[Dungeon Boss Defeated.Quest Complete!]
[Level Up! x5]
"..huff huff...I did it—I won!"
[Rewards Acquired!]
[Bloodfang's Blade... Crimson fur... Epic Mana Stones X5]
Jin-Hyuk was satisfied at the legendary items he obtained.
He stepped out of the swirling vortex of light, the familiar scent of earth and the distant hum of the outside world washing over him as the gates vanished.
He paused,his chest pumping with a wide grin of satisfaction spreading across his face. The Bloodhound Knight had fallen.
He took a deep breath, the cool air filling his lungs, and looked up to the sky. The sun was beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the city's skyline.
A soft chuckle escaped him as he adjusted his clothes. "..not bad for a first real boss," he said, brushing dirt from his knees. The victory felt sweet, but he knew better than to relax.
He moved through the crowded streets, blending seamlessly among hurried pedestrians and street vendors.
He pushed open the door to his modest apartment and slipped off his muddy boots, the weight of the day pressing heavily on his shoulders.
He moved to the small bathroom and turned on the tap. The water was tepid, but it washed away the grime and sweat of battle. As he scrubbed his face and hands, his thoughts drifted to the bloodhound's materials tucked safely in his inventory.
Finished washing, Jin-Hyuk dried off and examined himself in the mirror. He immediately thought about his small apartment. He needed an upgrade.
He grabbed his phone and scrolled through his contacts until he found the Hunter Association's number.
The line rang twice before a familiar voice answered, sharp and professional. "This is the Hunter Association. How can I assist you?"
Jin-Hyuk's voice was firm but respectful. "I want to sell my mana stones. I have a good amount — several high-grade ones."
There was a pause, then a brief reply. "Please come to our headquarters for evaluation. We'll offer you a fair price."Jin-Hyuk nodded, even though the person on the other end couldn't see him. "...I'll be there first thing tomorrow."
Hanging up, he glanced at his watch. The day was winding down, but he knew he should rest before heading out again.
He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the glowing orb that still hummed softly from his pocket. That strange, celestial relic — the system's hidden reward — had become a symbol of his power and the dangerous knowledge he was slowly uncovering.
But beneath his cautious optimism, worry crept in. His mind drifted to his family, especially his mother. He hesitated, fingers trembling as he scrolled through his contacts. Her name appeared at the speed-dial —Mom.
He stared at the screen, his heart pounding. The thought of calling her felt like walking a tightrope. Painful memories of his past life flashed through his brain; his family succumbing to injuries from a dungeon break. He hesitated, then slowly pressed the call button.
The line rang, each tone echoing louder in his ears. When she answered, her voice was gentle but tinged with concern. "Hello?"
"M-Mom," Jin-Hyuk stammered, voice trembling "..It's me."
There was a pause, then her voice softened. "Jin-Hyuk? Is everything alright???"
He swallowed hard. "Yeah… I just… I wanted to check in. I'm coming home tonight."
A moment of silence. Then, softly, she replied, "...Alright. Your little brother's been asking about you. He misses you."
Tears welled up unexpectedly. Jin-Hyuk clenched his jaw against the emotion. "...I've been… busy. Things are complicated."
"I understand," she said warmly. "Just be careful, okay? The world out there isn't safe anymore."
"I know," Jin-Hyuk whispered. "...I'll be home soon. I promise."
He ended the call and sat for a moment, overwhelmed by a wave of relief and guilt. The weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him, but at least tonight, he had a family to return to.
The next morning, Jin-Hyuk dressed quickly, donning his usual attire with a renewed sense of purpose. He grabbed his coat and headed out into the city already stirring with activity. The streets buzzed with life, but he moved with a quiet determination, heading toward the Hunter Association's HQ.
The evaluation was quick'. The officials examined his mana stones, their faces unreadable at first, then nodding appreciatively at the high-grade specimens. The transaction was sealed with a respectful nod, and Jin-Hyuk pocketed the 300 million won.
With his wallet heavy but his mind even heavier, he decided to visit his family. The road to their small apartment was familiar — a humble building nestled between towering skyscrapers, a quiet refuge amid chaos.
He hesitated before knocking, his hand trembling slightly. When the door opened, his mother's warm smile greeted him, and his younger brother's eyes lit up with innocent joy.
"M-Mom," Jin-Hyuk said softly, voice thickening. "...I'm home."
His mother pulled him into a tight embrace, her warmth grounding him amid the tumult of his thoughts. Jin-Hyuk felt a surge of emotion he could no longer contain. He hugged her tightly, balling his eyes out as he held her close.
His brother, Lee Jin-Soo, just a boy but smart for his age, looked up at him, "...what a cry baby..bweh!" Jin-Hyuk pulled him close and roughed up his as they all laughed sharing the family moment.
They spent the day together — sharing a simple meal, talking about school and friends, and Jin-Hyuk listening intently to their stories. For a little while, the chaos of the outside world faded away, replaced by the warmth of family.
***