"Castorice-ssi, you walked right past the stop...?"
Following closely behind Castorice, Han Song-Yi—who had been daydreaming about latching onto this powerhouse and making a fortune—finally showed confusion on her face as she watched Castorice stroll past the station without a second glance.
"Ah... my apologies. I... intended to walk there."
Only when called out did Castorice finally halt.
Belatedly realizing her mistake, she wore a somewhat troubled expression.
"I... cannot ride public transport with others. Perhaps you should wait here for the bus. I'll head to the Association Headquarters first. By the time you arrive, I should have already completed my rating."
"...Huh?"
This wasn't the first time Han Song-Yi had been taken aback by Castorice's aversion to others getting close, but this instance topped them all.
Avoiding public transport just because she doesn't like people near her?
Then how on earth did she travel long distances before?
"No! I'll still go with you, Castorice-ssi!"
Though she found it strange, Han Song-Yi had finally managed to cling to this powerhouse.
They hadn't even exchanged names yet, let alone contact information. Maybe this was a test from Castorice-ssi?
Gritting her teeth, Han Song-Yi insisted.
Castorice hadn't expected such persistence. The distance wasn't far—if she picked up her pace, she could reach the headquarters in a minute or two.
After all, the entire country of Korea wasn't that large.
But for this girl, it clearly wasn't the same.
Wait... come to think of it, she still didn't know the other's name...
"I've forgotten to introduce myself. I am Castorice. You may also call me... Thanatos Castorice Polyxia."
That was the name Castorice had listed on her identity card—one from her documents back in Y Country, and the other adopted after arriving in Korea.
Amber had loved the story of Castorice and Polyxia.
Although Polyxia hadn't been "summoned," at least she could keep her name recorded alongside Castorice's.
In Y Country, names were composed of surname, given name, father's name, and mother's name. But adding Polyxia to it... well, there wasn't anything wrong with that either.
Having said that, Castorice took out her phone. "Let's exchange numbers."
"Oh! I'm Han Song-Yi, Castorice-ssi."
Han Song-Yi hadn't expected to exchange contact information under these circumstances.
Wasn't this supposed to be a test?
Though she thought so, she didn't hesitate, immediately pulling out her phone to save the contact. A weight in her heart eased somewhat.
"You may take the bus here, Han Song-Yi-ssi. There's no need to force yourself to keep up with me."
Seeing this, Castorice spoke again. "Please rest assured, if I decide to leave the party, I will inform you in advance."
"Well... alright then."
Having exchanged contact details, Han Song-Yi felt less anxious about losing this connection.
Noticing Castorice's formal speech, she added, "Castorice-ssi, you don't need to call me '-ssi' or anything. Even though we just met, we're sort of... friends, right? Calling me '-ssi' feels too distant. Besides, I'm not some important figure."
Boldly, Han Song-Yi outright classified their relationship as friends.
"Is that... so."
Castorice's expression gave little away, but her complex tone didn't seem resistant.
Han Song-Yi carefully gauged her reaction, nervously awaiting the next words.
"I understand. If Han Song-Yi doesn't mind..."
This wasn't the response Han Song-Yi had expected.
She had considered that the other might reluctantly accept, politely refuse, or outright deny it—but she never anticipated this sort of reply, tinged with a sense of inferiority, as if Castorice felt she didn't deserve friends.
Han Song-Yi grew even more puzzled.
Castorice's looks were arguably the most beautiful she had ever seen, surpassing even celebrities.
Moreover, from Castorice suggesting she go ahead and wait for the bus, to that man's fawning attitude earlier, and the off-the-charts mana levels during the test, it was clear Castorice was incredibly powerful.
Why would someone like her think others wouldn't want to be her friend?
Come to think of it, she always kept her distance from others...
Rather than others not wanting to befriend her, wasn't it more that she actively kept people at arm's length?
"Of course I don't mind! But among friends in Korea, we usually don't call each other by our full names."
Though unsure why, Han Song-Yi knew now wasn't the time to probe such topics, so she simply moved past it. "In that case, Castorice-ssi, just call me Song-Yi."
"Mhm."
Castorice nodded, glancing at the bus approaching the stop, and bid farewell. "Then, Song-Yi, we'll meet again soon at the Hunter Association headquarters."
"Alright!"
After parting ways with the newly acquainted girl, Castorice slipped into an alley, then leapt onto a rooftop.
Moving in a straight line across the city skyline not only allowed her to observe the urban landscape but also saved time by avoiding winding roads.
Through continuous jumps and observation, she reached the Hunter Association headquarters in just over a minute.
Compared to the earlier branch, the headquarters was noticeably larger, with a greater flow of people.
Following the signs inside, Castorice found the rating floor and saw a long line stretching before the front desk.
Just as she was wondering how to queue, a man with slicked-back light brown hair and professional attire approached her.
"Excuse me, are you Castorice-ssi?"
"Yes."
It seemed that director had notified headquarters.
Castorice nodded directly.
"Regarding your rank test... it may require about two more days of preparation. We sincerely apologize for the delay."
After confirming her identity, the man immediately bowed in apology. Though his expression remained neutral, his respectful wording and proper demeanor left no room for criticism.
"I see..."
Hearing this, Castorice frowned slightly. This differed from what the director had said earlier.
Though not in a particular hurry, she had agreed to team up with Han Song-Yi. She had hoped to quickly settle the license matter so the two could register as a party afterward.
"If you're in a rush, I can arrange an introduction to the Hunter Association Chairman."
Seeing her expression, the man promptly offered an alternative.
"Then I'll trouble you with that."
So there was a VIP channel after all. Given what the director had implied—that including her, there were only ten S-Ranks to date—it would be concerning if there weren't any special privileges.
"Understood. Please follow me."
The man respectfully acknowledged and led Castorice to the elevator, ascending to the top floor.
Pushing open the door labeled "Chairman's Office," they saw a tall, burly man with several scars on his face.
Seated behind a desk, he appeared around seventy or eighty years old, yet his posture showed no signs of frailty—instead, he exuded a robust and imposing aura.
Contrary to his appearance and presence, however, was his warm, amiable smile.
"I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly, Castorice-ssi. I had prepared a pot of tea for you, but the water hasn't even heated yet."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.