Since morning, the guild had been bustling. Today was the final preparation phase for the big event hosted by the Korean guild. All the Hunters were busy preparing their equipment, strategies, and undergoing intense training.
As for me? I was mostly trying to avoid the admiring glances coming my way.
"Do-yun-ssi!" A guild staff member called me from afar. "The Guild Leader wants you to check the VIP room that will be used by our honored guests later. Could you help with that?"
I paused, a bit confused. Why me? Isn't this something the staff or event manager should handle?
But the hopeful look on the staff member's face left me no choice but to nod.
"Alright, I'll take a look at the room," I replied softly.
I followed the staff upstairs to the VIP room. The place looked grand, with a classic decor and a luxurious ambiance. Velvet-covered chairs were lined up neatly, while large wooden tables stood in the center, ready to welcome guests from various countries.
As I was inspecting the place, someone called out to me from behind.
"Do-yun-ssi! How are you?"
I turned around and saw a tall man with wavy black hair smiling warmly. It was Han Seok-jin, a well-known Rank A Hunter in the guild.
He looked cheerful, but there was a slight sharpness in his eyes, as if he was trying to assess something about me.
"Oh, Seok-jin-ssi! I'm good, thank you," I replied with a nod. Ah, please don't let this turn into a long conversation that only fuels more misunderstandings.
Seok-jin looked at me with interest.
"I heard the Guild Leader invited you as an honored guest. You're really making an impression, Do-yun-ssi."
I laughed awkwardly. "Ah, I'm just here to help with the preparations. Maybe the Guild Leader just wants to make sure everything goes smoothly."
Seok-jin chuckled softly, his expression full of admiration.
"Don't be modest, Do-yun-ssi. We all know your abilities are extraordinary. Even some Rank S Hunters have acknowledged your strength."
Huh? Some Rank S Hunters? They must be misunderstanding something!
"You know, they say you have a 'mysterious aura' that intimidates high-level monsters. Like the aura of a slayer." Seok-jin seemed genuinely convinced of his words, while I could only manage a sheepish smile.
"Ah… maybe it's just a coincidence," I said, trying to dodge the admiring look on his face. A mysterious aura? Does that mean I look like a ghost?
"I hope I can have the chance to fight alongside you someday, Do-yun-ssi. That would be an unforgettable experience," Seok-jin continued.
Internally, I wanted to scream. Fight alongside me? You'd probably be safer without me!
After finishing the VIP room inspection, I left the place feeling relieved. But shortly after, I was ambushed by two busy-looking staff members.
"Do-yun-ssi! We need your opinion on the seating arrangement for special guests. Do you think this position is suitable?" they asked, looking at me expectantly.
I froze, feeling like I was stuck in a difficult spot.
"Uh… maybe move it slightly to the right?" I answered randomly.
The staff nodded in satisfaction.
"You're right! We can feel your sharp instincts, Do-yun-ssi. This position is definitely more strategic!"
I could only offer a stiff smile. Instincts? That was just a random guess, damn it!
After a whole day of running around helping with preparations, I finally managed to get back to the break room. Some Hunters who were training paused briefly to greet me.
"Do-yun-ssi! You were amazing today! Even helping arrange the seats for important guests. That really shows the quality of a true leader," said a Rank B Hunter in awe.
I just nodded and smiled, while internally I wanted to escape all this attention. Leader? I just gave an offhand suggestion!
As I finally sat on the sofa, someone approached me. It was Yoon Hye-rin, a Rank A Hunter known for her impressive skills and meticulousness in battle. She sat next to me and smiled warmly.
"Do-yun-ssi, I heard you'll be a central figure in tomorrow's big event," she said curiously. "Even the Rank S Hunters are really looking forward to seeing you."
I paused for a moment, then tried to answer as smoothly as possible. "Ah… maybe they just want to see who the Guild Leader invited."
Hye-rin shook her head slightly. "No, I think it's more than that. They're truly impressed with you. You always look calm in any situation, and that's very rare. I'm sure there's something special about you."
I swallowed hard. Calm? I was just trying not to faint amidst all these misunderstandings!
Hye-rin looked at me more intently. "Do-yun-ssi, do you have a specific strategy for tomorrow's event? I'd like to learn from you."
A strategy? Do I tell her that my only strategy is to survive without revealing that I have zero powers?
"Ah, nothing special actually, Hye-rin-ssi. I'll just try to do my best and see how things unfold," I replied, hoping it would be enough.
Hye-rin smiled with admiration. "That's more than enough. Thank you, Do-yun-ssi. You're such an inspiring figure to all of us."
I returned her smile hesitantly. Inspiring? Oh man, this is getting ridiculous!
Once Hye-rin left, I sighed deeply. This day filled with unearned admiration only left me more confused. One thing was clear: this would only get harder. The upcoming guild event would definitely be full of surprises, especially for someone like me who didn't even know what they were expecting.
After hours of dealing with various requests and suggestions from the guild staff, I finally managed to escape the VIP room. It felt almost like slipping out of a mousetrap, but I knew that outside, other Hunters were still watching me closely.
As I made my way to the lounge, my phone suddenly rang. The name flashing on the screen made my stomach twist "Guild Leader." I picked it up with a racing heart, hoping it wasn't another call for "tactical advice."
"Hello, Guild Leader?" I asked cautiously.
"How are you, Do-yun?" The Guild Leader's voice sounded relaxed, but I was still tense. "I heard the preparations in the VIP room went well. I knew I could count on you."
"Oh, thank you, Sir. I was just trying to help as much as I could," I replied modestly.
"Tomorrow is the main event, Do-yun. Many special guests will be there, and I want you to be present. People need to see the presence of a 'top-class' Hunter like you."
I swallowed hard. "Uh… is that necessary, Sir? I mean, maybe I could just stay backstage?"
The Guild Leader laughed, as if I'd just made a joke.
"You're so humble. You know, the other VIP guests are eager to meet you. They admire you, Do-yun. You're a symbol of new strength for this guild."
A new symbol of strength? Good grief, this is worse than I thought! I panicked, but before I could refuse, the Guild Leader had already hung up.
I took a deep breath, feeling the immense pressure from all their expectations. Just as I was about to step outside, my steps halted when I heard laughter coming from the training area.
"Ah, Do-yun-ssi!" A burly man with short grayish hair waved at me. It was Woo Jin-ho, a Rank B Hunter. "Do you have a moment?"
I nodded, though I felt a bit hesitant inside.
"What's up, Jin-ho-ssi?"
Jin-ho approached me with a serious face.
"Do-yun-ssi, we're trying to learn effective combat strategies for tomorrow's event. I heard you have extensive experience. Could you share some tips with us?"
"Ah… tips, huh?" I paused, struggling to find an excuse. Ugh, what should I say?
Seeing my hesitation, Jin-ho gave me a patient smile.
"You can start with the basics, Do-yun-ssi. How do you deal with monsters that are much higher level?"
I swallowed hard, feeling unsure.
"Err… if the monster is too strong, maybe the best thing is to retreat and look for help because, you know, safety comes first, right?"
Jin-ho listened intently, then nodded.
"That's a wise strategy. Only a Hunter who truly understands the situation would say something like that. You're truly amazing, Do-yun-ssi!"
I gave a stiff smile. I was just trying to figure out how not to die!
Some other Hunters began to gather around us, interested in our conversation.
"Absolutely! Do-yun-ssi's advice makes sense! I'll apply it if I face a monster that's too strong," one of them said with a nod.
As time passed, more people joined us in the training room. They sat around me as if I were a mentor about to guide them through a great challenge. Seeing the situation, I felt like I was on trial.
Oh god, why is everyone coming over here? I'm not a teacher! But since they were all sitting there so attentively, I had no choice but to try to answer as best as I could.
"In a fight… sometimes we have to avoid direct confrontation," I said hesitantly. "For instance, if the monster is too big, we can try to find its weak spot from a safe distance."
The Hunters nodded enthusiastically, while I felt even more awkward. Weak spots? I don't even know a monster's weakness besides their weakness to sharp weapons!
A young Hunter raised his hand.
"Do-yun-ssi, do you have any advice for building courage in the middle of a battle?"
I thought hard, trying to find an answer. "Uh… maybe just imagine that you're in a safe place. That might help."
The Hunters looked amazed. One of them even started clapping. "That's it! A calm mind is the key to victory. Thank you, Do-yun-ssi. Your words are truly inspiring!"
I chuckled nervously, feeling trapped inside. Inspiring? I felt more confused than they did!
As evening approached, the Hunters finally dispersed, and I was dragged to the resting room, nearly drained of energy. I never thought that giving "advice" could be so exhausting.
In the middle of my daze, a staff member approached with a serious expression.
"Do-yun-ssi, the Guild Leader wants you to be at the main event tomorrow. There are representatives from various international guilds who want to see you in person."
I almost choked hearing that. "Uh… is that really necessary?" I asked weakly.
The staff member nodded with a respectful smile. "Of course. You're our pride, Do-yun-ssi. The VIP guests are very eager to meet a legendary Hunter like you."
Legendary? Since when did I become a legend? I'm not dead yet, am I? I could only nod halfheartedly, my mind filled with the thought of this misunderstanding piling up even higher.
The next day, the big day finally arrived. The guild hall was filled with honored guests, journalists, and, of course, Hunters of all ranks.
All eyes were on the main stage, where several important figures from various international guilds sat in formal attire.
Meanwhile, I sat on the side of the room, hoping no one would notice me. But that hope vanished when the host suddenly called my name loudly.
"Everyone, let's welcome Do-yun, the remarkable individual who has captured the attention of Hunters all over the country!"
Applause echoed throughout the hall. I stepped forward with mixed feelings, trying not to look too shaky.
On stage, I forced a smile as I looked at the VIP guests who were gazing at me with admiration. Among them was the Guild Leader who looked proud, while several Rank S Hunters even nodded respectfully in my direction.
"Do-yun-ssi, could you share a bit about your experience as a Hunter?" asked the host, holding the microphone toward me.
I swallowed, trying to stay calm.
"Ah… yes, of course. Being a Hunter is a challenging experience, but I always try my best." Oh god, why does this feel like an interrogation?
The guests looked pleased with my answer, but they continued to wait, hoping for more "wisdom" from me.
I tried to recall the "advice" I had given to the other Hunters yesterday.
"Sometimes, we have to think fast and find a way to survive in any situation. Not every battle has to be won directly."
They looked impressed. One of the international guild representatives even nodded in agreement.
"Exactly! You're truly inspiring, Do-yun-ssi," he said in admiration. Applause echoed again, and I could only smile awkwardly.