"Yes, sir."
(Yah! Where the hell are you? Huh? Why aren't you back at the office yet?)
The moment he answered the call, a barrage of shouting erupted from the other end.
'Seriously, does this guy have not even a speck of basic manners?'
Suppressing his irritation, Lee Si-woo responded calmly.
"I'm in Gwanghwamun."
(Gwanghwamun? Why the hell are you there? Did you go all the way there just to eat?!)
"Well, it just kind of happened. Had lunch here."
(Lunch? In Gwanghwamun? Why go all the way there to eat? When the hell are you coming back?!)
"Hmph."
Si-woo pinched the bridge of his nose. Annoyance was creeping up fast.
Honestly, what did it matter if he had lunch in the States or even on the moon? As long as he got back in time, wasn't that all that mattered?
"Haa..."
A sigh slipped out involuntarily.
(Wait. Did you just sigh? Are you out of your damn mind? You faked being sick all morning, slacking off, and now you have the audacity to sigh while I'm talking?! Have you lost it?!)
Manager Oh was fuming. The guy already had issues with controlling his temper, but today, it was on another level.
Ah, but of course—Manager Oh's anger issues only ever showed when dealing with subordinates. He never lost his temper in front of higher-ups or Hunters. Quite the opposite, actually. In front of them, he groveled so low his head might as well touch the ground.
(You idiot! Didn't you hear me? Get your ass back here this instant!)
Manager Oh was the type of person who had to rub people the wrong way with every word he spoke.
Si-woo had no interest in engaging any further. He lowered his voice.
"Listen here, Manager Oh."
(What? Listen here? You talking back now?!)
"Don't interrupt me. Just listen. When someone treats you with respect, you should act accordingly. Otherwise, you'll end up humiliated."
(You—you done talking...?)
"No, I'm not. So shut up and listen. Our lunch break is until 1 PM, so what's with all the fuss? Anyway, I was planning to take the day off, but on second thought, I think I should drop by the office to see you. So, sit tight. Got it?"
(Yah! Lee Si-woo!)
Click—
Si-woo hung up without a second thought.
"Hooah!"
Relief washed over him like a breath of fresh air.
'Some people only understand when you put them in their place.'
Up until yesterday, he'd held his tongue, afraid of any repercussions at work. Like most employees, he had lived as an 'Eul'—the subordinate, bound to his job like a lifeline.
But now, everything had changed.
'I'm a Hunter now. And not just any Hunter—I hold a double title.'
In an instant, he had gone from being an 'Eul' to a 'Gap'—from powerless to powerful.
How could he not be thrilled?
Even as he thought about it—
Bzzzt—Bzzzt—
His phone vibrated furiously.
No doubt, Manager Oh was the one calling in a fit of rage.
Naturally, Si-woo had no intention of answering.
Click—
Instead, he pressed the power button, shutting off his phone before slipping it into his pocket.
For some reason, he found the situation amusing.
Rustle—
Si-woo opened the envelope he had received from the KHA (Korea Hunter Association).
Then—
Flick—
He pulled out his Hunter license to inspect it.
[Hunter Rank: E]
[Hunter Type: Growth-Type Hunter]
[Hunter Specialty: All-Rounder]
It was the official license issued by the KHA.
Along with the detailed certificate—
[Nationally Certified Hunter License]
[Rank: E]
There was also a smaller, more portable version.
Scratch—
Si-woo ran his fingers over the credit card-sized ID.
This card was essential. Without it, he wouldn't be authorized to enter any of the gates opening across Korea. All gates were strictly managed by their respective governments.
'That was quick.'
Normally, it took one to two weeks for the KHA to process a license after measuring a Hunter's energy levels.
But Si-woo was an exception.
The KHA's director had personally intervened to expedite the process.
'So this is why people scramble to have powerful connections.'
Slip—
Si-woo tucked the Hunter ID into his wallet.
From now on, he would live as a Hunter.
And the first step was to tie up loose ends at his company.
"Hah."
The thought of quitting made him chuckle.
A thrill bubbled up inside him.
'Alright, let's do this.'
With an eager heart, Si-woo made his way toward the bus stop.
Clank—
As soon as he stepped into the office, all eyes were on him.
No doubt, Manager Oh had already caused a scene.
And the reason was obvious.
'Did he take his anger out on the other employees because of me?'
The man truly had a rotten personality.
Si-woo glanced around.
'Lee, what did you do?!'
'Manager Oh might actually kill you.'
'Why would you provoke him?!'
The silent messages on his coworkers' faces were loud and clear.
Step—Step—
Ignoring them, Si-woo headed straight to his desk.
Only people who feared losing their jobs worried about things like this.
Thud—
The moment he sat down, he checked the time.
12:59 PM.
Perfect timing—not a second late.
'Not that it matters.'
He was quitting anyway. Punctuality was the least of his concerns.
Smirk—
A grin tugged at his lips.
Click—Clatter—
He turned the key to his desk drawer and pulled out a single sheet of paper.
[Resignation Letter]
The ultimate trump card for every office worker.
'If I ever win the lottery, I'm submitting this first thing!'
'Once I find another job, I'm slamming this on my boss's desk!'
'I'll quit the moment I save enough money!'
A fantasy most employees entertained but rarely made reality.
'But for me, it's real.'
Suppressing a laugh, Si-woo picked up the letter.
'Time to settle things once and for all.'
Just as he was about to start packing—
Clank—
Step—Step—
The office door swung open, and in walked Manager Oh, his face twisted with irritation.
'Trying to intimidate me? How cute.'
If he had still been an ordinary employee, Manager Oh's arrival would have felt like the grim reaper coming to collect.
But now?
'Pathetic.'
Si-woo met his gaze, utterly unfazed.
Manager Oh's scowl deepened as he growled, "Lee Si-woo. Get over here."
His voice was low, meant to intimidate.
Classic Manager Oh.
Si-woo didn't bother answering. Instead—
Slide—
He stood up and—
Step—Step—
Walked over, exuding confidence.
And just like that, the game had changed.