"Si-Hyun, please, stop for a moment..."
Chief Jang Han-Soo, having somewhat regained his composure, spoke in a trembling voice to intervene.
Si-Hyun shrugged and released Jason's collar, letting him collapse to the ground with a thud.
"So, uh... are you satisfied now?"
"Hmm, not really. Just look at this guy’s face."
"His... face?"
The chief turned to Jason, who was still sprawled on the ground, making no move to get up.
Jason’s face was an absolute mess—covered in bruises, swollen spots, and dried blood. One eye was barely open, his nose slightly crooked with blood trickling from it, and his lips split and smeared with red.
Yet, in the middle of that battered mess was a grin—a wide, unsettling grin.
It was a grotesque and chilling sight.
"He's seriously a freak. He keeps grinning even while getting beaten up. It’s creepy."
"..."
"I was planning to keep punching until he stopped smiling, but..."
"..."
"Should I stop now?"
The chief hesitated, unsure of how to respond, and glanced at Si-Hyun. Her cheerful tone was accompanied by a refreshed smile—a telltale sign of someone who had just relieved all their stress.
After a moment, he cautiously answered.
"Uh... maybe we should hear what he has to say first?"
"Sure."
Snap!
With a snap of her fingers, Si-Hyun began healing Jason’s face. Within moments, his battered visage returned to normal.
Jason groaned as he brushed himself off and got back on his feet.
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"Wow, it’s been so long since I’ve been beaten this badly!"
"...You really should’ve chosen your opponent more wisely."
"Hahaha! I think I chose perfectly!"
"..."
Si-Hyun stared at him, dumbfounded. That was not the response she had expected.
Jason, meanwhile, chuckled heartily.
"This is the first time in my life!"
"...What is?"
"To face someone I absolutely can’t beat! I’ve lost before, sure, but you? You’re on a completely different level!"
"..."
"I can’t think of a single way to win against you, no matter how much I simulate it in my head! Oh, it was utterly overwhelming!"
It was undoubtedly a compliment.
But coming from a maniac like Jason, it didn’t feel like one.
Si-Hyun’s face twisted into a grimace, which only made Jason drop to his knees.
"A loser must obey the winner! Tell me your demands!"
"...Anything?"
"Name it!"
"I’d like you to never appear in front of me again."
"That’s... a bit much! How about we meet again for a rematch later?"
"...This is exhausting."
Claiming he’d accept any demand, only to immediately refute it, left Si-Hyun exasperated.
She let out a long sigh and turned to Chief Jang Han-Soo.
"Chief, what do you think? Can I just end him here and now?"
"...Please don’t."
The chief’s response was panicked but firm.
No matter how strange Jason was, he was still an S-Rank Hunter and a well-known figure in the U.S. His sudden disappearance in Korea would cause an international uproar.
"Fine, fine. Hey, doggy."
"Yes, Master!"
"Don’t call me that."
Si-Hyun clicked her tongue in irritation. Something had clearly gone wrong with Jason’s "repentance." He now seemed to think he was her loyal pet.
"I want you to tell me exactly how much you know about me, how you found out, and who else knows."
"Understood!"
Jason grinned as he responded. Sharing this information was already part of his mission from Evan, so it didn’t bother him.
"The returnee Evan Harper from the U.S. wishes to meet you. His magical device deduced that you are exceptionally strong."
"...Stop calling me ‘Master.’"
"Haha! At first, I thought you were just a low-ranked mage hiding your abilities with falsified records. But I was completely wrong!"
When Jason finished, Si-Hyun beckoned him with her finger.
Jason, understanding her gesture, removed his wristwatch and handed it to her.
"A U.S. returnee wants to meet me?"
"Yes! Please grant him the opportunity!"
His Korean was impressively fluent.
Si-Hyun shook her head in disbelief.
"Ji-Ah, what do you think?"
"Hmm, maybe you should at least reach out? It’s not like we can ignore this now that the information’s out."
"Yeah, I figured as much."
Si-Hyun nodded. She’d never regretted following Ji-Ah’s advice before.
Just then, Jason, with a serious expression, made another offer.
"Master! I’m very competent! Let me pledge my loyalty and fight you again someday!"
"Annoying. No."
"Professor! Don’t you need an assistant professor at the academy?"
"I already have someone lined up."
"Ah, then how about a driver? A personal chauffeur?"
"..."
Si-Hyun hesitated. The thought of no longer needing to walk everywhere was momentarily tempting.
‘An S-Rank Hunter as my driver?’
It felt... wrong on so many levels.
"I’ll even assist on international trips! I speak multiple languages—Korean, Japanese, Chinese! I’m proficient across all of Asia!"
"...You’re quite the hustler, huh?"
"Hahaha!"
Si-Hyun found herself oddly swayed. She’d been considering an overseas trip, and having Jason as a pack mule might make things easier.
Though she still considered him a creepy battle maniac, outside of combat, he seemed relatively sociable. Even Areum had called him "gentle."
And if she maintained control over their rematches, perhaps...
‘...He could double as a stress reliever.’
She was starting to lean toward the idea.
"Fine. Tell Evan that if he wants to meet me, he’ll have to come here himself. In the meantime, you’ll stay quietly under Chief Jang’s watch. Got it?"
"Understood!"
"I’ll be watching you."
"I’ll earn your trust!"
Jason’s words were always polished, if nothing else.
Si-Hyun let out a wry laugh.
"Let’s wrap up this dungeon quickly and head out. Chief, I’m leaving this dog in your care."
"Understood. Leave it to me."
With the chief’s confirmation, Si-Hyun gave Jason a swift kick in the rear.
Without needing further instruction, Jason began clearing the dungeon with impressive efficiency.
Once the dungeon was cleared, Jason exited discreetly, thanks to Si-Hyun’s magic, and got into Chief Jang’s car.
As Si-Hyun climbed into Ji-Ah’s car, Ji-Ah asked with curiosity,
"Si-Hyun, I’ve been wondering..."
"Hm? About what?"
"You barely have a scratch on you, but Jason was a total wreck. Was he... not as strong as his reputation suggests?"
"Oh, that."
Si-Hyun replied casually, as if it were no big deal.
"A lot of melee-type Hunters have this habit of telegraphing their moves, like, ‘Look at me using my skills!’ They practically advertise their attacks."
"...Wait, really?"
"Yeah. Jason was a bit better, but still similar."
Ji-Ah looked surprised. That observation could very well apply to her as well.
"Ah, but you’re different! Maybe it’s all the solo dungeon experience? Or just natural skill? Anyway, your movements are much more refined."
"R-Really? Thanks..."
Ji-Ah’s cheeks flushed as she turned her gaze away, flustered by the unexpected compliment.
Si-Hyun, realizing what she’d just said, scratched her cheek and awkwardly looked out the window.
Both of them were left feeling slightly bashful.
***
After the Monday incident where Si-Hyun gave Jason a thorough beating, the following days passed without any significant events. Si-Hyun maintained periodic contact with Chief Jang Han-Soo, discussing updates and ensuring that everything remained calm.
The Arrival of Evan Harper
Through Jang Han-Soo, who acted as an intermediary, Si-Hyun learned that Evan Harper intended to visit Korea personally after wrapping up pressing matters. Evan expressed his wish for a discreet meeting to discuss things in detail.
Si-Hyun felt a twinge of curiosity. She figured there was no rush—she’d simply wait for his arrival while carrying on with her usual routine.Monster Studies Lecture Day
When the day of her Monster Studies lecture arrived, Si-Hyun expected an ordinary day. However, a surprising visitor awaited her in her office: Professor Noh.
Preparation for the Lecture
While Professor Noh evaluated the tea and snacks, Si-Hyun clapped her hands together as an idea came to her.