Following her superior's sudden orders, Rosaline had to depart for Rockford Island immediately to investigate the rumored mines.
Yes—right after that televised interview ended, her boss demanded a budget proposal within the hour, then barked orders for her to pack her bags.
Rosaline could only pray for overtime pay to compensate for this frantic devotion. Even as a probationer... with this level of soul-crushing dedication, she had to pass the evaluation.
"Our objective this time is the 'Healing Crystal.' The sooner we identify the key players, the better," Rosaline murmured, seated on a speedboat amidst the raucous shouting coming from the bow.
"What is our goal!?" Beethoven bellowed.
"Rare minerals!" Medina, Caleb, and Jason—all clad in vibrant swimwear—shouted in unison, hoisting pickaxes with beaming faces.
"And all of this is for—!?"
"Becoming the Number One Apprentice Hunter Group!"
The moment the live interview mentioned 'Healing Crystals,' industrial tycoons and small-time entrepreneurs scrambled for information, rushing to negotiate. Those on Rockford Island were even faster. Consequently, every ferry to the island was booked solid within an hour.
Air travel was strictly prohibited except for emergencies. Thus, Rosaline had to 'borrow' the influence of these kids, posing as a mentor teaching them the essential arts of hunting.
In short, the entire travel budget went straight into her pocket. All that remained was to clear the tax invoices.
Inside, Rosaline flashed a wicked smile.
"Miss, your name is Rosaline, right?" Medina asked after their group-bonding ritual ended. "When will Big sis Hermit arrive? We're itching to start training."
"Oh, Hermit will follow later," Rosaline replied with a practiced smile. "Thank you for letting me tag along, young lady."
"Well, if Big sis Hermit asks, we listen! A friend of Big sis Hermit is a friend of the 'Demi-Dragon' Apprentice Hunters," Medina introduced her team. "I'm Medina. This is Caleb, that's Jason, and our leader is Beethoven."
Rosaline nodded. "I'm Rosaline Greatwind. You can call me Rose."
The huntress never revealed she was currently a mere office clerk. In fact, she never showed her true face to anyone; even her voice was distorted by a device embedded in her mask.
The secret that Rosaline was simultaneously a salesperson and a Hunter was known only to one person on Earth: her younger brother, Leslie.
Living two entirely different lives required meticulous planning. At least until she could finally afford to retire from Hunter life...
"By the way, how long have you two been friends? I want to hear stories about Big sis Hermit," Beethoven asked cheerfully.
"Well... I work with the Hunter Association quite often, so we crossed paths," Rosaline answered cautiously.
"Then are you a Hunter too!?" Medina's eyes sparkled, as they always did when speaking to a female Hunter.
"No, no. I'm just a saleperson—buying and selling equipment and materials," Rosaline lied with a dry laugh.
She was taken aback when the children's faces instantly soured. Their disappointment was palpable.
"Not a Hunter? What a waste," Beethoven muttered.
"Total letdown," Jason added, while Caleb looked utterly defeated.
"Come on, at least she's Big sis's friend," Medina consoled them.
"I might not be a Hunter, but..." Rosaline spoke up, "if it's about materials or monsters, I have the answers. Those things are part of the 'work' I do with Hunters. It's a vital role. Hasn't Hermit told you? My job involves the life and death—and the livelihoods—of Hunters."
The children's interest was instantly reignited by that single sentence.
"Whoa! Really, Miss!? You have to tell us everything!" Beethoven exclaimed, the rest of the team nodding vigorously.
These kids... even after facing such danger, they still won't let go of their Hunter dreams, Rosaline smiled resignedly. Still, being with them is better than dealing with the Hunter Guilds.
….
….
After docking at Rockford Island and settling in, Lise called to report that she and the other Hunters from 'The Nest' incident had been discharged from the hospital.
[See you next time, Hermit. I'll definitely get you to that cafe next time,] Lise said cheerfully.
"Watch out for Regen," Rosaline reminded her. Once the call ended, she reported to her boss, began making inquiries with the locals, and arranged a mine tour with the authorities. She secured a slot for the following day.
After a morning spent wrestling with paperwork, Rosaline returned to eat on the boat. The speedboat was sizable, equipped with a stove and full amenities, including a butler, a captain, and a private chef. There was nothing to worry about.
Right... I'll take the kids to scout the mine tonight, Rosaline thought, pulling out a palm-sized doll to check its condition. Haven't used this in a while.
It was a clay doll—an Artifact made from Grade-B clay. Long ago, Rosaline had defeated a mud-like De-von. Upon its death, it turned into a massive pile of earth. She had pocketed a portion before the Association arrived. Later research revealed it could be molded to replicate a living being, mimicking the creator for a set duration.
For someone constantly switching identities, this clay was indispensable.
Rosaline stepped out onto the deck. Once clear of prying eyes, she drew out the clay doll and infused it with a portion of her life force.
[You have bestowed a portion of your life force upon the 'Clay of Creation'.]
The moment she placed it on the ground, the doll began to expand. Skin formed, features sharpened, rapidly molding into a perfect likeness of Rosaline—until the Huntress stood before her own reflection.
The doll's amethyst eyes snapped open. It blinked a few times, then stood up.
"...Ro... sa... line," the doll croaked.
"I told you to call me Hermit," Rosaline corrected. "Good evening, Edgar. Long time no see."
Edgar was the name she had given the clay construct.
Edgar stretched its limbs lazily, pouting. "Hermit... didn't call us... I don't like it."
Rosaline exhaled sharply. "Sorry. But Edgar, I have a task for you."
"Noooo," Edgar drawled. "I want to sleep more."
"First you complain I don't call you, then you complain you want to sleep. Which is it?" Rosaline crossed her arms.
"Want sweets... lots and lots of sweets!" Edgar stood tall, arms spread wide.
"...Asking for food the moment you wake up," the Huntress sighed. "Can you wait until we get home?"
"When?" Edgar pressed.
"When the job is done."
"And when is that?" Seeing no immediate answer, the doll began chanting her name in a sing-song, dragging voice. "Roooo-saaaa-linnnnne."
"Next week, hopefully," Rosaline replied, sharing the sentiment.
"Can I have just one piece now?" Edgar blinked pleadingly, voice dripping with artificial sweetness. "Please? Roooo-saaaa-linnnnne."
"Not now," Rosaline stated firmly. "This evening. Deal?"
"Evening! Yay!! Sweets, sweets, sweets!" Edgar hopped around like a child trapped in a woman's body.
The reason Rosaline hesitated to use Edgar often was this child-like intellect; it invited suspicion. There was a fix—directly copying her memories into it. Doing so would grant the doll an intellect nearly identical to the original.
But Rosaline feared the long-term consequences. Every time she did it, the clay seemed to actually learn how to be 'Rosaline.' Its growth was unnervingly fast. If one day it developed the desire to truly become Rosaline... she would have to deal with it.
"Rosaline is the kindest!" Edgar chirped, stepping forward to press its forehead against Rosaline's.
Memories flowed into Edgar. The Huntress carefully filtered the data she transmitted. After five minutes, Edgar pulled away and opened his eyes. One eye had turned a deep, piercing blue—identical to Rosaline's own.
"...Understood, Miss Rosaline," Edgar spoke, its posture and tone now indistinguishable from the original. "Until your task is complete, I shall fulfill the role of 'Rosaline' to the best of my ability."