"That bastard Kang Myung-jun is far more ruthless than you think. He's cunning, deceitful, and utterly merciless. And you—an E-rank Hunter—how long do you think it'll take for you to grow strong enough to stand against someone like him?"
The voice was heavy with concern.
Facing him—that man!
Lee Jin-ho knew exactly what that meant. He had experienced it firsthand in his younger days.
Kang Myung-jun.
Once his business partner and a renowned relic hunter, Myung-jun had recognized Jin-ho's exceptional talents early on. Carefully, methodically, he had approached Jin-ho, gaining his trust—only to steal every single one of his achievements.
A man so terrifyingly patient, willing to invest years just to exploit others.
Lee Si-woo understood why his father was worried.
"I know, Dad. I also found out that Kang Myung-jun's main business revolves around Hunters."
"Well, in this era, that's where the real money is. And if it's Kang Myung-jun, of course, he'd be involved."
Click—
"Take a look at this."
Si-woo spread out a document he had gathered.
"This is Total Hunters, one of ARN Group's subsidiaries."
Jin-ho took the document, adjusting his magnifying glasses as he read.
"Let's see… Huh? Every major guild in Korea—from the first to the tenth—has investments secured by Total Hunters?"
"Exactly. It's massive. But that's not all."
Si-woo revealed another document.
"These are the major markets that trade byproducts from Gates."
"Hmm… Now that you mention it, even these are controlled by companies linked to ARN Group."
Click—
Jin-ho shut the documents, his expression clouded with deeper worry.
At this rate, forget revenge—his son might end up working under Kang Myung-jun instead.
"…Hmph."
He let out a heavy sigh, reaching for another cigarette.
It was suffocating to think about.
How could it not be?
Si-woo, too, had been overwhelmed countless times while uncovering these staggering truths.
But he had no intention of giving up.
After all, wasn't he the world's first Double Title Holder?
"Dad."
"Yes, son?"
"Can you trust me?"
"I've always trusted you."
"Then why were you so shocked when I quit my job?"
"Ahem… That's not it. I just thought you'd won the lottery or something. Hah."
Jin-ho chuckled at his son's playful jab.
Yes, it was a serious matter.
But even in difficult times, they couldn't lose their laughter.
Their family had endured hardships by holding onto trust and making sure they never lost their smiles.
Si-woo nodded, his voice steady.
"Dad, I need you to trust me completely. I have a plan. No matter what happens, just believe in me."
Jin-ho looked into his son's eyes.
That unwavering determination.
That tightly sealed mouth, as if refusing to back down.
It reminded him of his younger self.
'He's far better than I ever was. He won't be as foolish as I was.'
A deep, inexplicable emotion surged in Jin-ho's heart.
Hoo…
Exhaling slowly, Jin-ho steeled himself.
"Alright. I understand."
"That's all I need. As long as you and Si-yeon believe in me, I'll make it happen."
"…You've really grown up."
With newfound resolve, Jin-ho grasped his son's hand firmly.
This was his son.
How could he not believe in him?
No matter what happened, he would stand by him.
Shhh…Hoo…
Jin-ho exhaled a long plume of cigarette smoke, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.
The sun was setting.
Kang Myung-jun.
Hearing that accursed name from his son's mouth again…
Hmph.
A sharp, stabbing pain shot through his chest.
My love…
Whenever he thought of Kang Myung-jun, the first person that came to mind was his late wife.
She had stayed behind, raising their children alone, while he chased success across the world.
Even when she fell ill, he had foolishly believed that money could fix everything. That as long as he succeeded, he could save her.
He had been so, so wrong.
Grit—
Jin-ho clenched his teeth.
He had been on the verge of success.
Just a little more, and he could have gathered the wealth to cure her and live happily with his family.
But then…
Kang Myung-jun.
That bastard had trapped him.
Stolen everything.
Even his home.
In a single night, he and his sick wife, with their two children, were left homeless.
Yet even then, Jin-ho had swallowed his pride and begged Kang Myung-jun to save his wife.
He had vowed to forget everything, to hold no grudges.
But Kang Myung-jun had shown no mercy.
Not a shred of humanity.
He had Jin-ho thrown out like trash.
With nothing left—no money, no dignity, no future.
And soon after… his wife passed away.
Drip…
Tears streamed down Jin-ho's face.
My love…
She had spent her short life waiting. Enduring pain and loneliness.
Was it any wonder that when Si-woo spoke of revenge, he had unconsciously agreed?
Of course, he wanted to stop his son.
But at the same time…
'I want to see that bastard fall with my own eyes.'
Jin-ho wiped away his tears.
For too long, he had let his vengeance rust.
'I must be getting old.'
The younger Jin-ho wouldn't have hesitated like this.
But no more.
Now, he would do everything in his power to help his son.
Kang Myung-jun, I forgot about you for too long. I will see your downfall with my own eyes and offer it at my wife's memorial.
His resolve hardened.
Creak—
Jin-ho stepped back inside.
Si-woo scolded him lightly.
"Dad, you've been smoking for way too long."
Out of all his father's habits, smoking was the one thing he truly disliked.
His younger sister, Si-yeon, grumbled as well—but for a different reason.
"Exactly! And you're taking forever! We're having a meat party here, remember?"
She had no idea her brother had awakened as a Hunter.
"By the way, Oppa, why'd you come home early and buy all this expensive beef? Is it someone's birthday?"
She frowned, deep in thought.
"…No, that's not right. I would've remembered!"
Si-woo chuckled, ruffling her hair.
"This big brother of yours quit his job today."
"WHAT?! WHY? Did you hit a midlife crisis?!"
Like father, like daughter—her fiery temper flared instantly.
Si-woo smirked, thinking of teasing her.
But before he could, their father beat him to it.
"Your brother won the lottery."
"…Wait, what?"
And just like that, the family meal began—with laughter, worries, and an unshakable bond holding them together.