* * *
The protagonist had come to this world because he desired it, a fact only the two of them could truly recognize.
“But why here?”
That was the new mystery.
This place was a lab created by terrorists.
So why was an artifact from their creation able to encapsulate the story of him and Beom Sinje?
Moreover, this wasn’t in the original plot.
He suspected it was yet another variable created by his interference in the story.
“It’s probably an AI computer.”
Instead of Beom Sinje, Kim Jinsoo answered, his eyes gleaming more than usual.
As someone skilled with machines, finding something so intriguing naturally piqued his interest.
He might already be itching to dismantle and examine it.
“What do you think, Hunter Kim Jinsoo? If we leave it to you, how long do you think it’ll take to figure it out?”
When Doyoung asked, Kim Jinsoo’s eyes lit up even more.
“Can I really take a look?”
“Once we confirm this place is safe.”
“Understood. I’ll need to check it out first to give an estimate.”
His immediate agreement showed just how eager he was to dig in.
His eyes were practically brimming with anticipation.
“An AI? That thing? Then does that mean there’s someone like Hunter Kim Jinsoo—a machine expert—on their side?”
“Probably a lot of scientists and doctors too. That’s how they manage such daring experiments, like capturing and testing on monsters.”
“Ugh… This keeps getting worse. So, what’s next for us?”
Rubbing his hair in frustration, Yeo Giwon turned to Beom Sinje for guidance.
“First, we leave this place.”
The building had collapsed, and there wasn’t much to investigate besides some strange wires.
For safety, retreating was the best option.
“Let’s go.”
The hunters, led by their guild master, quickly made their way outside.
In the middle of the group, Beom Sinje tried to lift the slightly weakened Doyoung onto his back but received a swift punch for his efforts.
Despite that, he still got what he wanted in the end, leading to a humorous moment.
In any case, the group safely emerged above ground, greeted by cheers erupting from all around.
“Wow! Woooo!”
“They all made it out!”
Just the fact that no one was hurt was reason enough for the guild members to celebrate.
News spread quickly that Giwoon had protected his comrades in his werewolf form, earning him an outpouring of praise and encouragement.
“Were there any stragglers inside? What about monsters?”
“Guild Master Beom Sinje, could you say a few words?”
“What caused the lab to collapse?”
“Did you find anything unusual in there?”
Meanwhile, the reporters relentlessly pursued the guild members.
Cameras flashed, and questions came in waves.
Blocked by sturdy hunters, the reporters couldn’t get close but followed all the way to the guild’s vehicles, hoping to catch any remarks.
“Guild Master Beom Sinje! Don’t you owe the public the truth?”
The bold shout caused Beom Sinje to twitch an eyebrow as he watched the guild members board the vehicles.
Even Doyoung found the question excessively rude.
“Guild Master.”
In such cases, ignoring them was usually the best course.
After all, even the reporters didn’t truly expect Beom Sinje to answer.
They were just fishing for any reaction.
Doyoung was about to suggest leaving when Beom Sinje unexpectedly turned toward the voice.
His gaze locked directly onto the bold reporter.
“Uh… well… that is…”
Caught off guard by the sudden attention, the reporter stammered.
Beom Sinje wasn’t glaring but simply watching intently, yet the scrutiny sent a chill down their spine.
“Go on. What truth are you asking about?”
Though his tone was calm and even, the weight of his words silenced the reporters.
They exchanged uneasy glances, now hesitant to speak.
“Guild Master.”
Doyoung softly called him while discreetly tugging at his arm, ensuring no one else would notice.
But in an instant, their roles reversed as Beom Sinje firmly clasped Doyoung’s hand, intertwining their fingers tightly to prevent escape.
“Hey, let go.”
Even Doyoung, who wasn’t easily fazed, felt his composure slipping.
With the reporters watching, this was far too conspicuous.
He leaned closer to whisper urgently, but Beom Sinje didn’t budge.
“There is one truth I can share,” he finally said, his voice carrying.
“The one who saved me from near death in that lab was none other than Hunter Na Doyoung here.”
Beom Sinje raised their clasped hands for all to see, drawing every gaze to them.
Doyoung shut his eyes tightly as all the attention converged on him.
While the reporters were still dazed, Beom Sinje climbed into the car as if nothing had happened.
Of course, he made sure to bring Doyoung along with him, keeping a firm hold on his wrist.
At the same time, he didn’t forget to signal the others to take separate vehicles.
“Hey, you bastard!”
As soon as the door shut, Doyoung gritted his teeth and glared at Beom Sinje.
“Are you out of your mind? What the hell was that back there?”
“They asked for the truth.”
“That’s exactly why you shouldn’t have said anything! Do you even realize what the reporters must be thinking right now?”
“I only gave them what they wanted.”
His gaze was shameless, as if he genuinely saw no problem.
Doyoung clenched his teeth, feeling the tension stiffen the back of his neck.
“You saved me, didn’t you? Or am I wrong?”
“That’s…!”
Strictly speaking, Beom Sinje wasn’t wrong.
After all, Doyoung had been the one to break through the barricaded entrance and lead the guild members to safety.
“Even so, this isn’t right!”
Then, as if just realizing it, Doyoung noticed his hand was still being held by Beom Sinje.
A surge of irritation welled up inside him.
“What the hell is this?”
Once again, Beom Sinje looked completely clueless.
His head tilted slightly, an infuriatingly natural expression on his face.
If he truly didn’t understand, that would be one thing.
But Doyoung knew better.
He knew that Beom Sinje was fully aware of the consequences this situation would bring—and he still acted like this.
“The reporters just witnessed all of that. What do you think they’re going to write?”
“Who cares what they say?”
“How can you say that?”
“Hm… So it bothers you? The idea of our relationship being exposed?”
Doyoung had been about to argue that of course it did, but the unwavering gaze locked onto him made his lips press together involuntarily.
Why was he looking at him like that?
“Well… it’s just… what will people say?”
Chunho was the undisputed number-one guild, and Beom Sinje wasn’t just a top-tier hunter—he was incredibly popular, both for his skills and his looks.
If someone like him were rumored to be dating his male secretary, and an older one at that…
“Are you ashamed of me?”
“Not at all.”
“Then there’s no problem.”
“That’s not the point—”
This and that were completely different issues.
Doyoung was about to retort when he suddenly felt a heavy weight of attention on him.
Turning his head, he realized they were still in plain view—countless eyes were locked onto the car.
They hadn’t even driven off yet.
“Just go.”
Realizing his mistake, Doyoung urged Beom Sinje.
Fortunately, the hunters Sara had assigned were keeping people from getting too close to the vehicle, but that wouldn’t last forever.
And it wasn’t just them.
Their guild members, waiting in separate vehicles, seemed to be holding back until they made a move.
Lingering here wasn’t a good idea.
* * *
