's in your bag?"
I pulled my duffel behind me. Even a "what's in my bag" video would be fine—nothing embarrassing—but still rude.
"No obligation to show. Step aside, please."
"Oh no~ Scary. Sword Princess really is sharp as her blade, huh? Not even a shred of respect for your senior. Adorable."
Whoosh—heat shimmered around her, my skin prickling hot.
"If you want respect as a senior, act like one. Neither of us wants trouble... but if you insist."
She quelled the flames and elegantly stepped aside.
"Yes, yes, go ahead, Sword Princess."
I brushed past.
"We might see each other at Artemis soon?"
Artemis? First I'd heard of it. A gate zone?
"We probably won't meet again. Different territories."
"We'll see~ Looking forward to it! Let's get along then."
She flashed a meaningful smile and passed by, opening the lab door.
"Master~! Hwa-rin's here~♡ Your little kitten burned up all those monsters so prettily today! You'll praise me, right?"
She cooed shamelessly, all coquettish and clingy—nothing like the woman who'd just talked to me. Whoa... are they that kind of couple? Huge scandal. Lovers? Unexpected pairing. Plain guy and hot girl? Or maybe reverse—night and day.
Blatantly announcing it loud enough for me to hear, like it was nothing... I'd never even had a proper relationship with a guy, so my cheeks burned with embarrassment.
Whatever, none of my business.
I swiped my card and took the elevator. The mirror showed my ears red. Like telling yourself not to think of an elephant—it spiraled.
Queen and doctor couple? And Dr. Lee... probably couldn't satisfy her with a small dick...
Wait, Sia Seong, what fantasy is this? Even if he pops up in dreams sometimes...
Still, picturing kind, gentle Dr. Lee—who counsels sweetly from his desk—with a burly man's cock? Weird. What's dating like? Kinda curious now. Rolling in a luxury hotel suite bed with him? He'd probably play soft classical and whisper sweet nothings. Hug her tight, stroke her hair. Maybe give a TED Talk on love.
Pfft, no way. But... with Dr. Lee? Maybe. He stayed late giving sincere advice when I was suffering.
Silly fantasies made me smile involuntarily. But my chest ached faintly. I thought it was just shyness... she has a girlfriend. A sexy one, even by girl standards. Sigh...
"Crazy. Crazy."
I lightly slapped my cheeks, deep-breathing to calm down.
Thud, thud—I hurried through B3 parking, then took the elevator back to the Association annex first floor. Tedious, but it protected hunter privacy.
When my heart's this messy, low gates for mindless stress relief are best. Nah, masturbate it out?
I trudged home.
The next day, in the guild master's office of Baekya Guild, one of Korea's Big Four.
I stood before Kang Jin-woo. Beastly muscles, brain-of-muscle looks—but a rare strategic fighter type.
My first impression: "It's not skill, it's spirit that matters!" obliterating monsters. Even with Sword Saint's Blessing, I was wallowing in self-pity; his vigor seemed humanly cool. Later learned it was an anime quote—disappointing. He insisted I watch, but it killed my interest more.
Anyway, unlike me, he's well-liked, runs things smoothly. Playful, but manly.
"So you went radio silent, vanished for a personal quest? The great Sia Seong? Je-ha-ha-ha!"
"Yes. Sorry, Guild Master. Won't happen again. Apologies for troubling the guild."
No need to lie—I did do a personal quest. Matched witness statements from Yumi, Cheol-ho oppa, and Hyun-woo.
"Not here to scold. No harm done. Happens. Won't pry since you're always meticulous."
"Thank you."
"Speaking of—that necklace a quest reward?"
"No relation."
This choker? No clue how I got it. Tried removing it—too comfy, stabilizing. Didn't want to.
He paused.
"...Ultra-rare unique item then?"
"I said no."
"Ahem... got it. Hey, where's that sword you always wore? You treasured it."
"Griffon... uh, for repairs."
"Sia Seong struggled so much on a quest she needs sword repairs? What happened! Je-ha-ha-ha!"
"...?"
"Guild Master, is that frivolous laugh meant to amuse me?"
"I said you gotta watch One Piece."
"Pass."
"Fine, make it guild rule: mandatory viewing."
"Refuse. Too childish."
"Haha, glad you're back safe."
"Thanks for lightening the mood."
"Come on, if you know, drop the stiff face and smile."
"Not easy."
What can you do? I loathe men. He avoids "Sword Princess" out of consideration, notices my hidden necklace—thoughtful. But instinct wins. No private harassment, yet... Therapy hasn't helped. Dr. Lee alone is exception—maybe sharing deep psyche?
Yeom Hwa-rin. Why her now? Pisses me off.
"Tch..."
"So, Sia. How about vice guild master?"
"Me?"
"You always refuse, but Sword Princess fame is huge. No better fit. We balance like carrot and stick. Good cop bad cop—you're good."
Sword Princess. Yeom Hwa-rin. Annoying. Stick... good match... man-woman. Dr...
Unstable Synchronization
"That mean become your woman, Guild Master? Right now... I can... do it for you..."
"Uh, yeah... what? What'd you say?"
Like my mouth pussy? My fellatio level's high, confident♡ Or pussy like other guys?♡ Or underdeveloped anal? Dirty butthole, if you don't mind... Any hole open 24/7♡ Not Sword Saint, meat toilet♡♡♡
Progress: 90%
"Sia? You okay? Seem spaced out today."
"Pardon? What?"
"Asked you to be vice guild master."
"I'll consider carefully."
"Uh... yeah. Tired from quest. Go rest."
"Excuse me."
Heading out, he scratched his head.
"Did I hear wrong? Something about a woman..."
"Unni!"
Yumi in the hall hugged me tearfully.
"Thought something happened! No calls, no texts!"
Short Yumi buried her face in my chest.
Warmth—
"Whoa... jealous."
"If only I were born a girl..."
I glared at passing guildmates.
"Sorry."
Perverted guys. That's how it looks?
"Sorry, Yumi. Worried you?"
"Yeah! Said personal quest... then ghosted. Scary, unni."
One year younger, pure-hearted. Calmed her on dawn call home... Just 20, fragile like me last year.
"Yumi... never mind."
"Why stop mid-sentence?"
Recommend mental clinic? Nah, not sick.
"Wanna get cake? My treat."
"Yay! You know I looove you tons, unni?"
"Someone'll misunderstand..."
"Say you love me or no letting go."
Adorable...
"Okay, unni loves Yumi toooo much."
"Kyaa! What do you love about me?"
"Sweet, cute."
"I love unni's big boobs!"
Murmurs—
"Mmph!"
I covered her mouth, fleeing.
Instagram-famous dessert cafe near guild.
"Sword Princess? Honor!"
Owner recognized me, offered freebies. Refused, but signed for her pleading.
Too much for two women, though.
Yumi pointed at blueberry cake.
"Try this, unni. Delicious."
I sipped cafe latte.
"Eat up."
"Home-roasted? Coffee's good."
"Yeah."
"Not your fave?"
Signaled closer, whispered.
"Milk's not premium."
"Spoiled?"
"No, just... not creamy..."
"Creamy milk means spoiled. Service? Don't drink—I'll swap."
"No, lacks creaminess."
"Like whipped cream?"
Sticky, jelly-like milk... perfect thickness. Tongue remembers, name doesn't.
"Anyway, Yumi—alone fine, but guildmates around..."
"Got it. Won't anymore."
I forked blueberry cake.
"Said yummy. Ah~"
"Ah~"
"Good girl."
"Melts 'cause unni feeds."
"Slow down."
Bzzz—phone vibrated.
Hello! Heard you're back. Sorry. Actually, I...]
Brick-wall text, endless apology. What? Total loner vibe—can't contain emotions, pours out. Pathetic solo-crush-to-breakup hero arc. Worried if he upset the hunter... Lame.
"Sigh..."
"Unni sighing?"
Dr. Lee's brother... he said watch him...
"Sorry, Yumi. Gotta go."
"Suddenly? Call? Gate in Seoul?"
"Nah. Later."
She grabbed my wrist.
"Wait! Suspicious."
"Why?"
"Face tomato-red? Pale skin, light makeup—shows everything."
"...Me?"