Chapter 107
The recent trend shows a surge in the emergence of high-grade dungeons.
The mortality rate of hunters has been gradually rising, and supporters are still in shockingly short supply.
Worldwide, the highest grade is merely A-rank, and even that is a rarity, making it more precious and significant as time goes on.
In such a chaotic situation, a sudden piece of news surfaced.
[South Korea, the appearance of a super-returnee!]
[“Measurement impossible ranking.” The Hunter Management Agency’s official announcement, who is Jeong Si-hyun Hunter?]
[A seismic shift in the Hunter community, the whole world is watching!]
[The world is buzzing with the appearance of Jeong Si-hyun Hunter. “Is Korea about to write a new history in the Hunter world?”]
Truly, the whole world was in an uproar. A storm of excitement swept through, and South Korea, where Si-hyun belonged, was heated with fervor.
The summer heat was even blown away by the intensifying heat!
It was really intense.
– Oh wow, Hunter associations and guilds overseas are going crazy, lol.
– What do you mean “measurement impossible”?
– Is this for real? Seems over the top!
Of course, when the news first broke, skepticism erupted everywhere.
It was just so abrupt and the scale was too massive.
But—
“… Yes, that’s correct. Frankly speaking, I didn’t expect to be taken down like that. I definitely want a rematch.”
Interview with Jason Turner, an S-rank hunter from the U.S.!
He cleanly acknowledged his defeat.
He still couldn’t beat Jeong Si-hyun Hunter one-on-one.
This was Jason Turner, known for being a battle maniac.
As one of the top five tanks globally and exceptionally skilled in direct combat, his statement sent shockwaves through the public.
The impact of the interview was beyond imagination.
– Did he really get beat by Jeong? LMAO!
– Guess he really knows how to fight, hahaha!
– Is there a video? I’m too curious, lol!
Of course, the video was released.
It was a successful dungeon raid video, secretly produced by the agency with Si-hyun.
[Ji, Ji-a?]
[What’s up! Strike a pose.]
[Uh, uh….]
In front of the gate of the completed S-rank dungeon.
Si-hyun, linking arms with Ji-a, shyly smiles and forms a V with her fingers.
That scene was enough to shake the hearts of many men, radiating destructive charm.
And the dungeon raid itself—
– Wait, did they really clear an S-rank dungeon just the two of them?
– Heard Kim Ji-a Hunter and they cleared it in half a day???
– Apparently, there wasn’t even an advance team, they just barged in without information, lol!
– Isn’t this the world’s first? Seriously, national pride overload, kekeke!
– Those who imagined a duo raid back then must be over the moon, lol!
– How is this even real? Hahaha!
There was ample reason for the community to cheer and rejoice.
It was the very “world’s first” video of a successful two-person raid of an S-rank dungeon.
Moreover, the information revealed in the video was not the end of it.
It unveiled that the mysterious nun, long shrouded in mystery, was actually Si-hyun.
A relentless wave of information!
All the world’s news and articles covered Si-hyun.
The citizens of South Korea found themselves swept up in a continuous flood of dopamine.
“Our country is finally safe from high-grade dungeons!”
“I’m flooded with national pride…!”
Of course, not everyone was on Si-hyun’s side in this situation.
A prominent figure against her was Professor Yu.
“Can you see my arm?! That girl could help me but chose not to!”
He had barely saved his life clinging to a student and harshly responded in the interview.
“The bruise in my side! She kicked me! She’s truly an evil person!”
He vehemently criticized Si-hyun, nearly spitting in his intensity.
However, it had little effect.
– Did you see the photos? The contrast in expressions of Si-hyun before and after entering the dungeon is incredible, lol!
– She really looks like a true master, so cool!
– Ugh… I just want to see the professor smile…
– For real, hearing this, I think that guy might be trolling. Where did his conscience go, lol?
– Cold to the wicked! Warm to the students! What a storm of coolness, kekeke!
Public opinion wasn’t swayed.
Professor Yu continued to act out.
But these actions only served to further tarnish his reputation.
Additionally, the events that transpired within the dungeon were gradually revealed.
Some students participated in interviews, and Professors No and Park disclosed information.
The whole world condemned Professor Yu’s dirty conduct.
Ultimately, he had to resign from his teaching position. It was an ignominious retirement.
The ramifications of this event didn’t end here.
“I feel like Cheongrim Guild has been on the decline lately.”
“Right? It had clear advantages and disadvantages, but now only the disadvantages are sticking out.”
“I really want to join a different guild if possible.”
“Same here.”
A certain atmosphere began to spread among students within the Academy.
A truly dedicated educator for the students, Professor Jeong Si-hyun.
The friction she had with Professor Yu and the Cheongrim Guild.
Students began to shy away from the major guilds.
Si-hyun hadn’t done anything against Cheongrim.
But just her existence alone was starting to shake Cheongrim.
Given that Cheongrim had to constantly fill its ranks with new members, the current atmosphere among the Academy’s students would certainly lead to a catastrophic loss.
It was a significant crack in the foundation of guild management.
Separately, Da-young and the Wings Guild members maintained a party-like atmosphere every day.
Si-hyun, who kept in touch regularly, also felt uplifted.
Si-hyun boldly conducted interviews alongside the agency.
There, she confidently declared.
“I won’t accept any contact unless it’s from someone I know personally. All requests should go through Korea’s Hunter Management Agency.”
Her tone was very firm.
The Hunter Management Agency, backed by Si-hyun, had an overwhelming presence.
Team Leader Ko Jae-yoon, guaranteed a promotion, and Section Chief Jang Han-soo had not lost their smiles since.
…And so, a few days later.
On the last lecture day before the Academy’s first semester finals.
Students in the Introduction to Monster Studies course were all wide-eyed.
“Hmm, hmm…”
Professor Jeong Si-hyun showed up.
Wearing a formal suit skirt for the very first time.
It was truly chaotic.
* * *
“Let’s see….”
Weekend lunchtime.
I lounged on the sofa, leaning back and crossing my legs lightly.
Wearing a summer home dress, the fabric felt cool and soft against my skin.
Since Si-yoon had been wearing it, I asked out of curiosity, and she immediately handed me one of her own.
I must have picked it up during a shopping spree in a daze.
“Hmm, not bad.”
Although the bottom felt a bit empty, it was better than I expected.
Could this be a sign that I’m adapting well in many ways?
I liked the soft texture, and it felt comfortable to wear.
From now on, this would be my own skin at home.
“Hmm….”
I fiddled with the hem of the dress that came just above my knees, reviewing past events and my upcoming schedule.
The Academy lectures had somehow ended without a hitch.
The final exam was made easier thanks to Professor No lending me a teaching assistant.
Plus, everyone showed up for the supplemental lecture, which didn’t even count towards their grades!
Grading and recording would be quick, so I could pick a day and get it done, right?
Now there were only two important items left on my schedule.
To meet Evan Harper, who said he was coming, but still hasn’t shown up.
And to go on a trip to Japan while the new S-rank dungeons are at their peak.
…I feel a bit guilty about this.
But as long as I return safely before the dungeons go out of control, it should be fine. Mhm, mhm.
If things get dire, Section Chief Jang Han-soo promised to contact me in advance.
While the whole world was in chaos, our home was calm and serene, like nothing had happened.
Just as I envisioned my desired life.
From here on out, my job was to ensure that this reality doesn’t shatter.
While also helping the world a bit if I could.
Glug, glug—
I refreshed myself with a cold iced coffee sitting on the table.
The slightly bitter, clean taste of Americano danced on my tongue.
Plop.
A drop of water condensed on the cold container fell and dampened the thin hem of my dress.
I lightly rubbed the wet spot with my finger. It was so soft. The moisture disappeared quickly.
Just then, Si-yoon appeared from the bathroom.
“It’s already getting so hot outside….”
“….”
I naturally turned my head to look in another direction.
Fresh out of the shower, Si-yoon wrapped in a towel headed to her room.
I then comfortably turned my head back forward.
…Looking at someone else’s body is still a bit embarrassing. Must be my nature.
…A little later, Si-yoon returned to the living room with her hair almost dry.
“Unnie, I’m bored—”
“Really? Should we watch some TV?”
“TV only has stories of you these days.”
“Well… that’s true.”
At first, my younger sister was fascinated, but it seems that reaction didn’t last long.
Looks like she has already grown desensitized.
“Should we watch some variety shows? Hmm, what to do….”
Flump.
Si-yoon, who took the spot beside me on the sofa, lightly rested her chin on my shoulder.
“Unnie, when we move, you’ll blast the air conditioner, right?”
“Of course! I’ll earn so much that I won’t even have to worry about maintenance costs.”
“Hehe, that sounds exciting.”
With a big grin, Si-yoon lifted her chin off my shoulder and settled her head on my thigh.
“Just washed with cold water so it wouldn’t be hot, right?”
She asks with a playful face.
I merely finished responding with a light chuckle.
Now I know. If I respond awkwardly here, she’ll start teasing.
“Hmm….”
And sure enough. Si-yoon, bored, puffed air into her cheeks.
She lightly poked my cheek with her finger and grabbed her smartphone.
Just then, the phone rang at a perfectly timed moment.
It was Section Chief Jang Han-soo.
“Yes, hello?”
As soon as I picked up, Section Chief Jang Han-soo explained the purpose of his call.
“Yes. Ah, really? Finally coming.”
It was simple news.
Evan Harper, the first returnee and a B-rank hunter from the U.S., was finally arriving in Korea.
To meet me.