Back Home – Jung Family Living Room
That night, the apartment was filled with the comforting noise of daily life. His father quietly watched an old drama on his phone. His mother hand-stitched a torn apron at the table. Ha-Rin cleaned the counter of the shop downstairs, humming softly.
Ha-Joon stood by the window, the hunter recruitment poster still fresh in his mind.
> A support license… No aura test, no battle pressure. Just a step into the system.
He didn't need it for power—he already had that.
He needed it to blend in, to gain access, and to protect quietly from the inside.
---
Dinner Conversation
> "You're quiet tonight," his mother said.
Ha-Joon looked up from his bowl of rice and nodded.
> "Thinking about trying something new."
> "Like what?" his father asked.
> "The Hunter Association is offering low-level roles," he said simply. "Support roles. Safe work. I want to apply."
The room went silent.
Ha-Rin's chopsticks stopped mid-air.
> "You? You always hated that stuff."
> "Things are changing," Ha-Joon replied. "It's better to understand what's going on."
His father furrowed his brow.
> "You sure it's not dangerous?"
> "No combat. I'll stay on the edge of the gates—helping analysts or researching crystals. Boring desk stuff."
His mother hesitated, then finally said:
> "If you've thought it through… just promise us you'll stay safe."
> "I will."
---
Midnight – Rooftop, Again
The wind brushed past Ha-Joon's face as he leaned on the railing. From here, he could see the glow of the city lights stretching far across Suwon, blending into the distant edge of Seoul.
> "Hunter Association…"
He stared at his hands. No scars. No burns. Nothing that hinted at the trillions of years he had endured.
> "I'll stay quiet," he murmured. "But I'll be ready."
In his mind, he had already planned ten different lives, ten different fallback identities, and a thousand ways to keep his family safe.
He didn't need titles.
Didn't want to rise through guild ranks.
Didn't care for fame or wealth.
He wanted to live in the shadows of peace.
> Support Hunter Jung Ha-Joon.
A simple name for a silent guardian.
---
Two Days Later – Hunter Association Local Branch, Suwon
The building was modest. Tidy glass walls. A banner hanging proudly:
> "Build the Future. Become a Hunter."
Inside, fresh recruits filled the room—young men and women, nervous and eager.
Ha-Joon walked in quietly, wearing a cap, neutral clothes, and a disposable mask.
He took a number, sat down, and waited.
The girl next to him bounced her leg anxiously.
> "You awaken yet?" she asked.
He shook his head.
> "Just support role," he answered.
> "Smart," she whispered. "Low risk. Steady pay. Less death."
He nodded, offering a small smile.
> "Exactly."
---
Registration Desk
> "Name?"
> "Jung Ha-Joon."
> "Date of birth?"
> "July 4, 2007."
> "Applying as…?"
> "Non-awakened. Support division."
The woman scanned his ID and tapped a few keys.
> "No aura detection required for support staff, but you'll need to pass a basic mental and physical health screening. Nothing invasive."
> "Understood."
> "You'll get a temporary ID. Provisional license issued in three days. Welcome to the Association, Mr. Jung."
He bowed politely and walked out.
No one noticed his eyes glow faintly for half a second as the automatic doors closed behind him.
---
That Evening – Back at Home
He returned just in time for dinner.
> "How was it?" his mother asked as she served japchae.
> "Busy. But I registered."
> "When do you start?"
> "After the license arrives. I'll begin with training and small field assignments."
> "Be careful," Ha-Rin said, not looking up.
He didn't reply. But he nodded.
And she didn't ask more.
---
That Night –
He sat alone in his room with the lights off.
On his phone screen:
A digital ID application confirmation with the name Jung Ha-Joon and a tag beneath it:
> Status: Non-awakened Support Class (Trainee)
His crimson eyes reflected off the glass, dimly glowing for only a second.
> "Now I'm inside," he whispered. "Let's see how long I can stay hidden… while watching everything."
---