The stale, metallic tang of monster blood still lingered in Jae-Hyun-Woo’s nostrils, a scent he doubted he’d ever truly get used to. His body ached – a dull, throbbing protest from muscles pushed to their limit, a familiar complaint after even a low-level dungeon run. He adjusted the worn straps of his backpack, the cheap leather digging into his shoulders. Another day, another few hours spent in the dimly lit, monster-infested depths, all for a payout that felt less like a reward and more like a pittance.

  He pushed through the swinging doors of the local Hunter Association branch office, the air inside blessedly free of dungeon must. The stark white walls and linoleum floor felt almost sterile after the grime of the G-rank dungeon he’d just cleared. A few other hunters milled about – some looking just as worn out as he felt, others sporting the easy confidence of those who tackled higher-tier challenges.

  He shuffled into the short line for payout, his gaze drifting towards the large digital display on the wall. It showed the current market prices for monster cores and rare materials, along with a constantly updated list of successful dungeon clears and, more ominously, recent dungeon break alerts from surrounding districts. A red notification blinked: [Dungeon Break: District 4 – Status: Contained]. Another close call.

  His turn came. The receptionist, a young woman who looked perpetually bored, barely glanced up as he handed over his hunter ID and the small bag of G-rank cores. The system scanned them, a quiet beep confirming the transaction.

  "Jae-Hyun-Woo. G-rank dungeon clear. Payout: 18,500 Won."

  The number appeared on a small screen. Eighteen thousand five hundred Won. Enough for a few days’ groceries, maybe cover a small part of the rent. It was never enough.

  He took the small stack of cash, the crisp bills feeling thin in his hand. Across the room, he saw a group of A-rank hunters laughing boisterously, their gear gleaming, as they collected a payout that was likely more than he made in a month. They exuded an aura of power and success that felt alien to him. They were the stars of this world, the ones who truly made a difference, the ones who never had to worry about the price of rice.

  He wasn't jealous, not really. He knew his limits. His talent, assessed years ago at the academy entrance exam, had been strictly average. No latent magical affinity that sent ripples through the testing crystals, no physical strength that could shatter training dummies. Just… average. He’d chosen the general Hunter path, focusing on basic combat techniques and survival skills, grinding through the lowest-ranked dungeons that most experienced hunters ignored.

  His strength wasn't in innate power, but in persistence. In the sheer, stubborn refusal to give up. Because giving up wasn't an option.

  He left the payout counter and headed for the exit, the weight in his gut a familiar mix of exhaustion and quiet determination. He pushed open the doors and stepped back out into the bustling city street. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, a stark contrast to the dangerous reality that lurked beneath the surface of this seemingly normal urban landscape.

  His steps quickened as he thought of the small apartment building across town. Of the one person who made all of this struggle worthwhile.

  Mia.

  His younger sister. All the late nights, the close calls, the constant ache in his bones – it was all for her. Their parents were gone, victims of an unexpected dungeon break years ago. It had just been him and Mia ever since. She was still in school, bright and hopeful, shielded as much as he could shield her from the grimier aspects of their world. He worked to keep food on the table, a roof over their heads, and enough extra for her to have some semblance of a normal life, maybe even go to college someday.

  He rounded a corner and there, leaning against the wall of a small convenience store, were the two faces that always made the weight feel a little lighter.

  Gun-Ho, broad-shouldered even in his casual clothes, with a friendly, open face and hands that looked like they could punch through concrete. He was a natural-born Brawler, his talent evident even back in their academy days.

  Ji-Yoon, quieter and more observant, with sharp eyes that seemed to take in everything. Her movements were graceful, hinting at the potent magical power she wielded as a Mage.

  They were talented. Far more talented than he was. They could have easily found stronger partners, climbed the ranks faster. But they stuck with him. They’d been a trio since the academy, looking out for each other in a world that wasn’t kind to those who went it alone.

  "Hey, Jae-Hyun! Took you long enough," Gun-Ho grinned, pushing off the wall. "Another G-rank crawl?"

  Jae-Hyun managed a tired smile. "Yeah. Had to restock the emergency fund."

  Ji-Yoon offered a small, knowing smile. "For Mia?"

  He nodded. "Always for Mia."

  Gun-Ho slung an arm around his shoulder, a little rougher than intended, making Jae-Hyun wince. "Careful, man, you feel like you're about to break. You pushing yourself too hard again?"

  "Just another day at the office," Jae-Hyun said, shrugging off the arm. "So, what's the plan? You guys hit anything interesting?"

  "Cleared that C-rank we scouted yesterday," Ji-Yoon replied, her voice calm. "Got some decent core drops. Nothing spectacular, but a solid take."

  "And check it out!" Gun-Ho puffed out his chest slightly. "Leveled up! Getting closer to that B-rank, baby!"

  Jae-Hyun felt a genuine sense of pride for his friends, free of any lingering envy. "Nice! Congrats, Gun-Ho. You'll be leaving us in the dust soon."

  Gun-Ho waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, man. We're a team. Besides," his expression turned a little more serious, "there's a rumor about a new D-rank appearing in the industrial district. Could be a good opportunity for a bigger score. We thinking of hitting it tomorrow."

  A D-rank. That was a step up from what Jae-Hyun usually tackled. D-ranks carried higher risks, but the rewards were significantly better. It was the kind of dungeon that could actually make a difference in his financial struggles, even with his cut.

  He felt a familiar flicker of apprehension, quickly followed by the ingrained determination. For Mia.

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  "A D-rank, huh?" Jae-Hyun met Gun-Ho's gaze. "Count me in."

  Ji-Yoon looked at him, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Are you sure, Jae-Hyun? You look pretty worn out from the G-rank. D-ranks are a different league."

  "I'll be fine, Ji-Yoon," he said, forcing a confident tone. "A good night's sleep and I'm good to go. We've taken on D-ranks before. Besides," he managed a slightly wider smile, "someone's gotta be there to make sure you two don't get yourselves killed doing something reckless."

  Gun-Ho laughed, throwing an arm around Ji-Yoon. "See? That's our Jae-Hyun! Always looking out for us."

  Jae-Hyun’s smile softened. They were his friends, his found family in this dangerous world. He would always look out for them. Just like he would always provide for Mia.

  As they started walking, discussing the potential dungeon layout and monster types in the industrial district, Jae-Hyun-Woo felt the weight of his average life. But he also felt the strength of his bonds and the burning purpose that drove him forward, one step, one dungeon, one day at a time. He had no idea how drastically his life, and his world, were about to change.

  As they walked, Jae-Hyun-Woo’s thoughts drifted back to his apartment. It was small, a cramped two-room affair in a slightly run-down building on the outskirts of the city. The rent was perpetually a struggle, and the worn furniture was a testament to his limited budget. The living room served as a combined kitchen and dining area, with a small, rickety table and a couple of mismatched chairs. A thin, threadbare rug covered most of the faded linoleum floor. The only touch of brightness came from Mia's drawings taped to the walls – colorful, childlike depictions of fantastical creatures and heroic hunters, a poignant reminder of the innocent world he was trying to protect. His bedroom was even smaller, barely fitting a single bed and a small, cluttered desk. But it was theirs. It was their sanctuary, their little haven in a world teeming with danger. And he would do anything to keep it that way.

  The conversation with Gun-Ho and Ji-Yoon shifted to the specifics of the D-rank dungeon. Ji-Yoon, as usual, had already done her homework. She pulled out her phone, displaying a holographic map of the industrial district, highlighting a specific warehouse complex.

  "Reports say the dungeon appeared about a week ago," she explained, zooming in on the map. "Energy readings are consistent with a D-rank. The Hunter Association hasn't sent in an official team yet, so it's likely still relatively unexplored. Which means potentially higher rewards, but also greater risks."

  Gun-Ho cracked his knuckles, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Risks are our middle name, right, Jae-Hyun?"

  Jae-Hyun-Woo, however, felt a flicker of unease that went beyond the usual pre-raid jitters. Something about this felt… off. He couldn't quite place it, a subtle instinct that his years of hunting experience had honed. It was as if the air around the warehouse shimmered with a faint, almost invisible tension.

  He pushed the feeling aside. Paranoia wouldn't help. They needed the money, and he trusted his friends’ skills. And his own. He might not have been as strong or magically adept as Gun-Ho or Ji-Yoon, but he had a knack for spotting danger, for anticipating enemy movements, for making the most of limited resources. It was what had kept him alive this long.

  "What are the likely monster types?" he asked, his voice calm and focused.

  Ji-Yoon tapped at her screen. "Preliminary scans suggest primarily mechanical types. Automated security drones, modified construction equipment, perhaps even some experimental weapon prototypes. Their defenses will be high, so we’ll need to focus on weak points and elemental attacks."

  "Perfect for my fire magic," Ji-Yoon added with a confident smirk. "I’ll melt those metal cans down."

  Gun-Ho grinned. "And I'll smash 'em to bits. Always a fan of the direct approach."

  Jae-Hyun-Woo nodded, already mentally preparing his strategy. Mechanical monsters meant armor. He’d need to rely on precise strikes, targeting joints and exposed circuitry. His usual weapons, a pair of reinforced daggers, wouldn’t be ideal. He’d need something with more piercing power.

  “I’ll swing by the weaponsmith tomorrow morning,” he said. “See if I can get my hands on a decent spear or a heavy-duty axe. Something that can punch through their armor.”

  “Smart move,” Ji-Yoon approved. “We’ll meet you there before heading to the warehouse. Early, before the rush.”

  As they continued walking, discussing tactics and potential dangers, Jae-Hyun-Woo couldn't shake off the feeling that this D-rank dungeon was more than just a routine job. It felt like a crossroads, a moment where the threads of their lives were about to tangle in an unexpected way. He just didn't know how right he was.

  After parting ways with Gun-Ho and Ji-Yoon, Jae-Hyun-Woo made his way back to the apartment. The hallway was dimly lit and smelled faintly of old cooking oil, but as he approached their door, a sliver of light and the sound of soft humming seeped out, instantly lifting his spirits.

  He pushed the door open to find the living room slightly tidier than he’d left it, and Mia was at the small table, bent over a drawing. At twelve years old, she was a whirlwind of youthful energy and innocent curiosity. Her dark hair was tied back in a messy ponytail, and her brow was furrowed in concentration as she added a splash of bright yellow crayon to her artwork.

  “I’m home,” he announced, shedding his backpack by the door.

  Mia’s head snapped up, her face breaking into a wide, radiant smile that always managed to chase away his exhaustion. “Oppa! You’re back!”

  She leaped up and ran towards him, wrapping her arms around his waist in a tight hug. He hugged her back just as fiercely, burying his face in her hair and breathing in the clean, familiar scent of her shampoo. This. This was why. This was the reason for the aching muscles, the constant fear, the meager payouts. Her warmth, her smile, her safety.

  “Welcome home, Oppa,” she mumbled into his shirt.

  “Thanks, Mia. What are you drawing?” he asked, pulling back just enough to look at her.

  She beamed, holding up the picture. It was a vibrant, slightly lopsided depiction of three figures fighting a large, shadowy monster. Two of the figures were clearly Gun-Ho and Ji-Yoon, their features exaggerated in childlike heroism. The third figure, smaller and less distinct, was him. Despite the simplicity, the drawing perfectly captured the essence of their trio.

  “It’s us! Fighting a big monster!” she announced proudly. “You were really brave, Oppa, even though you’re small in the picture.”

  He chuckled, ruffling her hair. “You think I’m small?”

  “Compared to Gun-Ho Oppa’s muscles, yes,” she said matter-of-factly. “But you’re super fast! And you always know where the monster’s going to go next.”

  He smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile. It was nice to see himself through her eyes, not as the average hunter struggling to make ends meet, but as a hero in her personal epic. He knew his limitations, but for Mia, he would always be strong.

  “Did you eat?” he asked, moving towards the tiny kitchen area.

  “Yep! I made ramen,” she said, following him. “The kind you like. It’s still warm.”

  He glanced at the pot on the small stove. Instant ramen. Again. He wished he could afford better for her, proper meals with fresh meat and vegetables every night. But ramen was cheap, filling, and she liked it.

  “You’re the best chef, Mia,” he said, even though she just had to boil water and add the packet.

  As he ate, sitting across from her at the wobbly table, Mia chattered about her day at school – a funny incident with her friends, a test she felt good about, a new book she was reading. He listened, interjecting with questions and smiles, soaking in the normalcy of it all. These were the moments he fought for. The quiet, peaceful moments that made the dangerous, chaotic world outside fade away.

  He finished his ramen and looked at Mia, a sudden, protective urge swelling in his chest. The thought of the D-rank dungeon tomorrow, the unease he felt… he didn’t want to worry her.

  “Mia,” he started, his voice gentle. “About tomorrow… I might be out a little longer than usual. A slightly further dungeon.”

  Her eyes widened slightly. “Is it a hard one?”

  He hesitated, then decided against telling her it was a D-rank. No need to scare her. “It’s okay. Just takes a bit more time to get there and back. Gun-Ho and Ji-Yoon will be with me. You know they always look out for me.”

  He saw the worry in her eyes, despite his reassurances. She knew, on some level, the risks he took. She saw the news reports, heard the hushed conversations about dungeon breaks.

  “Please be careful, Oppa,” she said, her voice small.

  He reached across the table and took her hand, squeezing it firmly. “Always. I promise. I’ll be back before you know it.”

  He held her gaze, pouring all his unspoken promises into that look – promises of safety, of a better future, of always being there for her. In that moment, sitting in their small, worn apartment, the weight of the world felt heavy, but the love he had for his sister was heavier, anchoring him, giving him the strength to face whatever lay ahead. He just had to get through tomorrow.

  He had no idea how profoundly that simple hope would be tested.