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*ੈ ✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 ﹆˚₊

Masterlist

"As I mentioned, it was a 'what if' question on my part. 'What if a reader found themselves in the world of the story they read? How would they react, knowing the events that were about to unfold? Would they intervene, or would they merely observe?'" Her questions left you speechless. She was right. What would you do?

Story pretext

1・✿ ⊹ 2・✿ ⊹ 3・✿ ⊹ 4・✿ ⊹ 5・✿ ⊹ 6・✿ ⊹ 7・✿ ⊹ 8・✿ ⊹

TBA..

Lazy author finally decided to upload this story, English is not my first language so...yeah (´。＿。｀) sorry in advance, need to work on a better summary for this story.

This was originally a Jinwoo x reader fic but I didn't realized I've fallen inlove with Baek Yoonho, so this is now a Baek Yoonho x Reade fic. Will make an alternative for Jinwoo

#Solo leveling fic #solo leveling x reader #female reader #reader insert #baek yoonho x reader #baek yoonho #sung jinwoo #manhwa fic #manhwa x reader #solo leveling jinwoo #solo leveling manhwa #solo leveling anime #solo leveling x you #solo leveling reader insert

psychewards

໒꒰ྀི´ ˘ ` ꒱ྀིა

IN THIS NEW WORLD, NATHANIEL IS THE LIGHT OF YOUR LIFE. you find that he shared the same interest in gore and dead bodies as you, which brings the both of you closer together. you almost didn't believe that a man like him would exist, but you also didn't think being reincarnated into webtoons were a real thing either. guess you were wrong about both.

5・✿ ⊹

*ੈ ✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 ﹆˚₊

Masterlist

AN: My deepest apologies for 2 weeks of absence, .·´¯`(>▂<)´¯`·. I got writer's block. Taglist: @roseapov

✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ Previous chapter

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

[QUEST PENDING] [COLLECT GIFTS] [REMAINING: 0 / 4]

‘So Mother really planned everything…’

Your gaze drifted across the interior of the C-rank Gate that had turned red the moment the raid party stepped inside.

‘She used the frequent appearance Red Gates to place the treasures.’

You had joined this operation as a healer assisting the team from the Knight Guild. Officially, your role was simple—keep the hunters alive.

Unofficially—You were here to collect what Mother had told you, the treasures she had placed.

The dungeon entrance resembled a normal cave system. Cold stone, narrow corridors, the echo of footsteps bouncing along the walls.

But after several minutes of walking, the tunnel suddenly opened.

Blinding sunlight flooded the exit. Beyond it stretched an endless desert landscape. Golden dunes rippled beneath the pale sky.

For a moment, the raid party simply stared. “Why would a cave dungeon connect to a desert…?”

Then the sand shifted, a violent tremor rippled through the ground. And the desert exploded.

A monstrous creature erupted from beneath the dunes, its enormous body rising higher and higher, segments of armored chitin scraped together like grinding stone. Mandibles the size of scythes snapped open.

[Monster Detected] Poison-Toothed Giant Dessert Centipede

Someone swore under their breath.

Another hunter took an unconscious step backward.

“Th-That’s the boss…?”

The centipede let out a screech that vibrated through the air.The ground shook again, a second mound rose from the sand. Then a third.Three enormous centipedes towered across the dunes like living siege weapons.

The hunters’ expressions went pale. “Are you kidding me…”

“This is supposed to be a C-rank gate!”

Instinctively, several of them rushed toward the portal they had entered through.

But the moment they reached it, the gate pulsed. A crimson barrier sealed it shut. The glow deepened into the unmistakable color of a Red Gate.

Silence fell.

One of the hunters whispered hoarsely, “…We’re trapped.”

Red Gates had only one rule: The boss must be defeated to exit the gate.

Slowly, their eyes turned toward you, the Association’s worker.

You remained calm. Stepping past them, you moved to the front of the formation.

“Rest Assured the Association will handle it, Wait here.” you said gently.

Several hunters stared at you in disbelief. One of them grabbed your arm instinctively,“Wait—!” The man hesitated, clearly unsure how to phrase it.“You’re… a healer.”

Park Jongsoo, the guild master of Knight Guild, reached out to stop you, his expression tense with concern “You may be an S-rank, but you are a healer” he said carefully, “I don’t think fighting that thing alone is a wise choice.”

You smiled faintly “Woo Jin-chul taught me a few things.” You slipped off your suit jacket and hung it neatly over a nearby jagged rock and began rolling up the sleeves of your white dress shirt, you flexed your fingers then cracking them. “Self-defense.” Your fox ears sprung up. “ and Monster morphology.” your tail swished behind you before turning into crystal.

The hunters stared.

You began walking toward the edge of the open cave.“Don’t worry, Mr. Park,” you said lightly. “I’ll make it quick, so that we can all go home on time”

[SKILL ACTIVATED] Harmonic Restraint

[OUTPUT REGULATION]

The desert wind brushed past you.Your gaze softened slightly.

Then you dragged the value down.

[OUTPUT SET: 7%]

You exhaled softly.

One of the younger hunters swallowed hard. “…Is she insane?”

Another nodded grimly. No healer could survive something like that. Not even an S-rank.

But then—You vanished. The ground detonated beneath your feet as you launched forward.

Your fist collided with the first centipede’s skull.

CRACK

The sound echoed across the desert. The creature’s armored head exploded inward easily like some eggshell. Its massive body collapsed with a thunderous impact.

For a moment, No one moved

“…What?!”

The second centipede lunged upward.

You leapt into the air, twisting your body to spin and fall. Your crystalline tail whipped forward, the monster’s head split apart instantly, as your tail landed a heavy blow.

The hunters’ jaws dropped.

The third centipede shrieked and charged.

Three glowing orbs formed and floated between your tails.

The orbs merged into your palm. Then—A beam of blinding energy erupted forward like a cannon blast.

The centipede was obliterated. A massive explosion tore across the dunes. Sand and monster fragments rained down across the battlefield.

The hunters stared in stunned silence.

Someone spoke in a whisper. “…Is she really a healer?”

Another hunter slowly shook his head “No healer fights like that.”

More tremors shook the desert. Additional centipedes began emerging from beneath the sand.

But by now the hunters had stopped worrying. They simply watched.

Your movements became a blur across the battlefield. One monster fell with its skull crushed by a single kick. Another collapsed when your tail slammed its head into the ground. A third disintegrated under another blast of energy.

The desert became eerily quiet.When the dust finally settled—several massive centipedes lay scattered across the dunes, or rather, what remained of them.

Fragments, Broken shells, Shattered skulls.

The entire battle had lasted less than five minutes.

Behind you, the hunters stood frozen. Their thoughts perfectly aligned.

'Is she really… a healer?'

Outside the gate

When the Korean Hunters Association received news that a Red Gate had appeared, Woo Jin-chul moved immediately. Within minutes, he had arrived at the site.

The enormous crimson portal loomed over the street, its ominous glow bathing the surrounding buildings in red light.

Jin-chul looked at his wrist watch, checking the time.

“Only twenty minutes has passed…” he muttered.

Red Gates were unpredictable, Sometimes they lasted for hours, Sometimes for days. And even with experienced hunters inside, casualties are guaranteed.

His gaze darkened slightly. He knew you had entered this raid to assist the Knight Guild.For a moment, he wondered whether letting you go had been the right call.

Then, the gate flickered, its crimson glow dimmed. The portal slowly shifted color, from red to blue.

Jin-chul’s eyes widened.“…It’s cleared?”

Moments later, the hunters of the Knight Guild began emerging from the gate. One by one, Alive and Uninjured.

Jin-chul quickly approached them. His sharp eyes immediately found their leader. “Hunter Park”

The guild master straightened slightly.

Jin-chul looked past him, asking where you are.

“Ah, She said she’ll come out later.” Park Jongsoo answered him

Jin-chul frowned. “Later, Why?”

Park gestured vaguely toward the gate.

“She said she’d still be inside anyway…since cleaning up messes like this is technically the Association’s job.”

For a long moment, Jin-chul simply stared at the now quiet gate.

Then he exhaled slowly.

But the bigger question lingered in his mind. If the raid had only lasted around twenty minutes— Then what exactly had happened inside that Red Gate?

Because judging by the expressions on the Knight Guild hunters’ faces… Whatever it was had clearly shattered their understanding of what an S-rank healer was capable of.

And he was proven right.

When Woo Jin-chul stepped through the gate and walked ahead, the desert dungeon stretched endlessly before him, sunlight blazing across the rolling dunes. And there you were

[SYSTEM NOTICE] YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY RETRIEVED ALL HIDDEN TREASURES

[COLLECT GIFTS] PROGRESS: 4 / 4

ALL OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED

You had just finished putting your suit jacket back on. Now adjusting your tie, and dusting the sand from your hair and tail as if you had merely finished a light errand rather than a battle

“I already took care of them,” you said casually. You lifted your shoe, turning it upside down and shaking it slightly as grains of sand fell out.

“All that’s left now is the clean-up of their corpses”

Jin-chul didn’t answer. For a moment, he simply stood there, Speechless.

Before him, the desert battlefield stretched beneath the scorching sun. Enormous carcasses of Poison-Toothed Giant Desert Centipedes lay scattered across the dunes. Some with their skulls crushed inward, others split open, and several reduced to little more than shattered fragments buried in the sand.

Jin-chul slowly adjusted his glasses. His gaze moved from the battlefield…then back to you. And then once more to the fallen monsters “…You did this?” The question slipped out before he could stop himself.

Because even he—someone who had witnessed countless S-rank hunters fight, had trouble believing the scene in front of him.

You finished shaking the last grains of sand from your shoe before slipping it back on, straightening up.

“Well,” you said lightly, brushing a final speck of dust from your sleeve, “I finally got to use everything you taught me.”

A faint smile tugged at your lips. “But I suppose there’s no better teacher than real, hands-on experience… wouldn’t you agree?”

Woo Jin-chul returned his gaze to the fallen monsters laid in front of him before answering briefly “… Yes”

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

You stared at the business card from the White Tiger Guild, your thumb hovering over your phone for a moment longer than necessary.

Why were you nervous? It wasn’t as if you hadn’t spoken to him before.…But this..felt different.

Exhaling softly, you finally typed in the number and pressed call. The line rang once, twice. Then—

“Hello? This is Baek Yoonho, White Tiger Guild Master speaking...”

Your eyes widened slightly.“Eh?” You hadn’t expected him to pick up. It was a business line. You thought it would go through a receptionist first, maybe an assistant—anyone before being redirected to Baek Yoonho himself.

For a brief second, your mind blanked—unhelpfully replaying your first meeting with him. The awkwardness. The state you were in just after awakening.

“Hello?” His steady voice came again

You blinked, snapping back to reality

“O-Oh—my apologies,” you said quickly, straightening unconsciously even though he couldn’t see you. “This is ____ speaking.” you state your name then paused for a moment, carefully trying to sound composed “I was wondering if… you’d be willing to spare some time to spar with me.”

In his office, Baek Yoonho leaned back slightly in his chair, the faintest hint of surprise flickering across his expression.

You called.

Truthfully, he had been thinking about you ever since that day. From the moment you awakened, something about you had stayed in his mind—the strange sense of familiarity. Of kinship.

Another beast-type hunter. Someone like him.

His gaze drifted briefly, unfocused, as old memories surfaced,memories he long burried.

When he had first awakened, people didn’t look at him with admiration. They looked at him with fear and suspicion.

A monster in human skin

A possible threat

It hadn’t taken long for public opinion to change once his strength became undeniable. Fear turned into awe and Respect

But the feeling of being different had never truly disappeared.

So when he saw you—First, in that fragile, disoriented state…And then weeks later, the footage broadcast everywhere. Korea’s newest S-rank. The Association’s diplomat and healer.

And that transformation. A small, fox form— so soft, almost deceptively harmless.

…Cute, even.

A quiet huff of amusement escaped him at the memory. You were nothing like him.

And yet, that contrast alone was enough to keep his attention. More than once, he had considered reaching out. Offering guidance. Passing on the things he had learned the hard way—how to live with power that set you apart, how to endure the weight of being something others didn’t quite understand.

But each time, he stopped himself. He didn’t want to impose. Didn’t want to come off as pushy… or worse, overbearing. You were an S-rank hunter, newly awakened, already finding your footing. The last thing you needed was someone hovering over you and deciding what was best on your behalf.

So he chose to wait. Not out of disinterest—but respect.

Because if you truly needed him… You would come to him on your own.

“…Of course.” His voice returned through the phone, calmly, laced with quiet interest. “Most of my time is spent at the guild these days.”

A small pause, then— “When are you available?”

…

On your end, you hadn’t realized you were holding your breath until you let it out.

A small smile tugged at your lips.

‘He said yes.’

And for reasons you didn’t fully understand yet…That alone made your heart beat just a little.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

Twice a week, that was what you agreed on. One session at the Association’s training facility… and one at his.

Today was the latter. It was still dark when you arrived, the time on your phone read 4:00 AM, the streetlights cut pools of pale light across the pavement as you stood in front of the White Tiger Guild building.

A message from Baek Yoonho sat open on your screen. Simple directions, and a note that the main entrance had been left unlocked.

You stepped inside and followed his directions down a corridor until you reached the gym. Rows of equipment gleamed under soft fluorescent lights. Racks of weights and punching bags— everything a combat-focused guild would need. No surprises there, White Tiger Guild was known for producing physically dominant hunters

Baek Yoonho was easy to spot on the otherwise empty gym, he was at the far end, focused on a heavy lift. He hadn’t bothered with a shirt.The soft metallic clink of weights echoed faintly with each repetition.

For a moment you forgot to move, the sight pinned you in place, Your eyes lingered longer than they should have in the way his muscles flexed under effort, there was something undeniably grounding about it.

You blinked, quickly looking away. ‘Is it just me… or is it warmer in here?’

Before you could say anything, his voice came across the gym, calm and steady, finishing the set “Good morning” he called with a small smile as he racked the weight and reached for a towel, “I’ll be with you in a minute. In the meantime, feel free to warm up on any of the machines.”

“…Good morning,” you replied, a bit softer than intended. Taking a small breath, you moved further into the gym and moved toward the nearest treadmill, trying perhaps a little too hard—to focus on anything other than him—intent on a measured warm-up, even if your heart kept beating a little faster than usual.

…

After a quick warm-up on the treadmill, Baek Yoonho led you down to the open training floor beneath the gym. The space was massive, wide enough for full sparring drills and large-scale combat practice, with plenty of room to move without worrying about walls closing in too soon.

You stepped in beside him, still in the white taekwondo uniform provided by the KHA, while he remained shirtless as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

'Good lawd', you thought, trying very hard not to look too long. 'This man is such a distracting problem.'

Baek Yoonho took his place across from you, rolling his shoulders once before settling into position. His expression was calm, almost relaxed, but you knew better than to mistake that for carelessness.

“Do not go easy on me,” you said, lifting your chin slightly.

Your ears sprang upright, and your tail crystallized behind you, their edges catching the light.

For a brief moment, Baek Yoonho hesitated. He had intended to keep the session controlled, to gauge your current condition before pressing too hard.

‘Should I really—’The thought didn’t even finish

You vanished from where you stood

His eyes widened just a fraction as your tail came hurtling toward him with enough force to crack the floor beneath it. He twisted sharply to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike as the impact sent a jolt through the training ground. The concrete split where your attack landed.

His gaze flicked to the shattered floor, then back to you. ‘Is she really a healer?’ Before he could settle into the thought, you were already coming at him again.

Your claw came next—fast, clean, aimed straight for him.

He stepped back, narrowly avoiding the strike, the air itself slicing where your attack passed.

The corner of his mouth lifted, “Very well then,” He jumped back to put some distance between you, his posture shifting as his own beast traits began to surface. White fur edged into view. His claws extended. His hair turned pale. He settled into a fighting stance, eyes fixed on you with unmistakable focus.

The air between you two changed, this was no longer a light spar.

And for the first time in a long while—

Baek Yoonho felt genuinely excited about it

…

Three hours passed in what felt like minutes. By the end of it, both you and Baek Yoonho were seated on the floor, backs resting against the wall, the faint marks of your fight etched into the reinforced ground and walls around you.

Yoonho tilted his head back slightly, taking a long drink from his water bottle before glancing at you.

“…You’re not really a healer, are you?” he said, voice casual but probing. “Or at least… not just a healer.”

You blinked, then laughed, clear, unrestrained laugh that echoed lightly through the empty hall.

He frowned slightly, confused by your reaction.

After a moment, you calmed, turning your head toward him. There was something different in your expression now. Your eyes,slightly narrowed—held a quiet confidence. The kind that suggested you knew far more than you ever speak.

“...Yes.” The answer was simple, direct. And somehow, heavier than expected.

Silence settled between the two of you for a few seconds. Then Yoonho let out a small breath, shaking his head with a faint smile. “Now I’m really starting to regret not getting you into my guild.”

You let out a soft chuckle at that. It amused you how guilds operated. Like fishermen waiting patiently for the rarest catch to appear.

You understood it, of course. Ever since your awakening, invitations had come nonstop. Not just within Korea—but even from overseas guilds. And that was based of their knowledge on your healing alone.

“The Korean Hunters Association needs me more than your guild does,” you replied lightly.

Yoonho didn’t respond immediately. But your words lingered, etched in his mind.

“…I suppose you’re right,” he admitted after a moment, exhaling softly. Still, curiosity lingered in his gaze as he turned slightly toward you. “So,” he continued, “am I correct in assuming… healing is just one of your abilities?”

You hummed in confirmation. “I am a Gumiho, after all.”

You lifted your hand casually, with a Snap of your fingers For a split second, the air shimmered.

And then— Tiger ears appeared atop his head, a matching tail flicked behind him.Yoonho froze.“…Eh?”

You watched, barely holding back your amusement as he instinctively reached behind him, eyes widening slightly when his hand brushed against the very real tail.

“Illusion,” you said simply, clearly entertained.

He shifted slightly, the tail swaying with the movement, his expression caught somewhere between disbelief and reluctant fascination.

“…You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Maybe.”

Before he could react further, You pulled out your phone. “Let’s take a picture,” you said, already lifting it. “To commemorate our first spar.”

“Wait—”

Click

The photo captured your bright, grinning face, and behind you, Yoonho, mid-confusion, with tiger ears and tail still very much present.

Perfect

…

Later, after you had returned home, you sent him the photo, with a message followed closely after.

Now I’m not the only one with visible beast traits.

On the other end, Yoonho stared at the picture for a long moment. Then, without a word—He saved it.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

A month prior, the Korean Hunters Association received a formal invitation from the United States and extended to several major Hunter Associations worldwide. For a three-day Cross-National Research Seminar focused on presenting new findings in gate behavior, showcasing advanced technologies designed to measure and stabilize dungeons, and fostering discussion among researchers, hunters, and officials from different countries

In essence, it was both an academic exchange and a subtle demonstration of progress, highlighting developments such as early detection systems for unstable gates, tools aimed at preventing red gate escalation, and refined methods of analyzing anomalies like double dungeons, alongside a closed auction featuring rare artifacts recovered from high-rank gates.

Each nation limited to sending a small delegation consisting of a diplomatic liaison, a researcher, and accompanying personnel.

And from Korea, the selection was clear—you were chosen as the official diplomat and for your composure and seamless multilingual ability, accompanied by your assistant Sun-young and Dr. Han Min-jae from the research division, all sent with a straightforward purpose: to observe, to learn, to build connections, and to bring back knowledge that might strengthen their understanding of gates before future threats demanded more than preparation.

The day began early.

Morning sunlight spilled across the wide glass façade of the convention center, catching along its steel edges and turning the entire structure into something almost radiant.

“Wow…” Sun-young breathed beside you, her steps slowing slightly as she took everything in. “They really went all out for this.”

You let your gaze travel upward, following the height of the structure before returning to the steady flow of people entering.

“They want people to see it,” you said, a small, easy smile forming. “Not just attend.”

Behind you, the researcher adjusted the strap of his bag, eyes already scanning the surroundings with interest. “Visibility brings funding,” he muttered. “And attention.”

Dr. Han Min-jae—quiet, observant, and already mentally cataloging everything before even stepping inside.

You glanced back at him briefly, amused.

“Then we should make the most of it,” you said.

—

Inside, the venue opened into something even larger. Displays stretched across the hall in organized sections, each one dedicated to a different aspect of gate research. Screens flickered with moving data, diagrams, and simulations—everything labeled clearly, concisely—In English

Sun-young leaned slightly closer to one of the panels, brows furrowing. “I can understand some of it, but…”

You stepped beside her, reading over the display.“It’s about mana density thresholds,” you translated smoothly. “They’re showing how fluctuations increase before a gate destabilizes.”

Her expression brightened. “Ah—okay, that makes more sense.”

You smiled faintly, continuing, “This section here—” you gestured lightly, “—is comparing standard gates to early-stage red gates. They’re trying to identify warning patterns before the shift happens.”

Dr. Han moved in closer, already jotting down notes on his tablet “That’s… more detailed than what we’ve been using.”

“They’ve refined the models,” you said. “But it’s still development, not absolute.”

A nearby coordinator, noticing your attention on the display, approached with a polite smile.

“Good morning,” she greeted, “If you need assistance, feel free to ask.”

You inclined your head slightly in acknowledgment.“Thank you. Will there be translated materials available later?”

“Yes,” she replied, “We’re preparing multilingual documentation, but it will take about three days to finalize everything the machine specifications, artifact descriptions, all of it. Except for the Seminar though”

You relayed the information to the others.

Sun-young sighed lightly. “Three days… I guess we’ll be relying on you for now.”

There was no complaint in her tone, just quiet acceptance.

You let out a soft, amused breath. “I don’t mind.”

If anything, there was something… enjoyable about it. Moving from one display to another, translating, explaining, watching their understanding settle into place.

Around you, the hall filled steadily.

Voices layered over one another in different languages. Small groups gathered at exhibits, some with translators at their side, others speaking fluently on their own. Delegations from different countries, each moving with their own purpose.

You noticed the differences.

The way some observed quietly, others debated openly. The way certain groups stayed close-knit, while others branched out, engaging with anyone willing to talk.

It felt… expansive. Like the world had briefly gathered into one place.

“Look at this,” Sun-young said, tugging lightly at your sleeve.

You followed her gaze to a nearby display, it was a device encased in glass, its structure sleek and new to the eye.

“What is it?” she asked.

You leaned in slightly, reading over the description.

“It’s a portable analyzer,” you translated. “Designed to measure internal gate stability in real time.”

Dr. Han let out a low sound of interest. “Portable?”

You nodded. “Still in development, but they’re aiming to deploy it in the field.”

Sun-young blinked. “That would be… really useful.”

“It would,” you agreed, “If it works as intended.”

You straightened, your tail shifting slightly behind you before settling again, thick, fluffy, and soft against the back of your legs. You kept it close out of habit, but even then— You could feel the occasional glance.

Curious

Lingering

Your ears, pinned neatly on your head, went mostly unnoticed—but your tail was harder to miss.

Sun-young looked at you, you didn’t seem uncomfortable. If anything, there was a quiet ease in the way you carried yourself, as if you had long since grown used to it.

“Does it bother you?” Sun-young asked suddenly, lowering her voice as another passerby glanced your way.

You tilted your head slightly. “What?”

“The attention.”

You followed her gaze briefly, then looked back at her, a small, genuine smile forming.

“Not really. Or at least, not anymore”

And it was the truth.

There was no tension in your posture, no discomfort in your expression. You moved through the space with quiet confidence, steady and unhurried, as if any passerby’s attention simply… passed through you without leaving anything behind.

“It’s natural to be curious,” you said lightly, letting your eyes sweep over the crowd. “Something new or out of the ordinary always draws attention. Just like you guys—after five months in the Association, you’ve gotten used to my appearance, right?”

Sun-young blinked, then let out a small, embarrassed laugh, shoving her notes aside. “W-well… I guess I have,” she admitted, cheeks heated up.

Dr. Han looked up from his tablet, an amused smirk tugging at his lips, and raised an eyebrow. “You make it sound so simple… but I suppose you’re right. It’s hard not to notice someone like you at first.”

You hummed softly. “It usually is.”

—

By the time the seminar began, the three of you had already filled pages of notes.

You took your seats among the crowd, the low hum of conversation gradually settling as the lights dimmed slightly.

Sun-young leaned closer, flipping open her notebook. “Okay, I’m ready this time.”

You let out a small, quiet hum “I’ll try to keep up with the speaker,” you assured her.

And as the presentation started, voices shifting into structured explanation, data unfolding across large screens. You listened, translated, and wrote, moving between languages, unmistakably— At ease.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

The three of you, Sun-young, and Dr. Han—had finally settled into a quiet corner of the hotel dining area. Trays were placed carefully on the table in front of you, laden with simple dishes that did little to mask the fatigue from the day’s seminars. The room smelled faintly of coffee and baked bread, mingling with the soft murmur of conversations and the occasional clink of cutlery. Every inch of your body ached from hours of sitting in seminar chairs, your backs stiff and your legs heavy, protesting the unnatural confinement of posture that hours of note-taking and documentation had demanded.

You let out a slow, quiet sigh, leaning back slightly in your chair, letting the warmth of the room seep into your muscles.

“This is just the second day,” Sun-young muttered, stretching her arms above her head, the tips of her fingers trembling slightly from overuse. “I can’t imagine going back to work in Korea after this”

Dr. Han rubbed at his shoulders, a small grimace forming. “Good thing tomorrow’s seminar will be much shorter because of the auction event.”

You unwrapped a small piece of bread, “We’re learning more in a single day here than some teams manage in a month. Minor aches is a small price to pay”

They both shifted again, the subtle movement betraying the lingering tension in their shoulders, necks, and backs.

You merely looked at them, then decided to heal them.

Your presence itself seemed to settle over them like a soft, quiet weight. And gradually, as if guided by invisible hands, the tension melted away.

Sun-young blinked, then straightened slightly, eyes widening as realization dawned. “…Wait.”

Dr. Han flexed his shoulders experimentally, and the difference was immediate. The deep, aching tightness that had lodged in his muscles for hours unraveled as if it had never existed. He let out a breath, almost like a small laugh, but one of relief.

Both of them exhaled in unison, a single sigh carrying the weight of the day.

“Oh—right,” Sun-young said softly, a small laugh escaping her lips. “You’re a healer!”

”Thank you, it’s a relief we have you.” Dr. Han said.

A faint smile on your lips, you answered “yep! Just remembered, consider it a reward”

The warm calming effect of your healing lingered, soft and comforting.

Footsteps approached your table. The man stopped just beside you. Well-dressed in his sleek grey suit,“You are _____, correct?” he asked in English, voice smooth and formal.

You looked up at him, meeting his gaze evenly. “yes?”

“I am Adam White. I apologize for interrupting. I will keep this brief.”

Sun-young and Dr. Han exchanged a glance, their expressions curious but silent, unable to comprehend a word. You inclined your head slightly, listening.

Adam’s gaze lingered for a fraction longer than necessary. Not on your face alone, but on the subtle lines of your posture, the way you seemed to anchor the space around you without any effort. He noticed the faint curve of your ears pinned down, barely visible, and the thick, plush tail resting behind you. A quiet, elegant reminder of the beastly traits you carried.

He recalled the viral footage clearly. The official introduction, the announcement as Korea’s newest S-rank hunter, diplomat and healer.

The combination was disarming, Confusing. And more than a little fascinating.

Though now, seeing you in person, he realized the video had done you little justice.

‘There’s something not… normal about this—about her’, he thought, his mind racing through the implications.

He had met plenty of S-ranks before. Monsters in human form, people who carried the weight of power in every gesture and every breath. Their presence pressed against the room, forcing recognition. But you were different, not just in ability, but in essence.

“I represent the Federal Bureau of Hunters,” he continued smoothly, aware that Sun-young and Dr. Han could not follow, and yet addressing them with an understated respect nonetheless. “We’ve taken note of your work—and yes, I am aware that you’ve declined previous offers extended to you. I will not repeat them.”

He paused briefly, choosing his words.

“This time, I come on a different matter. Someone of significant interest has expressed a desire to meet you—Madam Norma Selner.”

Your expression remained unchanged, despite the recognition upon the name.

“She does not request meetings lightly,” Adam added “And this request was made specifically for you.”

His gaze flickered to the faint sway of your tail, to the careful tilt of your ears.

Originally, their plan had been straightforward. Arrange the meeting. Allow Norma Selner to evaluate you. And afterward… sway you. Convince you to join their ranks.

But for now, the first step was simple—ensure the invitation reached to you safely and officially.

He placed a sleek card carefully on the table. “Here’s my contact information. Should you accept, I will personally oversee all arrangements and escort you to the meeting location. There is no need to concern yourself with logistics.”

He paused, letting his gaze settle on you one last time, carefully.

“I understand that you are here on official business. I will not take any more of your time. Please consider this at your own convenience.”

And then, without another word, he turned.

He moved through the dining hall with precise steps, weaving between tables, his attention outwardly calm but internally alert. He replayed the moment over and over in his mind—the subtle shift in posture of your colleagues, the absence of any magical display, the quiet authority of your presence.

‘The footage didn’t capture this,’ he thought. Not the composure, not the ease with which you moved through the space. Not the quiet authority that seemed to bend the room toward equilibrium without effort.

He looked again at your tail, the elegant sway as you adjusted in your chair, and the faint twitch of your ears—indicators of a beastly form, yet entirely unmoved, unaggressive and untethered.

‘There’s a control here that shouldn’t exist’

Most S-rank hunters, especially those with beast-type traits, carried an undercurrent of physical dominance, heightened instincts, and an edge that whispered danger.

You carried none of that.

He reached the glass doors of the dining hall, briefly catching his reflection in the polished surface. But before stepping into the night air, he paused.

And glanced back.

Across the room, you remained seated

‘And yet Madam Selner asked for her’

Adam exhaled quietly, letting the thought linger.

There was something about you. Something unassuming, almost imperceptible, that settled over the space like a gentle weight. He tried to trace the invisible lines of your presence, to understand what it was that made you different from the countless S-ranks he had encountered.

You radiated… something else.

It was magnetic, in the most subtle way possible,

He pushed the door open and stepped into the cool night, the quiet click of it closing behind him marking the end of the encounter. And though he had left, he could feel the echo of it trailing behind him, a quiet pull that made him aware he had not yet truly understood you.

Whether this discrepancy between appearance and effect meant something deeper… or something more dangerous entirely, he would soon discover.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

- end of chapter 5

AN: Reader using her crytalized tail to fight is inspired from a pokemon move: Iron tail

Again I' m so sorry for not updating for so long, took 2 weeks to cure my writer's block, from here on out the chapters I planned ahead will be much more smoother, also （￣︶￣）we're nearing the smut wehehehehhe

I'm considering making a Jinchul chapter too (*^_^*) cause while writing the previous chapters Jinchul had a potential chemistry pairing with Reader

Not just Jinchul actually, (≧▽≦) I want Thomas Andre and Liu Zhingang too(yeah em greedy like that) . An alternative timeline leaning more onto smut

#solo leveling fic #solo leveling manhwa #manhwa x reader #solo leveling x reader #baek yoonho x reader #solo leveling jinwoo #sung jin woo #baek yoonho #female reader #solo leveling x you

feitanporter

baek yoon-ho | solo leveling ep. 5: a pretty good deal

needsleep3000

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA None of this scenes were in the Manhwa, but hey, I ain't complaining

#need that #Baek Yoonhoo my love

4・✿ ⊹

*ੈ ✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 ﹆˚₊

Masterlist

✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ Previous chapter

Here you were again in the Association’s training area, The large hall was quiet at this hour, leaving only the hollow echo of footsteps and the occasional dull thud of practice weapons striking padded targets. Pale morning light filtered through the high windows, stretching long shadows across the polished floor.

Across from you stood Woo Jin-chul, arms crossed on his back as he observed your stance.

“Your footing,” he said evenly. “Too stiff. If you lock your legs like that, you’ll lose your balance the moment someone counters.”

He stepped forward and nudged your ankle lightly with the tip of his shoe.

“Relax here. Keep your center lower. You need to stay ready to move.”

You adjusted your posture.

The training continued like that for a while—Jin-chul correcting your stance, showing you the timing of attacks, and explaining how to create openings against an opponent.

“Don’t swing blindly,” he said, demonstrating a defensive motion. “Watch their shoulders and hips. The body always shows where the next movement is coming from.”

He moved toward a training dummy and tapped several points along its torso.

“If you can’t overpower someone, aim for the places that slow them down. The throat. Solar plexus. Joints.”

You nodded instinctively. “That makes sense.”

Jin-chul glanced at you.

You stepped closer to the dummy and pointed to the area he had tapped. “A strong hit to the solar plexus can knock the air out of someone immediately,” you said. “And if pressure is applied here—” gesturing near the shoulder joint “—the arm can temporarily weaken.”

Jin-chul raised an eyebrow slightly. “…You’re familiar with this.”

You gave a small shrug,“I used to be a nurse.”

Realization flickered across his face, recalling the first day you awakened.

“Right.” Work’s so hectic that he’d already forgotten, he studied you for a moment, as if reassessing something. “That explains why you recognized those weak points so quickly.”

You chuckled faintly.

Years spent in hospital wards had taught you more about the human body than most people ever wanted to know—how fragile it was, how easily things could go wrong, and exactly where the body was most vulnerable.

But as you resumed your stance, a quiet frustration crept into your chest.

Knowing the body… and surviving a fight with monsters… were two very different things.

Right now, the difference felt painfully obvious. You might have awakened with extraordinary power—power that had shocked the entire Association. But you didn’t know how to use it. Not properly. You had no combat experience. No instincts for fighting(Does dodging count?) No system guiding you the way Sung Jinwoo did. And worse—You had no way of contacting Mother.

Everything felt uncertain, Incomplete.

You had wanted to become someone who could help… someone who could stand beside hunters and support them.

But right now?

You felt more like someone who needed protecting instead, someone who might slow everyone else down.

Your shoulders lowered slightly before you realized it. “…Sorry,” you said quietly.

Jin-chul paused mid-instruction.

You looked away for a moment, embarrassed by the thought spilling out. “Sorry to bother you with this,” you said. “I’m supposed to be an S-rank… but right now I’m basically just a civilian.” A small, self-conscious laugh left you.“I don’t even know how to properly use my powers in a fight.”

Your gaze drifted toward the floor. “A healer who can’t even manage basic self-defense…” you murmured. “That’s practically dead weight in a raid. More of a liability than an ally.”

For a moment, the training hall was quiet.

Then Woo Jin-chul spoke.“That’s not unusual.”

You blinked and looked up.

His expression remained calm, as if your concerns weren’t surprising at all.

“You only awakened recently,” he said. “It would be stranger if you already had full control over your abilities.” He folded his arms.“Most hunters take months just to understand their powers. Some take years.”

He gestured lightly toward the empty training floor. “And that’s before they even step into real combat.”

Your shoulders eased slightly, though doubt still lingered. ’But I can’t afford to wait that long.’

Jin-chul continued,“More importantly,” he said, his tone steady, “you’re not just any hunter.”

“You are the second S-rank the Association has. ”

The weight of those words settled in the quiet room.

“That alone makes you extremely important,” he added.

His gaze remained firm but not unkind. “Your role isn’t to charge into battle like a frontline hunter.” He tapped the training dummy once more. “It’s to keep the ones who do alive.”

He paused before finishing calmly,

“So stop thinking of yourself as dead weight.”

Jin-chul stepped back and gestured toward your stance again. “Now,” he said, returning to the lesson, “fix your footing.”

You inhaled slowly and adjusted your stance again.

Over the past few weeks, you had gradually fallen into a routine. Your mornings always began early in the Association’s training facility under the supervision of Woo Jin-chul. What had started as simple posture corrections had slowly evolved into proper drills. He had designed a training program specifically for you. But the lessons went beyond just human combat. Jin-chul carefully explained the monsters that appeared in gates, their vitals, attack patterns, and how they reacted when injured. He showed you how to anticipate movements, identify weak points, and recognize dangerous behaviors that could end a raid in seconds. “Even if you don’t fight directly,” he reminded you, “understanding your enemies gives you the edge to know where your healing will matter most.”

After training came the responsibilities tied to your new position.

As the Korean Hunters Association’s diplomat, much of your day was spent reviewing reports, signing documents, and attending briefings. On certain occasions, you accompanied the Association’s Chairman, sitting in on meetings with government officials, guild representatives, and other influential figures.

Being one of the country’s two S-rank hunters in the Association meant your presence alone carried considerable weight.

But not all your days were spent behind desks and conference tables.

Whenever emergencies arose, you were dispatched to assist in rescue operations or assigned to accompany raid teams as their healer.

And every time you stepped into a gate alongside them, hunters were reminded just how unusual your ability truly was.

Unlike most healer-type hunters, you didn’t need to stay beside the person you were treating. When you activated your power, a gentle warmth spread outward from you in a wide circle like some ripple effect—reaching nearly one hundred and twenty meters in every direction.

Any hunter within that distance could feel it. Cuts slowly closed, bleeding eased, and the exhaustion from prolonged combat faded slightly under the steady flow of your healing. Even those fighting far ahead on the front lines could receive your support without ever coming near you.

For hunters accustomed to fighting while constantly worrying about injuries, the difference was immediately noticeable.

Strike Squads could maintain their formation longer. Frontliners could push forward without retreating every few minutes for treatment.

With every operation you joined, it became clearer to everyone—having you, was a rare kind of reassurance.

And slowly but surely, word about the Association’s newest hunter had begun spreading among raid teams and guilds across the country.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

After returning to the Association from assisting in a raid, it was the usual afternoon break. You shifted into your small fox form and curled up on the sofa in your office. Before closing your eyes, you told your assistant, Sun-young, to wake you if there were any matters that required your attention.

What was meant to be a short thirty-minute break soon passed.

Sun-young returned to wake you for a meeting you had scheduled with the Chairman. She called your name first, gently at first, then louder when you didn’t respond. When that failed, she approached the sofa and lightly shook it.

Still nothing. Her concern grew with every passing second.

“Hunter…?” she tried again, crouching beside the sofa. “It’s time for your meeting.”

You didn’t stir.

Her heart slowly sank further when you refused to wake no matter what she did.

…

Meanwhile, as your consciousness slowly returned, you felt as though you were simply waking from a peaceful nap.

You were no longer in the office. Instead, you were lying in soft grass beneath the warm dappled sunlight. When you opened your eyes, you found yourself once again dressed in the same hanbok you had worn the first time you came here. You pushed yourself up slightly, brushing away some grass on your sleeves. You recognized this place immediately.

Mother’s domain.

Unlike the first time you arrived here, you didn’t hesitate or panic. The forest felt familiar now, almost welcoming. You knew where to go.

Soon enough, you found the same trail you had once followed. It led you toward the quiet courtyard you remembered. As you stepped inside, a familiar white fox with ruby eyes lifted its head, its ears twitching at your presence. Its tail wagged slightly as if acknowledging you.

You gave it a small nod before continuing past the courtyard toward the garden.

And there she was.

Mother sat beneath the blooming cherry blossom tree, petals drifting softly through the air around her. The stone-carved table and chairs were just as you remembered.

This time she wore a soft yellow hanbok, her long white hair gathered into an elegant updo adorned with delicate jewelry.

The moment she noticed you, her eyes lit up. “Child!” She stood immediately and pulled you into a warm, crushing hug.

“Oh, look at you,” she said with delight, holding you at arm’s length to examine you. “You seem much more comfortable with your appearance now. It suits you beautifully.”

Before you could respond, she ushered you toward the stone table. “Come, come.”

Soon the two of you were seated, warm tea cups resting in your hands while petals drifted lazily around the garden.

After a few quiet moments of sipping tea, Mother suddenly spoke again. “I called you here to warn you.” Her tone had dropped its usual cheerful brightness.

You instinctively straightened in your seat.

“Due to my interference,” she continued calmly, “the number of Red Gates appearing on your world may become more frequent.”

Your brows furrowed with concern.

But almost immediately, her cheerful demeanor returned as if nothing serious had been said at all. She rested her chin on her folded hands atop the table, smiling at you with effortless ease. “Oh, but I’m sure it will be nothing for you.”

You hesitated. “Uhh… Mother…” Your voice carried a bit of unease. “The truth is… I find things difficult.” You rubbed the back of your neck awkwardly. “The only thing I really know how to do is heal. I don’t fully understand how my power works… especially my body. I feel like I’m constantly hungry for mana. At this rate, idon’t think I’ll be of help to Jinwoo” You paused before adding, “And when I tried checking my stats… it just says ‘Feature Not Available.’ Can I really not access them?”

Mother blinked. “What?”

With a casual wave of her hand, a holographic screen appeared before her. She began tapping and switching through several windows, scrolling through lines of information.

Then she suddenly froze. “…Oh, so that’s why.” A moment later she burst into laughter. “Ahahahahaha!” She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Oh dear… I’m so sorry, darling. It appears I completely forgot to turn it on for you.”

She pressed something on the floating screen. “Whoops. My mistake.”

A notification appeared in front of you.

[SYSTEM DOWNLOADING] [UNLOADING PACKAGES] [SYSTEM RESETTING] [3% LOADING]

You sat there silently. Completely dumbfounded.

So it was that simple…

All. This. Time?

Mother seemed to notice your stunned silence. In the next instant she appeared beside you in a small flash of light. “Ohhh… I’m really sorry, darling,” she said softly, patting your head before gently pulling you against her chest.

From the expression on your face, she could tell you looked seconds away from complete defeat.

“I’ll make it up to you, alright?” she said quickly. “I’ll place treasures inside some of the gates you’ll raid.”

“I don’t want that,” you replied immediately.

She blinked, surprised.

“What I want,” you said seriously, “is for you to teach me some special techniques… fighting moves… something—anything”

Mother studied you for a moment before smiling.

“Very well then. Though… it may take some time to download.”

You frowned in confusion, “What do you mean?”

“You’ll see.”

With a snap of her fingers, the scenery shifted instantly. Now you were sitting inside a spacious room resembling a wealthy traditional hanok residence.

Mother began teleporting around the room, moving from shelf to shelf before finally returning. She set several items on the low table before you: brushes, small bowls, and containers filled with colored powder.

The window slid open and a breeze carried several cherry blossom petals inside. One landed perfectly on Mother’s open palm.

She crushed it gently into one of the bowls, mixing it with pink powder and other samll amount of different powder before blowing softly across it. The mixture glowed briefly before settling into a deep pink-red color.

She repeated the process again, this time creating a golden yellow mixture.

Then she gently tilted your chin upward.

With a soft brush dipped in the pink-red pigment, she began drawing a symbol across your forehead. You had no idea what it meant—and honestly didn’t feel like questioning her methods.

Next she took a smaller brush dipped in yellow and dotted the center of the symbol.

“There.” She placed the brush down, then she pressed two fingers lightly against the center of the mark.

In an instant, something like lightning shot down your spine from your nape, spreading across the expanse of your back. It burned briefly before fading.

“I originally only gave you a small fox form when transforming,” Mother said casually. “Because it’s cute.” She smiled mischievously, “But I did say I’d make it up to you.”

Before you could ask anything else—

Snap.

Your clothes suddenly changed from the snap of her finger.

“Now then,” Mother said excitedly, “I’ve been wanting to see you try these dresses!”

You had no idea how long passed as she repeatedly snapped her fingers, changing your outfits one after another.

“Oh my goodness!” she laughed happily. “You’re so adorable, my sweet!” She cupped your cheeks affectionately. “I wish I could put you in my pocket and take you with me.”

Suddenly her expression softened slightly. She looked at the loading bar above your head. [97% LOADING]

“Oh dear… I think I’ve already taken too much of your time.”

A yellow portal opened behind you, Mother waved cheerfully. “Off you go, my dear! Buh-bye!”

Meanwhile, back at the Hunter Association…Your small fox form had been completely unresponsive for three days.

They had even placed an IV drip beside you—except it was filled with concentrated mana solution instead of normal fluids.

Five hours after you first passed out, Sun-young had nearly panicked when she discovered something even stranger.

Your tiny fox body had become encased inside a pezzottaite-colored gemstone, like a caterpillar sealed inside a cocoon.

Now, on the third day, Sun-young was visiting your office again when she noticed something.

The gemstone began to glow, cracks slowly spread across its surface.

“Everyone—!”

She rushed out to call the others, moments later, the crystal shattered into glittering dust. Your fox form disappeared as you shifted back into your human form, dressed once again in your usual Association uniform.

You blinked in confusion.

‘I’m back?’

A series of notifications appeared in your vision.

[NEW SKILL UNLOCKED] [NEW SKILL UNLOCKED]

More messages began flooding your system.

But before you could read any of them—

The Association members surrounding you immediately began bombarding you with questions about your condition and well-being.

You pushed past the wave of worried voices surrounding you. “Yes, yes, I’m fine,” you said quickly, raising both hands in surrender as if that alone could calm them down. “Really. I’m fine. Can I go home for now?”

The room fell briefly silent.

Several Association staff exchanged uncertain glances, clearly still uneasy about letting you leave after what had just happened. Three days unconscious, encased in a glowing gemstone, only to suddenly wake up like nothing had occurred—it wasn’t exactly reassuring.

But your vitals were stable, your mana levels were… strange, but stable, and most importantly, you were awake.

Sun-young stepped forward, her expression still tight with concern. “If you feel unwell at any point, please contact us immediately,” she said firmly.

You nodded obediently. “Of course.”

Eventually, permission was granted.

…

You had moved out of the temporary Hunter Association quarters just last last week, settling instead into a modest apartment nearby. The moment you stepped through the front door, the exhaustion you had been ignoring finally settled into your bones.

Three days, apparently you had been gone for three days. Yet to you… it had only felt like a short nap and a slightly chaotic visit with Mother.

You kicked off your shoes and headed straight for the bathroom. A long, hot shower helped clear the lingering fog from your mind. By the time you stepped out, dressed in loose, comfortable clothes, your thoughts had finally begun to settle.

But one thing still lingered in the back of your mind, the system.

Mother had said she turned it ON.

You walked into the living room and stretched your arms slightly before stopping in the middle of the room.

“Alright…” You took a small breath, then you willed it.

‘Show me.’

Immediately, a familiar gold glow flickered into existence before your eyes.

Your very own System Window. For the first time since you had arrived in this world, it actually responded, several unread notifications instantly appeared.

[NEW SKILL UNLOCKED]

[NEW PASSIVE ABILITY ACQUIRED]

[NEW FORM AVAILABLE]

Your brows lifted slightly.

“…Woah”

So Mother wasn’t joking, when she said she’d make it up to you, there was a [NEW] sign on some skills, abilities, and even form.

You scrolled through the information slowly, eyes moving from line to line. Your stats, abilities, title.

Your lips slowly curled into an intrigued smile.

“Well then…” You cracked your fingers, the quiet popping sounds echoing faintly in the apartment.

“Let’s test this out.”

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

A few days Later

You stood in front of a familiar apartment complex, its aging concrete walls warmed by the afternoon sun. Laundry hung from several balconies above, swaying gently in the breeze. It was quiet, peaceful, and ordinary.

Exactly the kind of place someone like Sung Jinwoo would live.

Your fox ears and tail were carefully concealed by skill. A pair of thick sunglasses rested on your face as you approached the first-floor unit and knocked on the landlord’s door.

After a moment, the door creaked open. The elderly landlord peered out, adjusting his glasses as he looked at you curiously.

“Good day,” you said politely. “I’m here to pay the rent of Resident Sung.”

You reached up and removed your sunglasses. Sunlight struck your eyes immediately, the color shifting into that faint crystalline glow.

The old man blinked when he met your gaze. “Oh?” he said, surprised. “And who might you be?”

“An old friend of Jinwoo,” you replied calmly.

The old man leaned lightly against the doorway, curiosity taking hold as he began asking questions.

“How long have you known him?” “Did he ask you to come?” “Why are you paying his rent?”

You answered politely, keeping your tone casual and reassuring and confident. The envelope containing the rent was already prepared in your hand.

But as the conversation continued, something subtle began to change.

The landlord’s voice gradually slowed, his questions became less direct, trailing slightly at the end of each sentence. His gaze lingered on your eyes. “…I see,” he murmured.

His voice softened further, losing its sharpness as his focus dulled. The moment his mind reached that quiet, fragile stillness—

[SKILL ACTIVATED: νεῦρον Reset]

His thoughts followed the path you had set for them.

You gave a small polite bow before stepping away from the door.

Your name slipped away, face blurred. Even the sound of your voice dissolved into nothing more than a vague impression.

All that remained was the conclusion you had left behind.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

Jinwoo was baffled when he found out this month’s rent had already been paid.

He stood outside the door of his landlord’s unit on the first floor of the apartment complex, the fatigue from a recent raid still lingering in his body. He had come straight home afterward, intending to settle the payment as he always did.

“I’m sorry, what do you mean?” Jinwoo asked, brows knitting together. “I’m sure I haven’t paid yet.” He was careful about these things. Rent, utilities, groceries—no matter how little money he had, he kept track of every expenses. At most, he paid on the due date or a few days late. The elderly couple who owned the building had always been understanding of his situation.

“Well… it’s already marked here in my ledger that you did.” The old man turned the worn book toward him.

Jinwoo leaned closer, It wasn’t just this month, the payment covered the rest of the year. His brows knitted together.

The old man pushed up his glasses.“Someone came by last week,” he explained. “They said they were an old friend of yours.”

Jinwoo’s expression stiffened slightly.

“They mentioned they owed you a debt,” the old man continued, “and that the two of you had already discussed the arrangement—that they would repay it by covering your rent.”

“An old friend?” Jinwoo stared at the ledger in silence.

He didn’t have a friend like that. Truthfully, he barely had friends at all.

After his mother fell into eternal sleep, Jinwoo had dropped out of school and begun risking his life in raids just to keep them afloat. Every bit of money he earned came at a cost—blood, injuries, and multiple brushes with death inside gates.

Even then, it was rarely enough. Most months, his earnings barely covered rent, food, and hospital expenses.

‘Lend someone money?’

The thought alone was almost laughable.

He had never been in a position to help anyone financially—not when he was constantly struggling just to make it to the next month.

So how could someone claim they owed him a debt?

Jinwoo’s gaze lingered on the numbers written neatly in the ledger.

If anything, he should have been the one owing people money.

“Did they leave a name?” he asked.

The old man paused, closing his eyes as he tried to recall.

“Hmm… I’m afraid I can’t remember,” he admitted after a moment. “My memory isn’t what it used to be. But they sounded quite certain about it.”

Jinwoo studied him quietly.

“What about their appearance?” he pressed. “Anything you remember at all?”

The old man sighed and shook his head apologetically. “Forgive this old man, but no… I truly can’t.”

Jinwoo studied his face. The couple had lived here for decades. They were honest people—not the type to lie. Perhaps it really was age catching up with them.

Still… Something about this didn’t sit right with him. Jinwoo walked back up the stairs toward their unit a few floors above, an uneasy feeling followed him like a shadow.

Had he accidentally signed himself into something? Some shady organization? A gang? An association?…Or worse, he grimaced slightly. Could it be the devil himself?

Jinwoo pinched his cheek, It hurt, this is not a dream. His gaze drifted to the corners of the hallway ceiling. This building didn’t have CCTV cameras.

“Oppa, thanks for the fried chicken! Gosh—not just that, you even had the groceries delivered here.”

Another warning bell rang loudly in Jinwoo’s head. The money he had left should only have been enough for a week’s worth of groceries.

His gaze slowly shifted toward the kitchen table.

Jin-ah must have carried everything there herself. Bags upon bags of food—rice, vegetables, canned goods, meat. It was enough to last an entire month.

Jinwoo stood there for a moment, staring.

‘Just what was happening?’

‘Where is all of this coming from? ‘

“I’m going to wash up first,” he said after a moment.

Jin-ah nodded absentmindedly, already busy organizing the groceries into the cupboards, drawers and refrigerator.

After washing up inside the bathroom, Jinwoo splashed cold water onto his face, looking at his reflection in the mirror.

Someone was interfering with his life. And whoever it was…They had already gotten frighteningly close.

When he stepped back into his room, something immediately caught his eye.

A single cherry blossom rested on his nightstand. Its pale pink petals looked almost luminous against the dull wood. Jinwoo leaned closer, inspecting it carefully. The flower was real—soft, delicate, alive.

Yet his mind immediately registered the impossibility of it. The season for cherry blossoms hadn’t yet arrived. How could this bloom appear now?

Beneath the flower lay a sealed letter, Jinwoo approached slowly and picked it up. The room was silent as he broke the seal. Inside was a single sheet of paper, the printed handwriting elegant and deliberate.

Greetings, Hunter. I hope this letter finds you well. You must have been quite surprised. Please do not be alarmed—I mean you no harm. I merely wished to become your sponsor. Let us say that I am… familiar with your circumstances. And I wish to help you. Please consider it a small gesture of goodwill. I simply wished to ease your burdens, even if only a little. You need not concern yourself with repaying it.

Jinwoo lowered the letter slightly. The faint scent of cherry blossoms lingered on the page, his gaze flicking back to the flower.

Everything about this—rent paid, groceries delivered, a cherry blossom blooming out of season—felt too deliberate, and precise to be coincidental.

Someone had quietly entered his life

Even with their apparent goodwill, Jinwoo’s instincts screamed at him to be cautious.

Could he really allow this mysterious benefactor to become his sponsor? Could he trust them?

He didn’t know yet, And that uncertainty made him feel… exposed.

Someone was stepping into his world. Someone who clearly knew more about him than they should.

And Jinwoo knew better than to let his guard down so easily.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

The next morning, Jinwoo woke to the familiar buzz of his alarm.

He reached out groggily, silencing it before pushing himself upright. Morning light filtered faintly through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the small room.

As he stretched and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, something immediately caught his attention.

Another cherry blossom.

It rested on the exact same spot on his nightstand. Delicate. Pale pink. Perfectly intact, just like yesterday.

Jinwoo stared at it for a moment before noticing what lay beneath it. another letter.

And beside the nightstand, placed neatly on the floor, was a small cardboard box. Resting on top of it was a cloth-wrapped bundle tied carefully with a simple knot.

His brows slowly drew together. “…Again?”

He reached for the letter first. Breaking the seal, unfolded the paper and began to read.

Greetings, Hunter. I hope you rested well. At the foot of your nightstand you will find several items prepared for you: a reliable dagger, a few potions, a pair of combat boots, and bandages infused with a mild healing effect. I hope they prove useful during your raids. You may also want to prepare for a sudden downpour today at exactly 1:00 PM. I suggest bringing an umbrella if you plan to be outside. You may think of me as… preparation. For the System you will receive one day. In a way, the two of us are rather similar. We both provide you with gifts.

Jinwoo lowered the letter slightly.

“System…?”

He frowned faintly at the unfamiliar word.

The idea sounded strange—almost nonsensical—but given everything that had already happened in the past day, dismissing it outright didn’t feel wise.

He glanced down at the wrapped cloth. Carefully, he untied the knot, Inside was a dagger.

The weapon was longer than he expected, yet surprisingly light in his hand. The blade gleamed faintly, its edge sharp enough that he instinctively handled it with caution.

Jinwoo turned it slightly, inspecting the balance. “…This is good,” he murmured quietly.

Far better than the cheap weapons he usually rented or bought secondhand.(well, that’s all he can afford.)

He then opened the cardboard box.

Inside were the rest of the items mentioned in the letter: sturdy combat boots, several small potion bottles, and neatly packed bandages.

Jinwoo remained crouched there for a moment.

skeptical

wary

But he had a gate to raid today.

And his last weapon had broken during the previous dungeon, after a moment of hesitation, he exhaled slowly.

“…Just this once.”

According to the weather report playing on the television in the living room, today was supposed to be completely clear sunny day. No rain expected.

Jinwoo knew better than to trust those reports too much. Half the time they were wrong anyway.

Still, the warning lingered in the back of his mind.

He remembered lending his umbrella to Jin-ah a few days ago after she misplaced hers.

If it really did rain…Well, he supposed he’d find out soon enough whether this mysterious benefactor truly knew what they were talking about.

Inside the gate later that day, Jinwoo quickly realized something.

The dagger was exceptional, it cut through low-ranked monsters far more cleanly than the weapons he had used before. Its durability alone surprised him—strike after strike without the dull resistance he had grown used to.

By the time the raid was nearly over, he had already defeated several more monsters than his usual count.

When the dungeon was cleared, Jinwoo took a moment to wrap a few shallow scratches on his arm. The special bandages worked almost instantly. A faint warmth spread through the wound, dulling the pain and closing the skin faster than normal.

There hadn’t been a healer assigned to their raid party today.

“Hey, Sung”, One of the other hunters approached him curiously.“Got new equipment?”

Jinwoo paused before answering. “Oh… uh, yeah. Kind of,”He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “It was… given by an old friend.”

The hunter gave an impressed whistle before moving on.

Jinwoo watched him leave, the words still feeling strange even as he said them.

When the raid ended and the hunters exited the gate, Jinwoo received his payment. He had just taken the envelope when a drop of water landed on the paper.

Then another, then several more.

“Argh! The news said there wouldn’t be rain today!” one of the hunters complained loudly as he hurried to pack his gear.

Jinwoo slowly lifted his gaze toward the sky, the rain was getting heavier. His mind flashed back to the letter, he checked the time on his phone.

12:55 PM.

Five minutes before 1 pm.

“…You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Jinwoo managed to board a bus just as the rain turned into a heavy downpour, the sound of it drummed loudly against the bus windows.

He glanced down at his phone again.

1:00 PM. Exactly.

A strange chill ran down his spine, whoever this benefactor was… They clearly knew things ordinary people doesn’t.

The bus continued through the rain-soaked streets as Jinwoo headed toward the hospital.

He had come to visit his mother. But when he arrived at the billing desk and checked on her account—he froze.

The hospital staff handed him the statement.

Paid.

The medical bills had already been settled. Jinwoo stared down at the document in stunned silence.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹ - end of chapter 4

✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ next chapter

#solo leveling fic #solo leveling manhwa #solo leveling jinwoo #manhwa x reader #solo leveling x reader #solo leveling anime #baek yoonho x reader #sung jin woo #baek yoonho #female reader #solo leveling x you #solo leveling reader insert

3・✿ ⊹

*ੈ ✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 ﹆˚₊

Masterlist

✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ Previous chapter

After finishing your bath and changing into the clothes provided by the KHA’s, you wrapped a towel around your head and sat on the bed. Reflecting on the day's events, you realized that a lot had transpired in a short time, and your life was about to take a new direction. As you sat there, you couldn't help but feel ix of emotions. You glanced at your bag on the small table, quickly checking to ensure all your essential items were inside.

Amidst your thoughts, you picked up your phone and unlocked the screen, only to be bombarded with numerous missed calls and messages from your colleagues. The idea of potentially quitting your job as a nurse due to these events saddened you deeply. Despite the challenges and exhaustion that came with the job, it held a special place in your heart. The fulfillment of helping others, making a difference in their lives, and being a part of the healthcare profession were some of the reasons why being a nurse was so rewarding(also because it’s a stable job that’s always in demand and a good pay)

As you pondered your job and the messages on your phone, you glanced at the time: 2:14 am. The late hour made you question whether sleep was even worth considering at that moment. Your mind then wandered to thoughts of "Mother" and "Solo Levelling," contemplating how you could assist the main character when you hadn't fully mastered your own powers.

Curiosity struck as you wondered if you possessed a system like Jinwoo's. You focused intently, willing it to appear—but instead, a holographic screen flickered briefly before glitching with an error message:

[FEATURE NOT AVAILABLE]

A flicker of disappointment crossed your mind—no stats, no class, nothing yet. ’Was this Mother's doing, holding it back for now?’ you wondered briefly, unlike Jinwoo's system from the Architect. ’Oh well, nothing I can do about that.’

Frustration twisted in your chest as you collapsed onto the bed, arm draped over your eyes. The raw intensity of your awakening, the brutal truth of this world—it all crashed down, drowning you in endless questions. Lost, uncertain, you lay there, the path ahead shrouded in shadows.

"Just what am I supposed to do...?" you murmur to yourself, feeling a mixture of helplessness. The weight of your responsibility and the uncertainty of the situation hang heavily in the air, making sleep seem like a distant luxury.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

The sterile colored walls of the KHA’s rank testing room did little to soothe your frayed nerves. The line snake and dwindled before you, a silent procession of hopeful hunters. Your mind raced, calculating, strategizing. ‘First, I have to locate Jinwoo.’ That was your priority. ‘and the easiest way to do so is by joining the association’, you looked at the door, an employee has peaked his head and called for the next person—you.

‘Its the best option I have to support Jinwoo from the sidelines’

“Place your hand on the orb.” the employee instructed you.

You hesitated, hand hovering over the giant black orb in front of you. How much mana should I use? The question clawed at you, a desperate gamble. ‘Do I generate all my power? NO! That’s overkill, but how much?’

‘Mother gave me 20%, what about 3? Too little, what if its too weak and I end up being a C rank or D rank?’ the very thought frightens you. ‘or even worse, an E rank!?—not that I'm discriminating Jinwoo—and then, they won’t even acknowledge me because my rank is too low.’, you cried inwardly.

The employee noticed your silence, rigid posture, and hand hovering above the orb, “Try to take a deep breath and relax, close yours eyes if need be.”

The employee’s voice was a blur, lost in the maelstrom of your thoughts. ‘10? No, that would be overkill, its too much and too much is…well, that would be catastrophic. 5%? 8?’ Your mind teetered on the precipice of panic.

The numbers swam before your eye—8, 5, 10, 6, 4, 7… a chaotic dance of choices. You closed your eyes and just placed one of your hand into the orb, trusting your instincts, hoping against hope that you hadn’t made a fatal mistake.

Then, a blinding flash, and deafening roar, The lights flickered, died, and plunged the room into darkness. Five seconds stretched into an eternity before the emergency generators sputtered to life, casting a sickly glow on the scene of destruction. The testing machine—black giant orb, lay in ruins, smoking and sparking. You stood there, seemingly unharmed, your fluffy tail wrapped around you. Your heart hammered against your ribs, a frantic drumbeat of fear and self-reproach.

The machine… it was probably worth more than your life savings. Shame washed over you, hot and suffocating. Your ears flattened against your head, a gesture of abject humiliation. You sank to your knees, bowing deeply before the employee who you were so thankful, unharmed but visibly shaken.

“I AM SO SORRY!!!”

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

You sat stiffly on one of the sofas inside the Chairman’s office, hands clasped tightly in your lap. Your tail curled anxiously around your leg as you waited. The silence felt unbearable.

When the door finally opened and Chairman Go Gunhee stepped inside, you immediately straightened.

The elderly man took one look at your nervous posture and sighed softly. “Are you alright?” he asked with quiet concern. “I heard about what happened.”

“Gran— Chairman, I’m so sorry!” The words burst out of you before you could stop them. In the blink of an eye you had practically teleported to his feet, dropping into a frantic bow as panic overwhelmed you. “I promise I’ll work for the Association until my last dying breath if that’s what it takes to pay for the machine! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to break it—I swear I didn’t—!”

Your voice cracked as the panic continued to spill out. While waiting earlier, you had searched the price of the machine online. You wished you hadn’t. The number alone nearly made you faint.

Go Gunhee froze for a moment. Then a look of immediate guilt crossed his face. “Please, please stand up,” he said quickly, gently motioning for you to rise. “There is no need for such distress. The Association can easily replace the machine.”

You slowly lifted your head, eyes still watery. “Still…” you murmured weakly, “that doesn’t change the fact that I broke it.”

You rose to your feet again, straightening your posture as best as you could. Though the effort to remain composed was obvious. Your tail curled tightly around your leg, betraying your lingering anxiety. Taking a steady breath, you wiped your eyes with the back of your hand before meeting the Chairman’s gaze again.

“Chairman,” you said quietly but firmly, “please allow me to make this right. I would like to join the Korean Hunters Association. I can contribute whatever abilities I have—whatever they turn out to be—and repay the damage I caused.”

Go Gunhee studied you carefully. His expression softened, though there was still a quiet seriousness behind his eyes. He gestured gently toward the chairs. “Let us sit first.”

The two of you returned to the armchairs facing each other, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. After a moment, the Chairman spoke. “Joining the Association purely out of debt is not the foundation we wish our hunters to stand on,” he said calmly. “If that is your only reason, then I would advise you against it. Hunters must have purpose in what they do. If obligation alone drives you, then you would be better off walking away.”

Your ears twitched slightly at his words., but you didn’t look away. “I understand,” you spoke, voice steady despite the knot tightening in your chest. “But this isn’t just the debt. I’ve thought about this seriously.”

Go Gunhee remained silent, listening. “Even so,” he continued after a moment, revealing a practical truth many hunters learned quickly, “the Association is not a corporation. We cannot promise you great wealth or luxury.” There was a faint bitterness behind the statement. Many hunters choose not to join the Association for guilds precisely because of that.

But your response came without hesitation. “I don’t care about money.”

Your eyes held firm determination.

“I want to be a support.”

“To civilians.”

“To hunters.”

“And to this Association.”

Your tail flicked once behind you as your resolve solidified.

“Please allow me to be that support.”

Silence filled the room. Go Gunhee leaned back slightly in his chair, studying you carefully.

Your shoulders were squared despite the nerves clearly visible in your posture. The determination in your gaze didn’t waver.

After a long moment, the Chairman smiled faintly. “Very well.”

Your breath caught.

“Your resolve appears genuine.” He nodded once. “We will proceed. Welcome to the Korean Hunters Association.”

Relief washed over you so suddenly your shoulders nearly sagged. “Thank you, Chairman.”

Go Gunhee chuckled softly, waving a hand dismissively. “Let us not rush ahead just yet,” he said. “For now, we will place you in our internship training program. It will test your basic capabilities, evaluate your strengths, and help determine which department you are best suited for.”

He glanced toward the window briefly before adding,

“You will begin tomorrow.”

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

Headline: KHA Hunter Evaluation Department Temporarily Unavailable Due to equipment issues, the Korean Hunters Association (KHA) cannot process rank evaluations. Staff are working diligently to repair the problem—expect a 2-day downtime. Updates and improvements will follow soon. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The official statement exploded online, sparking heated debates.

GateCrusher_92: Sources from KHA lobby scouts say a female hunter caused it. [Blurry photos of you, escorted by staff, circulate widely.] ManaAddict: Testing orb got shattered. Shadowplayer: That hunter did it—massive damage, even blacked out the building for minutes. RankHunterX: WHAT?! Even past S-ranks never broke it. GateRaider67: National-level? HaeInFanClub: Cha Hae-in hit S-rank 5 months ago as Korea's 9th. Another already? #109249963: Breaking the orb = S-rank, right? User3016: Heard she's beast-type. WhiteTigerSimp: Like White Tiger Guild's master? GuildHunterPro: Which guild will she join?

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

During the past three days, you underwent a series of tests. Most of them ended the same way—broken equipment. The mana meter shattered the moment you touched it. The replacement cracked. The third one short-circuited before it could even register a reading. After that, the technicians stopped looking surprised and simply gave up bringing out alternative measuring devices.

You had decided early on to play it safe and claim you were a healer.Even so, the association insisted you undergo basic self-defense training. Every morning, you trained with Jin Chul. And Every afternoon was spent in department evaluations.

Now, on the third day, you stood barefoot on the rubber mat of the KHA training room. You were dressed in a white Taekwondo uniform that still felt foreign on your body. Across from you stood Jin Chul, calm and composed as always.

The first day had been a disaster. Or at least, it should have been. You remembered the moment clearly—

Three days ago, Your heart had nearly burst from your chest.

“I’m going to attack,” Jin Chul had warned calmly.

You had nodded, though your hands were already trembling.

Then he moved. His fist shot forward. You shrieked and squeezed your eyes shut. But your body moved. Your head tilted back just enough for his punch to slice through empty air.

You stumbled sideways, nearly falling as his follow-up kick swept past your legs. Another step—another narrow escape. You hadn’t even realized what you were doing. Your body simply refused to be hit.

Again and again, Jin Chul attacked.

And again and again, you avoided him—awkwardly, clumsily, but always just in time. When you finally opened your eyes, panting and shaking, Jin Chul was staring at you with a strange look.

Discovery Number 1: Whether it was instinct or pure fear, you could dodge Jin Chul’s attacks with startling efficiency.

Perhaps your sharpened senses were helping as well.

Back in the present, Jin Chul stepped forward again. His movements were controlled, precise. Each strike was deliberate. A straight punch came first.

You tilted your head to the side, the wind of his fist brushing past your cheek.

He followed with a low sweep. Your body reacted before your mind could process it—you jumped back, your feet sliding across the mat.

Another strike. A kick this time.

You ducked under it, your ears flattening instinctively against your head.

Jin Chul watched carefully as he attacked. He remembered how you had been on the first day—how every movement made you flinch. How you would let out small gasps or frightened sounds whenever his fist came close.

For years you had been nothing more than a civilian. A nurse, Someone who saved lives instead of fighting. It was only natural that this world felt terrifying. Yet even in your fear, your eyes had changed.

They were slightly slitted now, sharp and alert—tracking every motion he made.You were afraid.

But your body was learning.

He threw another combination.

Left. Right. Low kick.

You dodged the first two.

But the third—Your foot slipped, for a split second, your balance broke. Your vision shifted just enough to create a blind spot.

Jin Chul’s fist came forward.

This one would land.

Crack.

Something flashed between you.

A clear, crystalline shape intercepted his punch.

Your tail.

The long appendage had hardened instantly, transforming into something that resembled polished diamond. Light refracted across its surface, scattering faint rainbows across the training room. Despite its beauty, the structure was solid—completely unmoving.

Jin Chul’s fist stopped against it. Not even a scratch.The crystal softened a moment later, the rigid surface flowing back into its natural form as your tail swayed behind you.

Jin Chul stepped back, then he bowed slightly,the signal that training had ended.

You quickly returned the bow.

“Your keen senses are truly remarkable,” he said calmly. “Even without close combat experience, they serve as a powerful weapon. And I can see you are improving.”

You rubbed the back of your neck sheepishly. “I still have a lot to work on.” Then you bowed again. “Thank you for today’s training.”

Discovery Number 2: You could not run low on mana.Or rather—You were constantly hungry for it.

The association assumed you had enormous mana capacity after you destroyed multiple measuring devices.But the truth was stranger, You always needed more.

You walked toward a nearby bench and collapsed onto it, grabbing the row of mana potions prepared for you. One after another, you drank them, the cool liquid sliding down your throat. The familiar warmth of mana spread through your body again,much better. After cleaning up in the locker room, you headed back toward the main building.

By now, most people in the KHA had grown somewhat used to your appearance, some still stared, Others pretended not to.Either way, you had learned a trick—keep your ears lowered and pressed flat against your head. It drew less attention.

Department evaluations filled the rest of your day. Some paperwork was manageable. Others were… difficult

Most department leaders seemed to share the same opinion. “You should be out in the field,” one manager insisted. “It would be a waste of talent to keep you behind a desk.”

But protocol was protocol, you still had to go through the recruitment process like everyone else—interviews, evaluations, and presenting your resume. Which wasn’t particularly helpful. Years of nursing experience didn’t translate well into hunter work.

While filling out yet another form, your attention drifted toward the television mounted on the wall.

A news broadcast was playing, the report came from another country. The language wasn’t one you had ever studied and yet…You understood it, Perfectly.

You had only realized it the night before, curious—and slightly alarmed—you begun testing it. Videos online, foreign articles. Different languages entirely, one after another, you understood them all as if they were your native tongue.

Even now, the reporter’s words were crystal clear in your mind, your pen stopped moving, leaned back slightly in your chair. A slow realization formed.

'I think I know exactly which department I should join in the KHA.'

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

You tightened your tie and stared at your reflection in the full-length mirror.

A crisp black suit fit neatly against your frame, the same uniform worn by most employees of the Korean Hunters Association. The dark fabric contrasted sharply against your hair—and even more so against the fox-like features that had become impossible to hide.

Your ears twitched slightly atop your head. You adjusted them instinctively.

'It wasn’t really shown how S-Rank hunters are introduced once they’re officially announced…'

In the manhwa, Jinwoo had simply slipped away from the press before they could bombard him with questions.

You, unfortunately, didn't have that luxury.

'Especially since I work for the Association.'

You exhaled slowly, In a few minutes, you would be standing in front of dozens of cameras. You folded your ears down slightly, trying to soften their presence. Less intimidating. Less… different.

Then you practiced the same gentle smile again. Approachable. Polite. Non-threatening.

Even without using your heightened senses, you already knew what was waiting outside. A swarm of reporters had gathered in front of the KHA building. After all, the Association’s website had been updated last night.

Your name had appeared on it for the first time.

A new addition to Korea’s S-Rank hunters.

You stepped away from the mirror and left the room. Your hand brushed over the lapels of your suit, smoothing the fabric as you walked.

Each step toward the main lobby felt heavier than the last. Your footsteps echoed loudly in your mind.

Then, the glass doors slid open, a storm of flashing lights exploded in front of you.

Camera shutters fired rapidly, bright bursts of white nearly blinding you. Your pupils narrowed into thin slits instinctively as you stepped forward into the spotlight.

Voices erupted immediately.

“Hunter! Over here!”

“Is it true you’re a healer-type S-Rank?!”

“Are the rumors about your transformation ability real?!”

You maintained your smile. Calm. Composed. Professional. When you finally spoke, your voice carried clearly through the chaos.

“My name is—” You introduced yourself.

“Korea’s 10th S-Rank Hunter.” A brief pause.“Beast-Type Healer.”

Another flash of cameras.“And the official Diplomat of the Korean Hunters Association.”

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

Yesterday

Later that afternoon, after finishing your training session with Jin Chul, you received a message requesting your presence in the Chairman’s office. The reason was obvious enough, it was time to officially determine both your rank and the department you would be assigned to within the Association.

When you entered the office, Chairman Go Gunhee was already waiting.You hesitated briefly before speaking.“Chairman… if I may, I believe I already know which department I should be placed in.”

Go Gunhee looked at you with quiet curiosity, gesturing for you to continue.

“While watching the news last night, I noticed something strange,” you explained. “The report was from another country and spoken entirely in a foreign language, yet somehow I was able to understand every word. At first I thought it might just be coincidence, so I tested it further by looking up other videos and articles online, and to my surprise I could understand them as well. French, Japanese, Russian, German—it didn’t seem to matter what language it was.”

The Chairman leaned forward slightly, clearly intrigued by the revelation.

“So what I’m proposing,” you continued carefully, “is that you place me in Public Relations as the Korean Hunters Association’s official diplomat. If I can understand and communicate in any language, it would allow the Association to interact more smoothly with foreign hunter organizations and governments.”

Go Gunhee remained silent for a moment, the quiet weight of his gaze settling on you. The reasoning itself was sound. In fact, it was more practical than most proposals he had heard from newly awakened hunters.

But the way you had phrased it suggested there was something more.

You seemed to sense it too.

“There is another reason,” you said slowly. “It may sound unbelievable, but I believe it is important that you hear it. I possess a form of foresight. I cannot see the entire future, nor do I know every detail of what is to come, but certain events appear clearly to me—important ones, events that could affect many lives.”

The room fell silent. For the first time since you entered, Go Gunhee’s expression changed slightly, Not shock but Calculation.

Foresight

Over the years he had heard countless hunters claim strange abilities after awakening. Some exaggerated their powers out of arrogance, others mistook coincidence for prophecy. But an S-rank’s abilities were rarely simple.

‘And this young woman had already destroyed multiple mana-measuring devices. If even half of what she claimed was true…’

The implications were enormous. International diplomacy. Gate incidents. Political negotiations between hunter organizations.

A hunter who could predict critical events that could change the balance of power between entire nations.

But there was another thought that crossed his mind as well. ‘If she truly sees fragments of the future… then she must also be carrying the burden of knowing disasters before they happen.’ Go Gunhee studied your face carefully.

You didn’t look like someone lying.Nor did you look like someone making a reckless claim.

You looked… determined, your gaze sharpened as it met his.

“If I am given the authority to act as the Association’s representative, I believe I could help prevent some of these events from happening. And even if prevention is not possible, I may still be able to lessen the damage they would cause.”

You bowed your head slightly.

“So Chairman, I ask that you grant me that authority. If you allow me to act as the Association’s diplomat, I believe I can be of real use in protecting this country.”

Go Gunhee did not respond immediately.

Instead, he leaned back slowly in his chair, fingers folding together as he regarded you in silence.

The Korean Hunters Association had just gained a new S-rank hunter.

But perhaps…

They had gained something far more valuable.

…

Back in the present, the flashes of cameras continued to burst around you as reporters shouted questions from every direction.

“Hunter! Is it true you awakened only recently?”

“Can you explain your Beast-Type classification?”

“Are you really not affiliated with any guild?” ”Why did you join the Korean Hunter Association”

Voices overlapped in a chaotic wave, microphones stretching toward you as the crowd pressed forward.

You maintained your polite smile, though the attention was beginning to feel overwhelming. Raising a hand slightly to signal for a moment of quiet, you spoke clearly so the reporters could hear you over the noise.

“I understand everyone has many questions,” you said calmly. “I will agree to a personal interview in two months. For now, however, I would like to focus on honing my abilities and fulfilling my responsibilities while working for the betterment of the Association.”

The reporters began shouting even more questions the moment you finished. You didn’t answer them. Instead—

Poof.

A thick cloud of smoke suddenly erupted where you stood.

Gasps rippled through the crowd as the smoke slowly cleared.

Where a moment ago an S-rank hunter in a black suit had stood, a fox now appeared in your place. Your fur was soft and bright, your ears perked forward as you looked at the stunned reporters. Behind you, your large fluffy tail split apart, forming six separate tails that swayed gently in the air.

They curled together playfully, shaping themselves into three neat heart figures.

For a brief moment, the entire crowd went silent, cameras froze, then the shutters exploded again.

The small fox dipped its head in a polite bow.

And before anyone could react—

You dashed away in a blur of fur, slipping through the open doors of the KHA building and disappearing inside.

Behind you, the reporters erupted into chaos.

“Did you get that?!”

“Replay the footage!”

“Did her tail just split into six?!” The moment the glass doors closed behind you, the chaos outside only grew louder.

Reporters shouted over one another while cameramen frantically checked their recordings.

“Did you get that transformation on camera?!”

“Zoom in on the tails—zoom in!”

“That was a beast-type ability, right?!”

Within minutes, the footage had already begun spreading.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

One hour later

Across South Korea, television screens flickered with the same breaking headline.

[BREAKING NEWS: KOREA’S 10TH S-RANK HUNTER REVEALED]

The broadcast replayed the moment you stepped out of the KHA building in your black suit, calmly introducing yourself to the press.

Then the video cut to the moment that had captured the nation’s attention.

Poof.

The thick cloud of smoke, the sudden appearance of the small fox, your six fluffy tails forming three heart shapes before bowing politely to the stunned reporters.

The anchor paused the footage right at the heart-shaped tails.

“This clip,” the news anchor said with a slightly amused smile, “has already gained over two million views online in less than forty minutes.”

The screen switched to social media reactions.

Trending Topics – Korea

#SRankFoxHunter #KHA_Diplomat #SixTails #CuteButSRank #BeastTypeHealer

Clips of the moment replayed repeatedly.

The tiny fox bowing, The heart-shaped tails, The sudden dash back inside the building.

Comment sections exploded.

Online Comments

“WAIT SHE’S AN S-RANK???”

“Why is the new S-rank so cute??”

“Those tails made hearts 😭😭

“Imagine a dungeon boss seeing that and then getting annihilated.”

“Korea has a fox diplomat now??”

“I refuse to believe that creature can destroy mana measuring devices.”

“If anything happens to that fox I will personally fight the monsters.”

“Six tails… is she some kind of legendary fox spirit?”

“Beast-Type healer AND diplomat?? What kind of build is that?”

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

Memes began appearing almost immediately

One showed your tiny fox form facing a massive dungeon boss with the caption:

“POV: You underestimated the cute S-rank.”

Another edited your heart-shaped tails into a sticker labeled:

“Diplomatic relations improved.”

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

Meanwhile, inside the Korean Hunters Association headquarters—Several employees stared at the trending page on their screens.

“…Chairman.” One staff member hesitated before speaking, “I think the public reaction is… very positive.”

The Chairman had a faint smile while reading through the rapidly multiplying headlines.

A faint chuckle escaped him. “Positive is one way to put it.” Another clip replayed on the monitor.The small fox bowing politely. The Chairman rested his chin on his hand. “Though I must admit… I did not expect our newest S-rank to win public favor so quickly.”

One of the younger employees spoke nervously. “Sir… the video just passed five million views.”

Go Gunhee smiled faintly. “Well then.” He glanced toward the glass window outside “It seems our diplomat has already begun improving international relations.”

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

The small apartment was quiet when the door finally opened.

Jinwoo stepped inside, shoulders heavy with exhaustion. Dust from the dungeon still clung faintly to his jacket, and every muscle in his body ached from the raid he had barely managed to survive.

Being an E-rank hunter meant every gate felt like gambling with his life. He kicked off his shoes and sighed.

Before he could even take another step—

“Oppa!”

The sudden shout nearly made him flinch.

Jin-ah rushed out of her room at full speed, phone in hand and eyes sparkling with excitement. “You’re finally home! Look at this, look at this!”

Jinwoo blinked slowly, still processing the sudden energy.“…What?”

But Jin-ah was already grabbing his sleeve and dragging him toward the couch. “You have to see this!” she said, practically bouncing in place. “A new S-rank hunter was announced today!”

That alone would normally catch Jinwoo’s attention.

S-rank hunters were like celebrities. But right now, his brain felt like it had been wrung dry. Still, he leaned slightly toward the phone she shoved in front of his face.

The video began playing.

A well-dressed hunter stepped out of the Korean Hunters Association building, cameras flashing everywhere as reporters shouted questions. Then—Poof, a cloud of smoke burst across the screen.

Jinwoo raised an eyebrow.

When the smoke cleared, a small fox sat where the hunter had stood, six fluffy tails swayed behind it, then the tails curled together, forming three heart shapes before the fox bowed politely to the reporters.

Jin-ah let out a high-pitched squeal. “Isn’t she adorable?!”

Jinwoo stared at the screen silently.

The fox dashed away, disappearing into the KHA building while reporters shouted in confusion.

Jin-ah replayed the clip immediately. “She’s Korea’s new S-rank!” Jin-ah said excitedly. “And she’s a healer too! And apparently she can turn into that little fox! Look at the tails, Oppa, look!”

Jinwoo leaned back against the couch, his body was too tired to care about anything complicated right now. He glanced at the screen again as the fox bowed for the third time.

Jin-ah was practically vibrating with excitement beside him. “Oppa, don’t you think she’s cute?”

Jinwoo rubbed the back of his neck, eyes half-lidded from exhaustion. “Yeah… yeah.” He sighed. “She is.”

Jin-ah grinned triumphantly. “I knew it! Even you think so!”

Meanwhile, Jinwoo’s thoughts were much simpler.

Another S-rank hunter…

To someone like him, that world felt impossibly far away.

S-ranks were people who cleared gates alone.

People strong enough to face monsters without fear, people who lived in an entirely different world than an E-rank hunter struggling just to survive. Jinwoo closed his eyes for a moment, letting his head rest against the couch.

Across from him, Jin-ah was already replaying the video again. “Look at the little bow she does!” Jin-ah giggled.

Jinwoo didn’t even open his eyes this time.

“…Yeah.” He muttered quietly. “Cute.”

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

-end of chapter3

✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ next chapter

#solo leveling fic #solo leveling x reader #solo leveling manhwa #manhwa x reader #solo leveling reader insert #solo leveling x you #solo leveling jinwoo #baek yoonho x reader #baek yoonho

2・✿ ⊹

*ੈ ✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 ﹆˚₊

Masterlist

✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ Previous chapter

What if a reader found themselves in the world of the story they read? How would they react, knowing the events that were about to unfold? Would they intervene, or would they merely observe?'"

Her questions left you speechless. She was right. What would you do?

Noticing your contemplative silence, she waved her hand in front of you. "Don't overthink it, dear. There will be plenty of time for that later."

You glanced at her and hummed in agreement. Before you can go dive deeper in your thoughts she spoke.

"Now, why don't we delve into the realm of your abilities," she proposed, a twinkle of anticipation lighting up in her eyes.

The mere mention of this sparked an undeniable excitement within you. Your reaction was akin to a puppy's at the sight of a treat, your attention completely captured by her words.

"Given the constraints of your world's power capacity, I can only transfer about 20 percent of my abilities to you. Any more than that, and we risk destabilizing your world due to an overwhelming power imbalance," she explained.

You listened attentively, your mind working like a diligent student you used to before, absorbing every word and mentally cataloging the information.

"In the context of your world's power hierarchy, you would be classified as a national level hunter," she continued. Her words left you speechless. "In terms of roles, you have the potential to be a healer, mage, fighter, or even an assassin."

The sheer versatility of the power she was bestowing upon you was astounding.

Before you could voice your disbelief, she stood up, her gaze meeting yours. "I will guide you on how to harness your inner power. The rest, however, is up to you."

"But—" you began to protest, the thought of navigating through this alone was daunting.

She cut you off gently, "Dear, where's the fun in that?"

Her words caused you to retreat inward, worry gnawing at your confidence. How could you manage to control this power? How could she even entrust you with it?

The woman, noticing your apprehension, softened her gaze. "Remember, dear, strength is not only about wielding power, but also understanding it," she said, her voice carrying a tone of wisdom and experience. "Worry not, I assure you that once you've taken hold on the fundamentals," she looked at you as if to assure her next words "the rest will be easy."

She extended her hand, revealing a small, luminescent orb hovering above her palm. "This is a fragment of the power I'm bestowing upon you. It's a physical manifestation of the energy within you."

In a mesmerizing scene, you observed as the radiant orb gracefully swirled in the woman's hand, emitting a soft, rhythmic glow. Approaching you, she gently placed her open palm against yours. The instant your fingertips made contact with the orb, a surge of energy raced through your veins. Witnessing the orb intensify its brilliance, akin to a speeding bullet leaving a gun, it swiftly moved towards your chest, causing a momentary breathlessness and stumble on your feet.

As you took in deep breaths, feeling the potent energy from the orb coursing through your entire being, you sensed a profound connection to its power. The woman, with her ever calm demeanor, encouraged you to concentrate on this energy, to feel it, comprehend it, and accept it. "Your power is not something external that you control, but rather it's a part of you. You need to learn to harmonize with it, to let it flow naturally."

After an hour of practicing, you began to master the art of drawing power from within yourself. Just like the woman had shown you, you created a physical manifestation of your power, forming a radiant orb that floated and glowed with your mana. This allowed you to tap into your power much faster and more efficiently.

Impressed by your progress, the woman clapped her hands and beamed at you. "There we go! See? Not bad, right? I told you that you could do it." Her words filled you with a sense of pride, but before you could even thank her for her praise, she was already ushering you. A glowing yellow portal materialized behind you, and you turned back to the woman, a mixture of curiosity and hesitation in your eyes. "Wait a minute!?" you exclaimed, trying to gather your thoughts.

" Dear, you must make haste. There is a limit to how many times and how long we can meet.", she urged, gently trying to guide you towards the portal.

"But, I haven't..." you started, feeling a pang of regret for not asking earlier. "I'm sorry for asking this now, but... I haven't gotten your name yet."

"Now you decide to ask that?" the woman sulked, giving you an accusing look.

"I'm really sorry," you pleaded, bowing deep in front of her. "Please?"

There was a moment of silence between the two of you before the woman touched your arm, beckoning you to stand straight. It was in this moment that you realized just how tall she was, with you barely reaching her chest level.

"For now, you may refer to me as 'Mother'," the woman said, patting your head gently and cradling your face in her hands, her thumb brushing against the skin just under your eye. " I've already taken up too much of your time." There was an unreadable expression in her face you couldn't understand.

The thought saddened you, realizing that your time with her was limited. "Now go," she urged, turning you around by the shoulder and giving you a gentle push towards the portal. You took one last look at her smiling face before stepping into the portal. As everything went black, you slowly peeled your eyes open, blinking a few times to adjust to the brightness of wherever you were. You find yourself lying down in a soft bed, draped by thick blankets. You tried to get up but your body feels so drained of energy and strength, you feel... exhausted.

'Am I...back?'

'white ceiling...'

'Where was I again before I saw those memories and Mother?'

A wave of exhaustion washed over you as you tried to push yourself up, your body protesting against the sudden movement. Your stomach growled, signaling your hunger, and a strange shadow played at the edge of your vision. It was only when you reached up to touch your head did you realize the shadow was your newly formed ears. The realization hit you like a ton of bricks, the memories of your awakening flooding back.

Your heart pounded in your chest as anxiety gnawed at you. You were different now, and that thought scared you. The idea of being the center of attention was overwhelming. But before you could spiral further into your thoughts, the sound of the door opening pulled you back to reality.

Instinctively, you lunged to the side of the bed, shrinking back, your eyes darting towards the door from your concealed position. The entrance of finely polished shoes entering the room quickened your heartbeat. Your newly heightened senses detected the formidable aura emanating from the newcomer, a palpable strength exuding from him. Peeking cautiously from your hiding place, your breath caught in your throat. 'Baek Yoon-ho! What brings him here?' you pondered, surprise etching your features

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

As the door slowly creaked open, Yoon-ho was greeted by the sight of an empty bed. His heart hammered in his chest with a sudden surge of panic. But then, a soft murmur reached his ears. There you were, tucked away in the side corner of the bed,(a small, vulnerable figure crouched on the cold, white tiles.)

Yoon-ho without a second thought, rushed over to you, his hands gently landing on your shoulders. His voice was laced with concern as he asked, "What happened? Are you alright?"

Your response was a string of incoherent murmurs, your voice barely above a whisper. Your ears, flattened against your head. Yoon-ho recognized this as a sign of distress. He quickly reassures you, "Don't worry, no one's going to hurt you. You're in good hands."

You surprised Yoon-ho when you suddenly gripped the fabric of his left arm's sleeve, your head turning up to look at him, your ears now standing prominently. He was taken aback by the intensity of your gaze, mesmerized by the captivating slit pupils that stared back at him. For a few seconds, he held your gaze, feeling a different aura emanating from you. But the moment was fleeting, disrupted by your next words.

"Food. You smell like food. I need food."

Time seemed to slow down as Yoon-ho watched, his heart pounding in his chest. He saw your mouth open, revealing glimmering fangs, and his instincts kicked in. Without a second thought, he swiftly moved, his right hand gripping your jaw, gently but firmly restraining you. It was a simple yet necessary action to prevent any harm from coming to either of you.

Confusion flickered in your eyes, your hunger-fueled instincts clashed with the realization of what you were planning to do, his grip on your jaw grounded you in the present moment.

Meanwhile, in the other room, Jin-chul and a few employees watched with bated breath, their worry evident on their faces. Jin-chul's voice trembled slightly as he turned to the Chairman, "Shouldn't we stop them?"

The Chairman, however, remained composed, his gaze fixed on the monitor displaying the scene unfolding before them. With a calm certainty, he replied, "That won't be necessary. Yoon-ho's already got her under control."

As a few seconds passed, you and Yoon-ho remained in that position, the tension palpable. But then, your stomach grumbled loudly, the sound echoing through the room. In the monitoring room, the Chairman reacted swiftly, instructing an employee to fetch you some food and mana potions.

The realization of your hunger washed over you, your face burned with embarrassment. "I'm sho Shorry!", he can see as your eyes glisten, slit pupils faded as tears gathered at the corner of your eyes. "I din' know wha I whash doing. I din' mean sho..." you stammered; your voice filled with genuine remorse.

Yoon-ho's grip on your jaw softened as he moved to let go, his expression filled with understanding. "It's alright," he reassured you. "We'll get you something to eat. Believe me, I know exactly how it feels when you fell into your instincts. Don't worry, you harmed no one."

A sense of relief washed over you as you nodded, grateful for his understanding.

Yoon-ho gently guided you to sit on the bed, carefully explaining the circumstances of how you ended up here. As he finished speaking, he stepped out of the room, giving you some much-needed time alone. But before leaving, he reassured you that he would return. You simply nodded, your hands clenched tightly in your lap, a clear sign of your worry and uncertainty.

As Yoon-ho walked towards the door, he couldn't help but be surprised once again. He noticed that your multiple tails had now merged into one large, fluffy tail, while your ears remained folded down. It was a visible reflection of your dejection and concern. With a sigh, he closed the door behind him, understanding the reasons behind your emotions.

Twisting the door handle to the adjacent room, Yoon-ho entered to find the Chairman, Jin-chul, and a few employees waiting. All eyes turned towards him, curious to hear his insights and observations. Yoon-ho proceeded to share his thoughts and explanations with them, ensuring everyone was on the same page.

Yoon-ho returned to the room and found you curled up into a ball, hugging your knees and resting your head on top. Jin-chul pushed a tray cart filled with food and mana potions behind him, followed by the Chairman, who entered the room last. Your ears perked up at the sight of the Chairman, and you exclaimed, "Grandpa!" Yoon-ho and Jin-chul were surprised by the way you addressed the Chairman, but he only chuckled, paying no heed to the way you addressed him and replied, "Good evening, Miss _____. Congratulations on your awakening."

You responded with a hum; your emotions still evident. While he was in the monitoring room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness at the sight of your folded ears and worried expression. However, the Chairman's gaze softened as he noticed your tail moving slightly side to side—unbeknownst to you, which brought him some sense of relief.

The Chairman then began to explain that your awakening was different from others, and because you had no control over your powers, it was necessary for you to stay in the Korean Hunter Association until you gained control over it. Despite feeling nervous about the situation, you remained composed and wary. You voiced your concerns and asked what they expected from you in return for their help.

In a calm and truthful tone, the Chairman replied, "I intend to invite you to join the Korean Hunter Association." Yoon-ho interjected, saying, "My intentions were similar to the Chairman, but also, seeing we have similar abilities, I'm confident I can provide much needed assistance through your learning process." Deep in thought, you looked down at your lap, contemplating your options.

With this realization, you asked, "What if, at the end of all this, I don't want to join either?"

The Chairman was the first to respond, "It would be a pity, but I will respect your decision. The Korean Hunter Association's primary goal is to guide hunters like you, and recruiting you was just a secondary thought."

Yoon-ho gave a similar answer, adding, "I sensed a strong dormant energy within you, it reminded me of how I was just the same before, clueless. I struggled without guidance, particularly in coming to terms with my new heightened senses. I hope my forthcoming words won't offend you, but truthfully, my desire to aid in honing your abilities stems from empathy." A hint of solemnity graced his expression as he shared a glimpse of his past, his gaze fixed on you.

The reassurance from their responses eased your mind, yet a lingering enigmatic sensation persisted, eluding your grasp. Without uttering a word, you simply nodded, silently conveying the end of the conversation.

Jin-chul arranged the table at your bed and brought over a tray of food for you to eat, while the Chairman and Yoon-ho carried on a conversation at the other end of the room. Once you've finished your meal, the Chairman turned his attention to you. "We have arranged accommodations for you within the Association. Jin-chul will guide you there shortly."

Baek Yoon-ho, who had been quietly observing, stepped towards you and offered his business card. "Whenever you're ready to begin training, just give me a call."

You simply nodded in acknowledgement, looking down at the card in your hand. Everyone exited the room, and as you were about to part ways with the Chairman and Guild master, you waved at the older man. "Bye, Grandpa. See you tomorrow!", and then trailing behind Jin-chul down the corridor.

The Chairman returned your wave with his signature warm, gentle smile.

Once you were out of sight, the Guild master turned to the Chairman, voicing the the question nagging at him "Chairman, might I ask why she refer to you as 'Grandpa'? Is she really your...?"

He was unable to finish his question, taken aback by the Chairman's hearty laughter. "No, she is not," the Chairman responded, his gaze lingering on the corridor you and Jin-chul had just walked down. At Yoon-ho's puzzled expression, he added, "I don't know the reason either. This was our first meeting."

'Guess I have a grand-daughter now huh.'

As the Chairman walked with him to the exit, Yoon-ho found it hard to shake off the feeling that this wasn't your first interaction with the Chairman. The familiarity in your voice when you addressed him, and the Chairman's nonchalant acceptance of your behavior, left him wondering. Just who are you?

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

"May I ask why you refer to the Chairman as 'Grandpa'?". Jin-chul's question caught you off guard just as you were about to enter the room.

His question took a few seconds to sink in your head, once it did, your mind raced to find a suitable explanation. You internally scolded yourself for presumptuously referring to someone as high standing like Chairman Go Gun-hee as 'Grandpa'. You blame your teenage self for always calling The Chairman as Grandpa, that you have unconsciously adopted to it as well. It sounds as if you've known him for a long time, which you do—but of course, people can't know about that. Desperately searching for an excuse, you came up empty-handed. It was then you realized that Jin-chul still patiently stood beside you, and is still waiting for your response.

"Umm..because..." you trailed off, attempting to appear as if you aren't lying. In a last-ditch effort to salvage your dignity and end the conversation, you blurted out, "It was just a nickname I thought of"

There was a moment of silence as Jin-chul processed your answer.

'Oh shit, he probably doesn't believe that'

"Is that so, alright then, enjoy your stay here." He finally replied, though you could sense his skepticism. You were grateful that he didn't press further. Perhaps thinking it wasn't his place to inquire. "When you were brought here, we also retrieved your personal belongings from the hospital. They're inside the room. Tomorrow, we'll arrange for the rest of your luggage to be brought in. In the meantime, we hope the clothes we've provided will suffice."

With that, Jin-chul gave you the keycard to the room then bid you farewell and went on his way. You took a deep breath and entered the room, relieved to have escaped further scrutiny.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿ ⊹

—end of chapter 2

✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ next chapter

#solo leveling fic #solo leveling x reader #solo leveling jinwoo #solo leveling manhwa #manhwa x reader #x reader #sung jin woo #baek yoon ho #baek yoonho x reader

1・✿ ⊹

*ੈ ✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 ﹆˚₊

Masterlist

The afternoon sun streams through the hospital windows, casting long shadows on the bustling corridors. Doctors and nurses dart around like bees in a hive, their white coats flapping as they move from patient to patient. The symphony of beeps from heart monitors, the soft murmur of hushed conversations, and the occasional chuckle or sigh paint the usual backdrop of your workday at the hospital.

You step out of a patient's room, the faint scent of antiseptic lingering in your nostrils. As you exit, you let out a soft chuckle. "Mr. Han and his jokes," your fellow nurse, her eyes wide in disbelief, her clipboard slipping from her grasp. "He's saying I've grown an extra pair of ears and several tails. He's even acting as if he's really shocked."

Her hand flies to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock. "You..."

Confused, you frown, "What?"

"You...you've really got an extra ears and multiple tails!"

"WHAT?!" You can't believe what you're hearing. Your hand instinctively reaches up, brushing against something soft and plush—an ear. Twisting around, you see a collection of fluffy tails billowing behind you. Panic rises in your throat as you shriek, the reality of your situation sinking in.

Your mind races, filled with anxiety and fear. You turn on your heel and sprint back into the room you just left. The door slams shut behind you, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent room. Mr. Han lays unconscious on the bed, oblivious to your crisis. You're not sure whether to be grateful for his ignorance or to check on him. The latter didn't happen.

Your heart pounds in your chest as you pace the room, trying to make sense of the impossible. The stress, anxiety, and fear weigh heavily on you—a throbbing headache begins to pulse in your temples. You reach out to steady yourself against the wall, but the pain intensifies with every heartbeat. You take one last gasping breath before your vision blurs and then... darkness.

⊹ ✿・・───・・・・───・・✿ ⊹

The Korean Hunter Association's phones were no strangers to strange calls, but this one was particularly unusual. The caller, a nurse, reported a new Hunter awakening—but this was far from the norm. "She's sprouted animal-like ears and tails. She's not gone berserk or anything, she's just...well, she fainted from the shock. Please, we need you here immediately."

Thus, Woo Jin-chul found himself personally dispatched to the hospital to assess the situation.

'A hunter awakening with animalistic traits...'

It reminded him of a certain S-rank.

Jin-chul could hardly believe his eyes. There you were, lying peacefully on the hospital bed, your eyes closed. Your animal-like ears were prominent against your hair, and your many fluffy tails fanned out around you. Yet, these new additions did not diminish your human features.

"Will she be okay?" The nurse who he had presumably made the call entered the room, her face lined with worry.

"I can't say for certain at the moment." Jin-chul watched her closely, noting her eyebrows lifting slightly and her sharp intake of breath. "But we will do everything in our power to ensure her well-being."

⊹ ✿・・───・・・・───・・✿ ⊹

"What do you think, Chairman? Should I give him a call?"

"Yes." The Chairman answered. After a careful examination of your animalistic traits, they have come to a conclusion, and he had inkling that, the only way they can understand you—is by inquiring someone who shares similar traits.

In other words, only a beast would understand another beast.

Baek Yoon-ho, known for his own unique abilities as a Hunter, couldn't hide his confusion as he spoke through the phone. A nurse awakening as a Gumiho, a mythical nine-tailed fox. They wanted his input on his own beastly qualities to see if there were any similarities between him and you, in order to better understand how to interact with you.

"Please, it's a humble request from the Chairman," Woo Jin-chul pleaded. But even without his request, Yoonho would have agreed. After all, this was an unprecedented situation. The revelation of your awakening was too good of an opportunity to pass.

⊹ ✿・・───・・・・───・・✿ ⊹

Baek Yoon-ho had arrived at the Hunter's Association at 5 pm, and now it was 12:46 pm. You had been asleep for a solid six hours, giving the Chairman, Jin-chul, and Yoonho ample time to research everything about foxes, particularly the extensive literature on Gumiho. They had meticulously planned how to approach you—even studied the tail languages of foxes. Yoonho felt like he had returned to high school with all the research and studying they were doing.

"She's awake!" an employee exclaimed, gasping for breath.

Without hesitation, the three of them hurried to your room. Baek Yoon-ho took the lead, gently pushing open the door, while the Chairman and Jin-chul watched from the monitoring room where a camera had been set up to capture the events inside.

⊹ ✿・・───・・・・───・・✿ ⊹

As darkness enveloped you, a series of memories flashed before your eyes. You saw a younger version of yourself, a teenage you, engrossed in reading something. The room was dimly lit, and you were curled up under your blanket, with the glow of your phone being the only source of light.

Another wave of memories washed over you, but this time, it wasn't about your teenage self. It was the story you were reading.

"Solo Leveling."

In this vivid vision, you witnessed the world of Korea—Your world. The hunters, the gates, and the prominent figures that shaped today's society. And how the world seemed to revolve around one man.

Sung Jinwoo, the main protagonist of Solo Leveling, started as an infamously weak E-Rank Hunter. However, his life took a drastic turn when he became the Player of the System, granting him the extraordinary ability to grow in strength without limits. Seizing the opportunities offered by the System, Jinwoo rose to become humanity's greatest hunter and the second Shadow Monarch.

You witnessed his reawakening from the double dungeon,

Kang Taeshik from Dungeon & prisoners arc,

Job change arc where he fights Igris,

The Demon Castle,

Retesting Rank,

Jeju island Raid.

So on and so fort.

After what felt like a lifetime of witnessing the story, you suddenly found yourself transported to another place. You felt yourself falling and instinctively hugged yourself, bracing for impact. But to your surprise, the impact never came. Instead, you heard the rustling of leaves and felt the gentle touch of the wind against your skin. Slowly opening your eyes, you were momentarily blinded by the light, but soon your vision adjusted to reveal the new surroundings.

You found yourself in a forest, perplexed as to how you ended up here. Before you could even begin to ponder an answer, you noticed a significant change in your attire. The usual scrubs you wore at the hospital were replaced by a beautiful hanbok*. Your hands instinctively reached out to feel the soft and comfortable fabric of the skirt. "This sure looks expensive," you thought to yourself, realizing that you were getting sidetracked from your main objective. Determined to refocus, you lightly slapped both of your cheeks to snap out of it.

"Where am I?" you muttered, standing up and scanning your surroundings. Worry started to creep in as you wondered which way to go and how to find your way out of the forest.

Suddenly, a frantic rustling sound emerged from the bushes behind you, causing your heart to race. Without thinking, you grabbed a nearby stick, holding it like a sword, preparing yourself for whatever might jump out at you.

The rustling grew louder, indicating that whatever was in the bushes was getting closer. Your grip on the stick tightened, and you jumped in surprise when a large white furball leaped out. It was a young fox, its ruby eyes captivating you and leaving you in a stupor. Shaking your head to regain focus, you grew frustrated with how easily you let your guard down.

You and the young fox engaged in a staring contest for a moment before the fox tilted its head to the side. It turned its back to you and began walking back in the direction it came from. Before disappearing, it flicked its head back at you, emitting a sound similar to how a cat would meow.

"Do you... want me to follow you?" you wondered aloud.

After a moment of hesitation, you decided to comply when the fox made no further movements, as if confirming your question. You followed the fox through the forest for what felt like a few minutes until you arrived at a trail. Following the path, you were met with the sight of a Hanok*.

When you looked back for the fox, it had already made its way into the courtyard. You caught a last glimpse of its tail before it disappeared behind the wall. Not wanting to be left alone again, you raised the skirt of your hanbok and hurriedly ran in the direction of the fox.

As you reached the courtyard, you leaned against the wall to catch your breath. Looking ahead, you noticed a woman with her back turned to you, also dressed in a hanbok, but hers was a beautiful shade of red. Long white hair danced in the gentle breeze. She was cradling the fox you had followed, its head and ears peeking through her shoulder blades.

It seemed that she had noticed your presence, as her head lightly turned in your direction before she gently set the fox down. Ethereal would be the word to describe her. Her mere presence seemed to radiate benevolence and grace.

"So much for not getting distracted," you murmured to yourself, captivated by the enchanting scene before you.

"You've finally arrived," the ethereal woman greeted you as if you were an old friend. "Come, I have so much to tell you." Before you could even properly look at her face, you found yourself seated.

'Teleportation? ...or perhaps an illusion?'

Quickly scanning your surroundings, this time, you were in a gazebo, surrounded by a tranquil pond with fish swimming gracefully and vibrant lotus flowers blooming. The gentle tinkling of wind chimes caught your attention, and you looked ahead to see the ethereal woman pouring tea. Seizing this moment, you took the opportunity to study her features. Her eyes resembled the captivating allure of a pezzottaite gemstone.

"I know I'm beautiful, but if you keep ogling at me like that, I'll have no choice but to wear a mask," she playfully remarked as she placed a steaming cup of tea in front of you.

"Please don't!," you immediately exclaimed, feeling embarrassed for being caught staring. "I-I mean... I'm sorry..." You muttered, your hands fidgeting with the fabric of your skirt as your head hung in shame.

Her laughter filled the air, a melodic sound that added to her enchanting presence. "I'm just teasing you," she reassured, settling comfortably into her seat. "I hope you like Earl Grey." Your gaze shifted to the steaming cup of tea before you. By now, you were well aware that this was a dream. While others might wake up immediately upon realizing it, you still remained in this dream-like state. It could only mean one thing... this ethereal woman before you was no mere figment of your imagination. So, the idea of consuming the tea she offered made you slightly skeptical.

"It's just normal tea, dear," she said, causing your head to whip around, eyes widening. As if reading your thoughts, she continued, "No, I did not read your mind. Your face simply gives it away. Especially your eyes... they speak volumes."

You found yourself staring at her, as you attempted to comprehend the implications of her statement.

You blinked, shaking your head slightly to clear away the fog of confusion. You've decided to just let it be, pushing the thought to the farthest corner of your mind. After all, there's other pressing matters that needs more of your attention. You looked down at the cup of Earl Grey tea in front of you, its steam curling up into the air, then back at the ethereal woman, taking a sip from her own cup. Her expression was calm and patient—as if she had all the time in the world.

"Those memories, where they your doing?" You asked.

Her brows raised a little bit, then chuckles. "My my.... I've expected your first question will be How and why your here. But I see you know where to set your sights. I can't believe you haven't even ask about me, not once. I've expected you to be asking questions about me. Aren't you curious?"

"I am," you replied, "I've even come up with a few things. First, you're not human. Second, you possess certain powers. And third," you summoned every ounce of courage, meeting her gaze head-on before speaking, albeit hesitantly. "this isn't your true form, is it?"

The atmosphere shifted abruptly; the wind hushed into silence.

She continued to watch you, her smile warm and angelic. But beneath the surface, you sensed a hidden truth. A creeping fear began to coil around your spine, prompting you to shift your gaze from her to the cup before you.

She chuckled, a glint of mischief dancing in her eyes. 'This is exactly why I chose you...'

"Are you afraid?"

"I'd be lying if I said 'no'." Your hand clung to the fabric of your skirt.

"Don't be," she said, suddenly beside you, her hand reaching for yours. "You already know the answer to your earlier question, don't you?" Her voice was soft, as if she feared you might leave.

"Yes," you murmured, your gaze still fixed on your tea. The feel of her warm hand enveloping yours was unfamiliar, yet oddly comforting. It stirred memories of time spent with your grandmother.

"Then yes," she confirmed. "Your next question is probably 'why', isn't it?" You merely nodded in response.

"The answer to that is actually up to you."

"What?" You couldn't help but voice your confusion, turning to look at her. The sight before you stole your breath away. The ethereal woman now sported fox ears atop her head and fluffy tails that fanned out behind her like wings. Symbols you didn't understand were painted on her forehead, and three whisker-like scars adorned her cheeks. Her eyes, the same pezzottaite gemstone color, now had slit pupils. And also, 'Did she become larger?' Your neck now strain to look up to her.

"You finally looked at me," she beamed, a heartfelt smile adorning her face "So, what are your thoughts on the way I look now?" Her fangs peeked out as she posed the question, a sight that was both enchanting and surreal, leaving you captivated by the mystifying being before you.

"Ethereal..." you murmured, the word effortlessly slipping from your lips.

"Oh, you flatterer," she retorted playfully.

Rising to her feet, she gently tugged at your hand, guiding you out of the gazebo. As her warm hand enveloped yours, you both embarked on a leisurely walk along the solitary stone path that led away from the gazebo. The tranquil pond, seemingly more expansive now, reflected the serene beauty of the surroundings. A dry land and a solitary tree stood in the distance, adding to the picturesque setting.

"Now, let's revisit your question about why you're here," she proposed.

You hummed, encouraging her to proceed.

"When I mentioned that the choice is yours, I meant it," she glanced at you, her sincerity evident in her gaze. "I was journeying across universes when I chanced upon your teenage self, engrossed in a story."

"Solo Leveling?" You interjected for confirmation.

"Indeed. The story that captivated you as a teenager intrigued me as well. The creativity of humans never ceases to amaze me. So imaginative. And so, a being yearning for excitement does what they must," she explained.

While her words were still unclear, you chose to let her continue rather than interrupt.

"It was a mere thought, a 'what if' scenario, as you humans' phrase it," she elaborated.

"So, you desire to see a different ending?" you inferred.

She hummed in contemplation. It was then you noticed that you had reached the end of the path. "Not exactly the ending," she clarified. The towering cherry blossom tree stood in full bloom, its petals gently drifting down as the wind whispered through the branches. A simple stone table and chairs were nestled under the tree. She had already taken a seat, and you quickly joined her, eager to hear more. "As I mentioned, it was a 'what if' question on my part. 'What if a reader found themselves in the world of the story they read? How would they react, knowing the events that were about to unfold? Would they intervene, or would they merely observe?'"

Her questions left you speechless. She was right.

What would you do?

⊹ ✿・・───・・・・───・・✿ ⊹

—end of chapter 1

✩ ‧ ₊ ˚ next chapter

Additional info: ˚₊❏❜ 1 year and a half early before the canon timeline. ˚₊❏❜ (Present) Adult reader is 30 years old. ˚₊❏❜ Teenage reader is 15 years old. ˚₊❏❜ Hanok - architectural term describing traditional Korean houses. ˚₊❏❜ Hanbok- traditional Korean clothes.

#solo leveling #solo leveling x reader #solo leveling fic #sung jin woo #manhwa x reader #manhwa fic #solo leveling jinwoo #solo leveling manhwa #solo leveling anime

A Reader's Privilege

Pretext draft of my [sololeveling] fic idea from way way back in senior high but was too lazy to write. This is originally [ReaderxBaek Yoonho] pairing, but I will make an alternative for Jinwoo.

Transmigrated!Reader whose in her early 30's and works as a nurse at a hospital in Seoul, South Korea. A normal working civilian in a world of hunters and gates, she was just doing her daily rounds at the hospital one afternoon when she got a headache and fainted on the spot, the sterile hum of fluorescent lights fading to black.

Transmigrated!Reader who was in a dream like state, saw another version of her, a teenage her reading about her world in Korea. She soons learn teenage her is from a different dimension, far different from her. A world without gates and hunters.

Transmigrated!Reader who then realises her world in Korea is nothing but a story in teenage her world, [solo leveling].

Transmigrated!Reader who then knows the truth about her world,the important events, about the protagonist—Sung Jinwoo who started as an E-rank and was known as "the weakest hunter", she witnessed him go from the bottom of the hierarchy to the top.

Transmigrated!Reader who has deep empathy, supported and cheered Jinwoo as the story progresses, cried with him, and a very proud reader when she witnessed Jinwoo's transformation, not just in appearance, strength, and prestige. But how he changed from weakest to a national level hunter.

Transmigrated!Reader who felt sad when the story finished. Jinwoo from chapter one and from the final chapter was so different, but all she can think about was the F-rank hunter Jinwoo from chapter one. How her heart ache from all the tribulations and sacrifices he had to endure. His mother in coma and how he has to work to support his younger sister's education.

Transmigrated!Reader who swores she will do everything in her power to help support pre-re awakened E-rank jinwoo.

Transmigrated!Reader who then got broke from her reverie in witnessing Solo leveling, she was transported to a new place, wearing a hanbok and in a lush forest. A small fox that lead her out.

Transmigrated!Reader who met an higher ethereal entity, a gumiho, who introduced itself to her as [Mother], and spoke about how she is the one that showed her Solo leveling, and will grant her power.

Transmigrated!Reader who wonders if this is like her Ashborn to Jinwoo situation. [Mother]

Gave her a fraction of power, explaining it equivalent to a national level hunter in her world.

Transmigrated!Reader who wakes up for real this time, back in her world, a few hours has passed, and she now has… fluffy fox ears and tails!?

Transmigrated!Reader who is still frazzled by the whole knowledge about her world, solo leveling, Mother, her appearance. And now she finds one of the people from Korean Hunter Association at the foot of her bed.

"Congratulations on your awakening"

#manhwa x reader #solo leveling #solo leveling x reader #solo leveling manhwa #solo leveling fic #female reader #solo leveling jinwoo #solo leveling anime #webtoon x reader #x reader insert #Sung jin woo

splurtz

IS IT A CRIME TO ACCIDENTALLY SEND NUDES TO YOUR LAW PROFESSOR?

SYPNOSIS. in which you accidentally email your increasingly explicit nudes to your stern law professor higuruma hiromi instead of your assignments.

PAIRING. law prof! higuruma hiromi x law student! reader

CONTENT. MDNI. professor/student. age gap. oral sex (m/f receiving). light degradation.

A/N. art by ayushnz on ig

subject: urgent assignment submission

from: [email protected]

to: [email protected]

hey prof higuruma,

just attached the draft for the criminal procedure essay like you asked—reworked the section on miranda rights based on your feedback from last office hours. let me know if it still needs more case citations or if i’m overcomplicating the exclusionary rule again

thanks for staying late to look it over again, you’re saving my gpa here!

talk soon,

[your name]

(attachment: Criminal_Procedure_Essay_Draft_v3.docx)

tuesday lecture comes and you get there early this time. you sit in back row, legs crossed tight. he walks in five minutes before start wearing his usual black suit, sleeves already rolled. briefcase hits the podium hard. he doesn’t bother looking around before he starts.

“entrapment. page 231. we’re covering it today.”

he paces. voice low and tired like always. “entrapment defense requires government inducement that would cause a normally law-abiding person to commit the crime. it’s not just opportunity. it’s active persuasion, pressure, temptation that overrides free will.”

he stops, leaning on the podium. eyes scan the room slow looking at your section longer than others.

“consider seduction as a tactic. undercover officer poses as a romantic interest. they builds trust, uses flirtation, compliments, physical proximity, promises of intimacy. the target eventually agrees to sell drugs or whatever the crime is because the seduction makes refusal feel impossible. courts have ruled both ways. some say it’s legitimate police work. others say when it crosses into sexual manipulation it becomes entrapment per se.”

he keeps going, he describes cases. like how a female officer in a bar is wearing a low-cut dress touching the suspect’s arm. whispering how much she wants him. leading him to the deal. male officer doing the same to a female suspect. lingering looks, suggestive comments. “let me take care of you.” he lists factors courts weigh: intensity of the advances. repetition. whether the target initiated or resisted. how long the seduction lasted before the crime occurred.

the whole lecture his tone stays flat. no glances your way. he talks about “arousal as leverage” like it’s just another legal element. “when sexual desire is weaponized to lower inhibitions, the line between persuasion and coercion blurs. but the test remains objective: would the average person succumb?”

you feel his stare when he asks the question like he’s personally talking to you.

when class ends, he leaves fast.

wednesday night you send your second one.

subject: revised entrapment section – attached

from: [email protected]

to: [email protected]

prof,

added the entrapment cases you referenced in lecture. focused on the seduction hypotheticals and court splits. let me know if the analysis is on track.

[your name]

(attachment: Entrapment_Analysis_Revised.pdf)

again, no reply.

thursday you spot him at the faculty coffee stand outside the law building. the line’s short and he’s in front. pays with exact change as he takes his black coffee. when he turns, your eyes meet. you’re three feet away. he pauses and looks straight through you. he doesn't bother acknowledging you, then he steps around you, walking away.

your hands shake holding your own cup.

friday night comes and you promise yourself that this will be your last attempt.

subject: entrapment follow-up questions – example attached

from: [email protected]

to: [email protected]

hi prof,

had a couple questions on the objective test for seduction-based entrapment. attached a quick example i wrote up to clarify my thinking. appreciate any notes.

thanks,

[your name]

(attachment: Seduction_Entrapment_Example.docx.)

saturday morning your inbox lights up.

subject: re: entrapment follow-up questions – example attached

from: [email protected]

to: [email protected]

that’s the third nude you sent this week.

monday 5:30 pm. my office.

h. higuruma

you arrive at his office door at exactly 5:30 pm on monday, heart pounding like it's about to burst out of your chest. the law building is mostly empty this late–classes wrapped up hours ago, and the few lingering students are buried in the library or grabbing takeout from the food trucks outside. his door is cracked open, a sliver of warm lamplight spilling into the dim hallway. you knock lightly, his voice cuts through immediately.

"come in."

you push the door open, stepping inside. the office is what you'd expect from your professor.

stacks of case files on the desk, bookshelves crammed with legal tomes, a single window overlooking the campus quad. he's seated behind his desk, tie loosened, sleeves rolled up to his elbows like always, exposing those forearms you've caught yourself staring at during lectures more times than you'd admit. his eyes flick up from a pile of papers, dark and unreadable, pinning you in place.

"close the door," he says, it’s not a request too. when you do, the click of the latch echoing too loudly in the quiet room. "lock it."

your fingers fumble on the knob, but you manage. when you turn back, he's already standing, rounding the desk with slow steps. he doesn't say anything at first, just leans against the edge of the desk, arms crossed over his chest, watching you. the silence stretches, it was awkward until you can't take it anymore.

"professor, i—about the attachments, they were accidents. i swear, i meant to send the essays, but my files got mixed up, and—"

"accidents," he repeats, he uncrosses his arms, picking up a folder from his desk—your emails printed out, you realize with a flush of heat to your face. he flips through them casually, as if reviewing a student's brief. "three times in one week. each one more... explicit than the last."

your cheeks burn. the first had been a simple nude, you in front of your mirror, lace panties and nothing else, snapped for your own confidence boost after a rough day. the second? you'd been bolder, sprawled on your bed, hand between your thighs, capturing the arch of your back. and the third... god, the third had been you on all fours, ass up, looking over your shoulder with a smirk that screamed invitation. you'd meant them for a situationship that fizzled out, but in your late-night haze of studying and scrolling, you'd attached the wrong files. or had you? the thought nags at you now, but you push it down.

"i didn't mean for you to see them," you whisper. his gaze drops to your lips, then lower, tracing the way your blouse clings to your curves under your cardigan, the skirt that's maybe an inch too short for a professional setting like this.

he sets the folder down, stepping closer. close enough that you can smell his cologne–too strong for your liking. "and yet, here we are." his hand lifts, fingers brushing your jaw, tilting your chin up so you're forced to meet his eyes. they're darker now, pupils blown wide. "you didn't delete them. didn't send a frantic follow-up apologizing. just kept sending more."

before you can stammer another excuse, his thumb presses against your lower lip, parting it slightly. "on your knees."

you drop without thinking, carpet rough against your bare knees. he doesn't rush when unbuckles his belt, zipper dragged down loud in the quiet office. when he frees himself he's already hard, thick in his hand as he jerks himself watching your face the whole time.

"open."

he guides the head past your lips, you taste him as he slides deeper, filling your mouth inch by inch until he hits the back of your throat. your eyes water instantly. he groans low, one hand cupping the back of your head, the other braced on the desk behind him.

"that's it," he mutters. "take it."

he starts to move slowly letting you adjust, then faster. shallow thrusts turn deeper, until he's fucking your throat in earnest. you gag around him, saliva pooling at the corners of your mouth, dripping down your chin, but he doesn't stop. his grip tightens in your hair, holding you steady as he uses your mouth like it's his to take. every time you choke he pauses just long enough for you to breathe through your nose, then pushes back in, deeper, until your nose brushes his pelvis.

"look at me," he orders when your eyes flutter shut.

you force them open. his expression is almost detached but the way his hips continuously move faster betrays him. he's close. you can feel it in the way he twitches against your tongue, the way his breathing turns ragged. one more deep thrust and he holds himself there, releasing down your throat without a warning. you swallow reflexively, choking a little, but he doesn't pull out until he's finished, until you've taken every drop.

when he finally pulls out, a string of spit connects your swollen lips to the tip. he tucks himself away, zips up then he scoops you up by the waist like you weigh nothing. your legs dangle for a second before he sets you on the edge of his desk, papers crinkling under you. he pushes your thighs apart with his knee, settling between them, his hands gripping your hips to hold you in place.

"touch yourself," he says quietly.

he wants you to what…?

heat floods your face anew. "w-what? here? that's... embarrassing."

his lips twitch into something almost like a smirk, he leans in closer, breath hot against your ear. "you weren't embarrassed when you sent those nudes. all sprawled out, hand between your legs, begging for attention." his fingers trail up your thigh, pushing your skirt higher, but stopping just short. "show me now or was that all an act?"

shame and desire twist in your gut, but your hand moves anyway, slipping under the lace of your panties. you're soaked already—from the way he used your mouth.. fingers glide over your clit, circling slow at first, and a soft whimper escapes you. he watches, unblinking, one hand still on your thigh.

you pick up speed, hips rocking into your touch, breaths coming faster. but it's not enough—his stare is too intense like he's analyzing you. "please," you whisper, free hand reaching for him, but he catches your wrist, pinning it to the desk.

"no. keep going." his voice is low, commanding. "let me see you fall apart like in that second photo, that was my favorite one you know.”

your fingers start dipping lower, thrusting shallowly. the edge in you builds but just as you're teetering, he pulls your hand away. you whine in protest, but he silences you with a look.

"not yet." he drops to his knees then, surprising you, hands shoving your thighs wider. he drags your panties aside, not bothering to remove them, and leans in. his breath ghosts over you first, making you clench around nothing. then his mouth is on you—tongue warm and broad, licking a slow stripe from entrance to clit.

you gasp, hands flying to his hair, gripping tight. he groans against you, he eats you out like he's starving. his fingers dig into your thighs, holding you open as you squirm, the desk creaking under your shifting weight.

"hiromi—fuck," you moan, head falling back. he sucks your clit between his lips. one hand leaves your thigh, two fingers sliding inside you easily, curling to hit that spot that makes your vision blur. he pumps them in time with his tongue, building you back to the edge faster than before.

it crashes over you without warning, thighs clamping around his head as you come undone, crying out his name. he doesn't stop, lapping through it until you're oversensitive and shaking, pushing weakly at his shoulders.

only then does he pull back, lips shiny, eyes filled with satisfaction. he stands, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, then reaches between your legs again. he tugs your panties down your thighs, you lift your hips to help. he balls them in his fist, slips them into his pocket like a trophy.

"that's enough," he says stepping back.

you blink, still dazed, legs dangling off the desk. "what?"

"go home."

"but—" you start, voice small and wrecked, glancing down at the obvious bulge in his slacks. "you didn't—i want to—"

"i will." he steps closer one last time, brushes a stray tear from your cheek with his thumb. "when i decide. you'll get an email when i want you back here.”

he leans in, lips brushing your ear. "and next time, wear something easier to take off."

he steps back, opens a drawer, pulls out a tissue packet and sets it on the desk beside you. then he sits again, picks up a pen, and starts marking papers like you aren't still perched there, dripping because of him.

you slide off the desk on unsteady legs, fix your skirt, wipe your face. he doesn't look up as you unlock the door and slip out into the hallway.

you still haven't processed what happened but you know you’re going to check your inbox obsessively from now on.

venusins-deactivated20260422

me waiting for his email

mononijikayu

a song for you — higuruma hiromi.

“You're really smoking at this hour?” Hiromi suddenly said. He looked at Nanami, who shook his head and moved to the side. “...We just had a fire alarm.” You raised a brow at him, unimpressed. “So?” you said, taking the cigarette between two fingers. “Like I said earlier, the building’s not actually burning. What’s the problem?” Hiromi’s eyes narrowed slightly. You leaned back against the metal railing of the stairwell, one shoulder resting casually against the cool bars. The ember at the end of your cigarette glowed bright orange for a moment as you took a drag, smoke slipping from your lips in a thin grey stream. With your other hand, you pushed a few strands of hair back behind your ear, the motion absentminded and slow. For a second, Higuruma Hiromi almost forgot the argument. Then your gaze shifted toward him again, far too eagerly curious as much as it was sharp enough to cut through his being. “What’s your name, anyway?” you asked. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”

GENRE: alternate universe - modern au;

WARNING/S: r18, angst, explicit, smut, romance, fluff, young love, strangers to friends, friends to lovers, codependency, emotional infidelity, pet names, complicated relationship, protective, possessiveness, mutual pining, cursing, crossing boundaries, whirlwind romance, emotional manipulation, smoking, cheating, alcohol, explicit sexual content, naked bodies, outdoor sex, fingering, morning after, p v sex, rough sex, dominance, praising, dirty talk, size difference, unprotected sex, acting major! reader, law major! higuruma;

WORDS: 16k words.

NOTE: this got delayed because of the ao3 ass curse. i hurt my foot (again), i got food poisoning, this was too big, so i had to cut it short and split it up. yes, there will be a third part for this. and yes, there will be more angst in that one. but more smut as well. please prepare!!! also thank you so much for the love you've shown me. im so grateful for all of it. im grateful!!! i'll see you in the next one~ i love you~ <3

main masterlist

if you want to, tip! <3

kayu's playlist — side 4500;

dood-itsradical

Me when the y/n in the fanfic I'm reading actually starts acting like THEE y/n.

juniperarts

Here’s a bnha crossover no one asked for but I am excited to share regardless!

I think these two would get along well. And Deku being the quirk loving boy he is would gush over Eren’s ability. (Read left ➡️ right)

Part 2 // Part 3

fate221

We're all alone, walking in twilight

The night‘s been long, and so many have fallen

Feel no remorse, light will be breaking

Our freedom is worth it all

quietplace26

I found this brilliant idea (HERE) and I had to try and make something for it! This is gonna have 4 parts, just so ya'll know!

Pairings: Past!Zhongli x Ex-Goddess!MC, ? x Ex-Goddess!MC

Now I present... Broken Contracts, Healing Hearts.

Part 1 (Here), Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

tonycries

The Duke and I - N.K.

Synopsis. Dearest gentle reader, it is with great pride that we introduce this season’s most eligible bachelor, Duke Nanami Kento. However, ladies be warned, rumors swirl that our most gallant gentleman already has his eyes (and hands) set on a particular chambermaid. You.

Pairing. Nanami Kento x Reader

Content. MDNI, fem!chambermaid!reader, duke!Nanami, BRIDGERTON AU, duke x chambermaid, slight social clashes, he’s SO in love, courting, face-sítting (fem rec.), squírting, spítting, he’s FÉRAL, fíngering, overstím, breaking furniture, dóggy, “just the típ”, manhandIing, HEADLOCKS, creampíes, tummy buIges, chokíng, dúmbifícation, PÚSSYDRÚNK Nanami, the ton, proposals, happy ending, pet names, swéaring.

Word count. 9.0k

A/N. To that one nonnie that made it impossible NOT to think about this…

“And who–pray tell, is that fine gentleman, Shoko?”

“Who?”

“Him.”

It was like watching a parade, of sorts.

Monarchs upon nobles upon countless upper-class elites filtering in and out of the royal palace. Each with a long, satin gown fluttering about, or men with glinting medals that likely cost more than four lifetimes of your wages.

Debutante season had commenced.

And as part of the Queen’s chambermaids, it was your duty to pain-stakingly welcome each special guest deemed worthy of attending her highness’s garden parties.

Which is why - almost on instinct - you’d snapped your head towards the clip-clop! of a carriage steadying to a halt by the hedge-archway entrance. Catching just a flash of sleek blond, who…

Before the footmen swing open the carriage doors, and out steps the most handsome man you’ve ever seen in your entire life-

“Oh, him. That’s Duke Nanami Kento.” Shoko drawls underneath her breath, dipping into synchronized curtsy alongside the household staff. “And he’s staring intently right at you.”

allthingswhumpyandangsty

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