However, Castorice didn't give Cha Hae-in a chance to refuse. She directly guided the Sephira Crystal into the other woman's body.
Feeling the sudden, explosive multiplication of magical power within her, Cha Hae-in opened her eyes in astonishment.
She hadn't expected this thing—whether she wanted it or not—wouldn't even require her own consent.
Looking at the smile on Castorice's face, Cha Hae-in finally let out a sigh. "Castorice… now I really don't know how I could ever repay you."
"Why must you always treat it as a burden?"
The smile on Castorice's face softened slightly. "In my view, a gift given shouldn't only be measured by its inherent value."
Though such words were often used as a flimsy excuse by those too proud to admit they couldn't afford something proper—a way to dress up a cheap, thoughtless token as a heartfelt present—Cha Hae-in had no such preconceptions.
Because she didn't have friends to exchange gifts with.
So, this reasoning, paired with Castorice's somewhat sorrowful smile, instantly threw Cha Hae-in into a fluster.
Right, how could she let the preciousness of the gift make her overlook the sincerity with which Castorice had offered it?
"Sorry! That's not what I meant… it's just… no, thank you, Castorice."
After a deep breath, Cha Hae-in stopped dwelling on the gift's immense value. She knew Castorice hadn't given it to her to watch her hesitate and refuse.
"Even if I can't return something of equal worth, I will always remember this kindness."
Only then did a satisfied smile return to Castorice's lips. "I'll look forward to Cha-sunbae's return gift, then."
Not repayment, but a return gift.
Understanding Castorice's meaning, Cha Hae-in nodded.
"Would you like to test your new power?"
Seeing that she had fully calmed down, Castorice finally spoke up.
"Test it…"
Cha Hae-in pondered for a moment, reaching inward to feel that vastly amplified magical energy.
Within her body, she discovered a strikingly prominent gemstone, radiating a type of mana she had never encountered before. Both its quality and quantity made her feel she was in a completely different league now.
And how to use the power of this Sephira Crystal was etched into her instincts as if she had always known it.
With a mere thought from Cha Hae-in, a golden throne rose beside her feet. She then reached out and pulled free the great sword embedded within it.
"Sandalphon."
She somehow knew the name of this sword.
If the swords she had seen before possessed various effects—'sharpness,' 'poison,' 'paralysis,' 'scorching,' 'curse'—then the feeling this blade gave Cha Hae-in was one of pure, overwhelming power.
Merely holding it, she could sense the immense strength emanating from it, and an intuition told her that channeling mana into it was its true method of use.
And also…
Cha Hae-in glanced at the throne beside her.
This throne seemed capable of further amplifying the sword's power.
Noticing her thoughtful expression, Castorice smiled faintly and then sliced open a violet gate.
The ripple of magical energy drew Cha Hae-in's gaze, momentarily lost in thought.
Thinking Castorice was taking her elsewhere, she was about to move when a man in a neat black suit and tie stepped out from the gate.
So strong!
If Goto Ryuji had given Cha Hae-in the feeling of being difficult to oppose, then the man before her now felt utterly undefeatable—not a shred of victory seemed possible.
But… that was before she obtained this Sephira Crystal.
"Boss, you didn't mention anything about overtime," said the voice of Sung Jinwoo as he emerged from the gate, sounding somewhat weary.
Lately, he had either been busy clearing special gates up to the 100th floor or managing all sorts of plans in the Underworld.
After all, it was a critical period for urbanization, and various permits required his personal approval.
Although he had completely cleared the gates and obtained the potion to save his mother, he never stopped seeking opportunities to grow stronger.
Ever since learning about the Monarchs and Rulers, his sense of urgency hadn't let up.
Even though Castorice shouldered almost all the pressure for him, he understood well that a boss allowing room for error wasn't just a sign of confidence—it was also a test.
"Sorry, this was an unexpected situation."
As the kind of boss who squeezed every bit from her employees, Castorice offered an honest apology.
"Well, it's not that serious…"
Her apology actually made Sung Jinwoo a little embarrassed, and he quickly changed the subject. "So, why did you call me here this time?"
His gaze naturally fell upon Cha Hae-in.
Incredibly strong.
His dark eyes, tinted bright purple by mana, immediately detected the magical fluctuations radiating from Cha Hae-in.
Could a hunter of this caliber truly exist in this world? Was she a being chosen by a Ruler? Compared to her, the Demon King from the Demon Castle Dungeon seemed like a clumsy recruit who could barely hold a dagger steady.
He remembered this person was an S-Rank hunter from Korea… but S-Rank hunters shouldn't possess this level of power.
"This is Sung Jinwoo. He's… my assistant, and also my collaborator."
Knowing Sung Jinwoo was largely unknown to most, Castorice introduced him first. "He's also Korea's eleventh S-Rank hunter."
"Ah… the one who had the second awakening…"
Cha Hae-in did recall this. Choi Jong-in had mentioned it to her once. However, with Hunters' focus primarily on Castorice and Sung Jinwoo's trace being nearly impossible to track, she hadn't paid it much attention.
She never imagined he would be this strong.
Then again, considering his connection to Castorice, even if he hadn't been this strong before, he was bound to become powerful. Perhaps even his second awakening was thanks to Castorice.
Cha Hae-in convinced herself that anything became perfectly reasonable once Castorice was involved.
But…
The thought that he was Castorice's assistant and clearly very familiar with her made Cha Hae-in's feelings turn somewhat complicated.
Added to the likelihood that he, too, had received Castorice's help…
No, no! I'm an adult now. I can't act like a child, getting all insecure just because a friend has other friends!
After steadying her emotions, Cha Hae-in nodded toward Sung Jinwoo. "Nice to meet you, Hunter Sung Jinwoo."
Under normal circumstances, she would have followed with a self-introduction. But for some reason now, more than introducing herself, she wanted to hear Castorice introduce her.
"And this is…"
Seeing Cha Hae-in greet him, Castorice was about to introduce her to Sung Jinwoo. But before she could continue, Sung Jinwoo waved his hand.
"I know her. Korea's youngest and most comprehensively powerful S-Rank, Hunter Cha Hae-in."
After saying this, not noticing the slight shift in Cha Hae-in's expression, he turned back to Castorice. "Is this job related to Hunter Cha?"
"Yes. Hunter Cha has just received a significant power-up but hasn't fully grasped her new strength yet. So, I was hoping Hunter Sung could assist."
Castorice nodded.
"I see."
Sung Jinwoo understood. A sparring session to help her get familiar with her power—simple enough. "Well then, let's…"
A faint smile on his lips, Sung Jinwoo looked back at Cha Hae-in, only to find her staring intently at him. Her face, which had been calm before, now seemed… angry?
"…please go easy on me…"
Did I do something wrong?
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.