Solo Panicking

Next Step

You followed the group through the gate, stepping back into the warmth of the human world. There was something comforting about feeling the familiar Korean air on your skin after the chilling cold of the frozen world. The White Tiger members sprinted ahead, eager to distance themselves from the dungeon, while Song-Yi practically skipped in her relief. You and Jinwoo walked at a slower pace, Ignis perched contentedly on your shoulder, basking in the familiar warmth.

As you stepped through the portal, you felt Igris shift against your neck, his small form now noticeably more relaxed. His tiny trill of contentment made you chuckle, and you reached up to scratch under his chin. Igris nuzzled against your face, his purring vibrating against your skin. The simple interaction was a balm, grounding you after the intensity of the dungeon.

You were pulled from your thoughts by excited shouts from outside the gate. The surviving hunters were being called out one by one, and the crowd's elation was almost tangible.

"HUNTERS GO MYUNG-HWAN AND YOO KI-JOONG!"

"HUNTER PARK HEEJIN!"

"THEY CAME BACK!"

"THEY SURVIVED!"

"HUNTERS SUNG JINWOO AND L/N Y/N!"

As the cheers filled the air, the noise abruptly died down as the gate closed, leaving only the six survivors and no sign of the other hunters. The celebratory atmosphere shifted to one of tension. You saw anxious expressions, a few shocked faces. The absence of Kim-Chul and the other guild members hadn't gone unnoticed.

"Only the low-ranked hunters have survived? No A-Rank and only a single B-Rank?" a man with a mane of orange hair muttered, his scrutinizing gaze lingering on you and Jinwoo. You recognized him instantly—Baek Yoon-Ho, the White Tiger Guild Master.

He watched the two of you as you and Jinwoo walked past him, apparently not quite finished with your presence.

"Let's go. I'll drive you home," Jinwoo said to Song-Yi, but before you could even leave the area, a large hand clamped down on Jinwoo's shoulder, halting him.

"Hold it. Let's talk for a bit," ordered Baek Yoon-Ho. His tone was unyielding, his presence commanding. Jinwoo stiffened at the contact, but his expression remained calm as he brushed off Baek's hand.

"I'm currently tired. If you've got something to ask, go ask your guild members," Jinwoo replied coolly, taking a step forward, making it clear he had no intention of lingering.

But Baek wasn't going to let him off so easily. With a low, rumbling growl, Baek's eyes took on an intense yellow glow, his pupils narrowing to slits. "I am Baek Yoon-Ho, the Guild Master of White Tiger. We lost nine guild members from this incident. As the Master, shouldn't I be allowed to ask some questions?"

Jinwoo's expression hardened, and he turned, meeting Baek's gaze with a glint of defiance. "So what? I saved the remaining three people. If you're the master, shouldn't you thank me first?"

The tension between the two men was palpable, each assessing the other. It felt like the calm before a storm, their combined auras thickening the air. Eventually, Baek sighed, releasing some of the aggression in his posture, "You're right. I apologize."

With that, you were able to continue to Jinwoo's car. You took the passenger seat, Song-Yi settling in the back, and Jinwoo took the driver's seat, his expression unreadable as he started the car and began driving. For a few minutes, there was only the quiet hum of the car's engine. You removed your thick winter coat, finally feeling the heat beginning to settle back into your bones.

Song-Yi broke the silence. "Unnie?" She glanced at you, her gaze flicking to Ignis, who was nestled contentedly on your lap. "I was wondering..."

You hummed, continuing to stroke Iggy's back, and he leaned into your hand, purring happily.