Rise of the SS-Rank Hunter.
That's the title of Shiro's novel.
When he first published it four years ago, it garnered tons of attention, winning awards here and there. Due to the rave reviews of his loyal readers, the publishing company pressured him to write more, thus the start of the novel's sequels.
However, those sequels quickly became the one book he couldn't publish, and had to revise over and over again, no matter how painstakingly he tried, thanks to his editor, who refused to approve it.
Shiro rewrote it so many times, not even Baek Seungho, the editor himself, was sure of how the story would unfold. Of course, the key characteristics of some characters remained after all the revisions.
One of the most memorable characters in that story is Baek Raehwan.
The Guildmaster of one of the best guilds in Korea, specializing in auxiliary hunters. He is also the head of one of the biggest companies in the country, a chaebol through and through.
He has a tall figure and an attractive face. He even awakened as an S-Rank Hunter. Rich, handsome, capable, and strong. The very definition of a perfect bachelor.
However, there is one thing that keeps the ladies away from him.
Obviously, it's that ridiculous obsession he has over his little brother.
He loves his brother so much that when Ryu Jinmu beat him to death, he swore to avenge that very same brother and chose to torment the main character as much as he could. He exerted all the influence he could muster to get in Jinmu's way, openly threatening his life for everyone to see.
Baek Raehwan grieved his brother's death even until the last draft of the novel.
A cunning villain who's always getting away despite all the evilness he's done. That was Baek Raehwan's character. A bro-con avenging his brother.
But weirdly enough, the novel never revealed anything about his dead brother apart from him falling in love with the main character, and doing everything he could to get his way with him.
Baek Haemin stared at the status window with a deep frown on his brows.
"The guy who wasn't even important enough to be mentioned by name is an SS-Rank? What does that mean?"
He laid down on the pillow and closed his eyes.
…How curious.
***
Baek Haemin spent about a week at home exploring the system and researching the previous owner of his body.
Contrary to his expectations, Baek Raehwan hasn't shown up all that time, giving him ample time to prepare for their first encounter.
They say it's only been a year since the Blue Dragon, Ryu Jinmu's guild, was created. And since Baek Haemin still hasn't died, this should be somewhere between the first book and the second book's timeline.
After reading what seemed to be an endless number of articles about Baek Haemin, he could summarize what the public thinks of him.
First, Baek Haemin has a preference for men. He's currently pining for the SS-Rank Hunter, Ryu Jinmu, who in turn, hated him for his stalking behavior.
Second, he's a brat who acts like a brat, always wanting to get what he wants in the way that he wants. A spoiled brat through and through, and his bro-con of a brother always gives in to his little brother's whining.
Third, and most importantly… Baek Haemin is one of the rarest support hunters, and also currently the best in Korea. More importantly…
The phone screen blinked, showing his online hunter license.
Baek Haemin, A-Rank Hunter.
…He's hiding his true rank.
Pop!
Using his thumb, Haemin subconsciously cracked his knuckles.
Why, though? If he's a spoiled brat who likes to throw his brother's name around to get his way, then why hide your true rank? Doesn't being an SS-Rank Hunter give you far more prestige than being an A-Rank Hunter? Why do it?
Knock knock.
Jiwon entered his bedroom and politely smiled.
"Young master, it's time for dinner."
***
Walking down the hallway, Haemin noticed the servants actively avoiding him. Even though a week has passed, he's still bothered by their uncomfortable gazes.
His light steps halted, which made everyone around him freeze.
One maid started to tremble when she felt him staring at her, ready to kneel down if her young master ever got mad.
The young master opened his mouth, but didn't speak. He just went on his way to the dining area silently.
A long table full of food that's clearly too much for one person was presented by the chef who seemed extremely proud of his skills.
Yet another fancy dinner… Well, I guess I should just be thankful I get to eat all this expensive food without doing anything.
Baek Haemin ate his food, satisfying his taste buds that were slowly getting used to the luxury each day.
Times like these make me think transmigrating isn't so bad, after all. I don't have to work. I could play around all day and still live happily. Ah, life is so good. Should I just coop myself up here until the storyline ends? I mean, Baek Haemin is just a minor character. I don't have to be involved in anything, and Ryu Jinmu would take care of everything whether or not I'm in the picture, right?
Mmh, what a nice day to be an extra.
He turned to Jiwon, who's standing behind him.
"Jiwon-ah, is there any news about the Blue Dragon guild?"
The servants flinched at his question, but Han Jiwon calmly answered.
"Yes. The Blue Dragon Guildmaster and their Team 2 are getting ready to conquer an A-Rank dungeon soon."
"Hmm, I see."
Our main character is working hard, huh? Please keep on doing that and keep the peace on the continent.
One of the servants filled his glass with mango juice. Haemin noticed the servant's shaking hands while doing so.
He narrowed his eyes,
"By the way,"
The servant hiccuped at his voice.
"Why is everyone wearing a black mask?"
It's time to address one of the things that was bothering him about this manor. Each and every servant of Baek residency is wearing black masks. To say that it's for fashion would be overdoing it. Clearly, there must be a good reason why everyone's wearing it.
All the servants around gasped. They looked at each other in perplexity, waiting for someone to answer for all of them.
Even Han Jiwon looked hesitant.
What? Did I say something wrong? I just asked a simple question. It's not that hard, is it? What's up with those faces?
After a minute of awkward silence, Jiwon decided to step up.
"Young master Haemin-nim was… Wasn't it you who ordered us to do so? You said you hate to see anyone who looks prettier than you… sir. That's why we have to cover our faces around you."