Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The yellowing leaves sway in the breeze, some are transitioning into rich, deep crimson of blood.

Through the tall glass window, Yoojin is daydreaming, eyes fixed on those hypnotically swaying leaves, his chin supported by a propped elbow on the linoleum table. Sticky, Yoojin’s mind languidly supplies, like the surface was wiped carelessly by a barely damp rag to clean the previous customer’s food crumbs and oily fingers. 

There’s an accumulation of white noise blanketing his senses pleasantly, the aroma of coffee, pastry and sugar wafting into his nostrils and Yoojin pictures himself drifting as an insignificant air particle in this liveliness in a slow, never ending circle.

“Ahjussi, it’s our long awaited date and yet you seem to be so out of it today. Is there something on your mind?” Yerim’s concerned voice dispels the dream like fog Yoojin’s mind is caught in. 

Yerim, seated across from him, is dressed in casual denim overall with a face lightly touched with makeup. The use of makeup is a new addition, and it’s all thanks to her PR manager’s, in Yerim’s peevish words, constant nagging that she needs to keep up a youthful yet still refined image.

Yoojin forces a smile to appear. “Oh. It’s nothing Yerim. I thought I saw something outside.”

Yerim doesn’t look the least bit convinced with his poor attempt at deflection. “And your eyebags make you look like a panda. Are you sure you’re okay? Is there someone I need to beat up?” And now she’s brandishing a closed fist against a palm with a threatening delinquent-like smirk tugging the corners of her lips.

An explosive laugh reverberates off a far table. All the surrounding tables where their tiny corner is situated are booked by Yerim’s manager to avoid regular cafe goers from gawking at the sight of an S rank casually having breakfast here.

Not everything can be solved with violence, Yerim… That’s especially true in his case, isn’t it? Considering the root of his problem is close to unrivalled in terms of money, power, influence, and stubbornness to boot.

Yoojin is dredging his sleep-addled mind for an appropriate response when his attention is drawn to someone. She’s standing by a pole outside the quaint little cafe both he and Yerim are in. Somehow, every time he looks over that direction, he always finds Im Chaeyoung’s silver eyes piercing his. 

The bell tinkles as it brushes against the cafe’s door, announcing their departure. The temperature outside has dropped to a chilly single digit. Yoojin is kept adequately warm up to his fingertips to his toes thanks to Daeho, the personal assistant Yoohyun designated for him, who bundled him up in heavy clothing articles prior to him leaving the house. 

The sky is painted in grey, fat clouds that cast a dismal glow over this quiet residential neighbourhood. Yerim is clinging to his arm and chattering animatedly about nothing in particular. Her bright smile shines like the sun itself on this gloomy, overcast day. Yoojin’s chest warms at being the centre of Yerim’s attention, the recipient of her rare display of affection, those eyes are looking devotedly at him like a child would at a parent.

Yerim. The uncared for young child he picked up from the hands of her abusive uncle those months ago has blossomed into a confident young woman, brimming with life and energy. Yoojin has a strong urge to protect that, to never let the fire in that heart be extinguished.

Once Yerim finishes her one year contract, he’ll take her out of Abyss and run far away. There’s a distant sound of car honking, the quiet pedestrian walk they’re at, towering trunks boasting vivid yellow leaves that periodically flutter downwards in a natural dance, drawn by gravity to embrace death in the dirt soil, the world goes on undisturbed like a cog in a wheel.

As Yoojin passes by a lone boutique’s display window, the sight of his and Yerim’s reflection in his periphery captures his attention. The ruby on his collar stands out especially brightly compared to the rest of his almost translucent physique, as though taunting him.

“Yoojin-nim, you have to eat. You’ve skipped breakfast and lunch too. At this rate you’ll collapse. And then…”

The sentence is left hanging unfinished in the air. Yoojin is sprawled on the couch, limbs flopped over in what can barely pass as an upright sitting position, staring at nothing in particular.

Yoojin’s lips part, there’s a shake in the first few syllables of his hollow voice before stabilising. “Then it’s your life on the line. I get it now.” He straightens his back, pulls himself up to balance his weight properly on the dark leather sofa, and motions a hand. “Bring it here, I’ll eat.”

There’s pure relief spreading across Daeho’s face as he brings over the plate piled with delicious home-cooked food, still warm, steam puffing carrying a mouthwatering scent, alongside a polite offer to spoon feed him. Yoojin declines the latter.

Daeho, too, is held inside this make believe house filled with piles of riches, a pointless set of routine and a quiet pocket of air.

Daeho is running a comb through Yoojin’s hair. Some minutes ago, Daeho deposited the dirty dishes somewhere outside before returning just as swiftly. There must be someone else assigned to collect and clean them. Daeho’s movements are far too slow and delicate for something as inconsequential as brushing hair, as if he’s handling fragile glass instead of a human head. Yoojin certainly feels like one, a small touch and then he’ll shatter into tiny disarrayed pieces.

Days pass by in a blur. The sun appears and disappears, bringing light and taking it away in an endless loop. 

“What about this one, hyung?” A bracelet with star shaped glittering blue gems is held at Yoojin’s line of vision. “Do you like it more?”

Yoohyun lowers the bracelet after a few seconds has passed in stilted silence and continues to rummage through the stacks of expensive jewelleries on the floor.

“Maybe this one suits you more. Although I do think anything you wear would look good on you as well as bring out the item‘s beauty to the fullest.”

Daeho is standing at the side, ready to receive any order given his way. The muscles in his eyebrows and right jaw twitch ever so slightly with every brush of Yoohyun’s hands on Yoojin’s body, with every pretty jewellery that is made to adorn the older brother’s body.

Yoohyun is idly stroking Yoojin’s bare feet as he fastens an anklet furnished with a smattering of polished magic gems and a little bell around his right ankle, the motion is inundated with easy, natural affection for his brother. Yoojin’s gaze flicks at Yoohyun’s expression that is locked in utmost concentration as he examines the anklet’s appearance on Yoojin’s skin.

“Is this amusing to you?” Yoojin’s quiet voice carries through the room, the first words he's spoken in close to an hour. “Are you going to sign me up for a puppy beauty pageant next? Want to mark it on the calendar? There’s a big one coming up in Myeongdang, December 16.”

Yoohyun sighs. There’s something akin to subtle reprimand in his black eyes. “Hyung. Must you always make the worst out of my sincere attempts to spoil you?”

Instead of answering, Yoojin rips his feet free of Yoohyun's hold and ambles his way towards the open balcony, the bell on his anklet jingling with every languid swing of his foot. He leans on the ornate wooden railing and scans his eyes over the busy metropolis that is Seoul. So many structures, hidden passageways, nooks and crannies to get lost in. To vanish into.

There’s a bed of red roses attached behind the railing. They’re well trimmed, the rose petals still coated by water beads from Yoojin’s little gardening session that he starts making a habit of in the early morning. He reaches out a hand towards a rose stalk that has a particularly pronounced thorn, pricking his fingertip on the greenish thorn until a bead of blood swells.

There’s a crude sense of satisfaction building in his chest once he sees that accommodating little brother mask cracking. “Stop that,” Yoohyun commands, a tinge of warning thick on his tongue.

Yoojin lets out a sharp laugh, he pivots on his heels then drops his ass carelessly down on the fancy swinging chair decorating their balcony. Its price, as Yoojin has once estimated, might cost him half a year’s rent worth of his old apartment. “It’s vexing isn’t it? To have your demented version of a perfect dress up pooch talk back and be so careless as to hurt its tiny wittle paw?”

“Listen to yourself. You sound crazy, hyung,” Yoohyun says.

“That’s rich, coming from you. To be honest I do feel crazy, Yoohyun, so much that I consider vaulting myself off this extravagant highrise penthouse of yours and find peace in splatting my brain on the cement road below.”

“Don’t you dare.” Came the biting response. Yoohyun is frowning, his expression is starting to twist into that of an ugly demon that Yoojin despises so much. What a waste of that handsome face.

There’s an unusual fire roaring in the pits of Yoojin’s chest and he pushes himself to his feet. He backs himself up until the long rigid line of the railing digs into his back. His stare burns into Yoohyun’s as he heaves himself upward with a single burst of energy, planting his butt precariously on top of the railing. Here, balance is an unreliable state of being, it’s exhilarating to know that a sudden big gust of wind can easily knock him off. The many exquisite jewelries decorating his body are more like weighted shackles that he longs to discard like trash along with the rest of him so that they can plummet together to the waiting earth with a sickening, comforting crack.

“Yoojin-nim.” Daeho takes a step forward, calling out his name in alarm. Yoojin ignores him, his gaze is kept resolutely locked on Yoohyun’s.

“Or what? Are you going to stop me? Snap your fingers and command me into submission with a magic word?” Those words are a taunting lilt filled with poison, coupled by the tilt of his chin to fully showcase the pretty collar on his neck. When there’s no response from Yoohyun, Yoojin presses again with a stronger volume. “Come on. Do it.”

Yoohyun remains still as a statue, black eyes betraying nothing of his guarded thoughts, not a single sound tumbling out his lips. 

Yoojin grits his teeth, frustration a wild mare of emotion that bucks and barrels angrily against the inside walls of his ribcage. “Tch. You’re no fun.”

He sets his feet back down on the safe floor of the balcony and turns again towards the grandiose view this penthouse has to offer, propping his elbows on the railing. Staring at the beautiful scenery, that is the clutter of highrise modern structures of his hometown packed close together. 

Few leisurely steps sound from behind him before halting, followed by a familiar warmth enveloping him. 

“Give it some time, hyung. You will understand my intentions better. That I only want the best for you,” Yoohyun whispers as he nuzzles into his hair. There’s a faint smell of his cologne that Yoojin had given Yoohyun for his birthday present last year infiltrating Yoojin’s olfactory senses alongside the tang of blood.

Yoojin gives off no reaction. They stay like that for several long, silent minutes, Yoohyun’s hands settling like twin hot embers on Yoojin’s stomach as they study the city together, his thumb repeatedly rubbing Yoojin’s lower rib. Finally, Yoohyun detaches the long line of his body from Yoojin’s back. Yoojin’s shoulders sag down imperceptibly once Yoohyun’s presence has left their shared penthouse.

‘Time,’ Yoojin muses. Something that Yoojin is glad that Yoohyun, by his own admission, is willing to give him.

“Yoojin-nim…” Daeho mumbles again. 

Yoojin swivels his head to face the worried looking Daeho and smiles. “You must be tired, Daeho. You may retire for the day.”

Daeho is twisting his fingers together, and for a brief moment, it appears as though he could answer no, before he finally dips his head in acquiescence. Yoojin is now alone in this sprawling vast space, barring his two loyal beasts. Peace trots over to rub his body against his leg and purrs. Only when Yoojin lifts his arms off the railing does he notice that they’re shaking.

“It’s okay, Peace.”

The beast's beady eyes seem to stare straight into his soul. “I’m okay,” he says again, louder.

“Thank you, Suk Hayan-ssi,” Yoojin says as he extends a courteous hand to let Suk Hayan exit the conference room first, “Let’s keep what we discussed today a secret. We must not be hasty and need to prepare the proper time for a grand reveal.”

Suk Hayan nods, a satisfied smile lighting up her face, “Such fantastic findings we achieved today! I look forward to your further instructions while I organise all the data, Han Yoojin-ssi.”

After she disappears around a corner, the smile on Yoojin’s face drops. Im Chaeyoung who is standing guard by the door receives Yoojin’s sharp nod and obediently follows him back to his private penthouse. Yoojin is not above enjoying a bit of pettiness that flares in his chest as he closes the door unceremoniously on Im Chaeyoung’s face before turning towards the living room with a big smile and crooning out, “Are my cute beasts feeling lonely? Dad’s been away for quite a while, huh?”

The two magic beasts rush over towards him and proceed to smother him with affection. Yoojin laughs. Peace is as cute as always, his orange mane lustrous and well groomed coupled by perceptive beady eyes. 

Blackie is a handsome little dragon. Not so little in size, he’s the size of a small horse but in Yoojin’s eyes it will always stay a baby. The black scales are gleaming like polished onyx and its odd tentacles are rocking in neat unison like anemone in sea current.

The blue hue of the screen displaying Blackie’s information is a welcomed illumination on his face.

[Time required for adult transformation (218:34)]

Less than ten days. Perfect. Everything is aligned perfectly now. The gods must be smiling down at him.

“Peace, you can’t transform into your adult form in front of anyone unless I tell you to, okay?” Yoojin tuts at the orange beast in a playful tone. Peace tilts his head cutely to the side.

Kiiaaangg

Peace understands complex human words better than Blackie. Whereas Blackie is attuned to his body language and non verbal cues more. They are perfect. Yoojin adores them so much.

Grow up well, my adorable beasts.

Chapter Text

It’s another uneventful day except for the face Yoojin doesn’t expect to encounter while strolling through a quiet, nondescript garden. 

The autumn cold nips at the skin of his face, a welcomed contrast with the rest of him which is amply protected by warm layers, a thick coat and a black scarf. Yoojin relishes the fact he can still breathe in this open air, something he has come to greatly value.

Im Chaeyoung’s countenance has turned instantly murderous as she lunges in front of him with her sword drawn when Sung Hyunjae, from behind a tree, appears to block his path. With his perfectly groomed appearance and pressed three-piece suit, Hyunjae undoubtedly gives the impression that he is posing for a fashion magazine spread against this verdant backdrop.

The thought to blurt out an excuse to slip away briefly flashes across Yoojin’s mind but one glance at Sung Hyunjae, Yoojin knows it’s a battle he’s going to lose. Best to get this over with, right now when Yoohyun isn’t present to potentially turn this into an all out war.

Yoojin clasps Im Chaeyoung’s shoulder. “Don’t tell Yoohyun please. I’ll be okay.”

After a few beats of tense silence in which neither party moves, she finally drops her defensive stance and gives him a curt nod.

Now the two of them are having tea in a cafe that Sung Hyunjae apparently owns. No other customer is present since Hyunjae has booked the entire place for their private use. Yoojin keeps his expression indiscernible although inside he’s silently panicking.

After the ‘stunt’ Yoohyun pulled that got featured in the breaking news, Yoojin thought it would cause an uproar amongst the hunters when it was plain as day who the perpetrator was. However, surprisingly it has been quiet, none of the other guildmasters have raised a peep at this perfect chance to bully his brother more.

Sung Hyunjae’s phone screen lights up, showing Yoohyun’s name. Yoojin is quite certain that as stunted in social interactions as Im Chaeyoung is, she’s the type of person that keeps her words. It’s somebody else who snitched.

Hyunjae, as expected, declines the call while throwing a celebrity smile at his direction that lights up his background with imaginary sparkles. In all honesty, Yoojin has always had his reservations on the way Sung Hyunjae looks at him. Like he’s a toy that Hyunjae wants to play with to his heart’s content.

We don’t have much time, Jupiter’s guildmaster…

Yoojin takes a sip of his steaming tea (jasmine) before asking in an amicable tone, “Why does the venerable Jupiter’s guildmaster take time out of his busy schedule to have a cup of tea with me?”

In lieu of answering, Hyunjae points an elegant finger at him. “That scarf of yours looks interesting.”

Yoojin blinks. “Blackie, come out.”

An interesting fact about Blackie that Yoojin recently discovered is that it can self-regulate its temperature. During the summer, its body tends to feel cool. Come colder temperatures, it then radiates heat. Blackie can also morph its size at will. Combining these two traits allows Blackie to conceal its true identity in public under the innocuous guise of a cosy scarf, a rather odd scaly one if one does pay their attention. Yoojin hopes in the near future the permit pertaining to a certified owner walking their magic beasts on Korea’s streets can be established.

Hyunjae’s gaze lingers on the place where Blackie was previously looped around before that gentlemanly gaze slides upward to meet his eyes. Blackie turns once before settling down on his lap, body curled in a C shape.

“I haven’t seen that magic beast before. Is it your new pet beast?”

Yoojin smooths a hand over the warm scales of Blackie’s back. Blackie rumbles out a pleased purr, its tiny tentacles furling around the planes of his hand like exploratory vines. “Yes. I got it when those kidnappers sicced it on me.”

“Kreke,” Hyunjae says with a contemplating lilt, “I wonder how Yoojin-gun manages to stay unaffected by its poison?”

“Anyway, what brings you here, Hyunjae-ssi?” Yoojin interjects in a slightly higher pitch than normal voice.

Hyunjae shoots him a knowing look. Yoojin has a sudden urge to duck under the table. “Since we’re on limited time as you’re well aware of, I shall get straight to the point,” Hyunjae says as he shows a small picture print to Yoojin, fished out of his inner breast pocket. “We just procured a dungeon beast from overseas. An A rank caped wolf. I hope you don’t find me impertinent to request that you put it on the priority list for your care when the rearing facility is completed in the next few weeks?”

A caped wolf… That does ring a bell. A year prior to his fateful regression, Jupiter Guild was rumoured to have been entangled with a guild in Russia that gave them many grievances to the point of shaking its stability. The magic beast caped wolf was mentioned in one of the deleted articles he managed to salvage off the internet. Yoojin can see why Hyunjae decided to personally seek him out like this, this time around.

“I see. If Hyunjae-ssi puts in a written request to Abyss I’m sure it will be accommodated accordingly.”

Hyunjae takes a sip of his tea (does anything that this man do has to look that elegant?) “I did. Several, in fact. I presume they get buried underneath the countless letters seeking your much desired attention as well.”

Yoojin needs to have a word with Yoohyun later for taking one-sided liberty of vetoing the letters intended for him without his consent. 

“I will have to see it first to see our compatibility,” Yoojin finally extends as a form of concession. It doesn’t hurt to want to delay saying an outright yes or no response.

“Of course. Please let me know of a convenient time. May I request your phone number?”

Yoojin lists off his number which Hyunjae types in his phone.

“Is that all, Hyunjae-ssi?” Quite some time has passed since the rejected call, the worry that Yoohyun might have raised hell upon innocent people that don’t deserve early deaths is gnawing at him.

A velvet jewellery box is slid towards Yoojin on the table. Tucked in the cleft inside, is a pair of scarlet earrings.

“Here is a gift from me as a token of goodwill. It’s an S rank pair of earrings that have a powerful barrier skill.” Hyunjae is staring pointedly at his ears. “I see that you already have a new pair after you lost yours during your kidnapping.”

Yoojin’s hand comes up reflexively to rub at his earlobe. “Ah, yes.” Hyunjae is obviously referring to the Yuhuang Silver Jade Earrings that Yoohyun bought for him from the auction.

Hyunjae smiles easily. “It would be my greatest pleasure if you keep these anyway. In case Yoojin-gun wants to change style.”

Are S rank items something you can wear fashionably and change at whims? Yoojin considers refusing it but he’s not that full of himself to not appreciate the value of an S rank item, despite Yoohyun’s constant attempts to drown him with them. And it’ll be a money well if he needs to pack up his bags and run. Just in case.

“Thank you, Hyunjae-ssi.”

“Yoojin-nim,” Im Chaeyoung’s voice calls out with a note of urgency, “We must leave now.” 

She has a phone pressed to her ear, and from her pinched expression Yoojin knows that Yoohyun has basically chewed her out. He makes a mental note to put in a good word for her later when she’s being the equivalent of a fun aunt that takes out the kids to play and shields them from naggy parents.

“Before we part ways, I must add that the Jupiter Guild’s doors are always open to receive such a talented hunter like you, Yoojin-gun.” Guildmaster, model, now a shrewd headhunter. Hyunjae is truly a man of many talents. 

“Thank you for the drink. Let’s schedule a time for me to meet the dungeon beast we just talked about.” Yoojin whistles two short low notes and Blackie proceeds to climb up his chest with the help of its tentacles and curls itself around his neck again.

Yoojin is walking ahead of Sung Hyunjae when they exit the cafe. Entirely focused on putting some distance between himself and the unpredictable S rank, Yoojin misses the sight of a car that is skidding dangerously close to the pedestrian walk he’s on.

He’s yanked by his waist out of the wildly careening car’s way, a hair's breadth away from decking his right side, senses narrowing to Hyunjae’s smooth voice and his own spiked heartbeat. “Careful,” Hyunjae murmurs close to Yoojin’s ear, his certified ingenuine smile curving his eyes into the shape of crescent moons, “You don’t want some poor nameless citizen to end up as crows' meal on a dingy rooftop, do you?”

The fright of nearly being clipped by a speeding car lets his guard down enough that he knows his face says it all to Hyunjae’s rhetorical question. Yoojin hurriedly squeaks out a mixture of gratitude and goodbye before scampering off towards the parked wine red Maserati Quattroporte belonging to Abyss that Yoohyun assigned for his private use where Daeho, acting as his driver, is waiting. Im Chaeyoung trots after him like a dutiful tail.

The double doors to Yoohyun’s private office are swung crudely open, startling the occupants within except for the ever composed guildmaster.

“You can’t send Yerim to Chile!”

Yoohyun is hunched over some documents with his two advisers, one of which is Suk Simyeong. The guards stationed at the corners of the room snap into motion following Yoojin’s abrupt entrance but they instantly freeze in place when Yoohyun raises a hand.

“Leave us,” says Yoohyun.

The aforementioned two advisers share bewildered looks at each other but know better than to question their guildmaster’s clipped command. Suk Simyeong shoots Yoojin a questioning look as he makes his exit which goes entirely ignored. 

“The dungeon there holds many valuable items and organic materials from rare magic beasts. I finally managed to procure a single entry permit. As the guildmaster, I can’t leave the guild for months,” Yoohyun explains in a calm voice, in complete contrast with his disgruntled brother.

The dungeon in question is called Orion’s Circle, dubbed infamously in the international scale as the hunter’s grave. Appearing eight months ago, the dungeon boss still remains undefeated to this day and along its course has swallowed many hunters’ lives, most notably Joaquin Fulmer, America’s S rank hunter.

“Even if she’s an S-rank, she’s still a child!” Yoojin argues back.

Deep in Yoojin’s mind, there’s an incessant voice chanting: Mine. Yerim’s my child.

The air looms heavily, housing a chokehold of tension brewing between the brothers. Yoohyun bulldozes his way through it uncaringly. “Bak Yerim was deemed to have successfully set up her own S rank team two weeks ago. More than anyone here, she’s the most qualified to challenge this dungeon. And as Abyss' sharpest tool, I have the utmost confidence that she can achieve at least that much.”

An unpleasant chill coils in Yoojin’s stomach upon hearing Yoohyun’s detached voice. Is he a military sergeant? A feudal emperor? On many occasions, arguments in the form of speaking words are proven ineffectual against the sheer immovable wall of Yoohyun’s stubbornness so Yoojin settles with a simple demand. “Cancel the order slip. I’m not going to ask again, Yoohyun.”

“She’s far too attached to you, hyung. A lengthy mission outside the country is good to build her sense of independence.”

Yoojin levels him with a withering glare.

“Sorry to disappoint you but my decision’s final.” Yoohyun stands up and starts walking to the door. “If you’ll excuse me, I have another meeting.” 

The dismissive tone on top of what Yoojin interprets as a clear threat his dear Yerim is facing sends his blood positively boiling. Several silver whips made of pure mana materialise into existence, rooted to the floor near his feet. Without a moment wasted, they lurch sharply towards Yoohyun.

What Yoojin fully expects is for Yoohyun to easily dodge every mana whip, nullifying those he can’t bother to with a burst of fire. What Yoojin doesn’t expect is for Yoohyun to make the absolute minimum effort to sluggishly evade the attacks as if he doesn’t really intend to get away, not a hint of fire to be seen, even allowing an errant whip to strike him across the face with enough force to make him stumble. There’s a faint pink mark blossoming on the pale skin of Yoohyun’s face, and everyone, including Yoojin, gapes in shock.

The guards must have not expected the F rank brother to get a hit on their illustrious young master since one of them screeches in a mix of alarm and ire, “Guildmaster!” 

They move simultaneously towards Yoojin. Yoojin manages to send two of them flying by utilising the whips like a baseball bat, but his control over the skill Hymn of Dancing Snakes is still paltry at best and before long Yoojin is made to greet the ground none too gently, chest down, the weights of two rankers keeping him flush to the cold floor. There’s a hand gripping his nape below his collar with crushing force that Yoojin lets out an involuntary hiss of pain.

“Release him!” demands Yoohyun. The clear rage in Yoohyun’s voice prompts the guards to instantly release their holds on Yoojin and Yoojin sucks in a relieved breath when the pressure on his lungs is alleviated. 

Yoohyun is by his side in a flash and helps him up to a kneeling position. His little brother’s fingers are gently petting the lower portion of his neck connected to his back, as if to chase off the phantom sensation of foreign fingers. Yoojin looks over his shoulder to view Yoohyun’s darkening expression. 

“You dare make a mark on my brother with your filthy hand? You must be eager to lose some fingers.” The voice that comes out of Yoohyun's mouth is spine chilling, imbued by thick murderous intent.

One guard, whom Yoojin assumes as the one that forcefully grabbed his neck, collapses to the floor in a prostrate bow, forehead plastered to the marble surface. “F-Forgive me guildmaster! I made an impudent move that displeased you!”

“You called touching him as simply an impudent move? It appears your tongue is as worthless as your hand.”

“Stop it, Yoohyun,” Yoojin rasps out, grasping Yoohyun’s wrist. “I did attack you. These guards are just doing their job.”

Yoohyun snarls, “Their job is to not let any harm come to you, let alone harming you. At the very least he needs to be rid of a few fingers for his insolence.”

“Hey.” Yoojin pokes at Yoohyun’s forehead, suppressing a chuckle that’s forming at the offended look that twists Yoohyun’s features from his action. “Quit being so dramatic. And how many times have I told you not to frown so hard? You’re going to get premature wrinkles here.” He emphasises his chiding words with a couple more pokes. This close to his brother, Yoojin is compelled to then trace a few fingers across the darkening welt mark on Yoohyun’s face, left eyebrow down to his right cheek. Yoohyun’s sharp edges melt away and he stays perfectly still under Yoojin’s touch, even angling his face minutely to give him easier access, eyelids drooping at half mast that accentuate his long lashes against high cheekbones. 

“Does it hurt?”

“No.” 

“Good. Why didn’t you defend yourself?”

Yoohyun stares back at him mutely. It reminds Yoojin of an animal peering motionlessly from behind tall blades of grass.

Yoojin pulls his hand back and hauls himself to his feet, patting the imaginary dust off his front. “Don’t come back to our place without a cancellation stamp on that order slip.”

With that final warning, Yoojin pivots on his heels and walks out of the office. Before that door closes, collective sighs of relief reach Yoojin’s ears. 

It’s tough working for my hot blooded little brother, isn’t it? Yoojin is contemplating to sign those guards a bonus later as a congratulatory gift for escaping a sudden threat of dismemberment. 

Little does Yoojin know, the guards have now vowed to protect and cherish him with their entire might as he’s the single living leash that can appease his brother’s quick trigger wrath.

Yoojin is bundled up cosily atop his bed on the verge of falling asleep. The sound of door opening and brief light spilling into his bedroom probe at his waning consciousness, causing his heavy eyes to flutter open. There’s someone standing by his bedside, their shadow spanning across his curled form. Yoojin remains unmoving. 

Warm breath fans his cheek before it’s replaced by the telltale sensation of a soft kiss.

The bed creaks and a toned arm appears in his line of vision, arching over his body to place a sheet of paper on his bedside table. Amidst the scant lighting, Yoohyun’s inked signature is stark against the whiteness of the paper. 

Yoojin exits the bathroom while towelling off his dripping wet hair when Daeho intercepts his path. Yoojin is about to open his mouth to tell him that he can dry his hair himself but Daeho beats him to it.

Anxiety is permeating off Daeho in waves as he speaks, “Yoojin-nim, I know that it might be out of my place to say this but… My former teacher knows a way to leave this country safely and get a new identity elsewhere. It’ll be as if you vanish without a trace off the earth.”

Daeho’s gloved hands are trembling. This is the last thing Yoojin expects to ever hear from an unawakener stuck in a lion’s den. They both are well aware that Daeho is risking his life in extending this offer.

“I appreciate your concerns, Daeho,” he says kindly after a silent moment has passed, “but I know how to take care of myself. Besides, I have too many attachments here to leave selfishly like that.”

That’s half the truth. Another half is looped snugly around his neck, the dog collar that is the ever present reminder of his imprisonment (symbolic to some extent, yes, but Yoojin has no way of knowing it’ll remain only so far) and a pesky equivalent of a GPS tracker.

Daeho bows his head. “The offer still stands. Please let me know if you ever need it, Yoojin-nim.”

Yoojin gives him a grateful smile. 

Vanishing off the face of the earth. It’s undoubtedly a tempting offer in light of his current disposition. 

It warms his heart to note that Daeho who only knows him for a mere few weeks notices, and is moved enough by Yoojin’s ‘special circumstances’ to the extent of proposing an offer that potentially puts him in harm’s way. Yoojin files it away for later use, mind quietly churning as he makes his way towards his beast enclosure. 

Chapter Text

“This is seriously getting ridiculous, ahjussi.”

Yoojin is inclined to agree. He’s still in pyjamas, and is about to trip on a pile of wrapped gifts and possibly sprain his frail joints while walking out of his bedroom, half asleep.

Yerim surveys the myriad of colourful boxes littering the floor right in front of Yoojin’s bedroom door while clicking her tongue, the air of bafflement and amusement in equal portions is radiating off her. “Is Yoohyun your sugar daddy? Uh… sugar brother?” 

It appears that Yoohyun has acquired a new hobby that Yoojin isn’t too fond of, spending money on these luxurious gifts as if he’s on a mission to court his older brother. They range from expensive watches, designer bags and clothing to rare dungeon items. It’s to the point of giving Yoojin a headache on what to do with and where to put them.

Yoojin wrinkles his nose distastefully. “Don’t say such disturbing words.”

Putting Yoohyun’s newest passion aside, an exciting event will be held tonight. Myeongwoo’s debut as the only S rank blacksmith in the world will most definitely be heralded as a grand historical event. It’ll also help Yoojin gain obscurity in the public eye from the undesired attention that rose when his magic beast rearing skill came to light.

“—this weapon is the perfect fit for me. I’d like to thank hunter Yoo Myeongwoo again.” On the bright stage, Yerim’s form shines brilliantly as she holds Parmini’s Ice Wood Spear high to show the enthralled audience. Next to her, a well groomed Myeongwoo stands confidently, it’s hard to imagine that this is the same person Yoojin encountered just a few months ago. 

Yoojin is holding back from shedding a tear at how full his heart feels right now. Two of his most favourite people are there on the stage, being admired by all of Korea as their most stellar talents.

“I’d also like to thank hunter Han Yoojin~!” Yerim declares with a thousand watt smile.

Yoojin gapes.

Hold on, why is my name coming up?!

Myeongwoo gives a firm nod to Yerim’s statement as he speaks into the microphone, “I have indeed received a lot of help from Abyss since before I obtained this SS rank skill. But I cannot describe hunter Han Yoojin as anything but my benefactor, someone I owe all my accomplishments to.”

Kim Sunghan is chuckling while Yoojin is trying to sink into the seat from all the eyes he can feel burning into his skull. It’s not a laughing matter! This is live, guys! What am I, your parent??

Maybe Kim Sunghan finally pities him since he sheds his humongous coat to drape it on top of Yoojin, who is currently dying of embarrassment. Yoojin’s face feels hot all the way back to his penthouse, though he can’t shake off the flutters in his chest from having Myeongwoo’s and Yerim’s words repeated in his brain that night.

“—an incredible feat from Korea’s youngest guildmaster!”

On the television screen that broadcasts primetime news, Han Yoohyun is a shooting star that eliminates formidable hard-shelled dungeon beasts left and right with powerful blasts of fire. At the tender age of twenty, he has climbed the ranks faster than anyone else and sat just below rank number one, Hunter Sung Hyunjae. He is a born prodigy, and topped with Yoojin’s My Brat’s The Best skill that effectively doubles Yoohyun’s growth speed, come two years, maybe even a year, he’ll be unmatched. Witnessing Abyss be lauded as the best guild in Korea is now not a distant dream.

Yoohyun, Yerim and Myeongwoo are growing splendidly. Yoojin is so, so proud. If there’s ever an award event for these three, he’ll be firmly planted at the audience seats holding a banner and cheering for his amazing kids at the top of his voice.

The screen shifts to once again highlight Myeongwoo’s debut for the umpteenth time that month, pulling a fond smile out of Yoojin. 

“Hyung is amazing for identifying such rare talent early on,” Yoohyun, who has been a silent presence, speaks up. Seated beside Yoojin on their sofa, he looks uncharacteristically soft wearing an old basketball tee he has since highschool and a comfortable pair of pants. 

It’s night. Somehow the brothers find themselves sequestered here, in this space isolated from the outside world. Watching the news together like how they have countless times in their old apartment. 

“It’s Myeongwoo’s own effort, I did nothing besides introducing him to Abyss and cheering him up. That’s why guildmaster,” Yoojin says with a pointed stare towards his aloof brother, “you need to act a bit friendlier to Myeongwoo and stop speaking rudely to him. Don’t you need S rank or even higher rank items to finally beat Sung Hyunjae?”

The ensuing response is a Yoohyun’s patented blank stare coupled by a self-serving statement fit for a shameless brat. “It’s easier to stick close to hyung and ask for his help in this matter.”

Really, this shameless brat... Will it kill him to put in a bit of effort to act nice to people? If Yoojin forgets the weight that circles his neck like soft vice, this easy banter is as if they’re back to normal. 

The silence that follows doesn’t last long when an errant thought arrives at Yoojin’s head. “Hey, when are we going to a dungeon? You want me to appraise your skills, right?”

Yoohyun’s fairly relaxed face contorts into more of a guarded note. “We can go to a training room for that.”

“You can’t go all out with your skills in a training room, Yoohyun,” Yoojin points out, still maintaining a mild tone, “And building materials that can withstand your flames are too expensive.”

“Don’t go to dungeons anymore, hyung. It’s dangerous.”

“Despite my pitiful F rank stats, I’m still a hunter. Going to a dungeon is natural.”

“I said there’s no need to go there anymore.”

Now Yoojin is openly frowning as he rearranges his body to face Yoohyun fully, “I don’t like that tone, Yoohyun-ah. I thought we’ve come to an understanding, that despite this thing you collared me with I’m still free to go wherever.”

“Yes, somewhere safe,” Yoohyun replies wistfully, “I have a villa located on a private beach at Jeju island. How about a four day luxury holiday? You’ll be treated like a king there. You can extend it to a week if you want, although I would hate to be parted with hyung for too long.”

A spike of annoyance festers in his chest at Yoohyun’s reply. In hindsight, Yoojin should’ve been more wary of Yoohyun’s ridiculous protective tendencies when the first thing he proposed after their years long estrangement was Yoojin’s house arrest for an indefinite period of time. It's his own ignorance that has come back to bite him.

“No need. I don’t need all those special treatments. And stop it with the gifts too. It’s a waste of money.”

Yoohyun has the gall to wear an expression as if Yoojin is being the unreasonable one between them. “What is it you’re trying to find in a dungeon, hyung? Magic stones? Items? You don’t need to lift a finger, I will get them all for you.”

Yoojin is sick of listening to this bullshit.

“No no NO!!” shouts Yoojin, the volume is akin to a fierce tidal wave roaring out his mouth that he even surprises himself. But he can’t stop once he starts. “Quit it with those lavish gifts! What do I want? I want you to quit breathing down my neck with everything I do and just let me be, Yoohyun. Is that too much to ask?”

The television flashes cast harsh contours on Yoohyun’s face, his dark eyes though, somehow doesn’t reflect any light. “I can’t do that, hyung.”

Tension drapes between the brothers like a heavy veil. Little Peace who is lazily sprawled on his back abruptly leaps up, fur standing on ends as he growls deeply. Blackie is chirruping, pacing back and forth in its corner, the tentacles sprouting out its back are shaking uncoordinatedly unlike their normal calm swaying.

“I’ve had this realisation for a very long time,” Yoohyun says. Behind him, the reporter is painting a harrowing narrative of dungeon deaths that involves an undefeatable boss monster, ending tragically with a teammate’s sacrifice.

“Even before the appearance of dungeons and hunters, everyone always acted as though my existence offended them, no matter how well I tried to behave and present a good boy front. The kids in my school shunned me as if I was carrying a death plague that would infect them. Our parents looked at me like I was a foreign creature instead of their own son.” Yoohyun glares down at his hands, before clenching them into tight fists. “This unloved existence… only hyung loves and cares for it.”

“Look mom, Yoohyun scored really well on the maths test! Our Yoohyun is such a clever boy, isn’t he?”

Yoojin was staring expectantly at their mom who was gushing about him winning a debate competition when her face fell at this freshly relayed news. Behind him, Yoohyun was clinging mutely to his back.

“Oh…” Mom took the test paper from him with visible hesitance as though it would burn her hand. “You must’ve worked hard, Yoohyun-ah. Mom is so proud of you.” Her words should have sounded like encouragement yet it felt more like empty praise.

Yoohyun only burrowed closer as though he could meld himself into his hyung’s back.

Thin flutes of sand flew off the ground from the body that got slammed into the playground sand pit. Yoohyun cowered into a protective ball as the bigger kids circled him like a pack of hyenas.

“Freak! You should just fall dead quietly and stop being such an eyesore!” one crowed out as a rough kick was connected to Yoohyun’s side. Yoohyun didn’t say a word. A hail of kicks rained upon him when the one sided beating was interrupted by a new angry presence.

“Stop!” Yoojin came running and immediately flared his body in front of his brother, acting as a shield. 

Upon the sight of Yoohyun’s older brother coming to his rescue, the bullies scattered almost immediately, cruel laughter reverberating in their wake. 

“Are you okay?” Yoojin asked, eyes wide in concern. “Does anything hurt? Can you stand up, Yoohyun-ah?”

“He is your little brother?” A calm voice called out. Yoojin looked up from fussing over his brother to a bespectacled boy who had just been surveying the scene quietly. He wasn’t involved in the scuffle, nor did he move to stop the bullying.

“Yes,” answered Yoojin in a dismissive tone. He manoeuvred Yoohyun to a standing position and nudged him to start walking. “We’re leaving. You better return home too, kid.”

They were walking away in a pace comfortable for a slightly limping Yoohyun, hand in hand, when the unnamed kid’s voice washed over them. “A piece of advice for you, senior, you should hurry up and get yourself far away from him. He might look harmless now, but that kid is a monster in the making.”

Yoohyun’s feverish gaze that’s directed at him causes Yoojin’s breath to hitch, black pools with an undertone of bright scalding lava capable of melting his flesh off his bones. “Everyone around me despised and left me. Only you hyung, isn’t allowed to discard me.”

Weren’t you the one who first discarded me?

Yoojin bolts. He slams his bedroom door shut, shaky fingers fumbling with the lock. That flimsy lock is but a false sense of security, it certainly won’t prevent a monster from breaking it down. Through his door he can hear Yoohyun continue speaking in that chilling tone.

“You belong to me, hyung. Therefore, for the sake of having you by my side, forever, I will not hesitate to hold your safety above your will.”

Why now, Yoohyun? Is it because of the keyword?  

A misty chain carrying a hellish red glow materialises, so bright that his room is awashed in red, the incorporeal chain originating from the ruby of his collar is reaching somewhere beyond the wooden door. 

“You can’t run from me. I always know where you are at any given time.”

Ants are crawling all over Yoojin’s body as he dives into his bed, grappling desperately for any kind of cover. Despite being buried underneath his thick blanket, Yoojin still feels awfully exposed. And no matter how hard he presses his face into his pillow, the red glow refuses to disappear.

Sharp breaths are expelled out of Yoojin’s mouth in unsteady haste. He’s running at top speed across the dark, chilled hallway that syphons heat right out of his skin. Yoojin skids to a stop right in front of the familiar grand door tucked deep underground, unknown to most Abyss members, where Yoohyun’s loyal sword stands guard. Her silver eyes hold a knowing glint as if expecting his arrival.

“Open the door,” he demands without preamble.

Im Chaeyoung dips her head down wordlessly.

Yoojin’s eyes widen and he dashes towards the crumpled form at the end of the room. “Daeho!”

Daeho looks awful. His hands are pulled above his head and restrained in thick metal chains which are fastened to the wall. There are bruises littering all over his body, the floor and his butler outfit are stained with blood splatters.

Yoojin’s knees strike the ground none too gently in front of Daeho but Yoojin ignores the twinge of pain in favour of pawing Daeho, immediately pressing his fingers to his jugular and checking his breath. Daeho’s downturned face is sticky with blood, his eyes are closed and he doesn’t react to Yoojin’s frantic touches. 

Yoojin inhales a shuddering breath when a steady pulse is registered by his senses. 

Thank god. Thank god. Daeho is still alive…

Shaking in barely controlled anger, Yoojin turns to glare darkly at Yoohyun. “What the fuck is wrong with you, Yoohyun? Why did you do this?!”

“He tried to make you leave the country, didn’t he?” Was Yoohyun’s sharp reply.

Yoojin blinks uncomprehendingly. “What?”

“The day I hired him, I planted a listening bug on his company ID. The number one rule that I’ve made clear to him during his employment is that your safety comes first, above all else. I wasn’t 100 percent sure of his competence in this matter, that’s where the bug proved its usefulness.” Yoohyun directs his gaze towards Daeho, eyes smouldering with unknown, frankly uncalled for, fire. “It turns out I was right.”

Yoojin’s thoughts are swirling chaotically, he’s torn between dragging Daeho to safety or staying here to continue making sense of Yoohyun’s madness, like what he has endured for these few months. “How was Daeho in the wrong in your eyes? Daeho didn’t break that rule,” he mutters in a small, disbelieving voice, just a step away from spiralling into a hysterical mess. 

“Of course he was wrong by extending that offer. The safest you’ll be is by my side.”

Steps that echo loudly in this metallic room drift into his ears, approaching from behind. Yoohyun’s hand is being extended to Yoojin’s kneeling form. “How are your knees, hyung? You slammed the ground quite hard–”

Yoojin slaps the hand away. “Don’t touch me! Leave me the fuck alone!” screams Yoojin, loud and shrill to the point that it hurts his throat. He sounds much like a wounded animal that has been backed to a corner but Yoojin can’t find it in himself to care.

Powered by sheer anger that has sustained him at several downpoints of his life, Yoojin manages to claim the keys chaining Daeho’s wrists that have been rubbed raw, scraped bloody in some parts, and order Im Chaeyoung to help him carry Daeho’s limp form to the guild’s medical ward. The whole time, Yoohyun remains silent, neither stopping nor helping him. 

Yoojin drags his legs out of one of the medical rooms, letting the door close softly behind him. Exhaustion that isn’t caused by physical stress is making his limbs heavy, that all he wants is to curl into a dark corner somewhere and check out of the conscious world. Daeho’s wounds are severe, spanning from multiple small cuts, lacerations, internal bleeding all the way to broken bones, but the doctors say he’ll survive. It’s fortunate that Yoohyun didn’t chop off any limbs, or fingers. When Daeho comes to, Yoojin will let him go with a mountain of compensation. It’s the least Yoojin can do for all this undeserved pain and trauma Daeho is made to experience, for the crime of attempting to help him.  

Upon seeing their beloved caretaker, both Yerim and Yoohyun leap up from the plastic waiting chairs and crowd Yoojin.

“Ahjussi, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“Hyung, you should—”

“Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!!!”

It’s Yerim’s wide shocked eyes that snaps Yoojin out of the strange, dreadful mind state he’s in, causing his wrath to wither away to nothingness. Now that the primary emotion fuelling him is gone, Yoojin feels hollow, as if his insides have been all scooped out, the bright lights are pricking into his eyes and these two familiar faces supposedly dearest to him feel no more like strangers.

Fear Resistance activated. The pressure will be nullified!

Yoojin shakes off the odd sort of confusion clouding his brain, putting on a regretful expression to soothe his spooked child. “Yerim… I don’t mean to yell. I’m sorry…” It comes out as an almost inaudible croaked whisper. He pats her shoulder gently, most of his focus is concentrated on coordinating his quivering muscles. “I just… need some room to breathe.”

“Oh. Sure, ahjussi.”

Yoohyun, the dark presence that hovers ever presently in Yoojin’s waking moments, speaks in a clinical tone, “Anything you need, hyung.”

Yoojin hates such stifling presence. He hates that Daeho is hurting (because of him). He hates the fact that he’s a weak F rank, incapable of lifting a finger against mighty S ranks. He hates this terrible plush cage he is put in as if he’s the bizarre equivalent of an adorable, helpless puppy whose whole purpose is to eat, poop, and pose cutely to entertain its owner, donned in glittery gems and a collar that weighs the hefty price of freedom.

In the darkness of the silent penthouse, Yoojin flops bonelessly on the floor, back leaning on the glass wall of his beasts’ enclosure. He’s motionless for several long minutes, only twitching when there’s a blunt warmth gently bumping into his stomach.

Yoojin glances down to the sight of Blackie’s huge snout. Although he has no means to communicate with his beasts verbally, over time he has learned to pick up their body language and decipher them accordingly. Blackie’s yellow eyes seem to radiate concern as it gurgles a questioning growl. 

“This is too much for me. It feels as if I’m losing my mind.”

Blackie’s way of answering is to drop its snout on Yoojin’s lap and wind its tentacles around Yoojin’s body, invasive vines that Yoojin welcomes wholeheartedly. Blackie’s tentacles feel much larger and firmer than before, and the power that Yoojin can sense packed in them is staggering.

Yoojin pulls up Blackie’s status window with a flick of finger.

[Character Status

Blackie

2nd Rank Dragon Species - Kreke (Adult)

Current Stat Rank: S

Possible Growth Stat Rank: A-S]

A faint smile twists Yoojin’s lips, his hand patting across Blackie’s warm scales affectionately. “Amazing, Blackie. We’ll celebrate properly after all this is over, okay?”

Kreeeuhhhh 

Being cradled by Blackie’s tentacles soothes him like nothing else. As if it can protect him from any adversary that stands in his way. Although Yoojin would sooner bite his tongue off than put Blackie in between him and Yoohyun.

“Peace. Is Yoohyun far away?”

Peace is sat on his haunches a little distance away, just silently observing him while Blackie is comforting him. Peace’s affirmative growl prompts Yoojin to haul himself to his feet and moves for his bedroom towards his wardrobe where his extensive collection of clothing is stored. He reaches a hand under his stack of underwear and pulls out a brand-new burner phone. 

Emerging out of his room in unhurried steps, Yoojin starts to discard all his clothing as he ambles his way towards his beasts, starting from his shirt, to his belt, pants, including all items and decorative pieces except for his boxers and Cerberus Collar.

Yoojin leans back against Blackie’s body, relishing in the warmth that is transferred into his bare skin for a long moment before whistling a series of low, high and a long low note. Blackie chuffs, then sings a low soothing purr as every tentacle starts to vibrate and coil around Yoojin’s body, much more encompassingly compared to the previous instance. They go round and round, covering every piece of visible skin. Until Yoojin’s world is encased in pure black and becomes a sound proof chamber. The last tentacle is worming itself on a snug loop around his neck. Yoojin faintly wishes it can knock the collar permanently off his neck like a landslide unrooting a lone tree on its path.

Inside the safe cradle of pitch darkness, Yoojin dials a number.

“Hello, Hyuna-noona.”

Chapter Text

“Yoojin-nim, it’s time to return back home.”

Yoojin, who is crouching in front of a bush, redirects his attention to Chaeyoung’s expressionless face. That blue coat she’s wearing does compliment her icy silver eyes, just as he thought. Yoojin wants to thank the sudden whim to nab that coat the moment he spotted it on the display window's mannequin a couple days ago.

“Is that Yoohyun’s order? Relax a bit, Chaeyoung. Don’t you think this flower looks pretty?”

The scarlet crown with bright golden anthers is covered in a light dusting of frost, seemingly immune to the bite of winter’s cold. For some inexplicable reason, Yoojin finds himself frozen here for untold minutes, taking great interest in the frozen little flower’s resilient journey in this mortal world. 

Then came the bland reply.

“It’s just a flower.” 

Yoojin gives her a mild smile. Although Chaeyoung is just four years Yerim’s senior, she often gives off the air of a battle-hardened veteran who has been desensitised to all earthly joys. He heaves himself to his feet and takes a casual stroll towards a crowded food stand still situated inside the garden. 

“Here.” Yoojin thrusts a hand gripping a fishcake skewer towards Chaeyoung, an obvious gesture that tells her to take it. The swirly favourite street food is still puffing out steam in the chilly air. Chaeyoung shows a doubtful expression but eventually accepts the offering.

After taking a bite, chewing and swallowing it down, her demeanour takes on a subtly softer note. “Okay. We can stay for a few more minutes.”

Yoojin has learned from several occasions that Chaeyoung’s soft spot is food. Her icy exterior cracks the tiniest bit whenever Yoojin hands her some tasty food to sample. Despite being a Korean, it’s quickly made apparent that she hasn’t had the chance to try out many traditional Korean street foods. The reason might be related to her past, and how Yoohyun had come across her while taking care of a dungeon break a year ago. Profusely wounded and dressed in absolute rags, Yoohyun saw only potential in her hollow eyes and the many old scars visible even with fresh bleeding ones marring her stick-thin body.

Chuckling, Yoojin stretches a hand up to pat the top of her head affectionately. “You eat so well. Good girl.” Even though Chaeyoung is taller than him, right at that moment she’s like a little kid that blossoms under her parent’s praise.

Yes. Kids need to be praised every now and then (appropriately and in moderation!) to grow up to be well adjusted adults. 

“You’ll make such a good father, Yoojin-ssi,” Kim Sunghan suddenly says from beside him after Chaeyoung wanders some distance away with her prized skewer.

Yoojin shoots him a confused look. “That came out of left field. What makes you think so?” 

Influencing Im Chaeyoung by applying the keyword did cross his mind at one point, but so far Yoojin has refrained from doing so. The article that basically cussed him out for grooming poor Yerim is still living in his head rent free, unfortunately, and having a girl that just barely passed legal age who happens to be famous and unreasonably pretty potentially clinging to his arm, and god forbid unintentionally does things that can be interpreted as flirting with him like how Yerim does, will not help his case. If the words pedophile and Han Yoojin ever appear in the same sentence in a random online article again, he swears to god...

“That Im Chaeyoung. For all the time I’ve spent with her, in dungeon missions or guard duty like this or in our free time, she never so much as showed me a friendly expression. Yoojin-ssi has only been with Chaeyoung for a much shorter time and you already got her warming up to you.”

Yoojin hums noncommittally. 

Now onto the main problem. Yoojin stares at Kim Sunghan’s imposing frame. He’s a whole head taller than Yoojin and his bicep is the size of Yoojin’s face.

To meet Moon Hyuna, first Yoojin needs to shake off his pointlessly extensive number of guards. Aside from the visible Im Chaeyoung and Kim Sunghan, Yoojin is certain there are other guards lurking out of sight. Speaking of Kim Sunghan, he is a variable that Yoojin doesn’t anticipate. Usually the main guard duty is entrusted to Im Chaeyoung, why today out of all days does Kim Sunghan suddenly pop out as a part of Yoojin’s annoying squadron of guards? He isn’t even someone remotely famous to need so many guards.

Yoojin takes a moment to steel his resolve, simulating the plan in his head for the last time before declaring with a bright smile to Kim Sunghan, “I’m going to the washroom.”

At Kim Sunghan’s acknowledging nod, Yoojin heads towards the public toilet not far from where they’re standing, right in the middle of the garden.

Some minutes tick by. Kim Sunghan takes a look at his watch before his gaze wanders towards the small bricked structure where his young master has vanished to.

“Yoojin-nim is taking quite a long time inside,” Chaeyoung comments, her eyes never straying from the door to dutifully monitor every face that is entering and leaving.

“You’re right. I’ll go inside to check if he’s alright,” says Kim Sunghan as he approaches the man’s toilet entrance. There’s a crackle in the air felt before he can even take a step inside, brimming with otherworldly energy, coupled with a powerful wave of mana that prickles every awakener’s skin who is present.

Wide-eyed, Kim Sunghan turns around to be greeted by the sight of an overwhelmingly oppressive blue. The dimensional fissures that form, suspended up in the air, mark the unmistakable edges of a dungeon gate. The sheer size combined with the overbearing amount of mana it emanates makes it evident the dungeon’s danger and difficulty level.

Screams of fear and alarm ripple through the previously peaceful garden.

Kim Sunghan is about to rush into the washroom and forcibly haul Yoojin to safety when someone bumps into him roughly on the way out. 

“Holy shit a dungeon! So beautiful! So blue! I’m going in there and no one can stop me wheeeeeee!” Abruptly like an attacking tornado, a cackling Yoojin dashes past Kim Sunghan in astonishing speed towards the blue expanse where other people are screaming and running away from. To Kim Sunghan’s absolute horror, Yoojin then disappears into the dungeon without so much as a glance back. 

“Yoojin-nim!” shout multiple voices, including his and Im Chaeyoung’s and the numerous guards that have now revealed themselves, shrouded in a mutual air of panic. 

“Wait, Hunter Chaeyoung!” Kim Sunghan tries to warn to no avail as he watches the swish of high ponytail get swallowed by the gate. 

“Fuck! What do we do?” one guard rakes an anxious hand through his hair. 

“What else? Follow Hunter Chaeyoung and go after him of course! What do you think will happen if Yoojin-nim gets hurt even just a little? The guildmaster will flay our hides and feed us to his collection of dungeon beasts.”

“Should we tell the guildmaster what happened first?”

“And tell him that we let his precious hyung enter an at least B rank dungeon, alone? If you want to die that eagerly don’t drag me along, punk!”

In the end they all decide to enter the gate and rescue the beloved brother of their guildmaster themselves. Kim Sunghan, too, doesn’t have the slightest hesitance to embark on this rescue mission. Poor Yoojin-ssi, he must have been scared to death inside!

Save for the terrified screams of garden visitors heard in a distance fleeing this area that has now been labelled unsafe, the place surrounding the glowing dungeon gate is empty silence. One or two heartbeats later, a man wearing a bucket hat and sunglasses comes out of the male restroom. When he tilts his dark glasses downward, the face is revealed to be that of Yoojin with a sly twinkle in his eyes.

“Heh. Didn’t know that Abyss guards could be fooled so easily. I’m counting on our dear Yoon Yoon to keep them busy.” 

It’s a relief that this dungeon’s appearance accurately follows Suk Hayan’s prediction, only off by a mere seven minutes. Now all his guards will be stuck inside until they clear the dungeon, unable to stop him from going wherever he pleases. Such as the guild buildings that don't belong to Abyss which Yoohyun has strictly forbidden him to even pay a casual visit to. 

Yoojin adjusts his backpack straps, earning himself a weak ‘kiiii’. “Hang in there just for a while, Peace. Good boy,” Yoojin coos at his backpack, “You too, Blackie. Such a good dragon for Papa.”

His scarf rumbles happily, the familiar vibrations travelling up his skull and down his chest.

Yoojin only has at most an hour before Yoohyun gets wind that his guards are running around uselessly like headless chickens in a dungeon that his hyung isn’t in.

“Let’s do this.”

It’s not an exaggeration to say that prominent hunter guilds are rolling in wealth, when one lays their eyes on this extravagant office. 

Hyuna is staring him down with that cougar-like smirk of hers perched on her bold scarlet lips. The aura she exudes will make any lesser men crumble, or men that aren’t as desperate.

“So, what ‘item’ do you want to appraise that gets you to come all the way here, Yoojin-ssi? Or is it that you just miss me? I’m sure we can sort something out, depending on how much time you’re willing to spare me. To get to know each other in a deeper sense.” The voice that comes out of Hyuna's lips is deeper than usual, accompanied by a sort of undergrowl (or purr?), her smoky eyelids sliding at half-mast. 

Yoojin has to admit that this is a development he never anticipated. Since when is Hyuna-noona that proficient at impersonating a sleepy drunkard, despite being a passionate advocate of a healthy and sober lifestyle? She’s also doing something weird with her lips. Careful now, they might get permanently stuck that way… ‘Korea’s S rank beauty, Moon Hyuna, was stung by a bee on the lips!’ is surely not a flattering title to grace the breaking news or hunter magazine articles.

Yoojin clears his throat. He wants to entertain Hyuna and her silly act but sadly time isn’t a commodity he can afford to waste. “Actually, I didn’t come here to appraise an item. I’m here to get this item off of me.”

Hyuna leans forward while propping her hands on the low table. In this pose, her ample breasts are on the verge of spilling out of her skimpy criss crossed top. That’s dangerous, isn’t it? Yoojin is about to warn her of her imminent wardrobe malfunction when Hyuna beats him to it.

“I vaguely remember reading in a gossip column somewhere that that ruby choker is that demon bastard, Han Yoohyun’s gift? What, is it actually a shock collar of some sort? That sick fuck. I knew there’s something seriously fucked up with his head. So what is it that my darling Yoojin needs? For this noona to beat some overdue common sense into that bastard’s head? With pleasure!”

Yoojin lets out an amused chuckle while waving a dismissive hand. “No, no, it’s nothing of the sort. I just don’t want to wear it but Yoohyun won’t allow me to take it off.”

Hyuna cocks an eyebrow questioningly. “Isn’t that easy?” Then curls her forefinger in a universal come here gesture. “I’ll just muscle it off your neck and then let’s hear what complaints that demon bastard has to say to my face.”

In Yoojin’s mind, a mini video depicting the top part of a soju bottle breaking plays out in stark clarity. Yoojin suppresses a shudder and shakes his head vigorously. “I’ll have to decline that offer politely. Just please let me use your guild’s Genesis. I don’t have much time.”

Hyuna’s playful smile wilts, replaced by something unquestionably colder. “Ho, now where did you get to hear such an interesting information from?”

From his pre-regression life, Yoojin knows that one of the contributing reasons why Breaker’s Guild fell apart was because they stole an item by forcing it off its A rank owner by using a special tool, dubbed the Genesis. The rumours spread like wildfire, tanking the guild’s overall favourability in the Hunter’s world as well as Korea at large.

There’s no solid proof guaranteeing the existence of the famed Genesis, it’s all quite baseless rumours, but if the separation tool that is able to bypass any skills that bind an item to its wearer does exist then there’s a good chance Yoojin can take the collar off. He needs to take the gamble, no matter what the backlash he’ll receive should he fail.

“I’ll explain later. If you let me use it to take this collar off, I promise that I’ll raise a magic beast of your choice free of charge.”

Hyuna is quiet for a few tense seconds, before eventually replying, “A tempting offer. Okay fine. Aside from being my intended and the one that’ll raise my child, you’re my friend too. I wouldn’t let Yoohyun fuck you up without doing anything.”

Her what now? That blip of curious thought is kicked out Yoojin’s head almost as soon as it appears when he watches, heart thumping with anticipation, Hyuna walking to a huge oak wardrobe at the far corner of her office and puts her thumbprint in the tiny touch panel. It lights up a brief green before beeping, a sliver crack of opening.

“Here’s Genesis, our Breaker guild’s secret tool to separate an item from an owner. I’m going to hold on to your promise of later telling me how you came to know other guilds’ confidential information,” Hyuna says chidingly, yet her words barely register in Yoojin’s mind.

The anticipation that washes over him is simply euphoric. Yoojin’s heart is pounding in his ears and he walks almost dazedly towards the tool that will finally free him of this cursed collar, once and forever. Finally. 

“You just have to enter the item’s name here and your name here. Stand here before placing your hand in the scanner. Then a beam of magic particles will be shone on the item’s location and unequip it.”

“That simple?”

“Yes, that simple. It’s cute how desperate you look right now, Yoojin-ssi.”

“You have no idea,” Yoojin says breathlessly as he stands in front of the monitor. His would be saviour.

His fingers are trembling minutely as he inputs the digits. There’s a tsunami of emotions churning in his chest that he isn’t capable of naming all, but he just knows overwhelming relief will be chief among them. Just a little bit more. 

A little bit more. All that’s left to do is put his hand in the scanner.

There’s the sound of a window shattering into a million splinters, followed by a chilling voice. 

“Down, boy.” 

Yoojin’s hand freezes in mid air.

Wide eyes meet a blistering pair of darkness. Dark like abyss, unforgiving hellfire that scorches, owns, and takes.

The flutter of blue willow leaves dissipate. Yoohyun hauls himself into the room in one fluid motion through the broken window, his billowing dark cape gives off a striking resemblance to a god of death that has come to collect his soul.

“Heel.”

There’s a foreign force governing Yoojin’s body, stripping him of his autonomy completely and ordering his legs to walk towards Yoohyun, without any chance to disobey. Warmth trickles down his cheeks, what Yoojin belatedly realises as his own tears.

Blackie unfurls from Yoojin’s neck, growling with its sharp teeth bared at the glowing red mana chain that becomes visible, stretched between its owner’s neck and Yoohyun’s ring. 

Moon Hyuna laughs. Her expression, though, is entirely murderous. “Han Yoohyun you crazy bastard. You finally went to a point of no return.”

Chapter Text

Pitch black abyss pours inside with each deafening step, the pressure taking shape into a dark corporeal presence in the room.

The entity whose appearance resembles that of a handsome young man has their glowing ruby-red eyes, devoid of any discernible emotion, locked on his older brother whose helpless limbs bring himself closer in mechanical motions akin to a strung up marionette.

The red mana chain pulses, an ominous glow against black fire that devours all light.

When the brothers are close enough to touch, Yoohyun regards him with a frown and clicks his tongue as though chiding a misbehaving child. Blood is rushing audibly in Yoojin’s ears and his vision sharpens into pinprick focus. It’s getting hard to breathe.

The large hand that moves to cradle the side of Yoojin’s face with such gentleness is a stark contrast to his unbearably cold eyes. “You’ve strayed so far from home, hyung. Should I lock you up in a cage so you don’t wander off and get lost in such a foreign place again?”

Fear Resistance does its magic, giving Yoojin strength to vocalise words despite the weakness he feels afflicting every muscle of his body, infinitely more inferior than the dark presence towering before him. 

“Y-Yoohyun.” There’s the briefest desire to say that it’s not what it looks like but Yoojin stamps that fleeting thought down, viciously.

You’re not that pathetic, Yoojin. The kids are depending on you.

“Try it and I swear I’ll knock your teeth out,” Yoojin growls out instead, putting defiant emphasis on every syllable.

Yoohyun smiles blithely like a gentle child who knows he has done no wrong.

Clang!

Hyuna’s incoming spear is parried by Yoohyun who has drawn his sword from his inventory. The sheer force sends a brief spark lighting up the room, followed by a wave of oppressive heat generated from the friction of the weapons.

Yoojin finds himself being pushed backwards with considerable force until his back collides with a wall. 

“Ugh!” 

There’s a reason a battle between S ranks is strictly prohibited outside of monitored rank duels organised by the Association. Destruction that disregards their immediate surroundings is what inevitably happens every time such a clash takes place. Blackie’s form thickens from its rendition of a scarf to make a makeshift shield for its master. A blast of attack has blown off the side of the wall facing outside with a resounding boom, sunlight and wind spilling inside to replace the oxygen being rapidly burnt off by scorching black flames.

Peace, who has jumped out of his backpack as soon as the violent fight broke out, positions himself in front of his beloved master and pushes back any fire that is lurching dangerously close with his breath. Being a fire elemental magic beast, his control over fire is near perfect. The same can be said about Yoohyun. More than that, his being seems to be made of fire itself, the fire which cannot be extinguished as it blazes on with overwhelming power to incapacitate and burnkilldestroy everything in its way.

Yoojin feels that he must stop this somehow, as helpless as he may be now.

Before he can even convince his trembling legs to pull himself up, Yoohyun has already pushed his shoulder down with a firm force.

When did he even get here?

“Stay there, hyung. It’s dangerous. Take this.” 

No sooner is the mask shoved into Yoojin’s grasp than his brother whirls around, sword already swinging toward Hyuna. Yoojin's pleading, outstretched hand is utterly ignored as the two S-ranks descend into a brutal, no-holds-barred duel, a conflict that will only end when the other falls. The thunderous violence of their battle nearly masks the faint but steady sound of footsteps approaching from inside the guild.

“Guildmaster! We heard a crash!” A man’s muffled voice travels through the thick walls.

Moon Hyuna is leaning on her spear, her shoulders heaving in deep breaths as she faces her foe with a dark expression. Not a single hair is out of place on Han Yoohyun’s head as he stands on the other side with a rather relaxed stance, dark flames licking at his soles which curiously doesn’t spread across the carpeted floor.

“No matter what you hear, don't come in! Tell the geezers to sit quietly in their rocking chairs or they’re really going to get it,” Hyuna barks out, still resolutely standing her ground despite the battle seemingly turning out to not be in her favour.

The side of Hyuna’s long hair is singed and her clothes are burned off in several areas. Even though it must be a hard pill for her pride to swallow, Hyuna must have been well aware that she’s no match for Yoohyun in one-on-one combat. 

Before both S ranks can clash once again, the door swings open then slams close.

Hyuna glares at the new presence. “Who dares–” The word catches in her throat upon identifying the person who just entered her office unannounced. “How can you be here?” 

From her tone, it’s clear that her guild members have been specifically instructed to deny him entry in any and all circumstances.

Sung Hyunjae offers them his signature placating smile that’s just a single degree off from mocking.

“I would be beside myself if I were to miss such an exciting event now, wouldn’t I?”

His elegant and business-prim appearance with the predominant colour of champagne gold starkly contrasts the devastation surrounding them, of scorched furniture, wood and glass splinters spread haphazardly across the floor. Hyunjae’s eyes, the shade of a burning star, are casually appraising the Abyss guildmaster which seems to burn with a similar intensity of heat of a different nature.

Hyuna cracks her neck, making full use of the respite to the battle to recover her energy, "Yeah? What exciting event could the Jupiter's guildmaster be referring to?"

Coming up to stand beside Hyuna, Hyunjae replies to her question, “The event in which the Abyss guild’s young master slips up and shows incriminating evidence of our contract breach in regard to dear Han Yoojin-gun as a mutual asset to be protected between the five major guilds.” 

A tick mark appears on Yoojin’s forehand at that offhand remark referring to him as an asset. 

Way to go Jupiter’s guildmaster, you have successfully lowered your favourability points once again.

Catching on Hyunjae’s point, Hyuna smirks in glee and runs a hand through her long wavy locks, taking no heed of the severe burnt portions that flake off and reduce her hair’s original length to more than half.

“…1. The five guilds guarantee the safety of Han Yoojin and his building…”

She straightens to her full height and cackles maniacally, “Ha you old dog, you’re actually useful for a change! Han Yoohyun, thanks to that dastard collar we are free within our rights to pummel you to our hearts’ content!” 

Yoohyun’s quick reflexes is what saves him from getting impaled by multiple golden glowing chains slicing through the air at a nearly imperceivable speed. His dark glare speaks of his disapproval of the surprise attack committed by the Jupiter's guildmaster who is still smiling in that carefree, vexing manner of his. In an instant, Hyuna launches a follow up attack and the floors and walls once again tremble, desperately holding onto their seams amidst the great waves of destructive energy.

Still a helpless onlooker, Yoojin stares at what is shaping up to be a continuation of the showdown between top S-rank hunters in the country, only now it’ll be a two versus one situation. Peace is purring in his hands, trying his best to soothe his master. The smell of burning penetrates through the smoke mask that he’s wearing as he clutches at his ear to block the deafening sounds of explosions and weapons clashing.

Amidst the wreckage and smoke which hinders his limited F-rank vision, Hyuna gives him a wink, black soot splashed across the high bridge of her nose. “There’s no need to worry, darling. Just sit tight and enjoy the show, it’ll be over before you know it.”

Swirls of gold like dancing snakes are interspersed by plumes of black flames and wildly flying blue leaves, both sides unleashing unchecked power as the fight rages on. Hyuna’s sharp battle cries are the only human sounds heard amidst the clashing of weapons and high level skills.

It’s obvious that the vicious battle will only conclude once one side experiences grave injury, rendering them unable to continue firing off attacks. The great mahogany table that serves as the centerpiece of Moon Hyuna’s office is split in half with both halves suffering severe damage, and the various expensive decorations on the wall behind it are left in shambles. The only one left untouched is a samurai sword hanging on the wall. It vibrates, light golden sparks briefly dancing in the air before the sword surges towards an oblivious Yoojin as though attracted by an invisible great force.

Yoohyun immediately throws his own sword to repel the wayward sword mid-air from connecting to his older brother. Concurrently, a barrage of Seeker’s Chains fences him in a lethal circle as Yoohyun, now weaponless, dodges multiple attacks with a show of superior agility. However, without his sword, he’s unable to repel all the chains as proficiently as before and one eventually manages to find an opening to pierce him through his right shoulder, and another through his left hand as the glowing chains’ ends embed themselves in the floor.

Moon Hyuna leaps high up in the air, the wicked end of her spear lurches at full throttle towards Yoohyun who is forced to hunch down on one knee by the Seeker’s Chains. “Good job Hyunjae you crazy bastard! Now for the final blow—!”

“Blackie, shield!”

Instead of the flesh of Yoohyun’s unguarded back, the spear bristling with furious wind connects with a rippling black mass that eats the great penetrative force into a complete stop. Caught off guard, Hyuna leaps away to put some distance between them and ascertain the new potential threat better. 

Unfurling itself from a non-defined form that resembles stacks of black plates, a beast regains its draconic appearance before her. Forming into a reptilian snout filled with sharp teeth connected to a sleek black-scaled body and a long tail, the dragon’s roar reverberates in murderous ripples across the entire space of Hyuna’s ruined office. 

Peace has transformed to his adult form. The giant lion-like body is packed with muscles as he stands to his fullest height, growling aggressively at the two S ranks. 

Standing between the two beasts is none other than the only F rank in the room. His body is much smaller than the beasts, yet it doesn’t discourage him from assuming a protective stance in front of the slumped form of his immobilised brother as he rips the mask off his face and throws it away carelessly.

Hyunjae’s smile twists but doesn’t disappear.

“Look what we have here. Two tamed S-rank magic beasts. Our dear Yoojin-gun is such a sneaky man.”

Yoojin’s eyes are dark as he glares at Hyunjae.

Hyunjae chuckles. “What a scary face.”

He may be a weak F rank, but he isn’t blind nor oblivious. The skill that turned the tide of the battle which sent the sword flying from the wall belongs to a certain S rank after all.

Moon Hyuna looks utterly livid. “Yoojin, what are you doing protecting the bastard?”

Yoojin’s jaw clenches as he stresses in a low voice, “Don’t hurt him.”

“He chained you like a damned pet dog!” screams Hyuna, “Snap out of it! It’s about time that the crazy bastard gets to suffer the consequences of his actions!”

The pressure exuding off an S rank of Moon Hyuna’s calibre can’t be easily ignored if not for his Fear Resistance skill that nullifies the urge to submit and prostrate himself to the floor. Unflinching, Yoojin’s gaze remains fixed on Hyunjae. “Sung Hyunjae-ssi, please take your chains off Yoohyun.”

Shaking his head, Hyunjae replies with a regretful tone, “As much as I hate denying you anything, I’m afraid I can’t do that, Yoojin-gun. Han Yoohyun is much too dangerous to be left unchecked and roaming free.”

Those silky words carry an implied meaning, one that raises Yoojin’s hackles in a familiar manner when his beloved little brother is involved.

Yoojin whistles a quick succession of high and low notes. Blackie’s mouth opens, then a breath of poison pours out and spreads out. The S ranks tense and ready themselves to leap out the poison’s range when the purple mist, instead of continuing to spread, takes on a tall circular shape and solidifies into a transparent purplish wall in front of it. 

Yoojin takes out a pocket knife and aims it at his neck.

“If you refuse, then such an interesting toy will flop dead.”

All three pairs of eyes round in shock at his declaration.

“No, hyung don’t—”

“Shut your mouth, Han Yoohyun,” Yoojin bites out. His hardened gaze meets Yoohyun's, who is still chained to the floor. Blood still sluggishly flows out from the punctured points, on both his shoulder and hand, yet the pain seems to be the furthest thing of interest in his mind.

Eyes softening from the raw terror and helplessness that radiate off Yoohyun’s expression, Yoojin tamps down the instinct to rub a soothing hand down his little brother’s head and trembling back. An image of another Yoohyun, smaller and younger, appears beside this wounded, adult one. 

Ah, those eyes are still that of a child’s after all.

There’s no surveillance cameras in this room. How convenient. This fact was made known to him by a drunken Hyuna who was rambling endlessly and hanging onto him. It took him a long excruciating hour to extricate himself from those strong octopus-like arms.

The knife is then hovered above his open palm. “The palm’s sense of touch is the prerequisite to activate my beast rearing skill.” Which is utter bullshit that Yoojin pulls out of his ass, but Sung Hyunjae and Moon Hyuna don't have to know that. “How many nerve endings do you think I can mess up before you two manage to break this flimsy barrier?”

Hyuna scoffs. “I have a ton of healing potions in my inventory and a B-rank healer waiting just outside the door. What lasting damage can that feeble metal do?”

“Who says I’m going to let you heal me?” 

Peace and Blackie are growling next to him as if to emphasise his point. A threat of self harm by a weak F rank. It sounds ridiculous in theory but Yoojin presses forward. 

“Next, I’ll just confess to the public my indefinite break from rearing any magic beasts since this poor, frail F rank is unwittingly caught up in the squabble between hot-headed S ranks and gets injured as a result.”

Yoojin lets the silence stew for two seconds before adding, “And may I remind you that this barrier here is made of pure poison? If you attempt to break it, the broken flying pieces might prove fatal if it were to so much as grace a frail F rank’s skin.”

Yoojin throws his hands up, feigning exasperation at the whole situation.

“Honestly I don’t really care if I get decommissioned for quite some time. For all the headaches I get from dealing with all of you S ranks who think the world revolves around them, I’d say it’s a well deserved break. But then so many troublesome things will happen with the delay of my rearing, won’t it? Such as the deal with the Silver Hermit guild from Russia. Didn’t you promise them something, Hyunjae-ssi?”

Yoojin doesn’t miss the nearly imperceptible twitch on that perfect mask. Even the so-called Korea’s strongest guild won’t want to be caught up in the bad side of another major guild in another country.

Tense silence apprehends the space for a long moment, before the chains that penetrate Yoohyun’s body retract back to their owner.

“Yoojin-gun, you’re truly something else.”

Hyuna is the picture of rage itself. “This is insane, you’ve let that deranged brother of yours corrupt your mind! He put a slave collar on you and this is what you decide to do? Just let us save you for god’s sake!”

He couldn’t care less of the disapproval permeating off Sung Hyunjae but the clear betrayal on Moon Hyuna’s face hits him harder than he expects it to. Perhaps she has become a trustworthy friend that he holds dear in his heart.

Sorry, Hyuna-noona…

“Peace, take Yoohyun with you. Blackie, come.” Yoojin whistles a series of commands. Blackie lowers its neck towards Yoojin for easy access atop its scaly back. At the same time, Peace nudges Yoohyun’s side in a silent urging for the human to mount him.

“Yoohyun, get us flying.”

Blue willow leaves appear and scatter themselves out the big hole on the wall. The beasts leap up the airborne path made for them and head towards the exit in long agile strides. 

Yoojin’s parting words are a terse threat. “Don’t follow us.” 

Fire surges inside the room when Hyunjae’s chains appear to hold them back and it begins to spread with unnatural speed towards the rest of the Breaker guild’s building, forcing both Hyuna and Hyunjae to abandon chase. 

Against the background of clear blue sky, the two beasts’ forms are diminishing until they vanish from sight. 

In a forest far outside Seoul, the Han brothers and two escaping beasts are hidden under the thick foliage. Yoohyun’s back is resting against the base of a tree trunk as Yoojin inspects his brother’s body all over.

“I’m okay, hyung. There are no more injuries,” repeats Yoohyun for the umpteenth time. Empty potion bottles sit nearby, having been used to heal Yoohyun’s injuries.

There’s no reply from Yoojin this time, too. Yoohyun stares for a long while before his lips part again.

“Sorry hyung. I broke my promise of protecting you from ever lifting a finger to deal with the world.”

Fingers flick his forehead, making Yoohyun’s dejected expression turn bewildered. “I never asked you to coddle me like I’m a helpless child. Let me walk on my own two feet.”

The hard lines on Yoojin’s face turn fond, then that outstretched hand lands on Yoohyun’s head in a soft pat. 

“Besides, it’s my job as your hyung to correct your misguided behaviour.”

Yoohyun flinches near imperceptibly, then his lips wobble.

“But hyung, I’m scared that you’ll leave me. All those other S ranks adore you to the point of fighting to the death for you. I can see it in their eyes. What if you decide you want to stay by their sides and abandon me?”

The last of Yoojin’s strict demeanour melts away and he gathers his little brother in an embrace.

“Aigoo Yoohyun. My poor Yoohyun. Don’t cry now.”

Even with this body, bigger than his own, Yoohyun is still young after all. The collar is Yoohyun’s way to stake ownership on him, so that Yoojin won’t be able to leave his side if he wants to. This silly Yoohyun. Who says he’ll ever leave his one and only little brother? 

Petting the curly locks absently, his brother’s familiar scent soothes his olfactory senses as he mulls. Perhaps he only has himself to blame. 

The keyword activation of his skill heightens the feelings of attachment the target has towards him, making him the target’s perceived caretaker. Being Yoohyun’s primary caretaker himself since childhood, the effects might be amplified to an even greater degree that Yoojin has no way to exactly measure.

Yoojin releases an audible sigh. This is a decision that he might regret later.

“Let’s compromise. I won’t ask you to take off the collar, for now. You can still activate the collar’s ability to track me but you have to disable all the other commands permanently. Otherwise, I won’t speak to you ever again.”

If the excited glow emanating off Yoohyun’s face at that announcement satisfies him to no end, Yoojin won’t tell a single living soul aloud.

“Okay, hyung.”

The ice that had formed in their relationship due to Yoojin misunderstanding Yoohyun’s pure desire to protect him, which ended with his little brother’s demise, is no more. Yoojin swears to never let that ice that has once separated them form again. He will never doubt Yoohyun anymore. 

Before fully deactivating it, Yoojin acquiesces to Yoohyun’s request to experiment with the commands. It’s still disturbing to feel his limbs moving on their own accord, or more like on Yoohyun’s accord, but there’s no denying that Yoojin is curious about the extent of the collar’s ability as well.

“Kiss.”

Yoojin’s body is pulled forward by that magical force and the next thing he knows, his eyes are crossed with how suddenly close Yoohyun’s face is to his when his lips land on Yoohyun’s cheek.

“This little brat, really,” Yoojin mutters under his breath once the command returns his autonomy back, his cheeks flushing with warmth.

“Can I keep that one, hyung?”

“No.”

Yoohyun visibly deflates but obeys him. What a sweet and obedient little brother. Yoojin resists the urge to squeeze those pouty cheeks.

Once the commands have been disabled, Yoojin stretches his arms over his shoulders. This perceived freedom is finally his, he should try to enjoy it a bit before facing the predicament they have landed themselves in.

Peace is yawning widely, showing off his large fangs, before his head plops down on crossed paws and he resumes his lazy nap. Blackie is patrolling the periphery in full alertness, its tentacles swaying in the wind and killing the occasional poor bugs that bump against the poisonous surface.

“Since when have they become adults?” Yoohyun asks. 

“Peace became one a couple weeks ago. Blackie just ranked up two days ago, that’s when I decided to call Moon Hyuna,” replies Yoojin, leering at Yoohyun in a mildly accusatory manner, “It’s all part of an elaborate plan to run away from you and successfully get rid of the collar, yes you, you naughty brat.”

At least Yoohyun has the decency to look scolded, shoulders dropping and those eyes adopting the look of a guilty puppy. 

Sigh. He really can’t stay mad at Yoohyun for too long. 

Yoojin pats that fluffy head once again and Yoohyun’s eyes flutter to a close, clearly enjoying the touch. 

It’s evidently clear that both Hyunjae and Hyuna are pissed off to the point of not letting Yoohyun go if they were to cross paths again. Yoojin has no doubt that, until this very minute, both guildmasters are still searching for them, leaving no stone unturned and using their immense resources and connections to do so.

Yoohyun’s action of placing a slave collar on him indicates that he has breached the contract between the five guildmasters of South Korea’s major guilds that maintains Yoojin’s position as neutral and not belonging to any guild. The collar tips the balance of power in Yoohyun’s favour, something that the rest of the guildmasters will surely have problems with once they catch wind of this development. Of Yoohyun chaining his brother who has very useful skills to monopolise him.

All S ranks at their roots are sadists with a superiority complex. A golden opportunity to at least maim an arm of the snotty new brat in their ranks will not be missed.

Both Yoohyun’s shield and sword are inside an active dungeon as well as a good number of their best hunters, courtesy of Yoojin’s own doing. They are vulnerable to be the other guildmasters’ punching bags… well, Yoohyun is. They’ll restrain Yoojin and make him watch at the side as they bully his little brother, their twisted devilish faces cackling evilly as Yoohyun cries helplessly. Yoojin’s jaw shifts in displeasure at the image. The skies are falling if he ever lets that happen. Scratch that, not even the heavens falling to damn the Earth to an early end will he let that happen on his watch!

Unconsciously, with a deep thinking face, Yoojin is repeating the motion of stroking Yoohyun’s thick hair and down the line of his spine as Yoohyun leans down to let the gesture happen easier. Yoohyun’s nose tips down close enough to nudge at the collar, nuzzling into his brother’s warm neck as his hands land on Yoojin’s crossed legs.

“Yoon Yoon, can you come here for a sec?” Yoojin calls out seemingly to no one.

Yoohyun is startled when a portal appears out of thin air. Yoojin stops him from pulling his sword out of his inventory by hugging the tense body and cooing softly, “It’s alright Yoohyun, it’s just my friend.”

The mischievous goblin grins and hands him an iPad.

“Here boss! I’ve inspected every one of them, they’re perfect!”

Yoohyun stares at the newcomer with undisguised surprise. “Hyung, you know the Dokkaebi?”

It’s Yoon Yoon who replies to his question with great enthusiasm. “Yes! The great Dokkaebi is Yoojin-nim’s underling!”

“You never stop to surprise me, hyung.”

The obsessive glint in those eyes is back. Yoojin quickly turns the iPad on and scrolls down the screen, ignoring Yoohyun’s heated gaze hovering behind him.

With each piece of information he gets from reading down the screen, Yoojin becomes more excited. 

“I got it, Yoohyun.”

Shuffling closer, Yoohyun hooks his chin over Yoojin’s shoulder, peering down at the lit screen of the iPad.

“What is it?”

“Here,” says Yoojin, pointing a finger, “This is our golden chance.” 

“Here’s the plan. We’ll–”