°*cough* Are you alright?°
An overwhelming silence filled the room as no one dared to speak. They were glad to discover things about the future and gain a better understanding of their situations but the shock was too much for the group of cadets. (*They were too stunned to speak*)
After a loooong break.
It was probably still silent but the atmosphere was less stiff. To be honest, even with a longer break you can't overcome a shock that easily.
Tower of Hero, located in the heart of Seoul.
On the 103rd floor of this Hero Association headquarters, Yun Seung-Ah was reading the records on the recent incident unauthorized. The video she was watching was filmed by the museum's camera. Naturally, it contained the battle between Cube's cadets and a Djinn.
'The change of point of view is weird and too sudden....' Rachel, the one who tried to understand the situation before the situation was displayed, was the fastest to forget what happened not even 4 hours ago. It didn't directly concern her, that's kind of explain the quick recovery but she felt bad about the others.
Though she was a bit hesitant, knowing she could get in trouble if found out, the words she heard from a Hero Association agent urged her forward.
—A trace of light attribute mana was found at the scene.
'Really? It wasn't the best moment to only sick attribute..' After regaining her thoughts, Yeonha was still consumed by the past informations. She feared what would happen afterwards and didn't want to believe that Hajin would do something like that.
Light attribute mana. Not only was it strange, it was also extremely valuable. Light attributed Heroes played vital roles in suppressing Djinns, as most Djinns had the darkness attribute.
''Why can't they just search for the little kid with healing attributes?'' Jonghak was pissed and wasn't in the mood to watch the vice-guild master seeking for talents. Suho and Nayun were the one silents. The usually noisy and smiling ones were quiet with a gloomy expression on their faces.
The fact that light attribute was detected in the museum naturally meant that one of the three cadets who defeated the Djinn had the light attribute.
'It was not exactly that but they can't understand for now.' Even Yeonha didn't understand his wierd gift and misunderstood every strange aspect of his attacks as part of his attributes. Now that she knows how Hajin's actions work, she decided to call it just like Jonghak and Nayun: *a cheat code*
Yun Seung-Ah, who often emphasized the importance of attributes wherever she went, wanted to know the owner of that rare mana.
'It kinda make sense that she was curious around Suho and was supposed to finish with him.
"But this person..."
Indeed, there was a man who caught her attention. From head to toe, he was ordinary in every way. Inside the video, the man in question was talking to Kim Suho. When the Djinn appeared, he backed off stealthily and simply spectated the fight.
Rachel sighed.. 'Hajin is still Hajin. He won't change and was even like that at first.'
Indeed, Kim Hajin was a thoughtful person in a certain way. He didn't show it at all in public but his action betrayed him. Noone figured that out until now because they never knew the exact motive of his actions.
But seeing the Kim Suho being pushed back, he went into hiding and began to make strange actions. He unloaded his gun, leaving only a single bullet behind. Then, he began to tap on thin air.
'She can't see the laptop?' It explains how they didn't notice it at all.
After about a minute, he loaded the bullet in his gun and headed to battle.
What happened next was even more mysterious.
His gun exploded at the same time he fired his gun, while a brilliant white light dyed the surroundings. Because of the light, the camera froze up for three seconds. By the time the screen came back to normal, everything was settled.
"...Hmm."
Most people assumed the attack to be Kim Suho's, but Yun Seung-Ah was doubtful. No matter how she thought about it, the light had to have come from the man's attack. Even Kim Suho admitted in his report, "Kim Hajin covered me."
That was what Hajin wanted for people to only know. Suho understood the situation he was put in and covered Hajin at his turn.
"Kim Hajin. I remember him now. He's the cadet who chose a gun... So there was a reason he chose it."
'The lack of talent.' wanted to respond Jonghak but didn't say it out loud. He was more considering than he showed it.
Thud!
At that moment, the door shot open. Startled, Yun Seung-Ah turned to the door.
There, she was the Association's executive, Aileen.
Though she had a small build and was only 153cm tall, Yun Seung-Ah knew that a 10m tall giant resided inside her. Unfortunately for her, Aileen was glaring at her with terrifying eyes. Yun Seung-Ah's face paled as she jumped up in horror.
"Un, Unni?"
"I knew you were here. Come out."
"Ah, wait, Unni. I can explain. I can..."
"Shut up and follow me."
So short and yet so bossy. Wish she could show the girl her place in right moments.
Yun Seung-Ah didn't want to follow her out even if it cost her life. But her body moved on its own. It was Aileen's one-of-a-kind Gift, 'Spirit Speech'. Of course, as powerful as it was, the price she had to pay was equally great. There was a high risk of magic power recoil and her underdeveloped body was also a price she had to pay. But still...
'What a special gift. It's still risky because of the side effects but if it was harsh, it meant that it was effective'
"Unni, I'm a Hero too! Please, give me some face!"
Her ability was honestly too much of a cheat.
'I don't think it's cheating compared to Hajin's abilies' Rachel had to admit it, his abilities were incomparable against other ones in this world.
"Only the Association's Heroes are authorized to come in here."
"I know! I'll leave on my own, so let me go!"
"You better hurry before I throw you out the window."
In the end, Yun Seung-Ah was chased out of the record room.
"You have two choices. One, be punished. Two, help me with something."
"I'm sorry. Please, let me go this one time. I don't want to do either."
Only the video Yun Seung-Ah was watching was left to play in the emptied room.
"Save me—!"
What a childish adult.... but she was a powerful figure. Was Hajin's novel making sense when you read it in his world?
**
[Tuesday's combat training, labyrinth exploration.]
Inside a dark cave created by Cube, Yoo Yeonha, me, and the rest of team 5 were in the middle of our combat training.
"Hoseung-ssi, Hazuki-ssi, can you see something?"
Yoo Yeonha asked with a frown.
'Kim Hajin was very helpful that time.' Yeonha was not the sort to admit her mistakes easily except when she get to see it by her own eyes.
We were in an artificial dungeon designed after a dark labyrinth. The goal of the training was to break through the labyrinth filled with undead monsters and to reach the labyrinth's center. Because the mist was created through darkness mana, even Heroes found it difficult to light up the cave.
'Ain't fair to give that test to cadets then...' Jonghak frowned but maintained a straight face as usual.
"No, I can't."
"Me neither..."
Jin Hoseung and Hazuki answered.
"...Tsk."
Now that Yeonha thought about it. She judged them harshly. It wasn't their fault if they ddin't have an attribute that allowed them to see in the dark.
Yoo Yeonha clicked her tongue and didn't ask anymore. I was still treated as an invisible person, even after I gifted her a Coke.
Shaking my head, I spoke, "I can see."
"Huh?"
"Really?"
Jin Hoseung and Hazuki were surprised, but Yoo Yeonha ignored me.
"I said, I can see."
Annoyed at her attitude, I spoke loudly to the back of her head.
She had cold sweat running down her forhead. Rachel and Jonghak looked at her amused.
"I can see through the dark."
At that instant, Yoo Yeonha turned back quickly with glaring eyes. However, she was facing Jin Hoseung, not me.
"Stop fooling around."
Insulted out of the blue, Jin Hoseung was taken aback, while I retorted casually.
Jonghak and Rachel tried the best they could to not laugh out loud and only muffled laughters could be heard while Yeonha blushed from embarrassement before glaring at the two. Suho started to cheer up as they did at first and smiled at the scene before him.
"I'm just saying, you're going to fall if you go that way."
"What nonsense— kyak!"
That's what you call karma~
Yoo Yeonha missed her footing at just the right time. As she began to plummet downwards, I jumped in and grabbed her arm. Yoo Yeonha clutched my shoulder with trembling hands.
"...Kuhum."
After climbing back up using my body as a rope, Yoo Yeona let out a dry cough as though nothing happened.
'Ungrateful...' Rachel looked at Yeonha with disapproving eyes as she shook her head.
"...Looks like you aren't lying. How can you see?"
"I have good eyes."
"Sure... but I won't believe him anymore from now on when we go back." Jonghak knew more than enough about the older boy and knew now to not believe him. He just does as he feels like to and only tells the strictly necessar to his comrades.
It was thanks to my Gift. Thousand-Mile Eyes weren't hindered by distance or obstacles. That, of course, included lighting.
"Of course... He also has this ability along with all the others ones." Yeonha didn't restrain herself from making the comment and gained a nod from Jonghak and Rachel while Suho smiled at her. Only Nyun remained untroubled by the situationn since the last discover.
"...Good, you should at least be able to do that much. So, where should we go?"
*cough* Yeonha turned to the sound of Rachel coughing. What an ironic moment to do it.
"Just follow me."
"Oh~ how reliable~"
Jin Hoseung placed his hand on my shoulder as though we were friends. Taking his hand off, I walked forward.
"Is he haptophobic or what?" said Jonghak. ( Haptophobia is the fear to touch or be touched by another person -^- )
Things were pretty easy from that point.
I just had to walk, dodging what I could dodge and notifying Yoo Yeonha what I couldn't.
If the unavoidable enemy was a fluid-bodied spirit, Yoo Yeonha's merciless whip took care of it, and if it was an undead, Jin Hoseung and Hazuki took care of it.
'We were well organised as a team.' thought proudly Yeonha.
My stamina had increased thanks to working out, so there was no problem there. Though not having to run played a big part, this particular training was a breeze.
He's still consired weak by Jonghak.
And now, I could see the result with my own eyes.
We managed to reach the center of the labyrinth. There, we only saw 8 people. In other words, we scored third place.
"Yoo Yeonha?"
"Hey, Jonghak."
'I can't be surpassed by a weak team.' said Jonghak as if it was an oblivious fact.
Shin Jonghak, who was sitting on a rock acting needlessly cool, called Yoo Yeonha. She ran towards him with an amiable smile. How she treated Shin Jonghak was clearly different than how she treated me.
"Can you blame her?" asked Rachel. When you have a crush on someone, you start acting way more different than your usual self. Why didn't Hajin do so toward her? Wasn't he supposed to have a crush on her? Maybe he only saw her as a friend. Yes, it was the best option for now.
"Over here."
Kim Soohyuk, who was waiting, read out our time without paying attention to Yoo Yeonha's touching reunion.
"Team 5. 48 minutes 10 seconds. Third place."
At the same time, Jin Hoseung and Hazuki cheered.
"Whoo. It's all thanks to you. You really have great eyes~"
"You do, you do!"
'They're very cheerful unlike the other team members' Suho was enjoying the view of the past events and how everything was discribed form Hajin's view.
For now, I sat on the ground with them. Yoo Yeonha had already left for Shin Jonghak, and Kim Suho was sleeping on the ground. It seemed he was still suffering from releasing his ability at the museum.
I also relaxed.
In about five minutes, another team arrived. I wasn't surprised with who it was. Sharpshooters generally had good eyes.
'Nayun of course.' thought Jonghak. From what he saw, in Hajin's eyes Nayun's only a main character, therefore he was relieved. He sort of believed the rumors about him that he loved Nayun or Rachel and hoped for it to be true. Not that he sould be threat to Jonghal if he decided to confess to her.
"It's Nayun."
Seeing Chae Nayun's silhouette from the darkness, Yoo Yeonha approached, pretending to be happy.
Rachel was fearing to witness again a scene of weird friendship. Her eyes narrowed threatening to shut if anything bad was shown.
For some reason, Chae Nayun was covered in dust. It seemed she fell into a trap. Walking towards my direction, she rested her eyes on me and paused. Her cold eyes seemed to pierce through me.
'Wow.. I didn't realised she felt hostility toward him that much' Suho rubbed the back of his neck.
"...Nayun?"
She didn't respond to Yoo Yeonha's call. Ignoring her completely, Chae Nayun marched towards me and asked suddenly.
"What was your time?"
"....Why?" Rachel was relieved at first but now was worried for Hajin.
It was a short question. I gave back a short reply.
"...48 minutes."
Chae Nayun clenched her teeth. Sharpshooters often acted as a team's pathfinder. Chae Nayun rightfully thought I guided my team.
"Looks like even you have something you're good for."
It was a clear provocation. I hesitated to reply. Should I strike back?
I did have a good reason to do so.
'What reason that we didinb't know what?'
The novel's antagonists had become stronger, so it was necessary for our side... though the current Chae Nayun might not be on my side... Anyways, it was necessary for the leading characters to also get stronger.
To do that, Chae Nayun needed to quickly abandon the bow. In this world, her potential was second only to Kim Suho. But with a bow, her potential would be wasted.
She couldn't go back to the sword... She didn't want to remember what happened to her brother.
"...I guess you're right."
But I still didn't find the need to respond to her provocation.
"Just say you're lazy.. We would have understood." Jonghak rolled his eyes.
Between negative motivation and positive motivation, Chae Nayun was more affected by the former according to my setting. However, the agent of the motivation was important. A weakling like me provoking her most likely wouldn't have much meaning.
"Hah- He admits it when he wants to-" A feeling of satisfaction rose from Jonghak.
Now wasn't the time. Furthermore, I was confident that it wouldn't be long until I surpassed Chae Nayun in archery.
I just had to wait until then.
Was he preparing the whole bet that early?
"Hmph."
Chae Nayun seemed bored by my retreat, as she returned with a snort.
I shook my head.
At that moment, my eyes met Yoo Yeonha's. For some reason, her eyes carried a slight hint of interest that hadn't existed before.
"Hmph."
...But soon, she walked away with the same disdainful snort as Chae Nayun.
What was wrong with the other girls in the same room as her thought Rachel. Was she the only one not feeling hostility toward Hajin since their first meeting?
Although the chapter was pretty normal. Nayun, usually talkative and vivid, was silent the whole time.
Notes:°How are you all?°
".... Since when did you bother ask such questions?"
°Since now, but can Nayun stop being depressed? It's useless..°
Nayun shot a glare to the direction from where the voice was heard.
°Sorry.. but I'm not getting back on my words°
The lights in the room turned off while the screen turned white. The only luminosity was the past black board that was surprising the cadets.
"What is happening?" asked Jonghak.
°There's a little modification. You're not reading anymore but you'll react by watching videos. Isn't it better?°
"Only time will tell us" said Yeonha unfazed by the situation.
Today's combat training came to an end.
Though I was exhausted, I still had to go to the academic club. After that, I had to do my daily workout. Thinking about the agony of my daily life, I became depressed. If I knew this would happen, I would have put more points into perseverance.
'I can't believe Hajin is the kind of lazy person' Rachel smiled at the little piece of information.
...In any case, I was currently heading to the academic club's clubroom. Perhaps because this was the usual path she took or because we had a similar personality, I could see Yoo Yeonha in front of me.
'I doubt the personality theory' Yeonha shook her head at Hajin's thoughts.
Yoo Yeonha herself didn't see me and continued walking. When she arrived at the clubroom, she stood in front of the door and took out a hand mirror. She lightly checked to see whether or not anything was on her. But at that exact moment, her eyes met mine.
"What a coincidence, right?"
'Yeah... An annoying coincidence at that..'
"..."
Ignoring me, Yoo Yeonha walked in. I also followed. Yoo Yeonha sat on a sunny seat, while I took the dark corner seat.
Yun Hyuk, the club president, was already standing on the podium. Wearing his glasses, he seemed to be organizing today's lecture notes.
Yeonha slightly shivered at the memory before looking back at the screen.
Not long afterward, 43 first years arrived along with 20 upperclassmen. At seven on the dot, Yun Hyuk began the first academic club lecture.
"Good evening, everyone. The weather's starting to get..."
Any useless talk went into one ear and left from the other.
"Is he serious right now?" Jonghak scoffed at his autor's attitude.
"Today, we will discuss monsters' vital points. As I'm sure you all know, the location of a monster's vital point is an important piece of information in defeating a monster. You can see how critical this information can be by looking at senior Seo Youngji. By reaching the pinnacle of this ability, she has reached top 2000 on Hero rankings."
A hologram of Seo Youngji's specs popped up on the projection screen.
A Hero's specs were summarized into strength, dexterity, durability, constitution, and magic power. Other than dexterity, Seo Youngji's specs were all under intermediate rank, but her dexterity was at the Master rank. For the record, only 300 Heroes in the world had Master ranked dexterity.
'Since he knows all these things, why doesn't he use it?' thought Suho. (I don't know what to put here to refer as *these things*, do I use *it* or *them*? I'm now thinking that french is easier than english T^T I have to precise that I mastered french way before english and that's the only reason!)
"Senior Seo Youngji even hunted a high rank monster by herself."
As he said, Seo Youngji was a well-known character in this world. Though she had an introverted personality, I was sure I would meet her since she played an important role in the story.
The cadets in the room were curious to know how does this hero have a relation with them? They could'nt wait to discover.
"But don't think monsters' vital points are the same as a human's. For us, the eyes, heart, and head serve as vital points, but that isn't always the case for monsters."
To add on, a monster's vital point became stranger the higher ranked it was.
'I didn't know that,it's a weird fact to be honest-' Yeonha whispered.
"Now, let's take a look at an example."
In an instant, a hologram of a monster appeared on the screen.
Though it looked similar to a mountain tiger, its giant body, bloodshot eyes, and ferocious teeth clearly indicated that it wasn't a normal tiger.
"No shit-" Jonghak was interrupted from making a comment by receiving a blow in the stomach. It was none other than Yoo Yeonha who wanted to focuse on the videos shown.
"This monster is called the Mountain Tyrant. It can be classified anywhere from intermediate rank to high rank. As one of the first monsters to have appeared during Outcall, it has been known for 50 years, but its vital point hasn't been discovered yet."
With that, Yun Hyuk paused and made a meaningful smile.
"...At least, that's how things are in public. In reality, even if an individual or a guild knew its vital point, they wouldn't reveal it to the public. They likely weren't allowed to either."
He was right. In this world, information was an industry. There were large corporations solely focused on gathering and researching information on monsters, and in a smaller scale, private detectives and detective agencies gathered and sold information. As such, leaking such information was heavily penalized.
Maybe Yoo Yeonha's uncle was classified in this section since he was paid to gather informations.
Of course, requiring this information to be public would greatly help humanity fight against monsters, but the power of capitalism suppressed any debates on this topic.
'Why did Kim Hajin make a world like that?' Suho couldn't stop himself to wonder why did Hajin create a world like that in the first place.
"Now, where do you think this Mountain Tyrant's vital point is?"
Yun Hyuk gave Yoo Yeonha a meaningful look. A Mountain Tyrant's vital point, Yoo Yeonha likely had no clue. Even I only created the setting and never used it. There just wasn't a chance for the main character to go tiger-hunting.
''Well he leaked the information at the end~" Yeonha smiled at her comment.
"Wait- Your guild wasn't the one who discovered this monster's weakness but Kim Hajin who told you that?" asked Jonghak surprised. Yeonha didn't respond and turned her attention to the screen.
"..."
As I thought, she didn't seem to know. Seeing as how she was fiddling with her hair and looking around, it seemed she was ashamed for not knowing the answer.
"Would anyone like to guess?"
I, of course, knew the answer. It was a good opportunity to stand out, but I didn't raise my hand. Yun Hyuk was acting like he did. Though his pretentious face irritated me, I wanted to see what he was scheming.
"Doesn't Hajin already know that?" Suho was beginning to be confused as well as Rachel. Hajin was the author of their world and he was asking about one of his character's thoughts.
"I..."
At that moment, a girl raised her hand. I was surprised. Who the heck was that?
Yeah- he didn't seem to know every little detail of his novel.
"Is it his nose?"
She guessed with a flushed face.
She was just an extra who fell for Yun Hyuk.
"If she doesn't know it she should just shut her mouth and not say useless sh-t" muttered Nayun who finally spoke after two chapters-
*
The academic club continued for two hours. Unexpectedly, there was a lot to learn like the vital points of monsters, compatibility between attributes, and the difference between a magic and a spell. I learned in detail about things I had lazily explained in my novel, all the while I watched cute female cadets discuss the topic.
Yeonha looked at the useless adjective with disgust. He didn't have to say that.
"We have an after-party planned at a nearby restaurant! It'll be great if you can come!"
Anyways, after the club ended, Yun Hyuk announced that there was an after-party at a nearby restaurant.
For some reason, Yoo Yeonha seemed interested in going. Feeling a bit worried, I followed her. I knew she wasn't the type to participate in things like after-parties.
"Hey, you going?"
I approached her casually and asked.
She didn't respond.
Thinking it was because of the way I talked, I asked again.
"Are you going?"
She ignored me again.
'I guess she doesn't want to talk...' thought Rachel.
This time, I asked with even more decorum and propriety.
"Are you also going to the after-party, Yeonha-ssi?"
Only then did Yoo Yeonha respond with a faint nod.
'That's kind of petty... No- it's not good to judge people I should just watch and not comment!' Suho looked at Rachel confused at her sudden behavior. She was shaking her head for almost three minutes.
"Why? Aren't you busy?"
"...Tsk."
'This fool.'
That was what Yoo Yeonha's eyes were saying.
'He atleast can understand things without the need to explain' Yeonha nodded thinking that her behavior was totall fine.
"Why are you going?"
"Aren't you curious about the Mountain Tyrant's vital point?"
"...Huh?"
Oh, I get it now.
Public information on the Mountain Tyrant was scant to say the least. Not only did its strength vary greatly from individual to individual, it also lived in an extremely remote place. Although the Mountain Tyrant's leather sold for a hefty price, it was hard to plan a hunt when one couldn't be sure of the efficient number of people to bring.
Yoo Yeonha was the successor of a major guild.
So the reason Yun Hyuk acted like he knew the Mountain Tyrant's vital point was this. Because I didn't write my novel from Yoo Yeonha's point of view, I didn't exactly write out how Yun Hyuk managed to coax Yoo Yeonha. It seemed 'guild' was the keyword for luring her out.
'Why did he make an enemy target Yeonha in the first place? wasn't Suho the main character?' It's probably not one of the most logical things that could happen in a story but maybe it was supposed to have a certain effect on the target.
Yoo Yeonha had a guild lineage. Her clan had risen to power during Outcall 50 years ago, thanks to the massive success of her family's first generation head.
Her family was still a successful Hero clan, but Yoo Yeonha had a bit of an inferiority complex. Compared to a true noble clan, she felt her family was lacking. This was why she saw Shin Jonghak favorably, and it was also why she was overly obsessed with face and decorum.
"Am I?" Yeonha noticed faint nods from everyone in the room and turned to the video with a frown on her face. Even Rachel nodded in acknowledgement!
"...The Mountain Tyrant's vital point?"
Was this a good chance to make an investment? There was a lot to gain from keeping a cordial relationship with Yoo Yeonha. With great proficiency in handling businesses and at calculating profitability, she was destined to become the 'King of Seoul' in the future.
"Wait REALLY?!" Everyone looked at the screen astonished by this massive reveal. Only the concerned cadet was proud of herself and even if she was surprised at first, she thought it was fate. (Hajin was the one to decide fate in this world sooooo)
"I'm not curious. I already know."
"What?"
Yoo Yeonha asked again as she furrowed her brows. She looked thoroughly annoyed on top of being in disbelief.
At that moment, I made my decision. Using this information that would be publicized one day, I would draw Yoo Yeonha's interest and instill a sense of mystery into her. Considering the SP and additional benefits I would gain from it, it was an acceptable trade.
'Acceptable?' She was offended by one of her ehanges to be calified acceptable.
I lowered my voice to a whisper and relayed the information to her in a serious tone.
"The Mountain Tyrant's vital point is on the heel of its hindleg."
"What nonsense are you..."
"There's a blue mark on its hindleg's heel. But its DNA determines whether it's the right hindleg or the left. That's probably why its vital point hasn't been discovered until now."
So Hajin was the one who revealed it. Well, not that much of a surprise for someone who knows Hajin.
I was the one who created the setting for the Mountain Tyrant. I was inspired by the story of Achilles' Heel when I made the setting. It was unlikely that this setting was changed, as tiny details seemed to be left untouched.
"The Mountain Tyrant's body is tough, but this blue mark on its heel is the only place that's soft. That's the Mountain Tyrant's vital point. If you strategize around it, it should be easy to rob it of its two hind legs."
Even details like that were mentioned.. Was his novel entertaining or boring?
"Can you tell us what was in the story of Achilles' Heel ?" Rachel was curious of this story since it didn't seem to exist in their world.
°Hajin can tell you when o get ot of here. Now go back to react, don't let yourself get distracted.°
The value of this information had to be tens of millions of won. But considering my current credibility, it likely wouldn't be over 100 won.
"...Nuthead."
As expected, Yoo Yeonha gave a disdainful look as though she was looking at an insect. She then began to walk away. I followed after her.
"It's true. Believe me."
"Would you believe me if our positions were swapped?"
"..."
I, of course, wouldn't have believed her.
'I can't believe I listened to him. Fortnatly it was not in vain.
"It's your choice whether to believe me or not..."
I hoped she would.
"Hey!"
At that moment, Yun Hyuk suddenly cut in between Yoo Yeonha and me. Shoving me back slightly, he asked.
"Don't you think you're being too pushy?"
Because of this cheesy son of a bitch's height, I had to look up at him. But instead, I turned to Yoo Yeonha.
"You're just short though-" While Jonghak scoffed, Rachel was tring to hold laughters. She knew that Hajin wasn't short but he wasn't exactly tall either.
"Am I bothering you?"
"Yes."
"Heh."
She gave a cold hearted reply. I grew angry at Yun Hyuk's mocking laugh.
"By the way, are you also coming to the after-party?"
He spoke condescendingly. I shook my head.
"I'm not."
"Then don't bother other people too much. Um, Yeonha-ssi...?"
However, Yoo Yeonha had already begun to walk away.
"Heh."
I returned what I received. With a distorted face, Yun Hyuk chased after Yoo Yeonha. I, on the other hand, simply watched them leave.
Hajin's interactions were truly entertaining in somem way.
I gave Yoo Yeonha a valuable information, but I didn't know whether she would use it or forget about it. In the case of the former, I would gain a likely ally, and in the case of the latter... nothing would happen.
In any case, I had nothing to lose.
'He really calculates every movements.' thought Suho
**
On a dark winter night, Yoo Yeonha was deep in thought as she tapped on her desk with her pen.
Tomorrow, 'Essence of the Strait' guild's elite team would go out to hunt a Mountain Tyrant.
'What a coincidence...' totally not credible at Nayun's taste.
They had secretly purchased information about a lone Mountain Tyrant living in Kumgang Mountain, and they had already confirmed its size with a scout.
It was estimated to be high-intermediate rank grade 1. The strength of its pelt reached Promentium, a tough ore found after Outcall. As such, the guild would gain an astronomical income if the hunt was successful.
But Yoo Yeonha was worried about one thing. It wasn't for the safety of the elite hunting team. The current vice-leader of 'Essence of the Strait' held too much power. She felt her seat as the guild's successor threatened.
Maybe her insecurities were the ones that helped her reach her goal in the future.
Right, Yoo Yeonha's worry was about this. To succeed the guild without a problem, she had to start making contributions.
In the end, Yoo Yeonha turned on her smartwatch. Using its communication functionality, she made a phone call. Soon, the receiver picked up, and a hologram screen popped up.
"...Um, Uncle?"
—Yes, Young Lady.
On the screen was Kim Sangho. He was a veteran in his forties, who was her father's most trusted right arm. Ever since she was a child, Yoo Yeonha treated him like her real uncle.
They reacted to four points of view until now, not that many. First was Kim Hajin, then Yoo Yeonha, Chae Nayun and after that the vice guild master of the number one guild in Korea. Will they see others' pov?
—What's wrong?
Though she made the call, Yoo Yeonha was too embarrassed to say anything.
A blue mark on its heel? You can disable both of its hind legs by attacking it? Just what was I doing, fooled by that crazy's nonsense?
She looked embarrassed at her past Thoughts and looked away to avoid the sight of the scene.
"Um, I'm saying this just in case..."
But the possibility wasn't zero and it didn't seem like it would hurt to try. Though it came from that crazy nutjob, there had to be a reason he was so confident. Justifying herself, Yoo Yeonha caught her breath.
—Yes, Young Lady?
"Um, I know it sounds crazy, but..."
Wasn't this world crazy in itself to start doubting Hajin's worlds? If only she knew before that he created their lifes.
Closing her eyes and clenching her fists, she spoke.
"If things are looking rough, try looking at its hind legs' heels."
—...Hindlegs' heels?
Kim Sangho furrowed his brows.
"Who wouldn't? This b-st-rd made weird settings after all." Rachel subtly nodded at Jonghak's declaration. Suho was worried, It seemed like Jonghak had influence on Rachel. Bad news for Hajin.
Yoo Yeonha knew what that meant. But if she could be of help, and if this information was real...
"Yes, its hind legs'... heels. Either on its left or right heel, there should be... well, I'm not sure if it's true, but..."
Yoo Yeonha continued while risking being embarrassed.
"If there is a blue mark there, try aiming for that place."
°I still think you shouldn't have felt embarrassed-°
"Wouldn't ou have been in my place?"
°No cuz it's not tomorrow the day I'll meet Hajin~ Break time~°