Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prologue.
Hello everyone!
This is my first work, so I'm very nervous. I love this pair, so I decided to add to the number of works on them.
English is not my native language, so if you see any mistakes, please be understanding. Criticism is welcome in a mild form.

Korea. Seoul. 12:30 local time. In one of the apartments of a large apartment building, of which there are more than a million in this country. Sitting in a small but rather cozy bathroom, on the edge of the bathtub, and looking at the small box in his hands. Kim Dokja was trying to remember how he got to this point...

If we start from the very beginning, this story began when Kim's company discovered all the secrets of this world that he had carefully guarded. Looking back, it was an obvious ending... Perhaps it was his fault for not fully trusting them. If he had acted differently, events might have unfolded differently, and he would have fulfilled his promise to guide his companions to the end of the scenarios, exceeding everyone's expectations, even with his omega status, and providing a genuine happy ending for the ever-discontented alpha. And perhaps, just perhaps, he could hope to have his long-awaited happily ever after.It was worth realizing right away that a loser like him shouldn't even dream of such an opportunity, but he didn't immediately notice how his friends' gazes began to resemble the ones his classmates and other adults had given him when they discovered he was the son of a murderer. It was the same feeling of an invisible accusation that they had to endure his presence, and if he hadn't been useful to them in some way, they would have immediately dismissed him as an annoying nuisance. At first, he believed that things would eventually return to normal, and that it would take time for his friends and family to forgive him and understand that he was simply trying to protect them.Month, second, third. The situation didn't change where there used to be warmth and smiles, there was more indifference and indolence, during scenarios, the previously feeling of unity became the feeling that everyone was waiting for him to deal with everything, no matter what the cost would be for him. Not only did he notice this, but so did the Constellations who had been with him since the beginning.

[ Constellations, the Demon-like Fiery Judge, looks at you with sadness]

[ Constellations Prisoner of the Golden Bandage Angrily Looks at Kim Dokja's Company ]

[ Constellations Black Fire Dragon of the Abyss is angry ]

[ The Queen of the Darkest Spring looks at you with a sad gaze ]

The feeling of constant suffocation and the inability to escape from this situation, hah, he had already forgotten what it was like to feel these things.

[ The fourth wall relieves some of your stress]

If it weren't for the help of the fourth wall, he would have broken down much earlier.

[ The fourth wall is watching you]

And yet, at some point, he couldn't take it anymore. He wanted to escape, to quit everything, and start anew. If this world doesn't accept me, should I even stay in it?

Help came unexpectedly.

[ Rich Night's father is looking at you]

Hades is my adoptive father and one of the few beings who continued to protect me no matter what.

[ the father of a rich night invites you to leave this world line ]

[ the father of a rich night tells you not to worry about the price of probability ]

[ the father of a rich night asks you to think about yourself first and not to think about others for once ]
He was given a chance, and he took it. Hades was right; from the very beginning of the scenarios, he thought only of his comrades, forgetting about his own safety, and he didn't spare himself even during the heat, filling himself with all the useful items he found in the Dokkabi's bags.
To hell with everything... For once, he wanted to be selfish.

[ Father of a rich night smiles at you]

And it wasn't just Hades, he felt the support of other constellations who had been by his side all this time. It was enough to make him make a decision without hesitation.

Crossing over to another world was never a particularly pleasant experience, especially from a worldline that clung to him like a tick and refused to let go. Dokja couldn't even imagine the effort it took for Hades to overcome the obstacles on his worldline. A sense of affection and warmth bloomed in his chest at the thought of his adoptive father... His only father.

He fell out of the open portal into a strange place, a cave full of strange glowing crystals and an unpleasant smell that was all too familiar to him. Blood and rotting bodies. He hoped that Hades hadn't accidentally transported him to some strange prehistoric world, where dinosaurs were waiting for him at the exit, just like in one of his early scripts.
He walked about a hundred meters before he heard sounds that were familiar to him, the sound of weapons clashing. Okay, so it wasn't dinosaurs. More specifically, it was goblins, and there were a lot of them, facing off against a skinny young man who looked like he hadn't eaten in two days. Although the situation seemed hopeless, the young alpha, and he was certain that the young man was an alpha, although he couldn't say why, something inside him told him that despite his thin frame, the young man was indeed an alpha. Or maybe it was the way his eyes never lost their fire, no matter what situation he found himself in.Although the young alpha clearly had no intention of giving up, he didn't have much strength left. Judging by the desperation with which he gripped the cheap and worn-out blade, he was well aware of this. However, the jubilant goblins, sensing that their prey was on the verge of giving up, also understood this.He couldn't just watch anymore, and although he had just arrived in this world and the transition itself had taken a lot out of him, he was confident that he could handle the mob of goblins. As one of the goblins jumped off a ledge onto the back of a guy who was fighting off other creatures, a powerful gust of wind swept through the cave, knocking a group of screeching goblins into a pile. Standing in front of the stunned guy and pulling Unbreakable Faith out of my cloak pocket. I thought back to Hades' request with irony... there's no father... not to risk yourself for others. And that's what I do for the first five minutes when I find myself in a completely new world. A crooked smile appeared on his pink lips as he realized that he was indeed an incorrigible idiot.

[the fourth wall snorts at you]

-"Stand behind me, and I'll protect you."

Turning slightly towards the shocked alpha, Dokja radiant eyes with long eyelashes met the young alpha's large eyes, even though he appeared exhausted and dirty. Despite his appearance, Dokja could still see the soft features and vibrant, stubborn eyes. As their eyes met, Dokja felt a brief moment of tension within him, and a spark of possibility ignited in the air.
No, it's impossible, even though he just arrived, but he already feels that this world is different from his own. There are definitely no constellations or star clusters here... Then why?

-"Omega?"

He was so focused on his thoughts that he didn't even hear the voice filled with awe and shock.
But right now, that doesn't matter, the most important thing is to deal with the minor misunderstandings. The sword trembled in my hands with anticipation. When those bright eyes looked at the goblins, they seemed to sense danger and decided to attack first. As the group of goblins charged at the omega, brandishing their weapons, they were confident in their numerical superiority... But... A second later, the same gust of wind swept through all ten goblins. But unlike last time, they weren't thrown back, they were torn apart. It only took a moment.
My swordsmanship has definitely improved, my movements were not as smooth before, I think even Chok Jongen would be able to appreciate it. A slight smile appeared on my lips as I remembered the first sword of Korye, another comrade who supported me until the very end. It was funny that in the end, it was the constellations that helped him, not the comrades we fought alongside.

Well, now...

-"Are you okay?"

The guy, who was still staring at me in shock, finally recovered and replied.

-"Oh y-yeah...."

He was in very bad shape.. Numerous wounds and bruises, not to mention obvious exhaustion. Fortunately, I had brought something with me before leaving my world.

-"Here."

I handed the surprised guy a green vial. Ellen Forest's essence. Another memory from the past world. The young alpha examined the vial of green liquid with interest. Hell, if their world didn't have such things, it would be quite difficult to explain where he got it from.

-"What is it?"

The question was asked with a slight suspicion in the voice. Well done, he wouldn't have immediately put in his mouth what the stranger gave him in the cave either.

A small smile appeared on the omega's pink lips as he looked at the short alpha. Although they were the same height... well, never mind.
This will help you recover until we get out of here.

-"Don't worry, it's not poison."

Ignoring the obvious redness on the young man's face, Kim Dokja looked around to assess their situation. Around them was a complex system of caves illuminated by crystals that emanated strange energy. There were many holes in each wall, most likely it was through these tunnels that the goblins moved.
One of these passages leads to the exit, but if you choose incorrectly, you can get lost and end up in a goblin lair. Which is most likely what happened to the poor guy. Taking a look at his new comrade, who by this time had drunk the potion given to him, Dokja noticed with satisfaction that the other one's condition had clearly improved, the cuts and bruises had healed, and a healthy blush had returned to his face. And although the guy was still clearly exhausted, he did not look like he was ready to fall at any moment.
He couldn't explain to himself why he was so concerned about another person.

-"Unbelievable! I feel so much better"

The surprised gaze left the fully healed hands and turned to the omega, who stood relaxed with his hands
in his coat pockets.

-"Great. Do you know where we are?"

Information, he needs information to know how to proceed.
The same surprised look that hadn't changed since their meeting now had a slightly shocked undertone.

-"We're in a D-rank dungeon."

-"Where?"

Okay, now that was definitely a shocked look.
Despite the obvious shock, the young alpha began to explain where we were. It turns out that the gate is a portal to another world where hunters, people with magical powers, enter. They are the only ones capable of closing the gate before it breaks open and the monsters from the gate attack the human world. Depending on the difficulty, the gates are divided into ranks, and they are currently in a D-rank gate.
Well, it would be too boring if he were in the ordinary world, right?

-"So we need to kill the dungeon boss to close the gate and leave before it closes?"

Omega summed up what they needed to do with a questioning look at Alpha.

-"That's right. The gate closes two hours after killing the boss. I've been here for two days now, and if the gate is still open, that means the boss is alive."

I got a confident answer.

I couldn't help but ask to be absolutely sure.

-"How do you know the gate isn't closed yet?"

-"When the dungeon closes, an earthquake starts, and nothing like that has happened in the two days I've been here, so the dungeon hasn't been cleared yet."

I nod in response to these confident words. I'm new to this world, and this guy clearly knows what he's talking about... At least now we know what we need to do.

-" Let's go to the boss room. We'll clear this dungeon."

I spoke with confidence, and smiled at Alpha, who was looking at me with surprise. Turning to the passage where the strongest energy belonging to the boss was coming from. Taking a step, I heard a scream behind me.

-" Wait! What's your name?"

A question asked with some kind of incomprehensible desperate tone, which made my chest tighten once again.
Oh, yes, we haven't even introduced ourselves properly. He turned to his new companion. She had a snow-white face, radiant eyes with long eyelashes, and delicate pink lips.

-"My name is Kim Dokja."

The name is said with a slight smile.

-"And you?"

The question was asked to the guy who was currently staring into those stunning eyes.

-"Sung Jin-woo."
The smile in return was full of confidence.

This was my first encounter with Jin-woo, the alpha who would later become the most important person in my life.

Chapter Text

Chapter Two.

The walk to the boss's office passed in awkward silence, and although Jin-woo seemed to relax a little after the introduction, he constantly noticed his new interlocutor casting curious glances at him. Deciding to make things easier for him, I asked the question first.

— "Would you mind telling me how you ended up here alone?"

— "Ah, y-yes."
The relief that I spoke first was so clear on his cute face that I couldn't help but smile.

What a cute alpha~

Oh, what strange thoughts he's been having lately. Come to think of it, I'm in heat next month, but before, even with the sunfish, such thoughts never crossed my mind.

Lost in my thoughts for a second, I almost missed the moment when Jin-woo started telling me how he ended up in such a difficult situation.

According to him, a certain number of hunters are required to complete dungeon clearing raids. This increases the chance of successful completion and reduces the risk of hunters dying. The higher the level, the more people are required.
This also applies to the strongest hunters at the very top, S-rank.
In South Korea, there were only nine of them. Incredibly few compared to other countries. The last awakened appeared only two years ago, and since then, everything has remained the same.

All hunters were members of guilds headed by the same S-ranks, which was quite expected: no one with such power would want to work for someone else when they could create and lead their own organization, having full control over it and complete freedom of action.
In this regard, Dokja understood them perfectly.
Immediately after receiving a hunter's license, they could be invited to any guild that was interested in them. It was like winning a lucky ticket to a cloudless future - no wonder everyone so desperately dreamed of joining the largest guilds.

But that's only if you're strong enough to interest them.

Just as there were those who always stood at the top, there were also those who were doomed to forever be at the bottom.

Rank E.

The weakest rank among hunters. Although they were considered hunters, they were actually slightly stronger than normal humans. Only a few were lucky enough to instantly gain status and power. Most weak hunters were forced to participate in raids organized by the Korean Hunters Association, hoping to earn some money by selling crystals obtained from slain monsters and live on that.

Jin-Woo was one of them. He entered the gate with a group of ten hunters who were stronger than him.

He was unable to obtain a single crystal. Hoping to finish off a goblin who had been badly wounded by another hunter, he chased after him, but in the end he simply got lost in this labyrinth of caves, wandering around for two days without food or water. He, weakened, was being chased by the same group of goblins from whom the omega had saved him.

That's the whole story.

After listening to the story of the young alpha, I couldn't help but ask a pertinent question.

— "Wait! Are you saying that the hunters you were in the same party with just decided not to look for you after you disappeared?"

As I looked at the alpha laughing awkwardly in shock, I felt anger flare up out of nowhere at those bastards who just abandoned their comrade.

That reminds me of something...

— "It's not surprising, I'm weak even by E-rank hunter standards, everyone constantly has to protect me and treat my wounds. So I understand why they decided to move on without me."

All this was said casually and with a slight smile. And Dokja would really believe in this masquerade. If only he hadn't seen the same expression in the mirror for months. Although Jin-woo pretended that everything was fine, in reality, everything was exactly the opposite.

- "Honestly, this time I really thought I was finished! That's why I was so surprised when you showed up, Dokja-ssi! Ah, come to think of it, I never thanked you for saving me. Thank you, Dokja-ssi."

Awkwardly scratching the back of his head, the young alpha bowed respectfully. It was obvious that he was used to these words and constant apologies for his weakness.

Looking at this, I couldn't help but think of something.

If you think about it, isn't it obvious that no normal person would enter the lair of terrifying monsters that could tear them to pieces just because they wanted to... it's pretty obvious, right?

"It seems like it's very important..."

In the silence of the cave, where the only source of light was the blue glow of the magic crystals, a quiet voice, like the rustling of pages in a library, rang out.

A surprised expression appeared on Jin-Woo's face after hearing this phrase, which was immediately replaced by shock at the end of the sentence.

— "what you want to protect so much"

"...what?"

Pure amazement. That's how one could describe the expression on the alpha's face in front of him. Large gray eyes the color of a stormy sky and dark eyes in which stars twinkled, silently looked at each other. At that moment, when it seemed that they were having a silent conversation, full of mutual understanding. This can only happen between people who know how expensive it can be to protect what is dear to you.

I understand.

That's what the omega's shining eyes were saying.

- "Of course, I don't know the whole situation, but your teammates behaved like complete bastards. Don't look for excuses for them, strong or not, they are your comrades, they shouldn't have abandoned you."

I said firmly, looking into the eyes that were now staring at me without blinking.

-" And if you want my opinion."

I said with a characteristic smirk on my face, which immediately attracted the attention of the alpha who seemed to be deep in thought. Turning my back to him and starting to move forward, I continued talking as I walked.

-" Any idiot can enter the gate with great strength and boast about how incredible he is, but when the real danger comes, he will be afraid for his own skin and will be the first to run without looking back."

Stopping at the next step, I turned to Jin-Woo, who was listening to me attentively.

With a mocking smile, I finished what I wanted to say.

-" In my opinion, those who fight no matter what are much braver than Jin-Woo ya~. "

After saying that, I turned towards the cave and continued walking forward, ignoring the completely red guy behind me. The smile never left my face.

Oh, he's definitely acting weird.

- "Come on, we need to get out of here as quickly as possible... They're waiting for you, right?"

I heard hurried footsteps and a shout from behind.

- "W-Wait, Dokja-ssi!"

Chapter Text

Honestly, it was the first time I'd experienced something like this, this feeling of relaxation when communicating with Jin-Woo.

He was too used to dodging answers or not revealing all the information, constantly making his enemies and friends guess what he really thought.

Too used to having every word turned against him: first the dokkaebi, then the constellations... comrades...

He was too used to lying and had completely forgotten how pleasant it was to simply communicate honestly.

All my attempts to avoid the young alpha's curious questions seemed completely useless with Sung Jin-woo.

And it wasn't even that Jin-woo somehow made me talk, but that as soon as he asked a question, an honest answer flew out of my mouth, as if it was completely natural for me to answer all questions honestly.

Which was completely unusual for me.

Having struck up a casual conversation,
as if on a walk in the park, and not in a life-threatening dungeon with many monsters, the curious young man continued to ask me questions and answered mine.

This is how I found out:

"The Gates appeared ten years ago all over the world, and around the same time, people began to awaken. Like hunters?"

"That's right. Many researchers believe that it was the mana from the Gates that caused people to awaken.

"You're twenty-eight?!"

— Hahaha, yes, so please address me with respect, Jinwoo-ya~.

Ah, his flushed face is so cute...

— So you live with your little sister?

— ...Ah, yes, my mother is seriously ill.

It seems that this is a sore subject. The boy's face, which had been shining with curiosity until now, suddenly acquired a rather sad expression, and his eyes, which had literally never left me the entire way, now looked at the cave wall, as if avoiding my gaze.

The sudden change made me feel a sharp pain in my chest, and my mind was racing to figure out how to fix the situation. It was unbearable to see that expression on his face... His stubbornness and unwavering determination suited him much better.

There was definitely something wrong with him...

This situation and my own thoughts once again made me question my own strange behavior and the reasons behind my sudden
incontinence.

[The fourth wall looks at you with interest]

Huu~ Finally, someone decided to remind me
of themselves...

The fourth wall, the skill that kept me from dying completely, the comrade who was willing to stand up to even the outer gods for my protection, I didn't think I would feel such relief after hearing that bastard... A slight smile appeared on my lips, the unprecedented heaviness that I had never even suspected until now completely let go of me. The realization that I was not alone in this new world.

[The fourth wall snorts at you]

[The fourth wall says that it wasn't easy for it to cross over to another world either]

That's right. Another world couldn't have easily let in an intruder from another world, considering that he didn't notice any obvious signs of destruction on his body when he came here, so the fourth wall couldn't have done it without help.

[The fourth wall says that Kim Dokja needs to be careful]

I looked at the last sentence in surprise.

[The fourth wall says that %&?! #* this world hasn't started yet.] What? What do you mean?!

[The fourth wall says that she's tired.]

I knew exactly what was coming next, so I immediately shouted in my mind:

Wait! What does this mean?? Explain it to me!!

[The fourth wall says it's going to sleep for a while]

[ T a k e s t a t e K i M D o Kj A ]

Stop!

My response was complete silence. Damn. That little bastard... He fell asleep again, leaving me with a bunch of questions. What did he mean when he said %&?! #* hasn't started yet?

This new world also has its own story that is destined to happen in its own time?

A quiet voice brought me out of my reverie:

-Dokja-hyung.

Wow, he really uses polite forms.

But why did that tone make me feel sick?

That was my first thought, but the question behind it made my insides clench with anxiety.

"...You didn't enter the gate after me and the other hunters, right?"

Damn.

"You asked me about the hunters and the gate as if you'd never heard of them before...And where did you come from when you found me? I may have been wandering around the labyrinth for two days, but...I distinctly remember that the entrance was on the other side..."

Damn...

With every word I spoke, I felt helplessness creeping up on me. It felt like all the sounds inside the cave were disappearing, and all I could hear was my own heartbeat.

I didn't think Jin-Woo would understand so quickly... Yes, it was painfully obvious from my questions that I seemed to have been living in a cave until now. What even a child knew was completely new information to me, and that alone raised many questions. I naively thought that the alpha would think that I was a fool who had accidentally entered the gate out of ignorance... And that would spare me the trouble of answering.

That's so stupid... I completely let my guard down. He even guessed that I didn't enter the gate, but simply appeared in it...

I underestimated him...

Despite the chaos and discord that was happening inside me, I couldn't help but respect the intelligence of the guy who was looking at me now. He was able to corner me, something that even the gourmet association couldn't.

I needed to say something. The rational part of me knew that I needed to come up with a convincing explanation, to convince him that this was just a misunderstanding, and that Jin-Woo was overthinking things.

But the other part. The part that had grown attached to him in the few hours we'd known each other, was against lying, looking into those gray eyes.

What if he looks at me the same way they did when he finds out the truth?

For some reason, for a second, this thought seemed unbearable to me.

I covered my mouth with my hand in panic.

Damn, another attack of verbal incontinence!

— Dokja-hyung... I understand that you have every right not to tell anything about yourself.

Hearing these words, I involuntarily looked at the alpha in front of me in surprise.

— Actually, I shouldn’t ask you anything, you saved me, and that should be enough… But… I still want to know more about the person who decided to save a useless weakling like me! So please trust me, Dokja-hyung.

My entire body was shaking. There was no doubt in the gray eyes in front of me, only confidence and a silent request for trust. At that moment, everything else seemed blurry and unimportant, and only Jin-woo’s figure with a resolutely straight back remained unchanged.

My former comrades thought that I didn’t trust anyone, maybe that’s true, but maybe this time I can…

At that moment, the pink lips parted, and a quiet sound, full of fragile hope, escaped from them.

-... I...
At that moment, the answer was ready to burst from my lips.

- AAAAAAAAA NOOOOOO!!!!

A loud scream tore through the fragile atmosphere around us. We realized that the bubble that only Jin-Woo and I were in had burst. A piercing scream, full of terror and pain. It came from the cave we were heading towards.

Reality literally fell on us, reminding us of where we were.

Without a word, Jin-Woo and I rushed towards the place where the bloodcurdling scream was coming from.

We ran forward, step by step. The further we went, the more obvious the traces of a battle that had taken place here became. Traces of blood on the cave walls and floor, remains of armor and broken weapons. There had clearly been a brutal fight here, but what worried me most was that we had not seen a single corpse of a monster during the entire journey... Could all this blood belong to the hunters who came here?

- Something is wrong here.

- Yes, this is a D-rank gate, it can be dangerous, but all the hunters in this group have participated in such sorties more than once. In this gate, goblins are considered the most dangerous, and only because of their numbers, but here everything indicates that the main group was attacked.

- And, judging by everything, the attackers were much stronger than the goblins - the armor and weapons seemed to have been broken by brute force alone.

Picking up a piece of metal from the cave floor, which was clearly a sword, I saw that the blade was damaged, as if someone had squeezed it very hard in their hands, and the steel could not withstand the pressure of such force.

- Goblins are clearly not capable of such a thing.

- We need to hurry.

Jin-Woo nodded in response to my words. As soon as we took a step to continue on our way, a strange sound caught my attention. It was coming from about thirty meters away from a large rock, behind which an adult could easily hide.

- Hyung?

Hearing Jin-Woo's questioning tone, I gestured for him to be quieter and motioned for him to follow me. Despite his surprise, he obeyed without question. The closer we got to the place, the more distinctly the sounds coming from there became audible. In fact... it sounded a lot like... a sob?

We exchanged glances with Jin-Woo and simultaneously walked around the rock.

- Aaaah, no! Don't touch me! I don't want to die!

There, curled up in a ball, with snot and tears smeared across his face, lay a fifty-year-old man, judging by the smell of an alpha, with his clothes splattered with blood.

- Mister Yun?!

Jin-Woo's surprised voice broke through the man's panic attack, forcing him to raise his trembling, tear-stained eyes.

- H-Hunter S-Sun, is it really you?

- Yes, Mr. Yun, are you okay?

It turned out that this question had broken the dam again: the man suddenly started crying again and rushed to hug Jin-Woo, who was stunned.

- I-I'm so glad to see you, I-I thought I was left here all alone...aaaaa!

To be honest, it was a pretty pathetic sight. This Mr. Yoon wasn't much taller than Jin-woo, but he had a massive beer belly, and with his bald head, he gave the impression of an uncle who often hung out with friends at street eateries, drinking soju. The sight of such a man clinging to Jin-woo with tears in his eyes, like a lost child, could only be called pathetic.

Jin-woo's face showed that he himself was not very keen on becoming an unexpected comforter, and he was torn between wanting to push him away and feeling sorry for him.

Hmm, it seemed the latter won out.

Well, well, everything is fine now.

The light, soothing pats on his thick back seemed to calm him down a little.

At least he finally got off Jin-Woo, which, judging by the sigh of relief, the latter was incredibly happy about.

Now that he wasn't huddled in the corner, I could get a good look at him and was surprised to notice that, although he looked pretty shabby now, even his equipment was much better than the young alpha next to me: the protective plates on his chest, shoulders, and arms looked pretty ridiculous on such a fat body. But even that was better than Jin-Woo's regular hoodie. Even the weapon, judging by everything, was of better quality than my new comrade's dagger.

- Hahaha, I never thought that you, Hunter Sung, would be the only one left in the group. What an unexpected stroke of luck, hahaha.

Ha, sorry. But what the hell? What is this pig talking about?

Jin-Woo's clenched fists showed that he didn't appreciate the backhanded compliment either, and he pulled himself together and asked the question that was on our minds.

"Mr. Yun, what happened here? How did the goblins wipe out the entire group?"

For a second, the air seemed to freeze with tension as we waited for the man to respond.

In an instant, his face seemed to turn as white as a wax figure, and a sour smell of fear hung around him, making me want to turn away.

"Because they weren't goblins. The ones who attacked us... were trolls.

The following event can only be described as a tragedy.

Chapter Text

Carefully:Horrors/ blood / dismemberment

From the moment he was born, Yun Jong-sop was a simple man, not the smartest, strongest, or richest. He was just an ordinary person, one of the millions living in South Korea, and he was content with that. As long as he could eat three meals a day and drink with his work friends, he was content with life.
He was a man who went with the flow. However, his peaceful life was shattered when the gates opened around the world, and he became one of the awakened. Although he only had a D-rank, he had to participate in raids. His wife, an ordinary woman with no special features, continued to worry that he might die, but Yun Jong-Sop thought that as long as it didn't interfere with his peaceful life, he could continue being a hunter.

It was supposed to be a regular raid, one of many he had participated in. There were even familiar faces he had interacted with well outside of raids!

- Hunter O! It's been a long time since we've seen each other.

- Hunter Yun! Indeed, it's been a while, how have you been?

- Hahaha, I'm doing well, I've decided to earn some extra money!

- Yes, it should be an easy task. I've heard that this is a D-rank gate, quite weak. Well, besides, there's Hunter Sung here, so there's no need to worry.

At this phrase, Hunter O laughed merrily, and John-Sop turned around to see the person Hunter O was referring to.
Hunter Sung Jin-Woo, E rank, or more specifically, the weakest hunter in the world.

The young man sat on a bench far away from them and seemed to not pay attention to them. In fact, he thought Hunter Song was a rather unlucky guy, even though he was an Alpha. Like him, Hunter Song was quite skinny and looked like he could pass out from a single blow. In our world, it just so happened that all the awakened were mostly Alphas, distinguished by physical strength, or Betas.

And the higher the rank, the more outstanding the Alpha was considered. This pathetic guy was not only unlucky enough to become an E-rank, but he was also a rather pathetic Alpha.

— Everyone get ready, we're entering the gate!

The squad leader's shout attracted everyone's attention. Approaching the portal located in one of the parks, Hunter Yun looked at the hunters gathered for today's raid.

Four female betas, two male betas, and four alphas counting him and Hunter Son. The raid should be really easy.

— Let's go!
With this phrase, everyone entered the gate.

The gate was a network of caves with many entrances, the only source of light was the glow of mana crystals scattered throughout the tunnel.

— Mages, turn on the lights!

The team leader, a tank, an alpha-rank C, continued to give orders while the others looked warily into the tunnels.

- Where should we go?

- There are so many tunnels here.

- What if we choose the wrong one?

- Let's go forward. The others can just lead us in circles.

After listening to the suggestion of the only healer in the group, a beta-rank D, everyone nodded in agreement.

- Let's move forward.

Everyone began to carefully follow the squad leader.

They had only gone about two hundred meters down the tunnel when they heard a sound.

“Everyone, get ready!” The group commander immediately gave the order.

Everyone took up attack positions, frozen in tense anticipation. It seemed as if the very air had frozen in anticipation of the inevitable battle.

The seconds dragged on endlessly. The thread of nerves was taut and ready to snap at any moment. And then the wait was interrupted by an arrow flying out of the darkness of the tunnel, and the tramp of many feet: red eyes, short stature, green skin, and weapons in hand.

“Goblins! Mages attack from behind, tanks forward!”

On command, everyone lined up in a row and began to attack the group of goblins. Although they are weak, they are quite agile.

A group of three tanks pushed the goblins away from the rest of the group while the mages cast spells for long-range attacks. The light from the spells illuminated the entire tunnel.

- Fireball!

- Light beam!

- Raaaar!!!

The screams of the burnt goblins, who rushed to the attack first, served as a signal for the battle to begin.

- ALL ON THE ATTACK!
The fighters who had been waiting for their turn finally entered the battle, the clash of swords and daggers echoing everywhere

It seemed like the entire battle hadn't lasted even ten minutes before the last goblin was destroyed.

- Phew, everyone did well. You can take the crystals from the dead goblins.

- Ah, we need a healer here!

- What, they managed to hurt someone?!

All eyes turned to the only wounded person in the group.

Hm, well, that was to be expected.

Of course, it was Hunter Sung. Who else.

He looked at the healer who was walking with displeasure at having to heal someone so quickly, and at Sung Jin-Woo, who awkwardly apologized for the inconvenience.

Yoon Jong Seop thought again how pathetic this guy was.

The next three waves of goblins were repelled with the same ease. Judging by the way they were moving forward, they did the right thing by choosing the central tunnel, at this rate, they would soon reach the boss room.

- Let's take a short break and continue!

Everyone happily accepted the squad leader's offer. But as soon as everyone settled in, it became obvious that someone was missing.

- Wait, where is Hunter Sung?
And indeed, that weak alpha was nowhere to be seen.

- Maybe we should go look for him? What if he gets lost?

The suggestion came from one of the four Beth girls in the group.
But not everyone decided to support such a decision.

Especially Hunter O.

- We don’t need to look for him all over the dungeon, this is not a playground where you can easily get lost. We are all risking our lives here, and I am not going to risk mine because of one person.

Some nodded in agreement, others, although they agreed, were embarrassed to show it openly. But the decision was made.

- While we are all resting, I will go and step away.

With these words, Hunter O. went deeper into the side tunnel.

Listening to the quiet conversations of the other hunters, Yun Jong-sop wondered what he would do after the raid. Maybe go out for a drink?
Although his wife would pounce on him again.
She would say that he was wasting his time drinking with friends. Speaking of time, had Hunter Oh been gone for too long?

He stood up from his seat and walked in the direction the other hunter had gone.

- Hunter O! What are you stuck in there for?

I called out to the missing hunter, sinking deeper and deeper, waiting for an answer.

The silence was ominous, and I didn't even notice how my palms were getting damp.

- Hunter O?

Crunch.

Suddenly I heard a sound that made me go cold inside.

Crunch...

— H-Hunter O? Is that you?

There was a deathly silence in response, a shudder ran through my entire body. The sound was coming from around the corner, another twenty steps and he would see everything. Of course, it was some kind of misunderstanding, Hunter O just didn't hear it right away. Of course, everything was fine.
It was not too late to turn back. But I couldn't stop and continued moving forward.
Around the corner, a sight appeared before my eyes that I will never forget.

A monster. Definitely not a goblin. A hairy body with long arms, thick, even strong-looking, fingers, a hairy tail. This disgusting sound did not stop the entire time I stood there.

- Eeeeek

A thin squeak escaped from me, causing the creature to freeze and slowly turn in my direction. A long, elongated muzzle, red eyes, protruding appendages here and there, and huge teeth.

As soon as it turned around, I realized where this disgusting sound was coming from and why, as soon as the monster looked at me, it suddenly fell silent.

A hand.

A hand was sticking out of its mouth, which the creature was eating with pleasure before it was interrupted.

But the worst thing was that I could clearly see what was behind the monster.

Hunter O.
Or rather, what was left of him. His neck was crushed like a straw, his stomach was ripped open, causing his organs to spill out and lie around the monster in a bloody mess, the hand that the monster held in its mouth was torn off.

Muscles and bone remains were sticking out of the stump. A surprised expression was frozen on his face, as if Hunter O. himself did not understand how this could have happened to him.

Looking at this empty face with an unblinking, dull gaze, I did the only thing that came to my mind.

I ran.
- Aaaaaah!

I thought that if I reached the others, I would be safe, that the monster that seemed to be chasing me would no longer pose a threat. But as soon as I approached our camp, I heard screams of horror.

- TROLLS! WHAT ARE THE TROLLS DOING HERE?!

- ISN'T THIS A DUNGEON WITH GOBLINS?! TROLLS ARE B RANK AT LEAST!!!

A terrifying scene appeared before me, like a scene from a horror movie.

Our group was attacked by a group of over thirty trolls. Due to the element of surprise and the fact that the hunters did not think they would face such a threat, the trolls completely suppressed the group, the mages could not hit the monsters, and the tanks did not have time to take up positions, since their shields were broken.

- Everyone gather without panic Aaaaaah!

Everyone watched in horror as the leader of the group, who was trying to take control of the situation, was simply torn to pieces in front of everyone. And then a terrible squelching sound was heard.

- Aaaah, the leader is dead!

- What to do?!

- Aaaah, help! Someone, help!

There was chaos everywhere. Yun Jeong-sоp saw the trolls dragging all the remaining victims deep into the dungeon. Two girls and one guy. All betas.

- Aaaah, help! Nooo!

At this point, he could try to save them, risk his life and die doing his duty as a hunter - fighting monsters.

But Yun Jeong-sоp was a simple man who wanted to live a comfortable life.

He didn't want to die...

- Aaaah, aaaah!

And he ran away.

Chapter Text

Thank you all so much for your kind words! Although I can't always respond to them, they mean a lot to me! Thank you again! We're approaching the final chapter of the first meeting arc. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

— In the end, I got lost in the tunnels and decided to hide and wait for the Association team to come to our aid.

The heavy realization of the situation the hunters found themselves in made the air suffocating as soon as the last words hung in the air. Hunter Yun's scent was full of despair and fear, making it even harder to breathe.

— Trolls... But how can there be two kinds of monsters in one dungeon?

Hearing Jin-Woo's thoughtful voice, I couldn't help but ask.

— Is this an unusual phenomenon?

— No, usually monsters of the same kind appear in one dungeon. These can be different creatures: wolves, elves, golems, and others.Sometimes it happens that monsters of different types are found in the same dungeon, but usually these are high-level or even red gates. For different types to be in a D-rank gate... It's impossible.

Now it became clear why such a well-prepared team panicked when the trolls appeared. Different types of monsters require different methods of dealing with them, and when the hunters entered here, they encountered goblins. The subsequent attack of the trolls was too unexpected for the hunters, who expected to only encounter goblins.

Simply put, they were just unlucky.

— So they dragged them deep into the caves?

— Right, there are definitely more of them there, so we need to...

— We're going there.

— Right, going there... wait, WHAT?! YOU'RE GOING THERE?! WHY?!

Hearing my words, Hunter Yun cried out in surprise, his eyes expressing how shocked he was by my words.

— What do you mean "why"? Naturally, to find those who were taken by the trolls, or their bodies, and, of course, to deal with the boss.

This guy continued to look at me in shock, as if I had grown a second head.

For me, such looks were familiar, in fact, they even caused a pleasant feeling of nostalgia. Everyone was always surprised by my choice in this or that situation. Neither the first nor the second option. I always went my own way. Never chose the easy way.
And this time too.
A familiar grin stretched my lips.

- Hyung, are you sure?
Jin-Woo's worried voice and the anxiety in his gaze - all this echoed in me with pleasant warmth.

- Don't worry, Jin-Woo-ya, I told you that we would pass this dungeon. Trust me.
Unshakable confidence in shining eyes and a bold smile on a pale face. This sight was breathtaking.

I looked straight at Jin-Woo's face, who was staring at me without stopping. For a second, I thought there were only two of us here.

"Are you completely crazy?!"

However, that feeling quickly disappeared.

This is annoying.

A disgruntled growl came from within me.

What?

I touched my chest in shock. What was that?

"Do you really think you can go and save everyone? Wake up, kid! That requires a high-ranking Hunter, not...
Omega?!

This old man, completely unconcerned about propriety, sniffed the air around me... Which under normal circumstances could be considered sexual harassment. Only family and a partner, and in very rare cases, the closest friends, can afford such a thing.

- People like you should go home, mind your own business and not interfere in the affairs of alphas, well, and if you are awake, then even more so go and find yourself a suitable alpha.

Ah, good old condescending attitude, I already miss it.

I remembered their conversation with Jin-Woo while they were searching for the rest of the squad.

Before the gate, this world was very similar to mine: alphas, betas, and omegas. Three castes that could form pairs and create families.
But with the gate, the situation changed dramatically. Most of the awakened were alphas and betas, awakened omegas made up about one to two percent of a hundred, and they were mostly E-rank hunters, or C at best. If you happened to become an A-rank hunter, it was considered unimaginable luck. Omegas, already weak by nature, were at an even greater disadvantage.
Even in a normal situation, during an omega's heat or an alpha's mating season, injuries often occur due to losing control of their inner essence.

But after the world changed, the situation worsened significantly, and deaths among omegas became a constant occurrence. Awakened alphas during the rut could not control their powers and killed their partners. The birth rate fell, humanity was on the brink of extinction, and not only because of the dungeon breakthrough.
Authorities around the world were looking for solutions to this problem.
So the system of polygamous relationships was introduced. Permanent pairs of alpha and omega no longer guaranteed the birth of children. Strong alphas could legally take as partners the required number of omegas to continue the lineage in the hope of having more children. This was especially true for high-ranking alpha hunters.

If an Omega was lucky enough to wake up with a high rank, he or she could also take as many mates as needed to produce offspring.

Of course, there were those who remained faithful to only one chosen mate, but if one of the pair was a hunter, there was an immediate risk of repeating the previous tragedies.

Haaaaah, to think, of all the universes, I had to end up in one where Omegas were seen as nothing more than new additions to the harem.

What the hell.

At the moment when I was going through another crisis in my life.

Someone shielded me from that vile gaze, full of condescending contempt. The back was narrow, not very strong, and the definition of "like behind a stone wall" certainly did not apply to it.

But for some reason I felt safe.

Maybe it's not that bad.

- Stop it, Hunter Yun.
The tone, brooking no objections, is completely different from the usual quiet and full of uncertainty.

It seems that this old man did not expect this either.

- We need to find the others as soon as possible.

- We!? What makes you think I'm going to save anyone?!

- We're a team, which means we can't abandon the others.

A calm, confident tone and determination in his eyes. It seemed like even this old man was confused by this sudden change in character, but he left pretty quickly.

- I don't care about the others, I'm not going to risk my life for them!

This piece of...

Judging by his darkened eyes, Jin-Woo was also fed up with this attitude.

But before he could say anything, I decided it was time to end this circus.

A second later I found myself in front of this disgusting old man. One second of surprise in his gaze, the second - I grab him by the collar, not covered by armor, the third - this piece of crap is dangling in the air on my outstretched hand.
- W-what h-how is this...?

With my maximum stats, this is nothing, I didn't even move as fast as I could. But it's enough for this pig to stop squealing.

- Surprised? Now listen to me carefully, pig.

- Pig?? Aaaaaaa!!!

- I don't care what your reasons are for abandoning your comrades. In fact, considering they were willing to abandon someone before, that says a lot about them. But if we don't clear this gate, the monsters will kill a lot of innocent civilians. So pull yourself together and do what a hunter must do.
Fight.

I said this without taking my eyes off the trembling couple in front of me, glowing fiercely. First with fear, then with doubt, and finally with resignation. The face, which reflected all these emotions in the blink of an eye, finally nodded in agreement.

- Very well. Now show me the way.

With these words, I lowered him back to the ground.

— Ah, I'm going to die.

— Let's go, Jin-woo.
Turning around to look at the frozen alpha, I saw a rather strange sight.
Jin-woo stood with his head turned in the other direction, his body shaking slightly.

— Ah, yes, I'm coming!

The young alpha who carried me past carefully did not look at my face.

Oh, maybe he was scared? I rarely show this side of me. I'll have to apologize later.

It became clear that we were heading in the right direction when we started to stumble upon the belongings of the missing hunters: armor, weapons... And human remains.
The number of bones, old and fresh, increased as we advanced.
The smell of death and decay made one want to immediately turn back. It seemed that this was exactly the desire that Hunter Yun was experiencing. But it seemed that our previous conversation was still fresh in his memory, so even though he was trembling, he continued to move forward.

- It's there.
A dark, impenetrable tunnel leading downwards, as if into the very abyss.
That ominous energy definitely came from there

- This is their nest, if we just go in there, they will immediately notice us and overwhelm us with numbers. Maybe we should lure them out? What do you think, hyung?

- Don't worry, Jin-Woo-ya, I have an idea. But you need to stay close to me and not make noise.

I know exactly how we can pass unnoticed.

[The story about Stone and me begins]

As soon as Jin-Woo and Hunter Yun approached me, my story covered the three of us like a blanket.

— I don't feel anything.

Jin-Woo looked at me in surprise, my second comrade's gaze was also unimpressed.

— You'll see everything for yourself soon. Let's go.

When we started to descend, we had to be especially careful: zero visibility made the situation even more dangerous, we could get separated, and in such darkness it was a direct path to death.

— You can't see anything, how are we even going to find anyone in such a... Aaaah!

I immediately shut the mouth of this timid old man, following his frightened gaze, and it became clear what he was afraid of. In the center of the tunnel, three meters away from us, two trolls stood, looking in our direction. They were as tall as a short person, but it was immediately obvious that they had plenty of physical strength.

A disgusting face with a huge mouth that would fit a person's entire head. Monsters in every sense of the word.
And now they were looking straight at us.
I motioned to Jin-Woo, who had suddenly leaned forward, to stay put. We froze in front of the trolls.
It seemed like the seconds stretched into minutes, and the minutes into hours.
I felt Hunter Yun trembling next to me, and Jin-Woo stood behind me in tense anticipation, ready to pounce at any second. But I believed that everything would work out.
And at some point, the trolls who were looking in our direction moved in the other direction.

[The Story of the Stone and Me Continues]

As we listened to the sound of paws moving further and further away, we froze for ten seconds before we all sighed in relief.

— Unbelievable! They passed by as if we weren't there! Hyung, is this your skill?

— H-How is this possible...
Jin-woo's excited voice and Hunter Yun's shocked mutterings mixed together, and I understood their surprise. Even in my world, despite its simplicity, it was an amazing story that had saved me more than once.

— Is this some kind of stealth skill?

— Mmm, something like that, only much better.

[Story, stone, and I proudly pouted]

Seeing the childish delight on the alpha's face, a smile appeared on my face.

— High-ranking hunters usually have such skills. You're not an ordinary omega, right?

Deciding to ignore the old man's question, I briefly outlined the conditions of my story's work.

Don't go far, don't make noise, if you see a troll, freeze and don't move.

Getting two nods in response, we continued on our way. Having passed three more monster patrols along the way, we descended deeper and deeper.

It seemed like a long time had passed before I saw the first glimmer of light. Signaling to my companions to speed up, we rushed towards it. After a long stay in absolute darkness, the light became like a deceptive ray of hope, beckoning to lost and desperate travelers. But… As soon as we reached this light, hell opened up before us.

Chapter Text

He knew it was possible, he couldn't help but know. Moreover, even in his own world, something like this could happen. Monsters or not, they were just animals, driven by instinct. In a world where alphas, omegas, and betas sought out partners and companions based on their inner instincts, it was logical to assume that sometimes monsters saw humans as something more than just food. Especially those who had at least some human traits.

A huge circular cave with a surprisingly high ceiling and an entrance that went deep into the depths. Small fires allowed only ominous outlines to be seen, and the brightest source of light were crystals hanging from the top of the cave.

It was thanks to them that one could see the horror happening below.

Human remains were scattered everywhere, heads, bones impaled on spikes, with spines sticking out and internal organs scattered.

- ... I beg you... enough.

- Save me, I want to go home, please!

- Aaaaah!

Violence.

Physical and mental, such as you would not wish on anyone. A real picture of hell, full of vice, the smell of blood and despair.

The naked figures of the missing hunters, three betas, two girls and one guy, weakly twitched under the bodies of the trolls towering over them.

Completely empty faces and dead eyes - the embodiment of a completely broken person who has lost even the slightest hope for salvation.

And the faces of the monsters were full of excitement and joy from the complete destruction of their prey.

— T-this is...

— Monstrous.

Jin-Woo's voice reaches me as if through a thick layer of water.

Disgust. Loathing. Rage. Pain.
I felt like I was suffocating from all these emotions, but my face was completely calm, as if the embodiment of a nightmare in front of me did not touch me at all.

No, now is not the time to give in to emotions, we must help them as quickly as possible.

— We need a plan. Jin-Woo-ya, what useful information can you learn about trolls?

— They are very strong, always move in groups, not the fastest, but they can easily overwhelm with numbers... And..
They are quite stupid, their intelligence is like that of children.
The last information made me think: like children, really?

But aren't children capable of the most cruel games?

At that moment we heard a noise below and, bending down so as not to be seen, we saw how one of the two girls began to scream and try to escape from the three monsters surrounding her.

- NO! I CAN'T DO IT ANYMORE!!!! I WANT TO GO HOME! HOME!
Heart-rending cries, full of despair and a plea for someone to save her. As if in slow motion, I watched as a desperately outstretched hand grabbed the nearest stone and, turning around, hit the nearest troll in the face, who was pulling her back.

— LET ME GO, YOU BEAST!

For a second, there was silence in the cave, it seemed that even the monsters froze in surprise at the audacity of their prey.

The naked figure of the girl was breathing heavily from adrenaline, a determined fire was burning in her eyes. But a second later, horror and fear ran across her face. From the sight of the monster's face, distorted with rage. A second. That's how long it took the troll to grab the frightened girl by the head and crush her like an overripe fruit. Blood and brains flew in different directions, one eye rolled closer to the place where we were hiding, and the pupil the color of bitter chocolate looked at us with a silent reproach that we did not have time to save its owner.

The sounds of carefully suppressed vomiting clearly belonged to Hunter Yun.

At that moment, a plan formed in my head.

-Jin-Woo-ya, Hunter Yun, do you have any skills that we can use?

My question caused my two comrades to look at each other.

-Sorry, hyung, I don’t have any skills.
It seemed like the young alpha really felt guilty for not being able to give me an affirmative answer.

-Don’t worry, Jin-Woo-ya, I’m just gathering information about our capabilities.

Then my gaze turned to the cowardly uncle.

— I'm good at checkers.

For a second, I thought I misheard.

— Well, I also have a provocation skill.

Why did you think of checkers first in a situation like this, you stupid bastard!?

This time, Jin Woo and I looked at each other, and it seemed like we had an idea. Maybe we should just throw this checkers champion to the trolls?

Standing up, I explained the details of my plan to my comrades. The gist of it was that the checkers champion would use his skill to make the trolls abandon the hunters and rush to the new prey, and then begin the pursuit. While one would distract them, the others would have to pull out the two remaining hunters and lead them out of here.

- I'll distract them.

- No, Jin-Woo-ya, I'll distract them, and you and Hunter Yun will lead the others out at that moment. Besides, they'll probably only chase after me.

I volunteered for three reasons: first, I was the fastest in the group, second, Jin-Woo, after recovering, although he looked better, was still very exhausted and needed treatment, and third, I was an omega.
With that thought, I touched my protective necklace, an A-rank artifact.

[Item: Necklace, creator: mass production. Blocks odor by 95%]

My scent gland.
If I remove the collar after using Yuna's skill "Hunter Provocation", the trolls will definitely forget about the hunters and immediately rush after me.
If we were to attack the trolls thoughtlessly, they could easily kill the hunters in a fit of rage. With this plan, the trolls themselves will abandon the hunters and start chasing me, and my comrades will save the rest.

Understanding my plan was reflected on Jinwoo's face, which immediately changed to fear.

- Hyung, it's too dangerous!

- Don't be afraid, Jin-woo-ya, I told you, I have a plan. Trust me.

In fact, I should be the one who should be worried if the monsters noticed my companions for some reason: neither Jin-Woo in his condition nor Hunter Yun would be able to deal with them.
Unless they had a suitable weapon. It seems to be somewhere in my coat.
I put my hand in my coat pocket, searched for the item I needed, and finally found it.

[Replica of the Forest Bandit King's Dagger, A+-Rank Artifact]

- Jin-Woo-ya, take this, if something goes wrong, use it to protect yourself and the others.

- This... is a very high-quality dagger, hyung, are you sure?
I could only nod in response to the alpha's hesitant question.

- If the plan fails and the trolls start chasing you, only you can protect the others. Although I will try very hard not to let that happen. But if anything happens, I trust the others to you.

My answer made the large gray eyes opposite him tremble with an unknown feeling. Lowering his head, the alpha resolutely clutched the dagger I gave him in his hands.

- As soon as we get the others out, I will come back for you.

What?

My heart stopped for a second from this phrase, and then began to beat at a furious speed.
- So please promise that you’ll be fine.
The cute face had such a determined expression that I could only nod. It felt like my heartbeat was echoing throughout the entire cave.

When was the last time someone promised that they would definitely come back for me? I can’t even remember.

Was that ever the case?

Now is not the time. We have taken up positions, and Hunter Yun will activate the provocation skill on my signal. We only have one chance to save the hunters.

The moment I gave the signal with my hand, I rushed forward, moving deeper into the cave, and a scream came from behind me, with magical energy radiating in waves.

The monsters turned to us as if on cue. As soon as their gaze focused on me, my hand reached for the clasp on my neck. The sweet scent of omega instantly filled the entire cave. The monsters' gazes were fixed on me.
Greedy, full of desire and thirst for murder.

- GRAAAAAAA!!!

The first wave that crashed down on me was immediately washed away by a stream of wind, cutting it in two. The unbreakable faith in my hand, enveloped in streams of wind, trembled with impatience. The events that followed merged into one instant.

Swing of the sword. The severed paw flew up. Turn. Cut off the heads of three more. Jump. Push away the muzzle of one of the trolls, land and, describing an arc, cut down ten at once.

Everything merged into one continuous line. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jin-Woo and Hunter Yun running towards the exit, carrying the unconscious hunters on their backs. Great, so the plan worked.

Now it's time to finish off the trolls.

[ Wind Paths activated]
I rushed straight into the thick of the monsters.

It seemed like only five minutes had passed. I stood in the center of the cave, and around me lay the remains of trolls. If this cave had seemed like a human grave before, now it was a monster cemetery. About forty trolls.

If they were released, a huge number of people would have suffered.

But something worries me. Jin-Woo said that when you clear the dungeon, an earthquake starts. But nothing like that happened... Then that means...

As if in response to my words, I felt a vile force engulf me and the entire cave. A huge thirst for blood, a rage that seemed ready to strangle me. The ground trembled under my feet, as if something incredibly huge was approaching. Now it became clear why the gates were still open.

The dungeon boss appeared.

A pale gray hand with long claws appeared from the depths of the cave, so huge that it could easily grab me. Grasping the edge of the cave, which cracked, the boss finally revealed himself in full. At least five meters, hairy legs, more like the legs of a mammoth.
The thick belly, immediately turning into a strangely shaped muzzle, with fangs reminiscent of a boar and a mouth full of sharp teeth, was completely open. An entire person could easily fit in there. Bloodshot eyes scanned the entire carnage and stopped at me. Seemingly realizing who had killed all of its servants, the monster swung its paw at me. The movement was slow, so I had no trouble dodging, but the force of this movement was impressive. Rocks, blood, and the remains of dead trolls seemed to have been blown away by a hurricane.

The stones that were flying at me were thrown away by the wind, but the walls of the cave where the blow landed were as if shot from a shotgun
He's slow, but very strong. Pushing off the wall, I found myself right in front of the boss in a second, who was preparing for another blow. A swing of the sword, shrouded in wind, completely cut off the monster's arm.

- GRAAAAAAA!
It seemed he didn't like it. Stepping back to check if the attack worked, I was surprised to realize that the monster was reaching not for me, but for its severed limb. Taking it in his only hand, the boss placed it on the remaining stump. With a hiss, the arm grew back. It seems he has some tricks.

- Ha, so you regenerate? And after that, will you be able to recover?

[Activated skill "Pure Energy of the White Star"]
A bright, pure white light filled the entire cave. It seemed like it was painful for the monster to even be near it, and it let out a painful cry.

- GRAAAAAAA!!

A wry smile appeared on my face, as I thought. This skill is great for fighting monsters of demonic nature, and in some countries, trolls are considered demons.

It's time to finish.

I pushed off the ground and flew up to the very top of the cave. Finding myself right above the boss, I turned in the air and threw myself down, swinging my sword.

It seemed as if a bright star flashed in front of the boss, drawing a straight shining line in front of the monster.
It seemed as if time had stopped for a second.

The boss and I froze, as if in anticipation. But I knew: the battle was over.

As if to confirm my words.

A vertical line began to appear across the monster's body. At some point, the dungeon boss split into two equal parts. Blood and internal organs gushed out in a stream. After waiting a few moments, I was convinced: there were no signs of regeneration. The boss was dead.

- Phew, that's it.

Finally, that's it. The dead hunters can rest in peace. Now I need to get out of here and find Jin-Woo and Uncle...

— Hyung?!
Or maybe I shouldn't look. I guess I was too caught up in the battle. I didn't even notice Jin-Woo and the group of armored men appearing. They were probably a rescue team. The one who stood out the most was the man in shining gray armor with red hair and a hooked nose. Not only did he radiate powerful energy, but he was also an omega like me. But like everyone else, his face was filled with shock and disbelief.

— H-How is that possible?.. Omega?

— What the hell?!

— Did he kill an ogre all by himself?

Ah, so that's what kind of monster it was. An ogre. I see.

Jin-Woo was the first to come to his senses and rushed towards me.

- Dokja-hyung, I'm sorry it took so long, are you okay? Are you in pain?

A smile appeared on my face, and warmth spread inside me.

He really came back for me.

There was a sincere smile on my face, and tenderness in my voice.

- Thank you for coming back for me, Jin-Woo-ya.

Our gazes met again.

Ah, that feeling again, as if there were only the two of us and no one else.

- Sorry for interrupting.

And again, just like last time, we were interrupted. With difficulty suppressing another flash of irritation.

I noticed an omega approaching.

- And you?

- Hyung, this is the deputy head of the Hunter Association, his name is...

- Woo Jin-Chul. Thank you for saving all those hunters, your fight with the boss was an incredible sight.
As I shook the outstretched hand, I felt like I was being assessed.

- Kim Dokja.

- The dungeon will be closing soon, the cleanup team should do everything before then. Why don't we talk somewhere else? And Mr. Kim, could you put on the collar?

- Oh, sure. It seemed like half the tension was caused by the fact that my scent was now available to everyone. Realizing this, I quickly pulled out a black silk ribbon and tied it at the back of my head. As soon as I put the choker back on, the natural scent of my gland began to disappear.
At that moment, Jin-Woo somehow tensed up suspiciously, turning his head in his direction with curiosity. I wanted to know if he was okay. But Inspector Woo distracted me.

- Thank you.

- No need, I should apologize for not thinking about it right away. And in response to your previous suggestion: yes, I think we should talk somewhere else.

The smell of blood and death made me almost vomit. The path to the exit was tensely silent. The Hunters from the association and Woo Jin-Chul were clearly wary of me.

Even Jin-Woo seemed to sense the tense atmosphere, because he didn't leave my side for a second.

- Here's the exit.

Hmm, this gate was very similar to a regular portal to another world, although the energy was a little different.

As soon as I stepped through it, the clean air and sounds of life made me freeze for a second.

Seoul. The way I remember it before the scenarios began. The evening sunset reflected off the glass buildings, painting the city orange. Young girls on the banners of popular cosmetics.

Children walking with their parents, smiling couples holding hands. The sounds of life and serenity. I had forgotten what it was like.

- Now let me ask, Mr. Kim, how did you end up at this gate?

The already tense atmosphere became even more threatening, the hunters from the association surrounded me in a semicircle, their faces showing that they were wary of me.

- I just decided to join the raid.
Of course, I couldn't tell the truth, and, putting on my best second-hand seller smile, I began to extricate myself from this situation.

— Then, may I see your hunter's ID?

— Ah, I'm afraid I left it in my other coat.

The eyes opposite narrowed, as if triumphant at having caught me. That was exactly what he wanted.

— Then you'll have to follow me to the association headquarters for further investigation.

— Wait! You can't just take him away, he saved everyone!

Oh, Jin-Woo was standing in front of me, blocking the hunters who were moving towards me.

— If it weren't for Dokja-hyung, the entire group would have died!

Suddenly, at that moment, help came from an unexpected place.

- I think so too! He didn't do anything!

Hunter Yun, who seemed to have healed, suddenly appeared next to me.

It's even a little touching.

- He may be a strange guy who appeared out of nowhere, but he's still not some kind of villain.

Forget what I said. This stupid bastard is digging me even deeper!

- Enough.
A powerful magical energy covered the entire area in front of the gate and everyone around.

It seemed like he was tired of listening to this bickering and decided to just subjugate everyone by force.

In any other situation, I wouldn't have cared.

But... Jin-Woo, who stood in front of me and wanted to protect me, almost collapsed from the pressure, and in his already weakened state, it could be dangerous.

This guy decided to grab the strange anomaly that appeared in the dungeon. I understand him. But I won't let others suffer because of this.

I've had enough of these bastards who think that because they're stronger than others, they can command others.

Slumping down next to Jin-Woo, I placed my hand on the alpha's back. Instantly, my power covered us like a blanket, protecting us.

- Hyung...

- You're right, that's enough.

My voice was icy as I released only a small portion of my status. But the effect was immediate: the omegas and betas behind him fell like dolls with their strings cut at their knees.
Pale faces, sweat and terror in their eyes. The omega in front had it especially hard.

-H-how is this possible...? He looked at me with a trembling voice and horror.

- Hyung, is that you? Jin-Woo's worried voice reached me.

- I don't mind going with you. But don't drag others into this. Trust me, Chief Woo, I don't want to cause trouble either.
The message was clear: you're not threatening me. But you better be polite.

- My comrade needs help too, send him to the hospital.

Jinwoo's head jerked up and he looked at me in surprise, but I had already decided to take advantage of the situation.

- The conditions are acceptable. Please follow me.
Aish, how his tone changed abruptly when he realized the situation he was in.

The omega, who was barely able to stand, pointed at the car.

As I started to get up to go to the car, my hand was grabbed with such desperation that I couldn't help but turn around, surprised to see Jin-Woo, who was barely able to stand and looking at me with a burning gaze.

- Please don't go, Dokja-hyung!
Oh, I haven't seen such an expression on his face even when he was surrounded by monsters and realized that his comrades had simply abandoned him. So why are you looking at me with such horror now? As if my leaving was the worst thing that could happen to you.
You are a very strange alpha after all.
Those thoughts brought a smile to my face, full of sadness and a quiet promise.

— Don't worry, Jin-Woo-ya, I've gotten out of situations like this before. I promised that we'd get through this dungeon. So trust me this time too.

The eyes in front of me were trembling with barely contained emotions.

—They're waiting for you, right? It's time for you to go home.

Hearing my words, Jin-Woo shuddered slightly and, gritting his teeth, lowered his head.

We've been through a lot in a short time. Smiling at that sweet face, I easily slipped out of his grip.

The hand holding mine hung in the air for a few more moments before falling powerlessly.

I turned away and continued on my way without looking back. The hem of my white cloak fluttered gracefully.

It seemed that this was our last meeting.

This thought sent a painful jolt through me.
But at that moment I didn’t know that this was only the beginning of our story.

[T h E h I S t o Ry of @#%&₽?!& i S b O r N]

Chapter Text

The view of Seoul at night outside the car window was beautiful. Shining buildings, with the light of life burning inside. The street lights of the road the car was driving on illuminated the spacious interior, which was obviously finished with expensive materials. The atmosphere inside was so tense that it seemed as if the air was crackling with electricity. I tore my gaze away from the scenery outside the window and turned my attention to the omega sitting opposite me. From the moment we got into the car and throughout the entire ride, Chief Woo's gaze did not leave me. After what happened at the gate, his address to me became more respectful, but his gaze became even more suspicious.

— Do you want to ask something, Chief Woo?

The pink lips stretched into a sarcastic smile. Let's see what you say. Judging by the way the other person's eyes narrowed, it looks like my little provocation worked.

— No, where did you get that from?

— Judging by your look, you're very interested in something.

My opponent and I met eyes. It seemed like about ten seconds passed before Woo Jin-Chul decided to ask me a question.

— Why did you decide to help those hunters?

— And why couldn't I do it?

Chief Woo looked away for the first time after hearing this question, as if he didn't know how best to ask the question he was interested in... or was afraid to ask it.

It seemed that Wu Jin-Chul had finally forced himself to ask the question that was bothering him.

- Do... like you save people?

Oh, it seemed that Jinwoo wasn't the only one who realized that an ordinary person couldn't end up in the gate.

- And who am I if not a person, Chief Woo?

Our gazes met again, my dark and brown ones opposite. After a while, I heard the omega opposite me answer:

- I don't know yet.

A mocking smile formed on the pink lips at this answer.

- Interesting.
Knowing that I am clearly not human, he still intends to confront me. He has a lot of courage.

The street lights continued to cast shadows on our faces, still assessing the man and the creature sitting opposite.

The rest of the way was spent in silence, sometimes I noticed how my companion was texting someone on his phone. Probably the same head of the association. The sight of the smartphone made me think about my own gadget: does it still work? After all, with the change of the world line and in "Ways of Survival" there is no longer any need for it.

Will it become an ordinary smartphone from which you can call and text?

But who should I write or call here? There is no one here who knows me and could expect a call. Unless...
The face of the strange alpha involuntarily popped into my head. Big gray eyes and soft hair. I wonder how Jin-Woo is doing? According to our agreement with Chief Woo, he was supposed to be sent to the hospital for treatment. Hopefully, after going through such an ordeal, he will be able to recover enough before he decides to risk his life again. And I have no doubt that he will. He is too stubborn to be broken by this. He said that he only has a younger sister and a sick mother. In Korea, treatment has always been expensive, medical bills could reach several thousand dollars.

You can’t earn that kind of money in the usual ways, the only thing left to do is continue participating in raids.

Hmm, come to think of it, Jin-Woo said that the hunter who killed the monster can take its core, that's the rules of the dungeon. So I can too...

— Chief Woo, what will happen to the cores of the trolls and the dungeon boss that I killed?

Omega, who was sitting with his nose buried in his phone, turned his attention to me. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously and finally answered my question.

— Usually, those who killed the boss and monsters can take their cores. That's the rules.

Great, it's just as I thought. I couldn't hide my satisfied smile. Which made the gaze in front of me even more suspicious.

— But this time, I killed all the monsters.

— That's right... But you're not an official hunter yet.

— Of course, but since I had real hunters with me, the cores could be distributed among them based on their contribution.

My answer made Woo Jin-Chul hesitate, as if he hadn't expected such a question.

— Theoretically, yes, but it usually happens rarely.

— Why? If Hunter Sung hadn't found me and Hunter Yun, we wouldn't have known that the rest of the party was in danger. Hunter Yun and I would have simply remained in this labyrinth.

— T-That's...

— So wouldn't it be fair to split the reward between them? Let's say 60% to 40%. Naturally, Hunter Sung would also get the boss core for his greater contribution. That would be fair, wouldn't it?

I smiled as I looked at the puzzled Omega opposite me. It seemed like he hadn't expected that. However, I wouldn't be able to gain anything from killing those monsters anyway, mainly because I had entered the gate unofficially.

But Jin-Woo needed this money more.Even though trolls aren't considered particularly high-ranking, it would be a good amount to get that many cores, especially with a boss.

— Understood, then I will immediately give the order to transfer the money to Hunter Sung account.

The humble sigh that escaped my companion's chest upon seeing my smile was music to my ears.

Victory.

As soon as we finished speaking, the car stopped in front of a huge glass building. No less than sixty floors. The building was located in the very center of Seoul, towering over everyone.

As soon as people raised their heads and saw it, like a pillar of hope, a feeling of confidence and stability was born in their hearts. As if to say, no matter what happens in the world, there will always be those who are ready to protect them.

- Follow me.
Getting out of the car, I followed my guide. The building seemed even bigger up close. I had to tilt my head up to look up, and the top of the building was still not visible.
Walking through the automatic glass doors, a huge lobby opened up before us. The reception desk was right in the center of the foyer, the sofas looked like they were upholstered in expensive leather, a crystal chandelier shone on the high ceiling, and plants created a cozy atmosphere. Everything around seemed to shine, which is not surprising: the best materials were clearly used here.
Before the apocalypse in my world, I would not have even dared to go near such a place, knowing that I would not fit in at all. Now, although it made an impression, it could not particularly surprise me.

There were two elevators right behind the counter, and as soon as Woo Jin-Chul entered, he immediately pressed the button for the sixtieth floor. The elevator ride didn’t take long. The elevator beeped and stopped at the sixtieth floor. The doors opened, revealing a long corridor with double doors at the end. Even from here, I could feel the strength of the person standing behind them. A strength that felt like years of experience, like a mountain that could crush anyone who stood in its way. Even comparing it to the person standing next to me was unbearable. The difference was like that between an adult and a child.

Stopping at the door, I felt that this power seemed even more overwhelming up close.

- Chairman Go is waiting for you.

With these words, Woo Jin-Chul opened the door for me.

Taking a step, I found myself in a huge office. To my right was a panoramic window that covered the entire wall, offering a stunning view of Seoul at night. Two sofas stood opposite each other, and between them was a table. At the far wall was a dark wood table, behind which sat the man I had heard so much about.

Well, the rumors were true: the president of the Korean Hunters Association, Go Gun-Hee, was indeed an impressive person.

A powerful fighter's build, a friendly expression, scarred face, a head taller than me and with the characteristic scent of an alpha - he did not look like a sixty-year-old at all.

The outstretched hand in greeting and the kind tone could deceive anyone, but not me.

- Nice to meet you, Mr. Kim. I am the president of the Korean Hunters Association, Go Gun-Hee.

- Nice to meet you too, President Go. Kim Dokja. Although you already know that.

Extending my hand in return, I was sure of my assumptions when I felt the magical power of the alpha standing in front of me trying to crush me.

I am being tested.
I could try to hide my strength, but that would only create more unnecessary restrictions in the future. If I was going to stay here, I needed documents, connections, and people who could provide all of that. And the person in front of me was the one who could do all of that. But to do that, I would have to reveal some of my cards, like… Threatening me was useless.

The feeling that a mountain was about to fall on the office was instantly dispelled by the small amount of status I had released. Now it felt like the entire office was shaking with electricity. I didn’t miss the shock and fear that showed on the president’s face, and Chief Woo, who had been standing by the door the entire time, almost fell to his knees.

- Did you find out what you wanted, Mr. President?

- Hm, forgive me for checking a little. It's not every day that my deputy informs me of the appearance of an unknown omega with such power. And in the gate, no less.

To his credit, this man was clearly accustomed to negotiations; having recovered from the initial shock, he quickly pulled himself together.

- Why don't we sit down and have some tea while we talk?

Nodding in response to this invitation, we approached the sofa, and Chief Woo came over and poured us drinks.

After placing an amber liquid in front of us, the delicious aroma of which tickled my nose, Woo Jin-Chul stood behind the chairman, arms crossed over his chest, like a typical bodyguard.

We simply enjoyed our drinks for a few minutes, but someone had to start this conversation.

- So...
Hmm, it seems the president has decided to reveal his cards first.

- Who are you, Mr. Kim?

- What do you mean, President Go?
Playing the fool is always an effective method. Let's see what you can do.
It seemed he read the challenge in my gaze, and with a serious face, the president began listing all the information he had.

— No insurance policy, no residential address, no relatives. You appeared in the gate, and before that, it was as if you didn’t exist. No matter how hard we tried, we couldn’t find a single piece of information about you. The question arises: who... No, what are you, Mr. Kim?

— Hm, you work pretty fast. Impressive. And what conclusion did you come to, Mr. President?

Putting my cup down on the table, I met the gaze of Go Gun-hee, who was sitting opposite me, his arms crossed over his chest and resting on his knees. The old alpha in front of me didn’t take his eyes off me.

His tense posture was a sharp contrast to my relaxed, leg-crossed one.

— You’re not human, are you.

The words that sounded in the tense silence were not a question, but a statement.
At these words, my lips automatically stretched into a sly grin. Chief Woo, standing behind the chairman, visibly tensed up, as did the president himself.

— And if so?

The moonlight from the panoramic window illuminated the white face, giving it a charming aura, long eyelashes, pink lips and shining eyes—a seductive sight that few could leave indifferent. And only the scarlet sparkles in the eyes spoiled the angelic picture, confirming the inhumanity of its owner.

It seemed as if all the air had left the room at once. I saw how the president's clenched fists trembled and how his Adam's apple bounced from nervous swallowing.

- ...Then what...What do you want here?

-Well, that's natural...
A tense anticipation that made jaw clench. The president and his deputy froze in anxious anticipation. The next words seemed to break the whole atmosphere.

-I'm looking for a job.

These words were spoken with a happy smile and open arms.

The room was so quiet that you could hear the noise of the street outside the window.

-What?

The first to recover from the shock was the president.

-I'm looking for a job. So, Mr. Guo, why don't you hire me?

Chapter Text

Go Gun-Нее had been through a lot in his life. Even before the gates appeared, he could not ignore those in need. Driven by a sense of justice and the belief that a person with power and authority should use it for the benefit of others. Even after the world changed and the gates appeared, he continued to adhere to his principles. By creating the Hunters' Association and becoming its leader, he wanted to protect the common people not only from monsters, but also from those who believed that they could harm others by using their power. This was especially true for omegas, who were often subjected to cruelty before the gates opened, but with the appearance of hunters, the situation had worsened significantly. He understood why the polygamy system was introduced. After all, the birth rate had dropped threefold in the past ten years.

But for a man who had been happily married to his partner for over forty years, the idea of another partner was too foreign.
The world had changed, and unfortunately, not for the better.
The awakening of an A-rank omega was one of the happiest events in a long time, and when this same omega came to the association, wanting to become one of the employees of the monitoring department, Go Gun-hee immediately hired him.
This was his first meeting with Woo Jin-Chul. One day, he asked him why he decided to go to work for the association, because omegas of such a high rank could immediately go to work in the guild and find a suitable partner there, even an S-rank.

- I want to protect the omegas who were unlucky like me and prove that even though I'm an omega, I'm not inferior to the alphas.

A week after that conversation, he appointed Woo Jin-Chul as his deputy.
Recalling his life, he realized that it was full of unusual and strange events, at some point he stopped being surprised by anything, and after his health deteriorated and he could no longer fight in the gate, it seemed that even his heart had not accelerated since then, as if his soul was slowly freezing.

But all this was interrupted by a single message from his deputy late at night, which he spent with his dear wife.

{ President. A few hours ago, we received a rescue request from one of the groups sent to the D-rank gate. The assessment was wrong: there were two types of monsters in the gate.}

{ What was the result of the rescue operation? What about the group of hunters who participated in the raid?}

{ Out of the ten hunters, four survived.}

{ I see. You reacted in time, great job .}

{ That's the point, sir. We weren't the ones who saved those hunters.}

This message made him open his eyes in surprise: even high-ranking hunters are wary of dungeons with two types of monsters, there are too many unpredictable factors. Was there a hunter from another guild nearby?

As if in response to his question, the next message came.

{An unknown hunter appeared there. We checked all the databases, sir, his name is nowhere to be found. It's as if he doesn't exist. Sir, I have a suspicion that he might not be human}

Looking at the last line, Go Gun-Hee felt his heart beat faster for the first time in a long time.

{We're going to the association headquarters}

- Honey, where are you going so late?

The worry in his wife's voice distracted him from his hasty preparations for a second.

- Sorry, honey, something at work. Go to bed without me.

Closing the front door, he felt his mate's worried gaze on him.

On the way to the association, Gun-Hee was going over all the assumptions and options in his head regarding the possible non-human.

So imagine his surprise when his deputy introduced him to a very cute omega a head shorter than him. He had to lift his head all the way up to look at my face. For a second, he thought there was some kind of mistake.

He didn't feel any special power from the omega in front of him.
But Jin- Chul wasn't the type to say things like that without a reason. As I extended my hand to shake his, I decided to conduct a small experiment. I released my magical energy, expecting the slender creature in front of me to fall over.
But it turned out to be the opposite.
The magical power I felt in response seemed ready to crush me like a bug. Every muscle in my body was cramping. It felt like my tongue weighed a ton. It was only through sheer willpower and years of training that I didn't fall to my knees. Instinctively, I knew that the creature in front of me wasn't human, and no matter how much power I had, even if I gave my life here, I wouldn't be able to harm it.

- Did you find out what you wanted, President?

The sly smile on his pink lips told me that my little test had not gone unnoticed. Kim Dokja - what a strange name, and an even stranger being in front of him. Having asked what this powerful being wanted to achieve in our world, he was prepared for any answer.
At least, that's what he thought.

- I'm looking for a job. Well, Mr. Go, why don't you hire me?

That's how his first meeting with Kim Dokja went.

***

The comical faces of the president and his deputy were too funny.
I forgot how pleasant it is to cause collective shock.

- W-what do you mean by work?!

- That's what you mean, Chief Woo, a job with a salary and health insurance.

- But why do you need it, you're not even human...

- Do you think non-humans don't need health insurance?

It seemed like my answer made him even more angry.

- This!

- Enough. Woo Jin-Chul.
The calm, confident voice of President Go interrupted the bickering that had begun. The gaze directed at me was filled with years of experience, as if they were trying to understand me as a particularly difficult riddle.

- Can I ask you one question, Mr. Kim?

- What is it?

- Why did you decide to save these hunters? You weren't obligated to do so, with your abilities you could easily have gotten out of the gate without outside help.
Looking at the face of the alpha in front of me, I felt that the answer to this question would decide the outcome of these negotiations.

— It seems your deputy has asked me a similar question before.

I confidently looked into the eyes of the one in front of me and answered the same.

— Why can't I help if I have the strength to do so?

The face in front of me, which had been tense until now, changed noticeably, the sharp edges of the inner predator softened, and real sincerity appeared in his gaze. It seems I gave the right answer.

— I see. So you really want to work for the association?

— I told you before. Why don't you look at it from a different perspective, Mr. Go? In a world where monsters can break out of the gates at any moment, a hero who will save everyone won't always be able to appear.

He should know, since the only protagonist he knew was a loser until the very end, unable to do anything either alone or with his comrades.

- Sometimes, to defeat a monster, you don't need a hero, but an even stronger monster. So why don't you hire this monster?

The aura around me had changed noticeably.
Now, more than ever, I felt like a demon, proposing such a deal.

The tense Go Gun-Hee looked at me for a second before finally giving an answer.

- I'm coming.

- The President!

President Go raised his hand, cutting off any objections from his deputy.

- There's a lot that needs to be done.

- That's true. But I'm sure the influential president of the Korean Hunters Association has enough power to create an identity for one person.
The man in front of me chuckled when he heard my words.

- I think I'll regret my decision many times. But considering the current situation in our country, I'm willing to take this risk to protect it.

- What do you mean by this situation?

— Do you know how many S-rank Hunters there are in our country now, Mr. Kim?

After thinking for a second, I remembered the exact number that Jin-Woo told me.

— Nine, if I'm not mistaken.

— Correct.

Nodding in response to my words, President Go began to explain the current situation to me.

— After one of our S-rank Hunters, Hwang Dong-Soo, left for America, we lost almost half of our country's fighting power.

He handed me a tablet with detailed information on the S-rank Hunters.
— In other countries, the number of S-rank hunters is fifteen on average, compared to others, our country is very weak. And because of the failed raid on Jeju Island, where the S-rank gate opened, we are at an even greater disadvantage.

While listening to the president, I simultaneously looked at the information on the tablet. Hmm, Jeju Island, ants and the queen ant. Dead S-rank.

— We were planning to set a date for a new raid on the island in the next six months, but due to the current situation, it will have to be postponed. Unless the power vacuum is filled with something.

- I understand what you mean, don't worry. I'm ready to participate in the next raid.

The man in front of me sighed with relief upon hearing my words.

- But until then, I'll need a new ID that won't raise any questions.

- Don't worry, I'll arrange everything. All the documents will be ready by tomorrow, tomorrow you'll need to pass testing at the association to officially confirm your rank.

- Testing?

- Don't worry, it's a standard procedure for obtaining a hunter's license.

- It looks like it will cause a big stir.

My question made the chairman sigh so heavily, as if he was carrying the entire weight of the universe.

- That's putting it mildly. It will be even worse when it becomes known that you are an Omega.

Oh yeah, open contempt, how could I forget that.

- Are there really so few S-rank Omegas in the world?

- Not just few, there are only two.One lives in Africa, and the other in France.

There are almost none.

- In Korea, the highest-ranking Omega is my deputy, and that's it. So, Mr. Kim, prepare yourself for increased attention.

- If possible, I’d like to avoid that.
It seems my grimace was very funny, as the president couldn’t help but chuckle.

- The only issue that remains to be resolved is where you’ll live. Given your special physiology, I could suggest that you stay with Chief Woo for a while. But it seems that you won’t be satisfied with that.

Seeing how we both winced at the same time, Go Gun-Hee immediately suggested another option.

- Then, until we prepare an apartment for you that meets all your needs, you’ll have to stay at a hotel. Of course, the association will pay for everything.

I hated hotels in general, I never felt safe with so many people around. But there were no other options: he was approaching his heat, which meant he needed to find a place where he could ride it out safely, where no one could smell him. Usually, parents would prepare special rooms for their children once it was clear what gender the baby was. But it takes time to do it right. In some situations where that wasn't possible, hotels could provide all the necessary accommodations so that alphas and omegas who couldn't be home at the time could ride it out there. Hell, it seemed like he had no other options.

I could only agree with a sigh.

- Okay.

- Excellent. Then the driver will take you there and pick you up in the morning to take you for an assessment.

- No need, I can walk there myself.
While we were talking, we managed to leave the office and take the elevator down to the underground parking lot. There were many different expensive cars around. Next to one of them stood a beta hunter, nervously smoking. The poor guy almost swallowed his cigarette when he saw the president and his deputy.

- Well then, see you tomorrow, Hunter Kim. I hope for a fruitful cooperation.

This time, the outstretched hand was truly a gesture of goodwill.

- I hope so too, President Goh.

We sealed our agreement with a handshake.

***
Driving out of the underground parking lot onto the streets of Seoul at night, I replayed in my head everything that had happened to me over the past half day. Entering another world, saving the hunters, signing the agreement with the association... And meeting Sung Jin-Woo. I wonder how he's doing there? Was he treated well at the hospital? Did he see his family?

Looking at my reflection in the side window of the car, where the lights of the night city fell, I involuntarily wondered once again where I got such an attachment to, in fact, a complete stranger.
Was it because, despite his weakness, he continued to fight?

I have always admired people who fought, no matter what.
Or because he was the first person I met in this world?
I don’t understand. At the moment of our farewell, it seemed to me that if we parted, everything would pass, but it seemed that the further I was from him, the more I thought about him.
If only... I could meet him again, maybe I could sort out my feelings.

But think it's impossible.
With these thoughts, I leaned my head against the car window, looking at the city outside.
At that moment, something caught my attention in the reflection. I could only turn my head to make sure... No, this can't be.

- Stop the car!
At my cry, the driver abruptly stepped on the brake and turned to me in fear.

- W-what happened? Ah, w-wait, what are you saying?!
But I wasn't listening anymore. Opening the door and jumping out of the car, I couldn't tear my eyes away from the figure that was standing in front of the association building and trying to get inside.
Why are you here?
My shocked gaze never left the strange alpha who should be with his family right now.

- Jin-Woo-ya...

My quiet voice sounded like a shot in the silence. The alpha in front of me first flinched, and then turned around abruptly and opened his eyes wide, as if in bewilderment.
It seemed like we stood like that for a whole minute, just looking into each other's eyes: his gray and my dark.

- Why are you...

- Dokja-hyung!

Before I could finish speaking, I felt myself pressed against a warm chest.

O.
Oh.

Tudum. Tudum. Tudum.

It felt like my heart was about to jump out of my chest. The embrace he held me in was warm and gentle. I felt like a treasure that he was afraid to break, but also didn’t want to let go. A trembling voice, accompanied by hot breath, reached my ear. My face was as red as tomatoes, which I hate.

- I was so afraid that they might hurt you.

Tudum. Tudum. Tudum.

- Jin-Woo-ya...
He raised his head to meet my gaze. My face and Jinwoo’s were only a few centimeters apart. I saw my reflection in those big eyes.

Realizing the situation we were in, the alpha blushed even more than I did. Jin-Woo quickly broke the hug and took a step back, awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

- S-sorry! I'm just really happy to see you.

- It's okay.

Even though my face was red, I tried to smile as naturally as possible. I didn't want to think about how cold I suddenly felt.

- So why are you here? Shouldn't you be in the hospital? How are you feeling?

- Ah, everything is fine after the medicine you gave me, all my wounds have healed. At the hospital, they fed me and said that I was completely healthy.

- Oh, I'm glad.
A smile appeared on my face at this news.

- It's all thanks to you, hyung.

There was an awkward silence between us for a second.

- So why did you come here?

- You were taken away by those people from the association. And I thought maybe I could help you with something if you needed help.

I looked at the alpha in front of me in shock, wait, is he serious?

- Hahaha!

I couldn't hold back the laughter that escaped.

- Were you planning to storm this place,
Jin-Woo-ya?

- Th-this!
Seemingly realizing how it all looked from the outside, the poor guy blushed even more and began waving his arms in panic. But this only made me laugh harder. Ha, I haven't laughed like that in a long time!

Looking at the guy in front of me, I couldn't stop smiling.

- Thank you for wanting to save me, Jin-Woo-ya. But they didn't do anything to me, the worst thing that happened was that they hired me.

- Work?
The guy's surprised tone was understandable: I was taken away like a prisoner, and now I work for them.

- Yeah. Tomorrow I have to come for certification to get a hunter's license. And now they were taking me to a hotel, until they prepare an apartment, I will live there. Although I can't stand hotels.

Having thoroughly explained the situation, I could not resist and at the end complained about my difficult situation.

- I see... Then why don't you stay with me?

For a second it seemed to me that I misheard. Maybe I misunderstood something?

- What?

But, contrary to my expectations, he began to persuade me to stay with him.

- We have a small apartment, and we live with my sister, but my parents are away right now. So one room is empty, you can stay there if you want!

All this was said at the speed of a machine gun. Raising my hand to stop this stream of words, I couldn't help but clarify just in case.

- Jin-Woo-ya. You remember that I'm an omega, right?

My words made the cheeks opposite blush again.

- Yes, I know.

- And you understand that I need special conditions?

The nod in response destroyed my hopes that I had misunderstood the situation.

- My mom is an omega too, so my parents' room is perfectly arranged.

Now I understand why he's so sure everything is fine, but that doesn't change the other question.

- Why? If it's because I saved you, then you don't owe me anything. I decided to save everyone.

- That's not it!
My words were cut off mid-sentence.

- I mean, because of that too, but not only that.

He paused for a second, as if collecting his thoughts.

— Dokja-hyung, you are the first one to believe in me in a long time. Usually, once people find out my rank, they immediately write me off. You are the first one to extend a hand to a pathetic E-rank and promise that we would clear the dungeon together. That's why...

The power of that gaze seemed to bind my entire body with invisible shackles.

— This time, I want to extend my hand to you.
What do you say, hyung?

The extended hand and the determination in his gaze made me stare at them without looking away.
After all, you are a very strange alpha.
I think I understand why I've been thinking about you since the very first time we met.
After all, I can't help but smile every time.

— Sir, are you coming?

The driver from the association got out of the car, tired from waiting for so long.

— Go home. I'm not going to the hotel.

Glancing back at the puzzled driver, I looked at the face opposite with a gentle smile.

— Then take Jin-Woo-yu.

I placed my pale hand with slender fingers into the tanned hand with calluses from hard work that was extended in anticipation. I couldn't help but notice how different they were. Ah, his hands are bigger than mine.

— Yes!
A face lit up with joy, and eyes sparkling with happiness. In the lights of Seoul at night, it was a beautiful sight. For some reason, I was sure that I had the same expression on my face.

Chapter Text

Sung Jin-Woo had long ago realized that the world was divided into two types of people. Those who were born with everything they wanted, those who were lucky by definition, and those who, no matter how hard they tried, would always be doomed to pick up scraps from those at the top. Even before the apocalypse and his parents' departure, he considered himself a representative of the first category, but the world very quickly destroyed all his illusions. Perhaps he should have realized this from the beginning. In middle school, when all the alphas began to grow and gain muscle mass, he remained just as skinny and short. This worried him so much at such a tender age that as soon as he shared his worries with his parents, his father would start to ruffle his hair with a laugh and say::
- Don't worry. In our family, all alphas grow up sooner or later.

Looking at his father's tall and strong figure, Jin-Woo could easily think that he simply hadn't grown up yet.

Unfortunately, this was another misconception. By the time he entered high school, when young alphas, betas, and omegas were looking for their first love, he was still the same, more like an omega than an alpha. It was no wonder that the first omega girl he liked almost laughed in his face when he confessed his love to her behind school,

— Sorry. I thought you were an omega, so...
If it weren't for the annual medical checkups, he would seriously think that he had a misidentification of his gender.

That same evening, sitting at home on the couch, broken after the failed confession and watching his mother's favorite series with him, he listened to her lamentations about the main characters.

-Oh, of course he'll choose the main character!- On the screen, the tall alpha passionately hugged the fragile omega, looking hostilely at the slimmer beta in front of him. "Just look at him, he's so skinny, no omega would feel safe with him."

Not realizing that she was driving her son into even greater depression, Park Kyung-Hye continued to look at the TV screen.
Looking at the pitiful second lead, Jin-Woo thought that he was the same, just a supporting character in his own story who would never be chosen as a partner.
If he thought his life was hard before, then after the gate opened, it turned into hell.
The father who disappeared through the gate, finally finding time for his son, disappeared into the amusement park while saving people, a happy event turned into the most terrible memory. Then his mother got sick with the eternal sleep disease, the hospital bills that never stopped coming. Having given up on going to university and taking on several jobs, he dreamed that in the hell that his life had become, there would be at least one ray of hope.

It seemed that the heavens had heard his prayers when one day, while working at a construction site, he felt the same thing he had heard from many awakened people on TV. At that moment, awakening seemed like salvation: he would finally be able to earn enough to pay all his bills and send his sister to college!

It was worth realizing that a loser remains a loser until the very end.

-Rank E.-The indifferent voice of the girl conducting the test destroyed his last hopes. - Hmm, actually, your magic power level is twelve points, only two points more than an ordinary person.
Of course.
He would not be so lucky.
But this was his only chance to earn money.

And so he became a hunter.

Risking his life, but continuing to raid. Better known as the weakest weapon of humanity, the complete opposite of the S-rank Alpha Hunter Guild Master Choi Jong-in, who was called the strongest weapon.

Sung Jin-Woo had long since resigned himself to the idea that he would never have luck, and this raid was not going to be an exception.

-Jin-ah, I'm leaving.

- Oppa, are you going on a raid again? Watching her brother tie the laces of his battered sneakers, the young beta girl couldn't help but feel nervous: her stupid brother always came back from the gates beaten or injured. Anyone would have found a safer way to make money, but it seemed her oppa was too stubborn to just give up.

- Yeah, it's supposed to be an easy raid today, so don't worry, - he noticed his sister's skeptical look. - Seriously, you have nothing to worry about.

- Like you've ever come back without injuries despite an easy raid.

- Haha, sorry.
The girl's phone ringtone interrupted my awkward explanation. Seeing her eyes sparkle, I couldn't help but ask. - What's wrong? Don't tell me you have a boyfriend?

A snort was all I needed. - Like I need one. It’s this new horoscope app, it’s so popular. My whole school uses it now, it’s 100% accurate.

Now it was my turn to snort. - What do kids like you do these days?

-Hey, it actually works! They promised me a big flop yesterday, and I stubbed my toe!- My words seemed to have caught her off guard. - Want me to look up your horoscope?

I tied my shoes, grabbed my bag of essentials, and headed for the front door. - No way. Don’t make a mess while I’m gone. There’s food in the fridge.
— W-Wait, oppa, it says here that you will have great luck today. — Ignoring my younger sister's worried voice, I headed for the door.

— Yeah, yeah, sure. I'm leaving.

"Great luck", hmm, as if that was possible. The sound of the door closing drowned out the girl's last words.

Later, in the dungeon, lagging behind the group, running low on supplies, wandering around for the second day, and finally being surrounded by a goblin. He remembered the predictions in the horoscope. So much for "Great luck". As if someone like him could ever be lucky, as if he deserved even a little happiness for all his suffering. Looking into the red eyes of the monsters in front of me, I knew that this was the end.

But if I give up now, Jin-ah will be alone, I need to survive at any cost. The others will definitely not come for him, which means there is no one to save me.
With these thoughts, I began to fight off the goblins. Their grins made it clear that this was the last effort of their victim, my dagger was about to break, and then it would definitely be the end. Pushing one of the monsters away, I felt movement behind me. Turning around abruptly, I saw one of the goblins jumping off one of the rocks in the cave.
Damn. I can't dodge.
Ha, it looks like this really is the end.

But only for a second.
As if in slow motion, I watched as all the goblins were carried away by a stream of wind. And the most amazing smell I have ever smelled enveloped me.

God, that smell.
Every instinct and sense in my body seemed to be electrified. My mouth filled with saliva, I wanted to drink that smell, to quench a thirst I didn't even know existed.

I want. I want. I want.

It seemed like my entire being was focused on the man in front of me. A gracefully fluttering white cloak. And a voice like the rustle of pages being turned. The most beautiful eyes in the world looked at me, it seemed like an entire universe was hidden in them.

—Are you okay?

That was my first meeting with Dokja.

***

The doors of the old elevator creaked shut. Pressing the button for the floor I needed, I couldn't help but glance at my companion. Jin-Woo didn't believe in horoscopes and fortune telling. But Dokja-hyung's presence here, next to him, couldn't be called anything other than "Big Luck". The Omega next to him was someone he would never dare to talk to in his life, the difference between them was too great. And yet, he didn't know where he got the courage to stand at the threshold of the association and even ask him to go with him. Maybe Jin-ah was right, and he really did have problems with his head?
But still, I couldn't help but look away again - my gaze seemed to be riveted on this amazing face.

Soft facial features, white skin that every girl and guy dreams about, curved eyelashes, big shiny eyes and pink lips that you want to constantly look at... And not only that... Damn, it looks like Jin-ah was right.

- Are you okay, Jin-Woo-ya? - The Omega, who seemed lost in his own thoughts until now, finally noticed the constant stares from the side.

- Oh yeah! - He couldn't say that he was just brazenly staring at a pretty face, right? The last thing he wanted was to be considered a pervert.

- By the way, I wanted to ask, do you live with your sister, right?

- Yes, her name is Jin-ah. She's still in school.

Something seemed to be bothering him, Dokja-hyung looked away, as if he was embarrassed to ask about it.

- Are you sure she won't mind if I stay with you?- The elevator beeped when they reached the floor they needed.

-Of course. Why would she mind?-Honestly, I didn't understand what the problem was,Jin-ah is the type who always tries to understand any situation.
I thought it would calm him down.
Contrary to my opinion, Dokja tilted his head to the side as he followed me out of the elevator, looking at me strangely.

- Wow, unexpectedly, Jin-Woo-ya, bringing an omega to your home and even introducing him to your family - it's normal for you, still waters run deep.
It felt like his head had been dipped in boiling water, without even looking in the mirror, I imagined how I blushed.

The mocking smile on that beautiful face made everything worse. - It's not true, I don't bring anyone here!

The laughter in response was too malicious not to understand that its owner was getting genuine pleasure from my torment. - Of course, of course, Jin-Woo-ya, as you say - From that smile, full of feigned sympathy, I wanted to melt and burn with shame.
God, he just really likes to mock him, huh?

But wait, does that mean he brought home an omega for the first time in his life?!
His face turned noticeably red.
Although modern society has become more progressive in its views on alpha and omega relationships, there are still families who believe that when an alpha brings an omega home, to his pack, to his family, it is direct evidence that he considers him as his future mate.
But that's not true, right? He just decided to help out of gratitude for saving him.
And yet, these thoughts... looking at the still giggling omega again, he couldn't help but imagine bringing Dokja-hyung home to introduce him to his parents and sister as a future mate.

Doodum. Doodum. Doodum.

This thought made everything inside me clench sweetly, and a roar of a beast that really liked this picture was born in my chest.

No! I need to pull myself together.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my strength and headed towards the entrance, ignoring the grinning omega.

-Gina must be asleep already, so…- Before he could finish speaking, the door suddenly swung open, almost hitting him in the face, and the angry face of his younger sister appeared before his eyes. - Jin-ah, what’s wrong with you?...

- And you call this ‘nothing complicated?- The girl’s eyes flashed menacingly, and a carefully concealed fear flashed at the very bottom.

- Why don't you ever listen to what I tell you?

- Jin-ah, listen...

- How much longer are you going to risk yourself until you finally kill yourself?

- Jin-ah...

- Why can't you find a normal job...

- Jin-ah, we have guests!

My sister finally stopped scolding me and turned around when she heard me scream. Seeing how my sister's eyes widened comically and her mouth fell open, I understood her shock perfectly.

When I left for the raid, I didn't expect to come back alone either. - Jin-ah, this is Kim Dokja, he has no place to stay, so I offered to let him stay with us until his apartment is ready.- Dokja-hyung behind me waved cheerfully, a slightly awkward smile on his face.

-Hello. I've heard a lot about you from your brother.

The young beta seemed too shocked to react to the greeting, and only moved when we entered the apartment and closed the door.

-Dokja-hyung, do you want anything?- Taking the coat from the omega who was looking around, I couldn't help but ask if he wanted anything. - Water or tea?

- Water will be nice, thank you.

The grateful look he cast at me made me smile happily.

- I'll get it now! - Having filled a glass with clean water from the refrigerator, I returned to the room as quickly as possible so as not to keep him waiting. - Here.

- Thank you, Jin-Woo-ya.

You made him happy, he is grateful to you, great job.

The beast inside me couldn't help but feel satisfied as I watched the omega drink the water offered to him.

- Ahem, sorry to interrupt. - An obviously fake cough made me tear my gaze away from the drinking omega, and, with difficulty suppressing a disgruntled growl, I switched my attention to my sister. -
Oppa, can I have a minute?

- Mm, just a minute. Dokja-hyung, get comfortable. - Looking into the slightly worried eyes opposite, I immediately tried to calm him down.
Walking into the kitchen, Jin-ah turned to me with a serious face, I hadn't seen her like this for a long time. I need to explain everything to her so that she understands correctly. - Jin-ah, listen...

- Oppa, tell me honestly, do you owe him money?

- What?!

It was like a sack had hit me on the head. What kind of nonsense is this?! - Of course not, where did you get this nonsense?!

Watching his little sister biting her lips in excitement, I hoped that this would be the end of his crazy ideas. How wrong I was.

- So you... You paid him?

Oh.
Oh, he was going to kill his sister.

- WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!

My horror was doubly increased when I heard someone spit out water loudly.

Damn. He forgot that some hunters have excellent hearing.

Groaning loudly, I dreamed of only one thing: to return to the dungeon and let the goblins finish him off.

Chapter Text

In fact, there was nothing strange in the fact that some omegas could agree to spend time with alphas for a certain amount of money. And it was not about intimate services at all, the omegas themselves, as keepers of the family hearth, always evoke a feeling of calm and stability in others, many of them go to work as teachers in kindergartens for this very reason, the feeling of home, which helps the cubs adapt to a new territory for them, is a very useful skill. But, unfortunately, this does not bring in much money, even in his home world it was common practice when alphas experiencing stress at work or going through a difficult period, entered into an agreement with unrelated omegas, according to which they had to behave like a real couple: cook, clean, take care of their well-being, in general, behave like real spouses.

Entering into such an agreement often involved certain risks: there were cases when omegas were subjected to violence by their temporary partners when they suddenly went into heat or just wanted to have fun. Since "temporary spouse" was not an officially recognized job, and the agreements were made only verbally, victims of violence could not prove anything in their defense.

A standard situation where the victim is to blame, especially if you are an omega.

So even before the destruction of the world, no matter how tight the money was, I never thought about such a part-time job.

He understood where the girl got that idea from. Still, it was a little sad that the first thing that came to her mind when she saw her brother with the omega was that he was paying her to spend time with him.
Although, considering the level of stress Jin-Woo was under, he wasn't surprised where she got that idea from.

- Forgive my sister, Dokja-hyung, she's the idiot in our family.- Listening to the guy complain about his sister, I couldn't help but laugh again.

- It's okay, Jin-Woo-ya. It was pretty funny.-
On the way to the bathroom, where he offered to take me, I kept bumping into objects that testified to the kind of family that lived there, little things that created that unique atmosphere of family comfort, a place where you happily return after a tiring day.

Signed mugs in the kitchen, stickers on the shelves, washed but not yet folded laundry, photographs capturing all the most important stages of life.

One picture was just two kids playing in the park, another was the first day of kindergarten, a third was a cute baby, clearly just born, a tired but happy mother smiling at the camera, showing off her child... and the last picture was so warm and bright that I stopped to take a closer look. A family of four smiling at the camera, the father, the alpha, smiling widely, hugging the two children in front, who are also smiling happily, a beautiful woman, the omega, looking tenderly at all three.

A happy family.

This is what it looks like.

- These are my parents.- I think I was so engrossed in the photo that I didn't even hear Jin-Woo come up behind me and stand next to me.

He was also looking at the people in the photo, but his gaze was filled with hidden sadness.

- You never told me what happened to them.- In response to my question, Jin-Woo seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. I belatedly thought: maybe I shouldn't have asked about something so personal, after all, I'm a complete stranger, he has every right not to answer. - You don't have to answer if you don't want to....

- My father was a firefighter before the gate opened.- I turned my head to the side in surprise to look at the face of the man standing next to me. Jin-Woo’s gaze was still fixed on the framed photo, but he didn’t stop telling me his story. I listened, mesmerized. - He always said that helping the weak was the duty of the strong, and he was proud of his job, no matter how dangerous it was. When the gate first opened, my father was one of the first to awaken. Back then, there was no ranking system and no way to evaluate the gate, hunters went on raids every day, he sometimes didn’t come home for two or three days, protecting people. I was proud of him. Although I felt a little lonely.- The smile on Jin-Woo’s face was a mixture of longing and tenderness, the kind of smile that appears when you remember something that hurts and pleases you at the same time.

- One day, when he wasn't on raids, he suggested that we go to an amusement park, just the two of us, to spend time as father and son. The gates opened... - At that moment, he fell silent, as if preparing to relive this moment in his memories. - The group of hunters who were supposed to clear them out couldn't get out of the dungeon in time, and my father decided to save them.He helped every hunter in that group get out, but he himself didn't make it before the gates closed.
His clenched fists trembled with carefully suppressed emotions. The only one who didn't return was his father on the day they were supposed to spend it together. How much pain must that have caused?

I didn't have a father to lose. My memories of that man are almost erased, even if I try, I can't remember his face. All I remember is that he was a real bastard.
An image of one creature involuntarily appeared in my head, a dark shadow, shrouded in an aura of death, like an embrace, who was not afraid to go against the will of the star stream for him, a constellation of mythical level, the one who became my father.
Pain pricked my chest.

I wonder if I will be able to see him at least once more and tell him how grateful I am for this chance.
What is worse: to find a father and lose him, or to always have him, but lose him?

- Mom was desperate, our financial situation was getting worse, I wanted to start working, but she wouldn't let me, she said I should think about going to college. One day, they called me and said she had lost consciousness. When I got to the hospital, it turned out that she had been showing signs of the disease of eternal sleep for a long time. It's a disease in which people who are in constant contact with hunters gradually fall into a sleep from which they cannot wake up, but she didn't say anything. Since then, Jin-ah and I were alone. - That's what happened. Looking at a young man who had been through so much, I couldn't help but admire his resilience.
Despite everything, he continued to move forward.

- I think they are proud of you.
Jin-Woo flinched at my words and suddenly looked up at me. Looking into his eyes, I repeated with a smile on my face, "I think they're very proud of you and how hard you're trying. You're doing well, Jin-Woo-ya."

I involuntarily reached out and ruffled his soft hair. Nice.
From my words and actions up until this point, the empty eyes in front of me flashed with bright emotions. This made me feel better. Sometimes a person just needs someone to acknowledge their efforts. I know how sometimes you want someone to say that you're doing well.
Removing my hand, I suddenly felt awkward about my actions.

The young alpha was still looking at me without blinking, which made me feel even more awkward.

- Do you have parents, hyung? - I froze at this question, and all the embarrassment magically disappeared, as if scenes from a movie flashed through my head. Memories of my birth mother, as always, caused a mixture of love and hate in me as soon as I thought about her.

- Everyone has parents, Jin-Woo-ya. - Answering this question, my lips twisted into a crooked evil smile. - But not all parents can be called that.

It seemed that my words and facial expressions bothered Jin-Woo, it seemed he wanted to ask something else, but I decided to change the subject. - So where is your bathroom?

Seemingly getting the hint and not wanting to develop this topic further, the young man led me further down the corridor. We spent the rest of the way to the door in silence.

- Here's the bathroom, hyung, take everything you need. I can bring you something from my wardrobe to change into... If you don't mind, of course?! - At these words, the guy's face became embarrassed, for an obvious reason: an alpha giving his clothes to an omega is even more shameless than bringing him home. It's practically the same as saying: "He's mine." Only the most zealous alphas are capable of this, who can't stand anyone even looking at their mate. But since I didn't have any other clothes, I didn't really have a choice.

- Thank you, Jin-Woo-ya, and sorry for the inconvenience. I promise, the first thing I'll do is buy myself new clothes.
— It's okay. By the way, since you need new clothes, we could go shopping tomorrow, I'll buy everything you need. — My face was clearly surprised by this proposal. — You know, while I was in the hospital, a large sum of money suddenly arrived in my account. I thought it was a mistake, but it turned out to be the money for the trolls and the boss killed.

Ah, so that's it. It seemed like that intense gaze was about to burn through me, so I just smiled awkwardly in response. — W-what luck! Congratulations, Jin-Woo-ya!

My false enthusiasm was shattered by the serious expression on the boy's face.

— You shouldn't have done that, hyung. You were the one who killed the boss and all the monsters. It's your money, I can't just accept it.
Seeing that stubborn gaze, I let out a resigned sigh. I guessed that despite his apparent ease, Jin-Woo was very stubborn when it came to depending on someone. All alphas suffer from this, but it seemed like he himself was very stubborn. - This is your money, Jin-Woo. I wasn’t originally a member of the squad and illegally entered the gate, so this money was fairly divided between you and Hunter Yun. Besides, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have even known that there was someone who needed saving.- It seemed like my words had no effect, the stubborn gaze continued to bore a hole into me.
Okay, then let’s try it another way.
-Okay, since you won’t just accept it, consider it payment.-Now it was Jin-Woo’s turn to look at me in surprise.
-Payment?

I narrowed my eyes mischievously. - Yes, payment, consider it as me paying for my stay with you.-Understanding what I meant, Jin-Woo frowned and immediately tried to object. - That’s too much…

- Food, water, electricity, and of course the accommodation itself, all of that, multiplied by the month I’ll be spending here until I can move in.- The more I talked, the less determined Jin-Woo looked. Honestly, I even felt a little sorry for him. He couldn’t outbid me, not even Dokkebi could. Jin-Woo didn’t stand a chance against me.

- But…

- You can consider the rest as moral compensation for the inconvenience caused, you were clearly interrogated after what happened at the gate.

I saw that he was almost giving in and decided to finally put an end to it. - Just accept the payment as a conscientious owner of Jin-Woo-ya apartment.

It seemed like five seconds passed before the young alpha nodded and looked at me with displeasure. - You are very cunning, Dokja-hyung.

I just laughed at his words.

- You will get revenge on me tomorrow when you take me shopping, Jin-Woo-ya~.

With these words, I closed the bathroom door behind me, not looking at the embarrassed face in the hallway.

A small but cozy bathroom, with a mirror on one side and a bathtub on the other, a small rug on the floor, a cabinet with a bunch of balms and shampoos. After standing in the middle of the room for another second, I began to slowly undress. Unbuttoning one button after another on my usual black shirt, I glanced at the mirror on the wall. After a moment's hesitation, I took off my shirt, exposing the top half. A thin waist turned into a toned chest with pink nipples, sharp collarbones, rounded shoulders and a thin neck. I clearly did not look like most gentle omegas, my figure was more reminiscent of a swimmer, I was slender and flexible, it was obvious that I trained my body.

But the most obvious difference was the scars all over my body, smooth white lines that ran across my entire upper body, as if an artist had decided to apply white paint to a white canvas. Each of these scars held a story of my victories and hardships. And while for many, such a body in an omega was considered a disadvantage, for me it was direct proof that I was able to survive and win where even alphas failed. After observing my body for a while, I began to take off my pants. Reaching out, I wanted to take off my underwear.

- Hyung, I brought a change of clothes.- The sound of clothes falling and a half-muffled wheeze. Jinwoo froze in the doorway, like a deer in the headlights. His wide eyes slid over my entire figure, studying me hungrily. From this gaze I felt heat, like from a burn.

Wherever that gaze fell, my skin tingled and burned. Blood pounded in my ears, and I could only stand there and stare at that hungry gaze.

The sound of swallowing seemed to reset time. Jin-Woo blinked as if he had just woken up from hypnosis. Seeing how quickly his face turned red, I was afraid that he might pass out.

-Sorry!-The loud slam of the door was the last thing left of the escaped alpha.

After standing there for a while longer, I sat on the edge of the bathtub, covering my face with my hands. Even without looking in the mirror, I was sure that my face resembled a damn tomato.

Leaving the bathroom after that was more difficult than going through the dungeon. After asking Jin-Woo's sister where his room was and receiving directions and a hostile look, I walked in the direction indicated. Having learned my lesson, I knocked before entering.

- Come in, hyung.-A quiet voice from inside gave me permission to enter someone else's territory. Taking a step, I saw a small but cozy room: a closet in the back, a computer desk with a laptop, and a window above a fairly large bed. Simple, but cozy. But what struck me most was the smell hanging around there. Everything smelled like Jinwoo. I involuntarily took a deep breath, immediately feeling ashamed of my actions. Looking at Jin-Woo, who seemed embarrassed to even look at me, I calmed down, realizing that my actions had gone unnoticed.

— How did you know it was me? — When the silence became unbearable, I asked the first thing that came to mind.

— Jin-ah never knocks. — Oh my god, he didn't even turn his head when he answered.

— I see. — There was another awkward silence. Deciding to take another look around the room, I noticed a stack of books on the computer desk. Walking closer and picking up a book, I was pleasantly surprised to recognize the one I had been reading before the apocalypse. — Do you like this book, Jin-Woo? The protagonist is pretty typical, but the plot…

— Dokja-hyung. — The tone in which my name was spoken made me freeze warily.

— Remember the question I asked you at the gate?
Damn. I hoped he forgot about it.
Despite my silence, Jin-Woo continued speaking.

—So... Can you answer my question? — I desperately hoped he wouldn't finish his sentence. —Who are you, hyung?

As soon as that question hung in the air, the room fell silent. The ticking of the clock on the table was the only sound, proving that all sounds had not yet disappeared from the world. I felt the boy sitting on the bed finally look up at me.
The silence seemed to last forever.

— Hyung…

— Do you really want to know? — In response to my question, Jin-Woo fell silent, seemingly pondering whether he should.
But judging by the fact that I had already gotten to know him, his answer would definitely be…

— Yes. — Turning my head in his direction, I met his determined gaze without a trace of doubt.

Of course.

As I thought.

A sad smile touched my lips. Well, maybe this will also be a step towards a new life?

— Then get comfortable, Jin-Woo-ya.I'll tell you a story.

Chapter Text

Dawn, the time when everything awakens: the first rays of the sun fall on Seoul, illuminating the still empty streets, where soon hundreds of strangers will be rushing about their business. Somewhere in this huge city, right now, a new gate is appearing, but for now no one knows about it, people can continue to live their lives.
One of these rays fell on the small kitchen of one of the many apartment buildings, the blinding light created a magical picture that only happens in these early hours, when everything around is still asleep, and you feel like you are alone in the whole world.
Standing in front of the kitchen window, holding a cup of still steaming coffee in his hands, listening to the dripping of water in the sink, hearing the quiet hum of the refrigerator and watching his hometown awaken, Jin-Woo couldn't help but think about how this ordinary morning, which he would have ignored before, now seems so precious thanks to new knowledge.

What is an ordinary morning for some is a long-forgotten memory for others, a dream that may never come true.

People often get hung up on what they don't have and don't notice what they have.

Perhaps... no, for Dokji, the opportunity to see this ordinary, serene life again is also priceless.

His heart ached painfully at the thought of the man who was now sleeping peacefully in one of the bedrooms of their apartment.

The one who had experienced more than he could ever imagine, who had lost his humanity, but remained human, more human than anyone else.

The one who wanted to give people back the ability to enjoy the sunrise every day without fear.

Tudum. Tudum. Tudum.

Placing my hand on my chest, I felt my heart pounding: admiration, pain, anger, tenderness - a storm of emotions that threatened to engulf me from the moment I heard his story. It did not let me go all night, not letting me fall asleep, I continued to replay moments of our conversation in my head. Even now, with my eyes closed, I clearly remember the shining eyes, which at that moment were more like black holes from which all light disappeared, and pink lips.

-Tell me, Jin-Woo, do you believe in myths and legends?-The words were spoken with a slight smile that did not contain an ounce of warmth.
— In myths and legends, like Hercules? — My suggestion made the omega opposite me smile mockingly. — Well, no, I guess that's more fairy tales than reality.

— Ha, that old geezer will probably go crazy. — Hearing the quiet muttering, in which there was an open mockery, and a look full of disdain, I couldn't understand why the hyung was asking such strange questions.

As if in response to my thoughts, the hyung looked straight at me. — What if I say that all this is true?

Really? It seemed that doubt was clearly visible on my face, and seeing this, Dokja smiled even wider.

Lost in thought for a moment, Dokja continued, - You know, Jin-Woo-ya, people tend to believe that if they pray hard enough for salvation, power, or influence, someone will definitely listen and lend a helping hand... But they rarely think about the price they will have to pay for that helping hand.-These words made me freeze in alarm: I know how risky it is to ask someone for help and trust that at some point it will not turn against you. That is why, no matter how hard it was, I never asked for help from others. You never know what price you will have to pay. But this applies more to people, and now we are talking about beings of legends, about gods and heroes who in these legends often became the saviors of people.

- But aren't these the same gods who are supposed to save people? - Empty eyes and the same voice completely dispelled all my hopes.
- Stories are written by the victors, Jin-Woo-ya, when no one else is left, even the villain can become a savior, because now it's only his story.
These words sent shivers down my spine.

True.
He had seen this many times: no matter what actually happened in the gate, the survivor creates his own truth, and the truth is of no interest to anyone.

- I think you understand what I mean. - Seeing my angry look, the omega immediately understood that I knew this disgusting truth of this world.

- Yes... I know.

Although it was a truth I had long understood, an unpleasant feeling continued to grow inside.

There was a moment of silence between us.

-Tell me, Jin-Woo-ya...- A voice so similar to the sound of pages being turned in a book tore me out of my thoughts. "You already realized that I'm from another world, right?"

To throw him into an even greater abyss of chaos.

He knew.

No matter how much he thought about it, given the circumstances, this was the only explanation he could think of.

But knowing and hearing were two completely different things.

He felt as if he were underwater. He was both short of air and feeling like he had too much.
- Yes. - That was the only word I could squeeze out of myself.
The stunningly beautiful face in front of me, as if understanding how hard it was for me, smiled a smile full of quiet sadness, eyes covered with long eyelashes were full of hidden tenderness.
Ah, it was completely obvious, wasn't it? As if such an amazing creature as an omega opposite me could belong to this world. If that were the case, I'm sure Dokja would have become famous throughout the world long ago - too handsome and strong - he emanated a radiance that made you stare at him without taking your eyes off him. Their meeting would be impossible.

- My world is very similar to yours, except that we have never had a gate. Instead, at some point, things that had previously been legends in the pages of books invaded our world.

- You mean when you asked if I believe in legends and that they are all real. You meant that those who invaded your world were...

- That's right. - A serious look that showed murderous intent. - Those who brought about the apocalypse in my world were gods and heroes from all the legends that existed.

Disbelief is the first emotion. Who in their right mind would believe that stories about gods who lived in legends since the beginning of the world could be real?
Shock is the second. From the realization that Dokja would not lie about such things. His very presence here is impossible, but here he is. So why shouldn't the rest be true?
And the third is fear. If in my world monsters are already considered a threat capable of destroying humanity, but if gods who, according to legends, could destroy entire nations with a wave of their hand, invaded their world...

Humanity will be doomed, even the national level hunters who were rumored to be the strongest in the world will not be able to win.

-B-but how is that possible?- I did not hide the fear in my voice. Dokja said that before the apocalypse, there were no gates or hunters in their world. How could humans survive then?

-That day…-I pricked up my ears. - I was riding the subway from work home…

That’s how I learned the story of the end of another world.

Constellations. Incarnations. Star Stream. Dokkaebi. Stories. Scenarios. Sponsors. System. Death. End of the World.

When Dokja finished his story, it felt like only an hour had passed. At one point, I could only stare at the creature in front of me.

No… now I knew who Dokja-hyung was.

— Dokja-hyung, you are a constellation, right?

There was no point in hiding anymore, all the secrets were revealed that evening.

— Right. — Having received confirmation and a nod to my question, I, oddly enough, felt relieved. Although, perhaps my brain had just experienced such a shock that it simply stopped being surprised by anything.

— By refusing to choose a sponsor and receiving five stories, I was able to become a constellation, although at first I was an ordinary incarnation.

- But that means you're a very strong hyung, right? - The Omega in front of me chuckled at my words. - Well, yeah, I'm pretty strong, Jin-Woo-ya.

- Then why... did you come to this world, hyung? - The Omega, who was still giggling lightly, suddenly fell silent at my words.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop by about ten degrees. The dazzlingly smiling face turned into an emotionless mask.
Even the smell, which used to be reminiscent of caramel apples, began to give off a bitter taste.
This change shocked all my instincts, the alpha in me wanted to rush forward and comfort the Omega in front of me.
I dug my nails into my arm, so hard that I was sure there were wounds on it.

I tried my best to suppress my alpha instincts.
No.
I have to get a grip.

-I...-A quiet voice, so fragile and vulnerable that it was hard to believe it was coming from the brazen omega in front of me. - Knew information about the world, important information. And I didn't share it with my comrades.
When they found out... they weren't very happy. After that, everything changed, and I realized that it was better for me to leave.

-So they just made you leave.- Even to me, my own voice was more like a growl, damn the suppressed emotions, these bastards who called themselves his comrades just made him leave.

Despite the obvious surprise at my behavior, Dokja-hyung even tried to justify it.

- It's not like that, Jin-Woo-ya, it's my own fault, maybe if I hadn't hidden everything... - I wouldn't listen to it anymore.
- IT'S NOT LIKE THAT! - Jumping out of bed, I loomed over the omega sitting on the chair, who raised his head in surprise. I won't let you feel guilty anymore.

- I don't know what exactly happened, and maybe I don't know you as well as they do. But... - At that moment, I gave in to my true feelings. - But I know for sure that you just wanted to protect everyone! After all, even when you came here, the first thing you did was decide to save everyone! So I'm sure that you're not guilty of anything!
At that moment, I realized that I would never get tired of seeing my reflection in those
wide-open eyes.
I want to always see my reflection in them.

— I see. You are a very strange guy after all. And yet... thank you, Jinu-ya. — That smile almost made my heart jump out of my chest.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from the shining black eyes in front of me.

I don't care what happened before you came to my world. The most important thing to me is that you are here now.
— Is there anything else you want to ask, Jin-Woo-ya?
I remembered the question I wanted to ask.

— Oh yeah, you still haven't told me how you ended up here, hyung. Is it really that easy to cross over to another world?

- Not really. But I got help. - It seemed like it was someone important, it was the first time I saw him with that expression. That's what I decided to ask next.

- He's been watching me since the beginning of the scenario and has always supported me... although at first he didn't interfere, then he became the most supportive of me.

- You mean it was ? - There was a clear disbelief in my voice.

- Yes, it was a constellation.-Dokja-hyung confirmed my guess with a satisfied expression, despite my obvious surprise.

- But aren't all the constellations just having fun at the expense of humans? Why did one of them decide to help then?

- Not all the constellations used humans for fun, there were also those who sincerely became attached to them and tried to save them. I think that's their main similarity to humans. Just like not all humans are necessarily only good or only bad.

The new information made me shut up for a while and think. So, thanks to one of the constellations, apparently a very strong one, Dokja-hyung was able to get here.
Omega, on the contrary, did not interrupt me, giving me time to think everything over. But I already knew what my next question would be.

— What kind of stories are these? — The very title of the story reminded me of an ordinary story.
— Do you want to see? — The sly squint made my stomach ache. But the next question and the hand extended in invitation immediately made me throw caution to the wind. — Do you trust me, Jin-Woo-ya?
I put my hand into the outstretched palm without hesitation. Not even having time to admire its whiteness.
I saw. History.
It seemed as if golden letters were floating before me, but I did not read.
I saw the very essence of this story.
Dokja. The Throne. Destroyed Seoul. Its struggle and victory.
I didn't realize I was shaking, the sight before me was so unreal that I was speechless.
There was a sense of power and strength in those words.
As the glow of the letters began to fade,
I already knew what story I had seen.
The first of the five stories Dokja-hyung had received.

"The King of the World Without Kings."

-Are you okay, Jin-Woo-ya?A calm voice snapped me out of my stupor.

-Yeah... It's an amazing story.- I couldn't even describe what I was feeling, I only knew that my admiration for the omega in front of me had become almost impossible, where anyone would have given up, he was able to rise above everyone and become a being superior to a human.

Could I, too, if I had the chance, change?

- In fact, you have already felt the power of history.

- Really? - But I don't remember anything like that, except... - You used history back then, in the troll dungeon?
The smile was an eloquent answer to my question.

So that's what it was then - not a skill, but history. Amazingly, in one day I learned the history of another world and even felt a power that is not in my world... And most importantly, I met Dokja.

If someone had told me this a couple of months ago, I would have laughed.

But now, with him by my side, everything impossible ceases to be so.

- Have you changed your mind, Jin-Woo-ya?-
I suddenly raised my head from this strange question and looked towards the omega opposite me. Dokja seemed to shrink, and a shadow of uncertainty appeared in his eyes again.

- What are you talking about, Dokja-hyung?

- Now you know who I am and where I come from. If your offer to stay was understandable before, now there is nothing strange about me leaving.

Ah, that's all.

- I think that's enough revelations for today, you are clearly tired, since you are talking all sorts of nonsense. You can spend the night here tonight.

With these words, I slowly stood up and headed for the exit.

- Nonsense!? - a shocked voice was heard behind me. Turning my head slightly, I saw an incredibly cute surprised face. It seemed that now it was my turn to make fun. My inner alpha growled contentedly at these thoughts.

- I'm serious, Jinu-ya! It's one thing to shelter an ordinary person, and quite another to shelter a creature from another world!

He's so cute when he starts to get seriously indignant.

- So what? You've already paid me. - After my question, there was stunned silence. - Where will I find another such responsible tenant, and what difference does it make that he's from another world?

A smirk spread across his face at the sight of the omega's shocked expression. - So get some rest, Dokja-hyung. We still have shopping to do tomorrow.

Closing the door behind me and leaving the shocked Dokja in the room, I was somehow sure that this round was mine.

Chapter Text

He had already forgotten how pleasant it was to wake up on a soft bed, with the sun's rays falling on his face, and not on the cold asphalt, and from the sound of an alert from the star stream. The sounds of life outside the window: cars, birds and, most importantly, people. Such a joyful feeling of nostalgia that he had already missed. The softness of the bed and the smell of alpha that hung in the room discouraged any desire to get up, but, remembering what awaited me today, I forced my body to move with a desperate groan.
Stretching in the morning sun, the warmth of which warmed me from the inside, I couldn't help but think back to the conversation with Jin-Woo yesterday. Maybe it wasn't just the sun.It seemed like it had become completely normal for me to smile all the time just thinking about him, but his behavior yesterday caught me off guard.It turns out that even this humble guy has an unexpected side.
Oh well. I just need to win the next round. The thought brought a smile to my face.
This thought made me smile. As soon as I left the room, the girl opposite me glared at me. My smile froze immediately. Damn it.
I hope she didn't think anything weird.

- Why are you smiling so disgustingly early in the morning? - Damn, she saw everything.

- Good morning, Gin-ah! How did you sleep? - My question made the girl roll her eyes casually. Great, another teenager who can't stand me. Maybe I'm just not cut out for them?

Okay, I'll try again.

- I was just about to go to the bathroom. Are you done yet? - Before I could finish speaking, the girl in front of me simply turned around and walked away. I was left standing in the hallway with a happy smile on my face, feeling the vein on my forehead pulsate from the tension.

That damn brat.

Entering the toilet and locking the door behind me, I sighed in irritation. It's not like I'm not used to open hatred.
But it's not just me now. Jin-Woo let me stay even after he found out who I really am. The least I can do to avoid causing him unnecessary problems is to find a common language with his sister.

Standing under the hot streams of the shower, soaping my body, I already knew what I needed to do next. One of the most dangerous and risky things in the world is to make a teenage girl talk frankly.

Coming out of the bathroom, I immediately headed towards the only sound in the entire house. Jinwoo's scent was still there, but it was much weaker than usual, which meant it could only be...
As I thought, Sung Gin-ah was sitting at a round table with a mug of hot tea and a couple of sandwiches on her plate. Raising her head when I appeared, the girl only glanced at me briefly and immediately turned away. Okay, one last attempt to extend an olive branch.

- Where's Jin-Woo?- I asked. It seemed I had done it in vain.
The girl looked at me so angrily that if I were less accustomed to it, I would have immediately turned into a pile of ashes.

-Oppa went to the store for groceries - it was said in such a tone that it would have been better if she had sent me away.

Early he to go shopping - Seven in the morning, it seems that Jin-Woo is quite an early bird.

- He doesn’t usually do this, but this time for some reason he decided to get up early and buy everything he needed to cook something special for breakfast.- It was said in a rather sarcastic tone.

Well, it looks like it's high time to talk.

I approached the table and sat down opposite the girl to better look into her eyes.

Hm, looking closely, I see how much she resembles Jin-Woo. The shape of her eyes, her facial features... Judging by the photo in the living room, both their parents are very attractive, and their children, naturally, turned out beautiful too. Genetics is a scary thing.

My attentive gaze made the girl opposite noticeably tense up, but her inner strength of spirit did not allow her to look away first.

- I think we need to talk.- Looking into the eyes of the girl in front of me, I decided to be honest. -I think you don't like me very much, Gin-ah.

The girl in front of me flinched slightly at my frankness.

- What made you think that?

The corners of my lips lifted at the question. Teenagers. They make a show of being unhappy about something, and then try to prove to everyone the opposite. - You weren't hiding it, were you?

The young beta in front of me looked away, embarrassed, remembering her behavior.

- Can I ask why? - A slight pause, but it seemed she had decided what she wanted to say. Eyes the color of a stormy sky, just like her brother's, resolutely met my gaze.

- Stop lying to my oppa!

I thought I misheard.

- What? - The shock was so bright on my face, but it seemed to anger the girl in front of me even more.

- My oppa is so stupid! - Wait, are you really defending him now? - Yeah, and he doesn't look so good! - Are you sure you're related?!

- But he is my brother, and I will not allow some flirtatious omega to use him and live off him while he tries so hard to earn money! - By the end of her angry triad, the girl was already standing, angrily leaning her hands on the table and leaning towards me.
Angrily flashing eyes and tightly compressed lips hinted that she would not go back on her words.
It seems there is a serious misunderstanding here.

- Gin-ah, listen...

- No! I've seen people like you on TV: omegas, greedy gold diggers who use stupid alphas... - Please stop insulting your brother, I feel sorry for him already. - And live at their expense, using their omega charms!
My head starts to hurt, I suddenly turn into a shameless omega who wants to use Jin-Woo. I understand where the girl gets such thoughts: after all, I showed up on the doorstep too unexpectedly, and with her brother. It's not clear where I came from and what I want.
But I'm not going to tolerate this misunderstanding any longer. At the moment when the young beta took a deep breath to start another angry triad, I silently raised my hand right to her face. The girl froze in shock from such a gesture.

- Before you start screaming again, listen to me for a minute. - I need to explain everything before she comes to her senses. - I understand perfectly well how you see this situation. An Omega who appeared out of nowhere is too suspicious to be a common occurrence.

And you're obviously very worried about your brother. - It's true, even though she just insulted him, it's obvious how much she cares about him. After all, it was her brother who raised her after her parents disappeared, so it's no wonder she treats him like a parent. - But I swear to you, the last thing I want is for Jin-Woo to have any more trouble. We did meet in the dungeon. And it just so happened that I had no place to stay, so your brother lent me a helping hand.In a month, when my apartment is ready, I will move out immediately, and until then I promise not to create unnecessary problems.

The girl opposite was skeptical at first, but by the end of my speech her gaze became more uncertain. - Really?

- Yes, I promise, in a month I will not be here...

- That's not what I meant! - A loud scream interrupted me mid-sentence. The girl's gray eyes first flashed angrily, but a second later uncertainty appeared in them again.

- You really don't want to hurt my oppa? - A fragile voice, like a child who sees someone close to him being bullied and doesn't know how to protect him. The small figure hugging her shoulders was the embodiment of vulnerability. Just a child who wants to protect her family.

Seeing this, I smiled slightly. Gin-ah, who had been looking away from me until now, met my gaze again, noticing my soft expression.

- Jin-Woo is one of the kindest and bravest people I have ever met. He is strange, too stubborn and incredibly brave.- When I say all this, I imagine the back of a young alpha - not too broad, but who, despite everything, bravely faces all the obstacles in his path, no matter how dangerous they are. This is how I remember Jin-Woo: a man who, despite all the adversity, continues to move forward. A man because of whom my heart beats faster.
I don't know what the girl saw in my expression or what she read in my smile. But, emerging from my memories, I came across a face on which shock and disbelief were so clearly written, that I myself froze in surprise. What's wrong with her?..

- Hee-hee, I think I get it now!

- The girl opposite me smiled happily at me. If earlier she seemed ready to pounce on me, now she looked at me like an old friend. - Oppa, really, very strange!Sorry for being biased towards you, Dokja-hyung! Keep an eye on my oppa, okay!? - At the end, Gin-ah winked playfully, as if sharing a secret I didn't know about. Despite the shock, I could only nod.

- Yeah, right...
Why do I feel like there was another misunderstanding?
Just as I opened my mouth to ask her about it, I heard the front door open.

The sound of shoes being taken off and a bag rustling. A moment later, the main topic of their conversation appeared in the hallway.

— I'm back, Gin-ah. Hyung hasn't woken up yet?... Ah, hyung, you're awake already! Did you sleep well? — A bright smile and shining eyes in the morning, it was a dazzling sight.

— I slept well, Jin-Woo-ya. You woke up early. — Hearing my words, Jin-Woo awkwardly rubbed the back of his head, and his round cheeks turned red. Cute.

— Yes, I decided to make something for breakfast, I hope you like it, hyung. By the way, what are you doing here?

I was going to say that it's nothing special.But....
— Just discussing general topics with Dokja-hyung.

— General topics? — It would be awkward to tell a grown man that his little sister had given me a hard time. All I could do was nod awkwardly in response to Jin-Woo questioning look.

— Well, I won't bother you. — With these words, Gin-ah headed to her room.

— Aren't you going to have breakfast? — In response to her brother's question, Gin-ah gave us another sly look. Her gray eyes sparkled with undisguised amusement. Combined with her smirk, it was incredibly annoying.

-No, I don't want to bother you, lovebirds.- With that, the little brat turned around and walked off to her room, humming a tune to herself. As if she hadn't just detonated another bomb.
Damn.
He really wasn't cut out for teenagers.​

Chapter Text

— Remind me never to let you into the kitchen again, Dokja-hyung.

— That's rude, Jin-Woo-ya, you gave me permission to help.

— I just didn't know what I was agreeing to.
Let me explain what happened this morning and why Jinu and I had this conversation on the way to the association.
After the fleeting threat had passed and Jinu and I were able to look each other in the eye again without blushing, the young alpha began to prepare breakfast. As a responsible tenant, I naturally offered to help my landlord. At first, Jin-Woo refused, saying that he could handle it himself, but after hearing the phone ring, the alpha finally gave in to my persuasion and asked me to fry some eggs while he finished his call.
Of course, I agreed.

And I must say, I never claimed to be a great cook. My lonely childhood and adolescence taught me to get my own food, and even though it was mostly instant noodles and takeout, I still didn't think I was that bad of a cook.

But Jin-Woo didn't seem to agree with me when he returned to the kitchen five minutes after the conversation ended and saw me doing his bidding.

I did indeed fry the eggs as he was asked, it's just... who knew you had to crack the shells first?

- This is the first time I've seen someone fry eggs in a frying pan without cracking them,- the young man walking next to me looked at me like I was some kind of strange animal.

Again. Rude.
- That's the problem with modern society, Jin-Woo-ya. No one takes risks or tries new methods anymore. People are so used to living the way they used to that they are hostile to change. Maybe it's not me who's frying an egg wrong... But the rest of the world?

The blank stare in front of me told me that my attempt to prove that I was a good cook had failed.

- How did a simple conversation about frying an egg turn into a philosophical question about the problems of society?

- Big things start with small ones, Jin-Woo-ya. Anyone can fry an egg by breaking it, but not so easy without breaking it.

Seeing me raise my finger in a lecturing manner and seeing my serious expression, Jin-Woo sighed and pressed his hand to his face. It seemed I hadn't convinced him.

Standing in the middle of the street, with people bustling about in the afternoon sun and talking about eggs, I smiled at the absurdity of the whole situation.

Looking around, I again saw how similar and different this world's Seoul was to my own. More modern technology, more glass buildings reaching for the sky, even the phones of the teenage girls passing by looked much more modern.
It seemed that opening the gate brought more than just monsters into this world.

— Are you interested in something, Dokja-hyung? — It seems my interest did not go unnoticed.

— I was just comparing Jin-Woo-ya... After all, even though it is the same city, it is still different. — Understanding what I was talking about, the young man nodded and also glanced at the surrounding landscape.

— Yes, after opening the gate and obtaining the mana crystals, technology has made a sharp leap forward, many believe that humanity is now experiencing its peak period.

Ha, it is so similar to humans: even despite the fear of monsters, humanity will always find a way to benefit itself. Perhaps that is why humans are the most resilient race.

Standing in front of the association entrance during the day was no less exciting than at night. The huge glass building seemed like a blinding pillar of light in the sun. Only now it was bustling with life: many people and, apparently, hunters in identical black uniforms were coming and going. Some were discussing the latest news with friends, while others were simply rushing to work with a cup of coffee in their hands.

And this is the place where I will officially start working after today's test.

- Don't worry, Dokja-hyung, I'm sure everything will be fine.- Jin-Woo seemed to mistake my hesitation for uncertainty. It was cute, but not quite true. For me, as someone who was used to living in an apocalypse, the thought of working in an office again was too strange.

But it seemed I didn't have much of a choice. Looking at the young alpha who kept throwing worried glances at me, I smiled as calmly as I could. It seemed he was even more worried than me. - Thank you for your concern, Jin-Woo-ya, and for deciding to come with me.

This decision was made this morning at breakfast. We had originally planned to meet after the evaluation and go shopping together. But as soon as Jin-Woo said the name of the shopping mall, I realized that I had never heard of it even in my world. It seemed that this was one of the differences between this world and mine. Realizing what my silence meant, Jin-Woo immediately offered to walk me to the association so that I wouldn't get lost.

- It's okay, hyung, I'm just glad. - The joyful smile on that cute face was too dangerous for my heart.
So cute.

- But where should we go?

- Hmm, maybe first to the reception...

- Kim Dokja! - Damn it, that angry shout made me instinctively flinch. The memories of being grabbed by the neck after such an angry pronunciation of my name flashed before my eyes like a kaleidoscope.
Cautiously turning around, I saw an enraged omega walking towards me.

Now everything is clear.

Imperceptibly breathing out a sigh of relief,
I turned to my future boss with a smile.

- Chief Woo, how nice to see you again. - The second person this morning rolled his eyes at my cheerful greeting.
Bastards.

- You're late! - His brown eyes narrowed in anger, and his lips were pressed tightly together. It looked like he was about to start yelling at me right there on the street, surrounded by people.

A rather futile attempt to restrain himself, considering that everyone had already started looking around after his first shout.

- Hm? I highly doubt it. We agreed to meet this morning, but we didn't agree on a time, and here I am. No need to react so violently.

Seeing my future boss open his mouth again, and knowing that nothing good would come of it, I tactlessly raised my hand to his face, effectively silencing him. It seemed that this method was the only one that worked on people in this world. - And before you continue, let me remind you that I had no idea where I was going, so I was incredibly lucky to have arrived here without getting lost.

My words greatly angered the man standing in front of me. - You should have known where to go...-Wow, he was practically growling. - ...If you had deigned to go to the inn prepared for you. Instead of going somewhere with an unknown hunter. What were you even thinking?

After saying this, he pierced his eyes at Jin-Woo, who was standing next to me.

Anyone would have cringed at that piercing gaze, but to my sincere surprise, Jin-Woo boldly stepped forward and bowed his head slightly. Enough to apologize, but not too much.

- It's my fault, I asked hyung to come with me. If you want to blame someone, it's me.- I looked at the young man in front of me, protecting me from the wrath of the man opposite me, surprised. A pleasant feeling stirred inside.

But the disdainful look Woo Jin-Chul gave Jin-Woo made that pleasant feeling disappear.

- I see, well, next time, please think twice before doing that.- As if he was doing him a favor by paying attention to him.

It seemed like if Jin-Woo weren't standing next to me, he wouldn't have been noticed at all. Too insignificant.
Ha, I think I understood what Jin-Woo was talking about when he talked about how the other Hunters and Omegas treated him.

Jin-Woo is an Alpha, but an E-rank. To an Omega, and a high-ranking one at that, he's practically nothing.
I'm sure if Jin-Woo were stronger, he wouldn't even dare to think badly of him. He'd rather show off his Omega side with all his might to impress a potential partner.

He'd never dare to look at him like a thorn in the side.

— You've already been apologized to, and I'm also to blame for this... — I haven't growled for a long time, but then my instincts kicked in. Jin-Woo, the alpha who became important to me, and now some bitch dares to look at him like a cockroach. No way, I won't let that happen. — Maybe I should bow to you too?

There was a suffocating smell all around, clearly demonstrating my anger, and from my empty gaze, the opponent opposite stepped back in horror, watching his complexion change, I felt a gloomy satisfaction. Let's see how you say it, creature from another world, so that in the future I can become smarter.

— I... — A trembling voice further inflamed my sadistic nature.

— Dokja-hyung, that's enough. — A large, warm hand covered in calluses from constantly holding a weapon.
It felt like the place he touched was on fire. I don't understand why I reacted to him like that. And while part of me was terrified, another part of me didn't want it to end.

Jin-Woo looked at me with a smile and squeezed my fingers tighter. - It's okay, Dokja-hyung. I'm not angry. I'm sure Chief Woo didn't mean anything like that.

Even though he said it, the look he gave the frightened omega was full of disappointment. No matter how much time passes, a person can never easily accept someone else's attitude towards them.

- Jin-Woo-ya...

- It seems I decided to meet you at the right time.- The voice, despite his age, sounded strong, and the scent was so overwhelming that it was impossible not to fall silent in the presence of this man.

Turning around, the three of us saw an old man approaching us with scars and a slight smile on his face, but even this did not ease the feeling of pressure from his presence.

- Chairman Go...

- Good to see you, Mr. Kim. It seems you have attracted attention.

It is true, a small crowd had already gathered around us, watching with interest and wondering who dared to go against their deputy.

- Yes, sorry.

- It's nice to welcome you too, Hunter Son. No need to apologize, I'm sure it was just a small misunderstanding. - The look he gave his deputy clearly demanded that he forget about this situation. - Why don't we go in?

Entering the main hall, under the surprised looks of those around us, we headed not to the elevators, but to the far corridor. The further we went, the more people of civilian origin we met: clearly nervous men and women sat on benches along the corridor, looking with horror at the door at the end.

— Memories flooded back. — Jin-Woo, who was walking next to me, spoke up, also looking around at the people around him. That's right, he also passed the certification when he became a Hunter.

— So, this is where you get your license?

— That's right, all Hunters up to A-rank can get certified here. — Go Gun-Hui, who was walking in front of everyone, glanced at me, slightly turning his head in our direction. — However, S-ranks cannot be measured, so the exact level of a person's strength can only be determined up to A-rank.

Hmm, so S-ranks are so strong that they simply cannot be measured by any devices. How then can we understand who is stronger? The only thing left is...

- That's right, training fights are the most effective way to find out the strength level of an S-rank. Of course, all this is carried out under strict control to avoid serious injuries among the hunters.

Well, of course, a good old fist fight - what could be better to find out who is stronger? Primitive, but effective. Especially considering that almost all S-ranks are alphas, and for alphas, full of suppressed energy and a desire to prove themselves, this is the perfect method.

- Well, here we are. This is the hall where Hunters are evaluated.- The place we entered looked like a spacious hall with a control panel, but the most noticeable thing was the huge black ball in the center of the room, resembling a black hole, with wires attached to it. It didn't emit any special magical power on its own, but even standing next to it, I could feel it sucking up particles of magical power from the air.

- This is...

- A magic crystal for measuring magical power, the most powerful crystal in the association. - Woo Jin-Chul , who had been silent the entire way, finally spoke.

— All you have to do, Mr. Kim, is place your hand on it and send some of your magical energy into it. And we will get the result, although I think it is already clear what it will be. — The look thrown at me was too eloquent, because at our first meeting even the chairman was overwhelmed by my power, and he could easily be considered the strongest S-rank if not for his age. And yet, this is my first time doing something like this... Interesting.

— Oh, Mr. Chairman, you are already here! — The sound of the door opening and quick steps. The man who entered the hall, like all the employees, was dressed in a black suit, weak magical power confirmed that he was a hunter, but because of the large glasses, he looked more like an ordinary office worker.

— Mmm, we decided to skip straight to the test and not waste time. Mr. Kim, this person will evaluate your abilities, or, more simply, skills.

— So, in essence, the assessment consists of two stages?

The chairman's eyes sparkled approvingly in response to my question. — That's right, depending on your skills, we will know what class to assign you.

Classes are another difference from my world, where there is a star flow system. Skills were not something unusual among incarnations, there was no point in separating them. But here, depending on your abilities, especially if you are S-rank, you are distributed into different groups.

Mage, fighter, marksman, healer, assassin, and so on.
Considering all my skills and the fact that I wield a sword, I think I will be in the fighter class.

- Well, let's not waste time, I ask the test subject to go to the sphere. - The man in glasses instantly got used to the role of a strict examiner, it seemed that even his lenses emitted a serious glow.

- Good luck, Dokja-hyung. - A quiet voice, in which excitement was barely heard. Turning my head, I met large gray eyes, ah, they are testing me, and he is worried. But it is still nice when you are supported like this. Smiling at the excited alpha, I headed towards the huge sphere.

- Thank you, Jin-Woo-ya.

The mana crystal was even larger up close, well, it was time for the truth.

Everyone held their breath as Omega placed his hand on the smooth black surface.

A second, two, three - nothing happened.

The examiner's face gradually began to change.

- Chairman, are you sure that...

- What the?! - The shocked cry that rang out instantly riveted everyone's attention to what was happening.

A sight that even the staunch chairman of the association could not believe.

- H-how is that?...

With each passing second, the mana sphere grew stronger, becoming brighter and brighter, reminiscent of a supernova. And the brighter the sphere became, the stronger the pressure was felt, which covered the entire room like an avalanche.
Everyone could only watch in shock as the glow became so blinding that it was impossible to look at it without closing their eyes.
The very fact that the crystal could withstand such power was already astounding.

But it did not last long.

- Hey, he's about to...!- The examiner's frightened cry became a signal for the others. To the sound of more and more cracks appearing, the rest of those present rushed away from the crumbling stone.

The omega standing in front of the sphere rushed towards the most vulnerable participant.

- Jin-Woo-ya!

The moment the man in the white cloak hugged the numb youth, an explosion rang out that seemed to shake the entire building. Cries of despair and horror could be heard from the hallway where people were still waiting. It seemed like an eternity had passed.

Dust and particles of magic stone were still floating in the air when everyone present left their shelters.

Lying on the floor, Dokja was still hugging the person lying underneath him. Only after making sure that there was no longer a threat did the omega rise from the body he was lying on.

- Dokja-hyung...

Turning my head, I came face to face with the guy lying underneath me. There was practically no distance between us, I felt Jinwoo's warm breath on my lips, strands of my hair fell on the alpha's forehead, everything was mixed up, for some reason it seemed too intimate.

— Are you okay, Jin-Woo-ya? — I didn't even try to hide the worry in my voice.

— Why are you asking me?! Are you in pain, Dokja?! Does it hurt anywhere?! — A scorching heat on my cheeks, at first I didn't even understand what it was, I felt uneven, rough skin. Calluses. Hands, roughened from hard work, incredibly gently held my face.

He looked at my face so worriedly, stroking it with his thumbs, that he didn’t even seem to notice that he had simply called me by name. And I just couldn’t bring myself to move, afraid that this moment would end.

- Dokja...- My name burned my lips as he exhaled, sending shivers down my spine. Just a little more, and our lips...

- Are you okay!?- Woo Woo Jin-Chul loud scream tore apart the bubble that Jin-Woo and I were in. Turning around, we saw a hall where dust was still hanging in the air. Where the spherical crystal had once been, ordinary shards were now scattered, and the wires connected to the machine were charred and sparking from the remnants of electricity.

If earlier the gazes of all those present were directed in that direction with impatience and anticipation, now only horror was read in them.
Then everyone simultaneously turned to me.
From these glances, I felt sweat appear on my back.

Continuing to lie on the alpha's body, I scratched the back of my head and laughed awkwardly.

- Ha-ha-ha, he didn't cost much... right?

The silence that hung was too eloquent.
Damn it.

Chapter Text

The mall resembled a huge, glittering anthill located in the very center of Seoul. It had everything: a movie theater, cafes, shops, an ice rink, and playgrounds. No wonder there were so many people here.

Families, teenagers hanging out after school, couples in love... There were especially many of the latter, it seemed that wherever you looked, you could stumble upon lovers strolling around. Alphas and omegas, alphas and betas, betas and betas, there were even couples with three partners at once! All three walked happily holding hands.

It wasn't that Jin-Woo didn't approve of this, everyone is free to love as many people as they want. But, having grown accustomed to seeing complete devotion to your partner from my parents, I still believed that it was better to give yourself entirely to one person, rather than tear your feelings apart.
And he himself will never be able to accept the fact that he is not the only one for his chosen one. He may not be the best alpha in the world, but even he has things that he will never compromise on.

Standing in line to order at a fast food cafe and watching the three of them leave, my gaze automatically returned to the far table in the third row, where the magnificent omega was sitting. Passersby kept throwing interested glances at him, and perhaps some would even risk approaching him if there wasn’t an aura of universal grief hovering around him – it seemed like he was one step away from killing someone.
This sight made me smile. Unlike the onlookers passing by, I understood perfectly well what was the reason for this man’s depressed state.

The events at the association were still fresh in his mind... after the explosion of the pressure gauge, which could not withstand the full force of Dokja-hyung. The events unfolded as if in accelerated mode: the incredibly serious face of Chairman Go, examining the remains of the stone, the panicking examiner, who was even afraid to look up at the hyung, Chief Woo, who was in some kind of stupor and did not move.
It seemed that everyone remembered how to move only when the chairman was informed by phone that a whole squad of police was heading to the association due to the explosion.
It seemed that someone informed them of an attempted terrorist attack.
He and the hyung were urgently taken out of the testing hall through the back door.

The screams of those present, who didn't understand what was happening, and the noise of cars approaching the main entrance were the last things Jin-Woo saw before the chairman said that he would contact them soon, but for now he needed to sort out the situation.
The sounds of camera flashes. The journalists had already arrived.
They had no choice but to run before everyone found out about the new S-rank who almost blew up the association on the very first day... And that he was an omega. The journalists would never let them go.
Running away from the association building, I didn't let go of the snow-white hand with slender fingers.
Luckily, the shopping mall was nearby. Having reached the restaurant area and having seated the omega, who had been silent the entire way, at the nearest table, I decided to buy us something to eat. After everything that had happened, they needed a distraction.
- Your order is ready! - Just in time. Nodding gratefully, I took the order from the smiling omega girl and headed to our table. I constantly caught the glances of those around me: some looked at me with bewilderment, others - with pity. Of course, no one could have guessed that this stunningly handsome man and I knew each other; they were sure that I would be thrown out immediately. It was all the more pleasant to see the sincere surprise on their faces when I calmly sat down and handed a glass of soda to the gloomy omega. - Here, drink this, Dokja-hyung, you will feel better. - The surprise on their faces changed to pure amazement when the man sitting opposite turned his head and calmly accepted the offered glass. - Thank you, Jin-Woo-ya.

I looked at that gloomy face with a smile, and from such a simple interaction, my chest felt incredibly ticklish and warm. But even more feelings were aroused in me by the memory of how during the explosion, it was Dokja who rushed to me first. From a logical point of view, it would be natural to protect the head of the association first of all... But he chose me, decided to save a useless alpha, and not the one on whom the entire system of hunters of South Korea rests.
My alpha beast was delighted.
I wanted only one thing - to always look at that gloomy face.

The main thing is that he always looks only at me.
However, now that frowning gaze was completely fixed on the glass, it seems that he is really upset about what happened in the association. It is natural to want your debut to go well.
I need to support him.

- Hyung, are you really that upset about not having a license?- Omega, who had been silent until now, looked at me in confusion.

- Huh?- Did I misunderstand something?

- You are not upset about the certification?

- Ah, that's what you mean.. - Understanding what I mean, hyung looked at me irritably. - I don't care about this certification!

Now it was my turn to look at him in confusion. - Then why are you so angry?

My question made the mournful aura around hyung become even stronger. - Because now I have to pay for this damn crystal from my salary!

The Omega opposite almost fell head first onto the table in despair. - My employment contract turned into a slave contract in the blink of an eye!

- Ah, well, a slave contract is somehow...

- But that's not all! - At these words, hyung grabbed a straw in irritation and began to pierce the glass with it. I started sweating from this sight, it seemed he was imagining someone in the place of the glass.

— Anything else wrong? — Oh. Is he embarrassed? I watched in surprise as hyung turned away in embarrassment. What's wrong with him?

— Well, it's only my second day in this world, and I've already been called a criminal, a gold digger, and now a terrorist! At this rate, my photos will be hanging all over the city by the end of the week!

Dokja sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair. He was the picture of despair.

I should have supported him... but...

— Pfft. — I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of that cute pouty face, and the situation itself was ridiculously absurd.

- Oh, I'm so glad you find it funny, Jin-Woo-ya.- Although the omega opposite me rolled his eyes, there was no anger in his voice.

- Haha, sorry, hyung, I was just hahaha.- I couldn't stop laughing. It felt like a whole minute had passed before I pulled myself together, hyung patiently waiting for me to calm down the entire time.

- Ahem, sorry, Dokja-hyung.

- Don't worry, Jin-Woo-ya, I understand.

I awkwardly scratched the back of my head, remembering what I wanted to know after the incident at the association.

- Hyung.- After making sure the man opposite me was completely focused on me, I asked the question I was curious about. - So what really happened at the association?

— Ah... — Hyung looked away from my question for a second, then focused on me again. — One of my stories, let's say, decided to show itself.

The alpha's eyes widened in shock, and there was genuine shock in his voice. — It happened because of one of your stories?! Wait, what do you mean, "decided to show itself"? — Come to think of it, even when Dokja-hyung was telling me about his world, he always talked about stories as if they were living beings... Could it be?.. — Hyung, do stories really have their own will?

— Of course, Jin-Woo-ya. — A simple answer that left me in shock. — Stories are not just memories of an event, they carry wills and desires, each with their own character.

The more I listened, the more incredible it all seemed, these stories were alive.

- And one of them was eager to show herself during the evaluation, and this is what happened.- After saying this, hyung looked irritably somewhere above my head, as if there was something there.

- And because of this, I will now have to suffer, huh...

Listening to his grumbling, I couldn't help but smile again, everything seemed so incredible: the stories, the other world, and the fact that I was sitting at the same table with him.

My life has changed dramatically. Before, it seemed that my whole world was made up of gray tones, where there was no place for joy and unusual things, but with his appearance, everything was filled with colors.
He changed my world.

People passing by, children running, the rest of the world seemed so distant and insignificant, and only the person in front of me seemed the only real one in this world.
The alpha's gaze, directed at the omega at the other end of the table, was full of inexpressible tenderness and adoration. This is how you look at a gift of fate, unexpectedly falling into the hands of a person who never thought that he would ever be so lucky.

- Well... Then. - The sound of a chair being pushed back drew the omega's attention to the alpha across from him. - I think it's time to start doing what we came here for.

Seeing my mischievous smile, Dokja rolled his eyes in despair again.

- Maybe we shouldn't, Jin-Woo-ya?

- You can't wear the same thing all the time, hyung, you need a change of clothes. - Although my words didn't seem to convince him much, he still got up from the table.

- Okay, let's get this over with quickly.

As I headed to the nearest store with the grumbling man, I still didn't know what kind of difficulties I had agreed to.

He grabbed the first thing that came to hand, not paying attention to size, length and color! Jin-Woo had never seen such a careless attitude, it seemed like he didn't care at all what he was wearing.

- Hyung, it's too big for you!

- Really?

- And this one is too long!

- You think so? - My head was starting to hurt, this shopping trip promised to be no easier than walking through the gate.

Walking to the nearest clothing rack, I tried to find at least something that would suit Dokja. But, unfortunately, even my sister said that I was a complete zero when it came to fashion.

They need help.

- Is there anything I can do for you? - It seemed his prayers had been answered; the smiling saleswoman, judging by the lack of beta scent, was the answer to his prayers.

- Yes, please, we are looking for clothes for this man. - After casting an appraising glance at Dokja and seeming satisfied with what she saw, the saleswoman turned to me with a smile.

- May I know how much money you plan to spend?

- The amount is not important, as long as the clothes are suitable for all occasions.- Despite the worry in Hyun's eyes, money was not really an issue. The money he got for clearing the troll dungeon would last him about three months, including hospital bills and rent - that's what a high-level dungeon meant. He had forgotten how nice it was to not have to worry about money all the time.

- Great, please follow me! - It was quite a funny sight: the saleswoman fluttered from counter to counter, and Dokja, barely walking, as if to an execution, followed her.

Sitting down in front of the fitting room, where the assistant brought the omega with a stack of clothes in his hands, I waited for Hyun to come out. I was even a little nervous - this was my first time in a store and my first time buying clothes. Especially for an omega.

- It's kind of... - The voice from the fitting room sounded extremely uncertain. - I don't think it would suit me.

- Is it really that bad? - Now I'm starting to get nervous too. I really wanted to buy Hyun all the clothes, but everything went wrong from the start.

- Why don't you come out so we can take a look?

After exchanging worried glances with the consultant, we waited for the omega to come out of the fitting room.

It seemed like ten seconds had passed before a quiet voice came from the fitting room. - Okay.

The last thing Jin-Woo brain managed to process was the sound of the curtain being pulled back before he completely disconnected from what he had seen.

Dokja-hyung shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other in his skinny jeans on his slender legs, allowing the omega's slightly rounded hips and toned butt to be appreciated.

The turtleneck emphasized his thin waist and toned stomach, and together it looked quite provocative if not for the warm chestnut cardigan thrown over it.

Combined with his flushed face, it was a sight that only a blind person would be indifferent to. And he felt that one part of him was especially interested in the sight before him.

- Well? - an embarrassed voice pulled him out of his stupor.

I really wanted to say something, but as soon as I opened my mouth, I simply had no words to describe what appeared before him.

- Oh my god, it suits you so well! You look absolutely stunning in it!. - Thank goodness the saleswoman had them.- What do you think, sir? Doesn't he look stunning?

Two pairs of eyes turned to me, one in embarrassment, the other in anticipation. I need to pull myself together!

- ... Yes... You look stunning, hyung...-The Omega opposite blushed at my comment. So cute.

- Great, then let's continue! Please try on the rest.

Dokja could only nod and, embarrassed, returned to the fitting room.

- You are a very beautiful couple, sir, and you look great together. - The saleswoman's words made me choke for a second. I looked around the fitting room in panic. I prayed to all the gods that Dokcha would not hear this, but it seemed that the noise and music in the store drowned out the saleswoman's words.

- We did not... - He had to clear up this misunderstanding, he and Dokcha had only known each other for two days, and they had enough misunderstandings as it was. But I did not want to refute these words. On the contrary, I was pleased to hear them. - Yes, thank you.

Having received an encouraging smile from the girl in response, we began to wait for the omega to come out again.

Two hours later, leaving the store with full bags in our hands, Dokja and I looked like we had just walked through the red gates.

- Thank you for your purchases, come visit us again! - The saleswoman's cheerful voice, bowing after us, sounded happy about a successfully completed transaction.

- Never. - But the omega's voice next to him was the embodiment of a man who had experienced unimaginable despair.

- Hahaha, well, at least we bought everything. So I guess everything ended well.

A chuckle and a wry smile came in response. - Yeah, I guess you're right. Thank God there were no incidents.

As if the entire universe had been waiting for these words, a loud shopping mall alarm sounded all around.

- ATTENTION, CUSTOMERS! A BREAKTHROUGH HAS OCCURRED IN THE SHOPPING CENTER ! ALL PERSONS MUST IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAFETY REGULATIONS!!

Panicked screams were heard everywhere. People grabbed their loved ones, mothers of children, and ran for the exit.

The red alarm flashing above the running crowd illuminated the Alpha and Omega couple standing in the center of the running wave.

- Jin-Woo -ya... - the calm voice of his companion attracted the young man's attention.

- Yes? - The same calm voice rang out, as if they didn't care about the panic that reigned around them.

- Next time, if I say something like that... shut me up, please.

Looking at the omega's empty face, I laughed awkwardly.

- Haha. - His life really did become more chaotic.

Chapter Text

He probably should have known better than to say the most common red flag in stories. After all the stories he'd read, he should have known that the main character shouldn't say "I hope everything goes well" because everything would go wrong.
No, of course he didn't think of himself as the main character! He was more like one of those losers who would find a piece of shit on any sidewalk they walked on.
Simply put.
He was a real loser.
And the confirmation of that was now flashing above his head like a lottery win. If he ever won anything, it was for "Loser of the Year."
Damn.

The panicked screams of the people were getting further and further away, it seemed that most of the mall's visitors had successfully evacuated. The alarm sounds were no longer heard everywhere, but the red light continued to flash, illuminating him and Jin-Woo on the empty area near the fountain.

- What are we going to do, hyung? - A calm voice to my right pulled me out of my gloomy thoughts about my difficult fate. In truth, he is not a hunter yet, he does not have a license yet, and he was directly told not to stick his head out until then, but if something is not done now, ordinary people may get hurt... So.

Letting out a heavy sigh, the omega took one look at the alpha standing next to him before turning towards the sound of approaching footsteps.

A young man in his thirties, wearing a worker's clothes and a badge, was running in panic towards the main entrance, his face pale and sweaty, and his eyes filled with terror. He had clearly encountered something more than just a warning about a dungeon breach.
I reached out and instantly grabbed the shoulder of a worker running past.

- Aaaaah, w-what?! W-what the hell are you doing?! - The panicking employee, who was grabbed so suddenly, panicked even more when he realized that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't pull his hand out of the grip of the seemingly slender and fragile man in front of him.

- Do you know where the portal opened?

A cold voice made him immediately look up at the speaker, but as soon as his eyes met the gloomy dark eyes in front of him, he froze like a rabbit in front of a boa constrictor.

— I-I... — For some reason, this look scared him even more than the monsters he saw in the basement.

— Well! — The sharp voice made him jump and open his mouth in panic.

— These are basements! Only workers and employees who repair the plumbing have access there!

In panic, the man closed his eyes, waiting for what would happen next. But after a few moments, realizing that nothing was happening, he decided to open both eyes.

The usually dark eyes looked at him calmly, it seemed that this all-consuming feeling was just a fantasy. Without realizing it, the worker took a deep breath, as if emerging from under a thick layer of water.

- Thank you.- With these words, his hands were freed again.

- Oh, right. - It seemed like he wanted to ask something, but remembering what the center employee was running away from so quickly, he turned around abruptly and rushed away again.

- Jin-Woo-ya, give me my cloak, please.- The Alpha who was being addressed reached into one of the bags and took out a long white cloak, which the polite salespeople carefully folded.

Now I was in new clothes, I needed to change, I really didn't want to ruin the new clothes Jin-Woo had given me, but there was no time. Quickly throwing on my favorite cloak, which I had worn in countless battles, I turned to the guy standing next to me.

- Are you with me? - He didn't seem surprised by my question. With a gentle expression on his face, he nodded at me in agreement.

- I won't let you go alone.

Nodding in response, I reached into one of the pockets of the cloak. Since Jin-Woo was coming with me, he would need equipment. And if so, it would be somewhere around here... Aha! Here it is.

[Item: Cloak of the King of Assassins]

— Jin-Woo-ya, the dagger I gave you in the troll dungeon, did you take it with you?

Jin-Woo, looking at the other cloak pulled out of my pocket in surprise, immediately turned his gaze to me upon hearing my question.

— Yes. I'm used to always carrying a weapon with me in case of unforeseen circumstances.

— Good. Then take this too. — The relic cloak hung on my outstretched hand. — This artifact, together with the dagger I gave you, increases the owner's stats: speed, agility, and a little strength, but it is especially good for stealth — just right for surprise attacks.

— Increases stats? That is, it can make you stronger?! Incredible! — Taking the cloak I pulled out, Jin-Woo looked at it in amazement.

- Yes, but the effect only lasts for thirty minutes. So it should only be used when there are monsters nearby. - Watching the alpha throw the artifact cloak over his shoulders, I glanced in the direction from which this employee ran. Given the duration of the cloak and the fact that other hunters should not see it, their time is limited

- I'm ready, hyung! - With a determined, burning gaze, the young man stood shoulder to shoulder with me.

- Then let's begin, Jin-Woo-ya, we only have thirty minutes to clear the entire mall of monsters.

Getting to the service elevators was fairly easy, the only obstacle being a locked door that required a key card and could be opened with a single kick.

Entering the huge freight elevator, clearly not just for transporting employees, I pressed the button for the ground floor.

- Amazing...- a voice nearby distracted me from the flashing buttons on the panel. - The body is so light.

- Mmm, this cloak is great for those who value agility, but its main drawback is the limited time it can be used.

Jin-Woo nodded in response to my words and asked the question that interested us both: - What kind of monsters do you think will be there?

This question worried me too. Without knowing what kind of monsters are waiting for them, we won't be able to come up with an effective plan, and considering that they don't have much time...

-Jin-Woo-ya you said that some monsters are as intelligent as humans, right? - I felt the hunter's gaze on me.

- Yes, some of them are very similar to humans, and their intelligence is not inferior.

That means they are not lower than humans. If the monsters still haven't gotten out of the basement, then...

- Did you understand something, hyung?

My absentminded gaze never left the blinking panel, indicating that they were almost at the right floor. The more I thought about it, the more my suspicions became confirmed.

- If they were monsters with high intelligence, they wouldn't have any trouble finding their way out of the basement. But they're still there, which means...- The sound of the elevator stopping overlapped with my words. The sound of the sliding doors was like the sounds of a horror movie.

Jin-Woo, who was running my words through his head, looked at me in shock. - So the monsters are in the basement...!

At that moment, only my reflexes allowed me to react quickly. A split-second sense of danger, all too familiar after so many battles.

Instinctively throwing out my hand with a clenched fist a split second before the attack, I felt the blow meet the hard wool, reminiscent of sandpaper, with the sound of breaking fangs and bones. For a second, a growling sound of pain was heard, which immediately died down, and the shock wave from the blow threw the carcass of the monster to the opposite end of the corridor. A dull thud of the already dead body against the wall was heard. All this took no more than a second.

-This! - a shocked cry in the corridor was the only sound. - Hyung, are you okay?!

- Yes, everything is fine, Jin-Woo-ya.- My gaze did not leave the monster's body, illuminated by the flickering light. The first thing that caught my eye was the incredibly huge fangs, like those of ancient saber-toothed tigers. The creature in front of him generally resembled these animals, except that it was twice as big and had red fur.

-As I thought. Beast-like monsters. That's why they haven't reached the top yet.

If there were monsters here that were as intelligent as humans, they would quickly find the stairs or elevators leading to the surface, but it's unlikely that they would be able to press the button for the upper floors with paws with such claws. In that regard, they were lucky.

- Monsters like that are very strong and fast. We need a plan.

Nodding as Jin-Woo came closer to inspect the monster, I glanced around. A long gray hallway with flashing lights above, stone floors and walls, and pipes leading up to power the entire mall.

- Let's go ahead for now, let's see what happens next... What are you doing, Jin-Woo-ya?

The sound of flesh being cut and the smell of blood. I watched in confusion as the unperturbed alpha gutted the dead carcass of the monster. He shoved his hand all the way into the monster's corpse, as if he was trying to find something, ignoring my words. It seemed like he found what he was looking for, his serious face breaking into a wide smile. Looking in my direction, the alpha showed me a large pink stone with a happy expression, emitting a faint glow.
- Ah! - I let out a shocked sigh. I completely forgot about them, the mana crystals.

Seeing my surprised look, Jin-Woo awkwardly scratched the back of his head with his clean hand. - It would be a shame to leave them here.

- Really a shame, well done, Jin-Woo-ya. - I gave the embarrassed guy an approving thumbs up. - Let's put them in my cloak.

Throwing the large stone into the pocket of the cloak, we turned into the corridor where there was another door.

- Ready?

- Yes!

Opening the already pretty cracked door, we immediately smelled blood. The picture that opened before us resembled a scene from a horror movie. Torn bodies, in which it was no longer possible to recognize that they once belonged to people. Scratches from claws on the walls and floor. One body seemed to be cut in two. The intestines fell out, resembling a ball of snakes. My boots and Jin-Woo sneakers felt like they had stepped in a red lake - there was so much blood there. Organs and body parts were scattered everywhere. The smell made me sick.

- Oh my god... - Jin-Woo immediately covered his nose and mouth with the sleeve of his sweater. His eyes showed horror mixed with disgust.
I understood him, even I, who had lived through so many scenarios, felt uneasy from this sight. And I had seen a lot.

- It seems that this is the checkpoint where the employees registered before leaving.
And it was here that all the evacuating employees were caught by the monsters.

Looking to the side, I saw something that could help them.

- Jin-Woo-ya, this is the security department. - Pointing to a small room, we began to make our way through this carnage. Our goal was to find a map or diagram of the basement, so we would know where to go next. Simply wandering around here would only waste time.

Something seems to be in the way. Pushing the door to the security office harder, I heard a crunch.
Damn.

I hope it's not... - a severed arm, stuck between the floor and the door, prevented the door from opening fully, and my push finally broke the remaining intact bones.
This is clearly all that remains of the poor security guard.
As they say, oops.

But nothing can be done. Pushing the door again, we finally got inside.
The room itself was incredibly small, only enough for one person. But their eyes immediately saw what they were looking for.
On one of the walls hung a diagram of the basement, partially covered in blood.
Coming closer, I began to carefully study the writing.

— Hmm, judging by this diagram, there are four directions from the basement and three exits in case of an emergency. We are at the main exit now. But there are three more, where the stairs leading to the upper underground parking lot are.

— Underground parking, but that means that if the monsters can reach these stairs and get out to the parking lot... then they will have an exit to the streets of the city! — Jin-Woo is right, as soon as the monsters reach the stairs leading up, the entire city and its inhabitants will be attacked. Besides, there is a boss somewhere in one of these three tunnels. They need to hurry. But they won’t have time to check all three tunnels, unless... No, he doesn’t want to suggest that.

— Let’s split up, hyung. — I flinched and looked at Jin-Woo in shock.

— But! — I didn’t want that. Those monsters were obviously much stronger than the trolls, and if something happened to Jin-Woo, I… My insides sank at the thought of Jin-Woo dying, like I was being lowered into ice water, my limbs were cramping. No, I can’t let him… The warm hand that took mine, which had grown cold from those thoughts, seemed to pull me out of a dark abyss. The warmth from the hand spread throughout my body, to my heart. Looking up, I saw warm gray eyes looking at me with confidence.

— Don’t be afraid, hyung. I promise, I’ll be fine.

I couldn’t look away. — You asked me to believe in you. Now you believe in me, too. — That smile made all my worries disappear like smoke.

It's amazing how just one smile from him can relieve me of all my worries. And he himself is incredibly amazing. Jin-Woo is right, I have to believe in him.

Squeezing his warm hand in response, the omega quietly replied - Okay...
The alpha's answering smile was full of tenderness and gratitude for believing in his strength. That's right. They were no longer alone, now they would fight together, which meant they would have to believe in each other's strength.

At that moment, the two who had decided to fight together turned their heads to the two opposite tunnels, and smiles played on their faces.

- Good luck, Jin-Woo-ya. - I believe in you.

- And you, hyung. - Thank you for believing in me.

Both of them, without turning around, resolutely stepped forward, knowing that behind them was the person in whom they completely believed.

Chapter Text

GRAAAAAAH!!!!

The death roar of pain echoed horribly through the corridor and died down the moment the familiar blade cut the carotid artery. The weak point of everyone, be it monster or human.

With the crash of a falling corpse, the man clutching the bloody blade threw off his cloak, revealing a round face with gray eyes.

- Ugh, this is the last one.- A tired sigh did not reduce the excitement of the realization of the sight that unfolded before him: eight monsters of at least B-rank had been killed by him. A pitiful E-rank who could not even kill a goblin before!
Unthinkable. For the first time since he became a hunter, he was able to overcome this feeling caused by a successful hunt.

And all thanks to the equipment that Dokja gave me. At this name, an image of the omega in a white cloak appeared in my mind, with whom we split up to clear the basement faster. The one who was the first to believe in me.
I will not let him down.
Resolutely clutching the dagger in his hand, the young man looked around. The room he was currently in resembled a large warehouse where old signs and costumes for various events were stored. The corridor leading to this room was littered with the corpses of killed and disemboweled monsters. Thanks to the cloak that completely concealed his presence, it was quite easy to sneak up on each monster and kill them, the only problem was that these monsters usually always move in packs, and in a narrow corridor it was quite difficult to separate them.

But here the good old trick worked.
Having found a lying stone, I threw it at the far end of the corridor. Two monsters, having heard extraneous noise, immediately reacted to it and moved away from the group. Thanks to this, I easily dealt with the entire group in the allotted ten minutes.
Speaking of time.
Having taken out the phone, on which the timer was set, I saw that there were two minutes left until the appointed meeting time with Dokja.
The cloak lasts for thirty minutes, but the boss is still hiding somewhere. Having split up, we agreed that ten minutes are given to clear each corridor, after which they should meet in the same place where they split up.

In addition to the carcass of the monster I just killed, I took the mana stones from all the other corpses. I'll take the last ones in the allotted time and just go to meet...

BANG!!!

A sharp roar shook the entire basement, causing the cement to fall from the ceiling and the ground to tremble as if from an earthquake. The shaking lasted only about thirty seconds, but it seemed like the entire basement was about to collapse. - Ah! - With a new push, even stronger than the previous one, I grabbed the nearest column to keep from falling.
It was all over as quickly as it began, it seemed like no more than a minute.

— What was that? — Standing firmly on my feet, I turned to where the noise was coming from. Wait. This isn't your side, where... Dokja is!

I've never run so fast in my life, I'm not sure if I used the cloak's enhancement or not. All I knew at that moment was that I needed to get there as fast as possible. The boss was in that hallway? I know how strong Dokja-hyung is, and yet an irrational sense of fear still gnawed at me. Gray hallways, covered in blood and monster corpses, rushed past.
What if the boss was stronger than they initially thought?
Or did the pressure gauge just break and miscalculate Dokja's power level?
What if they made a mistake coming here?

Here he is!
Turning the next corner and gripping the dagger more comfortably, I was ready for any sight.
But as soon as I saw a familiar back, dressed in a white cloak that was already painfully familiar, I froze in place.
The relief that washed over me was so strong that it almost knocked me off my feet.
He's okay.
Thank God.

- Dokja-hyung...- Even to me, my voice seemed too weak, and yet the omega, who had been standing with his back to me until now, turned to face me. Only his face...

- Aaah, it's you, Jin-Woo-ya.. - He had managed to memorize this expression well over the past few days.

- Hyung, what happened? - The barely noticeable flinch from my question confirmed my suspicions.

- What makes you think something happened? Everything is absolutely fine! - He would have believed this brazen lie if not for the nervous smile on his face and the eyes darting around in panic.
My intense gaze made him noticeably nervous.

- Everything is really fine, Jin-Woo-ya! There is nothing to worry about! - Turning sideways to me, I saw the view behind Dokja. I would have believed this brazen lie if not for...

- Hyung, what is behind you?... Or rather, who?

- Nothing! - Omega shuddered even more and tried to close the space behind him, but I had already seen enough. In a large square room, completely filled with refrigerators for storing meat, in the very center of a huge funnel lay a man, judging by the smell of an alpha, tall, muscular, with unusually red hair, reminiscent of flame. An incredible aura of strength emanated from him, both from the alpha and from the hunter ... All this was spoiled by a beaten face with eyes rolled back so that only the whites were visible, pure shock frozen on his face.
The more I looked at him, the more familiar he seemed to me, but where could I have seen such a person?
I would remember if we met on a raid, and it was clearly not somewhere in the city, then where ...
In an instant, a light bulb went off inside me: I remembered where I had seen that face! On TV, on a morning program dedicated to stories about hunter awakenings, that day there was a special guest - the head of one of the best guilds in Seoul, "White Tiger" Baek Yoonho !
According to the stories, the hunter had an unusual ability to transform into a beast, thanks to which he received incredible strength. An alpha in all respects: strength, appearance and status.
And now this man, who even on TV made an incredible impression, lay unconscious, beaten like some boy.
Translating my shocked gaze to the awkwardly standing omega, I asked the only question I could squeeze out of myself.

- Dokja-hyung, what the hell happened here?

Glancing awkwardly at me, but apparently deciding not to hide anything, the man sighed heavily. - Well, to put it briefly...

Five minutes ago.

The sword easily cut through the monster's tough skin, completely tearing its side. The monster, which had been preparing to attack just a second ago, fell completely on its side, a glowing pink stone fell out of the wide wound along with its entrails. Slowly picking it up and putting it in my cloak pocket with the others, I put the blade back in its sheath, having first shaken off the blood.

A weak white energy was still emanating from the blade. Looking around, I noted with satisfaction that I had dealt with all the monsters.

Checking the time on my smartphone, I confirmed that I still had some time before my scheduled meeting with Jin-Woo. I thought about what I could do before then. I didn't sense any other monsters nearby.

Should I check the other rooms?

Okay. I'll do that.
As soon as I took a step toward the warehouse exit, a powerful wave of energy washed over me. It seemed to appear in an instant, how could I not notice it? Some kind of stealth skill?

The energy surpassed all the monsters combined, but was clearly inferior to the association chairman's strength. If Mr. Go strength was like a huge mountain, then this one was like a raging storm that could sweep away everything in its path.

And it was coming.

And fast.

I quickly jumped back from the shock wave, which completely destroyed the wall. Rocks and dust blocked my view. Shielding my face from the debris, I saw a huge silhouette in the crack.
A giant white paw with huge claws stepped towards me, the fragments of the wall flew into pieces and turned into crumbs.
Then a huge body appeared, completely covered in white fur with black stripes, paws with long, incredibly sharp claws and an elongated muzzle, reminiscent of a lion with a white mane.
The fangs were incredibly sharp even to look at, and the eyes burned with a yellow fire.

Letting out a growling exhalation, the monster took another step towards me.
Speaking of what happened next, I must say that anyone in my place would have reacted exactly the same way in a similar situation.
So it's not his fault!

Just as the monster was about to take another step towards me and opened its mouth full of sharp teeth, I reacted instantly. A second later, finding myself in front of the monster, I grabbed it right by its lion-like muzzle. With just a little bit of force, I knocked the huge carcass onto its back, slamming its head into the stone floor. The ensuing rumble was even louder than when it broke through the wall, and the crater and cracks in the ground increased by ten meters.
A moment - and it was over.
Just in case, I waited another second to make sure the monster wouldn't start moving before letting go of its head.

Hmm, how strange, for a second I thought the monster's gaze was... surprised?

No, I guess I imagined it.

But for a boss, it was pretty weak.

Taking another look at the huge carcass lying motionless, I reached for my sword. I need to get the mana stone, find Jinwa, and get out of here. The boss is defeated, and there's no point in them staying here.

At that moment, my attention was drawn to the strange fluctuation of the monster's mana. Turning my head, I saw a shocking sight.

The monster was shrinking in size, the fur all over its body began to disappear, its claws and mane were retracting until they became completely normal.

Another second, and in the place of the monster lay a completely ordinary man with bright red hair. The scent of the alpha was mixed with some unusual scent of the beast, but it was still, without a doubt, the scent of an ordinary person.
In fact, I think I saw him somewhere, but where... Oh, shit.
I remembered.
It seems that I just knocked out the head of the White Tiger guild.
As they say, oops.

Present time.

- Well, something like that, - I looked in shock at the omega in front of me, who was awkwardly scratching the back of his head. It seemed that my brain simply could not accept what I heard.
Hyun just went and knocked out the head of the guild. And now he lies unconscious, and something needs to be done about it.

- Hyung... - I turned to the omega, who still refused to look me in the eye.

- Really?

- You really have bad luck. - My words made the hyung freeze, he looked like he had been hit with something.

- Ji-jin-Woo is a rude guy!

Ignoring the hyung's complaint, I turned my attention back to the guildmaster. - But how did he get there?

The omega, who was still looking at me with indignation, also glanced at the man in the crater. - Looks like he used the emergency exit leading to the parking lot.

It turned out they were attacking from two different directions. Nodding at hyung's explanation, I asked the main question. - And how do we explain this?

Focusing on the omega who was thinking about my question, I waited for a reasonable plan of action.

A couple of seconds passed before Dokja looked at me again.

- ...Uh, should we chalk it up to self-defense? My eye twitched at that cute smile.

- Hyung!

Chapter Text

Despite Jin-Woo angry shout, I still thought my idea was not bad. Seriously! Who would send a hunter who could transform into an even larger cat to clear a dungeon full of cat monsters?!
What kind of idiocy is this?!
He looked more like a boss than a boss!!
In short, I refused to admit my guilt.
It seemed that this was exactly what the hunter opposite me, who had been staring at me until then, read in my gaze.

- We can't leave him here. What if there are still monsters here, he might die. - I understood this very well, and very soon he would have to work in a place where he had to protect hunters and their reputation. And it would be very embarrassing if it turned out later that I had abandoned one of the already few S-ranks to be eaten by monsters.

But that didn't make it any easier...

- And what do you suggest, Jin Woo - ya? Throw him in one of the carts and carry him around like expired cat food? - With these words, I pointed back to where the grocery carts, written off as unnecessary, lay like a pile of junk. I didn't want to carry Alpha's colossus on my back, and Jin Woo simply couldn't lift him.

Hearing my words, Alpha, on the contrary, thoughtfully looked around the surrounding landscape, his gaze lingering in a certain direction.

Looking in the same direction, I saw a refrigerator for frozen foods.

My momentary surprise immediately passed, replaced by shock when I realized what Jin-Woo wanted to do. Sharply turning my head, I looked at my companion in shock.

- Are you kidding?!

A serious look destroyed all my hopes. - We have no other choice.

At the same time, we looked at the unconscious alpha and looked towards the refrigerator.

Oh, shit.

Pulling the heavy carcass of the alpha out of the crater, even a small one, was not something he wanted to do, but the situation left no choice.

- It's so damn heavy. - My disgruntled muttering and Jin-Woo heavy breathing mixed together as we pulled the hunter by both legs.

- Just a little more... - Dragging the carcass to the nearest refrigerator, we opened the lock on the door. Inside were bags of frozen Miss Peas. The further we went, the more absurd this situation seemed to me, but it was our only way out. If the monsters couldn't open the doors to escape, they certainly wouldn't be able to open the refrigerator, and the smell of frozen food would slightly overpower the alpha's scent.

In fact, now that I was so close to the hunter, I could smell him better, and something about it seemed strangely familiar to me.

Driven by curiosity, I leaned closer to the body and began to sniff, trying to determine what kind of smell it was. Normally, I would never do something like this; in society, only lovers and family members sniffed each other so openly.
But now, my natural curiosity was stronger than social norms.
Only, it seemed, Jin-Woo understood everything completely wrong.

- What are you doing?! - The growling notes in his voice made my inner omega press his ears back to his head in shame. The alpha's displeasure was like a bucket of cold water suddenly falling on my head. Shocking and confusing. Apologies poured out of my mouth in a stormy stream, I just wanted to quickly calm the alpha opposite me, who continued to look at me with undisguised displeasure.

God, I wanted to whine pitifully.

- It's not like that, Jin-Woo - ya! He just smells familiar! - Seeing that my words didn't make much of an impression on him, I desperately pointed at the guild leader. - Look for yourself!

Jin-Woo didn't take his angry gaze off me, and with each passing second it seemed like my nerves were about to snap.

I felt like an unfaithful wife who was caught in bed with another man by her husband, and now I was trying my best to justify myself. It was unusual for me, but I was already starting to get used to the idea that I was losing control of myself around Jin-Woo.

After looking at me for another second, Jin-Woo leaned slightly towards the prostrate body, and relief instantly washed over me. And when surprise showed on Jin-Woo stone face, I completely exhaled. It seemed that everything had gone away.

- This smell...? - Jin-Woo surprised muttering distracted me.
Did he realize who it belonged to? - Did you recognize him?

Nodding in response to my question, I heard the name I least expected. - Doesn't the smell remind me of Chief Woo?

At that moment, something clicked in my head and fell into place.

Right, that's why the scent felt familiar. Like all omegas, Woo Jin-Chul cent was sweet, reminiscent of baked apples, but with a slight bitterness, not enough to tell what it was, but it was definitely not omega-like.
Usually, when alphas and omegas pair up, their scents mix, and it's impossible to tell the original scent - only they can smell each other's original scent. But that only happened when couples put mating marks on their partners.

If they just spent their free time together, their scents would become similar, but they wouldn't mix.
So it seemed like Guild Master Baek Yoonho and Chief Woo were more than just workmates.

At that moment, I wanted to bang my head against the nearest wall and complain about my difficult fate.
Not only did I knock out the head of one of the strongest guilds in the country, but he also turned out to be the lover of my future boss.

Damn it.

It seemed that Jin -Woo was thinking the same thing, realizing whose scent it was, he kept throwing anxious glances at me.

- Hyung, did I get it right?..

- Yes, Jin-Woo - ya. - The hopelessness in my voice made the look opposite him even more sympathetic.

Okay, okay. The main thing now is to deal with the gate, and then we'll see.

Having made my decision, I began to lift Baek the leader's body again. - Let's put him inside Jin-woo - ya.

Holding the body on both sides, we threw him into the cooling chamber. The guild leader was clearly larger than the refrigerator, and it took some effort to squeeze him in, but they eventually succeeded.
Although the refrigerator was at a low temperature for storing food, for a Hunter of his level, it shouldn't be a problem, they will pick him up on the way back.

I took one last look at Baek Yoonho before closing the lid of the refrigerator.

Well, I'll leave him in your care, "Miss Pea".

With that problem taken care of, he and Jin Woo had only one thing left to do.

The dungeon boss. We'd checked two of the three corridors. That meant there was only one option left.

As I moved along the third corridor, I could sense the energy coming from the end of it more and more clearly. They were on the right track.

- Jin Woo - ya how much time is left on the cloak?

After checking the time on his phone, the alpha turned to me. - Seven minutes.

That's more than enough.

Turning another corner, we found ourselves in an old boiler room. Steam from many hot pipes created a fog, from which beads of sweat appeared on my temples.
Slowly moving forward, I felt a greedy gaze on me, full of bloodthirstiness. I felt like prey, looked at by a hungry predator. Although it is so .
Turning my head in the direction from which I felt this gaze, I met the gaze of a giant black tiger, who looked at me with hungry, shining blue eyes, like sapphires. Insatiable bloodlust and hostility were read in them. The monster was twice as large as its brethren, and the energy emanating from it, although it did not reach the guild leader, was still much stronger than that of the troll boss.
Without a doubt, this is definitely the boss.

I felt Jin-Woo tense up next to me. Even though the cloak had increased his stats considerably, his strength was still insufficient against a monster of that level.

- GRAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! - The roar of the monster was so loud that it felt like my eardrums were about to burst. It didn't sound like it was a scream of terror.

- GRRRRRRR!!! - Now I understand: as I watched three more tigers appear from behind the boss, I realized that it was a call for the rest of the monsters.

Watching the remaining pack closely, I turned to my comrade.

- Jin-Woo - ya, can you take care of the remaining monsters while I deal with the boss?

The boss took his time attacking, as if assessing our strength. Hmm, for a beast monster, he was surprisingly smart.

"I can handle this, hyung." The hunter's gaze never left the remaining three monsters. I thought he would be scared or worried, but Jinwoo's gaze was impatient, as if he wanted to be one of the first to rush into battle. Huh, looks like someone likes fighting. How unexpected. A smile spread across my lips, just as full of excitement. It seemed we were on the same wavelength.

Taking out my sword from my cloak, I turned to the boss with a smile.

- Then go ahead, Jin-Woo-ya. - I said.

I rushed at the boss, who was rushing towards me, as if he had been waiting for this.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the remaining pack heading towards Jin-Woo, who had activated his cloak and pulled up his hood.
But now I was calm, something inside me was sure that with such a look, Jin-Woo would definitely not lose.

And so .

Gripping the sword more comfortably, I focused on the battle.

The boss rushed towards me with impressive speed, a second later he was already next to me, a giant paw with huge claws capable of tearing a person to shreds, heading towards me.
Easily dodging the trajectory of the attack, I filled the sword with pure white energy. With a swing of the sword, the monster's paw flew up, severed, drops of blood formed an arc in the air.

A roar of pain echoed throughout the boiler room, but it only lasted for a second. While the boss was losing concentration, I used the path of the wind to find myself right under the huge muzzle with fangs. Crouching almost to the ground, my sword described a shining arc in the shape of a crescent. It seemed that the monster did not even immediately understand what had happened. Having frozen in this pose for another moment, I jumped to the side when the monster's head began to fall towards me. A fountain of blood shot up, painting the entire room red, and the already stuffy room became completely unbearable from the smell of blood. The severed head stopped next to my boots. Even severed, it was simply unbelievably huge.
And yet... it was the end.

The sound of the falling body was the last proof that the boss was killed.

All that's left is... — The Omega in the white cloak turned to the side where his comrade was supposed to fight. It had only been about thirty seconds since the fight began. Jin-Woo wouldn't have had time to... Huh?

I found it hard to hide my surprise at the scene before me. Jin-Woo was breathing heavily, tightly clutching the dagger I gave him, bleeding, and around him lay the three corpses of the remaining monsters.
It was... Incredible, to say the least. For him, with his level of strength, it was no surprise that he dealt with a boss of that level so quickly.
But Jin-Woo killed the remaining monsters in the same amount of time, despite using up quite a bit of energy.
Incredible.
The Alpha I was thinking of looked up, still breathing heavily.

My body involuntarily trembled, Jin-Woo gaze was now the gaze of a true hunter, full of jubilation from a successful hunt. And for a second, I felt like the same prey.

With difficulty suppressing the trembling, I walked towards the young man with a smile on my face.

- Good job, Jin-Woo-ya. - I smiled and gave the guy a thumbs up, who looked at me in surprise.

- And you're doing well, hyung! - The answering smile was full of joy that they had gone through this together.

This sight made me even happier, and I raised my hand invitingly, holding out my palm.

The momentary surprise on the young man's face was replaced by tenderness in his eyes, and he gave me a high five with a smile.
They did it, having gone through this together, believing in each other, for some reason it seemed to him that now he and Jin-Woo were closer than ever.
I read the same emotions in the gaze of the alpha in front of me.
Just as I was about to open my mouth to say something, I heard the clatter of feet and the clank of heavy armor metal.
Damn. It seems their time is almost up, in about five minutes there will be other hunters here, it's time for them to leave.

- Hyung?

- Take the stone from the boss, Jin-Woo - ya. It's time for us to leave.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation from my tone, Jin-Woo took out a large crystal from the boss in a minute. Unlike the others, this one was bright blue, like the boss's eyes.
Luckily, there was an emergency exit nearby. Quickly heading to the emergency stairs, he and Jin-Woo found themselves in an underground parking lot with only a few cars parked there.
Getting out of the mall was even easier. It seemed like they were the only ones lucky enough to know about this exit. All the other hunters, except for the guild leader, who apparently learned about the other entrance from one of the evacuating employees, entered through the main entrance.
From the other side of the mall, the noise of cars and hunters preparing to clear out could be heard.

It was a shame that I wouldn't be able to see their faces when they realized that all the monsters had been killed.

Making our way through the alleys of the city center to avoid being seen, we were able to rest peacefully only when we found ourselves in the park near Jin-Woo house.

- Phew, looks like we managed to sneak away. - A tired voice, but a triumphant look from a successful escape. Jin-Woo was much more tired than me, but he still looked at me with a smile.

- Yeah, that's shopping for you! - We looked at each other and couldn't hold back the laughter that burst out of us from the realization of the whole situation.

- I feel like I won't be going to the mall anytime soon.

- To hell with online shopping now.

My comment made them laugh again. They stood there for a minute to catch their breath. With smiles of relief, they headed towards the house.
As they stumbled inside, they were finally able to breathe freely. It seemed they hadn't even realized how tense they were until they were safely inside their home.

- You're back?! Thank goodness, I was so worried! - an excited young voice rang out as soon as they stepped through the door.

- Hi, Gina. What makes you think something happened to us? - As I took off my shoes,. Jin-Woo looked at his little sister, who was standing impatiently in front of the front door, in surprise.

- Didn't you hear?! A gate appeared at the mall you were going to! It's all over the news!

- Oh, yeah, we were there.

- What?!

- But we ran away in time, so it's okay.

The guy put his hand on the worried girl's shoulder with a smile to calm her down. It's good that he didn't say anything, let her not worry about her brother being in danger.

Finally, taking off my shoes, I turned to the young beta with a smile.

- It's really okay, Gina - ya. It happened after we left, so it's okay.

Looking at us with concern, but apparently believing us, the young beta exhaled and nodded with a relieved smile.

- Yeah, thank God, everything's fine.

Watching the girl's retreating back, who had returned to the living room to watch TV, I turned to my comrade in lies.

In fact, one question had been bothering me for a long time.

- Listen, Jin-Woo - ya...

- Yes? - The attentive glance thrown in my direction was replaced by thoughtfulness after a second.

- We haven't forgotten anything, right?

After thinking about my question for a second, Alpha suddenly raised his head in my direction.

- Where are the purchases?!

- In the coat, everything is fine.- I patted my pockets for effect.

Jinwoo sighed in relief. "Then everything is fine. Is something bothering you, hyung?"

Thinking about this question, I shrugged my shoulders vaguely. - I don't know, I just have this weird feeling that I definitely forgot something... But what?

Hmm, maybe it's just me.

At that moment, the news announcer's voice caught my attention.

- "And now the most shocking news. The opened gates of the shopping center were completely cleared out by unknown people."

The TV showed a group of hunters in shining armor, who were explaining something to the association staff in bewilderment.

- "It has not yet been possible to determine exactly who destroyed all the monsters. The White Tiger Guild and the Hunters' Association promise to conduct a thorough investigation."

Wait... "White Tiger" Guild?...

At that moment, it was like lightning struck me. Sweat was pouring down my face in panic.

"But the most shocking thing was..."

Turning around in horror to face Jin, I saw a completely white face and panic in his eyes. When our eyes met, we both understood what the announcer was about to say.

OH SHIT!!!!

"The head of the South Korean S-rank" White Tiger" Guild" , Baek Yoonho, was locked in a refrigerator on the first floor and found unconscious by one of the association's employees during reconnaissance. It is still unknown how he ended up there and whether he is participating in the dungeon clearing. We promise to keep you updated."

At that moment, the camera zoomed in, showing the unconscious red-haired alpha with blue lips being carried on a stretcher to an ambulance.

I felt like my soul had left my body.

- Hyung...- the same lifeless voice rang out.

- Yes, Jinwoo - ya....we forgot about him...

Standing shoulder to shoulder in the living room, watching the live broadcast, we realized the dire situation we were in.

Chapter Text

The smell of coffee, the sizzle of fried eggs in a frying pan, and the voice of the morning news anchor in the background—a wonderful way to start the day. What could be better than a good breakfast and a cup of coffee to start the day, wondering what surprises it might bring?
And Kim Dokja sincerely wished he could say that's exactly how his day had begun. But unfortunately, it all started with him oversleeping, missing his alarm, and now he had to rush to get ready and head to the association, where he would be officially introduced to the entire country as the new S-rank.

In his defense, he could say that after yesterday's news, which announced to the entire country that he had ridiculed the head of one of the largest guilds, he hadn't been able to sleep for a long time. It wasn't that he was plagued by guilt or anything like that. It was just that the probability of his and Jin Woo being exposed was quite high. And then he would definitely be in trouble.

Well, at least there haven't been any more scandalous news for now.
But that's for now.
Adjusting the black tie that went with his equally black suit, the omega sighed involuntarily, imagining the headache it would be when the whole country learned he was the first S-rank omega hunter.
This definitely wouldn't end well.
Looking at myself in the mirror again, I couldn't help but be struck by how well the suit fit him. The black fabric of the jacket and trousers was tight enough to accentuate his slim waist and slightly curved hips.
Not so much as to be too flashy, but enough to attract someone's attention.

Surprisingly, Chief Woo has a keen eye.
He had no doubt that it was he who had sent the suit late last night. Although it was clearly on the chairman's orders.
An involuntary smile appeared on the omega's face as he looked at himself in the mirror. He thought that the man who had so carefully chosen this suit had no idea that the wearer of it could humiliate his beloved.
Well, well...

With a sigh, I left Jin-Woo room, which I had occupied while getting ready, and headed toward the delicious smell of scrambled eggs.

Entering the small kitchen, I couldn't help but smile at the sight before me. The Alpha stood there wearing a tight-fitting apron, clearly purchased especially for him.

Carefully watching the eggs fry and sandwiches being cut, Jin-Woo was the epitome of an unconventional Alpha who, instead of sitting and waiting for his Omega to serve breakfast, took on that responsibility himself.

And perhaps he was a little biased, but there was something very appealing about Jinu's confident manner in the kitchen.

My body involuntarily warmed slightly as I kept my gaze fixed on the young man in the kitchen.

- Dokja-hyung!

I winced slightly, trying to hide my embarrassment at being caught blatantly peeping.
Meeting Jin-ah gaze, I realized my attempt had failed. The young beta's gaze was filled with an overly mischievous amusement.

And her voice was reminiscent of a cat that had caught a canary.

- What are you looking at, Dokja-hyung? Did you see anything interesting? - All she was missing was a tail and cat ears.

- Nothing of the sort! - My attempt at justification had no effect; on the contrary, Gina seemed determined to see it through.

- Really? I don't think so.

Jin-Woo, who was preparing a hot breakfast, turned in our direction, overhearing our conversation.

- Did you see something, Dokja-hyung? - I felt my ears turn red. I couldn't tell him I found an alpha in an apron insanely attractive, could I?!
No way!

I met the gaze of the overly pleased little brat sitting at the dinner table again.

- What did you see, Dokja-hyung? - His satisfied voice nearly made my blood pressure jump.
Okay, I'll show you how to bully adults.

Taking a deep breath and calming my expression, I met large gray eyes that looked at me with curiosity.

- I was simply attracted...- My brother and sister stared at me, but while one looked curiously, the other was delighted by my confession... - A huge pimple on Jin-ah forehead.

The momentary silence was broken by an angry shout. - What?!

Standing up from the table, the girl pointed to her forehead to prove her point.

- I don't have a pimple!! - Looking at her with false sympathy, I merely shrugged slightly.

- You tried so hard to hide it, and yet I still noticed... I really didn't mean to embarrass you. But you insisted.

To put it mildly, I covered my face with my hand, so only the girl could see my angry glare.
This is what happens when you bully adults.
With great difficulty, I restrained myself from laughing as I watched her sweet, perfect face express shock.

Looking from me to my brother and back again, the girl covered her forehead with her hand. - But I really...

- Yes, yes, of course, we believe.- It seemed my sympathetic tone was the last straw. Blushing deeply Jin-ah, covering her forehead, ran past me as fast as she could into the bathroom.

Heh, an easy win.

Jin-Woo, who had been silently watching the entire performance with a smile, looked at me. - Glad you two became friends.

Glancing at him in surprise, I saw a soft expression and genuine gratitude in his eyes.

Feeling my ears starting to burn again, I could only nod slightly in response. - Uh-huh...

Still smiling, he handed me a steaming cup of coffee, its aroma delicious. Jin-Woo pointed to the table. - Breakfast is ready, sit down, hyung.

I was genuinely glad to stay for breakfast.

But, glancing at the clock hanging in the kitchen, I looked longingly at the hot and probably incredibly delicious food and shook my head regretfully.

- Sorry, Jin- Woo, but I have to go. I've already overslept if I'm any late, the chairman won't be happy.

- You haven't even had breakfast! - I couldn't help but smile, seeing the undisguised worry in his gaze.

- It's fine, I'll just have some coffee.

- No! You should at least take something with you. - With that, he handed me a couple of sandwiches. - Here, at least eat these.

Well, if he insists. I took one of the sandwiches and bit into it under Alpha's watchful eye.

When was the last time someone was so worried about whether I'd eaten breakfast? I can't even remember.
It made the food taste even better.

- How long will you be there, hyung?

After thinking about it, I answered honestly. - I hope not for long. I don't want to answer endless questions from reporters.

Watching me leisurely eat, Jin- Woo nodded. - I'll exchange the mana stones we got at the mall, then I can meet you at the association, and we can go home together.

I definitely liked that plan.

- Great idea, Jin-Woo-ya

- Have you decided where you'll take the mana crystals yet? - My question was very specific. The Association and the "White Tiger" Guild already know that whoever cleared the dungeon in the shopping center isn't affiliated with any organization. If someone had brought a large shipment of crystals of the same level as the dungeon a day later... It would have been easy to put two and two together.

Seeming to understand my concerns,
Jin-Woo immediately reassured me: - Don't worry, hyung, I've found someone to sell these crystals to. It'll be cheaper than through the Association, but anonymity is guaranteed.

I immediately sighed with relief. Great, as long as they were above suspicion.

Glancing at my watch again, I quickly began shoving coffee and the remains of my sandwich into my mouth.

- I have to go, Jin-Woo-ya! By the way, how do I look?

Putting the dirty dishes on the table, I spread my arms in front of the alpha, showing off my new style.
His large eyes slowly slid over my entire figure, as if memorizing every detail. It seemed as if those eyes were enveloping me.

I felt hot again.

- You look great, hyung.- The slight hoarseness in his usually clear voice almost made my knees buckle.

It felt like even the air had become too stuffy. The tension was making me terribly nervous, and the gaze across from me remained fixed on my body.

Clearing my throat awkwardly, a noticeable nervous tremor in my voice, I turned toward the door. - W-well, I'm off... See you later, Jin-Woo-ya!

- Yeah, see you later, hyung.- Waving goodbye, I quickly headed for the front door. Now it was my turn to run away, embarrassed.
The journey to the association didn't take long; a little use of my powers and the burning shame that clung to me the entire way helped me get there quickly.

Entering through the back door, I checked the time on my phone.
Hmm, sure, I'm late, but not as late as I thought, so where is...?

- Kim Dokja!!!

And here comes the one I've been "waiting for."
The red-haired omega walked quickly toward me.

- How are you, Chief Woo? - I waved cheerfully, but received a look in return that seemed to be trying to burn me.
What's wrong with him?
We certainly don't get along, but he's clearly afraid of me. Right now, it seemed like he was ready to pounce on me, even though he knew he'd lose.
Woo Jin-Chul flew up to me, standing practically right next to me.
From such a distance, I could easily detect the pure rage in his scent.

A voice, mixed with the growl of an enraged omega, pierced my ears. - What did you do to the guild leader, "White Tiger"?

Damn. How did he know I had anything to do with it? Did someone see them, or did Baek Yoonho himself remember everything?

- What makes you think I did anything, Chief Wu? I don't even know him? - Trying to sound as sincere as possible, I watched my opponent, who kept his furious gaze fixed on me.

- Ha, you want to know why? - With a sly smile, the omega opposite me began listing all his arguments.

- After yesterday's events, I kept wondering who could have done this. Who was nearby at that moment. Who managed to quickly clear a high-ranking dungeon and escape despite Guild Master Baek presence.- At these words, a new spark of irritation flared up in Chief Woo scent. - And at that moment, only one face came to mind... Yours, Kim Dokja.

Damn.

With such detective skills, why don't you go to the police?

Despite my thoughts, none of them showed on my face.

- I'm very touched that my face was the first thing you thought of, Chief Woo.

Seeing my provocative tone and sly smile, the omega opposite me growled angrily again.
- You've humiliated my alpha! Do you even realize how everyone looks at him now?! What a blow to his reputation!

- Do you have more compelling evidence of my guilt? Or is this just your assumption?

- I'm sure it's you!

- Looks like not. So maybe you should first find evidence of my guilt before throwing around accusations? - I didn't even try to hide the sarcasm in my voice. The realization that he had no evidence noticeably calmed me. But the desire to continue irritating the omega, on the contrary, was stronger... - This is so unbecoming of your status, Chief Woo.

- You!

- Mr. Kim! Deputy Wu! What are you doing here?"

Just when a fight seemed inevitable, a strong, hoarse voice stopped us both in our tracks. An Alpha with scars on his face, his hands clasped behind his back, walked calmly toward us.

- Mr. Chairman.- If before the Omega had seemed like a wild cat ready to scratch my eyes out, now, with the Chairman's appearance, he resembled a timid kitten.

He quickly calmed down.

- Good to see you, Mister Kim. Although you're a little late.

The slight reproach in his voice made me wince slightly. - Yes, I apologize, there's been some difficulty.

- Understood.- After another careful look at us, the chairman turned his gaze to me. - I hope everything is alright now?

- Of course! Right, Chief Woo?. - The man next to me, his head down guiltily, glared at me upon hearing my voice.

- Yes, everything is alright, sir.

My God, he looks like he's had a tooth pulled.

- Excellent. In that case, why don't we hurry? Everyone's already waiting.

Turning toward the conference room, we walked in silence for a while.

While pondering what awaited me, I didn't immediately notice the folder handed to me.

My gaze followed the mutilated hand to the equally mutilated face.

In response to my surprised look, the chairman explained what was going on.

- Your new documents are ready, Hunter Kim. Congratulations on receiving your license and everything else. - The last sentence was especially emphasized, and I immediately understood what it meant. My fake documents were ready. Now I was more than just a person who appeared out of thin air.

Finally.

- Thank you. - As I stuffed the documents into my jacket pocket, I noticed the two-way door we were approaching.

More precisely, the noise behind it, judging by the number of voices, I'd guess there were at least thirty people there.
Damn.
I don't like this.

Go Gun-hee stopped in front of the door and turned to me.

- I'll invite you in as soon as I've fully announced you and your rank. In the meantime, you can wait here. I assume you wouldn't like to linger here any longer than necessary?

- Yes, I'm not a big fan of journalists, so...- Nodding in response to my words, the chairman opened the door. As soon as he stepped inside, the click of a camera shutter was heard.

- Thank you all for gathering here today. I am Go Gun-hee, Chairman of the Korean Hunters' Association.

There was polite applause.

- I have gathered you here today to share good news not only for me personally, as the head of the association, but for all of Korea as a whole...

Even though I couldn't see, I could hear everything perfectly. Listening to Mr. Go, I couldn't help but notice that this man is a natural politician. In a word, he involuntarily attracts everyone's attention and compels them to listen.

An incredible gift.

- Don't think our conversation is over. Glancing at Woo Jin-chul, who was now standing and staring at me, I replied with my signature smile.

- I never expected this. I'm always happy to pick up where we left off.

Sparks literally flew from our gazes.

- It has long been believed that omegas require protection and cannot be held on the same level as alphas. This has always been the law. Therefore, it is with even greater joy that I introduce to you the newest member of the Hunter Association, the newest South Korean S-rank representative and omega... Hunter Kim Dokja.

After these words, a flurry of questions from journalists erupted, and cameras began rolling.

Standing by the door, I sighed quietly.

Well, the show begins.

With one last glance at the omega next to me,
I decisively pushed open the doors to the conference room.
Time to introduce myself to the world.

Chapter Text

Camera flashes and overlapping questions continued to rain down on me even as I left the stage.

- Hunter Kim, what do you intend to do now that you're the only S-rank Omega?!

- Are you planning to clear the gate?!

Throughout the conference, immediately after the chairman's announcement and my appearance, similar questions poured in. But I had no intention of feeding these gossip-hungry vultures.
After briefly introducing myself, I promised to do everything in my power as Korea's new power. These were standard words that didn't reveal my true nature.
Enough to make a good impression, but not enough to make assumptions.

- That's all.- Bowing slightly, the newly minted S-rank turned to leave, making way for the association leader.

- Thank you again everyone for your presence. This concludes today's conference.

The final words of a confident voice and a fresh wave of questions reached me through the closed door.

The echo of muffled voices and the silence of the corridor made me breathe a sigh of relief. I hadn't even noticed how much this was weighing on me until I found myself cut off from it all.
After all, being the center of attention wasn't his calling. Even in his home world, he hated the constant attention of the omnipresent constellations.

It was too reminiscent of the times when the media followed him, the son of a murderer who had written a book.
The truth is irritating.
Standing in the quiet of the dimly lit hallway, the disgruntled omega scratched the back of his head in irritation. The sound of an incoming message distracted him from his heavy thoughts.
Taking his phone out of his pocket and seeing a familiar name appear on the screen of the old smartphone that had survived the apocalypse with him, his displeased expression immediately gave way to a slight smile.

"Hyung, I'll be free in about an hour and I'll be right there."

Ah... fortunately, as soon as he texts me, I forget everything that's troubling me.

"Great. I'm done too. How did it go, Jin-Woo-ya?"

Leaning against the nearest wall, I eagerly watched the three dots confirming my interlocutor was typing a message.

"Everything went great! I even managed to earn more than I expected. How about some fried chicken and beer tonight to celebrate?"

Heh, I could feel his joy even through his phone screen. But the thought of fried chicken and a cold beer almost made his mouth water. He couldn't even remember the last time he'd felt so relaxed. Suddenly, the suggestion made me very nervous.

"I think that's a great idea! Then I'll meet you at the main entrance to the association."

"Yeah, I'll be there soon, wait for me, hyung!"

Smiling at the last message, I didn't notice the door next to me open again.

- Looks like everything went pretty well?

Looking up from my phone, I noticed the old alpha standing next to me with a slight smile on his face.

- I guess so.

- Now the whole country will recognize you...- Attentive eyes, filled with the wisdom of many years, studied my face carefully. - ...Are you ready for this?

After a moment's thought, the omega looked at the association's leader with a sly smile.

- Of course. I think it'll be quite amusing.

Noting the chairman's face suddenly turn pale, I couldn't help but chuckle.

- Relax. I'm not planning anything special, I just thought it would be interesting to see how others react to my new status.

- Indeed, your case is... quite unique.

Unique is an understatement.
In Korea, where alphas are considered the ultimate power, the appearance of an S-rank omega would be a real bombshell, shattering the already-changed order. Although some omegas gained the ability to defend themselves with the advent of the gate, they were too few and not particularly powerful.

He's an anomaly.

And there will always be those who believe that someone who should sit at home, obediently bear children and wait for a husband should not have such power, or that it should be used by someone who knows better.

There's no point in even guessing, soon there will be those who want to show the arrogant omega her place.
Well, he's eagerly awaiting that moment.

Neither in this world nor in his own, he would ever allow anyone to look down on him.

Pushing off from the wall, I headed for the exit. Reaching the chairman's position, I slowed.

- Don't worry, I remember our agreement. I promise to do everything in my power to protect the common people and not harm them.

Though my face remained calm, a mischievous glint blazed in my eyes. Judging by Chairman Go expression, we both understood the meaning of my proposal.

I promised not to harm the common people.

But if some arrogant hunter decided to cause him trouble, well then.

He wouldn't mind showing all those disgruntled ones what would come of it.

- Well, I think I'll take my leave here. See you at work tomorrow, Chairman Go, Chief Woo.- As I headed toward the association's exit, I felt the gaze of my new colleagues on me.

***
As I emerged into the sunlit street through the back door he and Jinwoo had used to escape last time, I couldn't help but be struck by how quiet this part of the building was compared to the one where the conference had been held. Even now, concentrating with all my might, I could hear the shocked voices of the reporters and hunters who had heard the news of the new S-rank.

Looks like he'll have a lot of work now. But if I want to continue living in this world, I can't back down, and it's not his style to give in to difficulties.

Standing outside, the omega watched the clouds drift across the clear blue sky. An ordinary sky with ordinary stars.

This is his new home now.
Speaking of home, I took my phone out of my pocket and sent a message to the person who first gave me a sense of belonging in this new world.

"Jin-Woo - ya, I'll be waiting for you at the back entrance of the association. The main entrance is too crowded."

The message was delivered but unread. Hm, maybe he's still busy?
But he said he was done.
Jin-Woo and I had something in common: we could make trouble out of nothing... I hope he's just late.

I was staring so intently at my phone screen that I didn't notice the pungent odor hanging in the air. So pungent that I involuntarily inhaled deeply to make sure there was nothing else around. It smelled like fire and ash.
Like standing in the middle of a raging flame that wants to engulf you completely.

- Ah, it seems I made it just in time.

Raising my head in the direction of the voice, I found myself staring into bright red eyes that seemed to blaze with fire. Tall and athletic. Bright red hair. A suit that accentuated his long legs and broad shoulders. But the most noticeable feature was his straight-framed glasses, behind which his eyes gleamed mischievously, studying the omega standing before him with interest. Ah, it seems troubles really do find him. With a slight smile, I turned to the alpha and looked him confidently in the eye. - To what do I owe such attention from Hunter Choi himself? The leader of the most famous guild in Korea, with two S-rank members, and the one they call humanity's strongest weapon.
Choi Jong-In.
I didn't think he'd show up here so quickly, but... maybe it's for the best; we'll see what he has to say.
Holding back a mischievous smile, I glanced at that model-like face again.

- Have you come for the press conference? I'm afraid it's already over. But I'm sure Chairman Go will be glad to see you.

My words were met with a smile.

- I'm sure that's true. But I really did come to see you, Hunter Kim. - Each sentence was spoken in such a sensual voice as the guild leader continued to approach me. The closer he got, the more clearly I could smell his scent, enveloping me like a veil.

- Honestly, I didn't even believe it at first when I heard the news at your press conference. So I rushed to see for myself.

Stopping right in front of me, the alpha adjusted his glasses with a practiced flick of his index finger. I was momentarily distracted by the glitter of the rings on all his fingers.

Why hadn't they melted? According to his file, he mastered fire magic, yet he never stopped wearing jewelry.

Lost in thought, I almost missed half the sentence.

- A new S-rank and more... Omega is truly a stunning event for the entire country.

- Yes, I've heard that before. - Nodding with a smile, I stepped back to gain some distance.

His scent, though subtle, was trying to influence me and was beginning to irritate me.

Another light chuckle and a sly glance. - I have no doubt.

- So to what do I owe this honor?

He glanced at me again, then pulled a business card from his jacket pocket.

- I heard you've decided to join the association, and I understand your motives.

- But I think you'll be interested in what I'm offering. How about meeting somewhere and discussing our shared... interests?

Looking at the extended business card, the smell of ash and burning grew stronger. I couldn't help but smile annoyed.
So that's it... he decided to play on my instincts. Well, I expected nothing less from a stupid Alpha. Perhaps I should accept that this will now be the norm. In a world where Alphas can take as many Omegas as they want, S-rank Omegas are worth their weight in gold, especially for high-ranking Alphas.
Well, let's get this straight.

- Contact me...- The sentence was interrupted by a light chuckle from the Omega, who had been suspiciously silent until then.

- Well, this is getting ridiculous.

Raising my head, I met the shocked gaze of a pair of scarlet eyes.

- Do you really think that playing on my Omega nature will bring you anything? Rather presumptuous, don't you think? Or have you forgotten that I'm S-rank?

- ...I. - Before the guildmaster could finish his sentence, his tanned face suddenly turned pale, and he clutched his stomach as if he'd been punched. Choi Jong-In began gasping for air, leaning forward.

- Let me be clear...- I leaned toward the terrified Alpha's ear, my voice a brazen growl. - ...If you try anything like that again, I'll break every bone in your body. Do you understand me, Alpha?

A memory of my recent conversation with Chairman Go flashed through my mind. I didn't think my words would come true so quickly.

- Do you understand? - Releasing another drop of power, I watched as the hunter struggled not to fall to his knees.

- ...Y-yes...- Hearing his trembling voice, I immediately released the pressure of my power.

Watching Hunter Choi sigh with relief, I patted him on the shoulder with a slight smile. I thought that would be enough to clear his head of all unnecessary thoughts. - I'm glad we understand each other. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go. They're waiting for me.

And I wasn't lying: in the distance, I saw a familiar figure running toward me, waving.
Ah, my spirits instantly lifted.

- Well, it was nice chatting, I hope our collaboration will be successful. All the best, Hunter Choi.- Taking another glance at the hunter, who still hesitated to raise his head, I happily headed toward Jin-Woo, who was running toward me.

Meeting him halfway in the parking lot, I smiled at the sight of that now-familiar face.

- Sorry, hyung, my phone died and I didn't see your message. I didn't find you at the main entrance and decided to pop in here right away. Did you wait long?- His large gray eyes looked at me anxiously, awaiting my reaction.

Sweet.

- It's okay, Jin-Woo- ya, I didn't have to wait long.

With a sigh of relief, the young Alpha looked past me. - Who's this?

- Ah, never mind.- Looking over my shoulder at the guild leader, who was now swaying, holding onto the wall, I smiled at Jin-Woo.

- So you said something about beer and chicken?

Glancing back at me, Jinu nodded, smiling at my words. - Yes, hyung, what kind of chicken do you want?

Walking through the busy streets, I couldn't help but think how lucky I was to have met an Alpha like Jin-Woo.

Chapter Text

The week following his official S-rank induction passed rather quietly, though the news continued to discuss his Omega status. Everyone was more interested in when he would begin his full-time career as a Hunter. Apparently, everyone was wondering if he would actually work as a Hunter or just be a cute S-rank Omega under the Chairman's wing.
Frankly, he didn't care what others thought, his current daily routine suited him perfectly.

He started his morning with a delicious breakfast prepared by Jin-Woo. After saying goodbye to his siblings, Sung ya would head to the association, where the Chairman and Chief Woo would load me with paperwork to help me get settled.

Although the chairman seemed genuinely eager for me to work harder, Woo Jin-Chul simply enjoyed keeping me busy.
But most of all, I enjoyed the evenings after work. As I left the association building, I'd immediately spot a familiar back in a hoodie. It became a small tradition: every day after work, Jin-Woo would meet me, and on the way home, we'd stop at the grocery store to pick up dinner. Jin-Woo would choose the groceries, and I'd push the cart, trying to learn at least a little about choosing the right ingredients.
He truly loved their life: calm and measured. A home that was always bright and cozy. People who greeted you after work with a smile and a warm "Welcome home."

He genuinely didn't care what strangers said about him, but it seemed Chairman Go had his own ideas.

Looking at the folder with the report on the new B-Rank gates appearing right in the middle of the road in the city center, I acutely realized that his perfect routine was over.

- Don't make such a dissatisfied face...- Woo Jin-Chul looked at me with a blank expression, but his eyes couldn't hide the glee. - ...You haven't done anything for a week.

He just really enjoyed making my life difficult.

- If by idle you mean sifting through millions of pieces of paperwork, then you and I have completely different definitions of idleness.

My signature used-car salesman smile was met with an even more displeased look.

- In any case, the chairman told you to review the report and come to his office.

Tossing these words over his shoulder, the red-haired omega turned dramatically and left my office.

God, what a drama queen.

Sighing again, I looked longingly at the report lying on the desk. Apparently, there was no other way. But first...

Grabbing my phone from the desk, I typed a message to the contact I texted most often.

"Jin-Woo-ya, I think I'll be late today."

After sending the message, I was pleased to see it was read within ten seconds, and my conversation partner began typing a reply.

"It's fine, hyung. Maybe when you're done, you could text me so we can meet?"

Looking at the last message on my phone, I considered it. The idea was tempting, but I had no idea how long it would take to get through the gate and the subsequent bureaucracy. In that sense, unauthorized entry was much easier, since I didn't have to answer to anyone.

Biting my lower lip, I began typing a reply.

"I'm not sure how long it'll take, to be honest... I'm being sent to clear the gate."

Before the message even reached its destination, my phone vibrated with an incoming call.

Huh?

Decided to call?

Pressing the call button, I couldn't hide the surprise in my voice. "Jin-Woo-ya?"

"You're being sent to clear the gate?!"
I pulled the phone away from my head at that volume.

"Yes, today I received a message about a B-rank gate appearing in the city center, and the chairman decided to send me."

"Alone?!"

Leaning back in my chair, I began slowly flipping through the pages of the report, holding the phone in my other hand and continuing to answer questions.

"I don't know yet, I need to go see the chairman now to discuss all the details."

"....."

"Jin-Woo-ya?" The silence that followed on the other end of the line made me wary. Had something happened? ...

"I'm here... I'm just worried."

I couldn't help but smile at what I heard.

"It's alright, Jin-Woo-ya, I'm sure I'll deal with this gate in no time."

The silence that followed was as deafening as the first. Come to think of it, every raid I've ever done… was with Jin-Woo. Especially considering we've been together ever since I came into this world.

No wonder he's worried; this is the first raid I've ever done without him.

My voice grew incredibly soft with this realization.

"I promise I'll be fine, Jin-Woo-ya. I've never broken a promise, right?"

It seemed like an eternity before I heard a reply.

"Yes, that's right."

The same quiet voice, full of indescribable tenderness.

Listening to it, I knew I would do everything in my power to see its owner in person as soon as possible.

"Call me when you're done, okay?"

"Yes, I promise, Jin-Woo-ya."

Even though I can't see him, I can feel his smile.

Hanging up, I briefly glanced at the phone screen where our conversation continued.

Yes, I need to finish this as soon as possible.

If anyone had been nearby, they would have seen the determination dawning on the omega's soft features. A hardness appeared in his shining black eyes. Grabbing the folder from his desk, he confidently walked out of the office.

***

The chairman's office was just as I remembered it from the last time: bathed in morning light pouring through the panoramic windows.

Surprisingly, aside from the pressure emanating from the chairman, this place could easily be called cozy.
Despite its status, this office and its occupant inspired a sense of security.
Perhaps it was the scent that hung in the air, permeating the entire office.

- Have you read the report yet, Hunter Kim?. - Or perhaps it was that smile, like a kind grandfather's, whose lap you wanted to sit on and receive candy as a reward.

Strange thoughts.

Shaking my head slightly to clear my mind of the unpleasant thoughts, I returned my focus to the conversation.

- Yes. A gate appeared right in the center of town last night, causing a traffic jam in that area. Preliminary estimates indicate it's a B-rank gate. - Frankly, it was the most useless report he'd ever seen. Aside from the gate's rank, its location, and the fact that it was causing traffic jams throughout the city, there was no useful information.

Not about monsters, not about the terrain.
Utterly useless.

Even though I tried to keep my thoughts from showing on my face, the chairman seemed to have figured it all out.

He nodded at me with a soft, apologetic smile. - I'm afraid that's all the information we have at this time. Despite our technological advances, we still can't create equipment capable of operating smoothly within the gate.

- It's alright, I understand.

Nodding his thanks, Chairman Go paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on me. I merely raised an eyebrow questioningly. As if making a decision, the old alpha sighed deeply.

- Woo Jin-Chul.

The red-haired omega, standing like a bodyguard with his hands behind his back, suddenly straightened.

- Yes, sir?

I have a terrible feeling about this.

Oh no, don't tell me he wants...

- You'll go with Hunter Kim... - Damn it!... - And take a few of our newbies with you so they can gain experience. - He's kidding?!

Not only will I have to go with him! I'll also have to drag these inexperienced newbies along with me!

Judging by Chief Woo expression, which twisted like he had a toothache, he wasn't thrilled with the idea either.

-...But, sir.

A strong, elderly voice cut off any attempts at objection.

- This is my final decision. - As soon as I opened my mouth to protest, I received a warning glance. - And I have no intention of changing it.

Clasping his hands in front of him and resting his chin on them, he looked at us intently.

- You will go on this raid together, demonstrating the strength of the association not only as hunters, but as omegas... - With a quiet sigh, dissipating the invisible pressure, the chairman leaned back in his chair. - ...and perhaps this will be to your both's benefit.

There's no point in even guessing what we're talking about. Only a blind person wouldn't notice that we can't stand each other.

The two omegas, standing opposite each other, involuntarily exchanged glances, simultaneously wincing in displeasure, and turned away.

- You leave immediately and proceed through the gate. Understood?

A disgruntled chorus of voices was heard: - -Yes, sir.

***

- Okay, I'll say what we already know: neither you nor I want to be around each other any longer than necessary. I suggest we get started quickly and finish quickly.

Looking at the hunter standing next to me, adjusting a shiny protective glove, clearly made of expensive materials, I couldn't help but notice the striking contrast.
Woo Jin-Chul in his shiny armor, and I in my signature white cloak, draped over the association's signature suit.

Chief Woo must have noticed it too, casting a disapproving glance at my clothes before the omega looked me in the eye again.

- Agreed. But couldn't you have worn armor? People will think the association can't provide its S-rank with the minimum protection.

Tiny blue sparks, reminiscent of blue fireflies, erupted from the bright blue swirl right in front of them.

Reflecting off Omega's armor, they made it glow with an unearthly radiance. It gave Chief Woo a heroic air.

Even he had to admit he looked cool.
But unfortunately, it wasn't for everyone. I knew perfectly well that in this outfit, I'd look like I'd been stuffed into a tin can. And it would slow me down considerably.

- I'm doing just fine as is.- Brushing off the suggestion to don the armor, I glanced disapprovingly at the assembled crowd of journalists, who hadn't stopped taking photos as soon as they arrived. - Better tell me, is it really necessary to make such a fuss?

- Of course. This is your first raid, we need to show that the Association has become stronger thanks to you.

Grinning, I turned my attention back to the gate; it was significantly larger than the one I'd seen on TV. No wonder there was such a commotion: it practically blocked the entire road. We had to cordon off most of the area to completely seal it off, but even so, journalists and random passersby came to see the mysterious gate. The guards had to constantly fight them off.

- Hunter Kim...- Turning at the sound of Chief Wu's voice, I met the gaze of two young alphas. A man and a woman. - ...These are the rest of our raid.

- Hunter Nam Seong-kyung, Rank A, Mage class.

A sweet, short, twenty-year-old girl with short dark hair and matching eyes looked at me, stars in her eyes.

- Nice to meet you! I look forward to a fruitful collaboration! - A slight bow and a clear, cheerful voice with the aroma of pine nuts. She seemed quite nice.

Nodding with a smile, I turned my attention to the last member of the raid.

The chubby alpha in glasses blushed sharply when my gaze fell on him.
Smoothing his light brown hair with trembling fingers, the poor guy bowed almost to the ground.

- I-I'm Kyung Jae Yoon, a B-rank tank! N-nice to meet you!

What a volume.

Surprisingly, he smelled like donuts. Although he looked like one himself.

Both alphas were short and about the same age. Well, so far they were making a pretty good impression.

I guess it's my turn to introduce myself.

- Nice to meet you, I'm Kim Dokja, an S-rank fighter. I'm sure we'll get along.

Smiling again, I almost laughed when I saw them both blush.

Ah, they remind me of Jin-Woo.

- Well, enough introductions.

That icy voice was enough to make me shiver. He gave me a warning glance and then turned his gaze to the two alphas, causing them to flinch.

- We're about to enter the gate. Whatever happens, don't panic, remember what you've been taught over a month of training. Maintain formation and strictly follow all orders. Understood?

Nodding decisively, causing their protective armor to clank loudly, both newcomers answered in unison: - Yes, sir!

Glancing at all three, I stepped toward the blue whirlpool, at least five stories tall.

- Well then, let's go.- A smile appeared on my face, it was impossible not to admit it. He was genuinely eager to find out what awaited them there. The excitement of the upcoming battle was gradually taking hold of me.

Hearing the measured pounding of footsteps behind me and the increasing clicking of cameras, I entered the gate.
And immediately felt something was wrong.
It seemed as if the energy around me had shifted in an instant. Whereas before the gate had simply overwhelmed me with its power, now it seemed as if it were trying to pull me in, like the jaws of a hungry predator. Before my eyes, the swirl of blue turned bright red, like blood. This sudden change made me close my eyes, feeling slightly nauseous.

I opened my eyes when I felt the loose ground beneath my feet and the scorching hot air mixed with sand particles scratching my skin.

The desert.

A vast, endless desert, seemingly without end or edge. The scorching sun seemed ready to incinerate us at any moment, a hot wind whipped up sand particles, clogging our noses and throats, and it felt like the temperature was at least fifty degrees.

Glancing around, I turned to my companions, who were now staring at the landscape in horror.

- Chief Woo, isn't this...?

The omega's brown eyes, filled with horror, looked at me, his dry lips parted. - Yes... This... is the Red Gate.

Damn.

He knew it.