* * *
‘Come to think of it, things have deviated quite a bit from the original novel… So what happens next?’
He had thought he was interfering with the story, but in reality, he had been drawn into this world from the very beginning according to Beom Sinje’s plan.
If that was the case, could he still say with certainty that this was the same world he had read about?
As he pondered, Beom Sinje’s voice broke his train of thought.
“We have Yeo Giwon, don’t we? Our guild members are skilled too. And if it really comes down to it, we have hunters we can hire as mercenaries.”
At the word “mercenaries,” Doyoung furrowed his brows.
“Seriously… What am I supposed to do with those guys?”
“What? They’re just working legally.”
Beom Sinje reached out and gently smoothed the wrinkle between Doyoung’s brows with his finger.
A few days before the formation of the World Guild Alliance, a new mercenary company had been established domestically.
It was meant for skilled individuals who didn’t want to be tied to any specific guild, offering them freedom in their hunter activities.
But originally, the company had been a general-purpose service center—one that had been founded by Doyoung’s former subordinates.
Now, seeing them boldly stepping forward as hunters gave him a headache.
“To be honest, hyung, you’re relieved, aren’t you? That they can finally operate properly.”
“…Well.”
He couldn’t exactly deny that.
Doyoung mumbled in response and gave a small nod before subtly shifting the topic.
“Still, I am a bit curious. Why is he so insistent on meeting us? Fine, we’ll go—just like you said, as part of a trip.”
“Great. Sounds good.”
He wasn’t sure what the main goal of this trip was anymore.
But if it meant being able to go on a journey with Beom Sinje like this, then maybe that was enough.
Doyoung decided to think of it more lightly.
‘Well, a good thing is a good thing.’
Of course, officially, Doyoung and Beom Sinje stated that their trip to Germany was to meet Johan Resenbrink, the de facto leader of the Dungeon Ecology Research Institute.
Naturally, the guild questioned whether it was necessary to travel such a long distance in person.
“Why not just have a video conference?”
Yeo Giwon grumbled, offering a more practical alternative.
But Doyoung, eager for the trip, merely smiled, which only made Yeo Giwon more suspicious.
“…Wait. Hyung, you’re not planning to sneak off somewhere with Beom Sinje, are you?”
“Well, since we’re already going all the way there, might as well.”
“That’s not fair! How could you leave me behind and go off on your own?”
Yeo Giwon glanced back and forth between Doyoung and Beom Sinje, then suddenly exploded in frustration.
“Oh, come on! You’re just a couple going on a trip! What is this, a honeymoon?!”
Doyoung rubbed the back of his neck.
There was a certain word in Yeo Giwon’s complaint that made his ears itch.
“Yeah. Since we’re going on our honeymoon, take care of the guild for us.”
“HEY!”
Beom Sinje replied shamelessly, and Yeo Giwon could only stare at him in pure disdain.
“You call yourself a guild leader?!”
“Wouldn’t it be better to wrap everything up while we’re there? Are you saying the guild can’t function without the two of us? Are you that incompetent?”
“What? No way! I can handle it just fine! Hey! I’m an S-rank, you know?!”
Yeo Giwon stomped his feet in frustration, pounding his chest as if to prove himself.
His hot-blooded nature made it all too easy for Beom Sinje to get a rise out of him.
Watching this unfold, Doyoung simply shook his head.
Then, he subtly nudged Beom Sinje’s foot as a silent signal to stop teasing him.
“Alright, then. We’ll bring you a souvenir.”
“Fine. I’ll be expecting it.”
With the promise of a gift sealing the deal, Yeo Giwon finally relented.
Seeing how effortlessly Beom Sinje had shut down any objections, he wasted no time the next day in dragging Doyoung straight to the airport.
Since they had already informed the government, the departure process was smooth and swift.
Following Beom Sinje’s lead, Doyoung casually went along until he realized something—his seat was in first class.
He couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“Isn’t this a bit much? We’re technically traveling for work, but you booked first class?”
“I paid for it with my own money, so it’s fine.”
“Hm… Is that so? Well, I guess it’s not excessive, then.”
“Not at all. Thanks to someone, I’ve saved up quite a lot.”
Beom Sinje murmured, gently caressing Doyoung’s cheek.
His fingers traced the curve of his lashes, brushing against them playfully.
“You’re not telling me to stop.”
When Doyoung remained still, Beom Sinje smirked, satisfied.
“There’s no one around to see anyway.”
Doyoung didn’t bother pointing out that it was only because Beom Sinje had likely bought out the entire section.
Instead, he simply leaned in and returned the kiss.
‘Sometimes, things like this aren’t so bad.’
After all, this was, in a way, a vacation.
◇◆◇◆◇
When they landed at Munich Airport, two hunters dressed in civilian clothes were there to greet Doyoung and Beom Sinje.
“Hello, my name is Walter. This here is Alexander. It’s an honor to escort you both today.”
Surprisingly, Walter spoke fluent Korean.
However, when the two of them expressed their intention to meet Johan immediately, he voiced his concern.
“Aren’t you tired? How about taking a day’s rest before meeting him?”
“We rested well on the plane. Meeting him as soon as possible would be more beneficial to the guild, so let’s go straight there.”
Hearing their words, spoken with consideration for their well-being, Walter and Alexander’s expressions brightened.
The group left the airport and headed directly for the guild.
The building they were guided to was secluded.
At a glance, Doyoung could tell that it had been equipped with special devices.
“The entire building is designed to suppress abilities.”
“Yes, that’s correct. After all, there are many powerful ability users here.”
Walter chuckled as he continued.
“Those with confirmed charges are transferred to a more remote detention facility.”
“You operate a detention center as well?”
“Yes! If you’d like, you can arrange a visit!”
“Maybe if there’s an opportunity later.”
Doyoung, who had no real intention of doing so, let the conversation drift naturally and stepped inside.
They claimed the place suppressed abilities, but he didn’t feel much of a difference.
He glanced at Beom Sinje.
“What about you?”
Even without a direct subject, Beom Sinje immediately understood what he was asking and shook his head.
He didn’t seem to be affected much either.
“It must feel uncomfortable, but please understand. As I mentioned earlier, this facility detains criminals with abilities. It applies to both suspects and us as well.”
Walter, walking slightly ahead, seemed unaware of their private conversation.
When he turned back, he looked slightly apologetic.
“It’s fine.”
Doyoung saw no need to correct his misunderstanding.
The reason?
Either their abilities were superior to the suppression devices, or perhaps it was simply because Beom Sinje was the protagonist.
“I’ll open the door now.”
A hunter, oblivious to these details, opened the door. Inside, three armed hunters stood guard, likely for surveillance.
At the center of the room, sitting before a table, was Johan—his hands and feet restrained.
[It’s been a while, Doyoung.]
Johan smiled, locking eyes with Doyoung.
His demeanor was as if he were greeting an old friend.
Doyoung merely gave a slight nod.
There was nothing for him to say here.
He had already decided to leave that to Beom Sinje.
* * *
