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Translator: penny
Chapter: 85
Chapter Title: S-Rank Hunter with a B-Rank Ability
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Kang Hana was busy even after leaving Hwaseong.
She had to sort out all sorts of things at the guild, compile her Hwaseong experiences into reports, and upload them.
Above all, the Hunter Association had corrected her hunter rank evaluation right away, so she went in to re-certify her skills.
"...Congratulations on your additional awakening. Please wait just a moment."
Her B-rank skill had become SS-rank.
And since it was an upgrade to the same skill, her hunter rank re-evaluation was guaranteed to rise.
Including internal discussions and the submitted evidence footage of her exploits on Hwaseong, Kang Hana's hunter rank shot up from B to S overnight.
"Congratulations."
She felt a little dazed.
She'd never had any major complaints about her hunter rank up until now.
Even as a B-rank, she'd received better treatment than that at Semi Guild, and her abilities had earned her constant praise as the ace scout of F Team.
At least in A- or S-rank dungeons, she couldn't join due to various shortcomings in scouting, but in B-rank and lower dungeons, her flawless search capabilities were beyond reproach.
So she'd figured her rank would rise now that she could shine in A- and S-ranks too, but she never imagined it'd jump straight to S.
"We determined that Hunter Kang Hana's qualifications are weighted more toward skills than raw ability, and based solely on her Hwaseong performance, she shows ample qualities for SS-rank hunter status. With more experience and challenges, SS-rank potential seems entirely feasible."
The Hunter Association's positive feedback especially filled her with confidence.
S-rank hunter? Even potential for SS?
Me?
Her heart pounded.
Even now, thinking back on Hwaseong made her chest tighten with excitement and fulfillment.
Her skill, once used only for preliminary scouting, now let her scout surroundings in advance, gather solid intel, and even support real-time combat—that realization brought an overwhelming rush of thrill and accomplishment.
Especially since even SSS-rank hunters had relied on her intel, crediting it for their victory.
"Hunter Kang Hana. Congratulations."
The very person who'd boosted her confidence ran into her at the Hunter Association and offered his congratulations.
"Thank you. You must've worked so hard."
Hong Si-jun was there with Gyu Yeon-su.
The golden SSS-rank hunter couple.
The ruggedly masculine Hong Si-jun and his perfect match: demure yet boasting a voluptuous figure, Gyu Yeon-su.
The well-matched pair showed interest in her.
"What I said inside about scouting you? That wasn't a joke. Of course, Semi Guild would never let you go, but if the thought ever crosses your mind, contact me anytime. I'll talk to my guild and make a spot for you in my party, no matter what."
"...Thank you for the kind offer."
"I'll be waiting. You were incredible."
Gyu Yeon-su flashed a charming eye smile, gave her a thumbs-up, and left.
Kang Hana clutched the crisp business card, sitting lost in thought on a lobby chair on the first floor of the Hunter Association for a good while.
Among all the changes that day, Hong Si-jun's business card hit the hardest.
This wasn't just casual praise to build a connection.
It was a scout offer from an SSS-rank hunter.
Not even a guild invite—it was a direct invitation to join his fixed party, on a whole different level, since it meant committing to years as comrades.
"That much...?"
Of course, Kang Hana had ambitions as a hunter.
She wanted to climb higher, earn recognition from more people.
Non-combat hunters especially harbored deeper insecurities like that.
They got worse treatment and condescending looks compared to combatants.
She was thriving at Semi now, but back in the early days, she'd faced plenty of party rejections and unfair shares.
"...."
Recalling those moments and how far she'd come naturally stirred up a whirlwind of thoughts.
It was an honor.
She wanted to chase after Hong Si-jun leaving the Association—not the card, but him—and say yes right then.
But she held back.
She wanted the opportunity, sure, but she knew she could grow even more, so she endured.
Semi Guild's unwavering faith and support came to mind too.
If she grew further and then yearned for even higher ground...
It wouldn't be too late then.
Above all, Kang Hana still wasn't satisfied.
"I need more... abilities... skills too..."
Right before the final battle, before facing Li Heyan, she'd been nearly 100% confident in her upgraded skill.
She felt like she could do anything—as long as her precise scouting guided the main force, including SSS-rank Hong Si-jun, they could take down any enemy.
But the world wasn't that forgiving.
The SSS-rank necromancer's overwhelming power left her speechless.
Comrades dying one by one.
Countless hunters' life signals winking out.
How should she handle it?
Where should she direct them to block?
At some point, she couldn't utter a word.
Powerless.
Even if it wasn't solely her ability's fault—no clear answer no matter her choice.
But if her abilities had been stronger then, could she have helped even a little?
She was wrestling with a kind of self-reproach.
Normally, there'd be no solution.
No one blamed her—it was just an accident, after all.
But the current her could find solutions.
"Hey!!!"
Back home, she flung open her brother's door like always, then froze and switched her tone.
"...Oppa."
The one and only solution she knew.
Kang Jik, lying on the bed, glanced her way.
Unchanged.
Despite everything on Hwaseong—crossing lines she shouldn't have—he still looked at her the same as before.
Her heart eased a bit.
She'd worried: what if they couldn't stay as siblings anymore?
Should she bury Hwaseong inside and pretend outside?
All sorts of anxieties, but in the end, she'd decided to follow her heart.
Click.
Mom was in the living room.
Mindful, she closed the door softly and spoke cautiously.
"Impregnate me."
"...."
She met his bewildered gaze head-on and made her demand boldly once more.
"Impregnate me too. Boost my ability rank."
@
"..."
I had nothing to say to her brazen demand.
Did this girl store away some sperm or what?
Of course, as the father—unavoidable circumstances or not—I had to take responsibility for 'Precise Search' and diligently pump nutrients into it up to level 5.
But anything beyond that? Did I really need to?
"Why should I?"
"...."
Who I impregnate with my sperm is entirely my right and choice.
Im Hyeji or Lee Soo-ah.
Outside, I have to grovel as the inferior party; the moment impregnation ties us, I become the superior one—they crave my sperm and try to win my favor. That's why the dynamic flips.
In man-woman dynamics, an attractive, beautiful woman holds the power.
But a male with superior genes and females who want them? The male dominates.
In that sense, Kang Hana's demand positioned her as the inferior.
"You did it for Hyeji and Su-a unnie."
"That's paid work. You pay up too."
"...How much?"
"SS-rank standard: two S-rank magic stones. Great success is your luck, so no extra for that."
I'd ad-libbed the terms on the spot, basing it on Lee Soo-ah.
Truth be told, Im Hyeji was my first client, and since it satisfied my personal desires, I wasn't really charging her.
Especially with Kang Hana, I couldn't just hand it over.
Purely on conditions, her looks were plenty, and family ties even added bonus points—but recalling her foul temper, I needed to lock this down tight.
"...SS-rank magic stone."
"Huh?"
"The SS-rank magic stone I ate—half of that's thanks to me!!"
"....Oh, right."
But the moment I tried to tighten the leash.
She pulled out something I'd momentarily forgotten.
The SS-rank magic stone in my subspace? Her contribution was huge.
In that chaotic mess, if she hadn't briefed everyone on its location, I never would've retrieved it.
"So... do it... Oppa... I want to get stronger."
And she topped it off with that pitiful, obedient begging face.
Could be an act, but I didn't need every bit to be sincere.
Same as with Im Hyeji and Lee Soo-ah.
"Hmm. You want to get pregnant? With my sperm?"
".....Yeah.."
"Then prove your resolve."
I kicked the blanket down and nodded toward my crotch.
Her gaze followed, and she frowned.
"Mom's in the living room."
"What? For real?"
"Yeah. Later then. Or get out."
Watching her strain to keep her voice low, I got up and sat her down beside me.
She'd made the request but now shrank back in embarrassment; as I rose to open the door...
"Mom!!! Kang Hana wants to get impreg....mmph!"
I thought I'd moved quick, but before I could finish, her small hand clamped over my mouth, yanked me back, slammed the door shut, and tackled me onto the bed, mounting on top.
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