"Guild Master?"
Kim Taewon picked up the phone on the first ring.
"I need you to look into something for me," I said.
"What is it?"
"Seo Elena," I replied without hesitation. "I want everything you can find on her."
There was a brief pause on the other end.
"...Ms. Seo?"
"Start from the beginning," I continued. "Where she was born, what hospital, what schools she attended, and every place she's worked at. I want all of it."
"Understood."
The call ended shortly after.
I lowered the phone slightly, my gaze drifting back to the area in front of me.
A healer capable of something like that, even removing curses, wasn't just rare, it was one of a kind. No, it was something far more valuable than any rank I had ever encountered.
Which is exactly why I need to know how exactly did I miss her in all of these regressions.
In the meantime, I continued observing the site where a dungeon would form within the next few days. The mana in the area was already unstable, faint distortions forming at the edges of perception.
I had already deployed members of the Obsidian Guild around the perimeter.
If we secured the area first, we could legally claim the dungeon and enter before anyone else had the chance.
"Hyung, shouldn't we bring Lee Jaewok with us?"
Minwoo's voice broke through my thoughts.
I glanced at him briefly.
Lee Jaewok.
An S-rank hunter known for his defensive specialization. His ability allowed him to manifest a shield capable of withstanding immense pressure, enough to endure even the attacks of high-tier monsters.
He would be useful.
Especially for what's coming.
"I already asked," I replied flatly. "That bastard doesn't care."
Minwoo clicked his tongue. "Figures."
"He only moves when it benefits the association," I added. "And right now, no amount of money or bribery interests him."
Which means we handle it ourselves.
The air grew heavier for a brief moment as the mana fluctuated again.
...Just like I thought.
This one won't be simple.
·•—–٠✤٠—–•·
I was officially discharged during the second week of my stay at the Obsidian Guild.
Somehow, I had grown a little too familiar with the staff there. They treated me less like a patient and more like someone important, to the point where it started to feel... uncomfortable.
It was honestly embarrassing.
So before it got any worse, I insisted that Mr. Kim discharge me as soon as possible.
Now that I was finally out, reality settled in.
I don't have a place to stay anymore.
My café was gone, and with it, the small space I used to call home. Thinking about it too much only made my head hurt, so I pushed the thought aside and focused on what I could do now.
Right.
A new place.
Thankfully, Chiyeon had already recommended a neighborhood, saying it was safe, quiet, and relatively free from frequent dungeon activity.
Which is exactly what I needed.
After sending her a quick message, I made my way over to the address she had given me.
The area was... nice.
Cleaner than I expected, with neat rows of buildings and just enough distance between them to avoid feeling cramped. It wasn't overly luxurious, but it definitely wasn't cheap either.
Did she recommend something too expensive...?
Before I could overthink it further, a voice called out to me.
"Ms. Seo?"
I turned around to see a neatly dressed woman approaching me with a polite smile.
"I'm the agent Chiyeon-ssi contacted earlier," she said, giving a slight bow. "I'll be showing you the available units today."
Ah.
That was fast.
"Right, nice to meet you," I replied, returning the greeting awkwardly.
"Shall we?"
I nodded, following her inside the building.
The moment we stepped in, I could already tell this place was far better than anything I had expected.
The lobby alone was clean and spacious, with soft lighting that made everything feel warm instead of overly fancy. There was even a faint scent in the air, something floral and calming, like they actually cared about maintaining the place.
...This is definitely expensive.
I glanced at the agent walking ahead of me, wondering if I should ask about the price now or pretend I didn't notice until later.
"Right this way," she said, guiding me toward the elevator.
I nodded quietly and followed her inside. The ride up was short, but the silence made me more aware of my thoughts.
Can I even afford this?
I mean... I do have the card.
My hand unconsciously brushed against my pocket.
...No. Don't think about it.
The elevator dinged, and the doors opened to a quiet hallway.
"This is one of the more popular units," the agent explained as she led me down the corridor. "It's compact, but very efficient in its layout. Many residents prefer it for both comfort and convenience."
Compact.
That sounded more like something I could handle.
She stopped in front of a door and unlocked it.
"Please, take a look."
The moment I stepped inside, I paused.
Oh.
It wasn't big, but it felt... nice and comfortable.
A small kitchen lined one side, clean and modern, with just enough space for me to work comfortably. The living area wasn't large either, but the natural light coming in from the window made it feel open instead of cramped.
There was even a small balcony.
I walked toward it almost instinctively, sliding the door open.
A soft breeze brushed past me.
"...You can see the sea?"
"It's one of the highlights of this unit," the agent said with a polite smile. "On clear days, the view is even better."
I leaned slightly against the railing, taking in the view for a moment longer than I expected.
It was quiet.
Peaceful.
...This is nice.
I stepped back inside, glancing around again.
"This is... really good," I admitted.
"I'm glad you think so," the agent replied. "Would you like to hear more details regarding the lease?"
Ah.
Here it comes.
I hesitated for a brief second before nodding.
"...Yes. Please."
The agent gave a small nod and began explaining the details, her tone gentle as she went over the monthly rent, deposit, and included amenities.
I listened.
I really did.
But somewhere halfway through, my brain stopped processing.
I kept my expression as neutral as possible, nodding at the right moments like I completely understood everything, but internally, I was already spiraling.
Isn't this too expensive?
No, wait. It's definitely too expensive.
Even if I had some money saved up, spending it like this felt... wrong.
I glanced around the apartment again.
The sunlight filtering through the window, the quiet atmosphere, the clean space that didn't feel suffocating.
It felt comfortable and safe. I think could live here.
I could wake up here, open the window, make coffee in that kitchen...
My thoughts paused.
...Wait.
Why am I already imagining my life here?
I pressed my lips together, trying to ground myself.
Be rational.
I just lost my café. I should be saving money, not spending it like this.
But then again... Where else would I even use that amount of money?
It's not like I had anything else to spend on.
I don't go out much. I don't buy expensive things. I don't have any big goals other than... living peacefully.
And right now, I needed a place to stay.
My hand slipped into my pocket, fingers brushing against the card.
The one the Baekhwa Guild gave me.
A small sigh escaped my lips.
...Money is meant to be spent anyway, right?
I mean, what's the point of having it if I just let it sit there? Besides, it's not like I'm wasting it.
I'm investing in my life.
...That sounds reasonable enough.
Before I could overthink it again, I straightened slightly and looked at the agent.
"I'll take it."
The words came out faster than I expected.
The agent blinked once, clearly not expecting such a quick decision, before her expression brightened.
"Understood. I'll begin preparing the contract immediately."
Ah.
There's no going back now.