TO BE fair, Viki wouldn't consider Cha Hyein as an old friend.
It will be pretentious of me to claim that we were friends when I pushed her away in the past because of my insecurities.
Having said that, she was still happy to see her former 'rival.'
I didn't notice her presence until she stood in front of my door, so it's either Cha Hyein improved so much, or my senses are getting dull since I barely use my Mana these days.
But all the Elites members and Cha Hyein had always been good at hiding their presence.
Anyway…
The Cha Hyein that Viki remembered was a teenager who didn't care about her appearance because she was more interested in improving her abilities.
But the Cha Hyein in front of her right now was the definition of a feminine woman.
And her style is very stylish— she looks like the CEO of a rich company.
Very girlboss vibes.
Aww.
Why do I feel like an auntie who saw her niece for the first time after she became an adult?
Viki— rather, Ahn Navi— felt proud to see that Cha Hyein had blossomed into a beautiful, stylish, and elegant woman.
On the other hand, she still wanted to treat Cha Hyein like a child.
After all, I'm taller than Cha Hyein.
Heh.
Cha Hyein was probably around 169cm.
I won in the height department.
"I believe our conversation won't be short, Miss Young," Cha Hyein said coolly, and then she pulled out a basket of fruits from her Inventory as if to show that she didn't come empty-handed. "Can I come in?"
Aigoo.
"I'm not going to invite you into my house after you threatened to sabotage my kids' careers," Viki said firmly while closing the door behind her. "Let's talk in your car, Hunter Cha Hyein-ssi."
***
"FIRST OF all, I'd like to apologize for coming unannounced, especially this early. Please understand that this is the only free time I have today. In fact, after this, I still need to make a report about the Special Grade Dungeon that I finished raiding just yesterday."
Right.
Viki knew that all the former Elites (except Won Yiwon) and Cha Hyein were inside a dungeon when she and her alien babies arrived in Seoul.
Plus, she knew how busy high-ranking Hunters were.
So, Cha Hyein's words were believable.
"If you are that busy and you still made time to threaten me, then you must really be serious."
Cha Hyein turned to Viki with a shocked look on her face. "I did not threaten you, Miss Young."
"Ma'am, you're a natural S-Class Esper," Viki said, scoffing. "If you aren't concealing your presence and Mana, I would have fainted already."
Of course, that was a blatant lie.
But I already learned from my mistake.
"Just your appearance alone is already a threat to a poor F-Class like me, Hunter Cha Hyein-ssi— especially since you also demanded to have my kids pull out from the audition without a proper explanation first."
Cha Hyein opened her mouth to refute, but she immediately closed it as she had nothing to say as a comeback.
Viki just sipped her coffee while waiting for a response.
Ah, yes.
Cha Hyein also pulled out a cup of coffee from her Inventory earlier.
The Domain Goddess then handed it to Viki when they sat in the backseat of the car. And the said luxury car was parked in the empty lot next to her house.
"Allow me to explain, then."
Viki nodded. "Go ahead, ma'am."
"Seok Minjae, the leader of Rebelheart, is actually my nephew."
Viki almost choked on her coffee. "You have a nephew?"
To be fair, as Ahn Navi, she didn't care much about Cha Hyein's personal life. Plus, the two of them weren't close on a personal level.
"I like my privacy, so I asked the Hunters Association and the government to protect my family before I signed a contract with them in the past. That's why most people think I'm an orphan. But, in reality, I have a family," Cha Hyein explained calmly. "Seok Minjae is my older sister's son. My unnie and I have a big age gap, that's why she already has a teenager son."
"Oh."
"When I came out of the dungeon yesterday, my older sister informed me of what happened to Seok Minjae," Cha Hyein continued with her story. "Then I read the report that Yiwon Oppa submitted to the Hunters' Association regarding the incident."
'Yiwon Oppa.'
So, they're still close, huh?
"Anyone can tell at one glance that Yiwon Oppa wrote that incident report half-heartedly. But the Hunters' Association will never question Yiwon Oppa's actions, so they just let it be," Cha Hyein continued with her story. "But not me, so I had my guild members investigate what happened. Long story short, I found out that you were involved in that incident, but Yiwon Oppa didn't include it in his report as if he was trying to protect your identity."
"Let's say you are correct. But so what?"
"Seok Minjae and his group members didn't break their bones from falling into the Sinkhole— someone broke their arms and legs on purpose."
"Again, so what?"
"I heard Yiwon Oppa invited you to his guild a few days ago."
Aigoo.
Cha Hyein has a spy in Won Yiwon's guild, huh?
"I don't know how, but it seems like you caught Yiwon Oppa's attention," Cha Hyein said, sounding slightly bitter. "I can tell Yiwon Oppa let you beat up Seok Minjae and his friends. I'm sure you're also the reason why Yiwon Oppa threatened everyone involved in Idol Chemistry to delay the program. That's also the reason why they're suddenly holding a new audition."
Aha.
Well, to be honest, Viki wasn't surprised.
Won Yiwon sounded confident when he told me to wait for PD Lim and the production staff to call us.
Speaking of that, Viki remembered her schedule for today.
The kids and I are supposed to meet PD Lim and the others later.
"Miss Young, I don't know why Yiwon Oppa is protecting you— but I don't care," Cha Hyein said sternly. "I won't let you and your foster siblings join the audition after what you did to my nephew and his friends."
"Your nephew and his friends stole the spot of my kids," Viki said bluntly. "My kids passed the audition fair and square. But they were kicked out of the final line-up last minute. Do you know why? Yes, it's because those Rebelheart bastards stole their spot. I heard all of them were connected to some big-shot Hunters. Your kids also bragged about having a connection to the government and the Hunters' Association."
Cha Hyein suddenly went pale, as if it was her first time hearing all of that.
Not like it mattered.
"I guess they were talking about you, Hunter Cha Hyein-ssi," Viki said, smiling bitterly. "No wonder they are brave. They have the #2 Hunter on their side."
"Bring me evidence that my nephew and his friends did what you're accusing them of doing, Miss Young."
"I'm just a broke F-Class Hunter, ma'am. You're the one who has all the resources here. If you were able to find out that I was with Won Yiwon in that Sinkhole, then I'm pretty sure it's easy for you to find out whether I'm telling the truth or not."
Cha Hyein's lips formed a thin line. "I'll have it thoroughly investigated, then."
"Go ahead," Viki said, pausing for a moment. "Ah, your nephew and his friends also made fun of my kids for being orphans."
"My nephew isn't that kind of person."
"Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night… ma'am."
"Miss Young, we'll talk again after my subordinates are done with their investigation."
"Aigoo, madam. You should have done that first before confronting me."
"Are you really an F-Class Hunter?"
"I'm an F-Class Hunter, but my "motherness" is S-tier," Viki said, smiling. "Anyway, I'm a fan of yours, Hunter Cha Hyein-ssi."
That was random.
Hence, it was understandable that Cha Hyein looked confused.
"Well, I wasn't a fan of yours in the past. I only became a fan recently," Viki said. And, this time, she was being sincere. "You've worked hard, Cha Hyein."
***
WHEN Viki returned home, it was cute how her alien babies were all waiting for her on the porch— still in their pajamas.
And the cutest part?
Her kids' pajamas had the print of the animals they "represented."
Shark for Nam Juno.
Alpaca for Han Nora.
Hamster for Chae Baam.
Wolf for Do Eunwoo.
Black Jaguar for Yu Gamin.
My alien babies are so adorable.
"I'm sure you've all heard my conversation with Cha Hyein," Viki said, leaning against the closed door behind her while crossing her arms over her chest. "Cha Hyein is the person I feel most sorry for, and you know why."
It was something that she discovered after she returned to that world.
About Cha Hyein's sufferings when Ahn Navi 'died.'
"Seeing Cha Hyein today makes me waver," Viki said, smiling sadly. "Kids, should we run away to Japan? What do you think about being a Jpop boy group instead of being a Kpop boy group?"
The alien babies looked at each other as if they were communicating via their eyes.
Of course, the one who spoke first was the leader.
"Mama, it doesn't matter whether we become a Kpop, a Jpop, or even a global boy group," Nam Juno said, smiling. "We'll still take over the world either way."
Nice.
"Mama, we'll go wherever you want us to go," Han Nora said confidently. "We'll survive as long as we're together."
Aww.
The two eldest really know how to console me.
"Mama, I've always wanted to visit Japan!" Do Eunwoo said excitedly. "I love anime and manga! Friendship! Effort! Victory!"
"Shut up, Do Eunwoo," Chae Baam scolded the red-haired kid— again. "We're not going to Japan to play!"
And the two bickered again.
"Mama, you mentioned before that your best friend is from Japan," Nam Juno asked. And, yes, everyone was treating Do Eunwoo and Chae Baam's "fight" a background noise. "Are you going to tell him that you're Ahn Navi?"
"You said you trust that person, Mama," Han Nora added. "But if he has changed over the years, we can just erase his memories."
"It won't be easy since Daiki Oppa is a high-ranking Hunter," Viki said, smiling as she remembered her best friend. "But I'd like to believe that he's still the same reliable oppa that I know and trust."
"Mama, you sound excited about meeting your old friend. Should we start packing our bags?" Yu Gamin asked excitedly. "When are we leaving?"
"You should pack your bags now while I cancel our meeting with PD Lim," Viki said, smiling at her shocked alien babies. "We're going to leave for Japan tonight."
***
FINALLY.
Everyone expected Won Yiwon to clear the Special Grade dungeon in one week, at least.
But he once again broke people's expectations.
He cleared the dungeon in just four days— all by himself, at that.
Killing a two-headed dragon was easier than expected.
As soon as Won Yiwon stepped out of the dungeon, he used a teleportation skill— leaving the reporters, Civilians, and even his own guild members who waited for him to come out.
He went straight to his office at the Kaleidoscope Guild Base.
"G-Guildmaster!" Kim Nuri, who was in the middle of arranging a pile of documents on Won Yiwon's desk, exclaimed. It was obvious that the Vice Guildmaster was startled by Won Yiwon's sudden appearance. "Why did no one inform me that you've already come out of the dungeon?"
"I left as soon as I got out."
"Why?"
"I have a very important business to attend to."
Kim Nuri knitted his eyebrows. "What's so important that you went straight here instead of your own penthouse, Guildmaster? You always take a long bath first as soon as you get out of a dungeon."
"I already took a quick shower and changed my clothes before I stepped out of the dungeon," Won Yiwon said, and he went straight to business. "So, how's Viki Young?"
"Huh?"
"I asked you to keep an eye on Viki Young while I was away."
"Is that the important business you were talking about, Guildmaster? The reason you broke your usual pattern and hurried over here instead of going home? All because of Miss Young?"
"Obviously."
"Oh." Kim Nuri blinked as if he were confused, but he shook his head and finally answered Won Yiwon's question. "Guildmaster, I asked Hunter Bianca-ssi to keep an eye on Miss Young and…"
"And what?"
"Actually, Hunter Bianca-ssi called earlier. She said Miss Young is leaving the country with her foster siblings—"
"What?! Where are they going?!"
"Calm down, Guildmaster," Kim Nuri said as if he didn't understand why Won Yiwon was reacting that way. "According to Hunter Bianca-ssi, Miss Young and the kids booked a flight to Japan. It's not that far…"
The Vice Guildmaster trailed off when his phone rang, and when he checked who was calling…
"Guildmaster, it's Hunter Bianca-ssi."
"Answer it."
"Yes, sir," Kim Nuri said before picking up the call. "Yes, Hunter Bianca-ssi?"
Won Yiwon, thanks to his sharp hearing, actually heard Hunter Bianca's voice from the other side of the line.
"Vice Guildmaster, a Dungeon Break appeared at the airport!"
A Dungeon Break?
Won Yiwon immediately snatched the phone from Kim Nuri's grasp. "Is Viki Young safe?"
"G-Guildmaster?"
"Answer me, Hunter Bianca-ssi."
"Y-yes, sir! Miss Young is on the front line…"
"Guildmaster!" Kim Nuri yelled when Won Yiwon shoved the phone back into Kim Nuri's hand before turning translucent. "Where are you going—"
Won Yiwon had already vanished before either Kim Nuri or Hunter Bianca finished what they were saying.
***
WHEN Won Yiwon arrived at the airport's airfield, his heart almost dropped to the floor.
As expected, Viki Young was alone there…
… while being surrounded by monsters.
Viki Young's back was turned on Won Yiwon, but he wouldn't mistake her for someone else.
That confident stance, that platinum blonde hair, that air of arrogance around her.
It's Viki Young.
But why?
Why do you always…!
Won Yiwon walked in angry strides while removing his leather gloves and throwing them on the ground.
Small-fry monsters charged at him.
But all he had to do was push those annoying things out of the way, and then they disintegrated instantly— creating a "carpet" made of ashes for him.
It didn't take long before the monsters began avoiding him.
The thing about monsters that broke free from a Dungeon Break was that they were pretty intellectual.
So, why would an F-Class Hunter put herself on the front line?!
"Is there someone among the Civilians who was supposed to propose to their partner again?"
Viki Young was about to turn around when Won Yiwon spoke.
But he didn't let her.
Won Yiwon wrapped his arms around Viki Young, burying his face against her hair.
"Yah, Won Yiwon," Viki Young complained, completely dropping honorifics now. "What are you doing? Have you gone crazy?"
Yeah, I've gone crazy ten years ago.
And this stubborn woman was causing his trauma to resurface.
But I'm not complaining.
"You're not going to die on me twice," Won Yiwon whispered, shutting his eyes tight. "Ahn Navi."
***
Almost ten years ago…
[Won Yiwon, my son.]
Huh?
Won Yiwon, who had just finished raiding a dungeon that had suddenly swallowed them earlier, knitted his eyebrows in confusion. Not because his Status Window popped up in front of him— but because the Sola System spoke to him.
Well, it wasn't the first time it happened.
But the Sola System would almost only speak with Ahn Navi most of the time.
"What is it, Sola-nim?"
[Ahn Navi, my precious daughter, is dead.]
Won Yiwon shot the Status Window a cold look. "You better tell me this is just a cruel prank, or else…"
Unfortunately, it wasn't just a cruel prank.
***
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