Chapter 349

〈 Chapter 349 〉 Part 1, Chapter 15, Section 7

After Cheongnyeon’s 6Mint Challenge.

People jumped onto the 6Mint Challenge bandwagon one after another and tasted mint chocolate.

– How do people even eat this?!

– It’s kind of… not bad…

The more polarized opinions became, the more heated the 6Mint Challenge grew. When the theory that “Cheongnyeon gifted Phoenix with 6Mints” solidified into near fact due to the Big Ben Terror Incident, the challenge gradually morphed into a trend where participants urged others to try mint chocolate.

– If you’re giving someone mint chocolate, make sure it’s half a gallon!

US Ravens enthusiastically promoted this challenge, and the craze spread widely among teenagers.

Thus, for Kim Nori, who was in the second year of middle school and got along well with her friends, eating mint chocolate cake was akin to enduring a penalty game.

Gulp, gulp.

Even as the minty and chocolate flavors mixed in her mouth, Kim Nori finished every last bite of the dessert without complaint.

“Haa… haa…”

Kim Nori neither particularly liked nor disliked mint chocolate. But if it meant entering the Blue Wind Sect (“Cheonghwa-dan”), she’d devour a whole truckload of mint chocolate if necessary.

Clang!

Kim Nori popped the final piece of cake into her mouth, then slammed the fork down roughly. She scraped up every last bit of cream from the plate, showing her determination. The three women looked at the cleared plates with expressions of bewilderment.

“…Her willpower is impressive. I like it. That ferocity resonates with me.”

Cheon Gaeul saw herself in Kim Nori—someone who had gritted her teeth and survived the harsh world of entertainment.

“The ability to give your best effort even in unreasonable situations is commendable. I’ll contact Central.”

Yu I-shin acknowledged Kim Nori’s resolve as she ate every last bite.

“…If it’s him, he might visit her family.”

Black Flame Dragon suggested using the Lighthouse’s special abilities within reasonable limits to locate her parents or family members.

“Does this mean I get to meet the Grandmaster of the Blue Wind Sect?!”

Kim Nori was thrilled at the prospect of finally meeting the mysterious leader of the sect.

“Finally! The supreme ruler known as ‘The Devil of Ultimate Charm.’ Wow, I should ask for a picture. Wait, are those eyes really inverted?”

“…Hold on. Who exactly are you talking about?”

“You know, the Grandmaster of the Blue Wind Sect!”

Kim Nori activated the magical gear (Black Flame Dragon’s model) on her wrist and pulled up a photo.

“Here, from the last photoshoot.”

“……”

There stood none other than <Lighthouse> Ji Hwa Kim, dressed in a black suit with sunglasses.

* * *

<At the same time, rooftop of Yeouido Tower 63>

“There’s no one here…”

Ji Hwa Kim shook his head. No matter how thoroughly he scoured Seoul, there was no sign of the person he was looking for.

“Can’t you look harder? Can’t you check indoors?”

“Grandmaster, I can only see from above right now. I can’t penetrate walls yet.”

“Still only A-rank, huh? Tch.”

“Will S-rank allow wall penetration?”

“Somewhat.”

It was unfortunate that Ji Hwa’s sub-element was darkness alone. If only he had another sub-element, things would’ve been much easier. Unfortunately, non-heroines rarely activated more than one magic power attribute.

“There’s no way to forcibly modify this either.”

“I’m barely starting my second act in life, so please bear with me.”

“Your girlfriend has already gone back and forth at S-rank. What have you been doing?”

“Grandmaster.”

Ji Hwa removed his sunglasses, answering seriously.

“I’m not in any romantic relationship with Yu I-shin.”

“Then what? Are you two secretly engaged or something? As fellow saints?”

“No. We’re just casually enjoying ourselves. Hehe.”

“…”

Having never experienced proper romance past the age of thirty, Ji Hwa didn’t understand his counterpart’s emotions. He was a hopeless case.

“Tch. Alright. Keep looking.”

“Yes. Ah, hold on. It’s a call from Yu I-shin.”

“Yu I-shin?”

Why would Yu I-shin be contacting Ji Hwa at this hour? Filled with vague anticipation, I folded my wings and perked my ears. Ignoring me completely, Ji Hwa answered the call.

“Hey, it’s me. Yeah. Right now, I’m with the grandmaster on the 63rd floor. …? Yeah, I’m the grandmaster. But why? …Ah, the wind’s picking up here. Is that you, Foreman? Sorry, I can’t hear you properly.”

Though Ji Hwa appeared calm, his invisible hand clenched and unclenched nervously.

“Phantom’s here too… Who are they? Runaways? Asking us to find their families?”

“…”

My gaze locked with Ji Hwa’s. We were also searching for a runaway girl.

“What’s her name? …Kim Nori? Wants to meet the grandmaster of the Blue Wind Sect?”

“I am the grandmaster.”

I shoved my head into the screen. They were heading toward our Yeouido hideout.

“Bring her to my room.”

I told Ji Hwa to step aside and immediately sprinted from the 63rd floor building toward our hideout hotel.

“…Do you expect me to walk down?!”

Ignoring Ji Hwa’s voice, I kept moving forward.

* * *

<A little later, Yeouido Phoenix Penthouse>.

“Wow.”

Kim Nori covered her mouth in shock. I placed a strawberry milk in front of her and sat across from her.

“I gave most of the hassle to Ji Hwa because I anticipated trouble. So, tell me. Why do you want to see the grandmaster of the Blue Wind Sect?”

“Didn’t you deny being the grandmaster earlier and slip away like an eel?”

“A king who isn’t a king still rules. So, Miss Kim Nori, what do you wish to say to the grandmaster?”

Kim Nori gulped down the strawberry milk in one go and took a deep breath.

“I want to join the Blue Wind Sect!”

“Great. Welcome.”

“……?”

“Welcome aboard. You’re now part of the Blue Wind Sect.”

I placed my hands on Kim Nori’s shoulders and head, bestowing her knighthood as a monarch would. Kim Nori was left speechless, and so were the others.

“…Hey, could this kid be…?”

Cheon Gaeul noticed first.

“Yes. That’s correct.”

I nodded vigorously, wiggling my pinky finger. Cheon Gaeul covered her face with both hands.

“I’ve raised a tiger cub…. Hey! This kid’s underage!”

“She’ll be legal in five years.”

By 2024, she may still be a student, but by 2025, she’ll graduate high school and become a promising hunter.

“…..Is there any age limit for joining the Blue Wind Sect? …Right?”

Kim Nori glanced between Cheon Gaeul and me, her shoulders slumping.

“I’ve run away from home, but I’ll work hard! My family treated me like trash… I don’t have powers yet, but I’ll definitely awaken to an amazing level! Like Seol Hwaryeong achieving SS-rank!”

Kim Nori patted her thighs confidently.

“Really?”

“Yes. Though not water-elemental.”

A monster capable of reaching quasi-SS rank with pure dark elemental power at 95%.

“Good choice. Clearly, you’re talented.”

I pulled Kim Nori into my arms and patted her. Though small for her age, she seemed even smaller compared to my memory—about a finger shorter.

“…”

Kim Nori buried her face in my chest, trying hard not to cry despite her strong sense of inferiority and pride.

Strange. In the original story, she used to burst into tears frequently.

“….This chest is pretty deep.”

“Aha.”

I gently pushed Kim Nori back. Her eyes were red, but her gaze lingered on my chest.

“…Does EX-rank usually result in this?”

“Nope? I’m SS+.”

“……?”

Whoosh.

[What a mess.]

“Holy crap.”

“Wow, insane.”

Kim Nori and Cheon Gaeul were equally astonished.

“So it’s true! Cheongnyeon is Phoenix!! Ahhh! Shouldn’t this be kept secret?! Ugh, so frustrating!”

“Why are you revealing everything to someone you just met?!”

[What’s new? Cheon Gaeul, sorry to say…]

I turned Kim Nori around, placing my hands on her shoulders protectively.

[Once she awakens properly, she’ll be one of the top ten strongest in the world.]

The pumpkin vine extended further.

* * *

Late evening.

I gathered all the senior members of the Blue Wind Sect.

“Oho, this one here…”

“Isn’t she a bit young?”

“I’m not a kid, sir. Can you smell alcohol on your breath?”

The senior members showed interest in Kim Nori’s youthful appearance, but she faced them without flinching.

“Let me introduce her. The new junior officer of the Blue Wind Sect. Currently an intern. Kim Nori, a prospective hunter with S+ dark elemental talent.”

“……This is cheating!”

Ryu Cheonseong protested the strongest.

“Some people start from B-rank, struggle hard, and barely reach A-rank, while others start directly at S-rank?!”

“Uh, um…”

Even the exaggeratedly tall muscular old man speaking with authority made Kim Nori bite her lip and glance around nervously.

“-Some might say this, what will you do about it? There will surely be people who question this.”

“Are you talking about yourself?”

“Just saying. While I’ve gotten used to it, how will people feel about the deprivation?”

“Season 2 of Seok Harang.”

Starting at S-rank.

Not only that, but starting as a teenager before reaching adulthood was beyond outrageous, as Ryu Cheonseong said—a scam.

“Moreover, capturing Azidahaka could lead to immediate growth to SS-rank. With her own talents, she could truly achieve SS-rank.”

“The youngest SS in the world. Isn’t that right? Even now, most SS ranks are in their twenties.”

“…Perhaps this record won’t be broken for a long time?”

Achieving SS-rank at 15.

Certainly destined for Guinness Records, it would remain unbroken for at least the next twenty years.

‘Unless the protagonists’ children grow up and achieve SS-rank.’

“It’s almost certain that Kim Nori will achieve SS-rank at 15. …Though I might have revealed too much about her rosy future.”

I shattered the harsh reality Kim Nori tried to ignore.

“What happens if you declare becoming a full-time hunter before finishing middle school? Don’t you know it’s mandatory education?”

“Huh, can’t you attend school and participate in Blue Wind Sect activities afterward?”

“There aren’t any schools in Seoul yet. Sky Castle, any plans?”

“…Galaxy University is an exception. Regular schools might only begin functioning properly next year.”

While some former residents hope for educational facilities, they’re currently focused on advancing north through Gaeseong.

“So, ultimately, we’re discussing whether she should drop out mid-school. What does everyone think?”

“……No matter what, shouldn’t she attend school?”

“At least finish high school.”

“Or consider dropping out of high school. Didn’t Seol Hwaryeong attend until high school? She just fulfilled attendance requirements while hunting monsters.”

Naturally, the elders hoped Kim Nori would continue her education. From an adult perspective, it’s natural to discourage someone from diving recklessly into hunting based solely on talent without any foundation.

“…….”

However, Kim Nori, caught in the stormy adolescence, couldn’t possibly listen properly. Before she could blurt out “Ang, these old farts reek of outdated thinking,” I cut her off preemptively.

“Attend school. After dismissal, you’re always welcome to train as a hunter at the Blue Wind Sect, but our minimum educational requirement is completing middle school. High school attendance is encouraged; we’ll allow dropping out after completing the first year if necessary. Otherwise, go home.”

“…If I endure for a year and a half, that’s fine, right?”

Ultimately, as the final decision-maker, I set the bar, and Kim Nori reluctantly accepted.

One year and six months. That’s all it would take.

“Then, what about parental issues? Personally, I find this situation troubling.”

“What can we do? Even if we help her this way, her parents might still cause problems.”

The senior members wanted to rescue Kim Nori from her current situation. I too believed leaving her under her parents’ care wouldn’t be conducive to her development.

I pointed at Kim Nori with my finger.

“It’s possible if there’s a change in Kim Nori’s circumstances.”

I spread out my ten fingers.

“Pretending her disappearance as an accident or monster transformation, or having her live masked like Phantom… None of these seem viable.”

Snap. I flicked my finger and held up a single finger.

“Currently powerless and a civilian, but once she becomes a special ability user, age won’t matter, right? Since there’s precedent.”

“There’s someone who achieved S-rank at twelve, so people might accept someone achieving C-rank at fifteen, right?”

Anyway, this country has plenty of prodigies. Now it’s time to seek her consent.

“Kim Nori, for the time being, you’ll need to live as a water-element C-rank user—”

“Possible.”

“……”

“Absolutely possible. Then, shall we head to Busan now? Recognize?”

Upon reflection, a C-rank special ability user at fifteen is extremely rare, existing in less than one percent of the population.

“Ang, awakening belt.”

“Anyone willing to tutor this child’s language?”

No one raised their hand.