I Became the Younger Sister of the Game's Villain - Chapter 11.1
“I really don’t know how to thank you enough…….”
I awkwardly waved my hand in front of the formally bowing Hunter Kang Min Hee.
The rescue team that arrived late had cleared floors 4 and 5 in just a few minutes, making all my struggles seem in vain.
They split into two groups as they exited the portal: one to close the tower and another, the rescue squad, to take me and Kang Min Hyung out.
Of course, I knew this, but…
‘I didn’t expect Kang Min Hee to come herself.’
Ranked 17th, Kang Min Hee, a close-combat hunter.
Unlike other hunters who preferred long weapons like greatswords, spears, or axes, she specialized in fighting with daggers.
That’s what made her live and die in style.
Even if she was fighting, she never lost her flair, earning more adoration, especially among those who valued style over substance.
In the Akka universe, she was one of the hunters with celebrity-level popularity.
‘…And also quite cool.’
She was my favorite character, too.
Embarrassed to face her directly, I sneaked a look behind Kang Min Hee.
Now that the tension had dissipated, Kang Min Hyung, whose face was flushed red, was transported for emergency like the articles said, though the circumstances were slightly different.
Watching Kang Min Hyung being taken to the ambulance with a worried face, Kang Min Hee then returned to my side.
“Do you not need to go with him?”
“I need to stay and tidy up the site. Once again, thank you for saving my brother.”
“Oh, no, it was nothing. Just trying to survive together.”
I felt almost twisted up with repeated sincere thanks.
Of course, I had exerted myself a bit to save him.
Given that the mission had started with the intention of using him…
‘It stings my conscience.’
To forget the slight guilt, I glanced at the rewards screen.
【You have cleared the MISSION!】
【Calculating Achievement… 】
【You have received 8,000 diamonds.】
Considering I had been to the brink of death, the reward seemed scant.
But well, it felt somewhat satisfying.
My mind was already busy planning how to use it.
Maybe keep a thousand diamonds as emergency funds, use the rest to unlock some of Lee Moa’s memories and skill information.
Oh, and leave some for buying newspapers…
Thump thump.
I felt a tap on my shoulder, pulling me back from my thoughts.
It was Kang Min Hee.
She handed me a stiff business card bordered with gold.
‘Kang Min Hee of White Bone.’
The simple card carried a significant weight without any verbose description.
“If you need help, contact me, and I will assist you with the honor of the White Bone. You can ask for any mental or financial compensation.”
Kang Min Hee, still bowing politely, had a lingering shimmer in her eyes.
I had thought she was calm and professional, handling the situation like a pro.
‘But of course, that couldn’t be.’
It was all just a front Kang Min Hee put up.
Now, seeming relieved, she let out a quivering sigh.
“…When I received the call from my mother, I truly understood what it means to feel like your heart has dropped for the first time. Ridiculous, right, in this day and age. Losing someone you love has become so common…”
“Just because it’s common doesn’t mean you’re desensitized to it.”
She looked at me, surprised, eyes wide.
I felt a twinge of awkwardness, my face stiffening.
What are you saying, Yoon Chae Hee?
‘Do you even have the right to say that?’
Awkwardly, I stashed the business card deep into my inventory and rummaged through my pocket.
Turning on the smartphone screen, the missed calls and texts caught my eye first.
「Missed Calls 23 – GSB, GSB… / Received Texts 8」
‘A stalker?’
I scrunched up my face and quickly cleared the notifications.
Then, mustering all my cordiality, I turned back to Kang Min Hee with a warm smile.
“Can I have your number?”
She took the device with a light smile, seemingly content.
Despite some hiccups, everything seemed to be going smoothly.
As I watched her fingers tap on the screen, feeling a sense of relief,
“Lee Moa.”
The voice of Lee Gyeom, contemplating, interrupted.
***
Tick, tock. Tick, tock.
The sound of the clock’s second hand was the only thing cutting through the vast silence of the living room.
It felt like I had seen this scene just recently.
Sitting on the sofa, I fiddled meaninglessly with my fingers.
The one who had cast this somber mood had been staring out at the black-dyed outside, silent, for several minutes now.
Suddenly, I had regrets.
‘I should have checked Gu Seo Bok’s texts.’
「Guild Masterㅇ – GSB」
It was too late when I grasped the back of my head after seeing the last message sent like an ultimatum.
Gu Seo Bok was nowhere to be seen on my way back home.
‘He was fired. That’s a bit of a shame.’
As I was lost in thought, Lee Gyeom turned around.
Our eyes met, and neither of us looked away.
Lee Gyeom’s face was expressionless, void of any emotion.
And so was mine.
“I’ll continue to go into the portals.”
I spoke first with a cold face.
If we were going to clash over every little thing, it was better to nip it in the bud.
Whatever his reaction was, it didn’t matter.
I was not Lee Moa, nurtured in secretive surveillance, needing either thorough protection or oppression, but Yoon Chae Hee.
“I have no intention of dying.”
I added shortly, and Lee Gyeom’s face slowly contorted with pain.
I swallowed hard as I watched his silhouette stagger slightly.
I knew nothing about what Lee Gyeom was still hiding.
He paused for a moment, then slowly lifted his head.
“Go ahead.”
“……”
“And feel it. Realize how reckless what you’re attempting is.”
That was the end of it.
As Lee Gyeom’s door closed quietly with a click, the breath that had been taut in my chest finally loosened.
“He’s making a fine art out of being angry.”
If he knew what I was doing was saving someone, he’d be bowing his head all night in gratitude.
I grumbled to myself, but what can I do?
‘I have to save both myself and him.’
Massaging my throbbing temples, I stood up.
The spacious living room felt even more empty and cold than before.
“…I want to go home.”
I muttered softly as I flung open the door to Lee Moa’s room.
