To the world, they were legends.

  A mythic five-man party led by the cold, stunning hero of prophecy. Chosen by the holy sword, blessed with divine strength, and surrounded by a dream team of elite hunters and prodigies.

  The Hero Party.

  Posters said so. News reports said so. Influencers and reaction streamers said so.

  Only five people in the entire world knew it was a complete lie.

  Mu Yichen, Park Taegun, Seo MinHyun, Kang Juwon, and He Ziqin, currently sitting under a tree on plastic foldable chairs, watched in collective silence as the so-called leader of their “hero party” tossed a tennis ball into the air.

  Lee Aseok, world’s last hope, stood in the grass of a public park, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, expression unreadable, watching as a large fluffy husky rocketed forward like a missile.

  “...That dog,” MinHyun muttered, “is going to cause an international incident one day.”

  As if on cue, Pudding barreled through a group of passing tourists.

  A woman screamed. A coffee exploded mid-air. A child dropped his ice cream cone in slow motion. The husky didn’t even slow down.

  He returned triumphantly with the tennis ball.

  Lee Aseok gave him a rare nod of approval.

  Someone clapped in the distance.

  Seo MinHyun looked personally offended. “Why does he get applause for that? I filed three clearance reports today and almost died in a gate, and no one even liked my post.”

  “You post your clearance reports?” Taegun asked without looking up.

  “I like to engage with the public.”

  “You get flamed in the comments,” Kang Juwon added.

  “That’s engagement!”

  On the field, Pudding dropped the ball at Lee Aseok’s feet and barked. It was a deep, threatening woof that promised chaos if ignored.

  Lee Aseok bent down, picked it up, and threw again, this time straight through a bush and into a jogger’s path.

  The jogger screamed and veered off course as Pudding lunged, tore through the hedge like wet paper, and snatched the ball mid-leap.

  Somewhere nearby, a squirrel fainted.

  He Ziqin, reading documents on a tablet, didn’t even look up. “At least the dog’s consistent.”

  “What I want to know,” Seo MinHyun muttered, “is how he has time for dog fetch and public sunbathing while we are dying under paperwork.”

  “Because no one dares to assign him work,” Taegun said. “They know he’d either ignore it or show up at their office with the iron rod.”

  Kang Juwon sipped his coffee. “I’ve seen that happen.”

  Everyone shuddered.

  And yet, there he was. Lee Aseok, the world's most terrifying hunter, crouches on the grass to tie a bright yellow ribbon around his husky’s ear because, apparently, today was ‘Pudding’s Cute Day.’ A national celebration, in Aseok’s mind.

  “I just... I want to understand him," Ziqin murmured, watching Lee Aseok like he was trying to solve a decades-old unsolved crime.

  “He clears S-rank gates like sneezing, but then refuses to talk more than three words a day and plays fetch like a retired uncle.”

  “He doesn’t need to understand us,” MinHyun said, voice bitter. “He’s already the chosen one. The sword picked him. The world loves him. That dog has its own fan club. I saw someone on livestream yesterday calling him ‘Daddy Iron Rod.’”

  Taegun looked up. “They meant Aseok, right? Not the dog?”

  “…Let’s move on.”

  Meanwhile, Lee Aseok, still expressionless, took out a water bottle and poured it into a bowl for Pudding, patting his head gently.

  Someone nearby gasped.

  A bystander whispered, “He smiled.”

  “No he didn’t,” Kang Juwon said.

  “He might’ve,” MinHyun whispered, squinting at Aseok’s face.

  “Maybe a muscle twitched,” He Ziqin offered.

  “It was wind,” Taegun concluded.

  They all fell into tired silence again.

  Around them, the park’s atmosphere was oddly charged.

  Dozens of people pretended not to stare at Lee Aseok while very obviously taking pictures from behind trees, lamp posts, and potted plants.

  Children in plastic armor were sword-fighting with foam iron rods. A radio played a remixed version of “Hero of Iron” featuring trap beats.

  Someone wore a t-shirt that read:

  "Our Hero Doesn’t Talk — He Just Clears."

  MinHyun finally snapped.

  “Okay. No. This is unhealthy. We are part of the greatest hunter squad in history and our leader thinks he’s a dog dad influencer.”

  “He kind of is,” Kang Juwon noted.

  “Don’t say that.”

  He Ziqin flipped a tablet screen around. “By the way, this week’s official photo ranking just came out.”

  Everyone leaned in.

  “Number one,” Ziqin announced, “is Lee Aseok playing fetch. Number two is Lee Aseok sitting on a dungeon boss like it’s a beanbag chair. Number three… is Pudding. Sleeping. With a donut pillow.”

  The rest were silent for a moment.

  Then Mu Yichen said quietly, “What rank are we?”

  “Mu Yichen, number twelve. Park Taegun, fifteen. Seo MinHyun, twenty-six. Kang Juwon, not ranked. Again.”

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  “…Excuse me?” Kang Juwon said.

  “There’s a cat named Meowseok that ranked above you,” Ziqin added without emotion. “It’s a cosplay account.”

  Kang Juwon stood up, visibly shaking. “I’m going to fight a dragon.”

  “Sit down,” Taegun said, pulling him back.

  Mu Yichen stared across the grass, watching as Lee Aseok leaned back, arms crossed behind his head, eyes closed beneath the gentle shade of a tree, Pudding sleeping at his side like an overgrown marshmallow.

  “He really doesn’t see us as a team, does he?” Ziqin asked.

  “No,” Yichen said flatly.

  “We’re just orbiting,” MinHyun muttered. “Like useless moons. Waiting to be called. Or... forgiven.”

  Pudding suddenly stood, alert.

  He had sensed a squirrel.

  With unholy speed, he tore off into the bushes, dragging the toy ball with him.

  Aseok sighed and stood.

  He brushed off his coat, picked up the leash that he never used, and walked after his dog, silent as ever.

  The four “teammates” sat quietly as chaos resumed in the shrubbery.

  MinHyun took a long sip of iced coffee and said with grim clarity:

  “…We’re not at a party.”

  “No,” Taegun agreed.

  “We’re in a cult.”

  Few days later,

  It was a rare day of sun and silence in the city park, disturbed only by the occasional bark of a husky and the tap-tap-tap of high-level hunters typing on tablets.

  Mu Yichen, Park Taegun, Kang Juwon, and He Ziqin were stationed in their usual formation: one foldable table, four chairs, two laptops, one stack of reports, and the sinking realization that they might be part-time civil servants rather than full-time hunters.

  Across the field, Lee Aseok was sprawled on the grass, stone-faced and barefoot, watching his dog Pudding perform chaotic zoomies around a tree like it had committed a personal offense.

  Occasionally, Aseok would mutter a soft “No,” whenever the husky tried to bite a small animal.

  All in all, a peaceful scene.

  Then a luxury car, sleek, black, and suspiciously shiny, pulled up beside them like it was trying to flex its bank account.

  The windows rolled down.

  Out stepped Seo MinHyun.

  He was wearing sunglasses, a flashy coat that looked like it belonged to a runway model, and the cocky smirk of a man who definitely did not go to an actual meeting like he claimed.

  Behind him, two women exited the car.

  One was tall and stunning, her long hair flowing like a shampoo commercial, dressed in white heels and designer everything. Her posture screamed born rich, raised richer, and won’t let you forget it.

  The other, half a step behind her, was much more reserved, a soft, composed presence in a simple outfit. She looked like she would rather be anywhere else. Preferably underground.

  Mu Yichen and Park Taegun exchanged a long glance.

  This was going to be a headache.

  Seo MinHyun swaggered up to them, shoved his hands in his pockets, and immediately pointed an accusing finger.

  “I know exactly what you’re thinking,” he announced.

  “Do you?” Yichen asked without looking up from his report.

  “You’re both thinking something disrespectful about me.”

  “You were gone for three hours,” Taegun said dryly. “You said it was an urgent meeting.”

  “It was,” MinHyun sniffed.

  “With who? Vogue magazine?”

  MinHyun clicked his tongue, deeply offended. “That’s uncalled for. I happen to be doing my duty to this team.”

  Yichen raised an eyebrow. “By bringing an entourage?”

  “They’re not an entourage!” MinHyun turned, gesturing dramatically to the two women still standing by the car like they hadn’t decided if this was a mission or a fashion show.

  Ignoring them, MinHyun strutted up, clicked his tongue, and pointed like he was revealing treasure. “Gentlemen. Allow me to introduce our salvation.”

  He gestured toward the long-haired beauty beside him. “This is Yoo Areum. Newly awaken S-rank healer. Daughter of Yoo Jinwan. You know, the guy who basically owns half of Gangnam.”

  Yoo Areum didn’t bother to greet them. She simply gave a single, casual nod, like a queen allowing commoners to exist in her presence.

  “She’s been sent by HQ to join our team,” MinHyun continued proudly.

  “She’s a rare talent. A perfect addition. Beautiful, powerful, and elegant. Finally, someone who can match my energy.”

  None of the four reacted.

  Undeterred, he waved to the girl standing quietly to the side. “And that’s her younger sister, Yoo Eunsae. She’s not joining, she’s just here. Probably emotional support or something.”

  Yoo Eunsae bowed politely, barely making eye contact.

  Mu Yichen gave her a polite nod. Taegun and Ziqin merely blinked.

  Seo MinHyun, meanwhile, was basking in the moment, completely convinced he was about to receive praise and applause.

  He spread his arms and beamed. “Well? What do you think? You’re welcome.”

  Silence.

  Four men stared at him.

  Five seconds passed.

  Ten.

  “Why are you all so quiet?” MinHyun asked, squinting. “I just delivered a miracle to your doorstep. You should be throwing confetti.”

  Still, no one spoke.

  Yoo Areum raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “Is this the usual atmosphere? Or are they just stunned by my presence?”

  “They’re stunned by something,” Ziqin muttered.

  Taegun leaned forward on his elbows. “You said HQ sent her?”

  “Yup,” MinHyun said, still grinning. “Top pick for healer support. It’s a direct order. Isn’t that amazing?”

  Ziqin calmly raised a hand and pointed toward the field.

  There, in the middle of the grass, Lee Aseok was lying flat on his back while Pudding, his oversized husky, stood triumphantly on his chest holding a mangled tennis ball in his mouth like a trophy of war.

  Aseok looked like he’d been hit by mild existential dread, and maybe the tennis ball too.

  “He’s busy playing fetch,” Ziqin said, “but if you forgot, without his permission, we can’t add members to the team.”

  MinHyun blinked. “What?”

  Taegun nodded. “Yeah. We can’t even leave the team without his permission.”

  “He doesn’t hold meetings. He just gives you that look,” Juwon added.

  “Without Aseok’s permission, forget about adding a new member,” He Ziqin said flatly, watching the scene. “In fact, forget about even leaving the team.”

  MinHyun opened his mouth to argue, then slowly closed it.

  He had, in fact, forgotten about one critical thing in his blind excitement about bringing a walking jackpot of healing talent into the group.

  Lee Aseok.

  Their fearless, terrifying, absolutely uncooperative "leader" who hadn’t even acknowledged their existence as teammates.

  “Oh… crap,” MinHyun mumbled.

  It was a beautiful afternoon in the park. Birds chirped. Children laughed in the distance. And Lee Aseok threw a rubber ball like he was hurling a grenade into enemy territory.

  Pudding, the oversized husky, bolted after it with deadly focus. The beast moved like a missile in a fluffy coat, scattering pigeons and terrifying joggers.

  Mu Yichen crossed his arms. “You really thought you could just show up with a new member and Aseok would… what? Smile and shake hands?”

  MinHyun deflated a little, then turned and looked out across the park where Lee Aseok was now walking back, husky in tow. The ball was gone. Possibly destroyed.

  He Ziqin gave MinHyun a thumbs-up and offered, “Stay strong.”

  MinHyun swallowed. “Is it too late to pretend I never brought anyone?”

  “Way too late,” Taegun said.

  Then the silence returned, heavy, expectant, and just a little awkward, as they all watched Lee Aseok stroll toward them.

  The hero of humanity. The chosen one. The man who had saved cities, crushed monsters, and struck fear into the hearts of world leaders.

  Currently wearing sweatpants, a loose black hoodie, and holding a half-chewed tennis ball in one hand.

  Pudding trotted beside him, tail high, expression smug, as if he too had cleared an S-rank gate this morning and was now enjoying his well-earned break.

  The strangest part?

  They had the same eyes. Reddish-brown. Sharp. Indifferent.

  It was questionable whether Pudding was mimicking Aseok or the other way around.

  Either way, both ignored the rest of the world with an ease that was… impressive, if not mildly terrifying.

  As they got closer, Pudding glanced at the other dogs nearby.

  Ignored.

  Sniffed at the air.

  Ignored.

  Another dog barked at him excitedly.

  Blank stare.

  Total rejection.

  Mu Yichen muttered, “It’s uncanny. Even the dog has his personality.”

  “It’s a bond forged in fire,” Ziqin said solemnly.

  MinHyun took a deep breath, preparing himself for the impossible task ahead.

  But before he could step forward, Yoo Areum did.

  She smoothed her hair, checked her reflection in her phone screen, then approached Lee Aseok with the confidence of someone who had never been told “no” in her life.

  “Hello,” she said, giving her best elegant smile. “I’m Yoo Areum. S-rank healer. I heard you might be looking for someone like me.”

  Lee Aseok stared at her.

  No expression. No greeting. Just… stared.

  Yoo Areum held her smile. She was used to being admired, envied, adored. Her name alone opened doors.

  Her family was one of the wealthiest in Korea. Her face had been on magazine covers. Her powers were rare and valuable.

  And now? Her mission was to make the hero like her.

  Originally, she had planned to marry Mu Yichen. He was handsome, had an impressive background, and carried himself like a prince.

  But then her father intervened. “Mu Yichen is noble, but the hero is unmatched. Make Lee Aseok yours.”

  She didn’t mind. Aseok was stronger. More mysterious. More… captivating.

  And now, standing this close to him, she found herself slightly breathless.

  He was more stunning up close, cold, detached, but undeniably striking. His skin was pale under the sun, his hair a mess, and yet somehow that only added to the charm.

  She tilted her head slightly. “I’m good at what I do. My healing range surpasses most current A-ranks. I think we’ll work well together.”

  Pudding sat down beside Aseok and yawned loudly.

  Aseok blinked slowly.

  Yoo Areum waited.

  Aseok bent down, handed the chewed-up ball to Pudding, then stood up and walked away.

  No words. No acknowledgment.

  Just a full 180-degree turn and a slow walk back to his shaded tree spot.

  Yoo Areum blinked. She looked back at the others, a bit stunned.

  Author Note:

  Thank you for reading and for screaming in the comments—your suffering is my fuel.

  Every “OH MY GOD ASEOK STOP” gives me the strength to write the next disaster.

  Mon ? Wed ? Fri

  (Yes, I too question my life choices.)

  If you want early chapters, extra chaos, or just want to support my addiction to writing unhinged characters:

  ??

  And if you enjoy this story even a little,

  please leave a review or rating—it helps summon new victims readers. ??