"So, Min-soo-nim, are you planning to recruit me? Since you called me and all."

"Well, I plan to do that eventually, but today, I called you for a different business."

Both Jin Tae-woo and Cha Min-soo sat across from each other at a quiet café, the faint hum of conversation and clinking cutlery surrounding them. They occupied a small table near the window, where soft sunlight streamed in, casting long shadows. A waitress had just taken their order, and now they waited for their drinks. A few minutes ago, Min-soo, the Guildmaster of Azure Sky Guild, had contacted Tae-woo, requesting a meeting to discuss something important.

Tae-woo sat back in his chair, casually dressed in a dark blue hoodie and worn denim pants, contrasting with Min-soo, who looked sharp and professional in a tailored suit. There was a distinct air of seriousness about the older man, though Tae-woo had initially assumed this meeting was another recruitment attempt.

Azure Sky was one of the Six Great Guilds, after all, and after his sudden rise to B-Rank following the Abyss incident, it wasn't surprising that they'd be interested in bringing him on board.

But now, hearing that this meeting wasn't about recruitment, Tae-woo furrowed his brows. "If not to recruit me, then what is it?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

Min-soo offered a slight smile, pushing up his glasses before placing a large, unmarked envelope on the table between them. The envelope was thick, filled with documents. Its presence made the air heavier and more serious.

"First of all, I want you to read this," Min-soo said, tapping the envelope lightly with two fingers.

Tae-woo raised an eyebrow but picked up the envelope without argument. He slid the contents out, revealing several documents and photographs. His eyes immediately caught a picture clipped to the first page. It was a picture of a high school girl wearing a blue hoodie and chin-length dark brown hair framing her youthful face. Her expression was stoic, but something was striking about her gaze.

"She's…" Tae-woo muttered as he scanned the documents, flipping through the pages. Lines of text detailed her background, recent events, and something else that made him pause. "Damn. This is… a lot to take in."

Min-soo leaned forward, elbows resting on the table as he clasped his hands together. "Choe Song-hwa. Seventeen years old. A high schooler and a North Korean refugee," he began. "A few days ago, she underwent the Hunter examination to determine her rank and Class. Officially, the Hunter Association will announce her as an A-Rank Hunter, which is still remarkable for someone her age. But the truth is…" he paused, glancing at Tae-woo over the rim of his glasses, "she's an S-Rank. Every test confirmed it."

Tae-woo hummed, eyes flicking back down to the documents. It wasn't every day that an S-Rank Hunter emerged, especially one so young. With how the Association managed these things, downplaying her rank to A-Rank was clearly an attempt to control the narrative and delay the inevitable media frenzy.

But Min-soo wasn't finished.

"To be more specific, she's a Seraph," Min-soo continued, his voice lower now. "One of the rarest and most powerful Hunter Classes in the world."

That made Tae-woo's head snap up. "Seraph?" he echoed, his mind immediately jumping to the particular Hunter. "Like Catherine Howlett?"

Min-soo nodded, understanding the weight behind the name. "Exactly. Like Catherine Howlett."

Tae-woo leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he processed the information. Catherine Howlett, the leader of the Empyreal Lords Guild in the United States, is known worldwide as the strongest Hunter alive. Her strength wasn't just hearsay or exaggerated media spin; she was a living, breathing natural disaster.

There were stories of her surviving two hours in the Abyss and walking out without a scratch. If regular S-Rank Hunters were considered walking weapons of mass destruction, Catherine Howlett was on an entirely different level, akin to an unstoppable force of nature.

"And now Korea has its own Catherine Howlett," Tae-woo muttered.

Min-soo didn't smile. In fact, his face grew even grimmer.

"Potential, yes," Min-soo said, his tone laced with caution. "But unlike Catherine, who's been trained, tempered, and honed over the years after her Awakening, and not to mention an adult, Choe Song-hwa is still a teenager. A girl with strong ideals, emotional volatility, and a cause."

Tae-woo flipped through more documents, eventually stopping on one with photos of protests, with massive crowds demanding the reunification of the Korean peninsula. He spotted Song-hwa amid it, standing tall among the throng, holding a banner high.

"She's deeply involved in the reunification movement," Min-soo explained. "She's been at several protests, advocating for the reclamation of North Korea. And while reunification sounds noble on paper, you and I both know it's not that simple."

Tae-woo grimaced, his mind immediately flashing to the chaotic state of the North. After the Dungeon Breakdowns, the entire region had become a lawless wasteland overrun with monsters. Reclaiming it would be more than just a monumental task. It would be suicide. And even if it were possible, the geopolitical ramifications were massive.

"Having someone like her leading that cause…" Min-soo trailed off before continuing, "We can't keep her status as an S-Rank hidden forever. And when the truth comes out, the reunification movement will rally around her. She'll become their figurehead, especially since she truly believes in their cause."

Tae-woo set the papers down, processing the gravity of it all.

"A Hunter of her caliber leading that charge?" Min-soo went on. "She could singlehandedly spearhead a reclamation campaign into the North. And while that might sound heroic to some, it would throw everything into chaos. The status quo would be shattered. China and Russia, both of whom share borders with the North, wouldn't stand for it. Add Hunters into that mix, and we're not just talking about a border conflict. We're talking about an all-out war."

The idea sat heavy between them.

"Min-soo-nim," Tae-woo began carefully, eyeing the older man across the table. "Why are you telling me this?"

Min-soo smiled faintly, his fingers interlacing as he leaned forward, elbows resting on the table. "Simply put, I'd like to ask for your help, Tae-woo-nim."

Tae-woo blinked, not hiding his surprise. "My help?"

Min-soo nodded. "Yes. According to my sources, Choe Song-hwa is a classmate and friend of Jin Ha-rin. Your younger sister."

At that, Tae-woo's expression tightened slightly. He hadn't expected Ha-rin to be part of this equation.

Min-soo continued smoothly as if he had anticipated the reaction. "I believe you might have already made her acquaintance. You already met her, right?"

Tae-woo sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Yeah. I did. I knew she'd be a troublesome kid when I saw her on the news."

Min-soo smiled knowingly. "Well, now that you're aware, I'd like to propose something. What I wish from you, Tae-woo-nim, is simple. I wish for you to guide her. Keep her from doing anything reckless. Ensure she doesn't end up making a catastrophic mistake."

Tae-woo gave Min-soo a long, hard stare. "So, you're telling me to babysit a girl who's the human equivalent of a nuclear bomb?" His tone was flat, almost incredulous.

"Several nuclear bombs, but yes," Min-soo replied without missing a beat.

Tae-woo let out a dry chuckle, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms across his chest. "You make it sound so simple. Like it's just another job to tick off the list."

Min-soo's smile didn't waver. "It's not simple. But I believe you're the right man for it."

Tae-woo arched a brow. "And why do you think that? What makes you think I'm the perfect candidate for this suicidal babysitting gig?"

"Because," Min-soo began, adjusting his glasses, "from what I've observed, you're a good older brother. Ha-rin clearly looks up to you. And you've been through enough to understand the importance of guiding someone younger, especially someone standing on the edge of something dangerous."

Tae-woo's lips twitched as if suppressing a laugh. "That's it? That's your logic?"

Min-soo nodded. "Song-hwa needs more than handlers and watchdogs. She needs someone who can be a proper brother figure and won't see her as a walking weapon or political tool. A teenage girl, even one with her power, is still a teenager. Impressionable. Vulnerable. She needs guidance, and you, Tae-woo-nim, are uniquely positioned to offer that."

There was a pause as Tae-woo mulled it over. He couldn't deny that Min-soo had a point, even if the idea sounded insane.

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Tae-woo sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "Seriously… At this point, I almost wish you'd just tried recruiting me into your guild. That way, I could've refused and been done with it."

Min-soo chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming behind his glasses. "And I know you won't refuse this one, Tae-woo-nim."

Tae-woo narrowed his eyes at him, his tone turning dry. "You're a lot slimier than I thought, Min-soo-nim."

Min-soo gave a modest shrug, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "I'll take that as a compliment."

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Returning home, Tae-woo scrolled through his phone, skimming over the information about Choe Song-hwa that Min-soo had sent him. All the details were saved, like her Hunter examination results, provisional A-Rank status, and notes about her Class, Seraph. It was everything he needed to prepare for what Min-soo had framed as a mentorship, though Tae-woo couldn't shake the feeling that it was more like a containment strategy than genuine guidance.

The so-called mentorship program had been arranged through the Hunter Association, a protocol for underaged Hunters who had Awakened early. Given the inherent dangers of dungeon raids, the program was designed to ensure that young Hunters were paired with experienced mentors to help them navigate the risks inside and outside the dungeons.

But this? This wasn't just about dungeon safety. It was political.

Min-soo had handpicked him for this, and from the way things had been set up, it was clear that the Guildmaster had a significant pull within the Association. Securing this mentorship program before any major guilds even had a chance to stake their claim was no small feat. Tae-woo had to admit that Min-soo played the long game well.

Still, the core of this mentorship wasn't about developing Song-hwa as a Hunter. It was about guiding her from becoming the rallying symbol for the reunification movement. That was the actual mission. An S-Rank Hunter alone would be enough to draw attention, but a Seraph? That was on a whole other level. With her at the forefront, the movement would gain unstoppable momentum, pushing forward the reclamation of North Korea, whether the country was ready for it or not.

Tae-woo sighed heavily, the weight of it all settling on his shoulders. It was going to be a headache, no doubt about that.

Song-hwa was young, but from what he'd seen and read and what Min-soo had said, she was deeply entrenched in the reunification movement. She actively participated in protests and demonstrations and wasn't just a passive supporter. She had conviction. Convincing someone like that to rethink their stance? That was going to be tough.

He could've turned this down. There had been a moment, sitting in that café, where he almost had. But after learning about Song-hwa's background, life as a refugee, struggles, and passion, he knew he couldn't just walk away from it. Ignorance was no longer an option.

And there was the personal angle. Song-hwa was Ha-rin's classmate. Her friend. That made this more than just a job. It was something closer to home.

Tae-woo rubbed the back of his neck as he walked, feeling the tension creeping into his muscles. "What have I gotten myself into?" he muttered.

He glanced back down at his phone. Song-hwa's contact information was already saved, and her number was staring back at him from the screen. Reaching out to her would be the next step. He'd need to set up a meeting, lay out the mentorship program, and, more importantly, get a sense of where her head was.

He wasn't naïve. He knew this wouldn't be a simple conversation. Song-hwa was young, passionate, and powerful, a dangerous combination if left unchecked. But maybe, just maybe, if he played this right, he could steer her away from making a massive mistake.

"Let's hope this goes smoothly," Tae-woo sighed, sliding his phone back into his pocket as he approached his apartment building.

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"Oppa? Are you really going to be my mentor?"

Song-hwa blinked in surprise, her large eyes fixed on Tae-woo as she sat across from him in a small fast-food restaurant. The low hum of conversation and the occasional clatter of trays filled the space around them, but Tae-woo focused on the girl sitting before him.

She was wearing a blue hoodie, slightly oversized, the hood draped over her shoulders, along with a checkered skirt and black thigh-high stockings. Her casual attire did little to mask the weight of the conversation they were about to have.

"From the look of it, yes," Tae-woo sighed, leaning back into the hard plastic seat. His fingers drummed lightly against the table as he tried to find the right words to begin. "So, you know why there's a mentorship program in place, right?"

Song-hwa hesitated before nodding slowly, her fingers tracing the rim of her drink cup. "It's because… I'm a minor," she muttered, her voice tinged with frustration. It was clear from her tone that she wasn't thrilled about it; the forced structure of the mentorship probably felt like a leash to her. Tae-woo figured she hated the idea of restrictions, especially when she likely wanted the freedom to fully throw herself into the reunification movement that she was passionate about.

"That's right," Tae-woo confirmed with a nod. He folded his arms on the table, meeting her gaze directly. "Becoming a Hunter and going into dungeons is dangerous. It's not just about wielding power. You need proper guidance. The Association put these mentorships in place for a reason. There's more to being a Hunter than just strength."

He sighed again, pausing for a bit before he continued.

"Honestly, I think there are people way more qualified to do this job. I mean, I'm just a B-Rank Hunter. But a certain someone," he said, alluding to Min-soo, "decided I was the right guy for it. So here I am."

Song-hwa shifted in her seat, pulling her knees up slightly so her feet rested on the edge of the seat. "S-So… what exactly am I supposed to do? Like, what's next?" she asked, her tone caught somewhere between curiosity and apprehension.

"Well," Tae-woo began, steepling his fingers in front of him, "the first step is getting you into a dungeon raid. I'll bring you along and keep a close eye on you. The goal isn't to immediately throw you into the deep end but to familiarize you with how raids work. Even though you're an S-Rank Hunter, that power doesn't make you invincible. Things can go sideways quickly in dungeons, no matter how strong you are."

He watched as her shoulders tensed slightly at the mention of her S-Rank status. Obviously, she was aware of her potential, but the acknowledgment still seemed to affect her.

"Officially, though," Tae-woo continued, "you'll be listed as an A-Rank Hunter, at least for now. It's a move to keep the spotlight off you while you get your footing. Believe me, the second people know you're a Seraph and an S-Rank, you'll have every major guild in Korea knocking on your door, trying to recruit you."

"Joining a guild, huh?" Song-hwa echoed, almost to herself. There was something distant in her tone, like her mind was already running through the possibilities.

"Yeah," Tae-woo confirmed. "Since you're technically independent, you won't have access to top-tier equipment. You'll use standard gear, but it's enough for a beginner." He glanced at her, gauging her reaction before continuing. "Once you start gaining some experience and build up your reputation, that's when things will change. Eventually, your true status will be revealed, and then… well, we'll have to figure out what happens next."

He leaned back again, letting her absorb everything. She looked pensive, chewing on her bottom lip as she processed the information. Despite her youth, her eyes showed a sharpness, a focused intensity that most teenagers didn't have. But there was also that lingering sense of restlessness that came from someone desperate to prove themselves.

"I assure you, I'm not here to restrict or limit your options as a Hunter. Believe me, you'll have a lot of choices. I'm just here to show you the ropes and all," Tae-woo said, doing his best to keep his tone light and casual.

Deep down, though, he was fully aware of the contradiction in his words. He had been brought into this mentorship not just to guide Song-hwa but to ensure she didn't use her power to push the reunification agenda forward. His role was as much about containment as it was about teaching.

Still, there was no point in letting her know that. At least not yet.

"I… understand," Song-hwa replied, though her voice carried a hesitant edge. It was clear she wasn't entirely convinced, but she seemed willing to play along for now. Her fingers fidgeted with the straw of her drink, twisting it absentmindedly as she processed everything he had said.

Tae-woo offered a small smile, leaning forward slightly. He reached out and, without thinking too much about it, gently placed his hand on her head, giving her a few light pats. "Don't worry," he said, sounding as reassuring as possible. "I'll make sure you learn everything in no time. You'll be raiding dungeons like a pro before you know it."

For a moment, Song-hwa seemed caught off guard by the gesture. Her eyes widened slightly, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. It wasn't the reaction Tae-woo had expected, but he decided not to comment. Instead, he pulled his hand back, resting it on the table again.

"Mmhm," she mumbled, nodding as she lowered her gaze. The blush lingered as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her demeanor softening just a little.

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The next day, Tae-woo and Song-hwa made their way to a dungeon portal, set to participate in a scheduled raid alongside a group of other Hunters. The portal shimmered faintly, an ominous swirl of blue and violet energy that rippled like water in the air. A low hum resonated around it, the telltale sign that it was stable and ready for entry.

Tae-woo adjusted the pauldron over his right shoulder, its worn edges telling stories of countless battles. His sword, securely strapped to his back, felt comfortably familiar, like an extension of his body. He glanced over at Song-hwa, who stood beside him, visibly awestruck by the scene around her.

She was dressed for the occasion, wearing an enchanted capelet draped over her usual blue hoodie. The capelet shimmered faintly with protective runes, offering her some added defense, though it was rudimentary compared to the gear most seasoned Hunters wore. She gripped a simple but sturdy mace in her hands, its head etched with minor enchantments, enough to make it useful in a fight but far from specialized.

"Whoa…" Song-hwa whispered, her wide eyes darting from one Hunter to the next. She took in the scene with a mixture of wonder and nerves.

Around them, the gathered Hunters were preparing for the raid, each decked out in varying degrees of armor and gear. Some wore imposing, heavily plated armor that clanked as they moved, while others sported sleek, form-fitting battle dresses that glimmered under the morning sun, each outfit tailored for functionality and style.

Tae-woo followed her gaze, chuckling under his breath. "Once you rack up enough dosh, you'll be able to buy cooler armor or clothes," he said, nudging her lightly with his elbow. "For now, let's focus on familiarizing you with dungeon raids."

Song-hwa's eyes sparkled, a smile creeping onto her face as she imagined herself clad in the flashy armor the more experienced Hunters wore. Tae-woo caught the way her expression softened with excitement, and despite the pressures, the politics, and the complicated mess she was tangled in, he couldn't help but smile back. Moments like this reminded him she was still just a teenager, still figuring out her place in all of this.

He cleared his throat, shifting his focus back to the task. "Alright," he began, his tone adopting a more serious edge. "Stick close to me. I know you're technically an "A-Rank" Hunter," he added, making exaggerated air quotes around the rank, "but inexperience can get you killed in there. It doesn't matter how strong you are on paper if you don't know how to work as part of a team."

Song-hwa's excitement dimmed slightly as she processed his words, but she nodded in understanding. "Got it," she said, gripping her mace tighter.

"Good," Tae-woo replied. "Dungeon raids are all about teamwork. Don't get overconfident. You rely on the people around you just as much as they rely on you. Watch how they move and how they communicate. Stay aware of your surroundings. And above all," he gave her a pointed look, "don't wander off on your own. That's the fastest way to get yourself into trouble."

Song-hwa frowned, puffing out her cheeks in mild frustration. "I'm not a kid, you know."

Tae-woo chuckled. "Could've fooled me." He ruffled her hair lightly before stepping past her and heading toward the portal. "Come on. Let's get through this in one piece."

As they joined the rest of the Hunters, Tae-woo couldn't help but glance sideways at Song-hwa. Her nerves were clear, but so was her determination. This was her first real step into the dangerous world of dungeon raids, and whether she realized it or not, it would shape how she saw herself as a Hunter.

For Tae-woo, it was the beginning of a long road ahead, where he would guide her, protect her, and ensure she didn't let her newfound power lead her down the wrong path.