I Became an NPC That Rankers Are Obsessed Over

I was just trying to survive and return safely.

Who would have thought the main supplier of alcohol was Korea’s largest organization, and the team leader was even the Executor?

It was fortunate that Angelic Hand had leveled up.

If it had been at level 1 like when I used it on Anna, I would have been strangled on the spot for pulling such nonsense.

I rubbed my chilled neck and descended the stairs.

On my way down, the image of the Executor holding a cocktail came to mind.

It wasn’t the face of a killer or an organization member but that of a girl longing for her father.

Of course, she was older than a girl, but her expression was pure and sorrowful.

Even I, who had been tense, was made calm and serious by her aura.

Thanks to that, I was able to perfectly embody Red Eye.

Would I have chosen power instead of a new face back then?

I couldn’t say for sure.

All I could do was comfort her for regretting her choice.

That comfort was sincere.

Still, I was relieved things ended well.

In these times, when even luxury items like alcohol were hard to come by, having such a reliable supplier was a blessing.

As I calculated this and stepped outside the building, I felt a gaze on me.

Startled, I quickly looked outside.

“Welcome.”

Four organization members were lined up in front of the headquarters.

They bowed politely as soon as they saw me.

Among them was ‘Sang-moon,’ the man who had guided me to the Executor.

Wha… what’s going on?

Could it really be the ending where I get sent to the factory and squeezed dry?

Gripping my crossbody bag with both hands, I slowly passed by them.

But their greetings were no misunderstanding.

The members turned their bodies toward me, staring intently.

“Do you have more to say…?”

“The team leader instructed us to escort you home.”

“Home?”

“Yes, she said you’re a ‘precious’ guest, so we must see you home comfortably.”

Sang-moon grinned.

I couldn’t tell if that smile was one of kindness or the smile of a loan shark finding a debtor.

Am I really a precious guest…?

Such doubts arose, but I had no choice.

Rejecting them felt like inviting trouble, so I reluctantly boarded the black Starex.

My shoulders instinctively hunched as the massive men sat on either side of me.

“We’re really going to my house, right?”

I asked them carefully.

“Of course. We’ll ensure your comfort.”

Sang-moon replied, glancing at the rearview mirror.

The car started moving.

The men, each holding swords or clubs, kept glancing down at me.

The sight made Sang-moon, sitting in the passenger seat, scold them.

“Hey, don’t stare like that. You’re scaring our guest.”

As if his words were law, the members responded loudly, “Yes, hyung-nim!”

Hearing that right next to me made my ears ring.

“Apologies. These guys grew up rough… They get shy around girls their age.”

Girls their age?

So, these rugged-looking men sitting beside me are in their early twenties?

Their faces…

Their heads were shaved, and their foreheads were deeply wrinkled, like cracked ground during a drought.

No matter how you looked at them, they seemed like seasoned veteran hunters in their thirties.

“They’ve only ever worked out… They don’t know how to groom themselves.”

Sang-moon chuckled as if trying to lighten the mood.

Worked out with just their faces?

“It’s an honor to escort you, Si-ho. I’m Jun-seo.”

“I’m Seo-yoon.”

The boyish voices coming from their faces, which seemed at least late thirties, were jarring.

Even their names were as pretty as today’s youths.

“It’s an honor to be escorted by such reliable people.”

The young members blushed when they made eye contact with me.

I forced a smile at them.

Yeah, it’s a world where you never know when you’ll die.

It’s possible to end up looking like that.

“To be honest, I was surprised.”

“Surprised?”

“It’s rare for someone to meet the team leader one-on-one and even make a contract. Especially when she’s so sensitive, like today…”

Come to think of it, I was warned to be careful today.

No wonder she seemed lost in thought at the office.

“Did something happen with the Executor?”

“Oh, that’s…”

Sang-moon hesitated briefly before answering.

He took a short breath and looked at me.

“Today is her father’s death anniversary.”

His response left me speechless.

So that’s why she was sensitive…

Suddenly, I felt guilty for glimpsing her sorrowful memories.

But if I hadn’t seen that, I might’ve ended up in a drum barrel, so I hoped she would understand.

“Thank you. It’s been a long time since I saw the team leader smile like that.”

He placed his hands on his thighs and bowed his head.

The other members followed suit like shadows, lowering their heads.

“Thank you!”

I waved my hands dismissively.

Everything they did felt exaggerated.

But one thing was certain.

They genuinely cared for the woman they served.

They truly wanted her to do well.

Just like the comrades in my past life, who patiently waited for me to grow.

Thanks to that, I realized the Executor wasn’t merely a simple killer who enjoyed slaughter.

Quite unlike ‘someone else.’

“Uh… Could you let me off here?”

Before I knew it, familiar scenery appeared outside the window.

“No, we’ll see you to your doorstep. There’s something we need to deliver too.”

Something to deliver…?

The black SUV pulled into the parking lot of my studio apartment.

The car, parked right in front of the apartment entrance, blocked the way for other residents trying to leave.

Trapped in the parking lot, people started honking their horns.

The loud honking made me nervous as well.

Because the more the horns blared, the scarier the organization members’ faces became.

“Damn it—are you insane?”

A middle-aged man’s voice sounded from outside the car.

It was the guy living below me.

He was the nuisance who always smoked on his balcony, filling my place with the smell.

‘Sir…’

The man knocked aggressively on the tinted window.

Sang-moon, seemingly amused, chuckled and rolled down the window.

‘Run away…’

“Are you out of your mind? Where are you parking your car in broad daylight…?”

The man was angrier than anyone else in the world.

But his expression froze completely as soon as he saw Sang-moon’s face.

“What… did you say?”

Sang-moon chuckled as if prompting him to repeat and gestured to the subordinates seated next to me.

“Guys, I can’t hear this gentleman well. Why don’t you get out and listen to him closely?”

“Yes, Chief.”

The Starex door swung open.

From the narrow door, two massive men climbed out with heavy footsteps like bears.

“Well, uh…”

“Mister, it’s not like we’re living here. We’re just dropping off something and leaving. Why are you in such a rush…?”

One of the shaved-headed subordinates casually placed a hand on the man’s shoulder.

He appeared to be in his early twenties.

“Right? I might’ve been a little hasty. Take your time.”

The man’s face, which had been flushed red, instantly softened.

Seeing him control his complexion so freely, I wondered if his ability was related to blood.

After soothing the man, the Executor’s subordinates opened the trunk.

They began pulling out large cardboard boxes one by one.

“We’ll carry them into your place.”

“Thank you, but what exactly are those?”

“Cocktail ingredients. Triple sec, Cointreau, Campari, and more. The team leader sent them to you.”

What, already?

I was impressed by the Executor’s swift actions.

The subordinates carried the boxes up the stairs and placed them in front of my door.

Then, as if worried about inconveniencing me, they quickly prepared to leave.

“Have a good afternoon…”

“Wait a moment.”

I stopped the men who were about to leave.

Despite sweating profusely in the early spring weather, they turned their heads back at my call.

“Since you’re already here, let me make you a drink. Have one before you go.”

“No, no need to trouble yourself on our account…”

“It’s fine. Come in.”

Now that I had the ingredients, I planned to head to the raid camp by evening.

To do so, I needed to start making cocktail potions right away.

Why not test them on these guys first?

When four men entered my small house, the living room suddenly felt cramped.

They knelt reverently, watching me prepare cocktails in the kitchen.

Their murmurs as they glanced around my home were loud enough to reach my ears, and their comments were uncomfortable to hear.

They remarked on how the place smelled nice or how it was their first time in a woman’s apartment.

I shook my head and sighed.

Let’s be understanding. If I visited Ji-soo noona’s house, I’d probably react the same way.

Drying my hands with a dishcloth, I began bartending.

There’s a cocktail perfect for people exhausted from sweating.

I grabbed some glasses from the cupboard.

I added two spoons of white sugar into the glass.

Next, I placed three fresh mint leaves on top.

Then I poured 30 ml of tangy lime juice.

I lightly pressed the mixture with a muddler to release the mint’s fragrance.

Topping it off with chilled soda water.

Finally, I added cold ice cubes.

Rating: ★★★☆
Effect: Restores 30% of the drinker’s stamina.

Details: A classic mojito made with mint and rum. Sweet, aromatic, and refreshing.

The mint was stimulated to maximize its aroma. Bonus ★ granted due to Angelic Hand’s effect.

“Here you go.”

I handed the mojitos to the subordinates who had kindly delivered the ingredients to my home.

They stared at my face even as they took the drinks.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No… It’s just that you’re cool…”

The subordinate’s eyes sparkled as he looked at me.

I smiled and thanked him.

Their gazes truly seemed to belong to young men in their early twenties.

Their eyes shone with admiration, like those of boys filled with awe.

With those bright eyes, the men eagerly drank the mojitos.

“How does it taste?”

“It’s really refreshing.”

“Just drinking it makes me feel energized.”

The subordinates voiced their admiration loudly, laughing.

Sang-moon, annoyed by the noise, scolded them to quiet down.

After a brief cough, he calmly gave his assessment.

“It’s definitely something the team leader would be satisfied with…”

Even the usually serious Sang-moon nodded in approval.

Most of the subordinates finished their mojitos without leaving a drop.

Then, as if they were in a hurry, they immediately started preparing to leave after drinking the cocktails.

I handed them cocktail potions I had pre-made in glass bottles.

Rating: ★★☆
Effect: Restores 20% of the drinker’s stamina.

Details: A mojito potion made with mint and rum. Sweet and refreshing.

Due to being crafted as a potion, the grade and effects are reduced. Bonus ★ granted due to Angelic Hand’s effect.

“Take these with you when you leave.”

The men, who had been slipping on their shoes haphazardly, looked startled.

They waved their hands, saying it was already generous to drink such a rare cocktail and that they couldn’t possibly accept more.

But I forcibly placed the drinks in their hands and retreated back inside the house.

Holding the door shut with both hands, I peeked out through the gap and spoke softly.

“This is a gift for helping me today.”

When I said that, the men’s faces turned red.

They made brief eye contact with me before hurriedly turning their heads and bolting down the stairs.

The members of Ilshim certainly seemed busy.

I wondered what had them in such a rush.

I went back inside.

Even though the men had only stayed for a short while, it felt like the room now smelled faintly of cigarettes.

Did my place smell like this when I lived alone…?

After cleaning up the spilled drink, I got ready to make more potions.

“Wait a second…”

Now that I think about it, I never told the subordinates my home address.

How on earth did they know where I live…?