Chapter 13

Chapter 13

“Whoa… Whoa! This is seriously…”

Lee Sehee, who had taken the heart from me as if stealing it, kept bursting out with exclamations of admiration as she looked at it.

Was it really impressive enough to make the general manager of the Shinseong Guild react like that? Honestly, I wasn’t sure.

The reason I could process monster hearts was thanks to a villain called the Heartworker. A former jeweler, the Heartworker had exceptional processing skills and had earned astronomical sums of money through them.

But supplying those items to villain organizations became a problem. Since monster hearts of Level 5 and above were registered under state control, when villains using various stolen goods committed crimes, the Heartworker’s identity surfaced.

The Heartworker, hunted and pursued, taught me the technique and asked for protection. I remember he prided himself until the day he died that his skills were the best in the world.

Anyway, judging by Lee Sehee’s reaction, my skills seemed pretty decent too.

“Whew! Well done. It’s a truly remarkable item. And you want to sell this to me?”

“It’s the express fee for Shinsung Hospital.”

“No! That won’t do! That’s a separate matter. To receive an item like this, I have to pay proper compensation. Needless greed invites trouble.”

“If that’s how you want it.”

“However, all I can tell from my eyes is that it’s a remarkable item—I can’t accurately measure its exact value. I’ll contact you after I’ve completed a precise valuation. Would that be all right?”

“I don’t mind.”

Whatever Lee Sehee was offering to give me was nothing more than extra income. Perhaps displeased with my answer, she furrowed her brow.

“That’s not how you conduct a transaction. Do you know how many swindlers there are in the world? If you’re not careful, you could get badly—”

She trailed off, glancing at my hand.

Did she think I’d smash in the head of anyone who swindled me?

If I were in one of my crazed states, maybe I would have. But with my mind intact, I don’t do that.

Hmm.

Honestly, I’ve never thought about being swindled. I’ve never been swindled either. Is that supposed to feel really bad? I still don’t know.

Regardless of my thoughts, the deal was concluded with Lee Sehee’s cool-headed terms.

“And there’s one thing I’d like to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Don’t tell Dahyun that I came here.”

“…I never intended to from the start. Keeping customer information confidential when it benefits our company is only natural. But.”

Lee Sehee’s eyes turned slightly sulky as she looked at me.

“Seeing how you look after Dahyun like this, I’m a little jealous, you know? I nearly had my head explode.”

“It didn’t explode.”

“Which is why I’m still here breathing.”

“I don’t deal with just anyone. I only deal with people I can trust.”

“That’s quite the compliment.”

Her expression smoothed over in an instant, as if it had never been otherwise. Her ears seemed a little red. Then she glanced at the clock on the wall and asked for my understanding.

“I’m sorry, but I have another appointment.”

“I’ll repay you for the trouble of my sudden visit another time.”

“Yes. I’ll contact you soon.”

I nodded and, with Lee Sehee seeing me off, left the Shinseong Group headquarters.

It was a satisfying transaction.

*

After confirming that Choi Junho had left, Lee Sehee looked at the item in her hand.

The processed monster heart, called a crystal after processing, was a work of art in itself.

“I’m grateful you gave me a treasure, but I do need to figure out where it came from.”

Lee Sehee contacted the research institute affiliated with the Shinseong Guild. A short while later, a plump man in his early fifties arrived at the office.

“Welcome, Director.”

“Yes, Team Leader. What brings me here?”

“There’s an item I’d like you to examine, Director.”

Surprise flickered across the Director’s face when he saw what Lee Sehee held out.

“This is… Where on earth did you obtain this?”

“The source is a secret. How much would you say this item is worth?”

“It’s astonishing. That this form of processing is even possible. It would require an overwhelming amount of Force and control to fully suppress the heart’s Force, along with meticulous precision. And the processing method is completely new.”

“As I thought.”

Lee Sehee, who had already anticipated this, nodded. Choi Junho—what a mysterious person.

“Please confirm exactly which monster that heart belongs to.”

The Director’s eyes demanded more information, but seeing Lee Sehee’s calm gaze, he set aside his greed and bowed his head.

He recalled that behind her incomparably beautiful appearance lurked deadly thorns.

“Understood.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you, Director, and be on my way.”

Lee Sehee prepared for her next appointment.

Today was the day to recruit the new Hunter who would shoulder the Shinseong Guild’s future.

*

Choi Yoonhee, who had passed the practical exam ranked first overall, felt like her current situation was a dream.

The Shinseong Guild.

It was the place she had set her sights on from the moment she first started preparing to become a Hunter. She had confidence in her abilities, but she had fallen short at the final hurdle.

She could have lowered her sights, but each time, she thought of her brother lazing about back home and held firm. She felt that if she lowered her sights too, she would end up like him.

In the end, she had reached this position thanks to the help of the very brother she had sworn not to imitate—but that didn’t matter to her.

The only thing left was the final interview.

Arriving at the interview location, Choi Yoonhee was startled to see Lee Sehee sitting there with an elegant air.

A walking goddess of beauty, the jewel of the Shinseong Group, the brilliant mind of the business world—there were many praises for her looks, but even those couldn’t conceal how outstanding she was as an Awakened.

If Jung Dahyun was someone she saw as a realistic role model, Lee Sehee was someone she admired. Choi Yoonhee clutched her pounding heart and took her seat.

“Welcome. I’m glad to have you at the Shinseong Guild.”

“Th-thank you.”

“Did I make you too nervous? Please, relax. We’re family now, after all. It may be a final interview, but it’s really a place for soon-to-be colleagues to greet each other.”

“Yes. But that’s easier said than done.”

“Then let’s get to know each other step by step. First, I’ll explain the Shinseong Guild’s system to you.”

The Shinseong Guild provides first-year Hunters with an annual salary of 300 million won and vouchers for every company under the Shinseong Group. On top of that, there are incentives based on contributions to monster hunting and priority access to armaments produced by the Shinseong Guild.

This near-absurd level of benefits is why South Korea’s most renowned Awakened rank the Shinseong Guild as their first choice.

It wasn’t for nothing that people said if even one family member joined the Shinseong Guild, the whole family could live comfortably for life.

As she explained things step by step, Lee Sehee’s expression turned surprised when she saw Choi Yoonhee’s results.

“Ms. Yoonhee, in the 37th open recruitment exam, you placed second overall and first in every field of the practical exam. With results like these, I’m even more excited about your future. I’ll have to make sure I present myself well.”

“No, no.”

She waved her hands, embarrassed for no real reason. Lee Sehee smiled at her innocent reaction.

“You should be proud. The Shinseong Guild is a place only the best talent comes to.”

“Yes! Honestly, I’m incredibly proud!”

The Shinseong Guild, with its cap of one hundred members.

To fill the handful of vacancies that open in this place where South Korea’s finest talent gathers, thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—apply.

Choi Yoonhee was the finest talent, who had broken through those odds and passed ranked first.

“You’ve made great progress in just one year. Do you have any secret to it?”

“It’s a bit ambiguous to call it a secret. My, um, brother coached me.”

“Your brother must be impressive.”

Lee Sehee’s voice drawled strangely as she said that.

“Yes. He’s a public servant, but I think he’s impressive.”

“You have a good brother.”

“Honestly, there’s no greater enemy at home than him, but it’s true that he’s impressive.”

“You two must be close. I’m envious.”

Having said that, Lee Sehee explained the department where Choi Yoonhee would be active going forward.

The Guild’s hunting method consists of team activities with a minimum of four members. Each member deals with monsters according to their assigned role, and Choi Yoonhee possessed excellent spatial awareness and swift evasion skills, giving her the ability to deal heavy blows to monsters.

“I think it might be good to try a longer weapon. That’s fine with you, right?”

“I don’t mind.”

“Good. Then let’s find the optimal combination that suits you, Ms. Yoonhee. And lastly, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

“Yes.”

Lee Sehee, who had been unhesitating throughout the interview, now showed a hint of hesitation.

How awkward a question must it be for her to react like that?

“You’re walking down the street and run into a villain. How would you handle it, Ms. Yoonhee?”

“The Shinseong Guild mainly deals with monsters, but I don’t think it’s right to just pass by when you see a villain. I would contact the villain response team first. And if I can handle it with my own abilities, I would subdue them.”

“To what extent would you subdue them?”

“To the point of disarming them and rendering them unable to resist.”

It was such a textbook answer that it almost felt bland.

She thought it was a thoroughly boring answer herself, but Lee Sehee’s reaction across from her was dramatic.

“…What a relief.”

“Huh? What is?”

“Ms. Yoonhee. That you’re normal. I’m truly grateful.”

“W-why?”

Why is it something to be grateful for that I’m normal?

Choi Yoonhee couldn’t fully understand what Lee Sehee meant.

*

With Lee Sehee’s cooperation, Oh Jongyeop’s younger sibling was smoothly admitted to the hospital. He thanked me repeatedly and said he absolutely wanted to repay the favor, but I told him to live his own life and didn’t continue contact beyond that.

I intended to end my connection with him here. His sibling’s hospital bills were taken care of, and Bigteng—which had dragged him down the path of villainy—was gone, so he would be able to live his own life.

Meanwhile, my parents were overjoyed when they heard the news of Yoonhee passing. That emotion came through even over the speakerphone, and it put me in a good mood too.

What I had resolved to accomplish when I returned to the past—making my parents and Yoonhee happy—had finally shown its first result.

I asked my parents several times whether they needed anything, but they said they didn’t, so I thought I should find time to visit the family home. It felt like everything was going smoothly.

But it was too early to let my guard down. My goal was only beginning.

Even this small happiness would shatter to pieces if I lost my mind. I had to stay vigilant, never knowing when or at what moment an impulse might swallow me.

Clinging desperately to my sanity and clearing away obstacles that could disturb my peace in advance was the best I could do at present.

It was no easy task, though—more so than I’d expected.

I was glad my family was happy, and I spent fulfilling days as a member of the Villain Task Force.

On rotating shifts, some days I did paperwork, other days I patrolled.

Jung Dahyun’s expression was very bright when she came outside—the crime rate for the previous quarter had been announced.

“It dropped sharply.”

“That’s because you worked hard, Ms. Dahyun.”

“I’m sorry. I’m the only one who received an award.”

Not long ago, the Villain Task Force was recognized for its role in the crime rate decline and awarded a commendation.

I was not among the recipients.

For the record, among the Villain Task Force, I had arrested the most villains.

“I’m fine. I have no lingering attachment to it.”

“Still.”

“If anything, I feel good because I achieved a personal goal.”

The reason I didn’t receive a commendation was the Wang Juyeol arrest incident, for which I’d been reprimanded, and the excessive force cases that would soon reach fifty.

Somehow the press had found out, and every time I brought in a villain, articles related to excessive force went up.

I didn’t receive the award because of public opinion, but the results were satisfying.

“Not a single person died.”

Three whole months since becoming a public service Hunter.

I had arrested over 200 villains and killed not one of them.

I had kept what Jung Dahyun told me.

“You did well.”

“You’ve changed too, Ms. Dahyun.”

“The old me lacked resolve. Thinking back, I gave up so much when I left Shinseong, but after coming here, I couldn’t let go of it. What mattered wasn’t promotion—it was arresting villains. But watching you, Mr. Junho, I came to understand. The direction I should be heading, and what the greatest advantage of being a public servant is.”

“That’s a good change.”

“Do I look good in your eyes too, Mr. Junho?”

“What people pursue is bound to differ. If your goal is to arrest a great number of villains, then swift judgment and a merciless hand are absolutely necessary.”

Jung Dahyun hadn’t left the Shinseong Guild for power or honor as a public official.

“There’s just one more thing to add to that.”

“What is it?”

“The resolve to abandon even hostages, even a villain’s life, when the moment calls for it.”

“…That’s difficult.”

“A moment of choice will come someday.”

In my memory, Jung Dahyun still left an afterimage of someone who willingly threw her life away for justice.

The Jung Dahyun I met in this life was still righteous. But if the last life was a mild flavor, this life had become quite a spicy one.

That was why I looked forward to Jung Dahyun’s changes.

…Of course, I had to make sure I didn’t get fired either, so I could see that sight.

“You’re the only one who says things like this to me, Mr. Junho. Thank you, really.”

“If you’re truly grateful, there is a way to repay me.”

“What is it?”

“My younger sister joined the Shinseong Guild recently.”

“Ah! Yoonhee! I heard.”

“You already knew?”

“Yes! I even have her contact info. My typing is so slow that we haven’t talked much, but she’s a really good kid. She must be busy adjusting these days.”

Certainly, Yoonhee’s face had looked a bit thin lately.

“Since you’re a Shinseong Guild senior as well, Ms. Dahyun, I’d like to ask you to give Yoonhee advice when you have time.”

“That’s true. I left midway, but I think there’s plenty I can help with. I’ll do it! When would be good?”

“Come to my place. I’ll treat you to a meal.”

“Sounds good. Can I look forward to the menu too?”

“How about beef and soybean paste hot pot?”

“Soybean paste hot pot! You’re a good cook too, Mr. Junho!”

Jung Dahyun’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. She didn’t seem to doubt for a moment that I could do it.

She has a good eye.

I may not look it, but I’ve lived on survival cooking for over twenty years.

“You can consider it the most special soybean paste hot pot in the world.”

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

To live up to her expectations, and to protect my pride as a soybean paste stew enthusiast, I’d have to do my best for the first time in a while.

Come to think of it, Yoonhee said she wouldn’t even look at soybean paste stew because of me.

If Jung Dahyun says she likes it too, she’ll eat it, right?

When I returned to the National Guard Bureau after finishing my patrol, the office inside was buzzing.

“Today’s the day the new Hunter comes, right? They said she’s incredibly outstanding? Her Level’s still low, but apparently she has a special gift.”

“Quite the talent.”

“Yes, I’m curious about what kind of person she is.”

Awakened individuals worthy of being called talents were almost all swept up by the guilds, so every single one of them was precious.

Which meant that, from the National Guard Bureau’s standpoint, they’d just reeled in a big one this time.

The moment I saw the identity of the figure surrounded by people, I doubted my own eyes. The guy spotted me, grinned, and raised a hand as he walked over.

“Yo, buddy. We meet again?”

“Oh Jongyeop.”

“I came all the way to the National Guard Bureau to see my buddy here.”

The seniors watching burst into admiration at Jongyeop’s shameless bullshit.

“He came here for you, Mr. Junho?”

“Now that’s some impressive friendship!”

“Is this what true friendship looks like these days?”

Under the shower of praise, Oh Jongyeop’s shoulders rose so high they seemed to scrape the sky.

Still, how did this guy end up here?

His little brother’s hospital bills were taken care of, but he was a greedy bastard when it came to money, so I’d figured he’d land at some decent guild.

I’d thought that was the end of our connection, but it seemed my tie to him was more stubborn than I’d expected.

Meanwhile, the grinning idiot came up to me. With his worries gone, he showed the same cheeky attitude I’d only ever seen in my past life.

“Anyway, my buddy’s Level 9 and I’m Level 7? Just saying, is all. Ahem!”

“……”

When I stared at him flatly, he quietly turned his head away.

Was he saying that since he was Level 7 now, I should treat him with respect?

“Um, Mr. Jongyeop.”

“Yes! Official Jung Dahyun! I’m Oh Jongyeop, newly assigned here!”

Jung Dahyun, who’d been listening quietly, cut in.

“Here at the National Guard Bureau, aside from the Team Leader, ranks are mostly horizontal.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“If you really want to be treated well, there is a way—the two of you could have a duel and settle it by skill. But since these turn into pride matches, injuries are common. There was even a death once, so it’s been discouraged since then.”

Having said that much, Jung Dahyun looked at Oh Jongyeop and spoke carefully.

“If your opponent is Mr. Junho, wouldn’t it be dangerous?”

“Official, may I ask you just one thing?”

“Yes.”

Oh Jongyeop swallowed hard and asked.

“Do I look like I’m trying to kill myself right now?”

“……”

Jung Dahyun let her silence speak for her.