An "Unregistered Hunter" is the term used for those whose skills did not manifest naturally and who bypassed the Hunter Association's training. Instead, they took a shortcut by purchasing monster crystals from the black market and consuming them—without any physical preparation to handle the crystals' volatile side effects.
In an era where hunter selection is strictly regulated to minimize needless loss of life, the Association established 'Hunter Academies.' However, this also gave rise to a desperate class of people—those without 'The Aptitude' who were willing to seize power at any cost.
When an ordinary person consumes a monster or dungeon crystal, the consequences range from minor ailments to permanent injury, debilitating illness, or even death. Those who do survive are often left with deep physical or mental scars. Naturally, such actions are considered a severe criminal offense under Association law.
Zenis's face flickered with shock for only a split second.
"You're overthinking it, Hermit. You said it yourself—you have no proof," the young hunter countered calmly.
Rosaline remained silent, processing the situation. I don't need a physical smoking gun; my years of experience and intuition are proof enough.
Having made up her mind, she let out a heavy sigh and addressed him directly.
"Ivan asked why we aren't clearing the dungeon right now. That is not a question a trained Association hunter would ever ask. You know as well as I do that unless it's an absolute emergency, no one enters a dungeon at night. Do you have any idea how aggressive and frenzied certain De-von types become after dark? Stepping into the unknown at night is a risk we don't take."
"You're being paranoid," Zenis replied flatly.
"...And he seemed completely ignorant about the six-month barrier observation protocol for newly formed dungeons," Rosaline shot back. "That is basic knowledge."
"...He's a rookie. It was his first time on-site. People forget things."
Rosaline gritted her teeth, her voice rising to a near-shout.
"Zenis! I know you. I know how you boast and look down on everyone! But I also know you're a terrible liar. Whenever you lie to me, you can't even look me in the eye! Dammit! Just tell me—what kind of deal did you make with the Association? What have you done?!"
A sudden, violent gust of wind swept over them, knocking Rosaline's hood back. Her long black hair, previously tied in a modest bun, spilled over her shoulders as the old hair tie snapped under the pressure. Her dark tresses lashed in the wind, mirrored by the frantic flutter of Zenis's crimson cloak.
His mysterious purple eyes turned back to her. Beneath her black mask, Zenis couldn't see her expression, but the raw fury in her voice was unmistakable.
"At least try... to act like the man I once trusted to watch my back," Rosaline said, her fists trembling.
Zenis looked down, the weight of her disappointment cutting deeper than he expected.
"Ivan... is a kid from the orphanage I support. He's a fan of ours—of the duo we used to be," Zenis confessed, finally meeting her gaze. "He didn't pass the Association's selection. So, the idiot... he stole crystals from black market dealers and ate them."
"Dammit—" Rosaline gasped, immediately biting her lip.
"I didn't want him punished, so I kept him hidden from the Association for a year. I don't know how, but those bastards found out anyway," Zenis laughed, sounding more relaxed now that the truth was out.
For an arrogant show-off like you to keep a secret for a whole year is a miracle in itself, Rosaline thought, but she kept it to herself. "Judging by old man Drake's tone, you made a deal to have Ivan officially recognized as an Association hunter, didn't you?"
"I'd call it a 'bet.' I asked Commander Drake to bring you in to help. When some of the trash in the guild heard about it, they started running their mouths, and the stakes just... escalated. If I lose, both Ivan and I will face the consequences," Zenis explained. "That's the gist of it."
"...And the healing crystal mine?" Rosaline asked.
"A bunch of wealthy elites and some Association higher-ups were planning to monopolize the healing crystals to drive up the price. I just happened to mention it on a live broadcast," Zenis said with a bored tone, idly picking at his ear. "If we have more hunters with 'Heal' skills, the survival rate goes up. Having Ivan on the team with a healing skill is simply better for everyone."
Rosaline blinked, letting out a faint, dry laugh. "Fine. I have four conditions. First, we follow the plan to the letter. For Ivan's sake, we will conduct the scout by the Association's manual so he actually learns the protocol. Second, I am only a temporary substitute; I will not use S-Rank skills unless absolutely necessary. Third, once the report is finalized, we leave immediately."
"And the fourth?" Zenis asked, seeing her pause.
"Regardless of how this scout ends, I will not help either of you avoid your punishment. I am washing my hands of whatever fallout follows this," Rosaline declared firmly. "And after this... I don't want to see you again."
Zenis narrowed his eyes, his voice a soft whisper. "Do you really hate me that much?"
As silence stretched between them, the last light of the sun vanished. Across the vast field, the white flowers began to emit a soft, ethereal glow in the darkness. Without any city lights to drown them out, the beauty was haunting.
"Figure that out for yourself," Rosaline said, stepping forward. "It's time to work."
They spoke no more. Zenis pulled out his phone and dialed Commander Drake.
[Glowing flowers in the dark?] Drake asked, staring at the satellite imagery.
"Please send over any records of dungeons with similar behavior. Hermit says these flowers are all male stamen... I have a bad feeling about this," Zenis summarized. "Maybe we can cross-reference the dungeon's behavior patterns."
[And what does Hermit think?] Drake pressed.
"I remember some botany from middle school," Rosaline chimed in. "Most flowers have both male and female parts in a single bloom, but these... they're dioecious. Separated."
[I'm no botanist, but... if there are males, there have to be females, right?] Drake asked.
"Yes. I don't know why they're separated like this yet, but we'll have an answer soon. As for where the females are... it's not hard to guess." Rosaline looked toward the massive, towering flower in the distance. It sat at the heart of what her map identified as a public park. "By the way, when will the barrier be up?"
[About ten minutes. Raising a barrier of that scale isn't easy; it requires a massive amount of energy. The tech teams are on-site now.]
"The wind is picking up," Rosaline warned. "And request reinforcements in case the dungeon expands."
[We'll move as fast as we can. I'm counting on you two,] Drake said before hanging up.
Zenis and Rosaline looked at each other. Neither were experts in the field, and years of diving into dungeons had turned their memories of biology class into a distant blur.
Before Rosaline could say another word, she caught movement above and looked up. A pigeon, glowing with a soft white light, dived frantically toward the giant central flower.
"The flowers..." Rosaline whispered, spotting something on the bird.
A moment later, they encountered a figure staggering toward them in the dark. It was a young man in a suit and glasses, looking like an office worker who had just finished his shift.
"Hey! Get out of here! It's dangerous!" Zenis shouted, running toward him, but he skidded to a halt at the sight before him.
As the man brushed against the glowing pollen, flowers began to sprout directly from his skin. Within seconds, his body was covered in blooms, and he began walking, daze-like, toward the giant flower.
Silence fell over the two hunters as more glowing spots began to move in the darkness.
"Hermit..." Zenis said softly.
Rosaline stared at the scene, her expression grim. They had faced countless horrors in dungeons, but never had beauty felt this terrifying.
"Catch them! Tie them down!" Rosaline shouted, summoning a rope into her hands. "Don't let them... no, don't let any glowing living thing reach that giant flower!"