I was Kicked Out of the Hunter’s Guild

When I came back downstairs after hurriedly tidying myself up, Sooyoung noona was already there, talking with Iare.

‘I thought she’d still be sleeping… turns out she’d been awake for a while and was already preparing the café.’

Realizing this, I couldn’t help but marvel once again at her endurance.

‘She drank more than I did last night, and yet she looks completely energetic… Just how much alcohol can this sister of mine handle?’

Shaking my head in disbelief, I slowly approached the two women.

As I did, they both turned to look at me at the same time, like I was staring into a mirror.

“Did you sleep well? Was it uncomfortable?” Sooyoung noona asked, smiling softly.

“Uh… yeah. It was fine,” I replied, feeling a little embarrassed.

Her gentle smile confirmed that it was indeed my sister. Sitting down, I glanced between the two women, and my sister introduced us formally.

“It seems you’ve already greeted each other, but let me reintroduce you. This is Iare, the younger sister I mentioned yesterday. And Iare, this is Lee Jinhyun, who I’ve been talking about all this time. He was an adjutant at the 28th Hunter Guild until a few days ago.”

At her introduction, Iare and I exchanged polite nods.

Then, my sister continued, her tone light and happy.

“Iare and I met about two years ago. By chance, someone who looked exactly like me came into the café and started asking questions. That’s when I found out she was my younger sister, who I’d been separated from when we were young. I’ve always wanted to introduce her to you, but the timing never worked out until now.”

“I see… That makes sense,” I said, nodding slowly as my sister’s explanation aligned with my own assumptions.

Satisfied, my sister smiled brightly before adding, “Anyway, Iare mentioned that her work these days is related to Hunters, so make sure to talk to her carefully. About both work and… other things.”

“Other things? What does that mean?” I asked, frowning slightly in confusion.

“Hehehe… you’ll find out soon enough,” she replied, grinning mischievously.

With that, Sooyoung noona stood up from her seat and said in a cheerful tone, “Well, I need to get started on the café opening and breakfast, so my role ends here. Good luck with your interview!”

“Okay. Thanks, noona.”

“Yes, thank you, sister,” Iare said, bowing slightly in respect.

Her formal tone felt a bit awkward, but given their 20-year separation, it was understandable.

Deciding not to overthink it, I let it slide.

After Sooyoung noona disappeared into the café, Iare and I were left alone.

***

She turned to me, her expression calm and composed as she began to speak.

“Then, let’s get straight to discussing work if that’s okay?”

“Ah, yes. That’s fine,” I replied, sitting up a little straighter.

The mention of work quickly cooled my earlier excitement, bringing me back to focus.

As noona mentioned, if it was something Hunter-related, I definitely had some confidence.

Though I wasn’t a Hunter myself, I’d spent four years as an adjutant for the 28th Hunter Guild. Handling operations, strategy and support roles were second nature to me.

However, the mention of Hunter’s work also brought back unpleasant memories.

Having endured so much in the past four years, the thought of diving back into anything remotely Hunter-related instinctively made me uneasy.

‘It’s probably something like a military subcontractor job,’ I thought to myself. ‘But even so, I can’t help but feel a little reluctant.’

Seeing my mixed expression, Iare began speaking in her calm and measured tone.

“First, let me tell you what I do. My colleagues and I currently work for a Black Hunter Company.”

“…Black Hunter?”

Her words caught me off guard. I had assumed she’d talk about something more typical, like a subcontractor or logistics position. But instead, she mentioned a name I hadn’t expected.

Seeing my surprised expression, Iare asked quietly, “Do you know anything about us?”

“Yes… a little,” I replied, my voice cautious.

“Alright. Then, can you tell me what you know about Black Hunter Company? Before I explain further, I’d like to understand your perspective first.”

“Got it. Then…”

At Iare’s request, I began carefully recounting what I had learned about Black Hunters during my time at the guild.

Black Hunters.

Generally, most Hunters operated as soldiers, serving under the jurisdiction of their respective countries.

Given the enormous costs associated with Hunter’s treatment and training, as well as the dangers posed by their superhuman strength, it made sense for them to be closely monitored and managed by the government.

However, not all Hunters stayed in the military.

Some, unable to adapt to military life, were discharged. Others, injured in major accidents, could no longer serve as soldiers. These individuals were left with no choice but to return to civilian life, despite possessing the bodies of superhumans.

Many of these discharged Hunters ended up using their extraordinary physical abilities in other ways, taking on jobs for private clients and solving various societal problems in exchange for money.

‘In other words… if ordinary Hunters are soldiers, Black Hunters are more like mercenaries. A private company that works for money. But… it’s not that simple.’

Black Hunters performed a wide range of tasks. While their primary responsibility was fighting the Abyss, their work extended far beyond that.

From bodyguarding and security to even participating in wars between nations, though rare, their roles were incredibly diverse compared to regular Hunters.

However, this diversity came with risks.

Conflicts between Black Hunters were common, and some took on dirty jobs, like assassinations or other crimes, depending on their personality or morals.

While the pay could be lucrative, approaching the profession recklessly could lead to serious trouble.

After explaining this, I ended my account with a note of caution, expressing my concerns.

Iare listened quietly, her calm demeanor unshaken.

“Okay,” she said finally, nodding slightly. “As you mentioned, there are indeed Black Hunters involved in illegal activities. For that reason, the government imposes significant restrictions on the profession.”

“Yes, I’m aware of that,” I replied. Then, after a brief hesitation, I added firmly, “And since we’re discussing this, I want to make one thing clear: if your work is in any way related to crime, I have no intention of being involved. No matter how much the pay is.”

I meant every word.

No amount of money would convince me to step into a life of crime.

I wasn’t in desperate need of cash, and above all, I still carried the personal convictions of a soldier, someone who once took pride in protecting the country.

As I finished my declaration, for the first time since we began speaking, Iare’s expression softened. A quiet smile appeared on her lips.

It was a stunning smile, one that momentarily shook me to my core.

“You don’t have to worry about that,” she said gently.

“Ah… is that so?” I stammered, feeling my face grow slightly warm as I instinctively sought confirmation.

Iare nodded and replied in a clear, confident voice.

“Of course. While it’s true that some Black Hunters engage in illegal activities, our company only handles work that complies with the law. We’re a fully certified, legal organization, so you can rest assured on that front.”

“Then, I’m relieved to hear that,” I said, exhaling lightly.

Though I would need to verify the details later, I decided to trust her words for now and moved on to the next topic.

“Then… could you tell me more specifically?” I asked. “What kind of work would you like me to do if I were to join your company?”

“Of course,” Iare replied.

She took another sip of water, as though slightly parched, and then spoke again, her voice carrying a hint of tension.

“Jinhyun… I’d like to make you my adjutant. You’d be responsible for assisting me and my comrades.”

“Umm…”

The moment she said it, I felt my heart sink slightly.

I had been expecting this to some extent after hearing her mention Black Hunters, but even so, hearing it said aloud left me feeling instinctively uneasy.

Having worked as an adjutant for four years, I was no stranger to the role. I knew the responsibilities, the demands, and the sacrifices it entailed.

But that was precisely the problem.

After enduring so much as an adjutant in the past, the very idea of stepping into that position again made me flinch.