How to Seduce S-Class Hunters with Bungeoppang - Chapter 8

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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Chapter 8
‘So this is the Gate….’
The moment I stepped through the Gate, my first thought was how scorching it felt.
True to its name, the Red Plain’s crimson earth was cracked and fissured as if ravaged by an unrelenting drought.
Between the cracks, waves of shimmering heat rose up in thick, suffocating waves.
“Phew, I’m glad I wore short sleeves inside.”
According to my preliminary research, each Gate possessed vastly different climates and conditions. Even experienced Hunters couldn’t predict the climate of a Gate they entered for the first time.
I stuffed all my outer clothes into my inventory.
“Ugh, it’s as stifling as hellfire, meow.”
“…Hellfire?”
“Such things exist, meow.”
Sensitive to the heat, Ha-nyang extended her tongue and panted heavily.
Fortunately, I hadn’t spotted any other creatures within the Gate so far.
‘It’s not as frightening as I imagined.’
The vague dread I’d felt at the mention of a Gate had largely dissipated now that I was actually inside.
I moved cautiously, surveying my surroundings. Both the sun and moon hung together in the ashen sky.
‘Seeing something like that, this is definitely not Earth….’
I carefully set Ha-nyang down on the ground and began searching in earnest for materials.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before I spotted the “Solsol Grass” I’d seen in photographs.
“Wow! This is it, right? It looks so distinctive.”
The slender stems gleamed with a silvery light as if bathed in evening moonlight, and the leaves were round and fluffy like cumulus clouds. As I carefully plucked the grass without damaging the leaves, a notification window appeared.
Material Collection Progress
-Solsol Grass (1/20)
“Oh! There’s another one over there. At this rate, I’ll be done in less than an hour?”
Fortunately, the scarcity of vegetation within the Gate made the silver-gleaming Solsol Grass stand out distinctly.
Already three. At this pace, I could leave in under an hour.
“Ha-nyang, come over this way….”
-Kwueeeeek!
In that instant, a monster’s cry echoed from behind me. The sound grew steadily closer, as if something were charging straight toward us.
I snatched Ha-nyang up and hurled myself behind a nearby Rock.
-Kwuek, Squeak!
‘A, a Centipede Monster!’
Crouched behind the Rock, I cautiously peeked back over my shoulder.
A massive body stretching just over two meters was covered in dozens of legs. And the eyes—there were so many of them that merely looking at it threatened to trigger trypophobia.
‘Ugh, how repulsive.’
The Centipede Monster, apparently searching for something, refused to leave the area near the Rock and slowly crept toward my hiding spot.
‘Wait! Why is it coming this way!?’
Behind the Rock, I held my breath and pressed myself as flat as possible against the stone.
‘I, I’m going to be discovered!’
The massive face of the Centipede Monster drew inexorably closer. I squeezed my eyes shut. My heart hammered wildly against my ribs.
-Squeeeeeak….
Fortunately, the Centipede Monster slithered its legs smoothly past me. As its massive body undulated and slowly receded into the distance, I exhaled the breath I’d been holding.
“Phew— I thought my heart was going to stop.”
“You’re quite the fearful one, aren’t you?”
Ha-nyang didn’t seem frightened at all, casually grooming her front paws as she spoke with indifference.
Still, the fact that the monster came so close to my face yet failed to notice my presence meant the protection was working properly.
“Good. Let’s finish collecting materials and head back quickly.”
I quickened my pace while carrying the heat-wilted Ha-nyang in my arms.
The monster was one problem, but the oppressive, suffocating heat was another. As I continuously wiped away sweat, I spotted silvery glimmering grass in the distance.
‘Lucky! They’re all gathered over there.’
The sparsely scattered Solsol Grass had grown densely in one spot. I rushed over and eagerly began harvesting the plants.
8, 10, 13… my collection count climbed steadily.
“Wow! If I’m lucky, I might finish right here!”
It was the moment I was grinning and pulling up grass. A massive shadow fell over my head.
“…What is this now?”
At the sudden low voice, my shoulders stiffened.
As I slowly turned my head, I saw Lee Hyun-woo the Hunter pointing a sword at me with a cold expression.
‘Th-th-this is a real sword!?’
I could feel the sharp, merciless blade edge that would sever my neck if I moved even slightly.
I slowly raised my hands to signal my surrender.
“P-please spare me! I’m a good person!”
“You can talk?”
Of course! I’m human, after all!
Unable to move, I could only roll my eyes desperately, pleading for my life.
At that moment, Ha-nyang beside me suddenly bolted away.
“How dare you! To our Haneul!”
Startled, Lee Hyun-woo the Hunter redirected his sword toward Ha-nyang.
Wait! Our Ha-nyang absolutely cannot—!
“Ahhhhh! Hunter Lee Hyun-woo! Don’t you remember!? The fish cake!”
I desperately grabbed the hem of Lee Hyun-woo’s pants and clung to him. He narrowed his eyes and looked down at me.
“…That Lobby?”
“Yes! You do remember!”
I nodded vigorously.
Fearing he might doubt me, I rapidly recounted when we met, what I was doing, and what he had said to me. Finally, he clicked his tongue and, with a sharp metallic sound, sheathed his sword at his waist.
“How did you even get in here?”
“Well… um, how I got in was…”
I considered lying to escape the situation, but I felt that being honest would work better with him.
I explained about the mission that suddenly appeared after my awakening and how I had to enter the Gate to complete it.
“…A mission from the System, then.”
Lee Hyun-woo the Hunter crossed his arms and regarded me quietly. After some time had passed, he finally opened his mouth.
“Your physical responses suggest you’re not lying. I’ll trust you for now.”
“Th-thank you so much!”
“However, there are still suspicious elements. Including that Cat.”
Ha-nyang let out a defiant meow and stuck her tongue out at Lee Hyun-woo.
Don’t provoke him unnecessarily! I hurriedly scooped up the Cat and forced a smile.
“Our Cat is such a good girl, isn’t she? Haha….”
I grabbed the Cat’s front paws and waved them while saying hello, and I could see his expression crack ever so slightly. It seemed like his way of saying I should stop wasting time with useless gestures.
“W-well then… I should be going.”
“Where are you headed?”
“Pardon? As I mentioned, I need to find materials….”
Just as I tried to slip away, Lee Hyun-woo blocked my path.
“Let’s go together.”
“…What? Why?”
He frowned at my question.
I’d already explained I wasn’t suspicious, told him why I came here—what else could he possibly doubt!
“We don’t know what dangers lurk in the Gate. Especially since you’re operating at such a low rank….”
“I really just need to quietly gather materials and leave.”
“Then it shouldn’t take long.”
No matter what I said, I could feel his determination to keep watching over me from the sidelines.
The monsters don’t even notice my presence anyway… I grumbled but nodded in agreement.
Having an S-rank follow along was actually fortunate. If things went south, he’d protect me anyway.
“By the way, why did you enter alone, Lee Hyun-woo?”
“I often clear low-rank Gates like this one solo.”
“Ah… I see. That’s impressive.”
And then silence. This is really awkward.
Unable to bear the awkwardness, I tried making small talk, but the conversation just wouldn’t flow.
“What do you do on weekends?”
“I go to Gates.”
“Oh… doesn’t that wear you out?”
“I suppose not.”
Hmm, I see.
Either he didn’t want to talk to me, or this was just his personality.
I laughed awkwardly and checked my System window. Seventeen. Just three more materials to collect and I’d be done.
‘Phew, it’s really hot….’
The geothermal heat shimmered up from the barren Plain with no shade in sight.
I couldn’t help myself and pulled out water from my inventory, gulping it down.
Now that I think about it, Lee Hyun-woo is wearing combat gear. Isn’t he hot?
“Aren’t you hot? Would you like some water?”
“I’m fine. I’m wearing a temperature regulation item.”
“Ah….”
Lee Hyun-woo’s gaze swept over my appearance, and something in his eyes—as if asking, you don’t have any of that?—made my chest tighten inexplicably.
I’ll have to save up and buy something like that later when I have more money.
“It’s surprising to see someone enter a Gate in casual clothes.”
“I… didn’t know I’d be going in so suddenly.”
Lee Hyun-woo exhaled softly.
Feeling self-conscious, I fidgeted with my fingers when a shadow suddenly fell over my head.
“Wear this.”
He removed the outer garment he was wearing and draped it over me.
This is an item? Is it okay to just give it away like this?
As if reading the question in my eyes, he gave a light nod.
“I’m S-rank, so I can regulate my body temperature without items.”
“Then I won’t refuse… thank you.”
Since the collection would be over soon anyway, I figured I could return it then.
The moment I put it on, the temperature regulation worked so well that my overheated body cooled down immediately. Ha-nyang, who had been melting from the heat, purred contentedly when I cradled her in my arms.
‘This feels oddly peaceful…’
Even though I was inside a Gate, there was an unexpected sense of peace.
That’s how I began my brief journey alongside Lee Hyun-woo.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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