Chapter 9: A Nutritious Meal for My Child (25 Years Old)

“Statistically, the probability of a licensed professional Hunter dying on their first raid is about 40%. In other words, four out of the ten of you sitting here will die as soon as you enter the Gate.”

“……”

“That’s why we asked you to bring your weapons. So you can protect yourselves in case of emergency.”

“……”

A chill fell over the students. None of them could smile after hearing they might die as soon as they entered the Gate.

“Hahaha!”

Suddenly, Hunter Kim Jaehyun burst out laughing. The students looked at him quizzically.

“Sorry. I just wanted to scare you a bit. The statistics are real, but that probability doesn’t apply to everyone. Top-tier students like yourselves, from the Felix Academy special class, will not only survive but will grow into veterans.”

Sighs of relief echoed throughout the bus.

Next to Ruah, Himari slowly nodded.

“Not to brag, but my team and I are a bit… overpowered for a C-rank Gate like this. So, your safety won’t be an issue.”

He was telling the truth. Olympus Guild’s Raid Division 1 usually handled A-rank Gates, or even higher.

Today’s raid was like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

“But that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Even if it’s a small-scale observation, a Gate is still a Gate. Got it?”

“Yes!”

“Now, let me explain today’s plan in detail.”

Hunter Kim Jaehyun continued his explanation throughout the journey to the mainland.

‘I can’t even skip this….’

Ruah pouted. She was sleepy after waking up early, and she was annoyed that she couldn’t sleep. She’d heard this explanation hundreds of times in the game, so it was boring.

To summarize, they would briefly tour the Olympus Guild headquarters in the morning, have lunch at the guild cafeteria, and then finally proceed to the Gate raid in the afternoon.

“Since the raid won’t take long, we’ll stop by the guild’s exhibition hall so you can explore your future career paths….”

“Haaawm.”

“Are you sleepy?”

Himari, noticing Ruah’s small yawn, whispered in her ear.

“You can… lean on me.”

Startled by Himari’s voice in her ear, Ruah shook her head.

“I-I’m fine! No, it’s okay!”

“Is that so?”

She looked slightly disappointed. Now wide awake, Ruah tried to calm her racing heart and looked out the window.

‘Did I overreact?’

Getting closer to Himari would be beneficial, considering her plans, but the problem was Ruah herself. Her social anxiety made her jump or refuse whenever someone spoke to her, making it difficult to build proper relationships.

‘Considering my plan, I need to overcome this personality to some extent….’

As Ruah pondered this, the bus pulled into the parking lot of a magnificent building.

—Screech!

“Wow, it’s the Olympus headquarters.”

“I’ve never been here before.”

“It’s so shiny…!”

The new students exclaimed excitedly.

“I’ve decided!”

Yoo Juju’s excited voice rang out from the back.

“I’m going to defeat today’s Gate boss and get an early admission here!”

The boys sitting with Juju chimed in.

“Dude, do you think the boss will let itself be defeated by you?”

“A C-rank boss wouldn’t even get a scratch even if you begged it to let you hit it!”

“Ugh!”

Yoo Juju playfully swung their fist as if angered. But then they burst into their characteristic hearty laughter.

‘They’re definitely a social butterfly.’

Their social skills were incomprehensible to Ruah. With that level of friendliness, Juju was practically from a different world.

“Alright, let’s get off!”

The bus stopped, and the students followed Kim Jaehyun off the bus.

“This way, please! I’ll start the introductions!”

Ruah followed at the back of the group, observing her surroundings. It was indeed a wealthy, large guild. The elevator, lobby, and hallways were all luxurious and well-maintained.

The students entered the guild’s exhibition hall and listened to the curator’s explanation.

“Most of the guild’s revenue comes from ‘Rare Metal.’ It’s a crucial metal also used in your weapons. Everyone knows this, but let’s review.”

“Hahaha…”

“When you defeat a monster, this special metal is dropped. Only weapons made with this metal can harm monsters. Does anyone know about the grades of Rare Metal?”

“It’s the same as the monster grades!”

“Correct. Only D-rank or higher Rare Metal can harm D-rank monsters, and only C-rank or higher Rare Metal weapons can harm C-rank monsters.”

Ruah half-heartedly listened to the explanation, focusing on observing the students.

Himari was listening attentively at the front, while Juju was still goofing around with their friends at the back.

‘Did they fight?’

Considering Himari’s attitude towards Juju earlier, something might have happened between them without Ruah’s knowledge.

Ruah decided to keep a close eye on Yoo Juju.

‘They are the most likely to alter the original story.’

Having taken the protagonist’s place and being unpredictable, they were the one she needed to observe most carefully

“—?!”

Ruah flinched and stepped back. Juju was looking directly at her.

‘Did they catch me staring?’

“……”

Juju quietly slipped out of the group and approached Ruah. Being the shortest in the special class, Juju’s eye level wasn’t much different from Ruah’s.

“School Nurse, I’ve been thinking about this since the placement test.”

“Y-yes.”

“Are you… a genius?”

“……?”

Ruah tilted her head, confused. Juju grinned and nudged Ruah with their elbow.

“I only graduated a year early, but you’re already a teacher at such a young age. That’s amazing.”

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

“I’m just curious. How old are you? 12? 13?”

“……”

Ruah finally understood what Juju was saying. They thought she was as young as she looked and considered her a genius for being a teacher at such a young age.

Unfortunately, Ruah was just short for her age.

“I’m twenty-five….”

“No way, you’re lying. Tell me the truth, I won’t tell anyone.”

“I-it’s true. I’m older than you…!”

Ruah timidly switched to informal speech, puffing out her meager chest. But Juju didn’t seem to believe her at all.

“Hee hee, then tell me when we get closer, okay?”

Juju gave a playful smile, patted Ruah on the shoulder, and turned to leave.

“I’m telling you, it’s true!”

Ruah pouted at Juju’s retreating figure. Juju’s overly familiar manner, typical of a social butterfly, didn’t sit well with her.

“Alright, thank you for waiting!”

As the tour concluded, Hunter Kim Jaehyun clapped his hands. Smiles appeared on the students’ faces as they anticipated what he was about to say.

“It’s time to experience the pride of the Olympus Guild, our cafeteria!”

“Ooh!”

“Can we eat anything we want?”

“Yes! The headquarters cafeteria is essentially free, so choose whatever you like.”

The group moved to the cafeteria. Many professional Hunters were already eating in the spacious dining hall. The quality of the food was clearly top-notch.

“Make sure you eat your fill. We’re entering the Gate afterward.”

“Yes!”

The system was that you chose your desired menu and told the staff. The students all looked at the large menu board covering one wall and began their happy contemplation.

“I’m going to have pasta.”

“I’m definitely getting something with a large portion!”

“Seeing undead might upset my stomach… so I’ll just have a simple sandwich….”

The students chatted excitedly.

Ruah also carefully examined the menu. she was about to mindlessly choose the bulgogi set meal when—

“—Wait a second.”

‘Come to think of it, I need to get some supplies before entering the Gate.’

She needed something like a thin, long skewer to execute her plan. The game protagonist had a skill for this, but Ruah had to do the same thing manually.

Since they would be heading straight to the Gate after lunch, she wouldn’t have time to go anywhere else to find one.

‘A toothpick would be enough….’

As she scanned the menu board, one particular dish caught her eye. It was decorated with a small paper umbrella. The tip of the umbrella was similar to a toothpick, which should be sufficient.

—But there was a small problem.

“One pork cutlet set meal, please.”

“One pork cutlet set meal!”

“One steak, please.”

“One steak!”

People placed their orders efficiently and received their food. Feeling embarrassed about saying the name of the dish she wanted, Ruah stood at the end of the line, waiting for all the students to order first.

“Ah! School Nurse!”

“?!”

However, Yoo Juju called out to her loudly, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Wh-what is it?”

“Why don’t you eat with us!”

Juju effortlessly lifted Ruah and carried her to the front of the line. Despite their similar size, Juju was incredibly strong.

“Teacher, you order first.”

Ruah’s legs trembled, and her face flushed.

“Uh… well…”

“What would you like to order?”

Urged by the insistent staff member, Ruah mumbled.

“…Please.”

“Excuse me? Could you speak a little louder?”

“Ugh…”

Finally, with tears in her eyes, Ruah yelled.

“Happy Happy Ttogsuni Children’s Set Meal, please!”

“……”

“…Pfft.”

The students covering their mouths to stifle their laughter was the last shred of their courtesy.

“One children’s meal, coming right up!”

A short while later, Ruah received her children’s set meal in a cute pink bowl. She had secured the decorative paper umbrella as planned, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had lost something precious.

‘Why does a Hunter headquarters cafeteria even have a children’s set meal….’

It was, of course, because the headquarters had a daycare center for Hunters with children.

“As I expected, you’re a kid. I’ll give you a present on Children’s Day.”

“I-I don’t need it….”

Juju winked at her from across the table. Ruah felt completely branded as a child by Juju. She couldn’t even argue, having ordered a children’s set meal.

‘It was a necessary sacrifice. I got the paper umbrella.’

Ruah tried to reassure herself—

But a short while later, after finishing her meal, she spotted a container full of toothpicks by the cafeteria exit.

“….”