While filling out the application form for the "Dungeon Survival Reprised" program, I asked Professor Park.
"So we're participating as representatives of Gukcheon University's Hunter Department… Who's the other person?"
"Eun Sang-min. Your senior. You know he's a C-rank Hunter, right? He has plenty of experience as a Hunter, so just listen to him and follow his lead."
I frowned slightly.
Eun Sang-min.
A fourth-year who rose to C-rank just a week ago. I don't like him much. His promotion to C-rank is definitely fishy. I saw him not too long ago, and he didn't seem strong at all. If we fought, I'd probably win.
Above all, the reason I can't stand this guy is because of what happened when I first advanced to my second year. The entire Hunter Department had a gathering, and there, he openly insulted me for not having awakened my abilities.
Even if he was drunk, he was the first bastard to outright disrespect me like that. The others either subtly looked down on me or mocked me behind my back.
And this bastard Eun Sang-min never once apologized afterward.
"That senior didn't come today…"
"He's tackling an important dungeon with the Han Soo-ri Guild. He said it'll take three days, so he'll contact you guys then."
Han Soo-ri Guild.
One of the countless small-to-medium guilds out there.
Eun Sang-min's brother-in-law is an A-rank Hunter and the master of the Han Soo-ri Guild, Han Soo-ri.
'Hearing this much, the answer's obvious. Eun Sang-min got fast-tracked to C-rank with the guild's help.'
Still, I can't completely dismiss him. Becoming a C-rank means he can handle mana.
"These documents contain the rules for Dungeon Survival. Read them carefully."
As I skimmed through the documents, my eyes widened.
'Baek Ji-eun? Baek Ji-eun is doing the commentary?'
Baek Ji-eun.
An A-rank Hunter affiliated with the Association. Not only is she skilled, but her looks are also stunning enough to work as a model. Lately, she's been frequently appearing on variety shows too. Rumor has it she's preparing to become an actress.
'Wow. I'll get to meet Baek Ji-eun in person? Joining was the right call.'
She's 29 years old.
The fact that she reached A-rank in her 20s alone is enough to call her a genius. And she's a woman with the potential to reach S-rank.
'I distinctly remember her chest being an F-cup.'
I'm really looking forward to the first gathering for program participants a week from now.
'Baek Ji-eun isn't going to skip the gathering, right? Nah, no way.'
***
I exhaled softly to ease my tension and pressed the doorbell.
I couldn't hear anything on my end, but the inside must've registered it.
As proof, a voice came through the speaker on the doorbell.
"What is it?"
Han Ha-rin's voice. I had just rung Han Ha-rin's doorbell.
We live in the same apartment. She's on the 4th floor, and I'm on the 6th. But even if we run into each other, we barely talk—it's an awkward relationship.
"Senior Han Ha-rin. We're on the same team, right? I came to discuss Dungeon Survival and stuff."
Even I had to admit it was a perfect excuse. Of course, my true intentions were far from pure.
"…We already agreed to talk later with Senior Eun Sang-min. There's no need to talk today."
"Well, if that's the case, fine. I just wanted to share some Hunter tips and tricks… See you later, Senior."
I pretended to back off while saying that. Internally, I was sweating bullets.
'Ask. Ask. Ask!'
Did my desperate thoughts reach her? Han Ha-rin's voice came through the speaker again.
"Wait. You said you wanted to share tips?"
When I hacked Han Ha-rin's smartphone last time, I found out she's been struggling with mana awakening.
And I recently awakened my mana. Her Hunter rank is higher, but in terms of actual skill, I'm stronger now that I've awakened mana. Han Ha-rin probably senses that too.
"Yeah. I'm still lacking as a Hunter… And since we're teammates, sharing good info would help, right?"
"…I think so too. Come in."
The door unlocked. Han Ha-rin was there. She hadn't changed out of her clothes from university yet—white pants and a blue shirt. Since she was home, she'd taken off her black jacket.
'Her figure's great, so anything looks good on her.'
I greeted her and stepped inside.
I was curious about her place, but it was just neatly organized with nothing particularly eye-catching.
Surprisingly, she treated me properly.
Just a cup of orange juice, but I'll take it.
"You said you wanted to share tips? What kind?"
"I had my second awakening not too long ago. A nature-type ability—lightning. Senior Han Ha-rin controls gravity, right? Got any good tips?"
"…Lightning?"
"Yeah. I call it thunder, though."
Crackle!
A spark of lightning flickered on my palm.
"Don't use abilities indoors."
"Ah. Right. Sorry."
I immediately dismissed the lightning at her cold tone. Han Ha-rin crossed her arms, pondered for a moment, then spoke.
"Look up specialized books on lightning. You might find unexpected applications."
"Got it. I'll remember that. Is there anything you're curious about, Senior?"
At my words, Han Ha-rin stared straight at me. She hesitated for a bit before finally parting her lips to ask.
"…How did you awaken mana?"
"Ah, mana. Honestly, this is a secret I haven't told anyone… But I'll tell you, Senior."
"…"
Han Ha-rin's eyes sharpened. I could see her determination to not miss a single word.
"I got a special mana massage. You know what mana massages are, right?"
"Yeah. Massages using mana."
Mana massages. Also called qi massages. The principle isn't complicated—it's just massaging using mana. But it's surprisingly effective, so it was all the rage a few years back.
Even now, it's still sought after by those who know about it.
"Wasn't mana massage only really effective for fatigue recovery?"
Most people, like Han Ha-rin, think that. But in reality, it's also great for physical health. Mana itself is a beneficial energy. Though it doesn't do much for Hunters.
"What I got was a special mana massage. I got it for about a month? …Something like that. Then one day, I had my second awakening and mana awakened at the same time."
"…You expect me to believe that?"
Of course she wouldn't. She must've researched mana awakening deeply, so she's never heard of a "special mana massage."
"If you don't believe me, that's fine. But it's 100% true."
"…"
Han Ha-rin bit her lower lip.
I stayed calm because I knew I wasn't the one in a hurry.
Han Ha-rin's been tormented over mana awakening, so she'd want to believe even the most absurd story.
"…Where can you get this special mana massage?"
"You can't. The masseuse was a B-rank Hunter, but she passed away recently."
"…"
Han Ha-rin looked slightly disappointed.
"Ah. But I worked under her briefly, so I know how to do the massage. She said I had talent and even taught me the secret technique. She was a really kind person…"
I put on the most somber expression I could. Honestly, I'm not great at acting, but you can't exactly cheerfully talk about a dead acquaintance. It's all lies, though.
"You can do it?"
"Ah. You don't believe me, huh? Senior, can I go to the bathroom for a sec? I'll show you something cool."
Han Ha-rin hesitated but nodded. Her bathroom was identical to mine.
'Same building, so makes sense.'
The only difference was the shampoo brands.
I filled the sink slightly with water and stepped onto it—activating Water Walk.
"That's… Water Walk? You can do that?"
Han Ha-rin's eyes went round.
"I've got some talent for mana control. The masseuse said that's why I had potential. And I've got the secret mana oil used for the special massage at home… I'll go get it. Wait a sec."
Before Han Ha-rin could say anything, I hurried back to my place. Then I entered a play world, earned a few points, and came back out.
[Holy Water]
[Drinking or applying holy water might bring good luck?]
[Price: 2 points]
[※Warning: Effects and duration vary based on quantity.]
I spent 2 points to buy it.
I took it and returned to Han Ha-rin's room.
"Senior, give me your hand. This is the secret formula… When applied, it glows faintly like this. That means it's working."
I personally applied the holy water to her hand.
Han Ha-rin let out a small gasp as she watched her hand glow softly.
"I had no idea this existed…"
Showing her something this miraculous would naturally build trust.
"But you have to massage it in a specific way using mana. Unless your mana control is as exceptional as mine, it won't work. If you want, I can give you the special mana massage."
Then I added:
"Ah. It's not free, though. This stuff's expensive. I paid 15 million won per session when I got it."
If it's free, she'd get suspicious. She's rich anyway, so I threw out a reasonable price.
'Han Ha-rin's loaded. 15 million won for a massage is nothing to her.'
If it's too cheap, she'd doubt it even more.
"…Which part of the body does this special massage target?"
"The effects vary by area… But the full-body massage is the most effective. You need to feel mana throughout your entire body. Wanna try the special massage?"
"…"
Han Ha-rin was deep in thought. My heart pounded.
But Han Ha-rin shook her head.
"No thanks."
Does she still not trust me? Or is she uncomfortable with me touching her? I hid my disappointment and said.
"If you change your mind, just let me know. I'll do it for you. Oh, and this is a secret. If word gets out, it'll be a hassle."
"Got it. I won't tell anyone."
"…I'll head back now. It's almost dinnertime anyway."
"Sure."
Han Ha-rin was still cold. She didn't even suggest eating together.
***
Three days later.
Han Ha-rin and I met Eun Sang-min at a café.
Eun Sang-min was a sharp-eyed guy with a narrow gaze. He looked at us with a smug grin. His confident demeanor pissed me off.
'This ugly bastard's grinning like an idiot.'
Eun Sang-min glanced at me before turning his attention to Han Ha-rin.
"Ha-rin. Seeing you here makes me happy for no reason. This is our first time meeting privately, right?"
"This isn't a private meeting."
Han Ha-rin replied coldly. She's equally icy to everyone except her close friends.
I'm 100% sure. This bastard has ulterior motives toward Han Ha-rin.
'Ignoring me is one thing… But how dare he eye the woman I've marked?'
Unforgivable. I need to put him in his place.
"Hm. It's true we're here for a meeting. How about dinner after this? My treat. I know a good hotel restaurant."
"I have plans for dinner, so I'll pass. How are we handling Dungeon Survival?"
"We don't even know what kind of dungeon it is yet. I'll give orders when we're there, so just follow my lead. I'm a C-rank Hunter, so you don't need to worry about anything."
Han Ha-rin frowned. This probably wasn't the discussion she wanted.
"…I see. Fine. Let's end it here then."
As she got up to leave, I spoke to Eun Sang-min.
"Senior Eun Sang-min. I can't acknowledge you as the leader."
"What? What're you saying?"
Eun Sang-min scowled as he asked. It wasn't because he misheard—he was just baffled.
I decided to dumb it down for him.
"I don't take orders from Hunters weaker than me. You seem weaker than me, Senior. So I'll act as the team leader in Dungeon Survival. No problem, right?"
"Are you insane? Hey, what year are you?"
"Class of 18!"
"Pfft… Unbelievable. Even if the Hunter Department is lenient, have you no respect for your seniors?"
This bastard barely even attends school, yet he's pulling the senior card. At least talk to me properly before acting all high and mighty.
"I'm not wrong, though. Isn't it basic for the strongest Hunter in a party to lead? That's what I thought. Ah, maybe you've only done group activities in your guild, so you don't know the basics? Wow! I'm jealous! I wanna join a guild and hunt comfortably too!"
Eun Sang-min's face stiffened.
"You're out of your mind. Get up, you brat. I'll teach you some manners today."
"You wanna fight? Sure. Don't cry when you lose."
"Acting tough because Ha-rin's here… You've made a huge mistake."
"I'd have done this even without Senior Ha-rin. I don't take orders from weaklings… Wait, why're you bringing up Ha-rin? Do you like her or something?"
I glanced at Han Ha-rin. She was watching us with a frosty expression, clearly uninterested in intervening. From her perspective, we're just strangers who don't matter.
Seeing her attitude, she's probably planning to ignore us and go home.
"Follow me outside, you punk!"
"No need to yell. I'm coming. 'A scared dog barks loudest,' right? You scared or something?"
No respect for seniors in front of a girl.
"Haven't you learned not to say things you can't back up?"
"I can back it up, so I said it. You fucking loser."
I suddenly snapped back to my senses.
"Ah. Sorry, Senior. I got carried away and misspoke."
"Now you're scared? Starting to regret it?"
"No, that's not it. You fucking loser."
A fist came flying at my face.
***
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