CHAPTER 27

Chapter 27

Jinwoo rushed through the bustling streets, weaving past pedestrians with a serious expression. His heart pounded as he reached the hospital entrance, his breath slightly ragged. The automatic doors slid open, revealing a pristine white hallway filled with the scent of antiseptics. He hurried toward the room number given to him by his sister. As he arrived, he saw his father standing by the window, dressed neatly in a suit, looking out at the city skyline.

"Dad…" Jinwoo muttered, his voice carrying disbelief and joy.

Sung Ilhwan turned around, his gaze warm yet filled with a weight of experiences that could not be explained in mere words. "Jinwoo… you've grown so much."

Jinwoo approached hesitantly before embracing his father. The warmth, the presence—this was real. His father was truly back. After a moment, he pulled away and met Ilhwan's gaze. "How… How did you come back?"

Ilhwan sighed, recalling the events that led to his return. "I was trapped in that dungeon for years, fighting and surviving day after day. I never thought I would see my family again. Then, suddenly, the gate opened, and people entered." His expression became distant as if reliving those moments. "They were speaking a language I didn't understand at first. It turned out they were American hunters. They restrained me, took me to a facility, and questioned me. I was lucky that a high-ranking Korean hunter happened to be there—Choi Jong-In. He helped me, arranged my return, and ensured that I could come back to you all."

Jinwoo listened intently, his fists clenching. "You were alone all those years?" His voice carried a tinge of sorrow and frustration.

Ilhwan nodded. "But it seems you were never alone. Your sister told me how you've been protecting the family… and that you've changed."

Jinwoo sighed, but before he could speak, Ilhwan added, "And Choi Jong-In… he's been looking out for you all. I owe him a great debt."

Meanwhile, in the Hunters' Guild office, Choi Jong-In sat at his desk, leisurely reading through reports detailing the guild's activities during his absence. The soft rustling of paper was the only sound in the dimly lit office. He flipped another page before suddenly pausing. His sharp senses picked up a shift in the air. Without lifting his eyes from the document, he spoke.

"Come out."

From the corner of the room, the shadows rippled before Jinwoo stepped forward, his usual composed expression slightly stiff with hesitation. He bowed deeply. "Thank you for everything you've done for my family, Guild Master Choi."

Choi finally looked up, a small amused smile tugging at his lips. "You don't need to be so formal, Mr. Sung. Helping people, especially those affected by dungeons, is part of my duty. Your family was no exception."

Jinwoo straightened, his expression still serious. "Even so, I won't forget this favor. If you ever need my help, just ask."

Choi leaned back in his chair, studying the young hunter before him. "Congratulations, by the way. You're now an S-rank hunter." His gaze sharpened. "And not just any S-rank. You're already stronger than most."

Jinwoo blinked, startled by how easily Choi could see through him. "How…?"

Choi chuckled. "I can read auras quite well. Your presence is different—denser, and feels like looking at a never ending abyss.kuuu" He waved his hand dismissively. "Though I doubt anyone else besides a handful of us can tell."

Jinwoo absorbed that information in silence before offering a slight nod. "Thank you."

"Sure," Choi said casually. "Oh, and Jinwoo…"

Jinwoo turned, waiting for the guild master's words.

"Next time you try to plant a shadow in my shadow… make it more discreet."

Jinwoo's eyes widened slightly before he smiled. "Noted."

And just like that, he vanished back into the shadows, leaving Choi alone with his thoughts.

Choi leaned back in his chair, staring at the space where Jinwoo had stood moments ago. "That kid is amusing," he murmured, shaking his head. "Thinking I'd ever need his help…"

Still, he looked down at his shadow, narrowing his eyes. He could sense the faint remnant of Jinwoo's power. It was subtle but there. "Persistent," Choi muttered.

Shrugging off the thought, he stood and walked to the side of his office, where a large, dragon-like creature lay curled up. Ignel, his trusted companion, opened one eye lazily as Choi reached out and ran his hand over the creature's scales.

"You wouldn't believe the things I had to deal with while I was gone," Choi said, his voice carrying a rare hint of warmth. "Negotiations, dungeons, and now the return of Sung Ilhwan. The world is changing faster than I expected."

Ignel let out a low rumble, a deep, comforting sound, as if acknowledging his master's words.

Choi chuckled softly. "I suppose we'll see what happens next."

And with that, he continued speaking to his companion, sharing stories of the days he had missed. The city beyond the windows glowed under the evening sky, unaware of the powerful forces that had just crossed paths once again.

Chapter End.