Chapter 46.

As expected of a rich young lady, Chae Nayun’s room was huge with a queen-sized bed, a living room, a bathroom that was the size of a public bath, and a gaming room designed for the best virtual gaming experience . Lying comfortably on her bed, Chae Nayun opened the envelope containing her exam reports .

“Whoa, look how thick this is . ”

The stack of 24 papers had a sizable thickness .

First, she read the name of the topmost paper’s grader .

Kianu Jin .

He was a spearman who was around rank 100 .

[Chae Nayun’s archery skill was extraordinary and her magic power drew out my deepest respect .

The Thousand-Mile Horse is a difficult opponent for most sharpshooters because of its agile speed and sturdy body, but Chae Nayun not only dodged its charges with incredibly nimble movements, but she also…]

“Haha . ”

Because he still had poor Korean, there were some grammar mistakes here and there, but it was still readable . She especially liked the words, “her arrows were like a drizzling rain . ”

After reading Kianu Jin’s report, Chae Nayun worked her way down the stack .

Some cadets objectively analyzed her battle, while some noticeably filled their reports with praises . But seeing them all remark on her astounding might, the corner of Chae Nayun’s mouth curled up more and more .

“Huu, no . ”

Chae Nayun collected her thoughts before they reached cloud nine .

‘Some of them are just flattering you . Be humble . ’

After telling herself that, she calmly moved on to the next report .

The report belonged to a familiar name .

[Evaluating cadet – Kim Suho]

“…”

His name shook her heart slightly, but Chae Nayun tried to act unconcerned and furrowed her brows chicly . She quietly read the contents of the report .

[It was a victory of self-conviction .

Recently, Chae Nayun seemed to have doubts about herself . Losing to a rival and being criticized by someone wore down her confidence .

But as expected, Chae Nayun was a born archer who was overflowing with talent .

Against the Thousand-Mile Horse, Chae Nayun showed a battle brimming with confidence . There were no hesitation or doubts in her movements, and her attacks were also on point .

I believe Chae Nayun has already reached a certain realm as an archer . She told me that someone said her talent was lacking, but what Chae Nayun lacked wasn’t talent, but trust in her own abilities .

…

…

If she continues to trust in herself as she did today, if she believes in her talent and strides forward, I have the utmost belief that she will become the greatest Hero . ]

“…Huua . ”

With a thin breath, Chae Nayun softly caressed Kim Suho’s report . She was moved by his heartfelt encouragement . A smile emerged on her face, and her worries and trembling heart settled down .

With her eyes closed, she reaffirmed her belief .

‘A bow suits me . No matter what anyone says, a bow suits me best . ’

Chae Nayun carefully placed his report on her bed .

Now, there were two reports remaining . One was anonymous while the other was from Shin Jonghak .

She decided to finish what she started .

First, the anonymous report .

“Hm . ”

She picked up the report without much thought .

“…”

But not long afterward, she clenched her hands which were holding onto the report . Beyond the crumpled report, Chae Nayun’s distorted face emerged .

“Iiik, iii, iiik…”

Unlike the others, the anonymous report was filled with criticisms . Its malicious words seemed to strike at her bones directly, and Chae Nayun trembled in anger .

“…Who is the fucker . ”

The report was written in a respectful tone, but it was clear what it was trying to say .

‘You have no sense, talent, or brain . You won thanks to your magic power . ’

It was anonymous, but Chae Nayun felt like she knew who the writer was .

“Kim Hajin, Kim Hajin, Kim Hajin…!”

She picked up her smartwatch as she fumed with rage .

**

On a fine afternoon, Rachel and I were being questioned by Cube’s investigators .

I was still sore from the added streak of Stigma yesterday, but I still cooperated earnestly thanks to Rachel sitting next to me in an upright position .

“Thank you . ”

Outside of the investigation room, on our way back to the Portal Station, I expressed my gratitude at Rachel . As promised, she matched words with me . A royalty’s words must have carried unquestionable trust and grace, as the investigators who were doubting me fully trusted Rachel’s words .

“No, I should be the one to thank you . ”

Rachel said so without a change in her expression . Then, she showed her wrist to me . Thanks to treating her injury early, her wrist was fully healed without a scar .

“Is it fine?”

“Yes . ”

She spun her wrist nimbly .

“That’s good . So, where are you going?”

“Back home . ”

“Ah, to England . ”

“Yes . ”

I see, so she was going back to England .

It made sense . England should be safer than Cube . The Queen’s residence was a fortress that even a manifested devil couldn’t easily enter .

“Ah, I’m also going hunting right now…”

Because we were going in the same direction, I told Rachel something she didn’t even ask for when suddenly, my smartwatch rang .

It wasn’t a text message, but a call .

From Chae Nayun .

I had a feeling I shouldn’t pick it up, so I ignored it .

“I’m also taking Cube’s Portal, so…”

My smartwatch rang once again . I immediately ended the call .

Then, a message arrived .

[Hey, you wrote that report, didn’t you?]

[I just don’t understand, just how are you in any position to say something like this?]

[I don’t have the sense or talent of an archer? Have you ever used a bow before? I’m so freaking speechless . ]

[And you said I’m stupid? What, you think you can mock me because you’re good at studying?]

[You wanna fight? Wanna make a bet? Want me to teach you how hard it is to use a bow?]

“What is this bombshell…”

A barrage of five messages fell on me in just ten seconds .

However, the last message caught my attention .

Bet .

I recalled my Gift’s proficiency level . If I remember correctly, it should be grade 7 and about 67% to the next grade .

Could I defeat Chae Nayun with a bow?

Of course, I purposely nitpicked her flaws during the exam, but Chae Nayun’s archery skill was undoubtedly one of the best among cadets .

Although she was more talented with swords, that didn’t mean she had no talent for bows . Not to mention, she trained in archery for ten years…

[Sure, let’s fight and bet on it . I’ll also use a bow . ]

But it was about time to show her the difference between someone of talent and a true genius .

Even if grade 7 wasn’t enough, I had incredible luck on my side . As long as the bet was done with normal arrows rather than magic power arrows, I couldn’t see myself losing .

…But just in case, I should ask for a month to practice .

“…Why isn’t she replying?”

For some reason, Chae Nayun stopped messaging me . Did she think it was meaningless to make a bet with someone who wasn’t an archer?

Looking up, I saw that Rachel had gone ahead . I quickly ran and caught up to her .

Rachel glanced back at me .

“Haha, I’m also using the Portal . I’m going to Wonju . ”

“…Ah, yes . ”

We walked side by side to the Portal without talking .

We eventually arrived at the Cube Portal Station, which was fairly empty . Because Cube had asked the cadets to leave if possible for a more thorough investigation, most cadets had already left .

Rachel should now take the Seoul Portal to transit through to England, while I’d take the Portal to Wonju .

“Um, if it’s okay… can I ask you what weapon you used back then?”

But before we separated, Rachel asked me a question .

It seemed she found it hard to accept what happened . After all, an assassin who had been threatening her was killed with only two shotgun shots .

“…It’s an extremely expensive weapon, and cadets generally have one or more special abilities . ”

That was all I could say .

Rachel stared at me fixedly before nodding .

“Thank you again . I’ll bring something back from England as thanks . ”

With that, Rachel left towards the Seoul Portal .

**

I arrived in Gangwondo Wonju . Perhaps because it was midday on a weekday, the Portal Station was bustling with people to the point there was barely any space to breathe .

I plowed through the swarm of people and left the Portal Station .

“Hajin~ Here!”

When I came outside, a man in a well-tailored suit and sunglasses shouted my name . It was Park Soohyuk . Next to him was an HUV, though it was an old model .

He looked completely different .

I approached him with a smile .

“Wow, I almost didn’t notice you . Looks like you had fun with my money . Maybe you should be investigated for embezzlement . ”

“Haha, this is a proper business expense . Get in . ”

Park Soohyuk opened the back door as though he had done it a thousand times before .

I got in the car .

“Are we stopping at the 1km mark again?”

“Yeah, but we’re going to hunt a lot more today . ”

“Great, then I’m going~”

Yoo Yeonha promised me an unlimited supply of bullets . Since I added a setting to the Desert Eagle to make it an evolving weapon, I had to hunt as many monsters as I could when I had time .

“So, how’s the business lately?”

“It’s much better thanks to you . Everything is easier with a car . ”

A mode of transportation was an important core item in any business . For a monster hunting agency, an HUV was practically a necessity .

“It’s over there, but there are a lot of people already . ”

Not long afterward, we arrived at the entrance of the Field .

“Let’s get off for now . ”

“Yeah . ”

To get a permit for our vehicle, Park Soohyuk and I got off .

“…Hm?”

But in the distance, I saw a familiar face .

In all honesty, she was eye-catching no matter where she went . Her long black hair fluttered in the air and shone under the sunlight . Her incredibly charming black dress made her stand out even in this sea of people .

Yoo Yeonha .

She was observing the Field, surrounded by people who I presumed to be her guild members . The serious expression she had as she spoke made her seem as though she was an adult .

“Oh right . ”

I suddenly recalled that it was about time Yoo Yeonha came to the Wonju’s Field for business .

In the original story, she became the greatest investor for SH Agency . Kim Suho was obviously the reason . After finding out that Kim Suho had a contract with SH Agency, Yoo Yeonha invested an astronomical sum to SH Agency, which turned out to be incredibly successful . It was the point where Park Soohyuk and Yoo Yeonha began to walk the royal road .

“What, do you know her?”

“Mm… I do, but let’s just go . ”

She seemed busy, so I pretended not to see her .

But at that moment…

“Eh?”

Yoo Yeonha discovered me .

“Hello?”

Clack, clack . She approached me on her high heels, but the height of her heels was too threatening . She seemed taller than me .

“What are you doing here?”

Yoo Yeonha looked into my eyes and asked . We were at the same eye-level .

“I’m here to make money . ”

“Mmm~ I see . ”

Yoo Yeonha glanced at Park Soohyuk who was next to me .

It felt like I needed to introduce them to each other, so I did .

“This is my agent . ”

“Ah, nice to meet you . I’m SH Agency’s head manager, Park Soohyuk . ”

“I’m Yoo Yeonha . I’m still a cadet . ”

“Ah, yes . ”

I stole a peek at the two of them .

Park Soohyuk and Yoo Yeonha .

Though it wasn’t my intention, their meeting was moved forward by three years . As for the consequences, I wasn’t sure . But it didn’t seem like a bad thing .

I also glanced at the four men standing behind Yoo Yeonha like guards . Their equipment were all high-class goods .

“Ah, they’re members of Essence of the Strait . ”

Yoo Yeonha introduced them to us . The members stood around, not knowing how to react, but Yoo Yeonha’s stinging glare immediately caused them to bow .

“Essence of the Strait…?”

Disbelief emerged on Park Soohyuk’s face . Essence of the Strait was the rank 2 guild . Park Soohyuk must never have imagined being in contact with them .

Wiing—

At that moment, my smartwatch rang .

It was from Chae Nayun .

[Haa, what would I gain by betting with someone who doesn’t know anything about bows? Just screw off . ]

It seemed she was planning on ignoring me, but I couldn’t let that happen .

I kindled her rage .

[What, you’re scared?]

[Ha . You wanna die? I was going easy on you, so don’t you…]

[Just like you said, I’ve never even touched a bow before . But if it’s you… one month . One month is enough for me to catch up to your level . Of course, that’s strictly in archery . ]

After sending the message, I crossed my arms .

But suddenly, Yoo Yeonha asked .

“…Are you perhaps texting Nayun?”

Startled, I stared at her .

“W-What, how did you know?”

Wasn’t I the only one capable of hacking into others’ smartwatches?

Yoo Yeonha grinned and put up a hologram of her smartwatch screen .

[Hey, look what this kid is saying to me . I’m speechless . S . P . E . E . C . H . L . E . S . S . Do I take on this bet?]

From the looks of it, Chae Nayun was telling her friends about what I said and asking them for advice .

“Aha . ”

I spoke shortly .

“Tell her to do it . ”

“Eh? Have you used a bow before?”

“Nope, not even once . ”

I haven’t even touched one . In fact, before coming to this world, I haven’t even seen them outside of movies and the Olympics .

“But I only need a month to beat her . ”

However, this was a contest of pure skill . My Master Sharpshooter Gift was specialized for the sharpshooter role, while Chae Nayun’s Gift didn’t directly support a role and was more relevant to swords .

Although grade 7 was a bit on the edge, my victory was certain if I reached grade 6 .

“How can you be so confident? Isn’t your Gift related to guns?”

“…”

I stared at Yoo Yeonha silently . I was pondering on how to answer her question .

“Tsk, fine . I won’t ask . So sensitive…”

But Yoo Yeonha misunderstood my reaction and clicked her tongue before I had the chance to answer .

She then stared at Park Soohyuk and his HUV before asking .

“Ah, if you’re here to hunt, can I come with you?”

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