DO NOT join the Expedition?
Navi raised an eyebrow at President Jung Bin's stupid request. "I can see why you didn't choose me as Won Yiwon's partner this time, but I can't see why I should completely give up my ticket to join the Expedition. I had to swallow my pride and accept the position as the support team's leader. Now you're asking me to quit the Expedition altogether? Give me a proper reason before I snap here."
"Allow me to be frank then," President Jung Bin said. "Hunter Ahn Navi, we believe that your presence in the Expedition will only hinder Hunter Won Yiwon's growing relationship with Hunter Cha Hyein."
"What relationship are we talking about here?"
"We're not talking about personal relationships, Ahn Navi," Ahn Sunja, her mother, said firmly. "As you already know, Hunter Cha Hyein has the same ability as you do. Hence, it shouldn't be difficult for Hunter Won Yiwon to sync with her. But that's not the case."
"Hunter Won Yiwon refuses to work with Hunter Cha Hyein properly," President Jung Bin added. "We believe it's because he thinks we're trying to replace you with Hunter Cha Hyein."
"Isn't that the case, though?" Navi asked, scoffing. "You're not trying to hide the fact that you want Cha Hyein to replace me."
"Don't be too narrow-minded, Ahn Navi," Ahn Sunja scolded her. "In the past, it was okay for natural S-Class Hunters like you to hunt down monsters and raid dungeons on your own. But we're at the age where Hunters like you should work together. After all, Sinkholes and dungeons are getting more and more dangerous recently."
That was true.
The appearance of Sinkholes and dungeons wasn't just frequent these days— their grades were also on a dangerous level.
That's why the high-ranking Hunters are busy these days.
"Hunter Won Yiwon can't be stuck with you— especially when you can't raid dungeons anymore," Ahn Sunja continued with her harsh words. "You can't even use your power without putting the world at risk, Ahn Navi."
Right.
Because whenever I use my power, my Corrupted Mana increases. So, there's always a chance for the heart of the Calamity to possess me.
In short, Navi was nothing but a walking ticking bomb now.
"We need Hunter Won Yiwon to work with other Hunters, especially Hunters with compatible abilities with him," President Jung Bin said. "But as long as you're there, Hunter Won Yiwon won't cooperate with other Hunters. We're afraid that's the reason for Hunter Won Yiwon's stagnant growth."
Navi clenched her hands tightly. "Are you blaming me for that?"
President Jung Bin raised his hands as if to surrender. "Hunter Ahn Navi, we're telling you this because we thought you'd understand. After all, we know that you care about Hunter Won Yiwon a lot."
"And now you're guilt-tripping me?"
"Ahn Navi, I already told you to keep an open mind," Ahn Sunja said sternly. "You're bringing Hunter Won Yiwon down with you."
"Excuse me?"
"Hunter Won Yiwon has never participated in any away mission because he doesn't want to leave the country without you. He has missed so many chances to get stronger and grow his connections—"
"Did I tell him to do that?" Navi asked, cutting off her mother as rudely as she was acting. "Does Won Yiwon know about this?"
"Hunter Won Yiwon doesn't know about this," President Jung Bin said. "It's entirely my and President Ahn's decision to exclude you from this year's Expedition. And we're doing this because we want our strongest Hunter to grow—"
"Bullshit."
President Jung Bin and Ahn Sunja both flinched not only because Navi cursed, but because all the glasses in the room broke.
Including the tea set on the table.
"Get out of my sight before I lose it," Navi said in a cold voice. "I'm joining the Expedition whether you like it or not."
***
SHOULD I tattle on Won Yiwon?
Navi couldn't sleep that night, so she grabbed her phone and checked her inbox for the first time in a week.
The Elites had sent her a message.
And she made the mistake of opening Lee Hansol's long text first.
PS: Just apologize since I bet it's your fault.>
"This jerk is always nagging me," Navi complained lightheartedly. "And why does he think I'm always the cause of my fights with Won Yiwon?"
"Aww. Junghwan really reminds me of my late grandmother."
"As expected, Seokjinnie really knows how to play hard."
Navi felt a bit better after reading her childhood friends' messages.
However, she immediately got sad when she realized something important.
"Won Yiwon hasn't sent me a single message after our fight…"
But, come to think of it, Won Yiwon had never sent Navi a message first.
I'm always the one who initiates our text and call conversations…
"Won Yiwon, does it mean you won't contact me unless I reach out first?" Navi complained, throwing her phone on the bed. "I won't do it this time."
***
The night before the Expedition…
MY HEART hurts.
Navi was devastated that Won Yiwon didn't send her a single text message for the past week.
The Expedition is already tomorrow…
"This is crazy," Navi whispered to herself while lying down on the floor, staring at the fancy ceiling of her penthouse. "Does it mean my relationship with him would have ended a long time ago if I didn't keep reaching out to him first?!"
Wow.
Just wow.
To be fair, it wasn't Won Yiwon's fault.
It's just me who thinks our feelings are mutual, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
Haaah.
Instead of feeling hurt or angry, Navi just felt tired.
Like she had gone numb because of exhaustion.
"I just realized that it wasn't only the world I carried on my back— I also carried my entire relationship with Won Yiwon on my own," Navi whispered to herself bitterly. "No wonder my back hurts."
Yeah, that was lame.
But whatever.
Navi grabbed her phone and called her mother, and the great President Ahn Sunja picked up her call almost immediately.
"Ahn Navi, have you changed your mind—"
"Yeah, I'm not joining the Expedition. But don't tell Won Yiwon. I want to be the one to tell him later."
"Good thinking—"
"And I'm also quitting as a Hunter."
"…"
"Is that the only reaction you could come up with after hearing your only daughter say she's retiring? I guess you've been waiting for me to quit on my own," Navi said bitterly. "Rest assured, Eomma. This useless daughter of yours will now live quietly—"
"I've booked you a flight to Paris with your Civilian identity. If we use your private jet, Won Yiwon and the reporters will find out that you're not joining the Expedition."
"Why are you sending me to Paris? Am I being exiled?"
"You're overthinking again, Ahn Navi. I'm sending you there for a short vacation. Clear your mind first before you decide whether you really want to retire now or stay a little longer."
Haaah.
"Why are you suddenly roleplaying as a considerate mother, President Ahn?"
"I'll see you after the Expedition, Ahn Navi."
"Whatever."
Navi ended the call first, and then she threw her phone on the floor.
I'm not really in the mood to go on a vacation, but going to Paris doesn't sound like a bad idea. Maybe I could learn how to make authentic croissants while I'm there, since it's Won Yiwon's favorite bread? Wait, is a croissant a bread or a pastry?
Whatever.
At least, Ahn Sunja did something nice for once.
But, later, Navi would find out that "the road to hell is paved with good intentions."
***
Please ADD