“This is where my story ends. In the end, the S-rank gate was declared a successful clear, but the reality was that we couldn’t defeat the boss, and all we could do was watch it run away.”
The one fortunate thing was that there was only one person who witnessed the Red Dragon fleeing.
Kang Hong-yeon.
“If any other Hunters had seen it, I would’ve been stabbed right there and then, no questions asked.”
“Does that mean you quit being a Hunter…?”
“I even felt guilty myself.”
Not every Hunter is noble.
There are plenty of people who jump into gates for money and fame.
Even though they failed to conquer the gate, Kang Hong-yeon acknowledged Yu Ga-eun’s potential.
Moreover, she believed that, having learned how to escape the Red Dragon’s arrogance, Yu Ga-eun would grow stronger.
Even when she hadn’t undergone reawakening, Yu Ga-eun had broken through the Red Dragon’s scales.
No matter how much the dragon had underestimated her, Yu Ga-eun’s accomplishments were undeniable, and even the Red Dragon recognized her as having the qualities of a hero.
“If I hadn’t joined the raid, the outcome might have been different.”
“Honestly, without you, I don’t think we would’ve even been able to make the Red Dragon run away in the first place.”
“That’s because Kang Hong-yeon’s plan was flawless.”
Even if Yu Ga-eun hadn’t been there, Kang Hong-yeon would have found a way to win.
The outcome wouldn’t have been as devastating as it was.
“It would have been better than ending up with a conclusion where an A-rank Hunter foolishly lets the boss monster run away. For sure.”
Si-woo remained silent in response to Yu Ga-eun’s confident statement.
“I’m saying this as a foolish Hunter who did something stupid before being an adult.”
Don’t ever think about participating in an S-rank gate raid.
“Even if your skills are exceptional, and your engraving gives you abilities that are the natural enemy of the monsters that spawn in the gate, challenging such a life-risking task is far too dangerous.”
“But isn’t being a Hunter all about risking your life from the moment you enter a gate?”
Sigh, “Stop kidding around. You know that’s not what I’m trying to say.”
Yu Ga-eun nodded in understanding.
Though she said it playfully, she understood the message behind it.
“To summarize, you’re telling me not to even think about entering an S-rank gate until I’ve reawakened and can work alongside Kang Hong-yeon.”
“Exactly, it’s not about talent; it’s about character.”
It’s like the entrance requirements for a dungeon in a game.
The difference is, unlike a game dungeon where you can’t enter if you don’t meet the minimum level, gates allow free entry, as if it’s not stopping the sacrificial lamb from coming.
“If you haven’t met the conditions for reawakening yet, I won’t allow you to enter an S-rank gate, no matter what.”
“No matter what?”
“Yes, I can’t compromise on this.”
There was no sign of her backing down.
Although Yu Ga-eun had generally respected Si-woo’s will, she felt firm in her stance this time.
It’s a matter of life and death.
That wasn’t all.
Yu Ga-eun saw herself reflected in Si-woo.
His absurdly fast growth—the same path she had once walked, aiming to become a Hunter.
She was watching herself in him.
And she was determined to stop him from making the same mistake she did.
She knew the result would be miserable.
He would either die or live a life far worse than death.
“…Okay. I won’t enter the S-rank gate until I’ve reawakened, like you said.”
“…Ha, so you’re actually someone who can be persuaded.”
Yu Ga-eun let out a sigh of relief, her expression one of surprise.
In response to her, Si-woo scoffed as if he couldn’t believe it.
“So, you thought I was the kind of person who wouldn’t listen to others?”
“Hey, shouldn’t you at least deny that?”
“Isn’t the harsh truth better than a lie?”
“Honestly, a kind lie might be better for my fragile mentality.”
Ugh!
Yu Ga-eun smiled as she exaggeratedly clutched her heart, her usual playful expression on her face.
This time, Si-woo smiled brightly in return.
If it were up to him, he would have tried to push his way into the S-rank gate raid despite the risks.
Opportunities like this didn’t come around often.
But it’s my sister’s request.
I have to listen at least once.
Even though it wasn’t a matter of life or death.
“By the way, is there anything you want?”
“Huh? All of a sudden?”
“I asked you not to go because I was worried about you, but honestly, that was mixed with my own selfishness. Plus, the academy recommendation I gave you for the entrance exam ended up being useless.”
“Well, that’s true.”
Yu Ga-eun’s recommendation letter for admission had been a last resort, just in case she didn’t pass the entrance exam.
It wasn’t that she lacked confidence in her abilities, but there were always uncertainties about what might happen during the exam.
So, to prepare for the worst-case scenario, she secured the recommendation letter.
But once her top-ranked admission was confirmed, it became nothing more than a useless piece of paper.
“Since we haven’t seen each other in a while, tell me something you’ve wanted. I’ll grant any reasonable wish, since you agreed to my request.”
“Wow, I never thought I’d get a blank check from you.”
“If I think about your personality, I know you wouldn’t ask for something too extravagant, even with a blank check. You’re the kind of person who would make modest wishes even if you had a magic lamp.”
“Hey, I’m not that extreme. I mean, when it comes to greed, I’m actually pretty decent, you know?”
“Most people wouldn’t describe themselves as ‘decent’ when it comes to greed. The more money, the better.”
“That’s true. I did have a rough time because of money back in the day.”
Yu Ga-eun’s assessment was accurate.
Even if Si-woo had received a blank check or a wishing lamp, he wouldn’t ask for excessive things.
He had witnessed firsthand how people change when they get too much—how they ruin themselves with desires that go beyond their reach.
“But if I got a wish, I’d have to use it wisely. I wouldn’t ask for something crazy, especially since it’s a blank check from you.”
“Alright, it’s a rare opportunity, so think about it.”
Just as Yu Ga-eun was about to stand up, Si-woo grabbed her wrist urgently, his expression questioning what she meant, as he shook the blank check she had given him.
“No, there’s no need to think about it.”
“What? Did you have a wish you’ve been wanting to ask me for a while?”
“Well, yeah. Honestly, over the past year, you’ve had to deal with me a couple of times, even if it wasn’t full-time, handling some annoying tasks.”
Yu Ga-eun couldn’t deny that.
Unlike the other hosts she was only involved with for business, she had privately contacted Si-woo several times, and during those moments, she had asked him for small favors.
“Wait, is this about the time I asked you to run an errand for cigarettes?”
“I’m not that narrow-minded, you know? And by the way, have you quit smoking?”
“…Okay, that’s good.”
She clearly hadn’t quit.
“It’s bad for your health.”
“I’m a Hunter, it’s fine.”
“Well, you’re not wrong, so I can’t really argue with that.”
At that, Yu Ga-eun’s eyes flickered uneasily.
Si-woo made sure to choose a realistic wish, one that didn’t make her feel uncomfortable.
“You’re not seriously wishing for me to quit smoking, are you?”
“What? You think I’d use my wish for that? If I wanted to quit, I would’ve done it a long time ago.”
Yu Ga-eun let out a sigh of relief, realizing it wasn’t the wish she feared.
She pulled a cigarette from her leather jacket and clicked her tongue.
With a sigh, she put the last cigarette from the box between her lips and turned with a quick spin.
“Then hurry up and say it. I need to hear your wish, and I’ll light up a cigarette before I forget.”
As she stepped outside slowly, Si-woo gathered the courage to voice his wish.
“Noona, will you go on a date with me?”
“…Huh?”
The unexpected wish made Yu Ga-eun’s mouth hang open.
The last cigarette she had carefully saved dropped to the floor before she could even light it.
But at that moment, she couldn’t care less about the cigarette.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I’ve always wanted to go on a date with you.”
For Yu Ga-eun, this was like a bombshell.
No, it was like a nuclear bomb with thousands of triggers!
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“You’re not seriously wishing for me to make you quit smoking, are you?”
-“you’re not seriously wishing for me to quit smoking, are you?”
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