Chapter 134: Their Leisurely Daily Life (2)

The delivery man quietly watched as Scroll Maker Cha Min-Ji and Spiritualist Kim Ji-Hee stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby to receive their food delivery.

"Hm?" he muttered, puzzled.

"What is it?" Cha Min-Ji asked, her eyes still glued to the delicious fried chicken in the delivery man's hands.

"I'm just surprised you don't seem to gain any weight, even though you order this every week," the delivery man said.

Despite ordering fried chicken every Sunday, and rotating between Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisine every Wednesday, both Kim Ji-Hee and Cha Min-Ji were so slim they almost looked underweight.

With a pout, Cha Min-Ji shot back, "Oppa, that's why girls don't like you. You're just like my guild's Four Cardinal Guardians uncles."

"I'm still more popular than those hyungs!" the delivery man shouted indignantly.

Just then, Kim Ji-Hee, her face close to the plastic bag as she stared wide-eyed at the fried chicken inside, raised her hands to her mouth as if she was about to share a secret. She whispered softly, "My Mister told me why."

"You mean Kim Ki-Rok?" Cha Min-Ji clarified.

"Yeees. My Mister said, 'Our Ji-Hee is always wandering around, so she never gains weight no matter how much she eats.'"

The delivery man often brought food to the DG Guild, since orders came not just from guild members but also from tourists and Hunters visiting the permanent Gate.

He usually stopped by once a day, sometimes more. And during those visits, he had often seen Kim Ji-Hee wandering the building, clutching her signature stuffed rabbit in one hand and a snack in the other, casually making her rounds.

With how active she was, it made sense she never gained weight. Her calories simply didn't have time to settle.

"Then what about Min-Ji?" the delivery man asked.

Kim Ji-Hee answered his question, "My Mister said, 'As for our Miss Min-Ji, since she has so much work, she won't gain weight even if she eats tons of fried chicken. But as her skill class and level rise, she'll get through her work faster. When that happens, her cheeks will plump up and her belly will start to bulge.'"

At this unsettling news, Cha Min-Ji flinched and quickly patted her stomach.

"Umm... is it sticking out a little...? No, I'm still fine. I've still got tons of work to do. So I'm definitely fine. At least for now..." she muttered, shaking her head in desperate denial.

The delivery man burst out laughing. Then, removing his motorcycle gloves, he gently patted Kim Ji-Hee on the head with his bare hand.

"Alright then, Ji-Hee. Enjoy your meal."

"Yeeees! Thank you very much! See you on Wednesday!" Kim Ji-Hee said with a wave.

"

Kukuku.

Alright, see you Wednesday," he chuckled, pulling his gloves back on before turning to leave the building.

Kim Ji-Hee turned to Cha Min-Ji. "Unnie! Let's go!"

"Okay!" she responded cheerfully, her mood instantly lifted.

Together, the two ran toward the elevators.

As they waited, Cha Min-Ji grumbled, "Why do we have to go all the way up to the fifth floor?"

"Mhm! Mhm!" Kim Ji-Hee nodded her head in enthusiastic agreement.

The delicious smell of fried chicken was making both of them restless.

Just as Kim Ji-Hee began stamping her feet impatiently, Cha Min-Ji whispered, "Ji-Hee. How about just one piece each?"

Kim Ji-Hee really wanted to wait and eat with her Mister, but the elevator descending from the fifth floor had stopped for a long time on the fourth floor, and then again on the third. After pausing there, it didn't seem like it was going to move anytime soon.

Kim Ji-Hee hesitated. "I-I wanted to eat with Mister..."

"Oh come on. Just one piece. It's boneless chicken, so no one will even notice," Cha Min-Ji coaxed.

Kim Ji-Hee's resolve quickly began to falter.

After glancing around to make sure no one was watching, she finally gave in. "J-just one piece..."

"That's right. Just one piece each," Cha Min-Ji promised as she crouched on the floor and pulled the box of fried chicken out of the plastic bag.

She carefully peeled off the sticker sealing the box, making sure she could reattach it later without raising suspicion, then slowly opened the lid. The sweet, savory aroma of honey garlic fried chicken instantly filled the air.

"W-wow..."

"

Uwaaaah...

"

Still squatting in front of the elevator, Cha Min-Ji and Kim Ji-Hee reached into the box, one after the other. Despite being coated in sauce, the chicken's crispy skin crackled as they each bit into a piece.

"Wow, wow, wow."

"

U-uwaaaaah.

"

Both girls let out squeals of joy as they brought the chicken to their mouths, and again after swallowing. Then, they looked at each other without a word and reached into the box for another piece. The lobby soon filled with the sound of satisfied munching.

"Unnie, the radish! The radish!" Kim Ji-Hee reminded urgently.

"Okay, okay. We

have

to have the radish too. You can't eat fried chicken without pickled radish—ah! But if we open that too, I feel like we'll definitely get caught," Cha Min-Ji said, suddenly worried.

"Unnie, unnie."

"Hm?"

"Can't we just say we opened it to check if the order was right?"

"Oh! What a smart idea."

Cha Min-Ji tore open the container of pickled radish—the perfect side dish for fried chicken—and shared it with Kim Ji-Hee.

Before long, Cha Min-Ji began to crave something to drink. Opening the large plastic bottle of cola still felt too risky, but a single can? That should be fine.

"Ji-Hee, opening one can of cola should be okay, right?"

"Umu!"

The can of cola popped open with a satisfying hiss.

Several people passing by turned their heads toward the mouthwatering aroma of fried chicken, but when they saw Kim Ji-Hee and Cha Min-Ji squatting in front of the elevator, munching away, they simply shook their heads and moved along.

A soft chime signaled the elevator's arrival on the first floor, followed by the automatic announcement.

—The doors are opening.

Even with the elevator now there, the two girls couldn't bring themselves to stop eating.

As the doors slid open, the two women inside were met with an unexpected sight. Blinking in surprise, Yoo Seh-Eun and Lee Ji-Yeon stared at the scene before them. They had just come down from the third floor, where the guild's regular staff offices were located.

After silently watching for a few seconds, Yoo Seh-Eun chuckled and stepped out of the elevator, crouching in front of Kim Ji-Hee.

"Ji-Hee, is it tasty?" Yoo Seh-Eun asked with a smile.

"Yeees," Kim Ji-Hee replied with a serious nod. "It's the best. It's sweet. It's savory. It's salty. It's crazy delicious."

Yoo Seh-Eun frowned. "Who on earth taught you to speak like that...?"

Even someone like Kim Ki-Rok knew better than to speak carelessly in front of Kim Ji-Hee.

Still shaking her head, Yoo Seh-Eun turned her attention to the box of fried chicken resting on the floor. Maybe it was the golden glaze of sauce, but the chicken almost looked like it was glowing.

"Well, well—what's this? Is this the legendary fried chicken?" she said in an exaggerated tone.

"Honey garlic," Kim Ji-Hee answered matter-of-factly.

"Honey garlic?"

"Um. Honey garlic boneless fried chicken."

"Oh! Ji-Hee, would it be alright if your unnie had a piece too?"

"Mhm. Here."

Without hesitation, Kim Ji-Hee picked up a piece of chicken and held it up to Yoo Seh-Eun's lips. She leaned forward and gently nipped the piece from her fingers.

"Wow! This is

really

good?!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.

The fried chicken was truly so delicious that Yoo Seh-Eun felt she might become addicted to the honey garlic flavor for a while. Without hesitation, she joined the two girls in devouring the rest of the chicken.

"Ji-Yeon-unnie, say aaah..." Kim Ji-Hee said, holding out a piece to Lee Ji-Yeon, who had stepped off the elevator with Yoo Seh-Eun.

Lee Ji-Yeon blinked in surprise. "Hm? Me too?"

"You too, unnie. Say aaah!" she replied with an earnest nod.

***

In the Guildmaster's office, Kim Ki-Rok sat in front of his computer, editing a video that was scheduled to go up on their MeTube channel.

"What's going on?" he muttered, tilting his head in confusion.

Neither the girls nor the fried chicken had returned. It had been over ten minutes since the delivery notification came through, and Cha Min-Ji and Kim Ji-Hee had gone down to get the food, but there was still no sign of them.

"Did they get caught by the reporters? No..."

They were only supposed to grab the order from the lobby. And the outer wall surrounding guild headquarters was keeping all reporters at bay, so that couldn't be it.

Kim Ki-Rok let out a yawn as he saved the edits that he had made on the video thus far and got up from his seat. He left the office and rode the elevator down to the first floor.

—The doors are opening.

As the elevator chimed and the doors slid open, two beautiful women and two cute girls came into view. They were squatting on the floor, sucking on their fingers.

The situation was immediately clear, but Kim Ki-Rok still took the time to carefully examine the scene while holding down the button to keep the elevator doors open.

The four women, each one a public face of the DG Guild, were huddled in a small circle. At the center sat an empty fried chicken box, a container of pickled radish with only the juice remaining, and a nearly empty plastic bottle of cola.

"

Ack!

" Kim Ji-Hee turned to check the elevator when the doors didn't close. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of Kim Ki-Rok standing there.

Still sucking the tip of her index finger like a child, she looked up at him and stammered awkwardly, "M-Mister, it's you."

"Yes, that's right. It's your Mister," Kim Ki-Rok said with a grin before bursting into laughter. He turned his gaze to the other three young women.

Lee Ji-Yeon, her face already bright red, ducked her head in embarrassment. Cha Min-Ji followed Kim Ji-Hee's lead, offering a sheepish smile up at him.

"

Hmph!

Why should you be the only one who gets to eat fried chicken?" Cha Min-Ji protested shamelessly.

Kim Ki-Rok raised an eyebrow. "But I didn't even get to eat a single piece?"

"Ah... that's true.

Ehehehe...

" Cha Min-Ji scratched the back of her head awkwardly.

He snorted in response. "Well, it can't be helped."

The girls exchanged puzzled looks, wondering what he meant.

"Should I just place another order?" he mused aloud.

The four of them had already devoured a full order of fried chicken meant for two people. But all four were Hunters, and their awakened bodies far surpassed the average person's physical capabilities.

Cha Min-Ji and Kim Ji-Hee's eyes sparkled with greed, and even Lee Ji-Yeon slowly lifted her gaze to glance at Kim Ki-Rok.

But then he shook his head. "No... I might as well just make it myself."

"You even know how to make fried chicken?" Cha Min-Ji asked, baffled.

"I've already made it for you once before."

"When was that?"

"During one of the Gates."

"Ah! That's right, you did."

The four women, still squatting where they had just demolished the chicken, turned to Kim Ki-Rok with hungry anticipation. Even passing Hunters had paused to stare at him, their eyes just as eager.

***

Han Hae, who had Awakened alone in the privacy of his own home, didn't immediately rush to the Association to register himself. Ever since his parents, who had always trusted people too easily, lost their savings to a scam when he was young, he had learned to be cautious in both thought and action.

Of course, there was little reason for anyone to try and take advantage of someone who had just Awakened, unless that person's skill class turned out to be above average.

[

Sword Control (B)

]

Effect: Allows the user to freely control a sword infused with mana

Maximum Quantity: 5

Time Limit: Until all mana has been consumed

The skill Han Hae awakened with was already B-Class, and it was one that let him control five swords freely without even using his hands. After experimenting in his room, he realized he could control any metal object as long as it was infused with his mana.

From that moment on, he began researching his options. Trusting no one, he kept his Awakening a secret, even from his closest friends. Having experienced betrayal before, he chose to move forward in silence.

Eventually, his attention turned to the DG Guild, a mid-tier guild that had gained considerable notoriety despite its size. After careful consideration, Han Hae decided that he would join them.

He believed the guild offered strong growth potential, meaning he could also make a lot of money quickly. Although nothing was certain, the Guildmaster came across in the videos as someone who stood by his people.

Sure, he was eccentric, but that seemed limited to his personality. Kim Ki-Rok had proven himself capable, with far-reaching connections, including two of Korea's top guilds. He also maintained strong relationships with both the government and the Hunters Association.

Now that Han Hae had officially joined the DG Guild, however, he was reminded once again of just how strange his new Guildmaster really was.

"Appraisal," Han Hae murmured.

[

Kim Ki-Rok's Honey Garlic Boneless Fried Chicken (C)

]

[1]

Description: Honey garlic boneless fried chicken made by Kim Ki-Rok

Effect: Vitality +4, Strength +1

Duration: 90 minutes

Having returned from a Gate expedition earlier that day, Han Hae had been summoned to the guild cafeteria by a few of his seniors, where he was handed this curious plate of fried chicken.

After satisfying his curiosity with Appraisal, Han Hae slowly raised his head.

In the kitchen, Kim Ki-Rok stood at the stove, frying chicken while wearing a pink apron embroidered with a baby chick.

Han Hae muttered under his breath, "Is there anything our Guildmaster doesn't know how to do?"

Kang Seh-Hyuk, seated next to him, nodded in agreement. "Right? He's good at cooking, great in combat, and his mana control is ridiculous... The Guildmaster still has much more to teach us. Plus, he's good at managing people, running the guild, even editing videos."

It really did seem like there was nothing Kim Ki-Rok couldn't do.

"He doesn't know how to flirt. Or get a girlfriend," Nam Dong-Wook said flatly from across the table, already halfway through his own plate of fried chicken.

"Hey! Unlike you, the Guildmaster

can

do it. He just chooses not to," Kang Seh-Hyuk shot back.

"Hey yourself! I also know how to get a girlfriend. I just choose not to. Got that?"

"What a load of crap. I'm the one who has to go drink soju with you every time you screw up a blind date, you bastard!"

"No, that's not..." Nam Dong-Wook faltered, unable to come up with a proper rebuttal. "Hey, don't you know that truth-bombing is a form of verbal abuse?"

Kang Seh-Hyuk snorted. "Just shut up and eat your fried chicken."

Nam Dong-Wook slumped his shoulders and resumed eating, quietly tearing into his food.

Having silenced him in record time, Kang Seh-Hyuk suddenly blinked as a thought occurred to him. "Ah, right. Han Hae."

"Yes, Senior Seh-Hyuk?"

"I told you to just call me hyung. Anyway, the Guildmaster told me earlier to bring you to him when you got back."

𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"The Guildmaster did?"

"That's right."

Han Hae tilted his head slightly, trying to guess what Kim Ki-Rok might want. After a few seconds of thought, he began to rise from his seat.

Kang Seh-Hyuk stopped him. "Hey, shouldn't you finish eating first?"

"Ah, right. That does seem like a better idea. And the Guildmaster also seems to be busy right now."

Kim Ki-Rok was still fully focused on cooking, apron and all.

"However, Senior..." Han Hae hesitantly spoke up.

"Hm?" Kang Seh-Hyuk looked over.

"Do you know why the Guildmaster is looking for me?"

"Not exactly."

Kang Seh-Hyuk's vague reply suggested he had some idea, at the very least.

Seeing that Han Hae was still waiting for him to elaborate, Kang Seh-Hyuk swallowed his bite of fried chicken and continued, "You'll probably be going on a Gate raid with someone."

"Ah, with the Mapogu Team?" Han Hae guessed.

Kang Seh-Hyuk shook his head. "No. With me."

1.

Honey garlic fried chicken

☜