Joon-seok and Seo-yeon reached near the school gate.
Suddenly, Joon-seok felt a powerful aura from a distance.
This isn't a normal person… someone very strong is nearby.
He looked at Seo-yeon and said quietly, "You go home. I'll come later."
Seo-yeon looked at him. "Okay… come soon, Joon-seok."
"Yeah," he nodded. "You be careful too."
Seo-yeon left. Joon-seok then started walking toward the source of that aura.
In the school parking lot, a man was standing.
He was wearing a black coat, had a cold expression, and was holding a phone. He seemed to be talking to someone.
As soon as Joon-seok got close, the man suddenly moved and threw a powerful punch at him.
Joon-seok barely reacted in time. He managed to block it, but a small cut appeared on his cheek. A drop of blood fell.
The man lowered his hand and said calmly, "Oh… I didn't expect you to block my punch."
Joon-seok wiped the blood from his cheek and asked in a tight voice, "Who are you? And why did you attack me without saying anything?"
The man smirked slightly. His eyes were cold.
"My name is Baek Do-hyun. An S-rank hunter. I'm from the Silver Lion Guild."
He looked Joon-seok up and down. "And you… you're Kang Joon-seok, right?"
Joon-seok stayed calm. "Yes, that's me. But why are you here?"
Baek Do-hyun adjusted his coat collar and said in a cold tone,
"The Guild Master of the Silver Lion Guild, Lee Hyun-jin, sent me. I'm his most trusted executive… his right hand."
Something inside Joon-seok tensed. "What does a Guild Master and his right hand want with me?"
Baek Do-hyun replied slowly,
"The Silver Lion Guild has invited you. The C-rank gate you entered earlier was being monitored by the Association. We saw everything. You defeated a B-rank monster alone."
He paused for a moment.
"That's why the guild is interested in you… and probably other guilds too."
Joon-seok took a light breath. "So… other guilds want me too?"
Baek Do-hyun pointed toward his car. "Come with me. I'll let you talk to the Guild Master."
Joon-seok shook his head. "Sorry. I don't have time right now. I'll think about it later."
Baek Do-hyun looked at him for a few seconds, then took out a visiting card and handed it to him.
When you get time… give me a call."
After saying that, he got into his car and left without another word.
Joon-seok looked at the card in his hand. His fingers tightened slightly.
He's really strong… that punch alone shook me. I barely blocked it. If he had used his full strength… I might have been dead already.
Scene Shift – Inside the Car
Baek Do-hyun was driving. He picked up his phone and made a call.
"This is Do-hyun, Guild Master."
From the other side, a slow, cold, and authoritative voice replied — Lee Hyun-jin.
"I didn't expect that boy to block your punch."
Baek Do-hyun smiled faintly. "My apologies. I was testing him… to see if he's worthy of the Silver Lion Guild."
Lee Hyun-jin spoke calmly, "Yes… he is definitely worthy. Both Kim Tae-jun and Park Hyun-sik were impressed by him."
Scene Shift – Home
Joon-seok reached home and rang the bell.
Han Soo-jin opened the door. "You're back, son?"
"Yes, mom."
He stepped inside and looked around. "Where's Seo-yeon? I don't see her."
"She's in her room. Since she came back, she's been very quiet. I asked her many times about the conference, but she didn't say anything."
Joon-seok took a breath. "Don't worry. I'll talk to her."
He looked at his mother and said slowly,
"Mom… the teacher said her grades are dropping. Especially in Math and Science."
Han Soo-jin's expression changed. "What? I've been paying so much attention… how did this happen?"
Joon-seok lowered his head.
"It's my fault, mom. I got so busy with work that I couldn't take care of you both. I'm sorry."
Han Soo-jin placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled gently.
"It's okay, son. As long as you both are safe and happy… that's enough for me."
Joon-seok nodded and walked toward Seo-yeon's room.
He opened the door slowly.
Seo-yeon was sitting on the bed, holding her knees. Books were spread in front of her, but she wasn't even looking at them. Her face looked dull.
Joon-seok walked in and pulled a chair near the bed.
"The teacher told me everything," he said softly. "Your Math and Science marks dropped. And you don't speak much in class anymore."
Seo-yeon looked up. Her eyes looked tired.
"Joon-seok… I try. But I can't focus."
Joon-seok stayed silent for a moment, then said,
"I understand. I've been so busy outside that I couldn't give time at home. That's my fault."
Seo-yeon shook her head slightly.
"You're a hunter… I know your work is tough. It's just… sometimes I feel alone."
Joon-seok placed his hand on her head.
"That won't happen anymore. I'll make time. We'll study together. Okay?"
Seo-yeon nodded slowly. "Okay."
A little relief showed on her face.
Just as Joon-seok was about to stand, his phone buzzed.
A message from an unknown number.
He opened it.
"Tomorrow, 10 AM. Silver Lion Guild HQ. Lee Hyun-jin wants to meet you. – Baek Do-hyun"
Joon-seok closed his phone.
Now they've made their move too…
He looked at Seo-yeon. "Go to sleep. You have school tomorrow."
She nodded and lay down.
Joon-seok walked out of the room.
The hall was dark. Only a small light in the kitchen was on.
Then… he heard a faint sound from outside. Like someone standing near the gate.
Joon-seok looked out through the window.
Far away, near the building entrance, a shadow was standing. Even in the darkness, a faint pressure could be felt from it. The figure was staring directly at the building.
A metallic taste filled Joon-seok's mouth.
This… isn't just Baek Do-hyun.
His fingers tightened slowly.
It's not just one guild anymore… something else is watching me.
─── End of Arc 1 ───
The Mortal's First Awakening
To Be Continued...