With the terms of their agreement set, Si-hyeon and Da-young decided to meet each afternoon to tackle D-rank dungeons together.

The day after their initial meeting, the two met outside a D-rank dungeon gate, reviewing their plan.

“I have most of the basic materials we need, but we’re missing the essential mana stone.”

“So, we’ll be farming that ourselves.”

“Exactly! Honestly, I’d love to craft the very best for you, but I know you don’t have unlimited funds, right?”

“…Right.”

“This is a business deal, after all. For now, let’s aim for a D-rank accessory!” 

“Alright!”

With that, Si-hyeon confidently entered the gate with Da-young, who kept emphasizing their partnership as a “business deal,” which made Si-hyeon feel more at ease.

Da-young wasn’t pushing to make something beyond her means, nor was she trying to create debt. It was simply the best they could achieve given their current resources.

And the fact that a B-rank hunter was willing to invest her time made Si-hyeon feel she needed to contribute just as much in return.

So, as soon as they entered the dungeon, Si-hyeon started fighting with what she believed to be “C-rank hunter” strength, similar to how she had fought in the party with Han-gyeol.

Her control was flawless. The only issue? From Da-young’s perspective, she looked far from a typical C-rank.

‘I get she’s not your average E-rank, but she’s making C-rank look like a joke...’

Da-young watched with her mouth agape as Si-hyeon moved. Although she had witnessed her strength before, the sight was still surreal.

Each time Si-hyeon took a step forward, monsters were crushed in her wake. Even those twice her size were no exception.

A single punch, and the monsters’ bodies were punctured as if struck by a powerful force.

One might assume her style was purely offensive, yet she dodged every single attack with fluid precision. Not once did she let a blow land.

It was as if she had already memorized each monster’s patterns, moving as if she knew exactly how each would react.

It didn’t seem like she was using any skills either. The physical prowess she displayed was purely natural.

Though awakened hunters grew stronger physically thanks to mana, she had never seen anything like this.

‘What if she gets even stronger as she ranks up and gains new skills? And if her body gets even more resilient?’

‘She’s practically a monster already.’

Da-young’s thoughts whirled. She was starting to wonder if she was witnessing the live history of a future legend.

At first, Da-young had tried fighting alongside Si-hyeon, but she soon backed off, feeling she might only get in the way.

She could tell, just from observing, that every time she fought, Si-hyeon kept an eye on her, which indicated just how much control and awareness she had in battle.

Realizing her time would be better spent collecting mana stones and other materials, Da-young switched her focus.

---

As they cleared about half of the dungeon, Da-young decided it was a good time to get to know Si-hyeon a little better.

‘I can’t pass up on this—witnessing a living legend in the making? I’ll make sure we become friends,’ Da-young thought, convincing herself she was qualified as a B-rank crafter to at least try.

“By the way, Si-hyeon,” she started.

“Yes?”

“Where are you from originally?”

“I’m Korean.”

“…Naturalized citizen?”

“…Hm.”

Si-hyeon hesitated for a moment, debating how much to reveal. Though she had only known Da-young for a short time, she felt a genuine liking for her.

She wasn’t an expert at judging good or evil, but Da-young’s behavior and demeanor made her seem trustworthy.

Though she could have lied, Si-hyeon decided not to. After a moment, she gave her answer.

“Are you familiar with the term ‘returnee’?”

“…Wait, you’re a returnee?” 

“Yes, the Bureau hasn’t disclosed that information yet.”

“Wow... That’s amazing! There’s only one in the U.S., and there’s hardly any information on them!”

As Si-hyeon nodded, Da-young leaned forward, her eyes practically sparkling.

Her lips moved as if she had a million things to ask but was unsure if she should.

Watching her, Si-hyeon smiled faintly. “You’re welcome to ask if you’re curious.”

“Oh! Then—”

Now that she had permission, Da-young fidgeted with her fingers, carefully sorting through her most pressing questions.

“Is that your real appearance?”

“...I changed a bit after going to the other world.”

“That’s insane. I want to go to another world, too...”

Si-hyeon chuckled at Da-young’s envious look.

“How did you come back to Korea?”

“I defeated the Demon King.”

“…Wait, what? That just escalated real quick.”

“I was in a hero’s party. I was just there to lend a hand.”

A hero’s party! It sounded straight out of a fantasy novel.

However, Da-young refrained from asking more about that. Si-hyeon’s expression had changed, her eyelids drooping, her gaze cold and distant.

There was a story there, clearly. Da-young decided to change the topic.

“Oh, so that’s why you’re so strong! You know, wouldn’t it make more sense to enroll in the academy and rank up to C-rank quickly? I know I would.”

“Hmm…”

Si-hyeon thought for a moment, reflecting on both her clear and vague reasons.

“The main reason is that I need a bit of a break.”

“Ah, I see.”

Da-young nodded, fully understanding. If her story was true, she’d not only defeated a Demon King but returned as a hero. She absolutely deserved some time off.

“And... I haven’t really given it much thought, to be honest.”

Si-hyeon’s expression turned slightly bitter.

“I’m... not used to dealing with people. I don’t want to meet too many of them.”

“Oh...”

There were gaps in her story—why she found human relationships uncomfortable, why she avoided people.

But Da-young could guess. The woman before her had probably endured a lot of pain in the other world.

Like a wounded kitten, she gave off an air of vulnerability, sparking a protective instinct.

“Sorry for the dull story. Should we wrap up the dungeon?”

“Oh, no! I loved hearing it, Si-hyeon! Maybe you could tell me more once we get closer?”

“…Hehe, sure.”

Da-young’s enthusiastic response brought a small smile to Si-hyeon’s face.

“Once we’re done here, should we go for another round? Thanks to my paladin skills, I have plenty of stamina.”

“Oh, so that’s why Han-gyeol was always so energetic. Let’s go till we’re spent!”

Disguising her strength as “skills” came naturally to Si-hyeon, and Da-young readily agreed to her suggestion.

The two then began clearing the dungeon swiftly together.

While efficiently taking down monsters, Si-hyeon reflected that this experience was much more enjoyable than her previous, temporary party.

Having a good companion really made a difference.

“But, why does a paladin fight like that? Aren’t you supposed to be a knight?”

“…Good point.”

Maybe I should invest in a sword?

---

At the Hunter Bureau, Section Chief Jang Han-soo was tearing his hair out again today.

He couldn’t figure out the strange behavior of a hunter he’d been monitoring closely.

Returnee, Jeong Si-hyeon.

The first week, she seemed to be screaming, “I’m just a regular person, so leave me alone!” Now, it was more like, “I’m not special; my partner is amazing!”

She was now clearing nearly every D-rank dungeon in Seoul with a partner.

The dungeons decreasing in number wasn’t an issue; that was a good thing.

The problem was that her partner was a crafting hunter. Although Jang wasn’t sure how they’d connected, it was clear that her partner was there to assist, while she was the one clearing the dungeons.

‘She rejected a mentor...’

At this rate, she might really dislike the concept of government intervention.

He wanted to make an exception to increase her rank officially, but she didn’t seem inclined to cooperate.

What should he do? How had Da-young of Wings connected with Si-hyeon?

“Ah!”

A small revelation crossed his mind.

Why was he overthinking this? He had a connection with Moon Da-young; he could just ask for her help.

He dialed Wings Guild’s number, and Da-young picked up.

“Hello, Wings Guild.”

“It’s been a while, Ms. Da-young. This is Chief Jang from the Bureau.”

“Oh, long time no see! What can I help you with?”

“I understand you’ve been running dungeons with Si-hyeon recently.”

“Yes, so?”

“I was wondering if you could tell me how you two became friends…”

“No.”

“...Excuse me?”

She cut him off immediately. Jang’s brow twitched slightly.

“May I at least ask why?”

“Please don’t bother her.”

“…”

“Is there anything else?”

“...No, that’s all.”

“Then, goodbye.”

*Beep-beep-beep*

The call ended before he could say anything further.

Don’t bother her?

He intended to give her the best support he could, respecting her wishes and providing

 the recognition she deserved.

How did he end up in this position…?

Feeling frustrated, Jang Han-soo rubbed his temples.

Today felt like a day for a drink.

---

“Si-hyeon, how about grabbing a drink tonight?”

“A drink?”

It was late, and they had just finished their last dungeon of the day. Si-hyeon looked at the darkening sky as Da-young made the unexpected proposal.

“After a few days of exercising, it feels like it’s calling to me. Come on, let’s celebrate! We gathered all the materials, right?”

“Uh, well…”

True, they had collected everything they needed by yesterday. Today’s run had been more about earning money while helping Da-young.

“Oh, so our friendship was fake after all. Fine, we’re just business partners…”

“…”

“I know a cozy little place that serves the best food…”

“It’s not far, right?”

“Of course not! And I’ll cover your cab fare back.”

It was tempting, to say the least.

It had been over five years since she last drank. Now that she was back, maybe she could finally enjoy it.

She was free now, so why not?

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Great! No backing out now!”

Da-young beamed and gave Si-hyeon a hearty pat on the shoulder.

Though they’d only known each other for less than a week, Da-young, like Han-gyeol, felt like a genuinely good person.

Si-hyeon was starting to feel warmly toward the Wings Guild as a whole, despite only knowing two of its members.

Not that she was ready to join, but she liked the idea of keeping in touch.

“Let’s go!”

Da-young cheered as she walked ahead, her energy infectious.

Si-hyeon followed with a smirk.

---

Arriving at a cozy, empty pub, Si-hyeon suddenly remembered an important detail.

I’ve become sensitive to spicy food... and what if I can’t handle alcohol anymore?

She used to easily handle two bottles of soju, but…

This might not go well.