WHO'S THAT GIRL? [VOL. 1 PREMIERE]

E-ZONE 011.

Before the apocalypse happened over two decades ago, E-ZONE 011 was known as the Jirisan National Park.

Sadly, half of what used to be a popular hiking destination was now a Lair.

A 'Lair' was a term used to describe the kingdom created by intelligent monsters known as 'Strays.'

On the other hand, 'Strays' were the type of monsters that came out of a neglected dungeon.

Even if it had been more than two decades post-apocalypse, the technology that the Hunters had developed so far still wasn't enough to detect every single dungeon appearing all over the world.

Hence, Dungeon Breaks— the incident where a neglected dungeon would burst and release monsters— were still the world's biggest problem.

It was especially true for South Korea, known as the "center" of Lairs.

For some reason, dungeons and Sinkholes were attracted to their small country.

"I'm hungry."

"We still have plenty of beef jerky, right?"

"I want to eat a warm and delicious meal for once, stupid. We've already run out of instant potato soup after getting stuck here for a month. Plus, it's freaking cold now even with all the Items we're using to keep us warm!"

Right.

The weather had become colder and harsher because it was already winter— the first week of December, to be precise.

Unfortunately, their team couldn't leave the E-ZONE 011 yet.

After all, monsters would usually hibernate during winter, like how most animals would. However, before going on a hibernation, those monsters would grab as many humans as they could and store them as food.

Namwon, a small town surrounded by Jirisan Mountain complex, had a small and typical Korean village called Yeongsan. There were people living there, despite the danger of being close to a Lair. And that was exactly why their team couldn't leave the mountain yet.

"Don't worry, everyone— I've already ordered food for us."

The Hunter named Josh— a Korean-American Hunter who had returned to South Korea just last month after being recruited by the Bookworm Guild— knitted his eyebrows at what Team Leader Quake, a Hunter who got his 'stage name' because of his ability to create destructive earthquakes, claimed.

He ordered a food delivery?

What kind of restaurant would offer a delivery service in an E-ZONE area?

E-ZONE areas are areas taken over by Strays, so they are strictly off-limits to Civilians.

Ah.

"Is this your way of comforting us, Team Leader?"

Hunter Josh only realized that he said that out loud when their entire team— a team composed of six B-Class Hunters and two A-Class Hunters— all looked at him.

"Oh, right. This is Hunter Josh's first time getting assigned here," Hunter Josh, the Team Leader, said with a bright smile on his face. "I was assigned here at Namwon City six months ago, in a different area. That was when I discovered this restaurant that accepts food delivery in E-ZONE areas."

Hunter Josh knitted his eyebrows. "Then does it mean the delivery rider is a Hunter? Civilians aren't allowed in E-ZONES, after all."

"Yes, the delivery rider is a Hunter— an F-Class Hunter, to be precise."

Now Hunter Josh was even more confused.

F-Class Hunters are not that different from Civilians when it comes to physical strength. They just have slightly sturdier bodies than regular humans. And a few skills that are rarely useful in fighting monsters or raiding dungeons. That's why F-Class Hunters are given the choice to just donate their Mana every three months if they're incapable of fighting.

So, how?

Hunter Quake looked around.

They were currently at the peak of the Cheonwangbong trail. The last 1km of that trail was called the 'staircase of hell' because of how steep the steps were.

As if the terrain wasn't bad enough, there were also monsters in the mountain.

Will an F-Class Hunter-slash-delivery rider make it here alive?

As if on cue, he heard a loud engine that sounded like it was coming from an old motorbike.

When Hunter Josh lifted his head, he saw it.

A vintage beige scooter was headed their way— and it was freaking slow.

Hence, he had the time to observe the delivery rider. The person was wearing a silver helmet, but their body suggested their gender.

It's a woman…

And wow.

The woman had really long, creamy, and shapely legs.

Hunter Josh wasn't lusting after a stranger— he just couldn't help but notice the woman's body because she was, like, 90% legs.

That was an exaggeration, of course.

Who wears a very short dress in this freezing weather?

The female driver was wearing an oversized varsity jacket over her short dress, and a pair of knee-high boots, but the overall outfit was still too light for how cold it was.

"Oh, Miss Young is here."

"Miss Yang?"

"No, it's Viki Young," Hunter Quake corrected Hunter Josh. "She has an English name. And she kind of looks Wasian like you, Hunter Josh. Maybe she's also mixed?"

"You sound excited, Team Leader."

"Hunter Josh, don't get shocked once Miss Young removes her helmet."

The warning came a little too late.

Viki Young— the female delivery rider— had already removed her helmet.

Silky and luscious platinum blonde hair fell on the woman's shoulders.

When Hunter Josh focused on the woman's face, he realized two things.

First, she has pretty silver-blue eyes.

Second…

How can someone be so freaking gorgeous?

Only high-ranking Hunters should have the perk of getting their physical appearance "upgraded" by System Sola.

But this woman is an F-Class, so is she just naturally beautiful?

"You're still here, Quack-ssi?"

Oh.

Even her voice is beautiful…

"It's 'Quake,' Miss Young," Hunter Quake said cheerfully. "Thank you for coming all the way here to deliver our food."

"Nah," the woman called 'Miss Young' said casually. "I'm getting paid for this job, so no need to thank me."

And then Miss Young dismounted from the scooter after putting the foot pegs down."

Oh, she's tall for a woman.

Hunter Josh was 180cm tall, and the woman was the same height as him.

Miss Young opened the top box attached to the rear of her vintage scooter, and then she lifted her head to look at Hunter Quake. "You ordered three boxes of pizza: sweet potato, bulgogi, and pepperoni. Plus, a box of fried oyster mushrooms, a box of crispy potato balls, and a box of mozzarella sticks. Finally, two 1.5 bottles of cola. Correct?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Hunter Josh was a bit taken aback when Hunter Quake spoke to the woman politely.

After all, Hunter Quake was an A-Class Hunter and a team leader in the Bookworm Guild— a relatively small yet famous guild known for having a high success rate of clearing Lairs.

So, why is a person of such stature being extra polite to a mere F-Class delivery rider?

"Come here and get your food."

"Yes, ma'am."

Hunter Josh was even more shocked after Hunter Quake and the high-ranking officials of their team lined up in front of the woman.

Miss Young then handed out the boxes of food to the members who lined up one by one.

"Thank you, Miss Young," Hunter Quake said politely, bowing to the F-Class delivery rider after receiving the three large boxes of pizza from her. "Are you still not selling fried chicken? Fried chicken and pizza are a good combination, ma'am."

"My restaurant will never sell any kind of chicken dish," Miss Young said while shaking her head. "Plus, our fried oyster mushrooms are delicious— they taste like fried chicken, but healthier."

Hunter Quake chuckled. "I'm sure they'll taste great. I love your pizza."

"Then you better enjoy them thoroughly, since this is the last time we're selling pizza."

"Oh, right. Your restaurant is called 'Monthly Cravings' because you change your menu monthly. So, what food did you hyper-fixate on this time?"

"Pyongyang Naengmyeon since it's already winter."

"It's really weird how naengmyeon is a winter dish, huh?"

Hunter Josh was confused by the friendly conversation between Hunter Quake and Miss Young.

The other Hunters with them were acting like everything was normal.

But not to me!

"Miss Young, how did you arrive here safely?" Hunter Josh asked when he wasn't able to hold his curiosity anymore. "There are monsters all over the mountain!"

He then pointed at the thick book placed above the bonfire's small flame.

But the thick book wasn't burning at all.

"That Item is the only thing that's keeping us unnoticed by monsters," Hunter Josh continued with his rant. "If you don't know, that book is an invention of Hunter Cha Hyein-nim— aka the Domain Goddess. It's a very expensive Item, but it's worth it because it helps us hide from monsters—"

"Ah, shut it."

Excuse me?

Did a mere F-Class delivery rider just talk down to a B-Class Hunter?

Yes, Hunter Josh was "only" a B-Class Hunter. But his skills to analyze monsters' anatomy and determine which part could be useful to Hunters were the reasons he was scouted by the Bookworm Guild even while he was in America.

Our guild is under Hunter Cha Hyein-nim's umbrella, so how dare a lowly woman talk down to me?

Hunter Josh glared at Miss Young…

… and then a shiver went down his spine.

The way Miss Young was looking down at him coldly made Hunter Josh feel so small, like he was just a big pest that she could step on if she really wanted to.

How could a mere F-Class release such an aura…?

"Miss Young, I apologize on behalf of my team member," Hunter Quake said, smiling apologetically to the F-Class delivery rider. "Actually, he just arrived in Korea recently to join our team. Plus, this is his first time being assigned here at North Jeolla Province, so he hasn't heard about you and your restaurant yet."

"Ah, I see," Miss Young said, nodding as if she was enlightened. "I was wondering why a brat is trying to pick a fight with me."

"Brat?" Hunter Josh asked in disbelief. "How old are you, Miss?"

"I'll be thirty this coming New Year. Why are you asking? Are you going to send me a gift?"

Oh.

She's older than me.

Hunter Josh didn't expect that since Miss Young looked like she was only in her early twenties.

"Based on your reaction, it seems like I'm older than you," Miss Young said casually. "You're lucky I have a soft spot for people younger than me, so I'll answer your question." She then patted the top box of her scooter. "This scooter is actually an S-Grade Item."

Hunter Josh gasped in disbelief.

An F-Class Hunter owns an S-Grade Item?!

"The top box is also an Item that allows me to store food inside. If the food is cold, it will remain cold. If it's hot, it will remain hot. And they won't get expired as long as they're inside," Miss Young explained. "I named my vintage scooter 'Lucky Vicky' because it's an Item that boosts my luck enough to protect me from A-Grade monsters and below. As long as I'm riding on this scooter, monsters won't find me."

That was an amazing Item and a very useful skill!

So, why…?

"Why are you delivering food?" Hunter Josh asked, confused. "You should join a guild and use your skill for the greater good…"

He shut his mouth instantly when the air around Miss Young suddenly changed.

Heck, he even took a step back unconsciously.

She's not frowning or glaring, but I feel like her sharp gaze could kill me…

"Don't piss me off," Miss Young said with a smile on her face. "My skills and Items don't work inside a dungeon. Plus, I'm an F-Class Hunter— we're not allowed to raid dungeons. That's why the Mayor of Namwon City gave me permission to use my abilities as a support for Hunters in the area through food delivery. What more do you want from me?"

"Our guild specializes in clearing Lairs," Hunter Josh insisted. Miss Young was scaring him, but he could be stubborn when work was involved. "We can use your luck—"

"My luck only works on me— it won't protect you. The Local Hunters Center has already done several tests and concluded that my luck skill drops significantly when I'm in a group," Miss Young said, cutting him off. "Don't you think the local government would have thought of exploiting me first if I could share my luck with other Hunters?"

Hunter Josh still argued. "If you let me know the exact description of your luck skill, then I'll help you figure out how to use it properly."

"Aigoo," Miss Young said in a tired voice, and then she turned to Hunter Quake. "Quack-ssi, that kid will die first on a real battlefield."

Hunter Quack bowed his head in apology. "I'll teach him better, ma'am."

What?

Hunter Josh was confused once more.

Why is Hunter Quake acting like that when he's older than Miss Young?

"I'm going ahead," Miss Young said while waving her hand. "Enjoy your meal."

Hunter Quake and the others answered politely at the same time: "Thank you, ma'am."

And, just like that, Miss Young was gone.

Hunter Josh couldn't believe they let such a "golden goose" go.

"Team Leader—"

"Hunter Josh, stop," Hunter Quake said sternly. "Don't look down on Miss Young just because she's an F-Class Hunter. If you can't tell who not to mess with on the field, then maybe you're not suited for this job. I know you're book smart, but you also have to be street smart if you want to survive in our guild."

Judging by the reaction of the other Hunters around Hunter Josh, it seemed like everyone agreed with the Team Leader.

Hence, he just kept his mouth shut.

For now.

"I know that Miss Young's skills could really be useful to Hunters like us who destroy Lairs instead of raiding dungeons. But it's not wise to wake up a sleeping giant," Hunter Quake said, patting Hunter Josh's shoulder. "There must be a reason why the local government here is letting Miss Young run a unique restaurant instead of asking her to join a guild, so let's just respect their decision."

Hunter Josh clenched his hands tightly, and then he forced himself to nod.

But I'm not giving up.

***

HUNTER JOSH stayed in Namwon City even after his team had finally cleared the Lair at E-ZONE 011 five days ago.

He spent those days investigating 'Viki Young.'

Well, his subordinates did.

Fortunately, the F-Class delivery rider was famous not only in Namwon City— but in the entirety of North Jeolla as well. To be precise, the woman was famous among Hunters assigned to E-ZONES all over the province.

Viki Young, 29 years old, currently living in Yeongsan Village.

She has a restaurant called 'Monthly Cravings' and…

"Oh, she has five foster siblings? All minors, all Civilians," Hunter Josh said while looking at the pictures of five teenage boys with colorful hair colors. "Maybe that arrogant woman will listen to me once I get my hands on her siblings."

***

"SUPER chewy noodles, clean and ice-cold beef broth, julienned Asian pear, hard-boiled egg and slice beef— of course, we can't forget the mustard to make it slightly tart and spicy," Viki said to herself cheerfully while cooking pyongyang naengmyeon— her favorite food at the moment— in her restaurant's kitchen. "Should I start a food vlog to earn more money?"

She only stopped talking to herself when her phone rang.

It was from an unknown number.

Usually, she would have just ignored it. But, for some reason, there was a strange force that urged her to pick up the call.

And, so, she did.

"Hello—"

"Miss Young, if you want to see your siblings alive, come to the location I sent you."

Oh, kidnappers.

The voice was unfamiliar to her, but it wasn't like it mattered.

"You have the kids, huh?"

"I'm glad you're quick-witted. Since you're smart, I'm sure you know better than to call for help."

"Don't kill them."

"We won't harm your siblings if you show up alone—"

"I'm not talking to you," Viki said coldly while taking off her apron. "Kids, do you hear me?"

The voices that she knew and loved answered her right away: "Yes, Mama!"

"Good— now, come home and bring those bastards with you."

"As you wish, Mama~"

Viki looked up at the ceiling and counted in her head.

1, 2, 3…

BOOM.

A Violet Warp Hole appeared on the ceiling and "spat out" her children.

They didn't come alone, but she only focused on the kids.

Blue.

Yellow.

Pink.

Red.

Green.

Ah, they have proper names now.

"Welcome home," Viki said, smiling at her children while calling them one by one— according to their birth order. "Nam Juno, Han Nora, Chae Baam, Do Eunwoo, and Yu Gamin."

My alien babies.

***

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