NOVEL NEXT Chapter 91
The world’s situation kept changing.
Those changes gradually colored the world, like paint spreading on water.
[(Breaking News) Russia fails to observe Gate runaway near the Arctic.]
[The frequency of high-ranking dungeons is steadily increasing.]
[B-rank Hunter Kim Wan decides to naturalize in China.]
[Japan successfully conquers an S-rank dungeon, but many hunters died.]
News media poured out articles related to gates every day.
In this situation, countries and guilds around the world wanted talent.
In such circumstances, a special rookie appeared in Korea.
Go Ah-reum.
Still a D-rank, but her promotion speed was astonishing. Moreover, she was a Supporter.
The rumors about Ah-reum were enticing many guilds.
Many tried to contact her, but…
[I, I’m affiliated with Professor Jeong Si-hyun!]
She rejected them all without hesitation.
At the same time, interest in the figure of Professor Jeong Si-hyun grew.
“Isn’t she the one from Hunter Kang Cheol-min’s special lecture?”
“I heard her lectures are amazing.”
There was very little information released.
However, there was a common point.
She had an exotic appearance and outstanding abilities.
Many swallowed hard.
And then, Monday.
“Yes, yes?! A, a party invitation?!”
While lounging around at home, Ah-reum received a special invitation from the management office.
To none other than Kim Ji-a Hunter’s promotion celebration party.
It aimed to encourage and highlight the promising talent that was Ah-reum.
After the call, Ah-reum was puzzled and began racking her brain.
Kim Ji-a’s congratulatory party.
Party. Party. Party. She had nothing to wear.
The only person who could help her now was… Professor Jeong Si-hyun!
Since she was also a friend of Kim Ji-a Hunter, it was a perfect choice!
Ah-reum hurriedly typed.
– Professor! Help me!
The reply came back quickly.
– Huh? What’s up?
– Professor, you also got invited to Kim Ji-a Hunter’s party, right? I just received an invitation, but I have nothing to wear!
Perhaps it was read right away, as the number ‘1’ disappeared.
But unlike before, there was no immediate reply.
– Are you busy…?
– No, yeah. It’s fine.
– I need to go shopping for clothes; can you help me…?
– Uh, I see. Give me a moment…
Ah-reum waited nervously for a reply.
An S-rank Hunter’s congratulatory party… she had no clothes at all to wear there.
Having never worn anything like it, she was desperate for help.
One minute, two minutes.
Time slowly passed.
Five minutes later.
– I called for reinforcements! Let’s go together tomorrow night.
– Wow! Thank you so much, Professor! You’re the best!
A positive response came back.
Ah-reum cheered in the air.
* * *
As time passed to Tuesday evening.
Arriving early at the meeting spot, Ah-reum huddled her shoulders and looked around.
Seeing beautifully dressed people wandering about made her feel somewhat shabby.
‘…Will buying new clothes make me fit in?’
Ah-reum shrank back timidly.
Just then.
“Ah-reum, hi!”
A sweet voice called out her name.
Ah-reum perked up and turned to look in the direction of the sound.
“Oh?”
With a confused look, she took off her glasses, rubbed her eyes, and put them back on.
Then, she carefully observed the face of the person who came with the professor.
The person wearing a hat; surely that must be…
‘…Kim Ji-a Hunter?!’
The reinforcement turned out to be the star of the promotion party!
It was an identity she never imagined.
Surprised, Ah-reum’s eyes widened.
“Is this the one who’s the professor’s prized pupil?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Si-hyun smiled gently, introducing Ji-a and Ah-reum to each other.
After the introductions, Ji-a spoke in a friendly voice.
“It’s amazing that you’re already D-rank.”
“N-no! It’s all thanks to Professor Jeong Si-hyun! And please, feel free to speak comfortably!”
As Ji-a complimented her, Ah-reum’s face flushed, and she started talking a mile a minute.
Ji-a nodded with a smile and continued her conversation with Si-hyun.
“So why couldn’t Si-yoon come?”
“Apparently, it’s a penalty broadcasting day.”
“Ah, I see. Finally revealed, huh? I thought it would be kept hidden forever.”
“It’s not revealed, it’s discovered.”
“Right, right.”
Si-hyun and Ji-a exchanged friendly conversation.
Ah-reum blankly gazed at them.
* * *
“How about this one?”
“I think it looks good!”
“Ah-reum looks pretty in anything!”
“Hehe…”
The group, having entered a brand store, enjoyed a leisurely shopping time.
Ji-a and Ah-reum chatted happily while browsing clothes.
Si-hyun stood a bit away, watching them.
‘Thank goodness Ji-a is helping.’
This was a weak area for him.
While he wasn’t particularly interested in fashion, he couldn’t ignore the needs of his struggling student.
Ji-a saved the day.
“Si-hyun, aren’t you going to get fitted for clothes?”
When Ah-reum finished shopping.
Ji-a asked with eager anticipation.
Si-hyun answered with a deflated expression.
“…Not really? I’ll just wear a suit.”
“Come on, let’s get you something new, okay?”
Ji-a quickly grasped Si-hyun’s feelings.
“I’m just wanting to match designs with you. Can’t we do that?”
“…Hmm.”
“It’d be even better if the colors matched! These parties don’t happen often, so I want to enjoy it properly.”
“……Okay.”
Wanting to enjoy the party was a powerful statement.
Ultimately, Si-hyun declared surrender.
“Hehe, good thinking! What about you, Ah-reum?”
“I, I want to look too!”
“Great. Let’s go!”
The three of them hopped in Ji-a’s car, heading to a high-end brand shop.
Ji-a chose the store without hesitation.
Since the management office was funneling money through Ji-a to Si-hyun, she was well aware of his finances.
Spending freely was no issue.
Si-hyun had no worries about money either.
But, the real problem was different.
“How about this one?”
“…It’s a bit revealing.”
“Then how about this one?”
“…Does it have to be a dress?”
Ji-a’s recommendations were risky.
Though the clothes appeared beautiful and stunning to the eyes,
having to wear them in person?
‘…That’s embarrassing.’
Si-hyun looked at Ji-a with nervous eyes.
Ji-a faced him with a bright smile.
‘It’s nice of you to think of me but…’
It wasn’t that they were overly revealing.
It was just that he wasn’t used to it, causing a sense of rejection.
Si-hyun shifted his gaze to Ah-reum, who was staring at him with sparkling eyes.
‘She seems even more excited than I am…?’
Her gaze was intense.
Wasn’t she already envisioning herself in those outfits?
Si-hyun awkwardly smiled and turned back to the clothes.
“…Sigh.”
Okay, let’s just try it on!
He had committed to trying consistently!
Having tried on bright dresses before, what reason was there not to wear this?
Si-hyun conjured up his courage.
He always wanted to show only a cool and glowing side to his student.
“Ji-a, what kind of outfit are you going to wear?”
“Want to see a picture?”
“Sure.”
As Si-hyun’s attitude shifted to being proactive, shopping smoothly continued.
They rode