Chapter Text
~•Season Two•~
Exactly one hour has passed when the gate started to ripple. Minutes later, Jin Woo came out with damp clothes and a backpack full of magic crystals taken from the monsters he had slain inside the Red Gate. The remains of a very large magic beast and several others (possibly the Dungeon Boss and his minions) was dropped unceremoniously on the roadside by a giant-looking Fangs (and a few orcs). The former dungeon boss saw me, grinned and then bowed respectfully in greeting before returning in Jin Woo’s shadow along with his crew. But before he can approach me, several flashes of cameras illuminated the entire vicinity. There are even reporters taking videos. Huh? When did they arrived?
“We’ll be taking our leave now.” Jin Woo told the Association employee and after giving everyone a quick look, took me into his arms and used his speed to leave the gate’s location.
Feeling dizzy due to our sudden departure, he kissed the top of my eyebrows before letting me sit in our van and mouthed his apologies for our abrupt transport.
“It’s okay. Maybe I should close my eyes next time…”
Laughing quietly, he started the van when the vehicles in front of ours started moving. There are still some bystanders standing beside their cars waiting for their turn. Some waves their hands in greeting seeing Jin Woo’s now familiar face while others has their phones up and taking our pictures and videos.
Jin Woo politely return their greetings with a nod while asking me why they’re taking our photos (or videos). At the same time, my phone rang again as well as his own and the onslaught of that day’s ‘spectacle’ took another wave of shouting and blaming (and curses with name calling of the likes I’ve never heard before courtesy of my oppa). I raised my brow to his question and Jin Woo avoided my gaze while whistling nonchalantly. With a smile, he took my hand and kissed it as if nothing happened.
Seriously, this man is a menace.
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Upon our arrival at Ahjin Guild’s new office, the kid told us about an unexpected visitor. And that this visitor wanted to join our guild. I then sensed a very familiar presence.
“Hunter Cha Hae In?”
Their talk went somewhat okay (even if my hunter deflected the main topic away). But for whatever reason, Hae In isn’t telling the truth. So after Jin Woo excused himself to get drinks, I sat infront of her and asked for her real intentions. Wordlessly, I cupped her cheek and my eyes started glowing.
Cha Hae In is a very dear friend aside for being the only woman my brother took a liking into and one of the few people who knew what I can do so she lets me feel her intent thru this method. How the events in Jeju Island almost killed my brother and it took her down effortlessly. She thought that she’ll never get the chance to tell him how she really feels. How to be happy with someone she truly loves. That life is fleeting and despite their rank, they are still human and can be killed by someone (or something) far stronger.
Understanding lit my eyes and I took her within my arms. I saw Jin Woo standing by the door. He smiled at me and quietly placed the drinks on the coffee table.
Nothing was discussed after that but I knew my brother has to do something about this.
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Hunter Bureau, U.S.A.
Director David Brennon listens calmly as Michael Connor gave his report. He stood up with a darkened expression and lowered his head as the two continues to explain everything that had happened with their meeting with Korea’s 10th S Rank Hunter.
“Apparently, Hunter Sung Jin Woo is one of the ‘Kings’.”
What?!
“Madam Selner? Are you sure about his abilities? That Hunter Sung Jin Woo is as powerful as a National Level Hunter?”
The madam explained her observations. How others draw their powers from the “other side”. She can sense that connection and oftentimes, those individuals appear like streaks of blinding light.
But unlike the others, the said man doesn’t borrow his strength.
“He is darkness itself.”
“So he is an evil being?”
“We cannot label that man as good or evil. It is just that his powers does not originate somewhere else, it is within him. That means he has no limits. And then…”
S Rank Healer Min Byeong Go’s sister, Min Jeong Hui.
Unlike the madam who can remove the limitations of an awakened hunter and their abilities, the woman is capable of accelerating one’s abilities with just a touch. And that she can awaken the latent ability of ordinary humans touched by mana.
It sounds impossible and yet David knew that such people exists. They just got lucky when they get a hold of Mrs. Selner. Only if…
“And her presence in Hunter Sung’s life isn’t just an acquaintance, correct?”
The woman is a volunteer at the KHA managed hospital where the man’s mother was admitted due to Eternal Slumber. Both became friends and it seems like their relationship are now more intimate.
The extent of her abilities are not known to the public. Because if it does, other countries will destroy South Korea just to get their hands on the woman no matter what it takes.
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While I help Jin Ho with their guild’s paperworks, I saw the arrival of the Knights Order Guild and its Guild Master Park Jong Su along with Vice Master Jeong Yun Tae. I learned that they’re here to request for Jin Woo’s help in clearing an A Rank gate as the Associaton thinks that the guild lacks the support of an S Rank for a high level gate. Their Healer Jeong Ye Rim suggested the said idea or ‘temporary partnership’. The woman also asked if she can have Jin Woo’s signature and a photo, hoping that I wouldn’t mind. I laughed in mirthful humor and gave her a copy of his photo Jin Ah playfully printed earlier and forced the said man to sign them all. The female hunter squealed in glee.
Jin Ho commented glumly that his hyung doesn’t know our ‘ploy’ and that he might get mad if he discover our ‘conspiracy’ but I assured him that it will be fine.
The talk went rather smoothly so he’ll be seeing them tomorrow.
“Perhaps, we can visit Ju Hui afterwards?”
A very good idea. However I have a prior commitment with Jin Ah in her school. “She asked if I can talk to her class about what being an Awakened means. So maybe next time?” He knew I wanted to see and visit Yi Ju Hui as well. Perhaps we can think of another date to visit together. He sighed dejectedly and thought of canceling his deal with the Knight Order. Puffing my cheeks, I hit him on the shoulder with a folder and scolded him to never ever do that. “They need your help, you know.” Pausing slightly, I told him as I fixed the lapel of his hoodie. That he might level up there so he shouldn’t waste the opportunity to do so. He pouted like a 10 year old and told me that he’d rather spend the rest of the day with me. Even with other brats. I giggled and brushes his hair affectionately with my fingers. While still sitting, he pulled me towards him and pressed his face right against my chest. He mumbled something that I failed to catch but guessing from the light blush his ears has, I think I knew what he wanted.
We’re now in a stage where we like touching each other. My own face turns pink and I smiled back fondly at him, running my palm over his back.
Ah! The feeling is mutual. Not that I didn’t enjoy Jin Ah’s company but… deep in the dark corners of my mind… I also wanted to…
My blush deepening, Jin Woo chuckled when he saw my face. Thankfully he didn’t comment on it and tugged me down to sit on his lap and kisses me softly. I might have heard Jin Ho squeak somewhere in my peripheral but my focus is directed towards the man holding me.
“Sung Jin Woo! Get your bloody hands off my sister!”
Huh? What is my brother doing here… oh? Does Byeong Go has business with Ahjin Guild?
Or is he here to bother us again? He’s being crazy again. Ugh.
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After seeing Jin Woo off, I went to Jin Ah’s school. The girls already sent me a text message excitedly asking where I was.
Upon entering the premises, a sudden chill went up my spine. It’s like the surrounding mana is crying.
“What’s wrong, Jeong Hui-unnie?”
I turned hastily towards Jin Ah while Song Yi looks worriedly. “Tell your classmates to leave the building right now. Tell them that it is an emergency or a fire drill procedure! I’ll go talk to your teachers. Hurry!” Confusingly, the teens started to direct everyone outside. I went ahead and pulled the fire alarm. Students and teachers started to pile up on the hallway demanding for answers. It was then a headless body fell from the stairs and then chaos started everywhere.
“Oppa!” After ordering the faculty for an evacuation, I dialed a specific number and tried to raise my voice due to the commotion but thankfully, my brother was able to hear me clearly.
“What’s that noise, Jeong Hui? Where the hell are you?”
Telling him where I am, I found Jin Ah and Song Yi near the exit. “Tell the Association that a dungeon break has occurred in Seoul Il-Sin Prefectural High School. I’ll try to save the remaining students. Hurry!”
“No! Stop! Jeong Hui! Don’t…”
Ending the call without saying goodbye, I gave my phone to Jin Ah and told them to run as far away as possible and wait for Byeong Go. My brother will definitely try to track my phone and hopefully he’ll be able to find her sooner and keep Jin Woo’s sister safe. She doesn’t want to leave but I motioned Song Yi to go ahead and drag Jin Ah as needed (if anything happens to her under my watch, I’ll never forgive myself). I gave both of them a quick kiss on their forehead. The female hunter’s eyes widen in surprise as she felt the changes within. With a warm smile, I led both of them out and closed the doors as the last student ran past me.
I sighed but held my ground. It wouldn’t make a difference but… as long as they can sense me, they will do whatever they can to hunt me down.
Pausing slightly, I hope that Jin Woo wouldn’t get so angry for what I’m about to do. Something that they (both him and my brother) asked me to never do on my own without them by my side or in the safe confines of the hospital.
Forgive me.
I removed the crystal bracelets binding my magic and let these creatures feel my presence. The said accessories was crafted specifically to contain my mana. Without it, mana will completely consume my body and overflow from it… hurting me in the process.
I knew that every awakened individual and magic beasts felt it… that they all felt my presence. Even Jin Woo despite our distance from one another.
It was then I saw everything so clearly. I wiped the blood that started to trickle down from my nose. As my eyes glowed with mana, I can also see all those who have died (damn it, I should have acted sooner) and those who are still alive (I won’t let them die).
And so… the real hunt begins.
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Leading them away from the surviving students on the lower floors, I tried to take down as much magic beasts as I can using the dagger Igrit gave me. Jin Woo taught me how to strike the weak points to incapacitate them but not enough to be fatal (despite his hesitance in teaching me to use any kind of weapon) which are just enough to stop their movements and for another to give the finishing blow (escape is what he insisted over and over). The shadows that Jin Woo left for my protection helped. I also asked one of them to assist the remaining students to safety.
It was like I already knew how to wield the said dagger. Not entirely the reason why these creatures all hated me. Or that their animosity stems from something else entirely.
I sensed that there are a few children left who locked themselves up in the farthest room on the sixth floor (and some in the washrooms) but the orcs are smart enough to block my path and led me straight to the said location. Cursing out loud, I got no choice but to squeeze myself in. Surprised at my sudden arrival, I motioned everyone to be quiet and tried to find a way out. But before that, I enforced mana into the doors to prevent the magic beasts from coming through and to buy us some time.
Throwing a chair out to make another escape route, I can see that there are already a few mid-rank hunters guarding the entrance to prevent the orcs from coming out and ensure the other students are safe while waiting for higher ranked hunters to arrive.
I call for them to look up as I need their help in getting the remaining students to safety. Asking the boys to use their own body as a makeshift ladder, the children started to climb down one by one. Once they are in a safe height, I told them to let themselves fall and the hunters from below will catch them. Down to the last three students, the orcs have started breaching the room so I apologize to the kids and pushed them to safety. All the students from the lower floors have successfully escaped following my mana-infused voice (the same method I used on my brother back in Jeju Island). Relieved to know that all the children are safe, I faced the creatures with a determined look and held my dagger in a tighter grip.
They are all chanting one word repeatedly that makes me squint my eyes towards them in annoyance.
Traitor!
Traitor!
Traitor!
“I am not a monster, so how come I’m a traitor to your kind?” Perhaps, I asked the wrong question but their leader, the dungeon boss, walks forth and replied to my inquiry with a sneer.
“You may have a different form but you are and will always be a Denizen of Chaos, princess. For betraying your kin, I will kill you and offer your head to the King of Dragons!”
It’s those words again. King of Dragons? W-who is it?
As my luck ran out, I started to cough out blood and felt my vision blurring due to my continued use of mana. Darn it! I suddenly remembered the secret message from the System and its rewards.
“I accept my rewards! Give it, give it to me now!” But nothing happened. Oh for crying out loud! I never thought that not asking how my hunter interact with the System will suddenly bite me in the ass one day. Ugh!
The leader of the orcs stands before me disdainfully and grabbed my hair with a sadistic smile and an even uglier gaze.
Not before I stabbed it in the neck but then I felt sudden pain erupting within me… my body failing to function for a few seconds. The monster took that opportunity to backhand me and then it threw me out of the window much to the shock reactions of the people below.
I might have blacked out for a few seconds but…
All I can think of is how Jin Woo will react.
I’m so sorry…
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When I opened my eyes, I thought I was dead. It was so dark.
Not the kind of darkness that scares you. It felt welcoming for some reason. After walking for a few minutes, I saw our favorite bench from the hospital. And on it…
“Daddy?”
Rushing towards him, I stopped on my tracks when I saw the person sitting infront of me. No, he isn’t my father even if he has the same face and yet…
“It’s been a while, my little star…”
The man wearing my father’s face feels so familiar. He feels like Jin Woo.
No.
Not my hunter… but he has the same darkness. Someone much older. Someone my heart knew? It doesn’t make any sense. He’s…
“I’m here to apologize.” He paused and placed both of his hands on top of his lap. “I knew that once you remember who you are… you wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice yourself for me… ah, for my successor’s sake.”
Is he referring to Jin Woo?
I can clearly sense his sadness. His pain. He’s…
“I guess not knowing what your past was will make a bit of a difference… but perhaps it’s just wishful thinking on my part. I already knew what you will do especially when it comes to the people you love.” With a soft smile, he stood and approaches me. I didn’t back away because for some reason I know that he’s not going to hurt me. He gently ruffled my hair and smiled. “This is your home now. And your precious people lives in it. They will take good care of you… and will love you unconditionally.” With those words, I started crying. He wiped my tears away and kissed my forehead.
…his heart is crying. For me. For both of us.
And then he was gone but not before I heard a whisper.
“I am thankful that I got the opportunity to be called your father. My dearest light, fire of my heart… from hereon, live to your hearts content.”
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I woke up with a gasp as if seeing the mysterious man wearing my dad’s face that feel all so familiar wasn’t just a dream. I also knew that my eyes are glowing (I still felt the tears running down my cheek) as I can clearly see the healing magic that is fixing the damage my body took for overusing mana (and the injuries I received from the magic beast). I can see my brother’s worried gaze while Jin Ah and Song Yi stands closely behind him.
I noticed the girls starting crying seeing me awake and the people surrounding us mutter a sigh of relief. I found ourselves in the open field on a makeshift tent while the pandemonium of that day continues to occur everywhere I look. The mana surrounding the school still feels so heavy.
I also knew that Jin Woo was here but no one is telling me his whereabouts. It was then Chairman Go Gun Hee answered my unspoken questions. That he’s still inside.
Finally noticing a big hole on the side of the building and a large indent up front the school’s lawn, I turned and asked what happened after I was thrown out of the building. Oppa may have cursed out but I ignored him and waited for the Chairman’s reply. He told me how Jin Woo arrived at the back of his winged summon (Kaisel) and catches my fall. He personally entrusted me to Byeong Go who just arrived and tried to catch me himself. My hunter went back up after forcing his way through the side of the building with just one punch. My brother even mentioned how murderous Jin Woo looks - that the hunter’s expression is enough to give him the scare. Afterwards all they can hear are screams from the monsters themselves.
It was the longest wait of my life knowing that what I did caused my hunter to loose himself in anger.
Jin Woo came out a few minutes later when the silence is too much to bear. I stood shakily and rushed towards him. My brother assisted and led me halfway through. My tears started to fall once more as he took me into his arms. Holding me tight. I didn’t even mind the green colored slime (or was it monster’s blood?) splayed on his clothes and hands.
“Jeong Hui, my Jeong Hui…”
I can still feel him shaking because of his emotions. Cupping his face, I pulled him closer so that I can place myself further into his arms to help calm him down. To keep him grounded. To let him know that I’m okay… that I’m safe.
Strangely enough, the surrounding noise started to fade as he promised to never let me go.
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What happened that day was all over the news. The whole of Korea finally knew that I am also an Awakened. My exact rank was never mentioned as my abilities are quite different from the rest (perhaps similar to that American woman we met before). In accordance to the prohibitions made during the establishment of the Korean Hunters Association, the extent of my abilities will remain classified to everyone except for a select few.
Quite a lot of speculations are found online stating that my abilities is similar to my brother — a Healer. Seeing that post, oppa laughs out loud. But then he took me in his arms with another set of scolding that came out of his mouth. Emotions I never thought I would see again after our father’s death. Yoon Ho-oppa nodded glumly from where he was sitting beside my bed. I sighed and look out of the window to ignore my brother’s incessant yammering.
Jin Woo just left and promised to be back later that day. Even if I felt okay, I was admitted at the hospital following the Chairman’s request to ensure that no lasting damage happened to my body.
I also seemed to recall the Chairman and my Jin Woo’s conversation on our way to the hospital. Something about staying in Korea? But perhaps it was just my imagination as the exhaustion of that day made me want to sleep and cuddle. My hunter held me tighter as I continue to feel the steady beating of his heart. Keeping me safe. Keeping me anchored to this world….
“Min Jeong Hui? Are you listening to me? Don’t ignore me!” I mentally rolled my eyes at my brother and tried to sleep. Perhaps pretending to sleep will stop oppa from being so overly dramatic. I failed to smooth out the scrunched look off my face. Yoon Ho-oppa laughs at my expression and I stuck my tongue towards him acting like a petulant child. “He’s just compensating for the scare, you know…” As if I wanted that to happen in the first place. I did apologize though.
“Live to your heart’s content… do not hesitate… my little star…”
I paused remembering that man. Who could he be?
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After getting enough rest (patiently waiting for the two to leave for their scheduled coffee run), I sneaked into my office in the staff room to check on a few things. I almost didn’t notice it but a new patient was added to my care who’s experiencing the early symptoms of Eternal Slumber. Frowning, I looked into the file further.
This can’t be… does… does Jin Ho know?
I immediately sent him a message as discreetly as possible but his response isn’t what I expected.
Asking Yu Rah, she told me that the said businessman came in a few days ago and Dr. Kim confirmed the details asking me when I can meet the man.
“I can see him now if he’s available?”
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Jin Woo tutted disapprovingly seeing where I am. Thankfully, he didn’t voice out his objections when he saw me coming out from one of my patient’s room. I smiled gratefully in response with my expression brightening upon seeing his face and dragged him into my office.
Tugging me closer, he kissed the top of my head and wrap both arms around me.
“Ah! Can’t breathe, let go!”
Laughing quietly, he told me how my brother called him and ratted me out. That traitor!
“He’s just worried.” I know that and yet he still treats me like I was twelve. Yu Rah came in and greeted my boyfriend (ah, the word still feels foreign to my ears). She told me that my new patient is waiting outside. Jin Woo promised to wait at our bench but his brows furrowed seeing Chairman Yoo Myung Han who is also surprised to see my hunter.
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Later that day, Jin Woo told me that he was approached a few days ago by Jin Ho’s father asking for information. I won’t even wonder how they knew but perhaps it got something to do with Mrs. Park. He also mentioned that the man is willing to pay a large amount of money to know how his mother’s sickness was cured… and yet he couldn’t find any reason why he should provide the Holy Water of Life’s existence to a complete stranger. Even if he is related to the kid.
I sighed and leaned my head on his shoulders contemplating the same thing as I looked at my hands. Perhaps it is time to know the extent of my own powers so I asked Jin Woo if I can talk to the American Upgrader and set up an appointment thinking that she can help remove my limits (I pointedly ignored the rewards the System promised me as it didn’t help me at all).
Jin Woo didn’t respond but he promised to think about it. With a hum, I stood up patted my clothes (I’m still in my hospital jammies) and crossed my arms suddenly feeling the cold. He stood up and placed his coat over me. I smiled gratefully in response and kisses his cheeks.
With a grunt, he enclosed me within his arms and tucked me under his chin.
I know that he still feels like what happened back in Jin Ah’s school is all his fault. I caught a glimpse of the black key he is holding in his hands. Strangely enough, I can also see the key’s description.
Key to the Carthenon Temple…
It was where everything started for Jin Woo. And for the life of me, I couldn’t understand why I feel somewhat ominous when looking at the said key.
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Now that I’m cleared from the hospital, I can safely breathe a sigh of relief.
And a bit of freedom.
I saw several applications for the third founding member of Jin Woo’s guild. Even if I’m willing to put my name on the dotted line, he explained to me that associating myself to a specific guild might affect the balance knowing that I am already affiliated with a few. I really didn’t believe him at first and when I whined about it in my brother’s presence, he did agreed to my Jin Woo’s reasoning as well. Despite being rankless, my presence on a specific guild will disrupt the delicate camaraderie between all the guilds of South Korea. Which is why Jin Ho introduced his cousin, Yoo Soo Hyun, who is a licensed hunter but prefers to model rather than participate in raids and hunter-related stuff.
She’s of the same age as me and much prettier… yet Jin Woo still looks at me with that affectionate gaze in his eyes and seeks for my opinion whenever he could.
It warms my heart really. Though I wonder why I felt the said emotion in the first place.
“It’s because you’re human… and jealousy is a part of your current genetic makeup.”
Right.
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Omake:
Sensory Sharing is a unique ability allowing him to feel, hear or see what his Shadow Soldier is sensing. Due to the numerous number of soldiers he scattered across the city, he was able to use them quite often in the last few days.
He was also able to use it to follow his loved ones whereabouts. Keeping them safe.
It would be much easier if he can put a soldier in his Jeong Hui’s shadow. But alas, that remains an enigma he cannot fathom. Perhaps a restriction by the System. Unlike his family and the others, he placed several of his soldiers to guard her at all times and act as needed to those with ill content towards her.
But no matter.
He will make sure to keep one or two soldiers (at least Tusk’s generals) to keep his woman company and protect her as always even if they just have to follow her whereabouts using the shadows surrounding her.
Suddenly missing her, he used one of his assigned soldiers to see what she’s doing. Strangely enough, her room is empty. And then he heard a door opening revealing his girlfriend’s almost naked body. Even from this distance, he can smell her favorite shampoo as the remaining sheen of her recent activity cascaded down her form. But then she tiptoes on something at the top of her closet and her towel unravels —
Jin Woo’s eyes shot open with a gasp as he covered his eyes involuntary.
Jin Ho was taken by surprise alongside him. “Hyung-nim? What happened? Do you feel okay? You seem like having a fever or something…”
“No… it’s nothing…” Jin Woo shook his head and cleared his thoughts. Despite their intimacy with one another, he always made sure not to take advantage of his Jeong Hui despite her wanton recklessness of her affection towards him.
He really, truly loved her.
Even with Min Byeong Go’s murderous threats, Baek Yoon Ho’s support towards his dongsaeng and Choi Jong In’s annoying presence alone, he wants to do right by her.
Laughing amusedly to himself, Jin Woo finishes their snacks as they (him most especially) waited for the beasts to show themselves. Taking his daggers out, he places himself between the magic beasts and the kid. By his side, his shadows stands resolute.
Perhaps he will bring a nice peace offering to his girlfriend for peeking on her once he finishes this raid. Although for the life of him, he cannot erase that memory and absentmindedly wiped the blood dripping down his nose.
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