[Flashback Begins]
"Dad, do you really have to go to that dungeon?"
"Why are you trying to stop me, Jinwoo? I'm a hunter—this is my job, my duty."
"But why this job? The world's stabilizing. The disaster began over a year ago. More hunters are rising. Why risk it?"
"I'm strong, Jinwoo. The strong must protect the weak. People will die if I don't go."
"What if you die? Don't you care what would happen to us if something happened to you?"
"So I should let others die to protect myself?"
"Yes! Let them die! I don't care what happens to them. For me, you have to live!"
I knew I sounded selfish—a brat, even—but after spending fifteen years with this family, I couldn't bear the thought of losing Dad.
Without another word, a sudden slap stung my cheek.
"I didn't raise you to be like this, Jinwoo," Dad said sharply. "I taught you to help others—not just think of yourself."
Kyung-He, stepping in to deescalate the situation, grabbed his arm. "Hwan, he's just a kid. He's saying this because he cares."
"He's fifteen, Kyung-He. It's time he learns what it means to grow up."
She turned to Jin-Ah. "Take your brother to his room, sweetheart."
In the Room
"Brother, does your cheek hurt? Should I get medicine?"
"Jin-Ah… do you also think I'm selfish?"
"No. I don't want Papa to go either. But he's determined. He's ready to die for this."
That hit me hard. I had hurt Dad without realizing it. He was ready to die for his ideals, and I just wanted to chain him down. But still, I can't let him go to that dungeon. He can be a hunter—but only in Korea.
"You're smarter than me, Jin-Ah," I said with a bitter chuckle, patting her head. "And I'm the reincarnator… damn it."
"Brother…?"
"I'm okay now. Go get some sleep."
[Flashback Ends]
I let out a sigh, staring outside, when I heard familiar footsteps behind me.
"You're too young to be sighing like that," Dad said lightly.
"You're the one who said yesterday I wasn't young anymore."
"About that… I want to apologize for hitting you. But I still stand by my decision—I'll stay a hunter."
"You can stay a hunter. Just promise you won't go to that American dungeon. Stay in Korea—for me, for Mom, and for Jin-Ah."
He hesitated. "I don't know why you're so obsessed with that one dungeon, but… fine. I won't go there. But I'll go where I'm needed here."
I smiled and hugged him. "I'm sorry for what I said too."
We made peace that day.
2012
I saved Dad. He survived beyond the year he was meant to die. But I still couldn't shake the uneasy feeling lurking in my chest.
I'd just finished today's double Saitama routine and returned home drenched in sweat.
"Mom, I'm home!" I called as I walked through the door.
Only Jin-Ah was in the living room, studying. "Mom left after a phone call. Not sure where."
A sudden chill ran down my spine. Just then, my phone rang.
"Mr. Jinwoo, this is from Seoul Central Hospital. Your mother has been admitted. We're sorry to inform you—"
My heart skipped a beat. No. Not her. Not now. I rushed to grab Jin-Ah.
"Brother, what happened? Why do you look so scared?"
"Mom collapsed. We're going to the hospital."
"But how? She was fine!"
We reached the hospital and found her unconscious in bed. The doctor pulled us aside.
"It's Eternal Slumber," he said. "A rare condition caused by long-term mana exposure. There's no cure."
"What? She showed no signs of this!" I protested.
"The condition may have been triggered by shock. That's when it overtakes the body."
"Shock from what?"
"I'll explain," a voice said behind me.
A man in a black suit led me to a private room.
"This may be difficult to hear. Please prepare yourself."
"I just saw my mom collapse. Just tell me already."
"It's about your father, Sung Il-Hwan. He entered a dungeon. Killed the boss. But didn't make it out. He's presumed dead. The news… your mother fainted. That's what triggered the Eternal Slumber."
My mind reeled. The world faded. I could hear nothing but static.
I tried to save him… I changed the future… but it still happened.
Mom… Dad… I failed you both.
Then a voice echoed in my mind.
"You defied fate. And now you bear the consequences."
"Who…?"
"It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that your father may now be beyond salvation. Your mother… is lost early. All because of you."
"It's not my fault," I whispered.
"It is your fault."
"It's not."
"It is."
"It's NOT!"
My vision blurred. The world spun—and then, everything went black.