Chapter 44: This Isn’t Your Story to Tell

The difference between S-rank and A-rank is beyond imagination.

The gap between lower-ranked Hunters is not that significant.

For example, a growing D-rank Hunter and a C-rank Hunter whose growth has stagnated—if they were to battle, the outcome could vary depending on the circumstances.

There’s even a chance that the D-rank Hunter could win.

However, in a battle between S-rank and A-rank Hunters, it is impossible for an A-rank Hunter to win.

Everything is superior—gate clearing speed, boss monster slaying ability, and instantaneous attack power.

Nothing is left out.

The difference is like trying to break a rock with an egg.

To overcome the wall of an S-rank Hunter, a person must awaken one special ability.

“Noona, he still hasn’t unlocked his engraving’s full potential.”

Engraving Reawakening.

Initially, the engraving settles within the body, and the first awakening occurs.

The body becomes stronger, and the individual gains the ability to control mana—something non-Awakened individuals can never experience.

It’s a transformation of sorts.

But S-rank Hunters undergo a second awakening, gaining an even more perfect body.

A body as strong as steel, as unyielding as diamond.

The ability to sense mana evolves into the ability to absorb mana.

‘On top of that, the engraving’s effects get even stronger.’

Even non-growth-type engravings can evolve through this process.

The first awakening of an engraving raises the Awakened person’s talents and abilities, while the second awakening allows the person to extract the engraving’s full potential, surpassing its previous limits.

“I know that Hunters with growth-type engravings find it easier to become S-rank, but he’s still…”

“I know.”

“And yet, you want to take him—this newly enrolled Academy freshman, who’s still a D-rank Hunter—to an S-rank gate raid?”

Yoo Seo-ha’s words were spot on.

If Kang Hong-yeon had been in her right mind, she would never have suggested something as reckless as bringing a 20-something D-rank Hunter to an S-rank gate.

But the man standing in front of her wasn’t an ordinary D-rank Hunter.

It wasn’t a matter of strength—it was more of a miracle, a series of coincidences that led to this moment.

“Here’s the information for the upcoming S-rank gate raid.”

“…Isn’t this classified as top-secret?”

“I know. But if I don’t tell you this, I don’t think anything I say will have any effect.”

Si-woo and Yoo Seo-ha exchanged uneasy glances as they read the information about the newly discovered S-rank gate in South Korea, handed to them by Kang Hong-yeon.

<Gate Name: Playground of Lilith (tentative)>

<Appearing Monsters: Succubus, Succubus Queen, Succubus Empress>

<Combat Methods: Uses charm that can even affect women. It has been confirmed that the hypnotic skills of an A-rank hypnotist can cancel out the charm of the Succubus Queen.>

<No physical means of attack. The magic level is between B and A rank, with dangerous potential. However, due to the existence of enhanced charm creatures, it is speculated that a Hunter capable of widespread S-rank mental interference will be needed.>

“…Yeah, it’s their natural enemy.”

Yoo Seo-ha couldn’t help but acknowledge the truth.

Playground of Lilith.

A gate populated by demons using charm abilities.

Si-woo could certainly contribute here.

Even as a D-rank Hunter, he could likely handle regular succubi.

And even if not, simply charming the Hunters involved in the hunt would make him a valuable asset.

“But still, noona… this isn’t right.”

“You’re worried about your life being at risk?”

“Yeah. You know why the danger level system was created. The reason only A-rank Hunters are allowed to participate in S-rank gates is for a reason.”

“From what I can see, Kang Si-woo would likely be in the top-tier B-rank range.”

“Skill and experience are two different things. And you know who taught me that.”

In the world of Hunters, a skilled and powerful Hunter may be recognized by the general public, but in the industry, those who’ve survived for years and lived long enough to be respected are the ones truly recognized.

Survival is a separate realm from strength.

“You know why people cling to the Academy, right?”

It’s not just to get stronger—it’s to survive.

Hunters who’ve stepped into a gate at least once realize that their lives are always on the line.

At first, it might seem like a career with great rewards, fame, and wealth—but the darker side of the job becomes apparent quickly.

That’s why they learn everything they can to survive one more day in the Academy.

“He’s someone who’s just started learning how to survive in the gates. Do you really want to drag someone like him into a hell where even seasoned Hunters are dying?”

“…You’re right. But Seo-ha, why does it feel funny hearing that from you?”

Kang Hong-yeon’s words made Yoo Seo-ha fall silent.

“If someone else said that, I wouldn’t have much to argue. Statistically speaking, it’s crazy to take a D-rank Hunter—who only has their engraving’s effects—to an S-rank gate raid.”

But Yoo Seo-ha couldn’t argue with her.

At least with conscience, she couldn’t.

“I know that. That’s why I’m trying to stop it.”

“Kang Si-woo, do you not want him to walk the same path as you?”

“Yeah, I don’t want him to end up like me. As a senior who’s walked that road at least once, I can’t just ignore a devil trying to drag a junior into hell.”

“A devil? That’s a harsh way to put it… though I agree with the ‘crazy’ part.”

Kang Hong-yeon stood up, taking the paper with the gate information back.

Though she made it seem like nothing, the document marked top-secret was something that only Hunters confirmed to participate or those officially recognized by the government should be reading.

“If you ever become interested, give me a call. I’ll make sure to prepare a fake ID and some magic tools for disguise.”

She didn’t wait for a response.

There was no need to, and Kang Hong-yeon knew that what was important to Si-woo wasn’t her proposal right now.

As Kang Hong-yeon disappeared into the distance, Si-woo’s gaze turned to Yoo Seo-ha.

“Noona.”

“… Sigh, I didn’t want to reveal it like this.”

Yoo Seo-ha sighed deeply, her black hair falling messily.

She hadn’t planned to keep it a secret forever.

She had always planned to tell him eventually.

But this wasn’t how she wanted to reveal it.

With another deep sigh, Si-woo smiled as usual and responded.

“Do you not want to talk about it?”

At the smile on Si-woo’s face, Yoo Seo-ha shook her head.

If Yoo Seo-ha truly didn’t want to talk about it, Si-woo wouldn’t force her to.

After all, it was Yoo Seo-ha who had taught him not to push people when they weren’t ready to speak.

“If you hide it again, I’ll never hear about it, will I?”

Yoo Seo-ha, who had made up her mind, took off the leather jacket she always wore like a second skin.

On her snow-white arm, there was a massive engraving that covered almost her entire arm.

Si-woo’s eyes widened when he saw the engraving that covered her arm.

Even though he quickly tried to hide his emotions, Yoo Seo-ha could tell right away.

“Hmm, now that I have to explain, where do I even start?”

She had never shared her story with anyone.

That’s why, as she thought about where to begin, Yoo Seo-ha decided to tell him the truth right now.

“Now that I think about it, I’ve never told you my real name, have I?”

“Your real name?”

“Yeah, I did tell you that Yoo Seo-ha isn’t my real name.”

As Si-woo nodded, Yoo Seo-ha revealed the name she had kept hidden until now.

“Yu Ga-eun. It’s a name you’ve probably heard of before, right?”

“!?”

Yu Seo-ha.

No, Yu Ga-eun—Si-woo’s eyes widened in surprise.

Even people who weren’t interested in the Hunter world knew the name Yu Ga-eun.

“The genius of the century, the youngest A-rank Hunter, the pride of South Korea. Thinking back, I had a lot of embarrassing nicknames back then.”

With a small smile, Yu Ga-eun reminisced about the past and continued the story.

“This is the story of how Yu Ga-eun became Yoo Seo-ha.”

It was a story of a promising young talent who awakened an SS-rank engraving and gained the attention of countless people.

The tale of a woman who graduated two years early from the Academy and was called the rising star of South Korea’s Hunter industry.

And finally,

‘The story of the woman who stupidly fell into hell.’

Starting with that self-deprecating remark, Yu Ga-eun began to tell her story—slowly, calmly, and with a sense of detachment.