Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Bak Yerim groaned as she got up from her slumber, eyes squinting as she slowly looked around her surroundings. "Where..?" Then she jumped. "Oh shit! Ahjussi?!"

Midst her screaming, another set of groans caught her attention and relieved when she saw her companions, the members of world edge, her noona, Myoengyoo-oppa and Sung Hyunjae (Yuck!) arose from their place in the ground. However, her Ahjussi was still missing?!

"You!" She point an finger at Han Yoohyun exasperatedly. "Where is Ahjussi, huh?!"

Han Yoohyun, having recovered from his immense headache, scowled at the girl. "What do you mean? Didn't I entrust his safety with you?" He looked around to find his hyung, only to panic when he couldn't find him anywhere he looked. "HYUNG?! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

Kim Sunghan tried to calm his leader, albeit as worried as him, though he doesn't want Han Yoohyun to wreck havoc within a foreign and unfamiliar room with his flames. Yoo Myoengyoo looked like he might pass out from intense anxiety he is feeling at the moment while Sung Hyunjae was the opposite of the shaking man. In fact, he was sitting on couch that magically appeared out of nowhere and seeping his tea with a serene, punchable face.

Moon Hyuna was cackling at the chaos happening while Noah Luire was silently retreating away from the said chaos.

Then, a giant digital screen popped up in front of them, stopping the people from what they are doing before and drifted their attention to the screen.

"Hello!" A robotic voice piped up. "Everyone is very lively, huh?" A powerful flame passed through the screen that only regenerated back to it's original form as if nothing happened. Peace growled menacingly at them yet they only cooed in return.

“How dare you!” Words came out instead of a snarl. Everyone gaped at that.

“Peace, you can talk?!” Bak Yerim screeched. Peace in return, only made a confused noise.

“Fufu.” The screen proudly exclaimed. “It is only because of my wonderful domain that anything is possible. So making a beast talk is a small thing!”

“Then killing you is also possible then!” Han Yoohyun summoned his flames, only for it to extinguish like it was nothing.

"I advise everyone to minimize violence within this domain, thank you!"

"Cut the crap!" Han Yoohyun snarled, his fist bursting with flames with how furious he was at the moment. "I don't care who you are. Where is my Hyung!?"

"Oh, Mr. Han Yoojin?" The screen made a thinking emoji as it pondered. "Don't worry about him! He is safe and sound!" That did not appease Han Yoohyun at all.

Ban Yerim frowned. "You think we trust you?! Just show us where you are keeping Ahjussi! And maybe we will reconsider any act of violence." She threatened her weapon manifested within her grasp, only for it to disappear in seconds. "Wha-!"

"I advise everyone to minimize violence within this domain, thank you!" They repeated. "That is strike one. If it reaches strike three, there will be consequences."

Sung Hyunjae looked amused. "Oh? You think you can take all of us, S-class, to a fight? I am very interested in how that would turn out."

The screen in question sweat dropped at the vicious man. Yup, this guy is dangerous...

"We-well you see..." The screen stuttered.

Sung Hyunjae's vicious smile did not falter at all.

"Ahem! Why don't we just get into business, shall we?" They tried to shift the subject.

"Now that you mentioned it, why are we here in the first place?" Moon Hyuna frowned. "Weren't we just about to enter an A ranked domain? Did the entrance lead us to a different location instead? And who is this guy?" She pointed at the silent man.

Noah Luire fidgeted. “I- I am Noah Luire, an S-class hunter… from France.”

“Oh!” Bak Yerim smiled. “So you’re a foreigner? But how did you end up here as well? Did you also enter a gate beforehand?”

Noah shook his head. “Not at all. I remembered being in our guild office but then a light engulfed me and basically woke up here.”

“So it’s not the gate then…” Han Yoohyun muttered as he looked at the remaining people who was not with them during the raid. Jupiter’s Kang Soyoung, Yoo Myoengyoo, Song Taewon, Miss Suk Hayan and her uncle, Mr.Suk Simyeong, the possible infamous dokkaebi based on their appearance and the S-class from France.

Kang Soyoung’s normally cheerful face was cautious this entire time. “By the looks of it… It seems like our teleportation has no connection at all…”

“There is!” The screen piped up. "Well, you see, we summoned you here to show you the life of our lovely Mr. Han Yoojin!" They cheered.

"HUH?!" Han Yoohyun growled. "You are going to broadcast to these people my Hyung's life? Throw away his privacy?!” Bak Yerim joined his fuming.

"Please calm down, Mr. Han Yoohyun." They signed. "As much as we hate to do it... It is necessary to save your world."

Everyone raised a brow at that. "Save? From whom or what?"

"Well, you see, in the next 5 years, a destructive force will come to your world and will wipe out everything to catastrophe.”

Suk Hayan looked concerned at that. "A destructive force that can wipe out everything..." She looked down at her clenched fist on her lap. "Something like that to happen in a few years... is there really something that strong that is capable of doing that?"

“Well, the gates that are connected to dangerous dimensions were impossible to think at first but look at it now.” Suk Simyeong said with a solemn voice. And everyone agreed to that. Just 3 years ago, they were just living a normal life away from dangers of monster attack that emerged from several dungeons.

"Not even the S class can prevent?"

"Hmmm..." The screen morphed into a pensive emoji. "Well, not individually, no."

"Individually?"

"Yes! In order to stop it, the S class must work together to save the world!"

"Work together, huh?" Moon Hyuna trailed off as she stared at the impassive face of Han Yoohyun. In turn, the latter scorned at her. She smirked. "Sorry to break your bubble but how would that be even possible with how eccentric S classes usually are."

'Aren't you also one?' Yoo Myoengyoo sweat dropped.

The screen perked up with pride at that. "Fortunately, there is one person!"

"And who would that be?" Moon Hyuna raised her brow, evidently interested.

"You will find that out through watching. Now, may I request everyone to settle down and get comfortable while you are at it. Also, my name is Droid!” They cheered.

Everyone reluctantly agreed and sat on the couches offered by the screen person.

"Now, let's get started then. “

One day....

A gate suddenly appeared on earth.

"A similar phenomenon has been observed form all over the world."

The scene shows a mysterious gates spawning randomly around different areas around the  world.  

"This phenomenon that has occurred here and there does not bring any harm to the body."

"Clear cause for it has not yet been found, and number of civilians who are complaining of their anxiety is increasing by the second."

"Honestly though," Moon Hyuna sighed. "Why did we even think it was harmless to begin with... Like even from the appearance itself it already screamed danger."

Everyone agreed at that.

Several researchers were examining those mysterious gates in close distance.

"On the other hand, academic personnel are investigating whether this phenomenon has any relations  to the monsters that have been appearing in various places recently." The reporter informed as it trailed off to another scene.

.

.

.

.

"Alright! We've loaded up everything!"

"This is the last of the kitchen utensils." The woman uttered as she carried a box to the truck.

"Okay! We have a while left, so let's take our time." Her partner patted his hands.

"Hey, did you hear?" The woman piped her sweat with her face towel  hanging on her shoulders.

"Yes, ma'am!" A young man answered as he carried the last batch of box.

“Ahjussi!!” Bak Yerim smiled as she finally saw him.

Han Yoohyun couldn’t help but smile as he saw his Hyung during his work. He had always admired him and his dedication on taking any jobs just to provide their daily neccessities after their parents died. He had once offered to quit school as well to help his Hyung but he was hit in the head with a newspaper. He was scolded and told to just relax and leave everything to his hyung.

He never understood why his Hyung was insistent on him entering university when it was very expensive to begin with. But he the other just laughed and patted him in the head. “So you can have better opportunities and live a more sustainable life than what we have right now.” Those were the words of his Hyung.

‘Hyung has always regarded my well-being in first before himself.’ He frowned.

"Han Yoojin, was it? Let's take a break before we leave!"

"I'll just take this last one up first."

"It's tiring, right?" The man asked as he tossed a bottle of water to Han Yoojin. "Have some water."

“Ahjussi is so hardworking.” Bak Yerim grinned while Yoo Myoengyoo nodded in agreement. They both are well aware of how hardworking Han Yoojin was with his job as a beast tamer but they knew he was also that way even before becoming a hunter since Han Yoojin had told them that he had started working several at a young age due to their parents’ passing.

"Oh. Thank you." Han Yoojin eagerly caught and opened the cap .

"Look at this young fellow doing the bast job he can! You're very quick with your hands." The woman grinned, making Han Yoojin chuckle sheepishly.

"How are you planning on using all the money that you earn? University fees?"

“Well that could certainly be the case. Most teenagers who wishes to enter universities tend to work on jobs for their tuition fees.” Suk Simyeong nodded in agreement.

"Ah, yes. My younger brother's school fees."

"You're paying for your sibling's fees? ”

“Awww…” Kang Soyoung cooed. “Han Yoojin-ssi works for your school fees, Sir Han Yoohyon? What about your parents?”

Han Yoohyun shook his head. “They aren’t around anymore. They died during an accident.”

“Oh… I’m sorry.” Kang Soyoung looked apologetic at that.

“Don’t be.” He scoffed. “They were barely around anyways.”

Everyone sensed that it was a mild sensitive information for the siblings so they left it at it and went back to the screen.

"Our parents passed away early on, so it's just my brother and I." Han Yoojin informed. "So I dropped out and started working."

"Oh my, such a young kid is going through so much!" The woman looked worried.

"It's nothing. Would you like to see? This is my younger brother." Han Yoojin excitedly took his phone and turned it on to show his wallpaper of him and his younger brother smiling on the picture .

Bak Yerim, Kang Soyoung and Suk Hayan cooed at the picture. Moon Hyuna on the other hand, grinned mischievously at Han Yoohyun. “That goody-two-shoes face suits you more than your grumpy face, Han Yoohyun. If you had kept it that way, many girls would have liked you.” She teased.

“Hah?” Han Yoohyun darkly snarled.

“No fighting!” Bak Yerim intervened before any chaos happens.

"Oh my, he's quite good looking! Pretty tall and attractive."

"Right?" Han Yoojin sounded proud. "He's taller than me. And he's also really kind and there's nothing he hasn't been able to so since he was younger."

The woman only stared back. "Hm?"

"I sometimes can't even believe how such a great younger brother. Really. If our Yoohyon hadn't been a good kid, then I wouldn't have dropped out of school to earn money by doing all this hard work, but he's such a good kid with absolutely nothing worrying with him, and he grew as a great and polite man. He also have never-" Han Yoojin continued with his gushing over his beloved younger brother that it made the couple sweat dropped.

"I- I see."

Many couldn’t help but burst out laughing at that. Even Sung Hyunjae looked amused.

“So you really are a Hyung’s boy! AHAHHAHAHAH!” Moon Hyuna cackled.

“Moon Hyuna, please…” Now, it was Suk Simyeong’s turn to reprimand since Bak Yerim was too busy laughing her lungs out.

“Is Hyung's boy even a thing?” Bak Yerim wheezed.

"This guy is always like this whenever we start talking about his younger brother." The man explained to his wife.

Noah, who was staring intently on Han Yoojin’s fond expression as he continued to ramble about is younger brother, felt an inch of jealousy towards Han Yoohyun. ‘I wished noona was like that as well…’ He blinked several times to get rid of his blurry vision.

"He said that he'd finish up with school early today,  so I'm planning on going with him to eat some meat after I finish work!" Han Yoojin excitedly said.

"To be honest, it's a good thing that there's been more work these days."

They got into the vehicle. "It's not even moving season, yet this is basically the busiest it gets. ”

“I honestly would have done it too…” Kang Soyoung sighed.

"This must all be so that you two can be successful..." Han Yoojin suggested as he secured his seatbelt.

"You talk so nicely too~" The woman smiled.

"Well, it's whatever! It's all thanks to that I guess." The man said as he peered to the window of the truck to stare at the floating thing on the sky.

"That?"

"That thing over there." He pointed at it. "The number of people who have moved has increased because they say they don't have a good feeling about it. If only we could know what it really was. It feels rather ominous."

“And even now, we still have no idea where those came from and how they got there.” Suk Hayan pierced her lips in frustration. “Why is there even gates in the first place and whoever did it, what is their motive?”

“Sadly at the moment, we lack information nor have we not traced anything relevant at all.” Song Taewon said as he fixed his croaked tie.

"One also appeared on the route to my brother's school."

“That’s was also the greatest concerning part about the first attack of the gates. Many were stationed near schools and places where many are vulnerable, children and old people alike were less likely to escape than others…”

"What if it's a good thing?" The woman asked.

“If only it was that true.”

"Do we need to buy a house nearby?"

“ Haha! Where would we get that much money!" Was the answer.

"Well, we're just thankful that we have more work!"

Han Yoojin then noticed something strange. "Was that always that kind of color?"

"Huh?

I think it was more bl-" The car suddenly halted and shook like there was a massive force that impacted their vehicle. "???!!"

“Shit!” Han Yoohyun almost jumped from his seat. Even though he knew his hyung was safe from the monster attack, watching it unfold makes him anxious for his Hyung's well being.

“ I'll go out and see!" Han Yoojin said. "Maybe something happened to the b-"

“Don’t even try!!!!” Bak Yerim screetched, only to groan when Han Yoojin on the screen did otherwise.

Han Yoojin froze as an ominous giant bird looking thing was peering below them, teeth sharp and salivating like a predator finding it's prey. "Huh?"

The monster roared as it dived towards Han Yoojin's direction. He ducked to dodged  the attack as it struck it's beak to the car and managed to jump away from the vehicle.

“Ahjussi!!!”

“Han Yoojin-ssi!”

“Hyung, get away from there!” Han Yoohyun clenched his flaming fist.

"W-what?! Boss!"

"Aghhh, Honey!!" Came a groan as they struggle away from the monster. "A monster?! What in the world is this???!"

Han Yoojin's terrified eyes shifted away from the car and into the surrounding area, where he saw more bird looking monsters emerged from the mysterious gate. "Just what the hell is this?!"

“It’s a monster attack. NOW, RUN AWAY!!!” Yoo Myoengyoo was shaking in his seat with how terrified he was for his friend’s safety.

A 'gate' that connects to another world called dungeon. Monsters poured out into the world through those gates.

The dungeons that hadn't been subdued had become supersaturated and exploded. It is a dungeon break, where the dungeons explode and evil entities pour out .

And in the situation where this happened all at once in a dungeon shock, there were millions of injured people... and several thousands of deaths.

“ Bosses?!" Han Yoojin lifted a stick to try and wack the monster away from attacking the truck. "You fucking lizard bastard! Get out out of there right now! Or take this and-!"

“Don’t attack it with a stick, it will do nothing you stupid Ahjussi!”

“Does your brother even have any survival instinct?!” Moon Hyuna vexed. “Heck, if he doesn’t then I question how he manage to live this far without losing a limb or two.”

As much as it frustrates Han Yoohyun, he can’t disagree with that. If only his hyung less suicidal to help others and prioritize himself at least once in his life.

He stopped. A strong, veiny arm was grabbing the mouth of the monster with incredible strength... that was his boss' wife. "Honey?!" The husband looked astonished.

"Are you alright, darling?! Quickly, get out of here while you can!" She grunted.

"Your arm! What happened!?"

"I don't know either! Power just suddenly...!"

People 'awakened' with the ability to fight againts monsters. Awakeners became 'hunters' who hunted monsters and attacked dungeons. And soon, huntjng became the most important job in the world.

“And the most dangerous at that…” Suk Hayan breathed out, having to relax a little from the terrifying scene they had witnessed. “Hunters has more deaths and injured people each month than any jobs at all. As much as it saddens me, society regards hunters as an uprising and the most amazing job that many are driven to lean into that profession, despite not even sufficent to the critirea of being a hunter. As a result, numbers of death continues increase even to this day.”

Everyone could not disagree with that statement at all.

And my younger brother, Han Yoohyun…

The passenger of the bus looked astonished as they stared at the flame in front of them. "What is that...?"

"Pitch.... black flames...."

Han Yoohyun, on his right arm where his sleeves were burned, were surrounded with black-purplish colored flames. He looked shocked as he raised his arms into eye level.

The younger brother I had cared so much for.

Awakened as one of the very few S-rank hunters in the world.

To be continued….

“WHAT?!” Bak Yerim protested. “That was it? How about Ahjussi?! Is he fine?!”

Droid appeared again. “Calm down, Bak Yerim. There are still several episodes ahead.”

“Then play it!”

“You sure? We can take a few bre-”

“NOW.” Han Yoohyun commanded, eyes dark and threatening.

“A-as you wish…” Droid sweatdropped.

Chapter Text

8 years later. Seoul, South Korea

"Wait, 8 years?" Bak Yerim raised her brow at that. "That's so far ahead, isn't it? Since the first dungeon break happened 3 years ago?"

"Yeah." Kim Hayan fixed her glasses. "Maybe it will already show us immediately what they meant by the 'destructive force' that might happen.” She didn’t question how her notes and a pen magically appeared in her grasp as she did with the couch and everything that randomly appears in this room. Rather, she just eagerly took notes on an important events and incidents that can be used as a reference once they go back and construct plans on how to prevent the calamity.

"Can you see this?" A green magical light was hovering on a girl's hand.

"No. I cannot... is something there?" The reporter replied.

"Naturally, since only the user itself can see... but it's fascinating that we can see it too now..." Suk Hayan looked excited, eagerly taking notes. 

"This is a thing called 'status window', and it's only visible to oneself." The girl piped up. "At first, I thought I was in a video game."

"I though so too at first..." Yoo Myeongwoo sheepishly said, making Bak Yerim laugh.

 "In my status window, there's lost of skills I can use. And I can use it... like this!" Multiple tree vines sprout out from the ground when her hands made contact with.

"Whoa!" The people around awed. "Amazing! So this is the ability you used to save people?"

"It has potential." Moon Hyuna grinned. "Especially when it comes to buildings and debris, she can use it to stabilize it temporarily enough for the civilians to flee away."

"Miss Yumi had been job-hunting 8 years ago during the dungeon shock." The scene changed into Yumi's past 8 years self that was sitting on her futon dejectedly while surrounded with her untidy room. 

"Maybe it was because she lived in a green(?) moldy environment!"

“Is it though?” Bak Yerim asked. “Is our ability derived from our environment?”

Suk Hayan hummed. “Not really. Although our data have proved that ‘Awakened’ woke or emerges from dangers of the host, that’s just about it. Even with extensive research, we still lack any concrete evidence or information on whether or not one’s ability does depend on the environment or other factors…”

“I agree with that.” Yoo Myeongwoo piped in. “My ability has nothing to do with my surroundings nor was it because of my initial skills or knowledge.” He smiled as he scratched his neck sheepishly. “If it wasn’t for Han Yoojin, I wouldn’t have discovered that I had other abilities at all…”

Bak Yerim nodded eagerly at Yoo Myeongwoo’s statement, as her Ahjussi did the same for her.

“It may have been different with everyone then…” Suk Hayan muttered, writing it all in the process.

The next scene shows Yumi helping the citizens with her awakened powers. "She awakened to abilities that let her grow tree vines. And recently, she even saved citizens from a collapsing building!"

Yumi looked sheepish as she scratch her neck. "Hehe. I was in such a hurry back then that I did it without thinking..."

"She was able to become a hunter after that, and she currently lives by raiding dungeons as part of a small guild." Th e  guild consist with 7 members in the picture. It shows that 6 of the members posed with cheerful expression except for the 7th member who was wearing a cap and a mask to hide his face.

 ”Awww…” Moon Hyuna cooed. “It’s always nice to look back at our first moments with our companions within our own guilds.”

“Is it hard managing a guild, noona?” Bak Yerim titled her head.

“Hmm.” Moon Hyuna hummed. “It is but it’s also fun, you know. When you are in a guild, it’s like you are family. You trust them as they trust you in return.” She grinned.

Bak Yerim looked excited. “I can’t wait to form my own guild!”

“Eh? Your not gonna stay at the Haeyeon Guild?” Kang Soyoung asked, surprised.

Bak Yerim sent a disgusted look at Han Yoohyun. “The only reason I’m staying is because of Ahjussi. If I can persuade him into coming with me, I will certainly build my own guild and protect Ahjussi better.”

Han Yoohyun scowled at that her. “I’d like to se you try.”

“Oh, I will!”

“You two for the love of god!” Suk Simyeong breathed a tired sigh.

"Materials from a dungeon can be sold by money. It is a bit dangerous, but it's much more profitable than other jobs. The dungeons that are above A-rank in particular are basically treasures in havens." Yumi's guild leader explained.

"That's right. A new material form the dungeons that didn't exist in our world previously! The mana crystal! Mana crystals inside a dungeon sell for a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands. Thanks to that, skilled hunters end up massively ranking it in!"

"And if you are an S-class hunter that can raid top-tier dungeons... well, I don't need to explain, do I?"

 ”Pretty much if you’re an S-class, you are guaranteed to be a millionaire…” Kang Soyoung bemoaned.

"In Korea, hunter Han Yoohyun is especially famous." The screen pans into a young man with black messy hair, black eyes and was pretty much wearing a stern expression. "He awakened while he was a high schooler."

 ”HA!” Bak Yerim preened. “I awakened much earlier than you so take that!”

Han Yooyun looked like he wants to commit murder at the moment. One pressed at the angry bear and it will finally snap.

Suk Simyeong already missed Han Yoojin. Keeping an eye of two unhinged children is a hefty job that he couldn’t help but silently commend Han Yoojin for putting up with this everyday.

Han Yoohyun and his guildmembers walked through dozens of paparazzi taking numerous pictures. "He had lost his parents at a young age and grown up poor."

"After awakening, he found the 'Abyss' Guild and established himself as the youngest guild master."

 ”And I will change that-” Yoo Myeongwoo covered Bak Yerim’s mouth before she could say anything that will definitely get her killed.

"Currently at the age of 25, they say that his wealth is astronomical!"

The reporter tilted her mic towards Yumi. "What about you? Are you rich as well, Hunter Yumi?"

Yumi looked flustered. "Definitely not! That's not realistic for an E-class hunter like me." She raised her fist as she smiled with pure determination. "But if I keep it up, I'm sure I'll be able to gather up money! I hope I'll be able to make enough for my young sibling's tuition. "

 Most of them smiled, cheering for her.

“She’ll definitely make it!” Suk Hayan pumped her fist.

Then, another news shows a picture of Yumi with a caption: Hunter from 'Capture the moment' dead. "Hunter Choi Yumi that appeared in this program died amist a dungeon raid."

 The previous atmosphere shifted at that.

"Hunter Choi Yumi was taken to the hospital early in the morning but she was unable to recover and..."

“Oh…” Suk Hayan muttered.

The scene changes to a dark apartment with only the television as it's source of light. A man was sitting on the futon, face filled with patches and bruises as he hung his head, body curling up. He seemed to be drunk, considering the empty bottles of liquor beside him.

“Who’s that?”

“Must be one of her siblings or her close friend grieving for her death…”

Everyone didn’t utter a word after that.

Kang Soyoung  pierced her lip. “As much as we deny it, being a hunter means you are putting life on the line. No matter how weak or strong you are, your probability of getting out alive is always uncertain…”

“And yet people see it as a job for quick money.” Song Taeown said. “Disregarding the fact that being a hunter is no easy task. It may be one of the most high praising jobs, yet it is also the most dangerous.”

.....

"Boss~ Hello, are you listening to me? Boss!" Someone complained.

"What's wrong?" The guild leader, Lim Seokwoo, answered as he fixed his gloves.

"What do you mean, what's wrong? Why would you bring along a guy like him!" The man continued complaining as he pointed an accusing finger at the lone man sitting on the chair. "Isn't that the F-class Han Yoojin?!"

 ”Ahjussi?” Bak Yerim piped up.

Han Yoojin. F-class hunter. Title: Caregiver.

"Ah, so you recognized me. Hehe..." Han yoojin took off his face mask.

 ”Why is he in that state?” Yoo Myeongwoo looked concerned. “There’s bruises all over his face…”

Han Yoohyun turned dark at the sight of his Hyung.

"So easy on me. I need to go inside dungeons to make a living. I promise, I'll buff you real good." He reassured.

The man didn't looked assured as he sneered at him. "I don't need it! Besides, that's not the problem!"

Lim Seokwoo stepped in to stop the man form harassing Han Yoojin. "Don't be like that. There are no hunters that come as cheaply as him."

 Han Yoohyun stared at the two bastards, trying to memorize their faces so that once he returns to the outside, he will hunt them down. He will deliver a bloody retribution.

"Of course he'll come for cheap!" The man contered. "Or else who'd ever include a scrub like him?"

 ”How dare you treat Ahjussi like that!” Bak Yerim gritted her teeth. “He has more value than you two combined!”

Yoo Myeongwoo felt like wanting to test his newly sharped weapons at these certain individuals.

"Fucking piece of shit. He was the survivor of multiple party wipes! It's ominous! He's a parasite that sucks out other's lives!"

"Why else would he have been abandoned by his great younger brother?" Han Yoojin's fingers flinched at that.

“What?” Han Yoohyun’s eyes was filled with disbelief.

Everyone who knew Han Yoohyun also felt doubtful. Han Yoohyun, the possessive, protective, and obssessive little brother of Han Yoojin. The Han Yoohyun that would send anyone silent threats with his face alone whenever it was about his Hyung. The Han Yoohyun that would rather lock his Hyung on their shared apartment just to protect him and prevent him from running away. The little brother that would surely burn the world if there is even a single scratch on his Hyung’s face… abandoned him?

“Hahaha!” Bak Yerim laughed, though it was forced. “I bet they are just saying things to get into Ahjussi’s nerves. “He won’t even leave Ahjussi alone so I can’t imagine him abandoning Ahjussi at all. There’s no way that would happen…right?” She turns to Han Yoohyun.

Han Yoohyun looked angry at that. “There is now way I would leave my Hyung in anyway. My Hyung has been by my side, caring and protecting me every single day in our lives. He is the most precious thing to me. I would rather die than abandoning him.”

“Y-yeah, I couldn’t imagine it as well…” Yoo Myeongwoo nodded.

The man swiped up his phone to search something. "Yeah. Apparently, he didn't come back one day when this guy smashed his leg."

 Bak Yerim swallowed at that. There is no way right?

Another man, blonde, joined. "Hey, stop it. No need to mention his young brother..."

"Just look at this article. How much of a scumbag do you have to be that even your own younger brother-" The man's shirt was then suddenly pulled by an angry Han Yoojin.

"Could you shut the hell up already?!" Han Yoojin sneered. "This and that son of a bitch are different  matters...!"

 Han Yoohyun felt like his entire world was crumbling. He felt his hands begin to shake.

Apparently, he was not the only one who felt dread when Han Yoojin in the screen kind of confirmed the actions of future Han Yoohyun.

The screen suddenly paused.

Bak Yerim looked at Han Yoohyun in fury, stomping towards him. “You abandoned him?! You have the audacity to declare that you are the most capable out of anyone of us on taking care of Ahjussi, then you just throw him away like that!?”

“Yerim…” Moon Hyuna held her shoulders.

“No!” Bak Yerim chocked a sob. “How dare he! He promised to take good care of Ahjussi! Imagine how disheartened he was when this bastard left him be! Look at the state we was in! He broke his legs and can’t even…hic… he can’t even walk properly anymore!” She cried as she remembered the battered state of her Ahjussi.

“Yerim…” Moon Hyuna, usually a strong and capable woman, teared up at that. She brought Bak Yerim to a hug and guided her back to the couch.

Han Yoohyun’s body shook. There was no way he would do that, right? He promised to protect his Hyung… so why? What drove him to stupidity that he had made the worst choice known to man kind. He felt his breath became labored. He felt like his entire surroundings was clouding and fading.

“Oh, shit! He’s having a panic attack!” Someone said yet he couldn’t focus even if he tried.

His only thoughts were Hyung, hyung, hyung, hyung, hyung, hyung,hyung, hyung, hyung, hyung…HYUNG!

“Han-..yun!…alm…-on…!”

He wanted his Hyung…! Where was his Hyung!?

Amidst his panicked state, a warm hug engulfed him. He instinctively knew who it was and latched to it. “Hyung…” He whimpered.

“Shh… It’s okay…” Han Yoojin soothed, his hands patting Han Yoohyun’s dark hair.

“Ahjussi!” Bak Yerim cried as she dove into his arms as well.

Han Yoojin opened his arms to hug Bak Yerim as well, letting the two cry in his embrace.

“Han Yoojin-sii…” Kang Soyoung tearfully muttered. “I’m so glad you’re here. Where have you been…”

“Oh, ummm…” Han Yoojin smiled. “I was with Droid. He told me to stay with him until the viewing ends… but seeing them cry, I insisted it to send me here.”

“Stay here, Hyung…” Han Yoohyun whispered, hiding his tear streaked face into Han Yoojin’s chest. “Don’t leave…”

“I won’t, I won’t… right Droid?” He smiled threateningly at the fidgeting screen just hovering beside them.

“Uh… Yes! Absolutely! Totally! Heheh…..” Droid felt like he should watch himself in the future if he doesn’t want to be annihilated.

After a few moments, after regaining their composure, they went back to their own seat except Han Yoohyun and Bak Yerim, who insisted on seating (sticking) besides Han Yoojin. Yoo Myeongwoo also moved to seat near the three.

“Let’s continue then.” Droid said before disappearing to who knows where.

"Ah. Haha... Are you mad? Huh?" He feigned a intimated expression before raising his leg to kick Han Yoojin in the stomach. "How dare you pick a fight with me, you shitbag?!"

Han Yoojin winced, recalling that incident.

“I will kill him, Hyung…” Han Yoohyun muttered darkly.

Not finished, he grabbed Han Yoojin by his collar and raised him with ease.

"Kugh!" Han Yoojin choked as tried to squirm away.

 ”Invite me.” Bak Yerim told Han Yoohyun, her eyes glowing.

"This guy's gone full retard. Hey, look here. Can't you feel the diffrence in our strength, huh?" The blonde just laughed as he watched the scene unfold.

“Even if you are different in hunter ranks, that doesn’t give you the right to harrass those below you! They are still people you know!” Kang Soyoung huffed.

Han Yoojin and Yoo Myeongwoo smiled at that. If only people are like her…

"Why the hell is an F-class picking a fight with a D-class?!" The man mocked, then threw Han Yoojin down without care. "If you feel that bad, go tattle to your amazing lil' brother!"

 Han Yoohyun hugged his brother tightly at that.

"This guy." He laughed as he walked away with blonde. "He always get's like that whenever this little brother gets brought up..."

 ”What happened, Hyung..?” Han Yoohyun asked dejectedly.

Han Yoojin just sighed and patted him reassuringly. “You’ll find out soon…”

"Kgh. Damn it...!" Han Yoojin cursed but stopped as Lim Seokwoo crouched down and activated his healing abilities.

"Getting hurt before even stepping inside a dungeon..." Lim Seokwoo sighed.

 ”Boss…” Han Yoojin felt like he was about to cry.

"Boss..."

"I strengthen your bones. This is my specialty. I might not be able to heal your legs, but you should have an easier time with movement for a few hours. Don't give too much thought to what he said. It can't be helped." He consoled the injured man. "You're an F-class that's getting carried. You need to be the one to hold back."

 ”Out of everyone in the guild…he was the only one who was kind to me and treated me well.” He smiled.

Han Yoojin smiled brightly at that. "Of course! I'm even elated that you're letting an F-class like me to tag along."

"Huh? Yeah..." Guild leader smiled, helping Han Yoojin up.

"I'm sure you're the one having a hard time mediating us. Please give it your all! I'm always thankful!" Han Yoojin cheered.

Lim Seokwoo brightened up at that. "Uh, yeah! Thanks! You're the only one that ever recognizes my efforts!"

 ’Oh shit!’ Han Yoojin panicked.

'Got him.' Han Yoojin smiled triumphantly.

 ”Got him?” Sung Hyunjae raised his brow, smirking. ‘So he really does something on his sleeves…’

"You damn asshole! Stop bullying Yoojin!" Lim Seokwoo reprimanded as he smacked the man's head.

"Hey! What's gotten into you so suddenly!?"

“That’s what you deserve!” Bak Yerim cackled.

Han Yoojin leaned into his crutches as he activated his ability. 'Check influence target.'

*Guildmater Lim Seokwoo has been added to influence targets* The system informed as it hovered above the guildmaster.

'Scrub, ominous bastard, parasite that sucks out other people's lives... None of those are wrong per say.'

The gate of the dungeon glowed as it opened. "Okay. Let's enter! Yoojin, hurry in as well!"

"Yes, I'm coming!"

'Since I was able to always survive thanks to this skill.

To be continued…

“Well, how about a break?” Han Yoojin smiled. Everyone nodded at that as they got up to do their business. The room was surprisingly large with several rooms found on every corner. It might be to accumulate their stay in here for who knows how long.

Bak Yerim stayed in her seat, fidgetting with her hands. She looked at Han Yoohyun, who was still hugging her Ahjussi. “Hey.”

Both of the brothers looked at her.

“Sorry…” She huffed, embarrassed by her outburst just a while ago. “I shouldn’t have shouted at you. I know Ahjussi is as important to you.”

Han Yoohyun only nodded before burying back to his Hyung’s hair. The latter just laughed as his younger brother’s antics before smiling reassuringly at Bak Yerim.

“Don’t worry about him. He will sulk for a few minutes and he’ll be good.”

Bak Yerim laughed at that, her nerves gradually easing down.

“Ahjussi… what happened?” She asked reluctantly. “It’s just strange that this happened 5 years later yet your expression looks like you already know what happened…”

“You think so too?” They both jumped at the voice. Sung Hyunjae smiled down at them. “Tell us, Han Yoojin… are you from the future? Or perhaps… been to the future?”

Han Yoojin gulped at that. Seems like there was no escaping from Sung Hyunjae’s keen eyes.

Chapter Text

“Uh… “ Han Yoojin gulped at the pleasant smile of Sung Hyunjae and Bak Yerim’s confused look. He was also sure his little brother is waiting for an answer as well even if he doesn’t look at his expression.

Han Yoojin looked down at his hands, contemplating. ‘I mean, hiding it would be inevitable since I’m sure it would be shown sooner or later…”

“I…-”

“Hello!” Droid piped up, and Han Yoojin let out a sigh of relief. Nice save. “Thirty minutes have passed! Is everyone done with their business?”

After a few affirmative nods and hums from everyone, they all went back to their seat. Sung Hyunjae lingered for a moment, studying his expression before walking back to his own seat.

 Finally free from those sinister gaze, Han Yoojin can relax and looked around to see everyone present in the room. It was only then that Han Yoojin saw an unfamiliar person. “Who’s that?” He whispered to Bak Yerim.

She shrugged.”Apparently he’s a foreigner hunter, an S-class at that. Uhh, Noah Luire was it?”

Han Yoojin gaped at that, his head whipping so fast that he would have broken his neck if he was unlucky. ‘That’s Riette Luire’s little brother?! He looks nothing like her at all?!’

Noah, sensing an intense stare at the back of his head, turned t see who it was. His metallic light grey eyes meeting Han Yoojin’s and he just waved awkwardly since he didn’t know what to do.

Han Yoojin equally waved back, albeit less awkward. ‘Yeah, definitely more tamed than her… ‘

‘Bless his kind soul…’ He let of a blissful smile, completely oblivious of the dark aura radiating  from a certain koala holding him. Unfortunately, Noah didn’t miss the intimating look from Han Yoohyun and gulped, wondering why he was subjected to such treatment.

Something heavy hopped on Han Yoojin’s lap that made him beam. “Peace! My lovely son!” Peace in turn purred and settled in a comfortable position on his lap.

“He can talk, by the way.” Bak Yerim whispered as he stared accusingly at the cub. Han Yoojin gaped.

“He can what?!” Peace only purred again before turning his away. “Peace, talk to daddy.” He cooed but Peace seemed to have developed a teasing personality when he wasn’t around. He could only groan at the betrayal of his own son.

“Well since everyone good to go, let’s not waste time!” Droid played the next scene and disappeared.

Dungeon Interior

"Don't let your guard down!" The guild master  warned. "You don't know where monsters might  pop out from."

"Hey, we've been here lots of times!" Brownie complained. "How strong could a monster that comes out in a mere D-rank dungeon be?"

Suk Simyeong pinched his brows. “One of the reasons why many hunters wind up injured or ended up on worst case scenario, is because of recklessness. No matter how experienced you are at raiding dungeons, unexpected dangers still tends to arise.”

"Haha, geez. We trembled in fear when we saw guys like these during the dungeon shock." They watched as the slain monster disintegrated into nothing, leaving a mana crystal behind.

"But we didn't know that they bring  us money like this!" The Guild master picked it up.

"Oh, it's big!" Brownie cheered. "It'll b e  worth a few thousand bucks even if it's just a D-class mana crystal."

"Hey! F-class! Are you mining properly?" He berated Han Yoojin, who was mining nearby. "You know that 80% of what you mine will be paid as commission right?!"

“Wah!” Bak Yerim squawked indignantly. “Now you’re just exploiting Ahjussi, aren’t you?!”

She then turned to slap Han Yoojin in the shoulder. “Ahjussi! You’re just gonna let them step on you lke that?!”

Han Yoojin winced at the slap. S-class really needs to control their strength properly. “I couldn’t do anything that time…”

Everyone stared.

“So it’s true then… You’ve already experienced these scenes shown in the screen…” She mumbled. Han Yoojin wanted to slap himself for being stupid. “You’ve been to the future, Ahjussi? Or perhaps…are you the future Ahjussi?”

Han Yoojin fidgeted with his hands as he look up and back down. “I… am from the future…”

Bak Yerim’s breath hitched. “If that’s the case… given your situation that time… Did I also leave you behind, too?” She sniffled.

Han Yoojin shook his head. “No, not at all…”

“Then, how? If Han Yoohyun really did abandon you, why didn’t you come to me or even Myeongyoo-oppa? We would have helped you, Ahjussi…” Yoo Myeongyoo eagerly nodded at that.

“I-It’s complicated…” Han Yoojin looked conflicted. “You’ll understand soon…”

Bak Yerim wanted to say more but Yoo Myeongyoo shook his head, making her relent. She made a frustrated noise before shifting her attention back to the screen.

"Eh?" Han Yoojin turned, a small mana crystal in his fingertips. "Wait, this tiny thing..."

"The things  that drop from monsters are ours, so mine as best as you can there if you don't want want to starve!" They turned to searched further in the dungeon.

Han Yoohyun couldn’t help but frown at that. ‘Maybe the reason Hyung is still insisting on being a hunter even in his current state is because that was his only source of funding for his daily necessities…’ And that alone made him feel heavily guilty. ‘Why did I stop helping him..?’

"Huuh..."

"If we catch you trying to steal it, then we'll strip you naked and put you on a pole!" Han Yoojin stared at them as he recalled a certain movie about two evil step-sisters mistreating the protagonists.

Even in the most uncomfortable atmosphere, some still manage to puff a laugh at the accurate depiction of what Han Yoojin is experiencing.

"Bitches.... Just keep bossing me around like that, why don't you?" Han Yoojin sw u ng his pickaxe on  the g round.

"I'm basically Cinderella~ Cinderella~" He sang in a hollow voice and void expression. "Lost her parents~ when she was young~"

Now that’s just…sad. They all thought, not used to the depressed version of Han Yoojin.

I lost my parents and was also estranged  by my brother. After awakening, he left home  w ithout even listening to my words saying that it was dangerous.

During that time I had been taken to the military, that bastard gathered hunters and built the guild 'Abyss', and became an existence harder to approach after abyss became the strongest guild in the country.

And I, who was left alone...

The scene shows Han Yoojin reaching out for a drifting Han Yoohyun, then to him being alone.

“So you did already abandoned him by then!” Bak Yerim fumed.

“I didn’t abandon him!” Han Yoohyun snarled back. “I just distanced myself from Hyung to keep him out of danger. And mind you, I still watched over him even if he doesn’t know it!”

“How, huh?” Bak Yerim crossed her hands, not backing down. “Because by the looks of it, you only made it worst for Ahjussi!”

“Stop, you two.” Han Yoojin reprimanded. “Yerim, please… stop jumping into conclusions. Besides, half of it was also my fault for being stubborn…” He self deprecatingly mumbled. “If I hadn’t insisted, I would have lived in a modest or even a quiet life away from any danger and not receive any bad look from the public.”

“Hyung…” Han Yoohyun looked devastated. “No, nothing is Hyung’s fault. It was mine, all mine. If I had been more honest about my intentions, you- you wouldn’t have been this desperate to reach out for me. I made wrong decisions that drove you to despair…” Han Yoohyun’s breath hitched. “Hyung must not shoulder any blame.”

 ”Yoohyun..” Han Yoojin wanted to cry. “It’s okay. I am aware that everything you did from the beginning was to protect me.” Sadly, you had to die for me to find out, went unsaid. “I forgive Yoohyun for everything.” He comforted but it only made Han Yoohyun more devastated than before.

If I could just awaken..! He clenched his fist in frustration.

I went looking for a broker who said they could awaken me after quitting my job and taking all the money that I had.

I signed a contract without proper thought and they cajoled me and said that they'd have my back since I'm an S-class' older brother...

 Han Yoohyun raised a brow at that. ‘Didn’t I stop Hyung from contacting that broker? He even said it himself that he would stop. Did he lie and still did it secretly behind my back?’

I did all kinds of shameful things and finally awakened.

“ A mere F-class? Even though he said he was an S-class' older brother. ”

"Apparently he begged to be accepted into abyss?" People gossiped.

"A mere F-class should know his place." Multiple articles about his were posted online.

 Han Yoohyun gritted his teeth at the painful words people have been saying towards his Hyung. ‘How dare they..!’

"We sponsored you because you said that you were the abyss guildmaster's H yung.. pay the compensation!"

Was bashed by the media and took a high seat on top off all my debts.

"You made another incident?" Han Yoohyun looked indifferent as he looked down at his Hyung who was kneeling on the ground, holding several papers. "Up until when are you expecting me to take care of you?" On the ground, Han Yoojin looked like he was about to cry.

 ”I don’t remember this happening…” Han Yoohyun murmured, confused and conflicted. “Did this really happen, Hyung?”

Han Yoojin only pierced his lip.

“Hyung, everything is confusing.” Clearly, Han Yoohyun wanted answers yet Han Yoojin remained quiet.

“Ahjussi?” “Han Yoojin-sii?”

Han Yoojin closed his eyes and heaved a sigh. “This did happen, Yoohyun. But not in this timeline…”

That only made them more confused.

“J-just watch and you will see.”

"F-class hunter, Han Yoojin. Apparently the title that he earned when he awakened was [Caregiver]. Because he was someone who brought up an S-class."

Han Yoohyun stepped closer to his Hyung, leaning closer to whisper, "Isn't that title embarrassing ? Caregiver, my ass. You're just holding me back now." He mocked.

 Even if he knew his brother was only saying that to finally stop him from doing anything dangerous, Han Yoojin couldn’t help the tears from from accumulating in his eyes. Those hurtful words still haunts him sometimes. His hands unconsciously patted Peace’s fur, who fell asleep.

Moon Hyuna frowned. “Hey now, that’s not how you talk to your loved ones.”

Yoo Myeongwoo feels anger boiling in his guts. “Han Yoojin has been apparently taking care of you since you were little and that’s how you show gratitude?”

“Han Yoojin deeply cares for you Guild master, so how could you say that to him.” Even Kang Soyoung fumed.

For once, Kim Sunghan didn’t defend his leader. He holds respect for Han Yoojin and has vowed to protect him from anyone, even from his leader.

Han Yoohyun looked down in shame. Even if he never done that to his Hyung, it still feels like a jab to him. Added to the fact that he had been a dick to him ever since he awakened and drifted apart from him. Even if he did it with good intentions, it was inexcusable. His hyung has offered him everything, yet he made his hyung feel like he was stomping all those things down without any care.

To add upon my misfortune, I became unable to use my legs after injuring them in a dungeon, and my brother said,

"Healer support? Do you think I'd give something like that you?" Han Yoohyun ignored Han Yoojin while the latter was restrain by two bodyguards.

 ’You are HORRIBLE!’ Han Yoohyun told himself. ‘HORRIBLE, UNGRATEFUL SHIT! WE DON’T DESERVE HYUNG’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!’

"This is actually a good thing. Since you won't act out, saying that you'll go into a dungeon anymore." Once again, Han Yoohyun looked indifferent despite the worn look of his Hyung. "Please, just live quietly. Stop holding me back."

Han Yoojin subtly wiped his tears with the back of his hand, trying to play it off as him wiping a dust out of his eye. But who was he trying to trick actually…?

“Hyung…” He was pulled into a broad chest, hugging him close. “Hyung is never holding me back.” Han Yooyun murmured shakily. “Hyung is my everything. He is my inspiration. Without Hyung, I have no reason to live anymore.”

“I know, Yooyun…” Han Yoojin sniffled. “Yoohyun is also my everything. That’s why I always run after you. Because I will always be worried about you.”

Han Yoohyun nodded. He believes his Hyung. His Hyung was too good for him. Too caring. Too forgiving. Too loving.

Back to the present, Han Yoojin stopped mining. "Yeah, I'm worth throwing  away." His face was resigned and defeated.

 Han Yoohyun was about to protest but Bak Yerim beat him to it. “No, you’re not Ahjussi! Anyone with a heart will not throw you away!”

“Yoojin-hyung.”Moon Hyuna smiled. “If ever this bastard throws you away, just come to my guild. I can take care of you.” Han Yoojin felt touched by that. “After all, you will be raising my child.” He choked at her signature phrase.

Kang Soyoung jumped. “Jupiter guild is always open for you, too. Right, Guild leader?” She eager turned to Sung Hyunjae. The man in turn chuckled, amused. “Of course. I can even offer you a place and position there if you’d like.” He smiled pleasantly.

Song Taewon cleared his throat. “It may not be as much of a help, however, you can also come to me if there are complications that requires my assistance.”

“Me, too!” Suk Hayan raised her hands. “Han Yoojin-ssi can count on me anytime.” Her uncle nodded in affirmation.

“Boss, you can live with me on grandma’s old house if you’d like.” Yoon Yoon suggested.

“Han Yoojin, you can also live on my workplace. It might now be the best but I can cook for you everyday.” Yoo Myeongwoo offered.

“Wha- What are you all talking about?!” Bak Yerim huffed. “Of course Ahjussi will live with me! Right, Ahjussi?”

They all turn to Han Yoojin to see his answer, only for them to stop as they see tears on his face. Han Yoojin smiled even with mess on his face. He was touched that many people care for his well-being. Usually, it was him who offers those. So to be the receiving end was foreign for him.

“Thank you everyone, however…” He turned to his sulking little brother, who was upset that many were eager to take him away. “I think I’m okay with Yoohyun.” He hugged his brother close.

An incompetent Hyung of a successful S-class hunter. Someone who tried to reap benefits off his younger brother like a parasite...

It's not wrong.

 The reason that an F-class like me was able to still be alive up until now, in dungeons where people die day in day out.…

‘Is because he had another trick up his sleeve…’ Sung Hyunjae supplied, his eyes calculating.

....Was because  of 'that skill' that benefited  from others. The title [Caregiver], the skill that I was given when I awakened was a skill that influenced  my surroundings. As close as my own after and brought up myself,and as far as those who I became friends with and opened my heart to.

If I say my keyword 'Cheer up' to those people, they became 'influenced'. Giving a slight buff to their growth. That was the basic skill of a [Caregiver]...

'There's no way that I could survive in this field with a skill like that. What good is a mere F-class supporting going to do?'

A cricket who would survive alone, even if the rest of the teammates died. A parasite.

It wasn't thanks to my luck or because I was at the back that I survived. Han Yoojin looked at his dead teammates.

Everyone felt uneased by the gradually darkened atmosphere it became as Han Yoojin on the screen continued to explain the analogy of his other skill.

Han Yoojin gulped. ‘Will they hate me for having that skill? It has always been ominous skill for me. And if they found out that I have influenced almost all of them, will they be angry that I latched into them like a parasite…”

To be honest, there is another skill that the 'Caregiver' has  t hat skill saved me every time I   was in dang er. The reason that I survived, even if the rest of the team died.

That is...

Han Yoojin's status window chimed. "TITTLE [CAREGIVER]'S EFFECT IS BEING ACTIVATED! ADDITIONAL SKILL [LAST REWARD] IS ACTIVATING!"

Han Yoojin close his eyes, those painful memories resurfacing. His hands were squeezed as a form of comfort. He didn’t need to look up to see who it was and only proceeded to squeeze back.

"What? Now?!" Han Yoojin panicked.

"THE SKILLS AND STATS OF THE TARGET USER OF INFLUENCED HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED OVER TWICE IT'S STRENGTH!"

Han Yoojin's hands began to glow as powers transferred to him. "...!!"

 ”Transfer? You can transfer a power to yourself, Ahjussi?” Bak Yerim gaped.

'The power is flowing into me! The power is boss'...' He let go of his pickaxe and retrieved his crutches to find his teammates. "No, this doesn't make sense! What danger could there be in a D-class dungeon...!"

 ”Why would you think that there was even a danger, Han Yoojin-ssi?” Suk Hayan asked.

Hidden skill 'Last Reward'. A skill that enables me to use the skills of the target of my influence temporarily with twice it's strength."

If the target's speed is 100, then I can run at 200. And if they have a lot of strength, then I become able to fight with twice their strength. Thanks to this skill, I always survived.

 Some were intigued with the skill while others looked awed. “Wait, that’s overpowered isn’t it?” Bak Yerim exclaimed. “Like if Ahjussi borrows an S-class and have that persons ability doubled for him to use… that’s so cool!”

Han Yoojin winced at that.

“Hyung… You could have borrowed mine.” Han Yoohyun pouted. “I don’t mind.”

“Mine too, Ahjussi!” Bak Yerim smiled. And Han Yooin would have smiled at their offer if it was not as cursed as it was. He hopes to never receive their skills at all.

However, it's a skill that is completely ominous.

 ”Huh? Why?”

Han Yoojin stopped to check his status window again, only for him to look horrified.

Because the conditions  for this skill to activate...

The conditions for this skills to activate is---

All of the people Han Yoojin nurtured, had X on their faces, except Han Yoohyun.

 ”…”

“..oh..”

"There's no way! Boss..." The more Han Yooji walked, the more eerie it was. His foot them stepped on a large trail of blood.... where his teammates  were all laying, dead.

 ”Th-that’s…” Suk Hayan gasped.

"B-Boss..." He shakily mumbled.

 ”…dark..”Moon Hyuna finished.

"ARRGH!!" He looked above him, where a large three-headed dragon was looming above him. One of its head was holding Brownie between its teeth, bloodied and dismembered.

 ”Wha-!”

“That doesn’t look like any D-class monster at all.” Moon Hyuna’s brow furrowed. “It looks like an S-class.”

“But what is a possible S-class monster doing on a D-class?!” Kang Soyoung panicked.

Suk Simyeong frowned. “Some authorities typically make mistakes with identifying dungeon class, but they are never this serious. Usually it’s D-class being mistaken as E or F-class due to it’s low monsters inhabitants.”

“So if it’s not a mishap then perhaps… a dungeon glitch?” Suk Hayan suggested.

“It might be. But this never happened before. Also, remember, this occurred 5 years later. So maybe this is the first wave of the calamity that might come.”

“So, several dangerous and high ranked monsters will spawn on every dungeon regardless of their class?” Suk Hayan gasped.

“T-that is still a theory…”

“Has this been a daily occurance to your previous timeline, Han Yoojin-ssi?” Han Yoojin shook his head.

“I see…”

"No way. Why is there something like this in a D-class dungeon..?" Brownie asked in a hoarse  and weak tone, blood dripping out of his mouth. "That damned F-class! It's because of that fucker! Because we got involved with him!"

"Kuarrgh!" Han Yoojin helplessly watched as the guy was torn in half by the Dragon's mouth. "Save...keok..!"

 Bak Yerim winced. “As mush as I want to say served him right… I don’t think it’s appropriate at the moment…”

They would have threw up in a bile if they weren’t used to witnessing this kind of scene. Nonetheless, they were still disturbed by the bloodbath.

'The dragon king of poison and curse, Lauchitas. A first-class dragon that has been judged as impossible to eradicate that no one has been able to defeat up until now. '

Lauchitas turned their attention to Han Yoojin.

 ”Oh shit, Ahjussi!” Bak Yerim panicked.

'Why is a monster like this here?!'

To be continued…

Han Yoohyun let out a shuddering breath. “D-Did you survive that Hyung? You did, right? You said you always survived even if your teammates were wiped out?”

Han Yoojin flinched. He had this terrified look on his face that made Han Yoohyun frown in worry. “Hyung? What’s wrong?”

Han Yoojin shook his head, biting his lip to stop a sob from escaping. “N-nothing… Let’s continue, yeah? W-we still have a long way to go after all…” He sniffled.

“Are you sure..?” Droid manifested beside him. “You look like you’re about to have a breakdown…” They let out a sigh. “This is why I hid you away for a while… witnessing such thing again… It might cause a mental strain to you, Han Yoojin.”

Han Yoojin shook his head persistently.

“Bu-but the next episode…” Droid mumbled.

“Hyung.” Han Yoohyun grasped his brother’s trembling shoulders. “It’s okay, Hyung. Prioritize yourself for once. Please…” He pleaded.

His brother sniffled.

 After a few coaxing, he sadly waved goodbye to everyone and was teleported away.

“Take care of Hyung…” Han Yoohyun uttered. Droid saluted.

“Then, let’s proceed.”

Chapter Text

The dragon loomed above Han Yoojin, eyes glowing menacingly like a hungry predator watching their cornered prey.

Han Yoohyun clenched his fist, praying that his hyung will survive. Whether it will be because of luck his hyung’s other skill… it does not matter. As long as his hyung gets out alive…

"This can't be..." Han Yoojin shivered. 'This is a D-class dungeon! Why is there a first-class dragon monster like Lauchitas here?!'

The dragon launched  itself to chump his body with it's large teeth. Han Yoojin moved his body out of the way and tried to ran away from it.

“Shit! Ahjussi has a broken leg!” Bak Yerim uttered in despair.

Yoo Myeongwoo gulped.

"[Enhance Legs!]" A buff glowed on his legs that helped him jog despite the injury towards an open narrow crack. 'Boss' skill was a D-class bone enhancement...'

'...And should be receiving twice the effect right now...!' He panted, forcing his legs to move faster.

“So he has been using the skills of his dead comrades to escape every time…” Kang Soyoung mumbled. “And it’s doubled at that.”

“It can be strong but like, the price to activate it is too frighting…” Moon Hyuna added. “Like imagine the despair you would feel when one day you suddenly accumulated the power of your loved ones. That would be terrifying. Having that skill is like a curse, honestly… and Han Yoojin has been experiencing that so many times.”

“He must have lived with immense guilt over his shoulders for being the sole survivor every time…”  Bak Yerim sniffled. “Ahjussi must have been traumatized all this time…”

Han Yoohyun’s eyes watered at that. To think that his hyung has been suffering all this time without him noticing. ‘Does hyung not trust me at all? Does he not deemed me as a safe space to let out his pain and troubles?’

He let out a scoff. Who was he kidding? His hyung has been like that since forever. Always hiding his pain behind his reassuring smiles and laughs.

‘From now on, I will try my hardest to earn my hyung’s trust… I will make sure he doesn’t suffer alone anymore…’ Han Yoohyun vowed to himself, his eyes flashing in determination.

He headed another entrance that was surrounded by debris. 'I should run at this speed to somewhere he can't get into. Hide, and find a way to escape...-'

"!!!" A large tail swatted the ground he was about to pass through, breaking it into debris which stopped him from going further.

 Bak Yerim choked. Where are the authorities?! The rescuers?! Have they not been notified yet?! Where was she at a time like this?!

“He’s trapped!” Kang Soyoung yelped, her hands holding onto the arm of the couch for dear life. It was like watching a thriller movie, but this time, the life of a real person is at risk.

"Keuk...!!" He stared at the huge hole in front of him. The dragon let out a loud screeched, attacking Han Yoojin.

'It's coming!' Han Yoojin braced himself. 'If I strengthen my arms and block it...!'

 ”Don’t even try, Ahjussi! You can’t catch that at all!”

Upon contact, he was sent flying.

 ”Hyung!” Han Yoohyun watched as his hyung was swatted away. He felt anger boiling down him as he continued to watch the entire thing. His hyung was fighting for his life! Where was his stupid ass counterpart!?

 ‘If it was possible, I would have teleported there myself and finish everyone..!’

"Kuaak!" His body collided to the ground and skidded a few meters away.

Han Yoojin tried to gain his bearings and get up, ignoring the pain screaming in his body. His face was filled with so much blood. He coughed violently and blood retched out of his lungs. "K...ugh..."

 ”This is getting harder to watch…” Yoo Myeongwoo whispered, his tears flowing. “Someone or even something… please help Yoojin…”

The others are also in no better condition, shaken and panicked. Even the normally stoic and ever uncaring Sung Hyunjae looked agitated.

The sight was too brutal even for a person who barely know Han Yoojin.

'I'm no match for him. Even if it's twice as strong as boss' original skill...'

'His memories before his death are flowing into me.'

The memories shows the guild leader trying his best to heal his teammates. "A healing potion won't be enough!" The guild leader informed.

Brownie was also battered yet he still held on, his blades in his grasp. "Come hide in the corner, Boss! I'll try to buy some time no matter-"

The guild leader  could only stare, horrified, as another one of his teammate was swatted like a rag doll .

“The skill is so horrendous…” Suk Hayan whimpered tearfully, her hands covering her mouth. “Not only does it take other people’s skill when they die, it also flash the memories of the person… How can Han Yoojin-ssi endure all of those things…?”

“The skill is like a mental torture. Like it’s doing it to taunting wielder, guilt tripping you even...” Moon Hyuna cursed.

 ”Han Yoojin's expression crumbled as he saw in the memories how everyone was wiped out and murdered in mere seconds.

'Damn it! My legs are like this, so I can't make a run for it!' He tried helplessly to move them yet it was in vain. 'Is this how...'

 “Doesn’t every guild have at least a gate stone in case of things like this to happen?!”

“Yes… but it’s usually kept by the leader of the guild. And even if they are handed out individually, I doubt Han Yoojin-ssi could have received one.” Kim Sunghan said bitterly.

They understood why. The implication was there. They deemed Han Yoojin as worthless so they might have not given him one at all.

“Those bastards!” Bak Yerim screamed.

The dragon peered at him ominously, its mouth ready to bite him off. It roared loudly as it charge straight at him.

'...I die..?!!' Han Yoojin closed his eyes in fright.

 They panicked.

Bak Yerim cried as she covered her face in despair.

Han Yoohyun felt like his body was unresponsive. His mouth was open yet he didn’t know if any sound came out of it. Was this how his hyung would die? Alone and scared, thinking that his dongsaeng hated him? Thinking that his only family hated him?

He could do nothing but cry in anguish. This was the state of his hyung in the future… He wanted to kill himself all over again. He was suppose to be there! He was supposed to protect his hyung! What the fuck was wrong with him!?

‘Please, please, please…’ He prayed to every deity out there to hear him repeatedly.

An enormous fire hit the dragon and made a massive explosion on them.

“Th-that’s-!!!” Kang Soyoung gasped.

‘Please be what I think it will be..!’ Bak Yerim thought desperately.

Han Yoohyun took Han Yoojin's body and placed it in his shoulder like a sack of potato as he backed away to distanced themselves from the enemy.

“Han Yoohyun!”

“Thank God!”

Everyone released their breath, some were relieved and some were happy.

“Han Yoohyun!” Bak Yerim screamed, her face was a mess with tears and snot as she jumped to hug him. “I’m so glad you’ve arrived!”

Han Yoohyun immediately blocked her from going near him. “G-Get off me, you-!”

“For once, I’m very happy to see your ugly face.” Moon Hyuna’s voice was slightly quivering as she slumped in her seat, her body still shaken from the adrenaline.

“Yeah!” Bak Yerim sniffled, her face still being pushed away.  She then whacked Han Yoohyun in the head without any hesitation . “But what took you so long, huh?!”

Han Yoohyun grunted. “You gotta stop blaming every mistakes that bastard does every damn time! If I had the chance, I would have beaten him to plump as well!”

Suk Simyeong cleared his throat. “Let’s not celebrate too early. I trust the guild leader. However, we still can’t guarantee the outcome of this battle, especially since we still don’t know what that dragon is capable of.”

Bak Yerim frowned. “But this guy is strong…” She begrudgingly admitted. “And this was 5 years later Han Yoohyun, dubbed as one of the strongest of our country.”

“And yet there have been reports about dozens of S-class hunters around the world dying during dangerous dungeon raids despite having astounding strength and capabilities.” Suk Hayan sadly informed.  

Hearing that, Bak Yerim wilted yet again.

Yoo Myeongwoo tried to console her, though his smile also wavered at Suk Hayan’s words. He has faith in Han Yoohyun when it comes to saving his dearest friend despite the dire relationship they have in the future.  Because why would Han Yoohyun come for Han Yoojin’s aid if not out of his desire to protect his only family…

"H-Han Yoohyun?!" Han Yoojin looked surprised. His brother placed him behind a large boulder for safety. "How did you get here..?"

"Stay back." Han Yoohyun warned as he stood up, preparing for battle.

 ”That’s right!” Bak Yerim. “Stay away from there, Ahjussi! Leave everything to that bastard over there!”

"What..?" Han Yoojin gaped. "Hold on! Even if it's you, facing their three heads by yourself...!"

Han Yoohyun didn't mind him, his attention was focused solely on the enemy in front of him. The dragon looked like it didn't sustain any heavy damage from his fire at all.

"Skill activate... [Blue willow leaves]." He summoned his skill as glacial blue leaves generated and floated around his body.

Han Yoohyun wasted no time as he stepped into it and glided himself around to land a hit on each of the three head. He then followed up with his black fire merging it into his blade and plunged it down, stabbing one of the dragon's head. Blood spluttered out of it as it screeched in pain.

 Cheers erupted as the future Han Yoohyun kept on landing hits on the monster.

"F-fast!" Han Yoojin was in disbelief was he watched his brother land blow after blow, not giving his opponent a turn. 'This is how an S-class fights!'

 ”Yes, but my fighting style cooler!” Bak Yerim screamed.

“That is not necessary at the moment, Yerim…” Yoo Myeongwoo sweat dropped.

Han Yoohyun glanced behind him to see the other head charging up an attack. He jumped away before the green liquid could hit him.

"Be careful! It's a deadly poison that even a potion can't cure! If you touch it, a curse..!" Han Yoojin warned him, not noticing that it was aiming at him.

“Look out!”

"[GIANT SHIELD] IS ACTIVATED!"

Han Yoohyun immediately placed himself in front of his Hyung, using his sword as a form of blockage to prevent the poison from landing on them.

"Keuk!" Han Yoohyun winced as a few of the liquid manage to  went passed his shield and a few droplets  land on him, burning his coat in the process.

 ’Bear it.That’s nothing compared to hyung’s sustained injuries.’ Han Yoohyun gritted his teeth.

"Yoohyun!" His Hyung sounded  horrified. He hardened his stance and sw u ng his sword with his black flames in it at the dragon again.

He looked down at his damaged weapon, sweat trickling down his forehead.

'The sword's blade..!' Han Yoojin thought. 'Did that happen because he was trying to protect me? Is that why he can't fight freely?' He watched as Han Yoohyun continued to fight despite his broken blade.

'Because of me..?'

 Han Yoohyun’s breath hitched. ‘Don’t feel guilty, hyung… Your protection should be my number one priority.’

"Yoohyun!"

 "Why are you in a dungeon again?!" Han Yoohyun asked in a reprimanding tone. "Was breaking your leg jot enough of a wake-up call?! You think about how weak you are, and look how it ended up!"

 ”Hey, now is not the time to berate Ahjussi!” Bak Yerim fumed. “You’re even making it seemed like the he was the reason his teammates death!”

"How long are you going to make me clean up after you?" Han Yoohyun glared. "How many times have I told you?! Stop acting up and live quietly!"

Han Yoohyun wants to punch something. He wants to vent his anger right now. ‘Clean up?! How does saving hyung became an obligation, you bastard!’

He remembered the times when his hyung would have to come to the principal because Han Yoohyun at times gets into a fight. His hyung would apologize on his stead, bowing and taking every insult of the angered parents and teachers just so he wouldn’t be expelled. Never once did his hyung got angry with him. He scolds him, yes, but he never complained about Han Yoohyun’s actions. Heck! His hyung never raised him out of his obligation as the oldest of their family. He had done it because he loved him. That’s how caring he was to him. Yet he returned all by stumping it in his face.

‘How dare he talk like that!’

Han Yoojin's face crumbled at that."Did you come in here to tell me that?"

"Stop talking back and go hide in a corner already!"

"I was wondering why you came. Are you that worried that I'd end up grabbing your ankles again?" Han Yoojin shakily tried to get up.

 Han Yoohyun’s face crumbled. “No, hyung…”

'What did I expect? Did you think he'd come rescue you because you're his brother?'

'There's no way. Think about who you are.'

"It's tiring, isn't it?" He dragged his broken leg, raising his hands to summon his sword. "It must be hard on you that your brother doesn't know his place and goes around and acting up, right?"

 He didn’t try to contain his tears anymore. Hearing his hyung talk like that hurts him. It’s like thousands of needles prickled his chest. The pain was nothing compared to all those hurtful words and sneers he received from the people when he just started his career as a hunter. It was nothing compared to the injuries he had from multiple raids. Nothing can compare to this dull ache in his chest right now.

"Why did you even come here? There's a much simpler method."

"I told you to dogde..! What are you doing?!" Han Yoohyun panicked as his brother stabbed the dragon, shifting the attention towards Han Yoojin instead. "What did you just...!!"

 ”Han Yoojin-sii, what are you doing?!”

Letting go of his sword, he opened his arms. "We can do this, then. Even if you save me, I'll end up grabbing your ankles again. Just leave me to die here." His expression was like a resigned person welcoming the end.

 Bak Yerim started weeping again.

"If I die in a dungeon, you won't have to do anything as inconvenient as a funeral."

'I'm tired. Since when did we...'

Yoo Myeongwoo wilted at that. He had his fare share of suicidal tendencies. But, he never wanted it to be adapted by Han Yoojin. He deserves better than this. He wants to save him like how Han Yoojin saved from his miserable life before. He wants to protect him, hide him from all the painful things in the world.

"No? Won't everyone in abyss be happy as well? Don't bother worrying about me anymore..!" He prepared himself for his final breath, closing his eyes.

 Most of them averted their eyes, unable to take in the scene.

Yoo Myeongwoo and Bak Yerim only cried harder.

“Han Yoojin-ssi…The abyss will not be happy at all.” Kim Sunghan whispered helplessly.

Han Yoohyun summoned his flames to stop the dragon. The whole dungeon erupted to an explosion.

Blood  dripped to the ground...

.
.
.

Han Yoojin stared blankly in front of him... then to his side. "...huh...?"

 They also stared, confused.

His brother's body laying beside him, one of his hands wrapped around him, acting as a protection. Two black blades where stabbed on his back.

'Where did we go wrong?'

To be continued…

It was silent after that.

Bak Yerim released a shaky breath, sniffling. “D-Did Han Yoohyun just took a hit for Ahjussi..?”

“I-It looked like it…” Kim Sunghan replied, still shocked by what happened.

“B-but I thought the Han Yoohyun in the future hated Han Yoojin-ssi?” Kang Soyoung furrowed his brow. “Unless…”

“Unless what?” Bak Yerim frowned.

Song Taewon sighed. “Unless the abyss guild master only pretended to hate Han Yoojin. That could only be the logical reasoning.”

“But why did he do all of those things to Ahjussi, then?”

“Just like the current Han Yoohyun’s reasoning; to protect him. He might have tried to distance himself from Han Yoojin to no avail. That might be why Han Yoojin said it was also his fault for being stubborn. Likely, He tried a harsher method to shut down Han oojin’s persistence.” Moon Hyuna explained, glancing at the abyss guild leader.

Han Yoohyun stared at his calloused hands. ‘Is that really true..?’ He doesn’t know. But he wants to know.

“Is everyone good?” Droid appeared.

No one answered at that.

Droid cleared his throat. “Shall we take a few minutes of break then?”

No one made a noise of complaint or contradiction.

“O-okay. I’ll give you a few minutes to compose yourselves, then.”

Chapter Text

Han Yoohyun heaved a heavy sigh, his eyes staring at his trembling hands.

“Han Yoohyun…” Bak Yerim poked his shoulder. When he looked at her, the devastating look made her fidget. “A-are you okay..?”

The man didn’t reply. And Bak Yerim for the first time, hoped that it was her Ahjussi who was here beside the guild master rather than her. He hated the guy, yeah. But still, he was her Ahjussi’s most loved person. If he was here, he would know what to do…

“I did the right thing…right?” Han Yoohyun mumbled helplessly. “I paid the price… I saved hyung to my last dying breath… “ He rubbed his eyes roughly and Bak Yerim could see some moist on the used thumb.

“W-what are you talking about..?” She asked uncomfortably.

“I’ve made him suffer so much because of my selfish desire to protect him…” Han Yoohyun’s eyes stared into nothing as he recalled his hyung’s state.

Everyone might be trying their best to hide it, but they were listening, some conflicted and some sympathetic.

Bak Yerim sniffled. “W-well, you did made him suffer. In fact, you were a complete dick to him!” She wiped her tears furiously. “But there is a difference.”

Han Yoohyun raised a brow at her. “You don’t have to validate my actions-”

“There is a difference!” She insisted. “Between the current you and the future you, the current one cherishes Ahjussi more. He protects Ahjussi more. He spoils Ahjussi the most! That’s why…” She pointed at him. “You just have to make sure that Ahjussi doesn’t end up in such a state as he was in the future!”

“T-that’s right, Han Yoohyun-ssi…” Yoo Myeongwoo smiled reassuringly. “This might also be the reason why we are shown this scene; to prevent Yoojin from experiencing those sufferings.”

Moon Hyuna smiled. “That’s right. So stop mopping! You look like a drenched cat out in the rain.” She teased, making Han Yoohyun snort.

Kan Soyoung also pipped in. “Also, you being dead won’t be justifiable for Han Yoojin-sii. Instead, I think it would just devastate him more.

Bak Yerim nodded. “Honestly, the only way to make up for Ahjussi is to just offer him love. I might be wrong…” She looked down sadly. “But I think the reason why Ahjussi kept on being a hunter even with his injuries was so he could catch up to you…”

Han Yoohyun couldn’t deny that. From the previous scenes of the video, his hyung’s expressions were evident. He was trying to reach out for him while he kept moving far away from his hyung. ‘He must have felt lonely and betrayed.’

“He is your only family…” She huffed. “And you are very lucky to have a kind and loving individual in your life! Mine was shit!”

Many choked from that, taken of guard from her statement.

Han Yoohyun sighed. “You’re right. I’ll… make it up to hyung…” He said in a hopeful tone.

Bak Yerim grinned. “You better. Or else, I’ll take him away!”

Everyone sighed as the two went at it again with their childish quarrel.

Yoo Myeogwoo tiredly watch the two. “And here I though they could finally resolve their differences… These to still have a long way to go, Yoojin…”

“Well, since everyone is already lively, let’s start the next episode, yeah?” Droid appeared, looking at the two children quarreling.  “Sigh. It seems like Han Yoojin was worried for nothing…” They muttered to themselves.

“Welp, let’s start!”

‘We were brothers like no other.’

The scene shows with the brothers looking at their parent’s picture that was surrounded by flowers and candles.

Han Yoohyun, who have settled back to his seat, frowned at the sight of their parents’ picture. He never had any particular deep feelings towards them since they were barely there for them.

‘Even more so after our parents passed away.’

“Hyung, are you alright?” Han Yoojin’s dull gaze drifted from his parent’s picture to his little brother.

“It must have been hard for Ahjussi...” Bak Yerim sniffled. She knew the feeling of emptiness after her parents died as well and it hurt a lot.

Han Yoojin smiled, trying to reassure little Han Yoohyun. “I’m fine, Yoohyun.” He lifted his hands and gently held the tiny ones, squeezing it tight. “Aren’t you hungry? Do you want  something to eat?”

Han Yoohyun bit his lip. His hyung has always tried to appear strong for the both of them. Even when he looked like he was about to break within a few seconds, he always tries to appear tough anyways. ‘Hyung has always been that way from the very beginning…’

He clenched his fist. “But it’s okay now, hyung. You can count on me from now…”

‘It was just the two of us together in this world.’

.

.

.

Back to the present….

“...Hyung, are you alright?” Blood dripped slowly to the ground.

Kim Sunghan winced. He rarely sees his leader sustain any injuries. Usually it would just be a scratch or tear.

“What… Han Yoohyun..?” Han Yoojin’s gaze was blank from shock. “Why are you…?”

Han Yoojin didn’t hear the screeching of the dragon nor did he smell any burning flesh. No, he was more focused on his dongsaeng.

“Keuk!” Han Yoohyun choked more blood. “Listen carefully to what I’m about to tell you, Rauchtars… fall asleep every five hours.” He heaved. “So if you hide for just another hour… he will fall asleep.”

Suk Hayan sniffled. “This is too heartbreaking to watch…”

Suk Simyeong patted her shoulders in comfort.

“Take that opportunity to get out of here…”

No, this isn’t it. You don’t even visit me once in the hospital when I broke my leg. You pushed me away so mercilessly even when I begged for help.

“Shocker, isn’t it?” Moon Hyuna grimly uttered. She would be, too. If a family member of her were to show nothing but detestation, only to take a blow for her, she would be conflicted as well.

He recalled those cold gaze.

You neglected me and told me not to cause any troubles.

So, why are you smiling like that in a place like this..?

‘To save hyung…’ Han Yoohyun thought. ‘To protect hyung…’

“Take this.” Han Yoohyun shakily passed him a gate stone, his weakened smile never fading. “It’s a stone gate. You can use this to get out of here…”

“You should use this instead of me…” Han Yoojin panicked as he supported his Han Yoohyun. “First of all, we need to do something about your wounds..!”

Suk Simyeong shook his head at that. “Sadly, that huge stab has mostly likely went through his vital organs. Not to mention the blood loss…” He fixed his glasses. “If Han Yoohyun wasn’t a hunter, he would have already died within seconds…”

Han Yoohyun shook his head. “It’s no use.”

That made Han Yoojin feel more devastated as he watched helplessly as his dongsaeng’s life continued to fade each seconds passes.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to use the gate stone.” Han Yoohyun’s hands slackened, his body leaning heavily to his Han Yoojin.

Bak Yerim sobbed at that. “You stupid Han Yooyun! You can’t die!” She shook his arm. “You might be stupid but you can’t die, okay?! Ahjussi would be sad if you do!”

Kim Sunghan wiped a few tears at that. “Guild leader… I have been by your side for as long as I remember. I see you as a friend as you are our viable guild leader. So it would break many people’s heart if you would die.”

Han Yoohyun stared at him before looking away, taken aback from the confession. He had always thought that everyone in the abyss guild only see him as a someone who was strong, someone who would lead them to the dungeons, someone who was their leader and nothing more. That their relationship was nothing but pure business relations.  But to think that Kim Sunghan sees him more than that… it surprised him very much.

“Hey, Han Yoohyun..?” He muttered in a weak voice, his eyes widening and lifeless as he turned to look at his brother leaning on him.

Suddenly, a glow surrounded his body as he felt an immense power being absorb into his body.

“His skill is activating…” Kang Soyoung covered her mouth with her palm That basically confirms that Han Yoohyun in the screen is dead.

“THE EFFECTS OF THE TITLE [NURTURER] ARE BEING ACTIVATED.” His system chimed. “NUTURER’S ADDITIONAL SKILL [FINAL REQUITAL], 1 HOUR DURATION.”

Tears poured out of his eyes as the system continued to narrate the following activation skills. “THE ABILITIES AND SKILLS OF DECEASED HAN YOOHYUN IS BEING TRANSFERRED TO YOU TWO-FOLD!”

Han Yoohyun stared in anticipation. ‘Good, with my speed and power, hyung has more chance to away from there as fast as possible.’

He seemed like not the only one curious about the effect of the skill. Han Yoohyun was strong. One of the strongest in South Korea at the moment. So if his power were to be converted twice… now that would spell destruction.

Yoo Myeongwoo bit his lip nervously. ‘Please think about fighting the enemy, Yoojin… Use the power to escape…’

The dragon have already regenerated by then as it sent another attack towards them. Han Yoojin, with his newly obtained powers and skills, easily leaped away using the skill [BLUE WILLOW LEAVES] while carrying his dongsaeng’s body.

Everyone gaped.

“Hyung managed to master my skill in seconds…” Han Yoohyun stared in awe. After obtaining the skill [Blue willow leaves], it took him days to fully master it within his advantage. Also, he wouldn’t have known that his skill could have been used for gliding if his hyung didn’t point it out.

He landed a few meters away, gently placing Han Yoohyun’s body. “You dumbass…” He choked, hugging him close.

Han Yoohyun’s lip trembled at that.

I can feel power flowing in my body.

His hands hovered over the open wounds, the blood floated to his hands and it soon formed into a weapon. The weapon looked like a spear that has abysmal color and aura to it. “You really have to do this, even until the very end..?”

Han Yoohyun looked panicked at that. ‘There’s no way..!’

“Are you gonna fight it?!” Bak Yerim squawked. “Ahjussi, for the love of god, just run away, okay!?” She furiously wiped her tears. “Han Yoohyun died so you can live, so live, okay?!”

She doesn’t want her Ahjussi to die as well. Han Yoohyun dying was already painful. If her Ahjussi dies as well… she don’t know what she would do.

While everyone was panicking, Sung Hyunjae watched in amusement. He was intrigued by Han Yoojin. He has so much hidden within his sleeve that drove Sung Hyunjae to wanting to know his entire being. He was very much interested. Han Yoojin was like a diamond in the rough. A rare individual indeed.

‘If only I can find a way to persuade him into joining forces with me.’

The dragon stomped towards them with vicious expression.

Han Yoojin leaped up above the dragon’s head and stabbed it’s eyes. “You’re slow. I’m twice as strong as my brother now!” He sent a powerful blast. He managed to cut one of it’s head and blinded the other head.

‘So fast!’

And together with his strength, my brother’s memories are coming to me.

“My brother’s an F-rank awakener, so he should not be involved with me.” Past Han Yoohyun ordered his men as he stared at the files and information regarding his hyung. “I need to stay away from him. Even more so than before. If he becomes my weakness, they would go for him without a doubt. Even if this will ruin our relationship…”

‘There it is…’ Han Yoohyun closed his eyes, pained. ‘So in the end… we still share the same objective…’

Han Yoojin dashed to meet the dragon’s charge, only for him to jump above over its head. He positioned his weapon.

The memories continued to flash into his mind.

“Always  keep an eye  on him and let me know if anything happens.” Han Yoohyun said. “If he becomes a hunter, he won’t be protected by the law.”

.

.

.

“Damn it!” Han Yoohyun was furious as he yelled the workers around him. “Why  wasn’t I able to stop that from happening!? Take care of those guys! Those bastards who made my brother that way!”

“So what Noona said was true.” Bak Yerim sighed shakily. “Future Han Yoohyun only did all of it to protect Ahjussi.”

The weapon stabbed through the dragon’s body.

“Tell him it’s impossible to provide him a healer. Chase him out and only give him financial support…” Han Yoohyun’s body trembled as he did his best to ignore his hyung’s pleading behind him. “And make sure to act as if I’m doing it because he’s my brother…”

“Even if it was to dissuade him from continuing his path as a hunter, preventing him providing a healer is still harsh…” Bak Yerim seethed. “Isn’t it like possible to ban someone from being a hunter?” She turned to Song Taewon.

“It could be possible.” Song Taewon stated. “It is within the law that hunters can be suspended or restricted from dungeon raids if they violate any of the rules.”

“Then why can they just ban Ahjussi then?”

“I think it’s more complicated than that…” Moon Hyuna crossed her hands. “If Han Yoojin were to be banned, there are still ways to get into dungeons illegally. Besides that, he is an F-class and they are prone to be taken by people to be used for labor for mining in dungeons. I’ve heard many of those cases, especially for desperate ones. They would toss F-class people and most of them end up being killed in the process.”

Yoo Myeongwoo couldn’t help but agree. After all, he almost was victimized of such act if it wasn’t for Han Yoojin’s help.

“T-that’s…” Bak Yerim gasped.

“Not to mention, if Han Yoojin-ssi was indeed banned, he will definitely suspect it was Han Yoohyun’s actions. He would definitely be mad and defy all of Han Yoohyun’s words more.”

Bak Yerim groaned in frustration.

“It’s better this way, rather than letting him enter another dungeon.” He clenched his fist in frustration. “I’m sorry, hyung. I’m really sorry…”

.

.

.

He crouched down and sat on the floor.

“Please don’t go to another dungeon, hyung…”

Bak Yerim frowned. “You know, if you were honest to Ahjussi, I think he would have understand…”

The rain began to pour down. The dragon’s slain body on the ground.

“Haha. Just who do you thnk you are, not saying a word about it to me, you dumbass.” He panted, tears steaming down his cheecks. “Why did you do that? I didn’t know anything, and only got in your way…”

“Hyung…” Han Yoohyun wanted to hug him. ‘What if I really was honest…’

The duration of the final requital is about to end…

Once the time runs out, i will die from rauchtars’ poison gas.

I guess there is no reason for me to keep living.

I’ll just die like this-

A status window appeared in  his view. “AN IMPOSSIBLE FEAT! YOU HAVE SLAIN A DRAGON ON YOUR OWN! YO HAVE OBTAINED THE LEGENDARY TITLE, [DRAGON SLAYER]!”

Noah gasped at the notification. Him and his noona have also slain dragons, but it was clearly nothing compared to Han Yoojin.

Han Yoojin stared at the notifications, shocked.

“YOU HAVE OBTAINED A REWARD OF TEN GATE STONES, FIVE RANK 1 GRANTING ESSENCE, THE CRIMSON DRAGON’S GREATSWORD, AND…”

A glowing stone appeared.

“A WISHING STONE, THAT GRANTS ANY ONE WISH!”

“Is there really such thing?!” Bak Yerim gaped.

“We’ve been to many S-rank domains yet we’ve never seen anything like this one…” Moon Hyuna whistled.

“Then… maybe Han Yoojin-ssi can revive the abyss guild master with it!” Came a hopeful tone.

“It can grant any wish..?”

Han Yoojin jogged near the glowing stone. “Really?! Then bring my brother back..!”

“HOWEVER, IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO BRING A DEAD PERSON BACK TO LIFE!” The screen stated.

“Oh…”

“Damn it!” Bak Yerim fumed. “Why can’t Ahjussi get good things in that life?!”

“Damn it! Then what’s the point? What kind of wish can you even grant?!” He vented. “I…I just want to..!”

If this can grant any wish, It’ll be possible for me to become even stronger than Yoohyun. I could become the strongest hunter and become the new hero, and…”

“I will be able to enjoy the honor of the position I’ve envied for so long…. no, an even greater honor..”

“...me…” He whispered.

He recalled his brother.

“Please turn me back in time, to before my brother died. I’ll live a quiet life without entering any more dungeons, so turn it back before I came in here- no, to before I became and awakened!” He told the stone, no reluctance or hesitation in his voice.

Bak Yerim raised a brow in disbelief. “Wait… so, the Ahjussi we have in this timeline was the Ahjussi in the future all along?”

“And that’s how he came back in time as well…” Han Yoohyun muttered. “So… all those painful experience… it was real to him…” He felt a rising frustration within him.

‘I need to talk to hyung after this…’

Even if I end up regretting my decision…

“WOULD YOU LIKE TO TURN BACK IN TIME?”

“Yes…”

“Still… for a stone like that to actually exist is phenomenal…” Suk Hayan watched the stone intently. “What if there is more than one? We might need to monitor dangerous dungeon if that’s the case…”

The stone glowed even more and engulfed the surroundings with brightness. Han Yoojin closed his eyes, his body relaxing as the stone transported his body.

I’ll make sure something like this never happens again-

.

.

.

.

“Huek!” Han Yoojin gasped as he sprang from his position on the couch. “Where am I..?”

He looked around. “Isn’t this Yoohyun’s guild building? Did I really travel back in time?” He began checking on himself.  “I can’t check my status window either..”

Retrieving his phone from his pocket, he turned it on to check the time and date. “Wow, it’s really 5 years ago! But why am I here of all place..? Oh right! It’s the day I went to the awakening broker!”

Han Yoohyun frowned. “I remember this day. This was the day hyung acted so strange all of the sudden…”

‘I went in there with a large amount of money without realizing that it was a scam, and I was dragged back here. I thought I’d be able to become my like my brother If I were to awaken… What a pathetic memory…’

Kim Sunghan nervously rubbed his neck as he remembered the way he furiously dragged Han Yoojin towards the guild building. ‘I’m sorry, Han Yoojin-ssi…’

‘Wait, does that mean…’ He remembered. ‘Soon, in this room…’

The doorknob moved and he turned around expectantly.

“Hyung…” Came a reprimanding tone of his dongsaeng. “How many times have I told you? Make sure to not do anything that will make you come here..!”

Han Yoojin teared up. ‘I’m back…’

“He looks so hopeful…” Bak Yerim sniffled.

He throw himself to Han Yoohyun and hugged him tight. ‘I’m really back!!!’

“Hyung?!” Han Yoohyun looked taken aback from the sudden action of his hyung.

Most of them cooed, especially Suk Hayan and Kang Soyoung being the loudest.

“For a second, I thought hyung did something so bad that he felt scared and hugged me.” Han Yoohyun huffed, smiling at his hyung’s actions.

“I’m pretty much sure he just missed his little dongsaeng very much.” Moon Hyuna smiled.

‘What a relief. He’s alive. Yoohyun is alive…’

“I’m sorry.” He sniffled. “It was my fault. I was too immature. I’m sorry about everything…”

‘Hyung doesn’t need to apologize to anything at all.’ Han Yoohyun smiled weakly. ‘In fact… I am the one who is suppose to apologize. Hyung has been through so much…’

“W-what’s wrong?! Did you cause even more trouble…?” Han Yoohyun looked confued and worried at the same time.

“That’s not it!”

“I was just thinking about it on the way here.” Han Yoojin’s hand petted his dongsaeng’s head with affection. “You’re only 25…no, barely 20, and you must have gone through a lot  alone, trying to deal with the guild and dungeons.”

“I am already capable in that age, hyung.” He looked down in shame. “You on the other hand… you were only on your teens when our parents’ died and since then, you have been carrying out the responsibility of being the breadwinner in our little family…” And that’s why he admired his hyung. That’s why he worked hard and endure all the hardships. Because he wants to be as strong as his hyung.

“As your older brother, I should have known what you were going through.” He let go to stare back at the gaping Han Yoohyun. “I’m really sorry. I won’t cause anymore trouble. You won’t have to worry about me anymore, alright?”

“And yet he is still up and go.” Yoo Myeongwoo smiled warmly.

“Hyung…” Han Yoohyun moved his hands to pat his hyung’s back. “Got it. Thank you for telling me that.”

‘I’m relieved.’ Han Yoojin smiled. ‘Although it was embarrassing telling him all that…’

‘I’m relived that I can still prevent that from happening.’

Everyone stilled at that.

‘Does he still think about it even now?’ Han Yoohyun thought to himself. ‘Is he scared that something bad is going t happen because of his regression..?’

The scene shows younger Han Yoojin laughing as he carried younger Han Yoohyun on his back, both were happy and laughing.

‘That’s right, we were brothers like no other.’

“My little brother Han Yoohyun, I love you!”

Bak Yerim laughed. “Is Ahjussi that affectionate with everyone?”

“Huh, why?”

“Well, he always say I love you to pretty much mostly everyone here at one point…”Bak Yerim looked around aforementioned those individuals, who either looked smug or shy (in which is only Yoo Myeongwoo because the rest are bitches that likes to flaunt.)

Han Yoohyun’s right eye twitched, a hint of jealousy in his gut. “No, he doesn’t.” He gritted his teeth.

I’ll forget everything about awakened and hunters and just live my life quietly like I should have-

“HAN YOOJIN HAS BEEN REGISTERED AS AN AWAKENED!” A status screen popped up.

‘He awakened differently this time… So the broker was just a lie…’

“Huh?”

“GRANTING LEGENDARY TITLE [DRAGIN SLAYER], AND [PERFECT NURTURE]!”

“ACTIVATING ADDITIONAL SKILL, [MY KID IS THE BEST]!”

“DEPENDENT HAN YOOHYUN’S GROWTH SPEED INCREASE BY 100%!”

The notification kept going.

‘Huh?!!’

To be continued…

It was quiet… before it erupted into a fit of giggles. “Th-the skills are cute for Ahjussi!” Bak Yerim smiled. “It sort of portrays his parental attribute.”

Kang Soyoung nodded at that.

Amidst the chatters, Han Yoohyun got up from his seat.

“Huh? Where are you going Han Yoohyun?” Moon Hyuna raised a brow.

“To talk to hyung.” He didn’t glanced back as he waited for Droid to appear.

“Hello-”

“Take me to hyung.”

Droid stopped at that. “Uhh…” Their little antenna twitched as they saw Han Yoohyun’s dark gaze. “U-um of course…”

Chapter Text

“What do you mean I can’t see hyung?!” Han Yoohyun gritted his teeth.

Droid sweat-dropped. “U-um, my system gave me a new order which is; Don’t let anyone come in contact with the main host for a while.”

“And why is that?”

“Can not answer,” Droid answered in a more robotic manner than his usual tone like it was programmed for him to deflect certain types of questions.

Han Yoohyun clicked his tongue. “If you won’t, then I’ll do it myself!” He tried activating his ability but Moon Hyuna stopped him. “Control yourself, for now, kid. They have specifically ordered us to not use our abilities within this room while we are still here. Besides, Droid has already assured us that Hyung-nim is in good hands. Let’s just focus on the video for now.”

Han Yoohyun stared at her and Droid for a while, conflicted. Then, he sighed and let his hand fall to his side. “Make sure you do keep your word. Because if you don’t, I won’t hesitate to run this room into havoc. Even if it will cause the future of South Korea, or even the world, I will still, in the end, ensure Hyung’s safety above all.” He glared.

‘So scary..!’ Droid trembled. ‘When I’m done with my job, make sure to promote me big time, boss…’

When it seemed like there was no more drama taking place, everyone settled down and waited for the screen to load again.

“You can relax, this won’t take long.” Han Yoohyun smiled as stirred the stew as well as fried the eggs and bacon on the other stove.

“Eh?! You can cook?!” Moon Hyuna gasped. “Damn, I thought you were incapable of doing anything besides hunting monsters.” She teased while Bak Yerim snickered, almost wanting to join her hyuna’s antics if it weren’t for Yoo Myeongwoo’s intervention.

Han Yoohyun on the other hand didn’t mind the teasing. Besides, the only people who can eat his cooking are hyung and only hyung.

Kang Soyoung only clapped cheerfully. “That looks tasty, Han Yoohyun. Perhaps you can share some recipes?”

“You seem very eager, Ms. Kang Soyoung.” Suk Hayan smiled.

“Of course! I want to learn many recipes so that I can provide a variety of foods and treats for my baby once he hatches!” Kang Soyoung swooned.

Suk Hayan raised a concerned brow. “That is true, however, there are some foods that are restrictive for them, so you might need to be careful.”

“Really?” Bak Yerim asked. She glanced at Peace. “But he eats anything though.” Peace made a sound resembling some form of betrayal.

“I see…” Suk Hayan fixed her glasses. “Maybe Peace is a special case. After all, he has always been different than the usual monsters.”

“U-uh, okay!” Han Yoojin stammered.

Awkward…

Despite their attempt to have an easy conversation, there was still a lingering awkwardness.

‘Before I turned back time, we fought on this day and I ran away again. But now…’ Han Yoojin smiled, leaning into the table. ‘It’s nice that we made up, but I didn’t think we’d be having dinner together…’

‘Me too, hyung. I felt more relaxed than ever when I was eating together with you…’ Han Yoohyun smiled.

He raised his hand and activated his window status. ‘But the status window! I didn’t think I would be awoken again. And it’s different from before. What is this title?’

The status was titled ‘Dragon Slayer (L)’ as proof of slaying a rank 1 dragon solo. The icon was red with a dragon symbol and dual swords below it.

“I can’t decide whether or not it was a good thing that only the owner can see their status window.” Bak Yerim frowned. “I mean, with this, the world can know how amazing ahjussi is! But, on the other hand, the secrecy can help ahjussi be safe from anyone who will plan on exploiting him.”

“No, it's better that Hyung keeps that status to himself. Being known as a monster tamer already has its own share of dangers.” He leveled a glare at many people in the room, especially Moon Hyuna.

Moon Hyuna cackled. “Don’t be like that. Hyung-nim is already entrusted with taking care of my baby.” She grinned.

Kim Sunghan held on to his guild leader for dear life to stop him from starting another fight while Moon Hyuna continued to laugh.

‘Was this title given to me because I killed Rauchtars?’ He recalled the brutal battle. ‘I thought it would be disregarded since I turned back time… Is this okay? It seems strange…’

His fingers hovered on the status. ‘And if it’s L rank, I think it means that it’s legendary, right? Even higher than S-rank!’

“Hold on, has there never been an officially registered L rank hunter, like ever?” Bak Yerim asked.

Suk Simyeong hummed. “The highest at the moment is S rank. It might change in the future if there is ever a shift in the system.”

Bak Yerim grinned, pumping her fist. “In that case, I’ll be the first one then! Oh wait, ahjussi is already first. Then I’ll be the second!”

Moon Hyuna smiled. “I like your enthusiasm!”

Once he pressed it, more status popped up in front of him. ‘There are 4 skills that come along with this title.’ He stared and analyzed each with disbelief.

‘L-rank resistance?! This is the first time I’ve seen something like this! Does that mean I’m completely resistant to anything below L-rank?!’

‘And when it comes to Rauchtars, my skills will be doubled as effective against that dragon type?!’ He scanned the skills; Poison resistance (L), Curse resistance (L), Fear resistance (L), and Rauchtars’ natural enemy (SS).

“Wait…” Bak Yerim felt her jaw slackened. “Isn't that a bit too overpowered?!”

Han Yoohyun stared at the screen. Fear resistance..? ‘Is that why Hyung always runs head first during any dangers? Is that why he didn’t cower during the guild meeting with the other S-rank guild leaders?’ He clenched his hands. He had thought that his hyung was only putting up a tough face, but to think that he really have the ability to counter any form of intimidation…

‘Why did he hide all these skills from me..?’  

He pumped his fist. ‘Did I perhaps become the world’s strongest after returning or something?!’

“Not quite…” Kang Soyoung answered. “But you’re getting there Han Yoojin-nim!”

…

Rauchtars roared angrily, fire bursting around the domain.

“Huh? What happened?” Bak Yerim gasped. “Did the video just fast-forward to the time that dragon awoken in the dungeon?!”

“Ugh! It’s too strong!” Han Yoohyun covered himself from the flames.

“Ahh! We’re done for..!” Kim Sunghan cried. “If that dangerous poison reaches us…!” the dragon opened its mouth as it charged up its poison.

“Even with the whole world edge’s guild members, they were still not enough?” Suk Hayan gulped.

“EVERYONE, GET BACK!”

They panicked as the dragon fired its’ power. The domain erupted as the destructive power descended to the ground. But, it never hit them…

Han Yoohyun gasped when he looked up. “What?! Hyung..?”

“Hyung?!”

“Ahjussi?!”

“Did he really..?” Suk Hayan gaped.

Han Yoojin stood before them, his arms opened as if he had defended them from the attack. He looked behind him, his face proud. “I’m here. What about the poison?”

He flipped his hair nonchalantly. “To a real hunter, this is just considered as a refreshing shower!”

“It’s not! Even if you are immune to it doesn’t mean you have to be reckless, ahjuss!” Bak Yerim scolded.

Yoo Myeongwoo quivered, worried. “All abilities have limits, Yoojin. Even if it’s an L-rank skill, it won’t make you invincible!”

“Hyung… So cool…!!” Han Yoohyun gushed like a shoujo girl.

The next scene shows Han Yoojin carrying his little brother, rainbows, and sunshine in the background along with the goofy face of the Rauchtar.

….

Han Yoojin smiled proudly as his imagination ran wild. “Huh? Like this, and then become the greatest hunter and show off!” He gasped excitedly, browsing through his status window. “Then, did I also become S-rank? Or the very first L-rank..?’

STAMINA 6

STRENGTH 4

DEXTERITY 5

MENTALITY 4

MAGIC POWER 2

“...” he stared at it in pure and utter disappointment. His previous imagination crumbled and was replaced by the dragon just casually swatting his small body like a fly.

“...”

“Pft-” Someone tried to stifle a laugh.

“D-don’t laugh Yerim…” Moon Hyuna told a giggling Bak Yerim whilst trying to bite her own laugh.

“I-it’s not Ahjussi that I’m laughing.” Bak Yerim choked. “It's how the TV is portraying the entire scene. It looks goofy.”

“It reminds me of that cartoon movie I watched as a kid.” Kang Soyoung piped up excitedly.

‘My body is the same! How am I supposed to use all those skills!?’ He mourned.

Han Yoohyun sent him a questioning look but continued on his task.

‘Just as I thought, I’m nothing again this time around. My dexterity and mentality skills have been buffed to E-rank… I guess this is similar to the previous skills I had before. And the ‘Nurturer’ title was buffed to L-rank as well.’ He pressed on the icon and like before, 4 more skills emerged from the initial skill. ‘This title also comes with 4 skills…’

Suk Hayan fixed her glasses, fascinated. “There’s still more?”

Suk Simyeong leaned onto the couch, arms crossed. “To think that killing such a monster could provide this much stats to whoever could annihilated. With such buff, anyone could rival the strongest hunters as of the current rankings of Korea.”

“Have you faced and fought anything like the dragon in that dungeon?” Bak Yerim asked Han Yoohyun. The latter frowned, trying to recall his previous raids.

“We have faced dozens of tough opponents but never that dangerous yet.” Kim Sungahn nodded in agreement as he had been with their guild leader in most of his dungeon raids.

“There have also never been any records of L-rank monsters from the government as of now.” Song Taewon commented, eyes looking at the two S ranks. “However, if you indeed came across one, do please inform the authorities immediately.”

Han Yoohyun just grunted and Sung Hyunjae just smiled pleasantly, though there was no telling if these two would do what they were told, especially the extremely crafty guild master of the Seseong Guild.

Song Taewon sent the blonde a scrutinizing glare.

‘Final gratitude (L), this is better than not being used. What is this? Why are all the skill names so lame?’ He complained.

‘Let’s see, ‘MY KID IS THE BEST?’ He pressed it and read the description that says: Increases the growth rate of the subject influenced by a keyword. Skill duration: 3 days.

‘Similar to the previous ‘Nurturer’ title. Let’s see, how is the growth rate…’

“EH? TWICE AS FAST?!”

Han Yoohyun sent him another questioning gaze.

“Okay, off-topic, but I would be as confused if someone did some random movements by themselves in front of me.” Moon Hyuna cackled.

‘Does that mean Yoohyun will get stronger twice as fast compared to other hunters?! And if I combine this other skill..!’

MY KID IS SO GREAT(SS): Once you cheer on the subject with the keyword in front of a minimum of 5 intelligent beings, the subject’s stats and skill effects will increase by the number of intelligent beings X%. 100% maximum.

‘So if I cheer on Yoohyun  in front of 50 people, he’ll be 1.5x stronger, and if I cheer him in front of 100 people, with +100%, he’ll become 2 times stronger!’

“Wait really?!” Bak Yerim gaped. “I want Ahjussi to cheer for me, too! Wait, no, forget the buff he gives, I just want him to cheer me while I fight!”

‘It’s only a matter of time before I make my brother Yoohyun into the greatest! No, not just Yoohyun, but all the hunters in World Edge…’

★-Another imaginary scenario - ★

"WHOA, It's the world edge!" The citizens gushed and cheered.  "Twice as fast and twice as strong! They grew into the world's greatest guild in a matter of few years!"

'And the nurturer of the world's edge will be me!' Han Yoojin smiled in a haughty manner, his outfit resonating like a king as he was surrounded by money while people bowed  down to him. ‘If that’s the case, I can show off and live my life in splendor…’

Han Yoohyun smiled at the sight of his hyung’s imagination again. ‘Don’t worry, Hyung. I’ll always provide you with the most luxurious things you want. Although…” His face turned bliss as he imagined his hyung happily and proudly cheering for him. “The idea is not so bad too…”

.

.

.

Key Word: I LOVE YOU

“What’s wrong with the keyword?!” He mourned once again, and this time, Han Yoohyun sent him a concerned look.

‘I guess the keyword changed when I awakened…! If I ran around saying the keyword to everyone…’ He imagined doing it to several people who in return looked either confused or creeped out. When he said it to a kid, he was handcuffed by the police.

‘Instead of spreading influence, I’m sure to be arrested!’ He bemoaned internally.

That made everyone break into a fit of laugh and stifled giggles.

'It's a no-no, it's completely useless. The skill itself is amazing...!'

'Is this the last one? 'Promising Sprout.' You can check the unawakened's expected awakening rank, and individuals influenced by keywords will awaken with their optimal potential...?'

“Now that I think about it…” Bak Yerim piped up. “I suddenly recalled the time when Ahjussi and I first met. It was so strange and sudden but he did say ‘ I love you’ to me. I thought he was so weird for doing it that time…”

Suddenly, those who were also told by those intimate words piped up. Yoo Myeongwoo blinked, recalling it as well. However, unlike the others, he didn’t think it was weird or creepy. Instead, it was an anchor, a reassurance for him during the lowest moments of his life. It reminded him that there were still good things in life despite everything he had been through.

'This is pretty...'

"Let's eat." Han Yoohyun interrupted his internal monologue as he placed the pot on the table. "Is this enough rice for you?"

"Yes, yes! That's enough! Thank you for the meal!"

"I made it with whatever I had, so I'm not sure how it'll taste.”

Han Yoojin took a bite of the food and beamed. "It's delicious...."

"Really? I'm glad." Han Yoohyun happily replied. "There's more, so just tell me if you want some."

"I didn't know you were good at cooking."

"My cooking skills improved while I was trying to survive."

"Eh? Why? Aren't you loaded?"

"It's safer to make your own food. Now they have detox and antidote items, but they didn't have them before."

“Well that’s sad…” Bak Yerim slumped onto the couch as she understood the implications.

Moon Hyuna sighed. “Sadly, Han Yoohyun was still quite young when he became one of the strongest hunters of Korea. Many interpreted his young age as a way of exploitation or performing an act of sabotage as they assumed he would be  naive.” She glanced at the World edge’s guild master, smirking. “Though, I should commend his sociopath tendency as he took it upon himself to literally ignore those types of people."

Han Yoohyun ignored her intentional jab, not even giving her a fraction of his attention.

Han Yoojin stopped at that. "...Were there people who would poison and curse your food?"

"Since I was a stupid kid who was running around on his own, I was being put in my place. Other guilds conspired with large corporations and grew in size. But I didn't belong to any guild and told everyone I'd form my own guild."

"If I joined an average guild, I'm sure things would have been better-" He was cut off as Han Yoojin angrily cupped his cheeks and pulled him close. "You bastard, why haven't you said any of this to me!"

“I can already imagine Han Yoojin-ssi marching on those people and starting fighting with them for bullying his younger brother.” Kang Soyoung smiled.

“And knowing Yoojin, he will definitely not live that down until he gives an earful scolding to them.” Yoo Myeongwoo giggled sheepishly.

“Agreed.” Bak Yerim grinned fondly. “Ahjussi would probably act like an indignant mother raging through all the people who wronged her son.”

Han Yoohyun's gaze wavered. "Don't make that kind of face, hyung. It's a result of my own choices."

"But something bothered me this whole time."

"Huh?"

"Because of that, our relationship suffered. I monitored and interrupted you every time. So that they wouldn't find out about you, hyung..."

"I avoided you on purpose, my only hyung, in case they found out about you..."

Bak Yerim sighed. “ I know you and Ahjussi have already talked and cleared this up. But still, what the actual fuck?!”

“I know.” Han Yoohyun pinched his nose bridge. “It was a stupid decision, I realize that fully now. That’s why I’ll make sure to make it up to Hyung.”

"You should have just told me!" Han Yoojin grasped his shoulders but Han Yoohyun only smiled. "I didn't want to burden you."

"And I didn't think you'd understand after a while." He raised his hand to hold his hyung's hand that was on his shoulder. "But I was wrong. Hyung still thinks and worries about me. I'm sorry and I love you..."

“Aww, the great stony-faced Han Yoohyun being soft and remorseful of his actions, question mark???” Moon Hyuna drawled.

Kan Soyoung and Suk Hayan just cooed while Bak Yerim snickered yet again.

Suk Simyeong felt an incoming headache just from the Breaker Guild leader’s antics and attempts to push the World Edge’s guild leader’s buttons. Any more of this and they will witness another couch being thrown across the room.

"Thanks for being so considerate even when I've been stubborn, hyung." He smiled, a lighthearted one as if he didn't carry a heavy burden at that moment.

"Yoohyun..." Han Yoojin felt touched.

Then, he immediately picked up some of the food and placed it on Yoohyun's spoon on top of one another. "What do you mean thank you? You've been through a lot! Here, eat this! And this too! And this!"

"Wow, thanks." Han Yoohyun accepted it all without complaints.

'I'm glad I turned back time. It was the best decision in my life!'

‘It is Hyung…’ Han Yoohyun smiled as he watched the domestic moments he had been so accustomed to ever since their parents’ passing. He was stupid for letting these precious moments go. But he will never let it go for the second time. ‘I will cherish you, Hyung…’

"Ah...I should get going, I have some stuff to do." Han Yoohyun checked on his phone before getting up. "Ah, hyung. One more thing before I leave."

"Delete the contact for the awakening broker."

"Huh? Uh, okay."

"Even if you call them, I'm sure they can't pick up anymore." He casually said.

'I hope he doesn't mean he beat them all to a pulp...' Han Yoojin sweatdropped as Han Yoohyun stared at his phone tentatively, making sure he did what he was told. "D-deleted, see?"

Bak Yerim cackled. “Oh, I’m one hundred percent sure he beat them up to plump, Ahjussi!”

"Then, I'll be off."

"Yes! Work hard! I'll clean up after myself before I leave." He waved his hands.

"Huh? What are you talking about, hyung? Where are you going?"

"What?"

"Hyung you can't leave anymore. You're not going anywhere. You live here now."

'Pardon...?'

.
.
.

'WHAT?!'

To be continued….

“Well that was a lot to take in…” Bak Yerim murmured. “So let’s just get something straight here.” She held up her finger. “Ahjussi is not as weak as we assumed him to be. That might be why he is so eager to jump into any danger most of the time.” She frowned, feeling troubled at the revelation.

“Eh, now that you mentioned it… the moment when I…” Yoo Myeongwoo stammered.

Everyone turned their attention to the forger and weapon smith, making him jump. “U-um… during an attack after I um, well, ran away, I thought I was done for but I saw Yoojin saving me from the attack. Though, I wasn’t sure if it was him or not as he told me afterward that I might have just been hallucinating…”

“Well, if he had the full intention of keeping it a secret, then naturally he would have just crafted a lie to preserve his secret. The question though, why hide it?” Moon Hyuna placed her hands on her chin in thought.

Han Yoohyun sighed. “As frustrating as it sounds, I think Hyung has his reasons and I am completely inclined to believe that it was done with no ill intent,” he said with full confidence and conviction.

Bak Yerim smiled. “Yeah, you're right. Ahjussi is a kind and selfless person. I’m sure we will find out as we progress into the show.”

At that, they all decided to settle back down and wait for the next video to load.

Chapter Text

While waiting for the next video to load, Bak Yerim couldn't help but drift her thoughts for a moment. She recalled how she and Ahjussi's met. It felt surreal and heartwarming at the same time. Ahjussi approached her first, talking to her without any malicious intent. It was strange. But then again, Ahjussi has never been the type of person to lean into the concept of normality. But she wonders... why her of all people..? At that question, she bit her lip and reprimanded herself for doubting her Ahjussi, her guardian, her savior. 

Still, there was a vague part of her that was... doubting something. She didn't know why. 

 She didn't have the chance to delve more as the screen lit up and the next episode started.

"W-wait! What are you talking about?!" Han Yoojin protested. "What do you mean, I can't leave here?!"

 "It's dangerous out there. You can't go outside." Han Yoohyun replied casually.

Moon Hyuna whistled. “Not to pry with your family business but ain’t this a forced coercion and enforcing Stockholm syndrome?” She grinned.

“You parading your face is already a crime itself.” Han Yoohyun countered, already fed up with her bullshit.

Bak Yerim gasped at that, looking like an offended, die hard  fan that camps at the sidewalk just to have a handshake with their favorite celebrity. “Hey! Noona is pretty, I say!”

"What?! What are you talking about? I got around just fine this morning."

"It's different from this morning. Because you've become close to me again, you're not as safe as before. You were only safe because I cut off our relationship." Han Yoohyun explained. "But now, my enemies will start to aim for you."

Suk Hayan blinked. “You know, why not just have Han Yoojin-ssi wear a disguise if he was that intent to go out.” She suggested but Han Yoohyun shook his head. “It’s not just that I worry about Hyung being recoginzed and exploited…” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s that no matter where Hyung goes, he is a magnet for trouble. He stuffs his nose on things he shouldn’t pry.”

Kim Sunghan, who had seen and had dealt with Han Yoojin’s shenanigans first hand, nodded in agreement.

"How can I leave you alone when your life may be taken at any time?"

"So...you can't go anywhere."

"You'll just live here from now on." Han Yoohyun declared like it's the most enlightening statement he has ever uttered in his life with his hands opened up and an imaginary light around him.

 ”You sound and look like an absolute creep, not gonna lie.” Bak Yerim murmured, looking at Han Yoohyun with a look of disgust.  “If I were in ahjussi’ situation, I would have bolted out there immediately.”

Han Yoohyun huffed. “I would never keep a banshee in my home anyways.” He muttered under his breath, which earned a hiss from the younger.

“Here we go again…” Seok Simyeong sighed, taking off his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose in frustration as two of the strongest hunters of Korea started bantering like children again.

"Wh..." Han Yoojin in turn, sweatdropped and started sprinting away. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, ARE YOU CRAZY!?"

Just as he was about to escape, cage-like metal rods appeared infront of him. "Kyaak!!"

"Are you Han Yoojin-ssi?" A random delivery man asked. "We've moved all of your belongings here, as you requested. Please sign here..." He gave him the clipboard for him to sign.

"Hik?!" Han Yoojin's jaw dropped. "What?! Belongings, wha- AAACCKK?!" More delivery men entered the apartment and carried few boxes that contains the said belongings.

 Somehow, the scene looked comical that some had chuckled and laughed at Han Yoojin’s expense.

"There's nothing left at your house. This is your house from now on." Han Yoohyun added.

"You're insane!!! What the hell are doing?!!"

"Why? You said it's fine. You said you were sorry and that you love me. You accepted everything I did to you..." Han Yoohyun scratched his nose, his face still delighted. "That's basically the same as giving me you permission..."

 ”Damn…” Moon Hyuna laughed. “I knew you had a few screw loose in you but not to this extent.”

Han Yoohyun only gave him a glare at that. “I don’t think there is anything wrong with keeping my brother inside my house to protect him.”

Some sweatdropped at his statement. ‘Nothing wrong?!’

Kang Soyoung cleared her throat. “U-um, while there is nothing wrong with your intentions of protecting you brother, I think it’s a bit unfair for Han Yoojin-ssi to be caged like that, Han Yoohyun-ssi. Han Yoojin-ssi is still a human with a right to do what he wishes, does he not?” She explained carefully, hoping to not struck a nerve.

Thankfully, Han Yoohyun didn’t take any offence to that and just looked down at his hands. “I just want to protect my brother from harm.”

Many softened at that. One thing they learn during their time together in this room is that Han Yoohyun loves his hyung dearly and prioritize him more than anything else in this world. This part of Han Yoohyun is the purest they have witnessed on the usually cold and unbearable World edge leader.

Han Yoojin gave him a devasted look in return. 'How does it mean that?!!'

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.

A few moments later, it shows a gloomy atmosphere of the apartment with a lying face plant of Han Yoojin on the center.

"What's going on with Yoohyun..." He drawled. "Is it a side effect of time reversal?"

 Bak Yerim and Yoo Myeongwoo couldn't help but giggled at Han Yoojin’s comical position on the ground.

"No, it isn't the time to be lying around!" He got up. "I'll take what I need and run away before he gets back!" He hurriedly took a backpack  and shoved a few things inside.

He stepped in front  of the door and carefully opened it. 'Otherwise I might be confined forever...'

 ”You might jinx that, ahjussi.” Bak Yerim snickered.

The door opened to reveal a tall, muscular man staring down at him. "What is it?" The unknown man said.

"H-hello..." He stammered.

*World's Edge guild's A-rank hunter, Kim Seonghan. One of Yoohyun's confidants, he has a powerful defensive skill.*

 ”Woah, you look intimidating, Kim Sunghan-ssi!” Bak Yerim laughed, earning an bashful look from the man himself.  

“Well, he is the defensive unit in World edge after all.” Seok Hayan smiled.

Kim Sunghan chuckled nervously as he recalled how he treated  Han Yoojin that day. He felt sorry for being to harsh on him even to this day despite Han Yoojin’s repeated assurance that all was well and forgiven.

"Um, can you move aside?" He tried.

 "I cannot." He was turned down.

"The guild leader has ordered me to keep you from leaving." Kim Seonghan blocked him from escaping when he tried to flee, holding the door firmly.

'You've even put an A-rank guard?!'

 "I'm just gonna go for a short walk!" He tried again.

 ”The biggest lie you have said, ahjussi!” Bak Yerim laughed.

"I said you cannot!" He was turned down. Again.

 "Why do you care where I go!?" Han Yoojin argued.

 Moon Hyuna stiffled a laugh, her stomache already aching from laughing. “This is so funny, I don’t know why.”

“It’s like a parent bantering with their child to not leave the house but the said child is very stubborn.” Yoo Myeongwoo muttered, scratching his cheek.

Kim Seonghan signed, placing a hand on his face in exasperation. "Sigh. I won't say it again..." he placed his large hands on Han Yoojin's shoulders. "Please go back to your room." He said with a threatening voice and an equally threatening face. "I'll throw you back in by force if I have to."

 "Ugh..." Han Yoojin began sweating bullets at how scared he was.

'My entire body's being crushed.' He felt so much pressure from the man that he imagined himself as a shaking small rabbit infront of a massive angry grizzly bear cornering him. 'This unique form of pressure that high-ranking hanters give off. I feel like a herbivore in front of a predator...'

Kim Sunghan sweated as the video broadcasted his past self threatening Han Yoojin. He glanced at his leader, which thankfully didn’t react in any way. But for the remaining two though…

“Would you really do it, Kim Sunghan-ssi?” Bak Yerim smiled pleasantly. Pleasantly threatening. He didn’t even wanna look at the master forger at all and he can tell that he also scary right now.

He had done it several times before when his leader instructed him to drag his brother outside the building if he doesn’t listen or is insistent on being stubborn.

“No,” Kim Sunghan cleared his throat to gain his composure. “It, it was just a harmless threat to scare Han Yoojin-ssi to stop being persistent.”

Before he would have done it in a heartbeat. Now, however, it would be hard to do that at all since he got to know Han Yoojin thoroughly. He finally see more and understand him more. Han Yoojin has gained his trust and respect. 

'Don't get scared...Dont...' He placate himself.

"?!" His body stopped shaking. 'Is it because of my skill? I'm not shaking anymore!'

'In my eyes....' He looked back at Kim Seonghan again. 'I can only see Kim Seonghan as a docile dog!' The view of a scary bear is now replaced with a cute Kim Seonghan on a bear onesie.

 Many laughed at the adorable interpretation of Kim Sunghan in Han Yoojin’s imagination while Kim Sunghan himself blushed even further. Never in his life has he ever been interpreted as anything cute at all!

"Shit..!! Let go of me! What are you trying to do?" Han Yoojin countered with his newly aquired bravery. The other, however, looked hardly impressed at his antics.

"Huh? Kim Seonghan-ssi, don't you know the law? There's something called Personal Liberty! It's a crime to confine someone like this! Huh? You wanna go to jail? I'll call the police-"

Song Taewon sighed at that. ‘So he finally remembered that police existed.’

 He was cut off when he was lifted up using the back colar of his t-shirt. To Kim Seonghan, he looked like he weighed nothing. "Your asking for a beating. Would you like me to throw you back into your room like this?"

"No, I'm sorry..."

 ”Wow he folded quick.” Moon Hyuna cackled. Bak Yerim, assured that her ahjussi was not harmed during the confrontation, laughed as well.

'What's the point of having this skill if I can't take any action...' his face looked resigned.

"Get back in immediately."

"Wait, wait!" 'Is there really no other way?! I have many skills! Is there anything useful-'

 ”Yea, with that amount of skill, there should be something that can be used.” Suk Hayan piped up.

*PROMISING SPROUT HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED!*

'Wait, what is this?!' He gasped as he yanked Kim Seonghan's face down to his eye level. "Ugh! What are you-?!"

Han Yoojin examined Kim Seonghan's stats and abilities, poking and proding his face. 'Possible awakening rank A to S?! He can become an S rank?! Then that means there can be two S-ranks in World' Edge guild!'

 Many felt their jaws drop at that.

Kim Sunghan stared at the screen in disbelief. ‘Possible A to S…me?!’

“Ahjussi has a skill like that?!” Bak Yerim’s eyes widened at that.

“An A evolving to S…?” Suk Simyeong fixed his glasses. “T-there has never been a possibility nor any existing theory that supported that at all.” Beside him, his niece’s eyes looked like those times when she had found new evidence for her research.

Sung Hyunjae’s eyes glinted with interest at that.

Han Yoohyun looked even more conflicted, feeling another headache incoming as he can already picture his hyung doing risky things with that skill. Maybe he already did behind his back without his knowing. He eyed Bak Yerim and Yoo Myeongwoo with suspicion. Now that he thought about it, it was strange that his hyung took care and befriended not one but TWO of S level skilled hunters in a short amount of time. Too suspicious to be just a coincidence.

‘Hyung, what have you done this time…’ He sighed.

'What a shame! Can't I change it with my skill somehow?' He continued prodding, ignoring the man's confused protest.

*THIS PERSON HAS NOT BEEN INFLUENCED!   AFTER YOU INFLUENCE THE SUBJECT WITH THE KEYWORDS, THEY CAN OBTAIN AN S-RANK SKILL THEY FAILED TO OBTAIN USING MY KID IS THE BEST.*

His eyes widened, a spark of excitement flashing through them.

'Awesome!! That means I can change it?!' A realization struck him like lightning.

'Yes, influencing is the answer! He'll listen to what I say if I influence him!'

“The way he worded it sounds like he is going to hypnotize Kim Sunghan-ssi with his skill.” Kang Soyoung sweatdropped.

A cartoony scenario appeared with Han Yoojin finally free and bidding farewell to Kim Sunghan.

'DISCOVER AN S-RANK, AND REGAIN MY FREEDOM!

 ’Why is hyung so persistent on leaving..’ Han Yoohyun  sighed the nth time. He knew he was a headache when he was younger. Maybe this is his hyung’s way for getting back at him for being a stubborn brat.

'If that's the case... Shit, the keywords...' He sweatdropped as he peered up at the other.

‘I’ll  tell him... I-I-I...'

'I HAVE TO TELL HIM ‘I LOVE YOU’...'

 Bak Yerim and the others couldn’t help but felt deja vu at that term.

Most of the people in the room had been told by that word at least once yet they brushed it off as Han Yoojin being a strangely odd or affectionate person.

‘Ahjussi had told me that several times before… even when we first met, when we barely knew each other, he…’ She thought. ‘Could it be…?’

"What are you doing, Han Yoojin-ssi..?" A scary face of Kim Seonghan made him falter and think twice. But, he pushed through.

"Look here, Kim Seonghan-ssi!" He raised his hand and made a heart shaped using his finger and thumb but the  bigger man looked unimpressed.

He tried again by making a more vivid heart shape using both of his hands.

 ”That is more creepier than just saying ‘I love you’, Han Yoojin-ssi…” Suk Hayan stiffled a laugh.

Han Yoohyun placed his face on his palm, feeling embarrassed for his Hyung’s antics.

"Please stop this disgusting acts and head back inside." He was turned down.

Han Yoojin kneeled on the ground, mourning for his loss of freedom. 'Please change my keywords!!'

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.
.

A few hours later, the door opened. "Hyung, I'm home. Did you rest well?"

He stopped and stared at the worn out Han Yoojin lying on the floor. "Can't you see I'm dying...?"

 Many chuckled again at Han Yoojin’s suffering.

"You haven't taken out your belongings yet. You  like living here with me  better than your old place, right?" He lifted the withering Han Yoojin and placed him into his lap. "I'll give you an unused room, so let's move it all over there."

 ”He is like a ragdoll.” Kang Soyoung pointed out, earning another laugh from the audience.

"Do whatever you want. I'm just a prisoner anyway...."

 Han Yoohyun sighed fondly. "Cheer up. I'll help let you out soon."

“Thankfully you did, otherwise I would have took ahjussi out myself!” Bak Yerim huffed.

"What?! I can go outside?! When?!" Han Yoojin came back to life at that.

"Calm down and listen to me.  There are a lot of enemies wary of the world’s edge guild, but when we become stronger , no one will be able to lay their hands on us recklessly. And when that time comes, you’ll be able to leave.”

“So never?” Sung Hyunjae said in a confidently pleasant way. That earned either disgusted or unimpressed look from the other hunters. Even  Kang Soyoung, a woman who holds her guild leader in high regards and respect, felt somewhat sheepish on his behalf.

“Cocky as always, I see.” Moon Hyuna jabbed back with a forced grin.

Sung Hyunjae only smiled pleasantly in return.

“So just wait until the world’s edge guild becomes the strongest in the nation.” Han Yoohyun said sheepishly.

‘That took several years in the future!!’

Han Yoohyun placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder in assurance. “Endure it for one year. I’ll blow away the competition within one year.”

‘It took several years..’

“Usually 8 years is not that far off..” Yoo Myeongwoo stammered. “But 8 years of wait in a confined house is really mentally long. So I agree, Yoojin…”

“I’ll let you out once in a while. Though either Sunghan or I will be with you.”

‘Are you taking me out for a walk?!’ Han Yoojin imagined himself being dragged by his younger brother in a chain and collar like a dog in a field of flowers.

Another round of chuckled burst at another comical imagination of the Han brothers. At this point, they are convinced that this is how Han Yoojin run his thoughts when he is daydreaming about something. It was cute and creative though so they won’t complain.

“We can’t let you out too often. Since dungeon clearings takes several days.” Han Yoojin evidently became more hopeless and haggard the longer his brother talked. “But I can’t leave you yo B - rank or lower hunters…“

Han Yoojin piped up at that. ‘Wait! Can’t I do something with my skill? All I used to do was look after hunter-related information. I know exactly with hunters will become high-ranking hunters! I just need to find them and awaken them after I’ve dyed them in my colors. And make them sign a contract where they have to be my escort as a price for awakening them!’

Bak Yerim blinked. ‘So that’s why he came looking for me. We did go over it by the contract but ahjussi didn’t disclose entirety of what he wanted to gain from our contract other than to protect him for a year…’ She looked down at her intertwined hands again. ‘But.. to think that such simple agreement would change my life for the better…’ She couldn’t help the small smile on her face.

‘If I make my own force this way, then Yoohyun won’t be able to complain! It’s definitely possible with my skills and tittles!’

“Then!” Han Yoojin placed a palm on his chest with delight. “I’ll find an A-rank hunter!”

“Hyung will?” Han Yoohyun blinked.

“Yes!”

“But ahjussi found an S rank instead.” Bak Yerim murmured softly, chuckling at the memory.

‘Alright, let’s go discover a future A-S rank awakened! A child that is easy to persuade as possible!’

Han Yoohuyun sighed heavily. ‘Hyung, that sounded so bad if taken out of context…’

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.

.

In another area in the city, a lanky teenage girl with a worn out clothes and shoes was shown in an alley looking above the night sky.

“Yerim!” Moon Hyuna grinned, ruffling the younger’s hair, earrning a laugh from Bak Yerim.

Despite Moon Hyuna’s grin, there was an underlying suspicion and worry in her eyes as she saw the state of past Bak Yerim.

‘I’ll dye them in my colors and raise them as my exclusive hunter!’

To be continued…

“Phew! That was a long one this time!” Moon Hyuna strecthed her back.

“Agreed.” Kang Soyoung stretched as well.

Han Yoohyun glanced at Bak Yerim, contemplating whether he should inquire about some of the information from her to confirm some of his suspicions. When Yerim made eye contact with him, she immediately looked away. That made his eyes narrow.

“Bak Ye-” He was about to start interrogating when the screen lit up, signaling that the next part would start soon.

Droid suddenly appeared next to him. “Tsk, tsk! Whatever is your question, it will be answered in the next video! No spoilers!” The robot chided like a parent.

Han Yoohyun clicked his tongue but didn’t protest, knowing how persistent the stupid floating metal cube is.

Then, after a few minutes of stretches and break, the video started the next episode.