* * *

While the Chunho Guild quickly reorganized the strike team, Beom Sinje held a brief press conference through the media.

There was a slight clash here as well, with Chief Park insisting on taking the lead.

He likely wanted to frame it as the Chunho Guild’s incompetence rather than his own fault, but there was no way that was happening.

Doyoung stepped in once again, rattling Chief Park and allowing Beom Sinje to swiftly take over and start the briefing.

Thanks to this, they were able to maintain a professional and trustworthy atmosphere.

“He doesn’t even flinch. As expected of the protagonist.”

Doyoung looked on in satisfaction as Beom Sinje spoke confidently before the cameras and crowd.

Of course, he wasn’t just standing idly by.

He discreetly took out his phone, recording the scene and checking live comments on social media.

“Not bad. I’m doing pretty well as the Guild Master’s secretary, aren’t I?”

It was more akin to a celebrity manager than a secretary, but still.

The online response wasn’t bad either.

Many comments were sympathizing with the Chunho Guild for dealing with the government’s careless ranking, and cheering on their swift response.

“This should be enough.”

Once the newly organized strike team reentered the dungeon and cleared it, the troublesome event that had plagued Chunho in the original storyline would be neatly resolved.

“Now, how will the government respond?”

It seemed worth keeping an eye on.

“I’ll need to set up a separate monitoring team…”

The disbanded Antithesis wasn’t missed.

It was an organization meant to disappear after fulfilling its role.

When Doyoung first realized he’d become the leader of a villainous group, he’d made a vow: ‘Don’t end up as a foolish villain who destroys everything in blind rage and revenge.’

Now that Antithesis was gone, he needed a new plan.

“I could use a discreet errand agency like those other stories, but…”

That was a temporary solution, not a regular one.

“I can’t really involve Sarah in this, either.”

It seemed like he’d have to handle this himself.

While deep in thought, he continued filming Beom Sinje’s activities as the Guild Master, documenting everything.

He also made sure to update several forums, not just Hunters.com.

“With this, the briefing on the A-rank dungeon at Haengbok-ri is concluded.”

When Beom Sinje slightly lowered his head to conclude the presentation, a barrage of questions erupted from all directions.

“The dungeon was initially classified as C-rank. How did you determine it was A-rank during the raid?”

“What was the extent of the damage sustained during the dungeon raid?”

“Which hunters will be part of the newly reformed raid team?”

“What is the government’s stance on this incident…?”

Even amidst the relentless questioning, Beom Sinje answered calmly.

Watching him, Doyoung turned away.

His part here was done.

It was time to head home and get some rest.

His body, already protesting after just a few hours of hiking and social interactions, was utterly drained.

‘I should go home and take my meds.’

The only reason he could move around like this was because he hadn’t missed a single dose of the medicine Sarah had specially prepared for him.

Though she claimed it wouldn’t do much for his stamina, he kept taking it.

‘Well, maybe it’s just the placebo effect.’

As a former medical researcher, he knew better than to rely on uncertain beliefs, but even so, he couldn’t deny the psychological comfort it gave him.

A doctor he’d been consulting about ATE Pharmaceuticals lately said it could be possible, too.

“Hyung, Doyoung.”

Doyoung was trudging along, lost in his own thoughts, when a voice suddenly called out to him, stopping him in his tracks.

“What? You? How are you here?”

Standing there was none other than Beom Sinje, who had just been surrounded by reporters a moment ago.

“I’m done here. Where are you headed?”

“Home.”

“Oh, I see. Let’s go.”

What’s he talking about?

Doyoung stared at the back of Beom Sinje’s head as he took the lead without hesitation.

Had he misunderstood?

It sounded like Beom Sinje was also planning to leave.

“Hey, aren’t you supposed to wait for the new raid team to arrive?”

“I got a message saying they’ve already arrived.”

“Oh, is that so?”

So that’s why he was heading down.

It made sense; it wasn’t like the guild leader would leave before his members showed up.

“Good, let’s head down.”

Finally understanding, Doyoung followed him.

However, keeping up with the tall man who had long strides and walked fast wasn’t easy.

On top of that, Doyoung was already worn out from the hike to the dungeon.

Before long, the distance between them started growing.

He wiped the sweat off his forehead and stopped for a moment to catch his breath.

“Want me to carry you?”

Beom Sinje, who had been walking ahead, turned around and asked casually, as if he were offering a glass of water.

“What?”

Doyoung couldn’t grasp what he’d just heard.

“I said, get on my back.”

At first, it had sounded like a simple offer, but now it felt more like an order.

He didn’t just say it—he stepped closer, presenting his broad back.

“I’m fine. I’m not that exhausted.”

“Then, should I carry you in my arms?”

“Huh?”

Were those the only options?

Doyoung looked at him in disbelief, but Beom Sinje’s expression remained unfazed.

“You’re really something else.”

How did his favorite character end up with this kind of personality?

In the original story, Beom Sinje was portrayed as a cold, ruthless hunter—a lone wolf.

Of course, it was Doyoung himself who prevented him from becoming like that.

“Hyung.”

At the sound of the impatient call, Doyoung finally surrendered.

“Alright, alright.”

Both options were embarrassing, but being carried on his back was still better than being held in his arms.

Besides, it wouldn’t be safe to obstruct his view while descending the mountain.

As Doyoung climbed onto his back, the corners of Beom Sinje’s lips briefly twitched upwards before returning to their usual expression.

“Let’s go.”

With firm arms supporting him, Beom Sinje started moving swiftly.

It was a stark contrast to their earlier pace.

‘This is actually comfortable.’

Doyoung remembered the time he had been carried by a werewolf, Yeo Giwon.

The fluffy back then had been cozy, but Beom Sinje’s was broader and felt even more stable.

Maybe that’s why he felt so drowsy all of a sudden.

Without any resistance, Doyoung let himself sink into the warmth of the broad back.

Realizing the increased weight, Beom Sinje knew Doyoung had fallen asleep.

The warm body against his back and the sound of his soft breathing gave it away.

“……”

For a moment, Beom Sinje paused, glancing back at the sleeping figure, then adjusted his grip and continued quickly.

“Guild Leader!”

By the time they reached the parking lot, the newly formed raid team had arrived to greet him, led by Yeo Giwon.

“What’s this? Who are you carrying?”

Yeo Giwon’s eyes narrowed as he noticed the person on Beom Sinje’s back.

Realizing it was Doyoung, he let out a small sigh and chuckled.

“Why is he like that? Did he go into the dungeon with you?”

“No, he was just at the entrance and fell asleep. I’ll leave him to you; I need to head back.”

Yeo Giwon frowned again at the mention of Doyoung being at the scene, even though he hadn’t entered the dungeon.

“Why do you keep dragging someone with such a weak constitution around? Leave him at home or the office, unless you’re scared he’ll disappear on you again.”

Though it was meant as a joke, Yeo Giwon’s gaze was oddly serious.

It hadn’t crossed his mind before, but he seemed to be reconsidering now.

“Hey, I was joking. Just go already.”

Yeo Giwon shooed them away, shaking his head, thinking Beom Sinje was already being overly attentive to Doyoung.

Even the team members were shocked to see the guild leader carrying someone, whispering among themselves.

“Was that Secretary Na Doyoung?”

“I’ve never seen the Guild Leader do something like this before. They said they’re like brothers, but wow, he really takes care of him.”

“Has he always been like this? He doesn’t seem like our usual guild leader.”

Annoyed by the chatter, Yeo Giwon snapped at them.

“Don’t ask me. I’m just as surprised. Now, let’s go. We’re busy.”

* * *