That morning, a warm aroma flowed from the kitchen before Kael even opened his eyes.
He blinked several times, confused…
Normally, his small apartment was completely silent in the morning.
"Dad, wake up! Breakfast is almost ready!"
A cheerful voice echoed from the kitchen.
Kael slowly sat up.
He heard the clatter of pans, the soft sound of a wooden spoon, and the sizzling of oil—far more organized than his own cooking.
She… woke up earlier than him?
Kael walked to the kitchen.
There, Nara stood on a small stool so she could reach the stove, a yellow apron tied around her tiny body. Her movements were quick and precise, her eyes focused like a professional chef.
"Good morning, Dad!"
She turned with a big smile. "I made eggs and soup!"
Kael held back his smile—and his shock.
"Nara… you cooked this by yourself?"
"I learned from videos! Because Dad is always tired… so I want to help."
Kael's chest warmed.
He checked her cooking carefully—and honestly, the smell was much better than anything he'd ever made.
"Nara… this is amazing. You're really good."
Nara beamed.
"Hehehe… I want Dad to eat delicious food!"
Kael patted her head.
"I'm very proud."
Nara placed the plates on the table and sat down, her legs swinging happily.
"Let's eat!"
Kael tasted the soup—and his eyes widened a little.
This… is actually delicious?
Not too salty, not bland. Perfect.
"Nara… this is seriously good."
Nara puffed her chest like a tiny soldier.
"A future wife must know how to cook! Since I'm Dad's contract daughter, I need to cook too!"
Kael choked a little.
"W-wife? Who taught you that?"
"From the drama you watch at night!"
Nara answered innocently.
Kael coughed, face turning red.
"T-that's… not the same thing, Nara."
"Anyway, I want to keep cooking for Dad."
She said proudly.
Kael smiled gently.
"Thank you, Nara."
---
Work — Rift Stabilization Unit
Kael packed his mapping tools: tablet, anomaly detector, and core analyzer.
At the rift entrance, a girl with bright red hair ran toward him, waving energetically.
Mika — Rank F Hunter
(Eccentric, pick-me, desperate to look useful)
"Kael-san!! Good morning!! I'm ready to protect you!!!"
Kael sighed lightly.
"Good morning, Mika. You don't have to shout, I can hear you."
Mika stopped right in front of him—her face way too close.
"I'm your assistant hunter today! I promise I'll keep you safe during the mapping!"
Kael looked at her calmly.
She didn't know… that he was far stronger than any Rank S hunter out there. But Kael hid all of that.
"Thank you. I'll rely on you," he said with a small smile.
Mika's face turned red.
"I-I'll do my best!!"
---
Inside the Rift — Basic Mapping
The rift they entered was classified as "Low Hazard", supposedly safe for mapping.
As soon as they entered, Kael opened his Status Window briefly.
[Status Window – Kael]
Vitality: Normal
Mana: 100%
Ready Skill: —
He closed it.
Mika peeked over his shoulder curiously.
"That was… a status window, right?"
"Just checking that my body's stable."
"That's so cool… even rift staff can open a status window. Kael-san, you're amazing!"
Kael tapped her helmet lightly.
"Let's begin. Stay close."
"Yes sir!"
---
First Monster
A small Rift Wolf emerged from the bushes.
Mika immediately drew her dagger.
"Kael-san, stay behind me!! I'll—"
She took two steps… and instantly tripped over a tree root.
"UWAAAH!"
Kael caught her before she hit the ground.
Her dagger flew into the bushes.
"Kael-san don't look! This is embarrassing!!"
While Mika panicked, the Rift Wolf prepared to attack.
Kael sighed.
With one smooth movement, he stepped forward, grabbed the wolf by the back of the neck, and knocked it unconscious with a gentle hold.
Mika stared with her mouth wide open.
"Kael-san… what was that?!"
"Just reflex."
"You're a secret elite hunter from central HQ, aren't you? Confess!"
"No," Kael smiled. "I'm just a staff member."
"STAFF FROM WHICH DIMENSION?!"
---
Mapping Complete
Kael worked calmly—scanning mana paths, recording terrain, collecting samples.
Mika followed him, trying desperately not to trip again (but still fell four more times).
When they finished, Mika scratched her cheek shyly.
"Kael-san… please don't tell the supervisor. I was like… super dumb today…"
Kael tapped her helmet softly.
"I won't tell."
Mika's face turned red again.
"Kael-san is too kind…"
---
Back Home — Warm Evening
When Kael opened the door, Nara ran straight into him.
"Dad!!! You're back!"
Kael lifted her slightly.
"Yes. Something funny happened today."
"I drew a picture of us!"
Nara showed him a paper with two stick figures—Kael and Nara holding hands.
Kael paused.
His chest felt warm again.
"Nara… I really love it."
Nara hugged him tightly.
"Dad, don't stay away too long."
Kael felt a peace he could never find outside.
"I won't," he said softly, patting her back.
"As long as I can… I'll always come home."
"Ayah! I prepared dinner too!"
Nara looked up with sparkling eyes.
Kael had no choice but to surrender.
A life like this… was far warmer than the outside world.
Next Chapter 3 : Entering the Akademi