As I filled out the application for the "Dungeon Survival Reforged" program, I asked Professor Park, "It seems we're participating as representatives of National Cheon University's Hunter Department... Who's the other participant?"
"Eun Sangmin. He's 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 Sangmin.
A fourth-year student who had reached C-Rank just a week ago. I didn't particularly like him. His promotion to C-Rank must have been a fluke. I'd seen him recently, and he didn't seem strong at all. I was confident I could beat him in a fight.
What I disliked most about this guy was what happened when I had just been promoted to my second year. The entire Hunter Department had a department dinner, and he openly mocked me for not having achieved Mana Awakening yet.
Even though he was drunk, he was the first one to openly disregard me like that. The others would subtly scorn me or ridicule me behind my back.
And Eun Sangmin never apologized for it.
"That senior didn't come today..."
"I heard the Hansuri Guild is tackling an important dungeon. They're supposed to finish in three days, so you'll probably hear from them then."
Hansuri Guild.
Just one of the countless small to medium-sized guilds out there.
Eun Sangmin's brother-in-law is Hansuri, an A-Class Hunter and the master of the Hansuri Guild.
Now it all makes sense. Eun Sangmin climbed to C-Rank so quickly thanks to the guild's support.
Still, I couldn't completely dismiss him. Reaching C-Rank meant he could manipulate Mana.
"These documents outline the rules of Dungeon Survival. Read them carefully."
As I read through the documents, my eyes widened.
Baek Ji-eun? Baek Ji-eun is going to be the commentator?!
Baek Ji-eun.
An A-Class Hunter affiliated with the Association. Renowned not only for her combat skills but also for her striking beauty, which has led to modeling gigs and frequent appearances on variety shows. Rumor has it she's preparing to become an actress.
"Wow, I can actually meet Baek Ji-eun in person? I'm so glad I signed up."
She's 29 years old.
The fact that she reached A-Class in her twenties alone is enough to call her a genius. And she has the potential to become S-Class.
"I remember her clearly she's got F-cup breasts."
I'm really looking forward to the first gathering of program participants in a week.
"Baek Ji-eun wouldn't skip the gathering, right? Nah, no way."
I took a small breath to calm my nerves and pressed the doorbell.
Though I couldn't hear anything, the chime must have registered inside.
As proof, a voice came through the speaker attached to the doorbell.
"What is it?"
It was Han Harin's voice. I was currently ringing the doorbell at Han Harin's house.
We live in the same apartment building. She's on the fourth floor, and I'm on the sixth. But even when we run into each other, we barely exchange a few awkward words.
"Senior Han Harin, we're on the same team, right? I came to discuss various strategies for Dungeon Survival."
Even I had to admit it was a perfect excuse. Of course, my true intentions were far more sinister.
"...We already agreed to meet with Senior Eun Sangmin later to discuss this. There's no need to talk today."
"Then I guess I have no choice. I wanted to share some Hunter tips and tricks... See you later, Senior."
I pretended to retreat, but inside, I was sweating bullets.
Ask! Ask! Ask!
Perhaps my desperate thoughts reached her. Han Harin's voice came through the intercom.
"Wait. You want to share your know-how?"
I had learned during my previous hack of Han Harin's smartphone that she was deeply troubled by her Mana Awakening.
And I had recently awakened my own Mana. Although her Hunter Rank was higher, my actual combat prowess, now that I had awakened my Mana, surpassed hers. Han Harin likely sensed this as well.
"Yes. I'm still lacking as a Hunter myself... And we're on the same team, right? Wouldn't it be good to share useful information?"
"...I think so too. Come in."
The door opened to reveal Han Harin. She was still wearing the same outfit I'd seen her in at university white pants and a blue shirt. She must have taken off her black jacket since she was at home.
With her figure, anything she wears looks good.
I greeted her and stepped inside.
I had been curious about what Han Harin's house would look like, but it was impeccably tidy with nothing particularly noteworthy.
To my surprise, she treated me quite well.
Though it was just a glass of orange juice, I was grateful for the gesture.
"You mentioned wanting to share some know-how, right? What kind of know-how are you interested in?"
"I recently underwent my Second Awakening. It's a Natural Ability the power to control lightning. Senior Han Harin, you manipulate gravity, don't you? Do you have any useful tips?"
"...Lightning?"
"Yes. I call it Thunder Lightning, though."
Fzzzt.
A spark of lightning crackled across my palm.
"Don't use your abilities inside the house."
"Ah. Right. Sorry."
At her cold words, I immediately extinguished the Thunder Lightning. Han Harin crossed her arms, pondered for a moment, and then said to me,
"Look up specialized books on lightning. You might find some unexpected applications."
"Right. I'll keep that in mind. Senior, don't you have any questions for me?"
At my words, Han Harin stared intently at me. She seemed to hesitate for a moment before finally parting her lips to ask,
"...How did you awaken your Mana?"
"Ah, Mana. This is actually a secret I haven't told anyone... but I'll tell you, Senior."
"..."
Han Harin's eyes sharpened, her gaze focused and determined not to miss a single word.
"I got a Special Mana Massage. You know what Mana Massage is, right?"
"Yeah, it's a massage that uses mana."
Mana Massage, also known as Qi Massage, wasn't complicated in principle. It simply involved using mana to perform the massage. But it was remarkably effective, causing a sensation a few years ago.
Even now, Mana Massage remains a popular treatment.
"I thought Mana Massage was only good for relieving fatigue?"
Most people, like Han Harin, believe this. But in reality, it offers significant benefits for overall physical health beyond just fatigue relief. After all, mana itself is a beneficial energy. However, it's not particularly effective for Hunters.
"I received Special Mana Massages. I got them regularly for about a month, maybe a little longer. Then one day, I suddenly experienced my Second Awakening, and my Mana awakened as well."
"...You expect me to believe that?"
Of course she wouldn't believe it. She must have researched Mana Awakening extensively and never heard of Special Mana Massages.
"If you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do. But it's 100% true."
Han Harin bit her lower lip.
I remained calm, knowing I wasn't the one in a hurry.
Han Harin had suffered greatly because of her Mana Awakening. She probably wanted to believe even the most absurd stories.
"...Where can I get this Special Mana Massage?"
"You can't. The masseuse was a B-Class Hunter, but she passed away recently."
"..."
Han Harin looked slightly disappointed.
"Ah, but I worked under her briefly, so I know how to do the massage. She even taught me her Secret Technique, saying I had talent. She was such a kind person..."
I tried to look as somber as possible. Honestly, I'm not good at acting, but I couldn't exactly talk cheerfully about the death of an acquaintance, even if it was all a lie.
"You can do it?"
"Ah, you don't seem to believe me, Senior. Could I use the bathroom for a moment? I'll show you something amazing."
After a moment of hesitation, Han Harin nodded. Her bathroom was identical to mine.
It's only natural, since we're in the same building.
The only difference was the type of shampoo.
I filled the bathtub with a shallow layer of water and stepped onto it, activating Waterwalking.
"That's... Water Walk? You can do that?" Han Harin's eyes widened in surprise.
"I have a knack for controlling Mana. That's why the massage therapist said I was talented. And I have the Secret Technique Mana Oil used for Special Mana Massage at home... I'll go get it. Just wait here a moment."
Before Han Harin could respond, I hurried back to my apartment. I briefly entered the Game World, earned a few points, and returned.
[Holy Water]
[Drinking or applying Holy Water might bring good fortune!]
[Price: 2 points]
[Caution]
[The effect and duration vary depending on the amount used.]
I spent 2 points to purchase it.
Carrying the Holy Water, I returned to Han Harin's room.
"Senior, give me your hand. This is a secret technique elixir... When applied, it emits a faint glow, indicating the effect is properly activating."
I personally applied the Holy Water to her hand.
Han Harin gazed at her faintly glowing hand and let out a small gasp of wonder.
"I had no idea something like this existed..."
Showing her such miraculous items was bound to earn her trust.
"But this requires a specific Mana Massage technique. It's said to be ineffective unless you have exceptional Mana control, like me. If you'd like, Senior, I can give you a Special Mana Massage."
Then I added, "Ah, but it won't be free. It's quite expensive. I paid 15 million won when I got my own Special Mana Massage."
People tend to be suspicious of free things. Since she's wealthy, I quoted a reasonable price.
Han Harin is rich anyway. 15 million won for a massage? It's nothing to her.
If I'd offered it too cheaply, Han Harin might have become suspicious.
"...That Special Mana Massage... which areas does it target?"
"The effects vary depending on the area, but the full-body massage is the most effective. Mana needs to be felt throughout the entire body, after all. Special Mana Massage. Would you like to try it?"
"..."
Han Harin was deep in thought. My heart pounded.
But she shook her head.
"No, thanks."
Did she still not trust me? Or perhaps she was uncomfortable entrusting her body to me. I hid my disappointment and said,
"Just let me know whenever you want. I'll do it for you. Oh, and this is a secret. It could get a bit troublesome if word got out."
"Understood. I won't tell anyone."
"...I'll head back for today. It's getting late."
"Alright."
Han Harin remained cold. She didn't even suggest having dinner together.
Three days later.
Han Harin and I met Eun Sangmin at a cafe.
Eun Sangmin was a man with small, sharp eyes. He grinned at us, his smug confidence grating on my nerves.
Why is this barely handsome guy grinning like that?
Eun Sangmin glanced at me before turning his attention to Han Harin.
"Harin, it's nice to see you here. Is this our first time meeting privately?"
"I don't think this counts as a private meeting," Han Harin replied coldly. She treated everyone equally coldly, except for her close friends.
I was 100% certain: that bastard had ulterior motives toward Han Harin.
Ignoring me is one thing... but how dare he set his sights on the woman I've claimed?
This was unforgivable. I needed to put him in his place.
"Hmm, it's true we gathered for a meeting. How about we grab dinner together afterward? My treat. I know a good hotel restaurant."
"I have plans for dinner, so I'll have to pass. What's our strategy for Dungeon Survival?"
"We don't even know what kind of dungeon it is yet. I'll give orders on the spot, so just follow my lead. I'm a C-Rank Hunter, so you don't need to worry about anything."
Han Harin frowned. This wasn't the kind of meeting she had hoped for.
"...I see. Understood. Let's part ways here, then."
As she stood up to leave, I spoke to Eun Sangmin.
"Senior Eun Sangmin, I can't acknowledge you as our leader."
"What? What do you mean by that?"
Eun Sangmin scowled and repeated the question, not because he misheard, but because he was incredulous.
I decided to explain more clearly, assuming he would understand better.
"I don't take orders from Hunters weaker than me. Senior, you seem weaker than me. Therefore, during the Dungeon Survival, I'll act as the team leader. No problem, right?"
"Are you out of your mind? Hey, what year are you?"
"I'm a 2018 graduate!"
"Ha... Unbelievable. Even if the Hunter Department is more laid-back, shouldn't you at least respect your seniors?"
A guy who barely attends classes is talking about respecting seniors? At least have one proper conversation with me before acting like a senior.
"I'm not wrong, am I? Isn't it basic that the strongest Hunter in the party leads? That's what I've always known. Ah, Senior, you've only ever worked in guilds, so you probably don't know these fundamentals, huh? Wow! I'm so jealous! I wish I could join a guild and hunt comfortably too!"
Eun Sangmin's face froze.
"You're out of your mind. Get up, you little shit. I'll teach you some manners today."
"You want to throw down? Fine by me. Just don't come crying after you lose."
"Trying to show off in front of Harin, huh? You've made a grave mistake."
"I'd say the same even if Senior Harin wasn't here. I don't take orders from anyone weaker than me... But why are you suddenly bringing up Senior Harin? Do you... like her?"
I glanced at Han Harin. She was watching us with a cold expression, showing no intention of intervening. To her, we were probably just irrelevant strangers.
Judging by her attitude, she seemed determined to ignore us and head home.
"Get out here, you bastard!"
"No need to shout. I'm coming. They say scared dogs bark the loudest. Are you scared or something?"
In front of a woman, seniority means nothing.
"Didn't anyone teach you not to say things you can't back up?"
"I said it because I can back it up, you fucking loser."
I suddenly snapped back to my senses.
"Ah, sorry, Senior. I got carried away and misspoke."
"This little shit... Why are you getting scared now?"
"No, that's not it. You fucking loser."
A fist flew toward my face.