The world shifted.
Heat, ash, and the oppressive air of the Demon Castle faded away, replaced by the familiar chill of evening. Jinwoo stumbled forward as the portal closed behind him, the quiet hum of his apartment settling over his senses.
Home.
He steadied himself against the wall, breathing deeply. Outside the window, the sky had already begun to darken, painted in shades of orange and deep violet. Streetlights flickered on one by one.
"…It's already this late," he murmured.
A faint unease touched his chest.
Jin-ah.
She would be waiting.
Jinwoo quickly washed up, the warm water easing the lingering stiffness in his muscles. The sight of his own reflection in the mirror made him pause.
He looked different.
Not just stronger—but calmer. Sharper.
Someone who had stared death in the face and come back carrying it in his eyes.
He changed into clean clothes and stepped into the living room just as the sound of keys turning echoed through the door.
The door opened.
"Oppa!"
Jin-ah stepped inside, her school bag slung over one shoulder. Her face brightened the moment she saw him, relief washing over her features.
"You're back already?" she asked, then frowned slightly. "You didn't answer your phone earlier. I was worried."
Jinwoo felt something tighten in his chest.
"I'm sorry," he said gently. "Work ran a little late."
She studied him for a moment, eyes narrowing as if trying to read between the lines. Then she sighed and shook her head.
"Honestly… you should tell me next time."
She set her bag down and headed toward the kitchen. "I started cooking. You must be hungry."
The smell of food filled the room—warm, familiar, comforting.
Jinwoo watched her from behind, the tension in his body finally easing.
This.
This was what he had come back for.
He walked over and lightly ruffled her hair and hug her soft Body from behind.
"Thanks, Jin-ah."
She look at him cheeks flushing. "no don't me."
But she smiled anyway.
They ate together as the night settled outside, the quiet clink of utensils filling the space between them. Jinwoo found himself listening more than speaking, letting her chatter about school, friends, small frustrations.
Ordinary things.
Things he had almost lost.
As he watched her laugh, Jinwoo's gaze softened.
No matter how dangerous it gets out there…
He clenched his fist beneath the table.
I'll always come back.
Later, after the dishes were done and the lights dimmed, Jin-ah yawned and stretched.
"I'm tired," she said. "lets go to sleep.
Jinwoo smiled faintly and carry her towards the bedroom while jin-ah only let him shyly carry her.
Soon bedroom was filled sweet moan and bed creaking sound.
Outside, the world was filled with monsters, hunters, and battles .
But inside—
Was full of heat and passion.
...
The next few days passed quietly.
Jinwoo chose to rest—for once not pushing his body, not chasing experience points or levels. His deal with Yoo Jinho was already set, and the coming dungeon runs would demand focus and stamina. Rushing blindly now would only dull the edge he had sharpened so carefully.
So he stayed home.
He cooked meals with Jin-ah, walked her to school when he could, and spent the evenings watching the city lights flicker on from their small balcony. His body recovered quickly—almost unnaturally so—but his mind remained alert.
Because silence never lasted long in a hunter's life.
That afternoon, as Jinwoo lay on the sofa with his eyes half-closed, a familiar vibration buzzed from his phone.
He opened his eyes.
A message.
[Hunter Association Bureau – Official Request]
He straightened immediately and opened it.
Hunter Sung Jinwoo,
You are hereby requested to participate in a dungeon raid scheduled for tomorrow morning.
Classification: C-Rank
Role: Support
Participation is voluntary.
Jinwoo stared at the screen.
Then, slowly—
He smiled.
"…So it's finally time."
He remembered it clearly.
The dungeon.
The so-called accident.
Hunters wearing Association badges who had entered not to clear—but to assassinate the criminals but when when wanted to kill him, he killed him.
And the reward for killing him.
The Stealth Stone.
A rare item. One that perfectly suited his growth. One that would become the foundation of the path he was walking now.
Back then, it had nearly cost him his life.
This time—
He would be ready.
Jinwoo tapped the screen yes hesitation.
[Request Accepted]
The confirmation message appeared instantly.
He leaned back, exhaling slowly, eyes drifting toward the ceiling.
"So it time huh ," he murmured.
Jinwoo rose and walked to the window, watching people move far below—ordinary lives, unaware of the darkness hidden beneath.
His reflection in the glass stared back—calm, cold, unafraid.
"…Come," Jinwoo said softly.
"I'll take everything you have."