Huh? What's this?
Just as my hand reaches for the doorknob of my newly purchased home, a screen suddenly appears in front of me.
[Scanning...]
I freeze. My heart pounds loudly in my chest as a series of messages pop up before my eyes.
[Scanning complete.]
[Receiving information: complete.]
[Role assigned: School Headmistress.]
My eyes widen. My stomach drops.
"No way... Is this what they call the hunter's choosing process?!"
Panic swells in my chest. My entire life, I have avoided anything and everything related to hunters. Becoming one would bring nothing but disaster! This will completely ruin my plans for a quiet, laid-back life!
[Would you like to view your status?]
[Yes/No]
"No!" I shriek. "I don't want to view my status! In fact, take back the role! I don't want to be a hunter!"
[Processing instructions...]
[Error. Instructions cannot be processed.]
...Of course. Nothing in life is ever that simple.
____________________
____________________
Elaine Ardent, age 17, an honor student dreaming of a peaceful and comfortable life. And that girl... is me.
When I was ten, my parents were killed in a massive monster invasion—the largest in history—resulting in over 10,000 deaths. Although the city quickly rebuilt, the survivors could never recover from the loss of their loved ones.
My mother's family, who lived across the country, mourned my parents' deaths. They carried deep regret for not being able to convince my parents to move away. Carrying that regret, they adopted me.
I had rarely met my grandparents or extended family before that day. Meeting them under such circumstances—without my parents—broke something inside me.
To make matters worse, before the invasion, countless complaints had been filed about monsters escaping a nearby dungeon. It was a clear sign of an imminent outbreak. And yet, no hunters stepped in to stop it. The dungeon was deemed unprofitable, so they ignored it.
When the truth came to light, the news media broadcast the entire scandal. Reporters interviewed the grieving families and the people who had issued complaints. Outrage spread like wildfire, and the Hunter Association was bombarded with criticism.
Their response? A half-hearted apology.
Since that day, I vowed never to be involved with hunters. I only wanted to live peacefully in a quiet land—nothing more, nothing less.
My grandparents, as it turned out, were surprisingly wealthy. One of my uncles, Rowland, is the guild leader of Dawn Phoenix, one of the top 20 guilds. He constantly tried to convince me to reconsider my stance on hunters, but I never wavered. My grandparents, on the other hand, spoiled me with gifts—perhaps to make up for lost time.
I had overheard their stories before. My mother had always refused financial help from her family. She wanted to build her own life. Maybe I inherited that same stubbornness.
Ding!
A text notification.
Rowland:Elaine! Where are you? 🥺
I glance at my phone. I'm turning 26 now. After years of working two jobs, I've finally saved enough money to achieve my dream: my very own home.
Bzzz… Bzzz…
A call? I sigh and pick it up, already knowing what's coming.
"Elaine! Why aren't you answering my texts?!" Rowland's voice, full of exasperation, rings through the phone.
"I'm fine, Uncle Row. I was just busy signing some paperwork, that's all."
"Paperwork? Wait—you were actually serious about moving to that isolated village?!"
I had told him before that I was saving money to move to a quiet coastal village called Canaver. My grandparents and uncle probably thought I was joking.
"Yes," I say firmly. "I already bought a piece of land there. Didn't I tell you this before?"
"W-Well, yes, but I thought—"
"Uncle, I'm 26 now. I have a stable income and enough savings to live comfortably. You don't need to worry about me."
Despite my blunt tone, I love my family dearly. I know they only want what's best for me. But sometimes, I just want to rest. To watch the sea. To live on my own terms.
"But what about—"
"I'll call you twice a week and visit Grandma and Grandpa regularly. Once I settle in, I'll even invite you over."
"And your job? What if food prices go up? How will you manage?"
My phone screen flashes—10% battery remaining.
"I'll figure it out. My phone's about to die, Uncle. We'll talk later."
"Wait! Where are you staying right n—"
Click. Call ended.
Hah... What a long day.
"Thank you for waiting! Here are your documents and the key to your new home."
The assistant, who had been helping me through the process, hands me a file with the official ownership documents, along with the very key to my new house.
"Ah! Thank you!" I can't help the excitement seeping into my voice. I can't believe it—I finally have my own home.
"If you encounter any issues, please don't hesitate to contact us," the assistant says with a polite smile.
I nod and step out of the building, my heart swelling with anticipation.
My dream is finally coming true.
That's what I had thought of course...