8 March 1994Seoul Central Hospital
"Ugh... where am I?"The last thing I remember is sitting at home—and then suddenly, bam, a truck came out of nowhere. What the hell? I wasn't even on the road! Could it have been the legendary Truck-kun, here to reincarnate me?...Nah. That only happens in anime. Right?
I try to open my eyes. A bright light blinds me for a second—ugh, hospital ceiling. Wait. The truck. How could I forget something like that?
I can't move. Oh no. Don't tell me I'm paralyzed. That'd be just my luck—killed by an isekai truck and then left broken before the fantasy even starts.
As I spiral in my thoughts, I hear muffled voices nearby.
"Hwan, what should we name the baby?""Kyung-He, I'm sure you already had a name in mind."Chuckle "Yes... I was thinking of Jin-Woo. Sung Jin-Woo."
Wait.Wait.
Jin-Woo? Hwan? Kyung-He...?Those names sound very familiar.I let out a loud baby wail—not from pain, but from pure shock.
"Whaaaaaa–"[I HAVE HEARED THESE NAMES BEFORE!]
Two Years Later
Hey guys. Name's Jin-Woo. Yes, that Jin-Woo—the future Shadow Monarch and legendary aura farmer.
But man... this world's doomed. Right now everything looks normal, sure—but in twelve years, dungeons will start opening. That's 2008. Right now it's 1996, and I've got a lot to prepare for.
Here's the thing—I don't even know if I'll get the system. I don't remember where the Double Dungeon is. Sure, I might be able to find people like Joohee and the others... probably... but am I seriously gonna walk into a trap to get cut up like lunch meat just hoping the system activates?
I mean, I want it. Obviously.But I'm not a masochist.
Besides, unlike the original Jin-Woo, I won't be flirting with death in every dungeon just to grow stronger. No way.
So, what's my plan?
Simple:Saitama Routine.100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10 km run. Every. Damn. Day.By the time the dungeons open, I'll be able to solo goblins without needing a system. Probably. Hopefully.
As I'm lost in thought, the front door creaks open.
A beautiful woman with long black hair steps inside.
"Jin-Woo! Mama's home! Where are you?"
My little legs wobble as I bolt out of the room.
"Mama! Mama! Did you bring the ice cream I asked for?"
Kyung-He laughs, brushing hair from her face as she pulls out a small tub.
"Yes, I did. But remember, this is your only one for the week. Too much sugar, and the germs will eat your teeth."
She tries to scare me with a mock-stern look, but please. Me? Future monarch of shadows? Afraid of cavities?
Never.
Four Years Later
I'm standing outside a hospital room with my dad, Sung Il-Hwan. Today's the day.
I'm about to become a big brother.
Inside that room... is Jin-Ah.
Yes. That Jin-Ah. Sister leveling baby
Cough cough. solo leveling no sweet home albama here
"Jin-Woo, are you okay?" Dad looks at me, concerned.
"I'm fine! Just, uh... a normal cough."
Nice save, idiot. Get it together. This isn't some sister-con story.
Moments later, a baby's cry echoes from the room. Dad and I both smile.
Forty minutes pass, and a nurse finally lets us in.
Inside, Mom looks tired but radiant, cradling a tiny bundle in her arms. She tilts it toward me with a smile.
"This is Jin-Ah."
"She's so tiny..." I whisper, my gaze fixed on her tiny hands and soft breath. And in that moment, something shifts.
Until now, I was unsure. But this family... this life... I have to protect it.Which means one thing:
I have to get stronger