To hunters, the Association is a place for low-grade hunters seeking a steady income. There are no tasks demanding high-grade hunters, hence lower salaries and incentives.

Yet, here they were, offering such a large sum. It was suspicious, but before I could be wary, the man continued.

“Join Recon Team 7 and protect my daughter.”

“Your daughter…?”

“I am the President of the Korea Awakening Association.”

That day, I was sold, or rather, joined the Association. More precisely, I was employed as a personal bodyguard to the President’s daughter.

I thought she’d be a weak hunter, needing her father’s protection. If she’s that weak, she shouldn’t be a hunter in the first place.

Every family has its precious child, I thought to myself.

But it turned out she was an A-grade hunter.

“Me, work with her?”

That was Moon Ga-young Hunter, my senior from the academy.

“No way.”

“…”

I recognized Ga-young immediately. Her sharp gaze, high ponytail, and confident posture were typical of a combat hunter.

Among hunters, she was already a rising star. But she rejected me outright.

“He looks weaker than me.”

Ah, right… she was also known for her unpleasant personality.

My pride was wounded. She must have seen my white hair and pegged me as a supporter. Supporters’ magic usually shines brightly.

Of course, physically, I was weaker…

“I graduated as the top supporter from the academy this year.”

Yes, I was the most sought-after new supporter!

“At least he can provide minimal protection.”

The President, having paid a fortune for me, didn’t seem to expect much, soothing her with ‘minimal protection’.

“I think he’ll just be a burden…”

“If you don’t go with Han Ryeo-un Hunter, you can’t join Recon Team 7.”

“What? Ugh… Fine, okay.”

Her reluctant attitude hurt my pride, but I gritted my teeth and endured it.

I’ve signed the contract, so let’s make it worth the money.

It’s only for one year. Just endure for a year.

I’ve been sold for money. Sold for money.

Just close my eyes and endure for one year!
Thus, Ryeo-un became part of the Recon Team 7, serving as the exclusive supporter for Ga-young.

Work in Recon Team 7 wasn’t particularly challenging.

Although high-grade hunters often received support requests from expedition teams, under the protection of the Association President, Ga-young and Ryeo-un were exempted.

With no participation in expeditions and minimal menial tasks, the work environment was optimal. After all, the primary purpose of creating Recon Team 7 was to find Hunter Jo In-young.

But the real issue lay elsewhere.

The protectee was way too intense. Overwhelmingly so.

[‘Han Ryeo-un(A)’ uses ‘Holy Booster(A)’ on ‘Moon Ga-young(A)’.] [‘Moon Ga-young(A)’s stats skyrocket.]

“Huff, huff. Senior, please, let’s go together!”

And she was too fast. If I lost sight of her even for a moment, she would disappear, leaving her supporter behind.

Naturally, applying speed buffs and various enhancements to someone already swift had predictable results.

[‘Moon Ga-young(A)’ uses ‘Pulverize(A)’.] [‘Mimic(A)’ dodges.]

“That thieving little…!”

Ga-young was currently chasing a ‘Mimic.’ During their cave rest, the Mimic had stolen Ga-young’s necklace and fled.

Mimics are treasure chest-shaped monsters fond of shiny or valuable items.

Being a monster with all stats poured into agility, it was not easy to catch, even with Ryeo-un’s buffs.

Ga-young, with fiery determination, pursued the Mimic.

“Just a moment! Moon Ga-young Senior! Calm down, let’s go together!”

“Why are you so slow! We’ll lose it at this rate!”

“We came to find Hunter Chae Dong-hwa, not to catch Mimics!”

“It took my necklace!”

[‘Mimic(A)’ uses ‘Catch Me If You Can(A)’.] [‘Mimic(A)’s movement speed dramatically increases.]

“There it goes…!”

“Senior!”

Ga-young rapidly disappeared into the distance, soon becoming a mere dot before vanishing.

Even as an A-grade, Ryeo-un was still a supporter class. The Blue Starlight Valley was dangerous for him.

“Ha, ha… This is why we don’t go alone!”