RG 83

“No!”

A sharp cry filled with frustration echoed through the office. Looking down at Cha Sahyeon, clinging tightly to me, I couldn’t help but feel exasperated.

“It’s too dangerous. I can’t allow it.”

“It’s not dangerous! I’ll stick by your side the whole time!”

How could that even work? Letting out a deep sigh, I glanced at the child gripping my clothes with his small, desperate hands, pleading again, “Take me with you, please? I promise I’ll stay right by your side.”

“Kid…”

Watching Cha Sahyeon start to plead earnestly, I felt utterly at a loss for how to handle the situation.

Since that day when I didn’t make it back in time after fainting, Cha Sahyeon hadn’t let me out of his sight, following me everywhere. Whether I was showering or just heading to the mailbox on the building’s first floor, he would trail behind me without fail. He’d even abandon his favorite games the moment I so much as moved.

For the first couple of days, I tried to accommodate him as much as possible. I felt guilty, wondering just how anxious he must be to act like this. But instead of getting better, his obsession only grew worse. It reached the point where he clung to me, trying to stop me from leaving for work.

‘I get it; what happened last time really shook him up, but…’

Considering how much it took for this usually stoic kid to cry, I could imagine how worried he must have been when I didn’t come back. Still, no matter how much I understood, this time I absolutely couldn’t take him with me.

‘I’m going to track down the people from the lab that kidnapped him—how could I possibly bring him along?’

Even if I wasn’t the most responsible adult, there were limits to what I could do. The safest option for Cha Sahyeon was to stay here and wait for me to return.

“I’ll be back soon this time. I promise.”

If things got dicey, I’d consider using my hidden skill at night. It might take a while, but at least I wouldn’t end up fainting like last time. Plus, I still had two potions left.

I crouched down to meet his gaze as I spoke, and he furrowed his brows in frustration.

“Why do I always have to stay behind and wait?”

“Well, that’s because…”

“Just take me with you. It’ll be fine if we go together. I even protected you last time!”

“Last time, you followed me without permission.”

“…”

“This time, it’s really not happening. I’ll take you next time.”

At my firm response, tears welled up in his green eyes. While I felt bad for him in many ways, this wasn’t something I could compromise on. It wasn’t like I could explain the whole situation to him, either. Telling him I was going to capture the people who had kidnapped and hurt him would only make him more anxious.

Reaching out carefully, I brushed a finger lightly along the corner of his eye. “I know it’s frustrating, but just this once, hang in there. Be good, listen to what I say, and I’ll take you somewhere fun later, okay?”

Despite my gentle tone, I remained firm in my refusal. Disappointed, Cha Sahyeon pouted.

“Somewhere fun… where?”

“Hmm, let’s see. We can think about it together. Maybe we can go shopping at the mall again or visit an amusement park. That sounds nice, right?”

It was a hasty suggestion meant to cheer him up, but on second thought, it wasn’t a bad idea. What kid doesn’t like amusement parks? Besides, Cha Sahyeon had never been to one.

‘Not that I’ve been there much myself—just that one time before my regression, with Seonghyeon.’

The memory made me chuckle softly as I ruffled his soft hair. “Kid.” I pulled out my phone and placed it in his hands. Since I’d already unlocked it, he’d be able to use it easily whenever needed. “If anything happens, call me with this.”

Leaving him alone in the office made me uneasy too, but I hadn’t managed to get him his own phone yet. For now, this was the best solution.

“If a stranger comes by the office or you sense the presence of a strong Hunter nearby, press this button to call the person saved as ‘Yesung’s Guildmaster.’ I’ll answer immediately.”

“Okay.”

“Promise me you’ll call if anything happens, no matter what.”

After listening to my repeated instructions, Cha Sahyeon grumbled in dissatisfaction, “If you’re this worried, why don’t you just take me with you?”

“…Ahem, it’s too dangerous.”

Rejected until the end, Cha Sahyeon slumped his shoulders in dejection. I patted the boy’s head once more before heading to the door.

“I’ll be back.”

***

I rode in the car provided by the Yesung Guild, reviewing the plan I’d received in advance.

The fashion show at Gyeongbokgung Palace was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., with entry starting at 5 p.m. Celebrities and notable figures invited to the event would start arriving around that time. Kwak Seunggyu would likely show up then too.

Kwon Taehyeok and I planned to observe from the rooftop of a nearby high-rise building until the entrance process was complete and the show began. Once the event was underway, we’d sneak into the venue. According to Kwon Taehyeok, none of the attendees were high-ranking Awakened, so the chances of being caught were low.

‘The files said Kwak Seunggyu is an ordinary, non-Awakened person.’

Hyeon Dowun’s research confirmed this as well. Still, I’d need to meet him in person to be sure.

As the scenery blurred past the car window, I narrowed my eyes.

‘By now, Kwon Seoyul is probably tailing this car from a safe distance.’

Since his orders were strictly to “monitor,” he’d follow me discreetly without intervening unnecessarily or exposing himself. Of course, everything about Kwon Taehyeok and my relationship with him would reach his ears. But sacrifices had to be made. Capturing someone tied to the lab was far more important than maintaining perfect secrecy right now.

The car came to a stop at that moment. Stepping out, I was greeted by a secretary who had been waiting for me, bowing politely. I’d encountered him several times before—maybe it was time to exchange names the next time we met.

Following his guidance, I took the elevator reserved for staff up to the rooftop. The elevator climbed for a while before finally halting. From there, I had to climb one more flight of stairs to reach the roof.

Opening the rooftop door, I stepped out to see Kwon Taehyeok gazing down at the scene below through the iron railing. The wind tousled his hair as he turned to face me.

“You’re here.”

“Thanks for making it convenient,” I offered a casual greeting as I approached Kwon Taehyeok—only to realize someone else was there.

Turning my head, I caught sight of brown hair billowing in the breeze. My heart leaped, and I instinctively flinched. The person met my startled gaze, offering a sheepish smile before speaking, “Um… It’s been a while, Hunter Cha Seohu.”

“Ah… Yes.”

Not really. It had been less than a month since I’d seen Ryu Seonghyeon in this timeline, but all I could do was nod awkwardly.

‘Damn it.’

I hadn’t expected to run into Ryu Seonghyeon here.

Clicking my tongue internally, I shot a subtle glare at Kwon Taehyeok for not warning me. Picking up on my irritation, he approached us and explained, “There wasn’t enough time to inform you. Hunter Ryu Seonghyeon only confirmed his participation two days ago, and you… well, you gave your answer just today.”

“A quick text message would have sufficed.”

“It wouldn’t have made much difference. Whether or not you knew, having another person join shouldn’t be a problem. You’re not strangers, after all.”

Fair enough, but it still felt like a sucker punch.

‘Now, not only Kwon Taehyeok but also Ryu Seonghyeon will be on his radar. I really didn’t want that.’

Leaving Ryu Seonghyeon, who was watching me hesitantly, I turned back to Kwon Taehyeok. “Guildmaster of Yesung, while we’re on the subject, could I ask for a favor?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“I left my younger brother alone at the office, and I was worried, so I gave him my phone. If he tries to contact me, could you let me know?”

Since he’d promised to accommodate me for helping with this mission, I doubted he’d refuse. As expected, Kwon Taehyeok nodded without hesitation. “That’s no trouble at all.”

“Thanks.”

Still irritated, my tone was colder than usual. Observing me briefly, Kwon Taehyeok reached into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and handed me his phone.

“Take this.”

“Pardon? There’s no need—”

“It’s my personal phone. Hold onto it, and you can answer immediately if your brother calls. Just return it after we’re done here.”

“Uh… um…”

I awkwardly stared down at the phone Kwon Taehyeok had handed me. Now I felt like the only petty one here. It was a bit overwhelming, but I couldn’t bring myself to refuse, especially since I was worried about Cha Sahyeon. After hesitating for a moment, I finally accepted the phone.

“…Thank you.”

Even I could hear that my tone had softened compared to earlier.

I carefully placed the phone in the pocket of my coat, making sure it wouldn’t get lost. If I stashed it in my inventory, I wouldn’t notice incoming calls, so I had to keep it on me.

“This as well.”

This time, Kwon Taehyeok pulled something new from his inventory—a pair of binoculars. Curious, I took it.

It made sense. Someone like Kwon Taehyeok or Ryu Seonghyeon, both S-class, could probably observe the venue with their own abilities, but I wasn’t so fortunate. His thorough preparation was appreciated.

Thanks to the binoculars, I could see the area around Gwanghwamun in detail. As the entry time passed 5 p.m., black sedans and vans began arriving one after another. Through the lenses, I watched celebrities exiting their vehicles, escorted by security, while cameras flashed incessantly.

“Do you think Kwak Seunggyu is among them?”

“I’ve confirmed that celebrities and models are using the main gate. Everyone else is entering through other entrances. If we can’t spot him here, he’s likely entering elsewhere.”

“So, in the end, we’ll have to enter the venue ourselves to find Kwak Seunggyu.”

“Exactly.”

I figured as much. This was within expectations, so I wasn’t too disappointed and simply continued watching the procession.

As time passed and the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky darkened to a deep navy. The number of attendees arriving at the venue decreased significantly.

“It’s time to move.”

No words were necessary to convey that it was the right moment. Without hesitation, we left the rooftop.

“Let’s proceed as planned and enter through the National Folk Museum entrance.”

By the time we exited the building from the back door, night had fully fallen, blanketing the streets in darkness.

The event spanned Gwanghwamun, Heungnyemun Gate, Yeongjegyo Bridge, Geunjeongmun Gate, Geunjeongjeon Hall, and finally Gyeongbokgung Palace. Our plan was to slip in through the National Folk Museum’s entrance and make our way toward the venue unnoticed.

“At this hour, the gates should be closed, so we’ll have to climb over. Be careful not to get caught by any civilians; the entrance is right by the main road.”

Behind me, a gentle voice posed a question, “Why? Is there some reason you can’t be seen by civilians?”

“Well, obviously, we have to sneak in without being—ah.”

The words slipped out before I realized something: the voice wasn’t Kwon Taehyeok’s or Ryu Seonghyeon’s. Whipping around, I found myself face-to-face with a new figure standing between a mildly exasperated Kwon Taehyeok and an uneasy Ryu Seonghyeon.

“Fancy meeting you here.”

“…Eun Woojeong.”

Unlike last time, Eun Woojeong now sported jet-black hair, smiling brightly as if answering my call.