The Protagonists Are Murdered By Me Chapter 28: 141-145, a 13 tzameti fanfic

When Taylor Nine rebuked Yoo Haram the moment the discussion started, some of the attendees had an expression as if saying 'Oh, that crazy bitch is starting again'. However, most of them looked at her with a feeling of 'It's better this way'. Because 'Hell Gate Expedition' was not something they wanted to discuss.

Most of them still remembered what happened 7 years ago. At that time, numerous guilds sent their members into the Hell Gate. But most of them ended up dead.

However, Lost Day was an exception. Few hunters under their banner returned alive, they even got an enormous amount of materials from the Hell Gate thanks to their hunter, 'Lyton.' The existence of those materials was hidden from the world just until recently when Lost Day announced that they were studying about Hell Gate.

'That is why he is pretending to be an expert.'

Taylor snorted as Yoo Haram laughed leisurely against her argument.

"Haha, yeah. Certainly I also know very little about the unknown place called Hell Gate. However, just like what we announced recently, we have been constantly researching Hell Gate, and we have been able to obtain quite a bit of information about it. But we don't know if that will be poison or medicine for humanity, though."

"Hooo…. Are you pretending to be an intellectual after researching someone else's belongings? Well, I always knew that you were someone like that, so I'll try to understand."

"I don't think it is right to throw a baseless accusation in this place."

"Eh? When did I ever make any baseless accusations? Everything I say is always fact."

That's right, Taylor's act of saying anything she wanted had earned her a nickname of 'Fact Bomber'. Although what she said was at first glance disturbing, they were all words based on true stories.

In other words, Yoo Haram couldn't let Taylor Nine, who had a strong image of a fact bomber, to say anything against him.

However, Yoo Haram was calm. 'People who appeared here are mostly on my side anyway…'

"I don't think it's good to have a fight like this in a discussion, Taylor Nine Hunter-nim." Yoo Haram regained his composure and smiled.

"Yeah whatever."

Taylor waved her hands. Even though she wanted to rebuke him some more, she was aware that it was time to listen carefully.

Soon after, Yoo Haram presented data on the screen in the air. It was statistics and geometrical graphs full of jargon that was too hard for Taylor to understand.

"Everyone knows that Hell Gate has always been treated as an abnormal phenomenon just like a rift". People nodded at Yoo Haram's words. "However, the truth is, Hell Gate is different from rift. While rift has a 'Core' inside, Hell Gate doesn't. If Hell Gate was a rift, it would close once we destroy the core…. But, according to 47 members of the expedition who returned four years ago, they could not find or track core energy at all."

Taylor wanted to rebuke it by saying 'it could be the machine's problem' just like what Yoo Seodam told her. However, if she said it, it would lead to an even more in-depth talk which she was sure that she would lose against. Taylor Nine was someone who always liked to win, and she didn't have a hobby of fighting a losing battle.

"But, the core does exist. If you look at the screen, you can see the change in Hell Gate's energy over the last 7 years. On a yearly basis, its energy is gradually increasing. It is evidence that Hell Gate's core is growing. And, as you all know, whether it's a crack or a dungeon, when the energy threshold is exceeded, whatever they contain inside will pop out into reality."

Yoo Haram looked around with a firm eye.

"I'm sure everyone in the industry is well aware that if the monsters from inside the dungeons and rifts come to Earth, it's more difficult to defeat them."

In practice, it was extremely rare for a monster to become stronger just because it came out to Earth. However, on Earth, they had civilians to protect, and it was never easy to fight a war while making sure there was no damage to both civilians and property. And in some cases, when a monster with invisibility or undetectable ability bypasses the defence line, martial law would be applied and the city would be paralyzed.

'That bastard really came with a plan.'

Taylor had to agree that no one had ever investigated Hell Gate as closely as Yoo Haram. Even if there were, they would probably side with Yoo Haram.

'Who are you trying to push into Hell Gate?'

Taylor knows that this discussion was broadcasted all over the world in real time, thus, she was aware that Yoo Haram deliberately mentioned civilian damage in order to heightened their sense of crisis.

And in order to close Hell Gate as soon as possible, a team of elite would be needed. If someone refuses here… their image would certainly get damaged. Even if there were some people who wanted to refuse it, the atmosphere wouldn't allow them to.

The moment Yoo Haram's words ended, some guild masters promptly responded.

"We, from Cheongdan guild, will support Hell Gate expedition."

Ads by Pubfuture

"I am the master of Lujiao guild. Our guild is also totally in favor of the expedition."

Most of them were guilds from China, however, they were not the only ones as guilds from other countries started to show their support.

"Lane Killer Guild also agrees with the opinion of recruiting an elite hunter."

"This is the Blue Iron Guild. Can I ask about the criteria for selecting a hunter?"

"I am the master of the Velvet Guild. Our guild will also support the expedition to Hell Gate."

Words of opinions poured out one after another. Half of the Masters of renowned Guild as well as S rank hunters accepted the proposal.

Of course, not all guilds could participate in the expedition just because they expressed their intention to participate, and it is said that they would form an elite team through a thorough screening. The topic progressed at an overly fast pace.

'Crazy bastards…. They are using this opportunity to advertise themselves.'

Only about 5% of the hunters in the discussion agreed to the proposal, but the problem was that 5% were the strongest of the bunch. Hunters below A rank, who couldn't even carry a guild on their backs, shed cold sweat as they remained quiet, and other S rank hunters also shut their mouths when the atmosphere became strange.

The same was true for SS rank hunters. Yoo Haram had set the rhythm by being the first one to come forward about the expedition, so if the other SS rank expressed their refusal, they would be criticized by the public.

'What the hell are you going to do by touching Hell Gate again… No, don't tell me?'

Taylor suddenly came up with a thought and looked at the place where Seol Jungyeon was. She was still looking at Yoo Haram with her cold eyes as numerous Chinese officials watched her.

'It seems like those guys really held a grudge against that auntie….'

Last time, China's image was greatly damaged due to the Saekma, their ridiculous claim of 'Mugong Ownership' as well as the incident on America's soil that happened because of Murim Hohyanghoe. At the centre of it all were Murim people.

So, in other words, China is thinking of getting rid of Murim people altogether.

"So, I'm curious what Murim Lord's opinion is…."

With those words from Yoo Haram, Taylor sighed as everyone's eyes focused on Seol Jungyeon.

It was a sly attack by Yoo haram. Taylor pondered about what option Seol Jungyeon should choose.

If she refused, she would be condemned for not agreeing to work to keep the peace of the planet. On the other hand, if she accepts it, they will try to put as many Murim people as they could inside the Hell Gate. If that's the case, of course, they would also try to put Seol Jungyeon inside. No matter how many strong people Murim had, they wouldn't be safe inside the Hell Gate. However, if she refused to do so, the image that Murim Alliance had painstakingly built would go down the drain.

Seol Junyeon sighed. It was a difficult question. She had heard stories about Hell Gate from Yoo Seodam quite occasionally. And, he, the most reliable man in the world for her, had always said that, 'it was a place more like hell than hell itself.'

Seol Jungyeon couldn't let her people be included in such a dangerous gamble even if there is a possibility of Hell Gate bursting open. She smelled something fishy because she could clearly feel the prickling sensation of pure 'malice' on her skin.

"It's a sensitive problem, so I'll think about it before giving my answer."

The only thing she could do right now was to postpone the answer.

However, Yoo Haram would not allow her to do that.

"Haha, there is no need to hold your answer. This is a discussion, anyway. You could freely voice your opinion. I believe everyone is curious about the opinion of the strongest superhuman on the planet as well as an SSS rank superhuman."

Seol Jungyeon frowned since she was being forced to answer. Her expression was captured in dozens of cameras and broadcasted worldwide.

'Should I ask him a reverse question about his willingness to join the expedition at the forefront?' Seol Jungyeon thought. '… it doesn't seem right.'nov𝓔𝑙𝑈𝓢𝔟dot𝑐\o\𝑚

Seol Jungyeon was aware that Yoo Haram was more proficient in politics rather than Hunting, so such a simple argument would be easily countered by him.

1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds.

Time passed as Seol Jungyeon sighed. She recalled the past when she was still Supreme Cheonma. That time, she did not have to involve herself with politics. Her one word would easily become the law. Therefore, she was vulnerable to this kind of politics where she had to pay attention to her 'image'.

Seol Jungyeon would rather cut Yoo Haram's throat right away with her sword… But unfortunately, humans were social animals, so she had to do it for Yoo Seodam's sake.

'…No matter how much I care about the image, I can't send my people who are like my own blood and flesh to the place that Seodam told me not to go.'

Seol Jungyeon thought that it would be better to pursue safety even when she was aware that it was precisely what Yoo Haram and the Chinese nation wanted. Namely, reducing the Murim people's image.

Ads by Pubfuture

"I……"

However, the moment Seol Jungyeon tried to open her mouth to express her opinion, her eyes turned wide open, and she suddenly got up from her seat without knowing. Fortunately, her behavior did not receive much attention since she wasn't the only one who stood up from her seat.

"I, I…!"

"He is……!"

In an instant, the camera focused on the entrance of the room.

Click! Click! Click!

Light flashed together with the sounds of shutter, and from the entrance, someone dressed in a suit was walking in while smiling.

It was a face Seol Jungyeon had never forgotten even for a moment.

"Yoo Seodam!"

Someone shouted his name on behalf of Seol Jungyeon, and Yoo Seodam raised his hand as if trying to answer him. Then someone gave him a microphone and he spoke.

"Sorry. I'm a little late… Oh, but will you accept late students here?"

But no one shook their heads. If it were usual, it would have been possible to place restrictions on admission to people who were late. But, how could they do that to Yoo Seodam? A man who reappeared after disappearing into the rift more than two months ago.

'It's a scoop!'

The moderator felt that it was an opportunity he couldn't miss.

"Please… Please come in. There are many empty seats left."

"Thank you then. I'll sit there then."

Yoo Seodam walked toward the F rank seat as he said that.

"Okay. So, what were we talking about? Oh yeah! I watched it on live broadcast on my way here. You were discussing about the 'Hell Gate'… right?"

"That's right. We also have a specialist here to discuss about Hellgate's expedition."

Yoo Seodam's expression turned funny as he heard the moderator's words.

"Specialist? Who is that?"

Yoo Seodam tilted his head as the moderator pointed at Yoo Haram before opening his mouth again.

"Oh, yes. When I was in Junior High School, I joined the 'Pretty Pebble Collection Club' and heard a lot of advice from a specialist. Really, these days, anyone can become a specialist if they want to, even without a license"

Obviously, Yoo Seodam said all of it in a sarcastic tone.

Then, Yoo Haram replied with a stiff face.

"Yes, that's right. I do not have a license. But I believe that I have investigated the interior of Hell Gate through the material obtained…"

"Hell Gate's material? Ah! The ones that I brought?"

Then it was complete silence.

Yoo Haram's poker face began to crumble a little because he didn't predict that Yoo Seodam, who had been missing for a few months, would reappear here.

"….Yes, that is the one. But the point I want to convey is that I have studied enough about Hell Gate and that I am well aware of the danger it possesses."

In response to his words, Yoo Seodam didn't say much.

He only said,

"Hell Gate? I've been there before." After saying that, he continued.

"How about you?"

With that, the controversy over who was the specialist came to an end.

Objectively, Yoo Haram who studied Hell Gate scientifically should really be considered as more of a specialist than Yoo Seodam. However, no one present in the meeting would admit that in Yoo Seodam's presence.

The fact that Yoo Seodam was a hunter who had survived Hell Gate for three years was recently revealed through the internet, and everyone and their grandma knew about it. On top of that, he also had the ability to control dimension, so who in their right mind would ever doubt him?

Yoo Seodam grabbed the microphone and said "On my way here, I looked at your data. What you said is quite plausible. Back when I'm still in the Pretty Pebble Collection Club, I thought diamonds were the most valuable pebbles."

Someone laughed as he said that.

"So, I want to show you the material I've been preparing. This is the tablet I use when watching movies on Uflix… Does it matter? I'll just connect it."

Then, on the screen, data about 'Mirror World' appeared. It was a strange phenomenon different from dungeons and rifts that the Murim people had been dealing with all around the world.

In fact, the data itself didn't really have any connection with Hell Gate. But no one knew about it except Yoo Seodam. And it was enough to counter Yoo Haram's data as well as persuade other people.

"The reason behind the rise of Hell Gate's energy is simply because some parts of Hell Gate are synchronizing with Earth. But don't worry. While 'specialist' Yoo Haram here is working hard on examining the materials that I brought, Murim people are solving all of those abnormal phenomenons."

On the screen, several photos of Mirror World that resembled Hell Gate appeared. Most of them were horrible and full of disgusting things, it was to the point that it was blurred for censorship purposes. However, for the hunters who had seen pictures of the inside of Hell Gate, they had to admit that the world inside the pictures closely resembled Hell Gate.

'I don't really care whether they admit it or not, because the world derived from Hell Gate in the first place….'

In fact, Yoo Seodam himself didn't know why the Hell Gate's energy was rising. However, he had someone who excelled in dimensional science, namely, the system.

I'm investigating the cause right at the moment, but please rest assured that nothing seems dangerous.

After that, the discussion proceeded swiftly.

Yoo Seodam declared that, 'The Hell Gate expedition is meaningless' and said, 'Even if you go on an expedition, it isn't plausible to do it just with a few elites.'

Whenever someone tried to refute him, Yoo Seodam would happily unravel what happened at Hell Gate.

"The Hell Gate expedition proposal was dismissed."

Eventually, when the moderator, Tae-oh announced the result, Yoo Haram got up from his seat and left the room.

The meeting ended. One by one, people started leaving the venue after confirming that the camera was turned off and the outro of the live broadcast was coming out.

And then, Seol Jungyeon rushed to embrace Yoo Seodam.

"No…Noonim, your image…." Yoo Seodam said helplessly.

There were a lot of eyes watching them. Nevertheless, Seol Jungyeon didn't care about it at all and placed her lips on Yoo Seodam's lips.

Before he could enjoy the kiss, Yoo Seodam hurriedly looked around him. He saw that there was one camera that was just about turning off.

'We are in trouble.'

More and more people started leaving the venue. Yoo Seodam slowly pulled back from the kiss and looked at her. Seol Jungyeon was so short that she barely touched the chest of Yoo Seodam. She usually looked so big, but in fact she was so small.

Seol Jungyeon was staring at Yoo Seodam with slightly moist eyes.

"You came too late."

"I'm sorry…. I didn't know that the time difference wouldn't work."

Ads by Pubfuture

Originally, the time difference between the world Yoo Seodam travelled to and Earth would be at least 2 times or at most 15 times.

However, for some reason, this time there was an error with the time difference. Yoo Seodam didn't know the cause. Is it because he left to another world from inside the rift? Or because the destroyed world was parallel to Earth?

Because of that, the people on Earth were so worried about him.

"It's okay… It's okay now…. The most important thing is that you returned safely."

In fact, from the moment Yoo Seodam appeared, Seol Jungyeon wanted to rush at him. She wanted to feel his embrace, his eyes, and his touch after a long time. However, with superhuman willpower, she tried hard to hold back her impulsive mind.

But it was also because of that, as soon as the restraint was released, Seol Jungyeon ran towards Yoo Seodam and forgot all about the image she had built.

Yoo Seodam gently patted Seol Jungyeon's head as he raised his head because in addition to Seol Jungyeon, there was another woman he wanted to meet here.

'I'm sure Taylor was here… Where the hell is she?"

No matter how hard he tried to look for her, Yoo Seodam couldn't find Taylor Nine.

I arrived in Korea around the time dinner was over in Korean time. Noonim wanted to stay with me a little longer, but unfortunately, she couldn't clear her schedule right away.

-Next time we meet I have something to give you.

After she said that, she returned to the House of Goblins which had become the House of Murim. I couldn't predict at all what she was going to give me next time.

On my way home, I checked the internet to search rankings on my smartphone. And as expected, just before the live camera was turned off, at around the timing of the outro, the scene where Seol Jungyeon Noonim held me was captured and transmitted. They also captured the scene when she kissed me.

'Seol Jungyeon' adorned the internet's real-time search rankings this time with mostly scandals with me. It's a scandal related to the Murim Lord. It was by no means a good sign. So I hurriedly told Noonim to clarify, but she adamantly refused.

'Is it really necessary? I'll just leave it alone.'

I remembered she looked quite happy as she said that.

"Whew……."

I wondered if it would work somehow.

After midnight, I was able to get home. When I opened the door and walked in, I saw Taylor chugging some beers in the kitchen with only dim light lighting up the room. Her cheeks were already burning red, and she seemed to be quite drunk.

Somehow, I felt something was off. I hadn't seen her for around two months, but really, her atmosphere was different from usual.

"Uh, you…. Why did you go first? It would have been nice if we were on the same plane."

Then Taylor smiled as she tilted her head. She was looking at me with a strange gaze.

"Yoo Seodam."

"…uh."

"Yoo Seodam!"

"I'm listening."

"Yoo Seodam…."

She crumpled the beer can on her hand as she mumbled.

"Yoo Seodam, you are a very difficult man to have."

"……"

Ads by Pubfuture

I couldn't answer. I didn't answer.

"You are drunk-"

"Right! I'm drunk."

Suddenly, Taylor screamed slightly, but moments later, her voice turned normal once again.

"I'm only saying this because I'm drunk…."

Drinking is not an indulgence. It just helped people to be courageous. She probably drank several cans of beer just so she could say what she wanted to say next.

Taylor stood up from her seat and came over to me. Then, she grabbed me by the tie and dragged me to the sofa. After that, she pushed my chest with her tiny her to the sofa.

"You know what? I've been living for 17 years while only looking at you."

She looked me into the eyes. It was then I realized, her eyes were clear without any sign of intoxication. She wasn't drunk at all.

"Now I know, I can't keep you to myself. That would be greedy of me, because you're too big. Too fucking big. You asshole…" (P/N ( ͡ ͜ʖ ͡))

Taylor's eyes looked slightly moist. Maybe it was the result of the moonlight and her sparkling eyes.

"… It's been a long time since we've been like this."

17 years. From adolescence to adulthood. We had been living almost half of our lives together. She knew me better than anyone else, and I could proudly say that I knew her better than anyone else. However, today, that conviction of mine was crumbling.

"I'm not sure either. Seodam. I thought I knew everything about you, but at some point…."

She looked at me with a childish look.

"When you said that you are a Dimensional Traveller, or when you finally got the superpower you wanted so much, or even when you were dealing with magic or mugong, I understood everything. Even if you suddenly become an alien… I'll love you and all your secrets. I'm sure I will."

Then, I remembered the old Taylor. A timid and young girl who smiled cheerfully whenever she learned about another person.

A girl named Taylor Nine was more cautious about human relations than anyone else, but at the same time, she was someone that would open all of her heart for someone.

How do I know it?nov𝓮𝓵𝓊𝓈𝕓dot𝒸/o\𝕞

Because I was the only one who she opened her heart to.

When she set her goal, Taylor would always cling to it.

"You… Do you have anyone you are interested in right now?"

I tried to open my mouth, but Taylor stopped me by putting her hand on top of my lips. Then, she shook her head with an anxious eye.

"Just forget I ever asked that…. Just, don't tell me."

Then she raised her head again, before smiling widely.

"Whether you have or not, I don't care. No matter what I hear, I don't think I can give up on you. I don't want another bitch that suddenly appeared to steal you from me. All I need is a piece of you, any leftover is also fine… I'll have it."

She didn't try to unbutton my top with one hand like usual. Instead, she quietly put her white legs on both sides of my thighs and hugged me.

It was getting warmer and warmer than before.

"Let's just be together tonight…. I just want to be together like this and I want you to just think about me today…..please."

She said to me with a voice that seemed somehow anxious.

"Can you please do that?"

I quietly nodded. Before long, she fell asleep with a faint smile as if satisfied.

The night got deep, but I couldn't sleep.

"Let's go on a date."

That was the first thing Yoo Seodam heard as soon as he woke up.

When he opened his eyes, he could see a white skin and silver hair filling his vision. It was Taylor Nine. She was sitting on top of his stomach naked as she busily scrolled through her smartphone.

Yoo Seodam was speechless for a moment, but he forced a word out because he felt the need to ask Taylor some questions.

"Why are you naked?"

Taylor glanced at her body once and shrugged as if she didn't even care about it.

"I don't know. Whenever I slept with you, I took my clothes off without realizing. It seems to be a habit."

Yoo Seodam touched his upper body just to check something. As expected, he found that the shirt he was wearing last night was now gone.

"Then what about mine?"

"It's also a habit." As if nothing was wrong, Taylor answered brazenly.

Yoo Seodam was left speechless once again. And then, he pulled the blanket that was covering his lower body, wrapped it around Taylor's body, and pushed her to the side.

"Are we going to do it?"

"Stop speaking nonsense and get up." Yoo Seodam said.

It wasn't that he didn't want to do it or that he found the whole situation awkward, but rather, he was just too tired. As soon as he returned from the destroyed world, he had to fly straight to Indonesia to attend the meeting.

And after a long night of thinking about many things and hugging Taylor in his arms for a long time, he woke up at 10 am. It was already long past the rush hour.

"By the way, why a date all of the sudden?"

"Man, lately you don't have any time to meet me. That's why this noona will do you a favor and spare some of my time to play with you. There are a lot of interesting movies these days, and sometimes you have to take some time off to live! Isn't that true?"

"But, you seem to have a lot of free time every day."

"What are you talking about! Do you know how busy this noona is?"

"Is that so…"

Yoo Seodam shrugged.

Come to think of it, after his debut as a hunter 17 years ago, he had never taken any days off until he was diagnosed with a heart disease two years ago. And even after he was cured, he had no chance to take a break since he had to work hard as a protagonist hunter and had to build his guild. It could be said that he was now far busier than the day when he was only an ordinary F rank Hunter.

"Well, okay. I guess I can take some time off."

"Why did you become obedient suddenly? What's wrong? Where did the old Yoo Seodam go?"

Yoo Seodam chuckled at her reaction. He only accepted it because the person was Taylor Nine. He had no one to enjoy that kind of leisure with other than her.

"Then let's watch a movie or something."

"Romance?"

"Hell no. A movie where everything breaks." Taylor chuckled.

Even though they had never watched a movie together, both of them were well aware of each other's tastes. In fact, their tastes and personalities were almost the same, it was the biggest reason why they got along so well.

While Taylor was booking movie tickets on her smartphone, Yoo Seodam suddenly thought of Yekaterina. He could feel her state through his soul. She was currently on the verge of collapsing because she was extremely exhausted.

'I should hurry up and take care of her.'

Waking up from the bed, Yoo Seodam got dressed and threw Taylor her underwear and shorts.

Right at that moment, the system suddenly spoke up.

Seodam. I figured out the cause of error in time difference.

'Is that so? What is it?'

It seems that the error occurred because we executed dimensional travel from a place that wasn't Earth, but a Rift that is connected to Earth. I made a huge blunder, I always set the time difference with Earth as the base and the trip this time was the first time that we moved to another dimension from another world…

'Well.. It's okay.'

The system said so, but Yoo Seodam could get a few clues from those words.

'The system always sets it with Earth as the centre.'

Yoo Seodam became more and more curious about her identity.

"I am dying!" Yekaterina said as she buried her face in her desk.

Ads by Pubfuture

The black circles under her eyes were severe to the point it affected her overall beauty.

"I'm really sorry… It's not that I deliberately returned late…"

I was aware that without me Yekaterina would die. I felt guilty even though I was late because of an error in the time difference.

"It's okay, Because in the end you still returned. Hurry, please come here." Yekaterina shook her head and smiled faintly.

I sat down on Yekaterina's seat and let her sit on my lap. My original plan was to let her have her recharge session as we lay down on the sofa to maximize body contact. But she refused my plan as she had a lot of work to do.

"Ah!"

As expected, Yekaterina's body shook the moment her body touched mine. If I remember correctly, she said that energy recharge was quite painful. It wasn't really painful when there was still some spirit left in her body, but when her energy was close to rock bottom, she was particularly sensitive to soul communion.

"…..!"

Yekaterina bit her lips and curled up. Even though the contact was barely enough, she tried to move away from my body. I pulled her to my chest and embraced her deeply.

"Eugh…!"

"Does it hurt that much?"

"Oh, no…!"

Yekaterina answered as she took a deep breath. Then, I could feel her breathing become even. Then in her drowsy mumble, Yekaterina whispered. "Sometimes…please pay attention to me too."

"Sorry…"

"I know that my presence is not that great compared to others… But I can't live without Seodam-ssi…"

"………"

Then Yekaterina weakly said another word.

"More…"nov𝓮𝓁𝑈𝓈𝑏/𝓒/o\𝓂

I felt uneasy for a moment and hurriedly asked.

"Hey. Are you still alive?"

"…….."

There was no answer. However, as I put my finger in front of her nose, I could feel her breath faintly. She had already fallen asleep.

"Huh? If you're going to sleep, why are you talking about working?"

Even though I said that, I couldn't just wake her up. And I couldn't move either. So I sat still as I held her in my arms.

Then, after some time passed, the office door opened and the Spirit King entered. The Spirit King, who was wearing armor from head to toe, including a helmet, looks like an ordinary large burly person at first glance.

-Hyung-nim You're back!

"Uh…, yes. It has been awhile."

-I thought my Hyung-nim was already dead, so I already sent him away in my heart, but now I have to get my goodbye back! haha!

"This bastard…"

-It's okay Hyung-nim! Because my heart is still burning hot.

A blue flame really burned from the Spirit King's chest.

"You only make my stomach burn."

-Well! It was fun to reunite with you Hyung-nim, but I have a very important mission, so I'll have to leave.

"Please go quickly."

– Actually, I'm going to eat udon.

"I'm not curious."

– Well then!

After saying that, the Spirit King broke the window and jumped out.

'Is he crazy?'

Boom!! As I heard the sound of him landing on the ground, I started to wonder whether my decision to give him the armor was correct.

Then, Ye Sa-hye enters the office. Her expression was calm as she looked at the broken windows.

"It's an everyday thing."

"Is that so…"

But she was startled when she saw Yekaterina who was fast asleep in my arms.

"Wow, is she really asleep?"

"Uh yeah. Why?"

Ads by Pubfuture

"Well, boss was recently suffering from severe insomn- No, I'd rather call it Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She kept on saying she preferred to work during that time…"

Crazy. Just how much of a workaholic are you?

"For the past three days, she barely slept for three hours, so we tried to force her to sleep. But now that Gilma is here, she fell asleep right away."

"……"

I had apologized to her earlier, but that didn't completely erase my guilt towards Yekaterina who fought against extreme fatigue, and worked hard for my guild. Yet I neglected her.

'Am I really trash?'

Remembering Taylor Nine from last night, Aracelli, whom I had left behind because I had no other choice, and Yekaterina, who was sleeping soundly in my arms, somehow I could feel my heart ache. It wasn't intentional, but somehow, I thought I was doing something worse than trash.

"Whew…. Well then, I need to check her works when I'm not here."

I adjusted Yekaterina's position into a more comfortable position and checked the computer.

"What is all this?" I asked no one in particular.

It was full of things that I didn't know.

[The 1st Magic Seminar Holding Plan Report….]

[About the Magic Symposium in 3 years time….]

[Cooperation of companies on the effectiveness of the essence dispenser is…]

[For the publication of textbooks, 'YoRyob Mugong (遊獵懋功)' Ha Sunyoung's mugong in the Great Monster Warfare…]

When I checked the computer I realized a lot of things had happened when I was away.

First of all, the profession 'Magician' was now officially recognized. And the plan for the establishment of a university for cultivating wizards, the so-called 'Yekaterina's Tower', had already been completed. In addition, the essence dispenser for wizards had been collectively referred to as the 'magic wand'.

And then, the joint action between Ha Sunyoung and Celeste was even more spectacular. They had removed the unnecessary movements from the original 'Sunyoung Swordsmanship' which mainly deals with humans and turned it into something that specialized in hunting the monsters.

Then from 'Sunyoung Swordsmanship' as the impetus, Murim created a new branch of martial arts which they called 'YoRyob Mugong' (遊獵懋功) which mainly dealt against monster. The great thing about this mugong was the fact that it could be learned by anyone.

"So many things happened…"

To be honest, I don't know what else I should work on here.

Am I too slow? No, Yekaterina was way too fast in working on everything while I was away.

To be honest, before Yekaterina joined the guild, I had studied quite a lot.

In addition to the laws related to Korean hunters, I had begun accumulating a wide range of knowledge in case my guild members later became internationally active. I even went to a lawyer and studied for a few days regarding the ownership of supernatural intellectual property for magic and martial arts.

Not only that, after receiving investment from several companies and investors, I went directly to Ryu Jin-soo, who had been active in guild business for longer than me, to learn how to not get exploited.

But still, compared to Yekaterina, who not only looked after the guild but also poured all her passion into it, the things I had done were nothing.

"It's really good…. To be honest, I have nothing to do now."

When I said that, Ye Sa-hye opened her eyes wide and said "What do you mean you don't have work to do, Gilma-nim?"

"Uh? No, I just-"

"Weren't magic and mugong was something you secured, Gilma-nim?"

"Uh..yeah that's true."

"Do you know how much trouble we have in developing all of them without Gilma-nim?"

"….."

I do not know.

No, I never instructed them to do so in the first place. I can't ask for anything more as long as they get stronger and survive. By the way… is there anyone currently hunting properly in Another League?

'Just what is this place? A university, a dojo, or a guild?'

Then Ye Sa-hye spoke once again and stopped me from trailing off in my mind.

"So, please help even for a little bit."

"On what?"

"Limitless development, possibilities, utilization, reorganization and generalization of mugong."

Then Ye Sa-hye picked up her smartphone and showed it to me.

It shows Celeste's Live streaming. She was currently teaching about body strengthening techniques and it was being watched by 90.000 viewers.

"Did you know that there is another person who has been waiting for Gilma-nim to come back?"

"Is it Celeste?"

"Yes. But as soon as Gilma-nim came back, you've been very busy, so she didn't even come to visit in fear of disturbing you."

I didn't know… No, maybe I knew.

Now the people waiting for me were more than I thought.

"So, please go see her."

As soon as Yekaterina woke up from her sleep of replenishing her strength the entire afternoon, Yoo Seodam headed towards the building next door to help Celeste.

The entire building was used by Celeste to hold her class. At the moment about 90,000 people were watching her live streaming lesson. But Ye Sa-hye had told Yoo Seodam that only about half of that number were watching it for the sake of learning, while the rest were watching it just for Celeste.

"Oh…"

Yoo Seodam exclaimed as soon as he entered the building. The inside of the building was quite spacious, its walls were also reinforced with an ether-coating. However, regardless of its spacious space, only 30 people were present inside the building.

Every single one of them had a different rank, ranging from E rank to A rank. And from what Ye Sa-hye had told Yoo Seodam, they were all already registering their name under Another League for the perks of learning even after the live streaming is over. After going through a formal education course, every single one of them planned to work as a hunter under the banner of Another League.

'In the end, all of them are going to be my subordinates.'

Yoo Seodam said to himself as he saw a large monitor on the wall. On it, a real-time response for Celeste's class was being displayed. And in front of that monitor, Celeste was holding a class with a wooden sword in her gym uniform.

"Focus the flow of energy on your ankles and swing them up."

Wooshh!!

Celeste instantly disappeared from everyone's sight and moved behind a student who stood still, almost as if she was teleporting.

"And you'll get something like this." Immediately after, the chat window was flooded with question marks. "It's easy, right?"

-????

-??

-Eh…

-What..

-What did you do?

-Professor… You are too fast.

Yoo Seodam chuckled. The response on the screen was justified. Because, even though Celeste had a good voice, it seemed that she had no talent for teaching. In his opinion, her inability to teach stemmed from the fact that she was too much of a genius. Whatever she did, she always did it in her own way. So, when she explained it to other people, they wouldn't be able to understand it.

The fact that she had a lot of viewers even though she was like this was really strange in Yoo Seodam's eyes.

"All you have to do is follow what I did…"

-Oh haha that's right, just follow along lol

– So how did you do that haha

-Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

-Sorry for being stupid…Sorry for being stupid…

It seems that she was teaching the basic steps, however, she wasn't able to explain the process in words.. In addition, Celeste also showed various body strengthening mugong albeit only a little because of the 'Tasting Corner Strategy'.

After observing Celeste for a while more, Yoo Seodam felt that she had grown considerably stronger from the last time they met.

Frankly, he was quite surprised that she had reached A rank. No matter how fast body strengthening superhuman grows, there must be some limit to their growth speed. However, it seems like that limit wasn't applied to Celeste as she kept growing more and more.

It's amazing how she became A rank at the age of 19 in Italy and 20 in Korea, but what was even more surprising was that her actual ability easily exceeded A rank.

Whenever she swung her sword, boom! The sound of air being torn apart reverberated. And when she lowered her foot, the ground shook.

Body strengthening-type superpower was different from mugong or wigong, which strengthens one's body by using drugs or secret techniques. It was a technique that utilized a mysterious power of monsters to evolve the body further.

It was far superior to wigong. And when body strengthening users could also use naegong…. A completely different kind of monstrous power was born.

Boom!!

"Keuk!"

-Crazy lololololol.

-He's dead???

-Nope, I don't think so..

-I think he's dead…?

Ads by Pubfuture

With only one attack from Celeste, an A rank student flew away and crashed into the wall. It was quite a subtle attack from Celeste as she didn't even sweat when she attacked.

Then, Celeste turned her gaze away and met the eyes of Yoo Seodam. Yoo Seodam waved his hand as she bowed respectfully towards him with her usual expressionless face.

-Who?

– I can't see who it is.

-Celeste noona suddenly seems to be in a good mood?

-Really?

Yoo Seodam could see a barrage of questions flood the screen as they couldn't see him, who was standing behind the camera. He felt sorry for them, but he had no intention of showing his face.

"It's been a while, do you want to spar?"

Celeste nodded happily at Yoo Seodam's offer.

"Good. Just like in the past, I won't stop even when you roll around in pain."

"It will be different from back then." Celeste replied calmly.

Yoo Seodam flinched at her reply. He belatedly remembered that the reason he was able to defeat Celeste in the past was because he had completely monopolized the swordsmanship of other worlds.

Will he be able to achieve an overwhelming victory like in the past while he was facing the current Celeste?

'I'm not really going to lose, am I?'

Somehow, Yoo Seodam became anxious, but thinking about his own pride, he couldn't back down here, so, he moved to the centre of the building with a specially crafted strong wooden sword.

"Wow… It's Hunter Yoo Seodam."

"So, it's true that he had returned…"

"But, is that rumor real?"

"Shuushh, he can hear you."

The students whispered amongst themselves.

-OMG

– Is that Yoo Seodam?

– What's going on?

-Oh haha Murim Lord's boyfriend has arrived hahaha

– lol

-Shit, he has such a beautiful girlfriend, I'm really envious.

Mysterious stories quickly flooded into the screen, but unfortunately, because Yoo Seodam was focusing on Celeste, he couldn't read any of it.

Both Yoo Seodam and Celeste stood in front of each other with swords in their hands. Yoo Seodam wore a simple suit, and Celeste was in a comfortable gym suit, but that didn't really mean much.

-By the way, when will they start?

The moment such comments popped up,

Fwoosh!! Tang!!

Yoo Seodam and Celeste, the two superhumans rushed towards each other at the same time.

-F*ck? I don't see what happened just now.

In order to broadcast the movements of superhumans, a high-performance camera that could capture more than 1000 frames per second was needed. But if the viewers still cannot follow it with their own eyes after that, there is a separate feature called 'Replay at 0.1x speed'.

Pakk!!

In order to withstand the power of superhumans, the wooden training sword they both held was internally coated with ether. In other words, it was a sturdy and expensive training sword.

'Wow, you've become so strong…'

Yoo Seodam realized once again that Celeste was a genius. Her sense in swordsmanship had far exceeded his from long ago. But now, on top of it, she also wielded a swordsmanship that combined the swordsmanship of Murim world and fantasy world. It wouldn't be an easy fight even for him who had also grown stronger by hunting numerous protagonists in the past two years.

Tung!

In front of Celeste's violent swing, Yoo Seodam turned his body to the side and evaded her attack. Then, he tried to launch a counterattack through the gap.

Realizing Yoo Seodam's intention, Celeste hurriedly swung her sword to the ground in the middle of her charge. She used her sword as an axis to spin her body and launched a kick towards Yoo Seodam.

Yoo Seodam ducked down to avoid it before trying to raise his sword to strike, but Celeste judged much more quickly than him. As soon as her kick missed its target, she kicked into the air, controlled her center of gravity, and tried to slam Yoo Seodam's head with her heel.

Ads by Pubfuture

Bam!

The moment the steel-like kick was about to slam into the floor, Yoo Seodam slipped towards her back.

-WOAHHH

-???

-What happened just now?

-Is this really happening?

-Wow, he blocked it and then avoided it

Yoo Seodam was also someone who strengthened his body just like a body strengthening superhuman would do. In addition to that, he could also become more powerful by pouring mana into his magic circle. However, he didn't possess the same ether coating that the body strengthening superhumans possessed.

'My ability itself seems to have the upper hand, but…'

In defense and pure swordsmanship, Celeste was far beyond him. It was truly god-sent talent that couldn't be catched up by stolen S rank talents.

Of course, Yoo Seodam didn't use any of his personal weapons and magic, which could be counted as his most important skills. But even so, it was amazing that Celeste could push him to some extent.

The two instantly separated and put 20m distance between themselves. The next moment, they were crossing swords against each other again, and then they bounced into the air, exchanging several blows that were too fast for normal eyes to see, and then they fell to the ground again.

Their swordsmanship didn't have lotus flowers blooming like Seol Jungyeon's or white flashes like Ha Sunyoung's, but it was very fast and heavy and there was something about it that unconsciously made the viewers feel excited.

-Wow…

-It's really crazy

-Why did the chat window become so silent?

Even the amount of chats had decreased. All of them were at a loss for words due to the splendid battles of superhumans that could not be easily seen. The viewers then realized that Celeste had been teaching her students while controlling her power during the broadcast.

Wooshh!!

The wooden sword slithered towards Yoo Seodam. With only hairbreadth away from his neck, Yoo Seodam skillfully avoided it.

'It's been a while.'

Celeste suddenly remembered the first time she met Yoo Seodam, two years ago. At that time, she felt lost and empty because she couldn't grow like she wanted to. Her growth was slow, too slow for her liking.

And then, she learned the art of swordsmanship from Yoo Seodam.

She learned from him that swordsmanship wasn't simply swinging swords with brute force. There were plenty of ways to swing and move with even more efficiency, with even more speed, and even more strength.

She was desperately clinging to Yoo Seodam. At first, she simply wanted to learn his swordsmanship because it was such a beautiful swordsmanship. However, as time passed, her purpose also gradually changed. Each time she became stronger and her proficiency increased, she wanted to show her swordsmanship to Yoo Seodam.

'I've grown this much.'

And, whenever he saw herself growing up, he would always say,

'You've become stronger. Much more than yesterday.'

Little by little, she began to live for that feeling. This feeling remained after Bang Ho-Win, her lifelong goal, the reason she swung her sword without stopping for a single moment, died.

She was a little anxious.

She was afraid the Yoo Seodam wouldn't return from the rift.

She feared that she would never be able to face him and his swordsmanship ever again.

Kwaanngg!!!

Yoo Seodam's sharp attack left a large scar on the floor, but Celeste had already leaped backwards and escaped the spot. She was already preparing for the next attack.

When she thrust her sword, an aura shot out from her sword and hurled towards Yoo Seodam. And when Yoo Seodam made up his mind and parried it, a quarter of the building trembled.

Now, it was slowly approaching a level that was too dangerous to be said as a mere sparring. But Celeste doesn't want it to end.

The fact that she could clash against such a skillful opponent to her heart's content, the fact that her opponent recognized and acknowledged her strength, it was fun.

'I am alive.'

She felt alive.nov𝓔𝗅𝑈𝔰𝑩/𝒸\o/𝚖

-What

-Did you see Celeste's laugh just now?

A few messages popped up, but they were quickly buried. It was because her smile lasted only for a split second. It was truly a fleeting smile.

But in reality she was happy. She felt incredible joy as she competed against Yoo Seodam. That joy made her burst into laughter unknowingly.

Cheong!!

Before long, her wooden sword fell to the ground. Celeste, who had lost her sword, had lost the match. Then, Yoo Seodam said with a smile as he wiped his cold sweat,

"You've become stronger. Much more than yesterday."

After sparring with Celeste, Yoo Seodam changed into his casual clothing and left the guild's hideout. Though he called it casual clothing, his white shirt, black pants and beige boots were no different from the clothes he wore at work.

On the other hand, Taylor Nine's casual clothes were way different from Yoo Seodam. Her fashion sense has developed after reading countless fashion magazines and has caught many people's eyes and has turned her style into a trendsetter. Occasionally, [Taylor Nine Airport Fashion…] articles appeared on the internet news.

For that reason, it was inevitable for Taylor's expression to turn sour as soon as she saw Yoo Seodam in his trashy clothes.

"Yuck."

"What's the matter?"nov𝗲𝓵𝑈𝚜𝓫\𝑐\o/𝐌

"Your clothes are so bad! Are you really going to wear all that crap on a date with me?"

Taylor had to admit. She also didn't dress up properly today. She didn't want to make Yoo Seodam feel that she put too much effort in her clothes. So, after thinking about it for 3 hours, Taylor decided to wear a blue jacket and blue hot pants. But, no matter what, she didn't think that what Yoo Seodam wore was right.

"I don't really care about what kind of clothes I wear……."

"You are really… Nevermind. Have you decided where we're going today?"

"Didn't you say that we are going to watch a movie?"

"We still have plenty of time left before the movie."

"Then, how about having a meal?"

"After that?"

"Dungeon?"

"Are you crazy?"

"Why not? it's your favorite place. The gun fair then?"

"Are you really crazy?"

"Well then, the shooting range……"

"I'm really going to kill you."

Taylor, who was about to suggest something more to Yoo Seodam, bit her mouth as a really good idea flashed through her mind. She said with a smirk,

"Well then, let's go buy some clothes. This Noona will pay."

Another League was a guild, not a company. Therefore, it was only natural that Another League didn't follow a strict working schedule that companies had. It was around 4:00 PM when Yoo Seodam left the hideout. In fact, there was nothing strange if he raided a dungeon right after heading out from the hideout.

However, forget the monster infested and bloody dungeon, currently, Yoo Seodam was in a department store with Taylor Nine.

"I thought you only bought things from luxurious brands, was I wrong?"

"I only go there when I buy stuff for myself. Why should I go there to buy something for someone who can't even tell the difference between a $5 T-shirt and a $50,000 T-shirt?"

She said even though most of the clothes that Taylor currently picked were over $5,000, they were too expensive to buy casually. She was truly a woman whose words and actions didn't match.

"How about this one?"

"Crazy bitch, why should I wear a floral T-shirt?"

"This is the trend these days man."

"Really?"

"Do you think I'm playing around? Do you know how much this T-shirt costs?"

Yoo Seodam sighed. He really couldn't figure out whether Taylor was lying or not.

Yoo Seodam followed Taylor on her shopping spree, both for his clothes and her clothes. Somewhere along the way, he felt that Taylor had become particularly pretty. Her usual grumpy and stoic expression was replaced with a bright and happy smile.

Yoo Seodam was not the only one who felt this way. Everyone who saw Taylor in this state felt the same.

"Wow, is that really Taylor Nine?"

"She's really pretty."

When a celebrity appears in front of the general public, people always pick up their smartphone and take a photo of the said celebrity. And the next logical step was for them to upload it to their social media. In other words, the scene where Taylor went shopping with Yoo Seodam by her side would soon be known to many people around the world.

Taylor hated attention, but she was someone who knew very well how to take advantage of her fame.

'This is not enough.'

Ads by Pubfuture

Taylor said to herself. Yoo Seodam, who was originally said to be somewhat famous, became even more famous overnight as he monopolized several issues. There were articles about his return from the Rift. There was also news about how he countered Yoo Haram's opinion in the Hunter's Meeting.

But for Taylor, the only thing that bothered her was,

[Another League Yoo Seodam and Murim Lord Seol Jungyeon kissing scandal.]

[What is their relationship?]

[CNS, 'What is the reason behind Seol Jungyeon's silence? Is this her way of confirming their relationship?"]

[Seol Jungyeon's dating rumors with Yoo Seodam, people of Murim said, 'We are confirming with the related party']

Numerous news related to Seol Jungyeon.

Taylor bit her lip as she thought about them.

As for why she kissed him at such a formal occasion, even Yoo Seodam told her that he still couldn't figure it out.

Taylor knew that as a Hyunkyung Expert, Seol Jungyeon had an excellent control over her desires. Then, why did she suddenly lose control of her desire on such a formal occasion? Taylor just couldn't make sense of it. Her mind told her that it was a planned action.

But, when she asked Yoo Seodam about it, he only brushed it aside by saying 'It will resolve itself in due time. She can just post an explanation. It's not like both of us are celebrities, and there's no way the stock price will plummet by something like this.'

Just like he said, these scandals actually did little to no damage to his work as a Hunter. And for Seol Jungyeon, her image that she had built up as a martial artist would be slightly lowered, but it would not bear any negative impact whatsoever. It was proven by the fact that amidst hundreds of malicious comments posted on social media every second, there was hardly anyone who swore at Seol Jungyeon.

But,

'It's wrong.'

For Taylor Nine, it wasn't a light issue at all. She knew and understood the story of this incident in more detail.

At the time when Yoo Seodam told her about the incident, Taylor quietly looked into his eyes. There, she could see exhaustion.

She understood the reason well though.

'He still doesn't seem to be ready for a proper relationship.'

Obviously, there was a time when Yoo Seodam fell in love with someone. But, Taylor knew that he didn't have anyone in his heart right now. As a human being, Yoo Seodam also accepted the affection that came his way to a certain extent, but when they tried to pursue him after a certain level, he would gradually push them away.

Taylor Nine knew it from her experience. She was sure that Seol Jungyeon was also aware of the fact.

It wasn't that he was an eunuch or that he wasn't interested in dating or marriage at all. But rather, Yoo Seodam simply couldn't afford to think about it because he was living with the thought that he could die tomorrow. It was the same as that day, seventeen years ago, when he first became a Hunter.

Taylor always wondered, why did he still live with such a mindset in this peaceful time?

She knew from the stories he told her when they shared the same bed that he had to go on dangerous missions to other worlds and risk his life. However, if it's really that dangerous, why didn't he stop?

Just why in the world did he have to do it?

Taylor shifted her attention to her smartphone once again.

The scandal between Yoo Seodam and Seol Jungyeon.

Taylor predicted that Seol Jungyeon must be very nervous right now.

Just like Taylor who was wary of Seol Jungyeon, Seol Jungyeon was also aware of Taylor's value in Yoo Seodam's heart and was wary of her. Taylor had only met Seol Jungyeon once but she knew it instinctively.

'She's in a hurry too, that's why I do all of this.'

That's why Taylor suggested going on a date with Yoo Seodam. It was a really insignificant act, but it had a very big meaning.

Because Seol Jungyeon couldn't do it.

'Do you know how long I've been waiting for him?'

Taylor looked at Seol Jungyeon on the screen, and then, she slid her hand through Yoo Seodam's arm and smiled brightly.

People who saw it took a picture of them.

It will soon be beautifully packaged and posted on social media, and sooner or later, articles about them will fill the internet.

'You are the one who drew first blood, so, I can't take it lying down.'

Seol Jungyeon was very troubled right now.

And just like always, Shin Hye-ji was the only one who was aware of it.

"Master, it's time for dinner…"

"I'm fine. I don't want to eat anything today, so please tell them not to cook anything."

"You have to take care of your health."

"I'm fine."

Seol Jungyeon's voice was always low and so it was difficult for ordinary people to know what Seol Jungyeon really felt based on her voice.

It was a sort of self-defense.

Ads by Pubfuture

Because her appearance was small and childish, with only a slight smile, she would look like a pure country girl. So she had to conceal it. Otherwise, her dignity as the Supreme Cheonma and the Lord of New Murim League would crumble.

"Hmmmm."

Shin Hye-ji looked at Seol Jungyeon intently. She couldn't fully understand her, but she was able to get a vague idea of what she was thinking and worrying about.

'It must be because of Hunter Yoo Seodam.'

She knew what Seol Jungyeon did just a few days ago. She had kissed Yoo Seodam in front of so many hunters. It wasn't a stretch to call it a kiss to declare and mark her 'territory'.

But, yesterday. The Internet was buzzing once again because of Yoo Seodam. However this time, it wasn't because of Seol Jungyeon. It was because of Taylor Nine. She had trespassed the territory her master had marked and replaced it with her own mark.

From Shin Hye-ji's point of view, her action only implied one meaning. It was a challenge.

'It is really driving me crazy…'

Shin Hye-ji didn't know why women did that. She was a woman herself, but she had never been in love, so she couldn't understand.

In addition, there were also several articles that mention Celeste, a guild member of Another League. Because of this, every time her master browsed the internet in her free time as a hobby, she always looked serious and troubled.

'Why did she pick up reading news on the internet as a hobby….'

In her opinion, it was too simple and too unusual of a hobby for her master. It was fortunate that she didn't use social media, but in the current situation, that insignificant hobby didn't look good at all.

'…Now that this has happened, there is only one way.'

After pondering for a long time, Shin Hye-ji finally opened her mouth.

"Master."

"Something wrong?"

"Are you in a bad mood right now?"

"It's not like that."

"Is it because of Hunter Yoo Seodam?"

"Don't worry, you don't have to pay attention to it."

"No. I'm not really concerned…"

Shin Hye-ji got up from her seat and approached Seol Jungyeon. As she had expected, Seol Jungyeon was reading articles on her laptop.

"…that's a challenge against you, Master."

"Life-or-death challenge?"

"No, no, no! It's not a life-or-death challenge… It's like psychological warfare."

Shin Hye-ji knew that Taylor Nine was well-versed with manipulating public opinion on the internet. She had the power to do so, and she was a pro among pros who clearly understood how the internet works. She even knew how to surely win a battle of wits against another woman.

In fact, her master was completely entranced in Taylor Nine's counterattack and sighed all day long. She might even think that she had lost the battle.

However, Shin Hye-ji was calm. Because she, who was not a professional, still had a bit of a trick up her sleeve in this aspect.

"The dating rumors that have been floating around for a while have not been clarified yet. Right, master?"

"For now, that's the case."

"Let's confirm it."

"What?"

When Seol Jungyeon asked in bewilderment, Shin Hye-ji said,

"You don't have anyone in your heart except that man right, Master? Then you have to win him at any cost. I'll contact the reporter now. Chief of Staff Park Seong-ho probably hasn't left work yet… I have to ask for help."

"No, wait, you don't have to-"

"Uh-huh! When two cats fight over one fish, it is inevitable that the fish will go bad, right? Now, it's not about whether the fish spoils or not, it's about how you take the fish, so you don't have to worry about that."

Shin Hye-ji didn't even wait for Seol Jungyeon to say anything and called Park Seong-ho.

"Hello? Chief of Staff Park Seong-ho. Yes, no. It's nothing. I'm trying to get in touch with the reporters. Yeah? Of course, it's important. Do you know the dating rumors that surfaced recently? No, we are not going to deny it, we are going to confirm it. Why are you so surprised? No, Master and I are completely sober, we didn't drink anything. Aww, you're talking about all kinds of things."

"Wait, wait…!"

Thus, the official statement from the New Murim League was released swiftly.

That night.

Yoo Seodam was lying on the bed in exhaustion after having spent his entire day at the shooting range to test his recently acquired talent [Shooting (S)]. He checked his smartphone which rumbled like an earthquake.

When he saw the news, he closed his eyes shut without realizing it.

"System."

Are you ready to take another mission?

"Fyuuhhh… Nevermind."

Yoo Seodam seriously wanted to run away to another world, but he struggled not to.