Chapter 75:
They moved quickly, as they had to escape before the gate closed.
Gong Ju-hyun kept glancing at Seo Jae-yi, who was at the very back, as if wanting to approach her, but Kwon Ye-na always stopped him with a smile, allowing Seo Jae-yi to follow quietly.
It was the same when they exited the gate. Everyone left in turn, and Seo Jae-yi, the last one remaining, glanced back before stepping out.
“It’s strange, Logi.”
“What is?”
They could speak freely now that they were alone.
“It’s clearly a plant-type dungeon, but that Fixed forest dungeon you were in feels more familiar than this one. Why? That dungeon also had many dangerous plants.”
Was it because she had spent six months there, trying to control her raging ability, or was it because of the dungeon master’s power residing within her?
Seo Jae-yi placed her hand on her stomach.
“Logi, do you think the dungeon master became weaker after sharing his power with me?”
It was a power that suppressed an S-rank Esper’s energy and even extended her lifespan slightly. Sharing such power might have been a big risk for the dungeon master.
‘I was too focused on surviving back then to think about it.’
Maybe he had thought it was okay because she was a monster. She had been taught from a young age that all monsters were enemies that needed to be eliminated.
‘Monster or not, what does it matter?’
Her long-held perception of monsters had been changing since meeting Airok.
It didn’t matter if they were human or monster, as long as they didn’t intend to harm her and even helped her.
The important thing was the trust they built, not their species.
Weren’t there even humans who wanted her dead? It was much better to have a monster who saved her life by her side than those people.
Airok was her friend, and the dungeon master was her benefactor.
That was all that mattered.
“Hmm, well, I don’t know everything about him, so I can’t be sure.”
“I see. Then I should return this power to him once my condition stabilizes and my lifespan increases.”
It wouldn’t matter if she died because Baek Joo-won didn’t choose her. He had said the power would return to its original owner when she died.
At least that was a relief.
“I wonder if he’s back in his home now? I should apologize for taking you without permission.”
“You don’t have to apologize! I was actually very happy!”
“Okay, okay. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you if the dungeon master tries to take you back. I can’t live without my Logi now.”
“Promise?”
Airok sighed in relief, seemingly reassured by her promise.
Seo Jae-yi completely exited the dungeon after he suppressed his energy again. The familiar air of Earth greeted her.
“Huh?”
She was surprised the moment she stepped out of the gate.
Baek Joo-won was standing there with the Guild members.
Seo Jae-yi, her face brightening, quickly approached him.
“Baek Joo-won! What are you doing here?”
“I have something to tell you. I thought it would be better to talk face-to-face than over the phone.”
“You could have waited at the shop. What if the dungeon subjugation had taken longer?”
“Wouldn’t the shop be empty?”
“I left a Guild member in charge. It’s too dangerous to leave it completely unattended. I should have told you beforehand.”
“Ah, I see.”
Seo Jae-yi apologized, but Baek Joo-won didn’t seem to care. He even looked around, as if searching for someone.
His gaze soon fixed on a spot.
Seo Jae-yi, curious about who he was looking at, was about to follow his gaze when…
‘Huh? He smiled?’
Baek Joo-won’s lips curved slightly upwards. It wasn’t a happy smile; it was a smirk.
It wasn’t the first time she had seen that expression, but why? And at whom?
She was curious, but before she could confirm who was at the end of his gaze, he spoke to her again.
“You’re not unhappy that I came here, are you?”
“What are you talking about? I just saw a bunch of grotesque things in there, so it’s refreshing to see you, Baek Joo-won.”
Baek Joo-won chuckled at her sincere words. It was a genuine chuckle this time, not a smirk.
“Then you’ll be even happier to hear this. I just met with Center Head Kwon Yi-soo and officially informed him that I’m pairing with you.”
“…What?”
Seo Jae-yi was stunned by his unexpected announcement.
What, what did she just hear?
“Uh, huh? Huh?”
She was so surprised that she couldn’t even speak. Her ears were ringing; she couldn’t even hear properly.
“A-are you serious?”
Kim Yoo-sung quickly asked, unable to speak for the speechless Seo Jae-yi. He also seemed surprised, his hands trembling.
“Of course. I wouldn’t joke about something this important.”
Kim Yoo-sung’s face brightened, realizing he meant it. A wave of relief washed over him.
“This is great, Seo Jae-yi. This is truly great.”
He patted her shoulder, as she was still in shock. The Guild members also hugged her, congratulating her, some with a bit too much enthusiasm.
But Seo Jae-yi couldn’t feel anything, even with them patting her shoulders and squeezing her back.
She could only see Baek Joo-won, standing before her, smiling. It felt like they were the only two people in the world.
She opened her mouth, trying to say something, but no words came out. Her heart pounded in her chest.
“This is not the time for this. Let’s go to the Guild now. We have a contract prepared for you. As promised, we’ll offer you the best treatment…”
Kim Yoo-sung gently guided Baek Joo-won away, and the excited Guild members carried Seo Jae-yi, who was still in shock.
“Then we’ll be going now. Thank you for participating in the subjugation, Gong Ju-hyun.”
They had already given Gong Ju-hyun his share of the dungeon byproducts, so there was no need to see him again. Kim Yoo-sung gave him a perfunctory farewell and quickly left.
They had to get the contract signed before Baek Joo-won changed his mind, before the government intervened after hearing this news.
They couldn’t let anyone take him away.
“…What is this?”
Gong Ju-hyun couldn’t stop the Haeil Guild members and Baek Joo-won from leaving.
What was this? Why was this happening? Why did he suddenly decide to become her Pair?!
“You said you would push me as Jae-yi Noona’s Guide. What is this?”
He questioned the South Chungcheong branch staff, but they had no answers.
Gong Ju-hyun gritted his teeth.
What kind of disaster was this?!
‘And that man, he was mocking me.’
The others hadn’t noticed, but he had seen it clearly. The man looking straight at him, smirking. His eyes filled with superiority!
He realized now that Baek Joo-won had come here to show him this scene.
‘How could she be with a man like that!’
Gong Ju-hyun clenched his fists. They were all oblivious to his true nature. Blinded by a slightly higher Matching Rate.
He couldn’t let this stand.
‘No, I can’t give up.’
Even though it had been an accidental Guiding, and he had been shocked by the intense heat she possessed, he liked her even more after touching her.
He wanted to be Seo Jae-yi’s Guide. He wanted to be by her side.
Me, not him!
“What are you doing? Contact the Branch Head immediately!”
Gong Ju-hyun shouted, and the staff member frantically called Branch Head Chu Sung-won.
He sent a message to his accomplice.
[We need to increase my Matching Rate with Jae-yi Noona faster, much faster. Is that possible?]
The reply came quickly.
[Of course. It depends on your resolve, Gong Ju-hyun.]
His resolve? It was perfect. He had never hated anyone this much before. He wouldn’t let this man steal his Esper.
[Get ready. Let’s go now.]
Gong Ju-hyun hurried towards his car. He had to get to Park Jung-soo as soon as possible. There was no time to waste.