« Welcome, Adventurer Kim Ji-Kai. Thank you for your Hard work. Your payment will be transferred to your account within twenty-four hours » said the clerk at the Special Resources Division of the Korean Adventurers' Guild.
She accepted the pouch of low-tier monster cores from Ji-Kai with practiced efficiency.
« Thank you, miss, » Ji-Kai replied with a polite smile, then turned and walked out of the department, heading toward the main reception and elevator.
It had been a month since that day—since Ji-Kai stood in the halls of his family's estate and severed ties with the Ji name.
Though he had declared he would abandon the family surname and go by "Kim Kai," he eventually reverted to "Kim Ji-Kai." The new name felt too foreign, too detached. So he returned to the old one, reluctantly.
« It's already been a month since that special mission appeared… and I still have no idea how to complete it. »
« I've worked hard during this time, but in a way… I've wasted thirty days of the mission's countdown. »
[ Special Mission: Cure Park Yoon-Suk ]
[ Details: Park Yoon-Suk survived a fatal attack but was exposed to a complex demonic toxin. Symptoms are subtle at first but will evolve. If untreated, he will transform into a demon. ]
[ Objective: Cure Park Yoon-Suk ]
[ Time Remaining: 332 days ]
[ Reward: Random Legendary Item ]
During that month, Ji-Kai's first priority was Kim Yao-Ha. He tried to convince her to undergo surgery to remove the malignant tumor in her lungs.
For three days, she refused—stubborn as a schoolgirl. But after persistent urging, she relented. Together, they went to Seoul Central Hospital, where her case was registered and a surgery date set.
As for the money? Ji-Kai made it clear: he wouldn't pay until the operation succeeded.
He didn't want to throw his funds away ، He wanted the doctors to work seriously—to ensure Yao-Ha's recovery. And it seemed she now respected him more than ever.
After that, Ji-Kai refreshed his appearance. A new hairstyle—what some called the "wolf cut"—suited him well. His long hair and sharp features gave him a striking look.
Sometimes, he'd catch himself admiring his reflection, which made others think he was a bit eccentric.
He also bought new clothes—not ordinary ones, but mana-infused gear. Durable, reinforced, especially the pants , Because ... He had a bad memory involving torn trousers during a mission.
Definitely one of the most embarrassing moments of his life. With his outfit sorted, he moved on to weapons.
As for weapons, he focused on buying good stuff. He purchased a mid-tier sword—not the best, but far superior to the one he used in the goblin dungeon.
Alongside it, he bought a high-quality dagger, priced at $2,000. It was worth it.
The blade could be reforged without losing its integrity and could channel mana—something Ji-Kai would need soon.
To avoid stagnation, Ji-Kai threw himself into his role as a registered adventurer. He entered numerous dungeons—most filled with common goblins and low-tier ghouls.
They were manageable, though team-based missions posed challenges. His experience made him seem out of place in low-level raids, but that was only because he had returned from the future.
He used the time to train, to level up. And today, he decided to visit Park Yoon-Suk—the man he hadn't seen since the mission first appeared.
« I've discovered something… strange, » Ji-Kai muttered, staring at his system interface as he waited for the elevator to reach the sixteenth floor.
[ Status Window ]
[ Name: Kim Ji-Kai ] [ Age: 21 ]
[ Strength: 13/100 ] [ Speed: 12/100 ]
[ Intelligence: 50/100 ] [ Constitution: 11/100 ]
[ Mana: 100 ] [ Specialization: Undefined ]
[ Overall Level: 19/100 ]
[ Mana Proficiency: 5/100 ]
I remember that morning. The system displayed "Status Update." Then… nothing.
For three days, it went silent. But when it returned, the interface had expanded—more details, more depth. Fascinating.
Those days without it were hard. But I've grown. My level… I'm nearly at twenty.
Yet something feels off. I feel strong—like I did when I was level 62. I remember that power. And now… I feel the same.
But how? I'm still level 19. Far from 62.
He sighed and dismissed the interface. The elevator had arrived. As he walked toward Park Yoon-Suk's room, his thoughts churned.
My system is the same. But something's changed. Or maybe… it was always like this? I don't know , or maybe ...
No. It used to be simpler. Clearer. Even if it gave cryptic missions, it was more straightforward.
I can't lower my guard—not even with the system that's supposed to be my ally.
He reached the designated room, guarded by two men in formal attire.
After confirming his identity, Ji-Kai was allowed in—Park Yoon-Suk had listed him among trusted visitors.
Inside, Park Yoon-Suk sat by the window, reading quietly. His glasses perched on his nose, the city skyline behind him. He looked up as Ji-Kai entered.
« Oh, welcome, Mr. Kai. It's good to see you after all this time, » he said, his radiant smile unchanged.
« Just call me Ji-Kai. Or Kai. I'm four years younger than you, after all. Also… I owe you an apology. I disappeared after that day. Got caught up in personal matters. But I'm here now, right? »
Ji-Kai's tone was warm—not an act. He was genuinely glad to see Park looking well, despite the looming mission.
« No need to apologize. We all have lives to manage. And yours… well, yours is more complicated than most. Especially with your family. »
His voice shifted slightly, but remained steady.
« About my family… I've cut ties. After everything they did, they asked me to forget it. That's insulting, man, » Ji-Kai replied casually, scratching the back of his head as he sat beside Park's bed.
For a moment, Park Yoon-Suk's expression changed. A flicker of memory. He had attended the funeral of Ji-Kai's parents after that horrific accident.
Hearing Ji-Kai speak so lightly about severing family bonds… it struck a chord. Still, he smiled and set his book aside.
« Ji-Kai, I know what happened that day. The day society turned its back on you » park
« Even though things were cleared up, you still carry that weight. But that doesn't mean you should cut your family off completely. »
Park's voice was gentle, composed. It made it hard for Ji-Kai to stay angry.
« But… it's not fair! My life became hell because of them. Even after the truth came out, people still look at me with contempt. My life isn't what it seems. »
He tried to keep his voice steady, but frustration bled through.
« Ji-Kai, listen. The solitude you've embraced—it feels like a refuge now. But one day, it'll become a blade. It'll carve you from the inside out. Until you're hollow. »
« I know this. I lived it. And I escaped it—thanks to the children at the orphanage. »
« They did hurt you , yeah , But having people who share your blood… that's a blessing. When despair hits, you'll realize you need someone to call family. »
« I lost my parents young. I lived alone for years. But eventually, I couldn't endure it. »
« I was needed a place to call home. That orphanage—it's my home. Those kids—they're my family. So Ji-Kai… don't throw away what could be a blessing. »
Park spoke at length, his words full of wisdom and warmth. Ji-Kai listened silently, absorbing every syllable. Park was right. His words were true.
But the sting of humiliation still burned inside Ji-Kai. For now, he smiled—though not entirely sincerely.
« Thanks for the advice, Park Yoon-Suk. I'll keep it in mind… even if it's hard to act on. »
He chuckled lightly, trying to soften the mood. "Anyway, my visit's almost over. I need to prepare for the next raid. Slacking off isn't in my new vocabulary."
His tone was playful, though the weight hadn't lifted.
[ Notification ]
Huh? What's this—wait… what?!
« Sorry, Park Yoon-Suk. I need to leave—urgently. I forgot something important. Say hi to Kim Nina and the others for me. See you! »
And just like that, Ji-Kai bolted out of the room, leaving Park blinking in surprise—then laughing.
« he had a a lot of energy huh? »
Outside, Ji-Kai sprinted out of the Guild building, drawing stares. "What's wrong with that weirdo?" and someone said "Is he looking for the bathroom?" .
But the truth was…
I need to move faster! Come on, legs!
[ New Mission – Main Quest ]
[ Mission Three: Purge Gwangju ]
[ Details: The city of Gwangju has reported multiple sightings of monsters with unusual appearances manifesting outside known gate zones. While no serious injuries have occurred yet, tension is rising. A handful of witnesses claim something strange is happening in a specific area of Gwangju—an area notably distant from any officially discovered gate. ]
[ Objective: Investigate the phenomenon ]
[ Additional objectives may be added if new variables emerge. ]
[ Time Limit: 4 days ]
[ Reward: Hint to the location of the Dagger of Anubis + Consumable Item (Rank E) ]
The Dagger of Anubis… I have to get it.