Seoul had not changed.
When Lee Seong-jun returned to Earth, the city was as vibrant and noisy as ever—peaceful, yet endlessly busy.
The skies were clear, neon lights gleamed over Yongsan, and the hum of civilization filled the air. For the first time in a long while, there were no disasters, no wars, and no signs of the chaos he'd grown accustomed to in the Thousand Continents.
Of course, some curious warriors from the Thousand Continents had crossed the gates, eager to explore Earth's world of technology and lights—but every incident had been resolved swiftly. After all, most of the continent's strongest were under the Blood Empire's command.
'So far, so good,' Lee Seong-jun thought, scrolling through the latest reports on his phone.
The World Alliance—now Earth's unified coalition of Hunters—was thriving. They had begun reclaiming the territories humanity had lost decades ago, fighting back against the monsters that had once forced them into isolated cities.
The Alliance's momentum was unstoppable.
Baek Mu-jin, Yoon Min-soo, Nicholas of Overlord, and Theodore and Julian of the Victor Union—each of them led punitive forces across the world, cutting through monsters and retaking lands thought lost forever.
At this pace, humanity would reclaim its former world in less than five years.
'They've done well,' he thought with quiet pride. For the first time, the world could stand strong even without his direct hand guiding it.
He leaned back on his sofa, exhaling deeply. The familiar scent of his Yongsan apartment, the hum of the city beyond the window—it was comforting in a way only home could be.
"...You look exhausted."
His sister, Lee Seo-yeon, stepped into the living room with a glass of water. Her worried tone made him chuckle.
"I've been busier than usual," he admitted.
"Try to call home sometimes, okay? Mom and Dad worry when you disappear for months."
He could only smile faintly. "I'll try. Though... you know how it is."
Seo-yeon sighed but nodded. She didn't know about the Thousand Continents—or that he had been waging war across worlds—but her tone wasn't accusatory, just concerned.
It wasn't anyone's fault. He'd left only a note, saying he'd be away for work.
And until the Blood Empire stabilized, no one on Earth could be told the truth.
"Mom says she's fine. Dad too. They understand," Seo-yeon said softly. "I guess I was just thinking too much."
"There's nothing to apologize for." He smiled. "Just stay the same, alright?"
The two shared a small, awkward laugh. The warmth between them was familiar, even if the distance of years apart hung in the air.
Then their mother, Kim Ji-young, entered with a proud smile.
"Thank you, son."
"Suddenly?"
"Thanks to you, I got to see the old neighborhood again."
Seo-yeon's eyes lit up. "Ah! That video! The one where people visited their reclaimed lands—I cried watching it. That old man who wept when he stepped on his homeland again…"
It had been nearly fifty years since monsters took the world in the first Cataclysm. For their parents' generation, those lands weren't just territory—they were memories of youth, family, and lost time.
Now, the World Alliance had begun restoring those places. The smiles of the displaced returning home were a gift more precious than any crown.
"Dad wanted me to tell you he's proud," Seo-yeon said. "Mom too."
Hearing that, Lee Seong-jun's heart eased. For once, the endless struggle, the sleepless nights—all of it felt worth it.
'This… this is what I've been fighting for.'
He looked around at his peaceful home—his sister's laughter, his mother's warmth, the distant city lights. A fragile, ordinary happiness.
And he vowed to protect it.
No matter what it took.
The next day, rest was over.
True to his nature, Lee Seong-jun immediately returned to work. He convened the executives of the World Alliance and renewed their buffs through the Biro Seonghae.
The results were staggering. Several of his top Hunters broke through their own limits, touching realms thought impossible.
The news spread like wildfire.
[The World Alliance Makes Another Leap!]
[Executives Awaken to New Heights—What Power Did Lee Seong-jun Use!?]
[Exclusive: The God of Hunters Returns Stronger Than Ever!]
Social media exploded with praise and disbelief.
└ "Where are his limits?"
└ "Wasn't he a martial artist? How is he empowering others now?"
└ "This isn't human anymore. He's practically a god."
└ "I believe."
Earth celebrated, but the man behind it all was already gone.
Having finished his business, Lee Seong-jun stepped through another gate—this time to Rusotu, the Elven dimension.
'I've delayed this for too long,' he thought.
Humans and elves had been allies, but the relationship had always been uneven. He intended to change that. Humanity needed true partnership, not charity.
When he emerged from the gate, he was met by dozens of elves led by a woman with long silver hair and emerald eyes.
"Welcome," she said, bowing gracefully. "I am Sharua, leader of the Wind Knights. I will be your guide."
"Lee Seong-jun," he introduced himself.
"Anna Faris. A pleasure," said Anna beside him.
"It is an honor to serve such distinguished guests," Sharua replied warmly. "Please, follow me."
As they walked through the vast, verdant lands of Rusotu, Seong-jun's eyes widened.
"This place…"
The air shimmered with life. The sky was impossibly blue, the forests glowing with mana-infused light. Even a single breath made his body feel lighter, stronger.
"It's beautiful," Anna whispered.
He nodded. "I wish I'd brought my family."
Sharua smiled knowingly. "If this sight already amazes you, prepare yourself. What comes next will take your breath away."
Anna's eyes gleamed. "You mean…the World Tree?"
"That's right," Sharua said proudly. "The heart of our realm—and the pride of all elves."
She gestured toward a teleportation circle lined with eight towering crystal pillars.
"Come. See for yourself."
As the circle lit up with soft green light, Lee Seong-jun stepped forward, unaware that beyond this portal awaited not just beauty—
but a new chapter of destiny.