Hunters Keep Coming To My House - Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Meanwhile,

As Yeon-oh and Arvani left for flight training together, the two left behind were looking at each other with a chilliness.

It was unbelievable how they had trained together under Kang Yoon-soo in the past.

It seemed they viewed each other as nothing more than competitors to overcome, and sparks were flying from their eyes as they faced each other.

After a silent staredown for a while, the one who broke the silence was Han Seung-hoo, who currently disliked Jung Tae-il more than anyone else.

He leisurely opened his mouth while pretending to make a wand attack motion, as if he knew it wouldn’t bother Jung Tae-il at all.

“So, what’s the deal, Jung Tae-il?”

“What do you mean?”

“What kind of deal are you making with Sister Yeon-oh?”

“Calling this a deal?”

“Isn’t everything you do a deal?”

So, he had arrived early that day, Han Seung-hoo recalled as he glared at Jung Tae-il.

It was still a vivid memory.

Upon hearing the news that Kim Chok had moved first, he headed to the government building a little earlier than the agreed-upon time with Yeon-oh.

But lo and behold, wasn’t there someone unrelated to this matter at that spot?

No matter how twisted his insides were while looking at Jung Tae-il from a distance.

There was only one impression from that day.

Again, to Jung Tae-il.

The sense of deprivation struck again, having lost another player to that guy Jung Tae-il. Although Han Seung-hoo had told himself that he was the only one close to his sister Yeon-oh, the simmering anger could not be contained.

Suppressing that frustration, he created an excuse to contact Yeon-oh first, only to find out that she was already with Jung Tae-il. Moreover, they were together at Yeon-oh’s house, appearing even closer than before.

This made it inevitable for Han Seung-hoo to be wary of Jung Tae-il. So, taking advantage of the moment when Yeon-oh briefly left, he asked about it in a friendly manner to understand what was going on inside Jung Tae-il’s mind.

Understanding his intentions, Jung Tae-il casually swept his hair back with a smirk. 

“Since when did the efforts of the Master, trying to recruit a talented hunter who tamed an S-level Hatchling, turn into a scheme?”

“…” 

Han Seung-hoo remained silent.

“Your thoughts haven’t changed, whether it’s now or when you were young, Han Seung-hoo.”

“…Jung Tae-il, let’s be straight. Do you have any feelings for Sister Yeon-oh? Are you trying to take her away just because I and Brother Yoon-soo are showing interest?”

How many hunters did he bring along anyway? Han Seung-hoo teased Jung Tae-il with a twisted smile. Jung Tae-il always enjoyed taking a moment to appreciate what ‘Janwol’ did.

In a situation where Kang Yoon-soo had discovered a skilled high-level hunter and even scouted them, Jung Tae-il managed to snatch away that hunter through various means. He could still vividly recall Kang Yoon-soo’s unfortunate expression, who had advised him not to get too upset since the choice was up to the hunter.

“Brother Yoon-soo is being kind to you. Talking about someone who left just because they didn’t like being in his embrace.”

“Speak properly, Han Seung-hoo. I didn’t leave because I didn’t like it; I became independent. It’s not good for too much power to be concentrated in one guild.”

“That sounds reasonable.”

“Kang Yoon-soo isn’t saying anything either. I don’t understand why you keep raising your voice. Do you have an inferiority complex or something?”

It’s not like this is something that will tear them apart. Why is he acting like this?

Having several hunters ranked within the top 5 in one guild was quite dangerous. A guild with enough determination could potentially control a whole country. Therefore, Jung Tae-il had prepared to leave ‘Janwol’ ever since Han Seung-hoo declared he would stay in Kang Yoon-soo’s guild.

This decision was actively supported by Kang Yoon-soo as well, who also believed that concentrating too much power in one guild was not a good idea. Thus, Janwol and Overflow began to tread different paths, recruiting skilled hunters and engaging in friendly competition while clearing gates.

However, not everyone agreed with this decision. Even at that young age, Han Seung-hoo was even younger. He had lived thinking he was the best in the world. His family was wealthy, and upon awakening as a hunter, he was S-level.

The person who taught him the bitter taste of defeat, someone he already harbored negative feelings toward—was none other than Jung Tae-il. Despite already having a dislike for Jung Tae-il, the constant interference from guild matters naturally led Han Seung-hoo to be wary and confrontational.

Having found someone he truly didn’t want to lose after a long time, and with Jung Tae-il boldly declaring he would take that person away, it was only natural for Han Seung-hoo to be defensive. 

After all, Jung Tae-il had declared he would take away someone Han Seung-hoo didn’t want to lose.

But inferiority complex? Where did that come from?

Han Seung-hoo’s brow narrowed completely. Scratching at others’ feelings with an indifferent tone was something Jung Tae-il had always done, then and now.

“Yeah, inferiority complex. You have it, Jung Tae-il.”

“…”

“I mean, I’ve never beaten you once in all the time we’ve trained together. They say it’s a matter of compatibility, but it’s annoying.”

“Ha.”

Jung Tae-il sighed as if annoyed, furrowing his brows. He wanted to call Han Seung-hoo a childish brat, but thinking about the lectures he would receive from Kang Yoon-soo later, he kept his mouth shut. Instead, he brought up another point.

“The reason you can’t beat me is simply that your mastery is still lacking. I awakened earlier than you and trained for more hours. Do you think you can catch up to that?”

“…”

“Where is your age going, seriously.”

Although he still referred to him as a kid, Han Seung-hoo’s momentum had softened slightly. It was because Jung Tae-il was hitting the nail on the head, much to Han Seung-hoo’s frustration.

As the initiative in the conversation shifted to Jung Tae-il, Han Seung-hoo tried to regain control by opening his mouth. However, Jung Tae-il was a step ahead.

“Also, if you lose Seo Yeon-oh, it’ll be for the same reason.”

“What?”

“It means I’ve captured her heart better than you.”

“Huh, you?”

“I’ll be more trustworthy than you, who whines like a child.”

Especially for Seo Yeon-oh, who is trying to overcome her limits and become stronger. In an instant of frustration, Han Seung-hoo reached out to grab Jung Tae-il by the collar.

Jung Tae-il could easily avoid it, but instead, he chose not to dodge and let Han Seung-hoo grab him, much like an uncle playing with his nephews. 

As a result, it was Han Seung-hoo who felt a surge of anger.

“Hey!”

“I let you grab my collar because it seemed like you wanted to, and now you’re still dissatisfied?”

“Are you kidding me right now?”

“The joke is what you’re doing right now. The only reason I’m putting up with this pathetic attempt at mischief is that Kang Yoon-soo asked me to. Fighting externally instead of through training between you and me is not something that should happen.”

Casually muttering, Jung Tae-il shook off Han Seung-hoo’s hand. Then, he slowly adjusted his clothes and sighed.

“Also, something I’ve wanted to say since earlier… Seo Yeon-oh is not an object, but a person. She’s not something you can possess just because you want her.”

“…What?”

“It seems you’re frustrated because you’ve encountered someone who doesn’t move according to your wishes after a long time. At least maintain some basic manners. Do you think it’s right to say you’re stealing someone?”

Is stealing and being stolen a term applicable to people? Well, speaking of wanting to possess and saying such things might be contradictory. Jung Tae-il exhaled deeply and muttered to himself.

There was no need to reveal his true feelings even after giving advice. He glanced at Han Seung-hoo, who only furrowed his brow at his words, and turned his head away.

He felt the Blue hatchling approaching from a distance. 

“Certainly, if it’s Seo Yeon-oh, she might pay attention to this atmosphere.”

He wished she hadn’t noticed anything between him and Han Seung-hoo for no reason. Jung Tae-il brushed his hair roughly and looked at Han Seung-hoo.

“Han Seung-hoo, Seo Yeon-oh is coming.”

Certainly, by now, Han Seung-hoo would have understood the message to drop that arrogant demeanor. Even without confirming, a sly character like him would behave well. 

Jung Tae-il slowly moved toward the landing spot where Yeon-oh and Arvani were about to land.

As the strong wind and sand swirled around, Jung Tae-il raised his arm to protect his eyes. When the sand and dust gradually subsided, revealing the blue sky.

“Hey, Jung Tae-il? I found a griffin nest over there. Let’s go hunting quickly! Flying is perfect now!”

At this point, the joyous voice of Seo Yeon-oh made Jung Tae-il faintly smile.