The sun was already dipping below the horizon when the five hunters finally emerged from the Gate. Stepping back into the real world was a strange mix of relief and a lingering weight of everything they had faced inside. The air felt crisp and fresh, but each of them still carried the heaviness of what had transpired.
A staff member from the Association met them at the Gate, conducting a quick check for any injuries. Mi Ra did her own once-over on the group, making sure no one else needed further treatment. Once satisfied, they made their way to the Association building.
Inside, it was business as usual. Hunters of all ranks moved around the main hall, busy with their own matters—some reporting back from missions, others unwinding in the designated rest areas. Hyun Woo and his companions crossed the bustling hall and stopped at a fork in the corridor.
Lee Chan Min spoke first, his voice still tinged with exhaustion.
Lee Chan Min: "We should head straight to the Resource Bank. Sell the crystals, split the money, and call it a day."
Mi Ra nodded in agreement, though her eyes were still clouded with tension.
Mi Ra: "Good idea. We need at least something positive out of today."
Hyun Woo, holding his old, worn sword, looked at them and shook his head.
Hyun Woo: "You guys go ahead. I need to hit the shop and get this sword repaired. Message me when you're done."
Lee Chan Min snorted, giving the battered blade a once-over.
Lee Chan Min: "A wise move. That sword's liable to get you killed if you keep using it like this."
Hyun Woo just smiled faintly in response and glanced at the two other members of their group. They seemed distant, already eager to part ways.
One of the hunters spoke curtly.
Hunter: "We've got our own things to take care of. See you around."
His words were cold, and his tone made it clear he had no interest in sticking with the group any longer. The other hunter nodded silently, and both melted away into the crowd without so much as a goodbye.
That left Hyun Woo, Mi Ra, and Lee Chan Min alone.
Lee Chan Min clapped Hyun Woo on the shoulder.
Lee Chan Min: "Well, good luck with that sword. Hopefully, you won't blow all your earnings on fixing it."
Hyun Woo chuckled, shrugging lightly.
Hyun Woo: "As long as it's enough."
Mi Ra: "We'll be at the Resource Bank. Find us there when you're done."
She smiled, and for a moment, the weariness in her eyes seemed to fade. Hyun Woo nodded, then headed in the opposite direction, watching Mi Ra and Lee Chan Min disappear around a corner.
The shop Hyun Woo was headed to was on the first floor of the Association. It was a compact space, cluttered with shelves holding various weapons and equipment. Swords, spears, and daggers hung along the walls, while a heavily armored mannequin in the corner showed off the latest gear.
Behind the counter sat an elderly man with thick, graying hair and a shrewd gaze. He was intently examining a new sword that had just been brought in for repair.
Shopkeeper (without looking up): "What do you need?"
Hyun Woo approached the counter and laid his sword down. The blade was covered in tiny cracks, and the hilt was visibly worn.
Hyun Woo: "This sword. Needs repairs."
The shopkeeper lifted his eyes, giving the weapon a thorough look before shaking his head.
Shopkeeper: "This old thing won't last long. Even if I patch it up, it'll crack again after a couple of fights."
Hyun Woo frowned, realizing that repairing it might be pointless. But it was the only sword he had, and buying a new one was out of the question—he simply couldn't afford it.
Hyun Woo: "Just do what you can."
The shopkeeper sighed, taking the sword and putting it aside.
Shopkeeper: "Alright. But it'll cost you 400,000 won."
The amount was steep for Hyun Woo, but he nodded without a word, pulling out his wallet.
Shopkeeper: "Come back tomorrow evening. It'll be ready by then."
Hyun Woo nodded again, thanked the shopkeeper, and left the shop. His mood had darkened further, but he tried to push the negativity away, focusing on Mi Ra and Lee Chan Min's earlier words. He made his way toward the Resource Bank, hoping to catch up with his companions.
As Hyun Woo walked through the Association's main corridor, the familiar hustle of hunters and staff surrounded him—the usual hum of routine. But then, suddenly, the noise around him began to quiet down. Up ahead, near the building's main entrance, two rows of Celestials stood at attention, dressed in sharp black uniforms adorned with a white lotus insignia. Their posture was perfect, their expressions focused.
Hyun Woo paused, a sense of curiosity washing over him. It was clear that someone important was about to arrive, and his gaze shifted toward the automatic doors.
A few moments later, the doors slid open, and a young woman stepped inside. Her stride was confident yet graceful. She exuded an aura of authority and strength. She looked to be in her early twenties, perhaps a bit older. Tall, with long black hair tied in an elegant ponytail, her eyes carried a cold, tranquil confidence. Her sleek black suit emphasized her high status.
The moment she entered, the Celestials standing in line bowed in unison. Their voices rang out together, crisp and full of respect.
Celestials: "Welcome, Director Kim Hae In!"
The name, spoken with such reverence, made Hyun Woo freeze. He'd heard of Kim Hae In, one of the youngest and most influential figures within the Association. They said she wasn't just an S-rank Celestial but also one of the key strategists managing the Association's operations. Seeing her in person was an entirely different experience.
Without realizing it, Hyun Woo found himself staring at Kim Hae In. Her movements were poised, and everything about her presence commanded respect. She walked past the lined-up Celestials, her gaze fixed ahead—until she suddenly stopped. Her eyes scanned the hall, and then they met his.
In that moment, Hyun Woo felt something strange, like her eyes were seeing right through him. There was no disdain or arrogance in her look—just a cold calm that was both unsettling and captivating.
Hyun Woo realized he was staring too hard. He frowned slightly, quickly averting his gaze and hurried on toward the Resource Bank. His heart was pounding harder than usual, but he forced himself to focus.
Hyun Woo (in his thoughts): "What was that? Why couldn't I look away?"
His mind was buzzing with questions and unease. He didn't know if she had really noticed him, but the feeling that their eyes had met lingered. He decided not to dwell on it, concentrating instead on what lay ahead.
Reaching the right floor, Hyun Woo stepped into the spacious hall of the Resource Bank. The high-ceilinged room was full of hunters, chatting about their hauls and handing in resources. Along one of the walls was a long counter where Association employees were receiving crystals and filling out paperwork. Mi Ra and Lee Chan Min stood at one of those counters, speaking quietly to each other.
Mi Ra was the first to notice Hyun Woo, waving at him with a gentle smile lighting up her face.
Mi Ra: "Hyun Woo, just in time. We just finished the registration."
Lee Chan Min turned, nodding and motioning for him to join them. Hyun Woo walked over, trying to engage with the conversation but still feeling a strange tension from his earlier encounter with Kim Hae In.
Lee Chan Min: "How did it go with your sword?"
Hyun Woo (briefly): "Left it for repairs. It'll be ready tomorrow."
Mi Ra nodded and turned to the employee behind the counter, collecting her paperwork.
Mi Ra: "Well, that's that. The money from the crystals has been transferred. You can check your account."
Hyun Woo nodded silently, pulling out his card and inserting it into the terminal next to the counter. The screen flashed with his updated balance, and his expression softened just a little when he saw the amount. (1,486,000 won)
Hyun Woo (in his thoughts): "That should be enough to cover the repairs and leave a bit for home."
He put his card away and turned back to his companions. Mi Ra looked content, while Lee Chan Min was already making a move to leave.
Lee Chan Min: "I think that's enough for today. I'm heading out."
He waved and headed for the exit, leaving Hyun Woo and Mi Ra standing alone. Mi Ra lingered for a moment, as if deciding something, then looked at Hyun Woo.
Mi Ra: "Are you alright? You seem a bit... distracted."
Hyun Woo paused for a second, then shook his head.
Hyun Woo: "I'm fine. Just tired."
Mi Ra smiled, patting him lightly on the shoulder.
Mi Ra: "Alright, get some rest then. Tomorrow's a new day."
She turned and left, leaving Hyun Woo alone. He stood there for a while, reflecting on the day's events and the strange encounter that still lingered in his memory. Kim Hae In's gaze flashed across his mind again, stirring an inexplicable sense of unease. But he brushed the thoughts aside, knowing it was time to head home.