Haru currently stood alongside his fellow hunters at a side while his senior demolished each and every stone soldier in the vicinity—mercilessly.
Apart from the God Statue, Haru didn't entirely obliterate the other soldiers since he wanted his Senior to handle them single-handedly and impress his future bride.
Looking at the awe-filled eyes of the blond hunter beside him, Haru knew his hard work didn't end up in vain.
'Worthy of being the best wingman...' Self-praising, Haru remained still at his spot for the remaining ten minutes before the battle of Cartenon temple finally came to an end.
****
[Outside the Dungeon]
Along with the Dungeon Administrative department of the Hunter Association, there were numerous media staff belonging to different publishing houses standing around the dungeon—in the hope of gathering information about this peculiar gate, which required the attention of more than one S-ranked hunter.
However, as soon as their eyes landed on Nanase Haruka, who has gained international attention recently, hell turned loose.
"Hunter Nanase. What might have caused the renowned hunter to himself intervene in this low-evaluated dungeon? Is the news about Double Lair true?"
"Hunter Nanase, is it true that you have been contacted by your father on behalf of the Japanese Hunter Association, regarding the S-ranked gate?
"Haru-nim! Big fan!"
"Kyah! He looked at me! He looked at me!"
"Hunter Nanase, is it true that you are dating Hunter Sung's sister, student Sung Jinah?"
...
Although the comment regarding Jinah caught his attention, he didn't particularly react to them; knowing full well how even a single reaction would be enough for the rumor to become breaking news.
And for god's sake, Haru didn't want Jinah's picture all over the net.
'I might end up destroying the news channels across the nation...' Haru concluded, noting every news channel's name before advancing with all the hunters toward the open space in front of the school.
Thankfully, the Association staff were able to block the media, providing the hunters to take a breather.
"Hunter Nanase." Hearing his name, Haru turned to look at the redhead mage, Choi Jong-In, who had all his hunters along with the Vice-guild master standing beside him.
"Thank you for your assistance and also, for saving us. If any chance in the future arrives, where I or my guild could help, please don't hesitate to ask."
Choi Jong-In was naturally gratified toward Haru, for not only assisting them but also for practically saving the hunters from getting massacred by those awfully strong stone soldiers.
Haru, in response, just nodded wordlessly. Truth be told, he had something in mind that needed the top guild's cooperation, so he didn't dwell on the customary saying, 'There is no need to be thankful...'.
Soon Choi Jong-In began discussing things with the Surveillance chief as they seemed to be talking about what to declare in front of the media. The need to deliver a comforting message across Korea elevated exponentially now that an S-rank gate has appeared in their neighboring country.
"Hunter Cha." Hearing her name, Cha Hae-In turned to look at Haru.
She thought he would ask for the ring, that's why she was already taking it out; however, Haru just pointed toward his left and slowly muttered,
"I think someone might require your assistance."
Confused, the blond hunter turned toward the direction Haru pointed...only to find her eyes widening as she saw Jin-Woo wobbling on his feet.
Faster than any eye could perceive, she appeared right beside him and supported the man.
"Hunter Sung!"
Jin-Woo, while clinging to his fading consciousness, saw the distressed face of Hunter Cha right before him, as he smiled in defeat and surrendered,
"I might be a little tir...."
Cha Hae-In tightly held the man in her arms, before she turned to look at Haru—hoping to hear what she was supposed to do.
...however, the moment she turned, dust lifted off the ground, and the person disappeared from sight.
*****
"What?! How?!" Was all Jinah could utter upon hearing that her Oppa had collapsed after finishing a raid.
While it wasn't new for her to hear such news regarding her older brother—considering how in the past, her Oppa used to stay at the hospital more than his house—however, things were different now.
Not only has her Oppa become stronger than before, but the person accompanying him is none other than Haru. And Jinah believed Haru more than anyone including herself to entrust her brother to him.
"Calm down, Jinah. He's alright but just fatigued. If any major injury would have been inflicted, you think I wouldn't have healed him?"
Hearing Haru's calm voice, and also feeling his warmth seeping into her skin through his hold around her waist; helped Jinah calm down a little.
Haru found it adorable how Jinah had flailed to escape his hold a moment ago, but now she had become all docile.
"...if you say so." Jinah settled back on his lap and rested herself entirely on him, as they sat at the edge of her bed.
His natural scent overwhelmed her senses, but this sensation was nothing but comforting for her. She wanted to be enveloped in this warmth forever, which signifies why only Haru was the best person to deliver such upsetting news.
By now, the Sung family should get the news and they surely would come to inform Jinah about it.
Enjoying her presence in the meantime, Haru merely held her and didn't do anything further. He knew she must be still distressed despite his assurance.
Rather, now that he had time, Haru decided to tell her about his plans,
"Jinah...I am going to Japan for a short while."
Instantly, Jinah's heartbeat dropped upon hearing those words from him. While Haru's home was far away from the site where the dungeon had appeared, Jinah had a feeling that in the current situation, Haru was not going there to merely spend time with his family.
Her grip on his forearm tightened, and a heavy lump made her choke on her breath.
She wanted to say a lot of things. To reject his plan. To tell him to stay by her side. To not expose himself to such dangers. She wanted to beg him...she was even prepared to emotionally blackmail him so Haru wouldn't go to Japan.
...however, the day she decided to go out with this guy, Jinah accepted Haru entirely. And being a hunter, Haru was obliged to use his strength to protect the people. If she wanted to become an ideal partner of Haru, she needed to support his decisions, not restrain him.
In the end, she only turned to look at him in the eye, before stating, "If something happens to you out there...you know what I will do right?"
Haru chuckled at that as he kissed her lips softly before responding, "I know. Don't worry; it won't take long."
*****
A/N:- Drop a comment.