Kim Ji-young's voice trembled with quiet concern.
"I heard you fought another terrifying villain… Are you hurt anywhere, my son?"
For a moment, Lee Seong-jun's chest tightened. Even after everything—the battles, the dangers—his mother's thoughts weren't of herself. They were of him.
'…Even now, you're worried about me.'
It wasn't just now. Since childhood, his parents had placed him first, showering him with unconditional love. Unlike the cold, self-serving people he had met in other worlds, this love was real.
A warmth spread through him.
'…I'm glad I came back to Earth.'
He smiled and raised his arm with a laugh.
"Don't worry. As you can see, not a scratch on me."
Ji-young nodded, but her eyes softened.
"If you ever get tired, you know you can rest in the arms of your family."
Her sincerity struck him harder than any blade.
"I'll remember that," Seong-jun promised.
Their smiles lit the room, and soon the whole family joined in playful banter.
Lee Soo-hyuk puffed his chest. "So… is it only you and your mother who want happiness?"
His daughter, Seo-yoon, shot back with a grin. "Don't worry, Dad. I've got you."
The house erupted with laughter as sides shifted—mother and daughter against father and son, only to dissolve into hugs and unity.
"Let's all be happy together," Seo-yoon declared.
For the first time in a while, warmth filled every corner of the home.
That weekend, they finally stepped outside as a family.
At Hangang Park, they laid mats by the river, enjoying ramen, snacks, and laughter under the wide blue sky. Coffee, ice cream, casual chatter—the simplest things became treasures.
By evening, they watched a lighthearted superhero film. Dreams of reclaiming lost lands stirred wistful conversation, though Seong-jun stayed silent. He had seen grander worlds, but he would not break this moment of peace.
'For them, I'll clear this land of monsters… someday.'
Afterward, they headed toward a newly opened Korean restaurant. That's when a voice called out.
"Oh, Team Leader Lee?"
Lee Soo-hyuk turned.
"…President Hwang?"
Hwang Jeong-jin, a corpulent man with serpent-like eyes, approached with a young woman clinging to his arm. His smile was oily, his gaze calculating.
"So it was you. Out with your family, I see."
Seong-jun's first impression was sour. The man reeked of greed—and his companion was clearly no wife, but a mistress. Still, Seong-jun held his tongue.
But then Hwang's eyes fell on Seo-yoon. His grin widened, filled with vile intent.
"It's fate we meet like this. How about a meal together?"
Lee Soo-hyuk refused politely, but firmly. "Thank you, but I want to spend this time with my family."
Hwang didn't back down.
"Don't be hasty. Building connections is important. Who knows what benefits might follow?"
His gaze lingered on Seo-yoon again, shameless and poisonous.
Lee Soo-hyuk's fists clenched. Rage boiled in his chest.
Hwang smirked. "I hear your wife suffers from Mana Syndrome. If she can't work, how will you pay for treatment? Let's help each other, hm?"
"...!"
Lee Soo-hyuk's face flushed scarlet, trembling with fury.
Hwang chuckled. "Look at you. About to hit me? Team Leader Choi!"
From behind him, Choi Seung-hoon stepped forward, a C+ rank hunter. Murderous intent poured from him, locking onto Lee Soo-hyuk like a predator on prey.
Hwang's tone was mocking.
"Teach him a lesson. Just enough fear so he knows his place."
Seung-hoon advanced, killing aura thick in the air.
Lee Soo-hyuk's teeth ground together.
"…You've finally crossed the line."
The line between patience and wrath. Between dignity and humiliation.
And for Lee Seong-jun, who had been silent until now—
this was the last line anyone should have dared to touch.