That Face Is the Problem - Chapter 25.1
Unbeknownst to anyone, there was always a subtle power struggle among hunters within every guild. It was inevitable in a world where ranks and ratings created hierarchies and where teams were classified as Team 1, 2, 3, or A, B, C, with some teams considered superior and others slightly lower.
Sang-min had intentionally mentioned that point for others to hear. Rumors like this spread quickly, and if a post appeared in the hunter community, Jae-gyeong could immediately be labeled as a “rank discriminator.” Sang-min was quite familiar with these public opinion battles.
Sure enough, other hunters, pretending not to be interested, began sneaking closer toward Jae-gyeong and Sang-min or casting glances in their direction. Except for Da-sol, who was wearing headphones and running diligently on the treadmill, everyone in the gym was focused on Jae-gyeong and Sang-min.
“I was trying to be nice because you are new, but why does Hunter Jeong Jae-gyeong come here after hearing rumors and frame someone like that? I never thought you had such a sly side.”
Jae-gyeong trembled slightly at the sharp increase in Sang-min’s voice and all the eyes turned toward him. He truly, truly hated this situation.
Ri-na, holding a 150kg specially made dumbbell for awakened hunters in one hand, strode over. She stood beside Jae-gyeong, glaring at Sang-min.
“What is going on?”
“Oh, Hunter Yoo Ri-na. Long time no see. I just got cursed at by that new hunter of yours for no reason. Don’t they check personality when recruiting for Team 1 these days?”
Sang-min’s tone had softened compared to earlier, but his words still carried a sharp edge. He was really the type to be sticky and flirtatious toward men, but with Ri-na, he was calm and polite. Even so, the content of his words was still unpleasant.
Jae-gyeong remained silent, staring at Sang-min. High-rank hunters were legally prohibited from using skills outside of dungeons, but in reality, many hunters did not follow this rule.
Even within the same guild, it was not uncommon for hunters to fight each other as long as no one reported it.
At that moment, Jae-gyeong was calculating his next move. Verbal sparring would clearly be a loss, and he did not know much about public opinion battles. He was focused entirely on physical strategy, thinking hard about which skill to use or whether just pretending to miss a punch with his bare fists could be enough to assert dominance without causing serious injury.
Ri-na chuckled lightly and lifted her chin.
“What nonsense? Our new tank barely even talks, let alone curses. You should know who you are insulting.”
“Hah, just now that’s new… what did you call them?”
“The new tank. Newbie tank. What of it?”
“Yes, the new tank supposedly cursed at me. What was it again?”
Sang-min’s voice was calm but louder than before. He seemed to have excellent resonance in his voice. Eventually, even Da-sol, still on the treadmill with headphones, stopped and looked toward Jae-gyeong and Sang-min. He seemed unaware of what was happening.
“What exactly did they say?”
“My mouth is too dirty to say it directly, but―”
“They called me Nam-mi-sae. A guy crazy about men.”
Jae-gyeong explained clearly, though quietly. Ri-na burst out laughing.
“Oh, what? I thought it was something like ‘this f***ing idiot.’ Nam-mi-sae? That’s it? Really? You’re literally Nam-mi-sae. You provoked Da-sol and got slapped, remember?”
“What did you just say?”
Sang-min’s face turned bright red. He genuinely seemed unaware of his nickname. He placed both hands on his hips and turned his head to show his disbelief. Then he noticed a teammate from his own team and called him over.
“Hunter Park Gam-ja, come here! Team 1 says my nickname is Nam-mi-sae. Have I ever been clingy or flirty with a hunter? Crazy about men?”
Park Gam-ja approached reluctantly. True to his name, he looked like a potato, small, with a short neck, and a face with an overall earthy tone. His skin was slightly rough, his bangs thick, and he wore round, thick black glasses, giving him a stifled impression. He looked like the type that any desperate Nam-mi-sae would ignore completely.
“Wow, this is unfair.”
Ri-na let out a sigh full of meaning.
“Hunter Oh Sang-min, the team leader, already told you not to cause trouble. Just leave. Everyone can see what you’re doing.”
Even Park Gam-ja did not seem to have good feelings toward Sang-min. However, Sang-min apparently thought Gam-ja would take his side, and he draped an arm over him.
“No, these people ignore us because we are Team 2! Do I look like I’m not angry? Team 1 is going to take all the mana crystals from the candy dungeon. Aren’t you upset, Hunter Gam-ja?”
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