Chapter 19: The Bureau's Shameless Proposal
The post was quite long, written in a neat and formal style. Half of its content matched what Yul had expected, while the other half was surprisingly different.
"...So they approached that guild first with the proposal, huh."
The Blind Sovereign of the Sky wonders why they were left unscathed after refusing such a demand.
The guild leader who wrote it claimed that the Hunter Management Bureau had approached her first, proposing she act as a "witness to the return of the No. 1 ranked hunter." The rewards wouldn't be stingy, and it reeked of a request to cooperate for the nation's benefit. After all, they couldn't just order hunters around with ordinary laws, so they were trying to coax her nicely.
...I refused the proposal. But shamefully, I lacked the courage to expose it beforehand.
Yul gave high marks to that part.
'Exposing it back then might not have gotten as big a reaction as now anyway. Just refusing was impressive enough.'
Either way, it was a deal where the one accepting stood to gain in every way.
Only now do I feel ashamed for revealing the truth. Additionally, regarding the authenticity of yesterday's gate impersonation by "SeatKiller," it would be best if the hunter herself speaks on it, so I'll hold my tongue. Thank you for reading this long post.
The post ended politely, but the comments section below was exploding. Refreshing felt scary with how fast they were piling up in real time. Yul inwardly flinched.
└22 Yeah, total national embarrassment ffs...
└Emigration's a bit much, but I can't even argue against it lol
└Never pegged the Bureau Chief for that. Total letdown. Human trash?
└Yeah, already articles abroad: "National Prestige Play: No.1 Rank (E-seonjwa-KillGuy)'s Response?" Something like that.
└lololololol national embarrassment of the century ffs lmao
└Whoa, possible?
└But she's not Bureau-affiliated... Could they interfere before?
└After this mess, who knows what went down;
Yul felt a pang of conscience at the last comment. No, that wasn't it...
'How am I supposed to say it was because of my fangirling.'
A press conference was the obvious next step. Questions about why she'd gone dark all this time were inevitable...!
Cold sweat beaded on her skin. Her nickname already screamed fangirl from a mile away—she absolutely couldn't admit it. "E-seonjwa (Reserved Seat)" was a term any ticketing vet or celeb stan would know, and speculations were already swirling.
Is the No. 1 rank an idol stan?? That's a real reaction! Who could it be?!
...Stuff like that.
The Blind Sovereign of the Sky finds the lowly ones' outrage amusing yet quite satisfying, chuckling contentedly.
And rates that lowly writer who posted it as not half bad.
"Ah."
Yul shook her head and snapped back to reality. The post had started by revealing the author's identity right away. Top-tier hunters all had their real names and info public anyway—that showed sincerity.
Yul stared at the still-glowing screen.
'...Posting on the public board instead of the hunter channel must be for openness too.'
Hunter Channel. Part of the System handling constellation contracts and links—a communication hub exclusive to hunters, with private and group chats. Now app-accessible on devices thanks to tech, but Yul had tossed hers somewhere after going dark. She'd never logged in even during her active days.
No response no matter how they called, so once, they'd swarmed the board where she'd left exactly one comment yelling, "Does No. 1 not communicate with hunters at all?!" It was public knowledge among them by now.
So, probably one main reason.
"They wanted me to see it, right?"
The Blind Sovereign of the Sky nods—seems like it.
Wonders if she wanted leniency by pre-writing an apology letter.
"Feels more like laying out the full story than an apology."
Yul propped her chin and hummed. Yu-na. Real name Lee Yu-na. Definitely the one from the dungeon last time.
"W-wait a sec. Sorry, but I have to say something..."
'So that's what it was.'
Should've stuck around to hear her out. Yul scratched her head. No use dwelling now. She tossed her phone on the bed and stretched.
"Anyway, I asked Ryu Shin for the guild building address, so I'll drop by hers later too."
The Blind Sovereign of the Sky asks what you'll do when you meet her.
"Dunno. Something..."
Yul shrugged.
Maybe hand over "SeatKiller" usage rights.
* * *
Behind his sunglasses, Ryu Shin-ah's golden eyes widened barely visibly.
"For real? I knew that guild volunteered, but you actually met them?"
"Yeah."
"But why didn't you tell me?!"
"No need. You dig up everything anyway, even without me saying."
"True, but... General, that's cold!"
"Yup. Cold."
Yul twirled her half-empty beer can lightly as she shot back. Ryu Shin-ah muttered gravely.
"We been friends too long...? General, don't you think you're treating me too casually?"
"Make other friends. Who's stopping you? You're the shut-in who can't."
"You got no friends either, General."
"Shut up. Neither do you."
Damn. Can't argue. They both thought simultaneously.
The pointless rivalry ended in a draw, leaving only wounds. Their social circles weren't wide. They had acquaintances, but deep enough to bare their souls? Pretty much just each other. Attacking with "no friends" was like mutually punching in the face—friendly fire.
Ryu Shin-ah broke the silence.
"Anyway. What're you gonna do when you visit them? I can guess roughly."
"No idea. Haven't thought about it."
"Figures."
"Honestly, not that interested in that Gu Se-ji guild master. Bureau Chief just needs a vague statement on my position. Main target's..."
Yul set her beer can on the sand.
"That illusion hunter."
"Ah. The impersonator punk?"
"Yeah. Got stuff to say to him."
"Hmm..."
Ryu Shin-ah hummed, pushing up his sunglasses and tilting his head.
Do whatever, General. It's your mess anyway.
The Blind Sovereign of the Sky laughs, suggesting you grab that lowly one and execute him gruesomely.
The constellation, silent during their chat, chimed in with an idea.
"Let's head in. Ryu Shin."
"Roger, General."
Yul grabbed her nearly empty can and stood. Ryu Shin-ah followed, brushing sand off his pants. The surroundings had darkened further. The fireworks and laughter were gone. Just the black sea and black sky.
Whoosh... Waves crashed on the shore.
Ryu Shin-ah pulled down his sunglasses and mask.
"Kinda get why your mom moved here."
"...Me too."
Yul replied. Staring at it cleared the mind. Her mom must feel the same.
"Good place to forget Dad."
In a way.
Yul slowly closed and opened her eyes. Hands in her hoodie pockets, she gazed endlessly at the sea. Ryu Shin-ah glanced at her. He and the constellation stayed silent, but...
"...You're living flashy as hell, General."
Yul knew what they meant. She just chuckled lightly and shrugged.
NEET life is the best. What a fabulous existence.
"But that's ending now...!"
The Blind Sovereign of the Sky shakes a fan placard and glowstick, declaring No.1 Royal Fan is always by our Yul's side.
"Thanks, Star-nim."
Yul giggled and nudged Ryu Shin-ah's shoulder.
Let's go in.
Ryu Shin-ah grinned.
"Race to who goes in first? One, twwo...! Gah...!"
"Shoulda just yelled 'one' and bolted."
He'd started at "two," but couldn't beat Yul. She overtook him with a cold smirk.
"Hey, General!!"
"Idiot."
And above them, peering down from the sky.
Crackle— A black rift invisible to the naked eye tore open.