The sound of my shallow breaths echoed in the training room as I dropped my wooden sword, sweat dripping down my face, my muscles ached with fatigue from performing movement after movement, trying to perfect the Samarthyang style.
I wiped my brow with the back of my hand, the sting of exertion still thrumming in my arms, leaving my nerves tensed and fingers shaking.
My vision blurred for a moment before sharpening, and that’s when I saw him. Baek-Hyun stood at the doorway, his posture as unyielding as always, dressed impeccably in his butler’s uniform. His silver hair, neatly combed back, caught the light, emphasizing the deep lines on his face, carved by age and wisdom, his beard kempt, his eyes gently turning my way.
“Young Miss,” he said, his tone as calm as ever, though his sharp eyes scanned me with faint concern—his concern was written all over his face, but this was how Baek-Hyun was since I was a kid. “Your father has summoned you.”
I took a moment to catch my breath, gripping the edge of a nearby bench to steady myself. “Father called for me?” I asked, my voice still uneven, not of breath as I steadily approached him.
Baek-Hyun nodded, stepping into the room with his usual quiet grace, each of his steps taken gracefully. “Indeed. But before you go, may I suggest some water? Overexertion is unwise, even for someone as determined as yourself.”
I huffed out a soft laugh, brushing away his concern. “I’ll be fine, Baek-Hyun. A little sweat never hurt anyone.”
He didn’t respond, merely offering me a towel, which I accepted with a nod of thanks. As I wiped my face, I found my thoughts drifting, hesitating over a question that had been circling in my mind for weeks now. If I didn’t ask him now, I might never gather the courage again.
Baek-Hyun has been our family’s oldest aid, and he has taken care of both Jihoon and I since we were kids, and Baek-Hyun has always been one we took advice from, as he was one of the closest people to father.
“Baek-Hyun,” I began cautiously, glancing at him as he stood a respectful distance away, hands folded neatly behind his back, as a gentle smile replaced his previous expression.
“Yes, Young Miss?”
I hesitated, the weight of my uncertainty pressing against my chest like a vice, that perhaps he may say against my choice. But I forced myself to meet his gaze, his calm presence emboldening me just enough. “Would Father approve if I asked to enter one of the guild’s dungeons?”
Baek-Hyun’s expression softened, though his posture remained formal. “Young Miss,” he said, his voice laced with that infuriating calm that always seemed to hold more answers than words—and somewhere deep inside me, I felt annoyed to a certain degree, but held it in. “Have you already come to a decision, or are you seeking my opinion?”
“I’m asking for your opinion,” I admitted openly, my tone quieter now, uncertainty flickering at the tip of my tongue. “You’ve been with Father longer than I can remember. Longer than I’ve been alive. You were with him since Grandfather’s time. I thought…if anyone would know how he’d feel about this, it’d be you.”
For a moment, Baek-Hyun simply looked at me, his dark eyes reflective, as though weighing something in his mind, perhaps the pros and cons of my current question, whether father would approve after all the dungeon incidents I’d been involved in. Then, he stepped closer, his voice low but steady as he began to speak.
“Your father is not a man easily moved, Young Miss. His judgments are often guided by pragmatism, by the need to protect this family and its legacy above all else. But...” He paused, his gaze meeting mine with an unusual intensity, unlike before, he appeared more assuring. “He also values strength—true strength, not just of the body but of the mind and spirit. If you were to ask him, he would assess whether your request aligns with his vision for you. And if it does not...” He let the words hang in the air, their weight clear, like a silent question left unanswered.
I bit my lip, my fingers tightening around the towel. “So, you’re saying he’d likely say no. I wouldn’t say I hadn’t hoped for that answer.”
“I’m implying,” Baek-Hyun replied, “that your father’s approval depends on more than your desire. He would want to see resolve. Not determination alone, but resolve born from understanding the consequences of your actions. While, I do believe that you are capable enough, for everything that has happened over the years, from the dungeon incident you were involved in with Young Master Jihoon and Seo Jiwoo, precisely, also the one which followed shortly after in japan, your father is more concerned about your wellbeing than he may show.”
I frowned, frustration bubbling beneath my skin, knowing Baek-Hyun’s argument was true and I couldn’t rebut him. “Why does it always have to be about consequences with him? Can’t he trust that I know what I’m doing? I know how dangerous these incidents can be, because I’ve faced them first hand, that’s why I want to prepare myself when the time comes if something like that happens again.”
Baek-Hyun’s expression softened further, though his voice retained its firm edge. “Because trust is not freely given in this household, Young Miss. It is earned. And trust born from recklessness can often lead to ruin—you of all people should know that. Your father’s caution may feel like a shackle, but it's also his way of protecting you. And, he doesn’t wish to lose his daughter too, when he still hasn’t recovered from the guilt of letting down Miss Eunhee.”
I looked away, the weight of his words sinking in. I knew fully well, just what father had gone through when mother met that incident, just how drastically that incident changed him. “So you’re saying I’m not ready. That I’m too reckless.”
“That is not what I said,” Baek-Hyun countered gently, his words tethered carefully together. “What I am saying is that if this is a path you truly wish to take, you must show him—not in words, but in action—that you have considered the risks, the cost, and that you are prepared to bear them. That is what will move your father.”
For a moment, the room was silent, save for the faint hum of my still-ragged breathing. I glanced at Baek-Hyun, his calm gaze unwavering, and felt a pang of gratitude for his honesty, even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear.
He was similarly one of the few people who didn’t lie to me just to appease me. He told me what he thought of me.
“I’ll think about it,” I said finally, my voice quieter now, but our argument lingering questions in my mind.
Baek-Hyun inclined his head slightly, the barest hint of a smile touching his lips. “That is all I would ask, Young Miss.”
He turned, gesturing toward the doorway. “Now, if you are ready, your father awaits. Shall we?”
I nodded, my resolve still shaky but growing stronger with each passing second. “Let’s go.”
Baek-Hyun fell in like with me, looming behind me like a shadow near my flank, as we walked the distance from the training rooms to the elevators in silence, entering, he pressed the floor where father’s office was.
The doors quickly hummed closed and we began our ascent, and after several seconds, the simple hum of the doors reverberated again. We stepped out, a wide enough hallway which led to the door, it appeared simple, unadorned, a polished nameplate on the frame of the door which read, Guild Master.
Taking steady steps toward it, my footsteps echoed gently across the small hall. Baek-Hyun following me with each step, matching my rhythm. I flicked my hand over the access panel beside the door frame, and the door hummed open.
Next moment we were inside, everything remained the same, the bookshelf, the sofas, the coffee table, even the desk.
My gaze lingered on the interior of his office, a beat later, my eyes were steady over father, sat in his chair fiddling with document after document, his hair slicked back, eyes moving with practiced grace through each paper as he placed them down and acknowledged our arrival.
His shoulders loosened visibly as he stood from his seat and walked over to the sofas, gesturing me to take a seat opposite him, as Baek-Hyun stood to our side, his eyes following us both carefully.
Father settled, his face as unreadable as always, but the slightest quiver of his brows gave him away, and I smiled, a gesture which I'd started using more frequently in order to change myself.
But after spending the past few months actively visiting the guild, training with him, I was able to catch on to Father’s habits, how he reacted to a certain situation.
When his brows slightly quivered, which was something almost unnoticeable just by looking, he was nervous and hesitant, and when his left lips arched just slightly he was happy about something.
Sequentially, when he crossed his arms and tilted his head to the right a little, while discussing a serious matter, he was in deep thought and considering the possibilities.
I hadn’t noticed before, but, he was still somehow the same, a little clumsy but a kind man who was never unfair with anyone.
Father noticed my change in expression and rose a brow. “It seems your training has been going well. I have been observing your progress and you seem to have made sufficient progress in the span of a few months.” He said, his voice warm through the veil of stoicism which he had adapted, but the clear gesture was something I accepted.
I nodded, leaning comfortably into the sofa as I replied. “Yes, with your help and with consistent training, I’ve started to get full hang of the first two movements of the Samarthyang style, and I’m close to achieving hold of the third movement.”
I observed him for a passing moment, his expression looked delighted, almost proud, and I felt my chest swell with pride. Our eyes met for a passing moment, both of us sharing a silent understanding as his left lip subtly arched up.
Just a few months ago, this man was awkward and hesitant of starting a conversation with me, and while it was funny, it showed how much effort he had put to fix the cracks between us. And I respected him for that, because, somewhere deep in my heart, I was always looking for his acknowledged and love.
And now, that awkwardness between us had fully vanished.
I controlled my expression from giving myself away as father leaned back further into the sofa, his hands crossed now as he looked back at me.
There was a beat of silence,
“I called you today to talk with you regarding the joint exam between the three schools—Lock academy, Eisenkrieg Academy and Apex Noctis Institute—that is due in a few weeks.” He said after a pause, taking a breath, his voice warm yet firm. “This exam is the start of your last year in the academy, with it, your finally evaluations within the academy will begin, keep that in mind.”
I acknowledged his concern, after a second, I straightened against the sofa. “I will make sure not to make any mistakes. I believe the competition isn’t any else this year from the other two academies, or so I’ve heard. Their top ten are said to be just as good as Lock’s, and when the topic of individual strength is brought, their top three ranker are quite well known for their accolades during their time in the Eisenkrieg, and Apex Noctis.”
Father nodded back, knowing fully well himself just how strong and well known those of the other two academies were.
His gaze lingered on me, heavy and unreadable, like a weight pressing against my skin, but after a heart beat his expression eased. “That’s why, I’ve called to tell you...you will not be using the Samarthyang Sutra style in the joint exam against the other students.” He said, and I already decided to protest against his decision, but knowing father there was obviously some hidden meaning behind his decision.
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Before I could cut his off and speak, I saw his ocean blue eyes linger over me. He watched me, his eyes tracing over me like a silent answer which didn’t need give in plain sight.
He rested his hands down, his legs crossed as he spoke. “I will first test your limits on how far you can go without using the Samarthyang style, because, like I told you during training, those movements aren’t just strong as a whole, but their true strength lies in the basics, and that is true for all. Samarthyang is the culmination of what I’ve gathered through years of training and testing my limits, going back to the basics when hitting a wall when I couldn’t move forward.” His words seemed to carry strength and a certain care, but the firmness behind them kept me on my toes.
“I want you to try to win your battles through your accumulated efforts from consistently training in the basics of the Samarthyang style.” He said, our eyes met and I nodded along.
“Fine, I’ll do as you say, I will simply rely on the basic movements of the Samarthyang style during the joint exam.” I returned as Father’s eased in his seat.
“Good,” he said with a subtle expression of approval and satisfaction.
“But...” I suddenly said, father’s brow rose a fraction of an inch in response. “I first want to test my own strength since having learned the sword style from you.”
“And you’re implying?” He said, his hands rested over his knee as he silently waited for me to speak.
I took a breath, feeling both father and Baek-Hyun’s gaze land over me. “I believe I’m more than ready enough to enter a dungeon again. While you didn’t approve of my choice to enter dungeon gates to garner more experience, I’ve come to the decision that this is a necessary step for me to progress further.” I held his gaze, my shoulder and back straight.
“Are you sure?” He said after a moment's thought, his voice was calm but carried that weight he always had when he was serious, and I didn’t back down right now.
I needed to convince him that I was ready, that I was no longer the weak girl I used to be, that I could hold my own against difficult challenges.
His furrowed brows eased, his expression shifting into something akin to an approving smile.
“Then so be it. I will allow you access to some of the guild’s official dungeon gates, equivocal to your rank—”
“But I’m going to go alone.” I quickly added, cutting him off as his expression changed so unexpectedly that I almost chuckled.
Father and Baek-Hyun’s expression was full of surprise, which soon turned in shock as they digested what I’d said.
Father’s brows knitted together, hesitation flickering in his eyes—then, just as quickly, he cleared his throat and spoke. “I will allow you to enter a dungeon gate, but going alone is nothing short of suicide for a rookie hunter like you. And, I didn’t tell you to go be reckless enough to get yourself killed.”
Baek-Hyun shared his concern as he nodded along his argument, but I made my argument.
“It’s not like I want to go alone, even a single person will suffice. Also, I want this opportunity to test the Samarthyang style, just how well can I utilise it in real combat?”
I stood my ground and I could see father’s brow twitch slightly, his demeanour faltered as he tried to go against my remark, he dismissed the inclination knowing neither of us would compromise on the negotiations any more.
With a sigh he straightened his back. “Fine. I will make the arrangements, and I’ll also choose the hunter who will be accompanying you inside the dungeon gate. I will inform you once all the preparation are complete, so in the meantime, take it easy.”
I rose from my spot and gestured to him with a smile. “Thank you, father.”
***
Baek-Hyun
Young Miss stood from the sofa, without another word she left the office as the door hummed closed and Master Yujin too strode to his desk and took a seat.
I took a moment, letting him settle into his seat. Then, I approached, I stood before him as I waited for Master Yujin to speak.
“She has grown bold,” he said, his head leaned back, a thin smile tugging at his lips as he looked down at me through his nose. “She’s starting to resemble Eunhee day after day, her appearance to her stubbornness is similar to her mother's.” He admitted. “But, I guess she has come to not be reliant on me like she used to as a kid.”
I felt a note of pity in his voice as he took a moment.
“Doesn’t that show just how well the Young Miss and Young Master have grown. They are indeed intelligent and strong willed just like you and Miss Eunhee.” I said, my tone firm yet soft with the nostalgia of when I used to cradle both Master Yujin and the children. “And, she is still quite reliant on you than you might think. She still looks for acknowledgment from her father.”
“But she is already doing so well.” He muttered, more to himself as he crossed his legs, the sunlight submerging the inside with warmth. “It’s hard to believe that she was still that quiet young girl that used to sneak bashfully just a few years ago.”
“Master Yujin, you remember, Sir, when you asked me the question whether you were a good father or not?” I said.
On my remark, his lips curled into a faint smile as he nodded. “Yes, Baek-Hyun. Back then, my own indecisive and cowardliness stopped me to connect with my own children, afraid that I might deepen the cracks already visible. But I guess...” He took a pause, his azure eyes softened for a passing second as he appeared eased.
“I just needed that one step, and I’m glad I mustered up the courage again. Their mother may not be here with them, but I will try everything in my being to fill up that void left by her.”
I nodded, own face replaced with a soft smile. “We all try to make efforts and amends for our actions, but only a few can come to realize that before it’s too late. My only regret was to see the children not receive the attention and love they wanted, and now that they are getting it, I feel like that retirement wouldn’t be a problem with how responsible the Young Miss and Young Master have become.”
Master Yujin’s expression firmed with a friendly smile. “You won’t be leaving my side anytime soon Baek-Hyun, because, you’ll have to assist me in my tasks. And I believe retirement is still a long way ahead, old friend.”
“But, I guess next year another member will be added to the guild—meaning Jiyoung will be coming to learn the ropes from you to be the next guild master.” I inclined my head in affirmation for my question.
Master Yujin took a more casual expression. “If that is her decision then I will help her in all my power to pass the mantle down to her. But, if she feels she still isn’t ready, then I will continue to keep her seat safe for her until she decides.”
“But knowing her, it wouldn’t be surprising if she joins the guild right after graduation.” I added, as I laughed, my own mind imagining how Young Miss will look like sitting on that seat, looking as mean as Master Yujin.
But, perhaps she herself was aware of the responsibilities which came with being the guild master of the shadow guild, and if she decided to do so, I will do my absolute all to assist the Young Miss.
After a silent, lingering moment, Master Yujin straightened, his shoulder firm, after a beat, his demeanour shifted in seriousness as he spoke.
“Baek-Hyun, regarding this matter that we just discussed, I want the best hunter we have in the guild to accompany Jiyoung.”
I watched as Master Yujin said, but his expression was slightly uncertain.
Perhaps he was reluctant sending her daughter into a dungeon. But, it was a necessary step in her grooming as a full fledged hunter.
And unexpectedly, the words he said caught me off guard. “Then, should I send the most competent
My brows furrowed in confusion. “Sir, don’t you think
I raised a brow. “Then, should I perhaps send an
I blinked, my expression shifting to one of surprise—though I still looked unsure. “Sir, was that a joke?”
He nodded slightly. “It was supposed to be. Did you not get it?”
“No, Sir. It’s just...it’s been quite a long time since you’ve made a joke like that, so I was quite surprised.” I hesitated for a moment before adding, “And an rank would suffice, considering it’s a
Master Yujin nodded in agreement, adding shortly after. “Then do you have any hunter in mind that fulfils the qualification?” He asked, tilting his head in consideration.
Immediately in my mind, I went through the hunters who ranged among the rank criteria. Several came in mind, but after a moment of thought, I filtered out the three which would be best for this assignment.”
I stepped forward and took a tablet laid on the desk as I opened it and accessed the guild’s hunter catalogue, and the ones that I was looking for came up quickly.
“There are three hunters that I would recommend, all of them are either captains of their team or part of an rank attack party.” I said, selecting those three on the tablet as I clicked on their information and highlighted them.
Master Yujin listened attentively, as I read their information. “First is, Sung Jaewon, he was just a
Master Yujin nodded after hearing his information as he signalled for me to list the next one.
I tapped the tablet and the information of the second candidate was displayed on the screen.
“The second candidate is, Lee Min-sung. He’s been a part of the shadow guild for four years, but he is more well known than Sung Jaewon in comparison to popularity.” On his mention, Master Yujin’s brows furrowed but he didn’t stop me. “He is part of the first strike squad under the command of Park Sumin. Less Min-sung is mage who utilise two elemental affinities—fire and wind, sequentially is also adept at utilising lighting magic, he is more than qualified to be a team captain, but refuses to be promoted due to unknown reasons.”
My finger drifted over the screen as I looked at the final candidate’s information.
But before I could speak, Master Yujin interrupted me and spoke, his eyes sharpening. He seemed reluctant and somehow, unpleased. “Are all the candidates men?” He asked, his expression appeared hardened, but the way he expressed his words caught me off guard.
Unbeknownst to me, a smirk pulled at my lips, and he caught on it, shrugging as our gaze met.
“No, Sir. The last candidate is a woman.” I said, and he subtly sighed as I continued. “The final candidate is Elizabeth Sterling, she’s an hunter that Seo Jihye, Jiwoo’s sister recruited during her short time working here. Originally, she is from England, but she was adopted when she was young by a Korean couple, and since has been living in Korea.” Master Yujin’s brows perked slightly on the mention as I continued.
“She was previously a hunter who was part of the Guardian guild in Korea, but after it lost its rights to the Knights guild during a dispute leading to a guild war which the Knights guild dominated, she left the guild and became a solo hunter for a while, and at that time Miss Jihye recruited her to the Shadow guild.” My eyes skimmed through her information as I studied her stats. “She was quite a renowned hunter during her time in the Guardian guild, and she was one of the few which stood with her guild in its worst times.”
Master Yujin leaned forward, his eyes following me in curiosity.
“After she joined our guild, she quickly rose in ranks, and became the captain of the third strike squad, she is respected by many of her peers and is said to be borderline rank, in hindsight, she may as well be reaching nearer the
Master Yujin’s gaze followed me for a moment before he pondered in consideration. Then he asked for my opinion.
“Then, Baek-Hyun, whom do you recommend amongst the three?”
I brought my hand to my chin in thought. “I believe Elizabeth is the best candidate to accompany Miss Jiyoung.” I admitted and Master Yujin appeared satisfied with my answer.
After a moment, I asked. “Then, should I contact her right away?”
With a nod Master Yujin leaned back into his seat, as he picked up a document placed over his desk. “Bring her into my office, I’ll talk to her myself.”
“Yes, Sir.” I said while taking a bow as I placed the tablet down and stepped out of the office.
***
Park Yujin
It only took Baek-Hyun ten minutes to summon Elizabeth Sterling to my office, he stood beside me, a few feet apart, as he stared at the young woman.
I looked at her, standing nervously, locks of golden hair ran down her back, her emerald eyes looked awkward in my presence as I tried to appear friendly.
“Please, take a seat Miss Sterling.” I waved her to take a seat on the opposite sofa, she moved rigidly and took a seat, her eyes locked on to me.
“So, you wanted to discuss something, Guild master?” She said, her words came out almost cautious.
I leaned forward slightly, my expression turned serious, yet I made an attempt to give her space to not make her uncomfortable or overbearing.
“Miss Sterling, I called you today to tell you about a mission.” I said, my tone levelled.
“If it’s about a mission, shouldn’t the Advisor be the right person to inform me?” She asked, confused by my sudden summoning.
I nodded along her. “Yes, the Advisor you have been assigned should be the one to tell you about any missions or raids, but this mission is slightly different and special.” I admitted, her brows knitted in confusion, she tried to make sense of my words.
“I know I’ve called you here unexpectedly, but regarding this mission that I spoke of, it’s an escort mission, and I believe you are the best candidate for this assignment.” I said, my gaze unwavering, leaning back into my seat.
Elizabeth gave me a curd nod in reply. “I understand the specifics that it’s going to be a escort mission—so, am I accompanying a party or is it a specific person?”
Her words were clear and coherent, she was already caught on to the topic.
I cleared my throat and spoke. “You’ll accompany my daughter into a
“Do you understand?” I waited for her to reply, and she pondered over it for a moment.
“You don’t have to worry, just for this mission, you will be given compensation equal to a month’s salary and access to a skill of your choice.” I said to make the mission appeal more to her, what’s better than getting so much out of just one mission.
“Quite an intriguing offer. I might even call it tempting...”Elizabeth said, her eyes gauged me for a moment as she nodded in agreement. “Before I accept this mission, can I get the details of the dungeon we will be exploring?”
I nodded and handed the tablet over to her, she took a look, as I simply stared at her, her brows moved up and down, eyes skimming through the details on the screen.
After a good look, she placed the tablet down and spoke. “This dungeon isn’t too difficult, but the inner depths have yet to be explored fully, so it wouldn’t be that difficult to escort a person.”
“I accept.” She said, straightening and I nodded.
“Good,” I replied. “The preparations will be made shortly, and when it’s time, Baek-Hyun will inform you.”