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Chapter 7: A bit of fun
last update2025-03-10 19:42:36

After weeks of grueling training and high-stakes missions, Sung-min and his friends decided they deserved a break. The weight of their responsibilities, protecting their families, mastering their systems, and uncovering the secrets of the Shadow System had been crushing. For one night, they would set it all aside and enjoy themselves. They would venture into the capital, a sprawling city of lights, noise, and life, and for a few hours, they would forget the dangers that loomed over them.

The capital was a city of contrasts. Towering skyscrapers of glass and steel stood alongside ancient stone buildings, their facades carved with intricate designs. The streets were alive with activity, filled with merchants hawking their wares, performers entertaining crowds, and hunters of all ranks moving through the throngs. The air was thick with the scent of street food—sizzling meat, sweet pastries, and spices that made their mouths water. Neon signs flickered in every color imaginable, casting a kaleidoscope of light over the bustling streets.

“This place is insane,” Jung Uk said, his eyes wide as he took in the sights. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“It’s easy to forget how big the world is when you’re stuck in the guild’s dormitories,” Li Wei said, his voice tinged with awe. “This… this is something else.”

Sung-min smiled, feeling a rare sense of lightness. “Let’s make the most of it. We’ve earned this.”

They made their way to a restaurant called The Golden Lotus, a popular spot among hunters and locals alike. The building was a blend of traditional and modern architecture, with a pagoda-style roof and sleek glass walls. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft lighting, wooden tables, and the faint sound of traditional music playing in the background.

The hostess, a young woman in a flowing hanbok, greeted them with a smile. “Welcome to The Golden Lotus. Do you have a reservation?”

“No,” Sung-min said, glancing at his friends. “But we’re hoping you can fit us in.”

The hostess checked her ledger and nodded. “We have a table available. Follow me.”

She led them to a private booth near the back of the restaurant, where they could enjoy some privacy. The table was set with elegant porcelain dishes, and a small lantern in the center cast a warm glow over the space.

“This place is amazing,” Dae-hyun said, running a hand over the smooth wood of the table. “I feel like I don’t belong here.”

“You don’t,” Jung Uk said with a grin. “But we’re here anyway, so let’s enjoy it.”

The menu was a mix of traditional and modern dishes, each one more enticing than the last. They ordered a feast: plates of bulgogi, spicy tteokbokki, crispy fried mandu, and a steaming hot pot filled with seafood and vegetables. For drinks, they chose soju and makgeolli, the latter served in a traditional brass bowl.

As the food arrived, the group dug in with gusto, their laughter filling the air. For the first time in weeks, they felt like normal young adults, not hunters burdened with the weight of the world.

“This is amazing,” Li Wei said, savoring a bite of bulgogi. “I haven’t eaten like this in… well, ever.”

“Same,” Sung-min said, raising his glass of soju. “To us. We’ve been through hell, but we’re still here.”

“To us,” the others echoed, clinking their glasses together.

As the night wore on, the conversation turned to lighter topics. They joked about their early days as E-rank hunters, reminiscing about the time Jung Uk had accidentally set his own cloak on fire during a mission. They teased Dae-hyun about his habit of overpacking for every mission, and Li Wei about his endless supply of nerdy trivia.

But even in their laughter, there was an undercurrent of tension. The amulet in Sung-min’s pouch pulsed faintly, a reminder of the power they now wielded and the dangers that came with it.

“Do you ever think about what happens next?” Li Wei asked, his voice quiet. “I mean, after we reach A-rank. What then?”

Sung-min hesitated, his gaze drifting to the lantern on the table. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”

“Damn right,” Dae-hyun said, raising his glass. “No matter what, we stick together.”

“Agreed,” Jung Uk said, his usual cocky grin softening into a rare smile. “We’re a team. Nothing’s going to change that.”

After dinner, they decided to explore the city. The streets were even more alive at night, with performers, food stalls, and crowds of people enjoying the cool evening air. They wandered through the markets, sampling street food and picking up small trinkets for their siblings.

“This is nice,” Sung-min said, his voice soft. “For a little while, it feels like we’re just… normal.”

“Yeah,” Li Wei said, his eyes scanning the bustling streets. “But we’re not. And we can’t forget that.”

Sung-min nodded, his expression serious. “I know. But for tonight, let’s just enjoy it.”

The night in the capital had been a rare moment of peace, but as the group returned to the guild’s dormitories, the weight of their responsibilities settled back onto their shoulders. The amulet in Sung-min’s pouch pulsed faintly, its light growing stronger with each passing day. It was a constant reminder of the power they now wielded and the dangers that came with it.

The next morning, the group gathered in their usual spot in the training grounds. The air was crisp, the sun just beginning to rise over the horizon. Despite the lingering fatigue from their night out, they were determined to push forward.

“We need to step up our training,” Sung-min said, his voice firm. “The amulet’s power is growing, and we need to be ready for whatever comes next.”

“Agreed,” Li Wei said, adjusting his glasses. “But we also need to be careful. The more we use the amulet, the more it corrupts us. We can’t let it consume us.”

“Then we’ll find a balance,” Dae-hyun said, his tone resolute. “We’ll train harder, but we’ll also learn to control the amulet’s power.”

Jung Uk nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. “Let’s get started.”

The group threw themselves into their training with renewed vigor. Sung-min focused on mastering his Shadow System, practicing his stealth and precision until he could move through the shadows like a ghost. Li Wei experimented with new spells, his Arcane Nexus growing stronger with each passing day. Dae-hyun worked on his endurance and defensive techniques, his Titan’s Resolve making him nearly unstoppable. Jung Uk practiced his speed and agility, his Gale Force allowing him to move faster than the eye could follow.

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