Chapter 9
The squad leader Toyong gestured to the Toyong behind him and whispered something.
Then the Toyongs all rushed over to the un-sprouted patch of soil, circling around to inspect it.
Some dug the dirt, some scooped it up and tasted it… a busy little crowd.
After a while, one Toyong returned to the leader’s side and whispered in his ear. The leader nodded and spoke.
“The earth’s vitality is sufficient. The supreme being’s magic has been fully infused, and the soil quality is excellent.”
“Then?”
“For now… I can only say that the seed does not wish to awaken.”
“Hmm…”
“There are occasionally such seeds, you see.”
It wasn’t an ordinary seed after all. Maybe it needed special conditions to sprout.
But since I couldn’t figure that out yet, I decided to just leave it for now.
To prevent anyone from disturbing it, I stuck a sign in front of the plot reading: “Seed planted here. Do not touch.”
Anyway—
Looking at all the lush green vegetables made my stomach growl. Time to eat first.
🍜 A Craving for Something Spicy
“What should I eat, then?”
After eating sweet roasted sweet potatoes yesterday, I craved something spicy today.
Spicy food meant ramen, of course — but unfortunately, I didn’t have any at home.
…Ah, but there was a place that might sell some.
“Leader, could you watch Lor for a bit?”
“Understood. Go without worry.”
“What?! Take me too!”
Lor suddenly jumped up and tried to grab my ankle.
“Catch her!”
“Ugh!”
But the small Toyongs darted around Lor in dazzling patterns, stealing her attention instantly.
[Name: Lor (Asphelor)]
[Species: Mythic-Class Dimensional Dragon]
[Status: Playing tag]
[Affinity Level: ♥ (Lv.1)]
[Current Location: Vegetable Garden]
‘Having fun, huh.’
While Lor played tag with the Toyongs, I grabbed my wallet and stepped out through the gate.
🏪 The Old Village Shop
After walking for a while toward the edge of the village, I found a small roadside shop.
It was too tiny and shabby to be called a supermarket — more like an old general store selling snacks, drinks, and cigarettes. The second floor looked like living quarters, and a broken public phone sat out front.
A rarity, really — in this age of convenience stores everywhere.
Above the sliding door, faded paint spelled out “Gyehwa General Store,” though the villagers simply called it “the shop.”
The door rattled open with a cheerful sound as I stepped inside.
Inside were shelves of cigarettes, liquor, snacks, and household goods. The selection was small — the customers were probably all locals.
“…Ah, there it is.”
Thankfully, a few kinds of instant noodles were stacked in the corner. I picked two packets — and just then, a voice called from behind me.
“That one’s good, but this one’s better!”
Turning around, I saw a boy, maybe in the upper grades of elementary school.
When I first visited, the old man had been running the store — perhaps this was his grandson.
He pointed to a pack of Fire Dragon Fried Noodles — the infamous super-spicy ramen trending lately.
“If you buy it, you get a Rainbow Monster sticker too!”
“Do you want the sticker?”
“N-no! I don’t!”
His words didn’t match his face. Cute kid.
Still, I just wanted a simple ramen today, so I picked up my choice and went to the counter.
💰 The Honest System
Was this place even open?
There was no one behind the counter.
While I hesitated, the boy spoke again.
“You can just put the money in the basket and go!”
“Alright, I’ll do that.”
I pulled out 3,000 won and placed it in the basket, just as he said.
“I’ve never seen you before! Are you that lady from Seoul?”
“Yeah, that’s me.”
Even though I’d only been here a few days, rumors sure spread fast in small villages.
“Then are you a Hunter?”
The second time I’d been asked that.
Was there some rule in this village — “If you’re from Seoul, you must be a Hunter”?
The boy’s eyes sparkled with excitement, clearly hoping I’d say yes.
“Sorry, but I’m not.”
“Aw, man…”
He slumped his shoulders and, losing interest, went back to a room behind the counter to read a book.
The title caught my eye:
“Great People Every Elementary Student Should Know: The Hunters Who Shone for Korea – Baek Yooseong Edition.”
‘…He likes Hunters, huh.’
But of all people, Baek Yooseong?
Baek Yooseong — the current guildmaster of Baekam Guild.
Also… my former boss.
‘Didn’t think I’d see that name here again…’
Well, he was talented and handsome enough to have a kids’ biography written about him.
Feeling oddly conflicted, I left the shop and headed home.
🍲 The First Home-Cooked Ramen
After washing the dirt-covered Lor clean, I picked some vegetables from the garden.
“Green onions and lettuce… that should be enough.”
In the kitchen, I filled a pot with water and turned on the gas stove.
Once it boiled, I added the noodles and soup base — then chopped in fresh green onions.
The bubbling red broth already smelled amazing.
[The Mythic-Class Dimensional Dragon’s Blessing: “Blessing of Cooking” has been activated.]
While the ramen cooked, I tore the lettuce into pieces and seasoned it to make geotjeori (fresh kimchi salad). The sweet-sour flavor would pair perfectly with the ramen.
When the noodles were ready, I turned off the heat and set everything on the table.
“Food, idiot!”
Lor darted over before I even called her. No surprise — after a long morning of playing tag, the gluttonous dragon was starving.
“ What’s this?!”
Ah, right. She’d only ever eaten rice before. Hopefully she liked ramen.
“It smells spicy!”
The ramen looked mouthwatering — rich broth, spicy aroma. I was getting hungry myself.
I picked up a bit of noodles and fed Lor.
Slurp!
Lor swallowed them in one go, then exhaled sharply.
“Hoo! Hot! Spicy!”
Even while saying that, she chewed obediently — clearly enjoying the taste.
This time, I picked up some pickled lettuce and put it in Lore’s mouth.
This time I fed her some lettuce geotjeori.
“Mmm! Crunchy!”
[<Dish> Green Onion Ramen]
Ramen made with freshly picked green onions.
Deep, spicy broth flavor!
Lor’s Taste Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Lor’s Comment: “Hot! Spicy! Delicious!”
[<Dish> Lettuce ]
Fresh lettuce salad from the garden.
Crisp and sweet-tangy.
Lor’s Taste Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Lor’s Comment: “so tasty…”
I closed the pop-up and took a bite myself.
“…!”
It was really good.
The noodles were chewy, the broth rich and flavorful — the perfect comfort food.
The chopped green onion added a clean aroma that elevated the whole dish.
This time, I picked up some pickled lettuce and took a bite.
Crisp!
“Mmm…”
Even after being seasoned, the lettuce kept its crunch. Its freshness balanced beautifully with the tangy sauce.
Who knew simple lettuce salad could taste this good?
And strangely… the more I ate, the more the dull pain in my right hand seemed to fade.
‘…No way.’
I must’ve imagined it. No food could heal a damaged magic circuit.
That kind of wound never healed.
Suppressing a bitter smile, I focused on the food again — and before long, the bowl was empty.
Even though I was full, I hesitated… then grinned at Lor.
“Wanna try rice in the ramen broth?”
“ahhh! You can do that?! Yes! Yes, let’s do it!”
Lor clapped her little claws in excitement.
⚠️ The Next Morning
After playing with Lor, I must’ve dozed off.
The eastern sky was turning pale when—
Bzzzzz— Bzzzzz—
My phone’s loud vibration woke me.
“Ugh…”
Half-asleep, I fumbled for it and squinted at the screen.
[Gate Monitoring Alert]
⚠️ GATE WARNING ⚠️
A sudden Gate has appeared in Deokcheon-myeon, Dancheonggun County.
All nearby residents are advised to stay clear of the danger zone until the alert is lifted.
(Gate Management Office)
“…What?”
