Seoul, South Korea
It's been a week since I transmigrated into this world. I couldn't believe it at first—being an avid fan of this series, I knew the entire plot like the back of my hand. What surprised me the most was that I didn't transmigrate as a nobody. I became the MC. Yes, the MC—from the weakest hunter to the strongest of them all—Sung Jin-Woo himself. The original aura farmer, the man who started it all.
I remember everything from my past life, and now that I'm here, my cheat is about to arrive. Today is the fated day—the double dungeon incident. I've spent the whole week adjusting to this new life. It was awkward at first to interact with Jin-Woo's sister, but I gradually managed to get the hang of it. It feels like I'm Jin-Woo himself right from the start. His emotions feel like mine… or maybe I'm him, and he's me? Yeah, kind of confusing.
I just hope no one discovers my transmigration—especially the Rulers, the Monarchs, and even Ashborn himself. This secret is something I'll take to the grave. No one needs to know about how I got here.
And my death… well, it's embarrassing. I died while peeing in a public restroom. I didn't even notice anything until I heard "Allahu Akbar!" and everything went black. Probably a terrorist attack, and I was just a civilian unlucky enough to get caught in it. No use arguing about it now.
Honestly, I'm actually happy to be here. I'm excited about the things I'll do in this world—and the things I'll eventually accomplish.
As I walked toward the dungeon to join the raid, I stopped by a small café to grab a coffee first. Honestly speaking, in my past life I was someone physically active—my body was built like a Greek god. Not the bulky, bodybuilder type, but the lean and sculpted kind that turns heads.
But this body… this body is absolute trash. Skinny arms, skinny legs, skinny jeans—it's completely not my style. Still, I have no choice but to get used to it for now. My condition will improve eventually. I have a mother and a younger sibling to take care of, so I can't complain too much.
As I walked, some people greeted me, but they looked confused when I didn't greet them back. Well, that former doormat version of me—the original Jin-Woo—is officially gone. Being overly kind is over. It's time to start acting like someone who knows his worth. The old Jin-Woo is dead.
And of course, I can hear the whispers behind my back. "The weakest hunter in all of mankind." What a fitting title for the current me. But that will change soon. One day, I'll become the strongest hunter in existence.
Just as I continued walking with my coffee in hand, a voice suddenly cut through my thoughts.
"Agh! Jin-Woo, you're hurt again!"
I turned around and saw an orange-haired girl running toward me, slightly out of breath. I immediately recognized her—Joohee. One of the few people who genuinely cared about the original protagonist, even when he was at his weakest. The concern in her eyes and the worry in her voice were real, unfiltered, and sincere.
She kept fussing over me, scolding me for getting injured again. I could only laugh lightly in response. As she spoke, my mind began to drift.
Joohee… She's kind, gentle, and always willing to help. If it weren't for her, the original Jin-Woo would have died much earlier in the story. As a healer, she practically carried him—and now, me—through countless raids. I'm honestly glad she's here with me again.
This time, I'll make sure she stays by my side. That much, I decided silently.
It always felt like a waste that she slowly disappeared from the storyline as the plot progressed. Once I reach S-rank, I'll establish a guild. And she'll be one of the first people I recruit. But to make that future possible, I need to keep a good relationship with her from now on.
There were even theories back in my past life—some said Joohee was secretly in love with Jin-Woo, while others argued against it. But now that I'm looking at her up close, seeing how she reacts, how she worries, how she genuinely cares… I'm certain the theory was right.
I'm not dense—not like the original Jin-Woo. It's obvious she likes me.
But even so… I can't return her feelings.
I already know who I'm destined to end up with, and I have no intention of changing that.
In the first place, I already like Cha Hae-In, and I have zero intention of forming a harem here. Sure, I've watched and enjoyed plenty of anime and manhwa with harems, but that doesn't mean I want one for myself. Liking the concept and actually practicing it are two completely different things.
I personally think a harem shouldn't suddenly become acceptable just because I transmigrated. I'd rather stay loyal to one person than juggle multiple partners. That's just how I am.
"Jin-Woo, are you listening?" Joohee asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Yes. I'm fine," I replied calmly.
"But… what about your injuries?" she said softly, her eyes falling on the patches covering my cheeks.
"Oh, that. The last raid didn't have a healer, so…" I answered quickly, trailing off.
Joohee just stared at me with concern, lips pressed together as if she wanted to say more but chose not to. She simply nodded and walked beside me in silence, her worry lingering in the air.
We moved to the gathering point for the raid, where Mr. Song Chiyul was persuading the others that he would take charge. Everyone agreed—me included. I simply nodded. It was understandable; out of all of us, he was the highest-rank hunter here.
Mr. Song continued speaking, giving instructions and warnings, but my attention drifted as I scanned everyone's faces. They had no idea. For most of them, this dungeon would become their graveyard.
Should I interfere? Should I help them get through this?
If I stepped in, I could prevent at least some of the deaths. I wasn't heartless, and part of me genuinely wanted to save them. But reality was cruel—my own power, my cheat, my evolution depended on what would happen inside that double dungeon.
If I interfered too much, the story would change. And if it changed too early, I might lose my chance.
Still… I couldn't just stand by and let them all die.
I'll do what I can, I decided silently. I'll sacrifice myself for the power I need… but if I can save even a few of them on the side, I will.
With that resolve in mind, I followed the others toward the dungeon destined to change everything.