Arrival at the Fortress
"Hm?"
As we headed silently toward the mansion, Gwak Chunsik, who had been staring blankly out the window, suddenly straightened up and scanned our surroundings, as if he'd sensed something.
"Well, I'll be damned."
"...What's going on, sir?"
"Didn't your old man say he was pretty worried about his kid? Looks like that's no exaggeration."
"Pardon?"
"What, you really had no idea?"
I genuinely had no clue what he was talking about, and Gwak Chunsik widened his eyes in surprise.
"There's an insane barrier covering this whole damn area."
"...A barrier?"
"Yeah. Looks like unless you're someone special with a mark or whatever, you can't get anywhere near the place. But this car must have the mark on it or something."
Sure enough, even in the game, there was hardly any info on the Calione Mansion. I'd never actually been there myself, so I'd just figured there was some reason for the secrecy... but I never imagined it had a setup like this.
Han Seojun up front seemed to know about it too—he just kept driving without a word.
"To spread a barrier over land this size, you'd need not just a core item but a hell of a ritual caster... Yeah, that's your old man for you."
I'd always thought it was weird how the Calione Mansion had such tight security but zero reports of attacks or raids. So that's the setup...
Wait a second.
"Han Seojun. Does that mean I couldn't get into the mansion without the car?"
I asked just in case, and the ever-silent driver finally spoke.
"From what I know, Young Master's ring handles that role, so no need to worry."
"Oh, really?"
I'd thought the ring—marked only with a 'C'—was just a simple family heirloom, but it had an effect like that? Guess Dad didn't just hand me junk...
Not that it'd matter much since I wouldn't be heading out solo anyway.
"Oh, is that your place up ahead?"
A massive iron gate and sprawling gardens came into view through the windshield.
"Yes, that's it."
The Calione Mansion. A place with rumors that even entering was a one-way trip unless you were family—and yet here I was, approaching with excitement bubbling up. Gwak Chunsik had to be the first outsider heading there in high spirits, and just for dinner with my dad, no less.
If the old community forums saw this, they'd probably call bullshit and flame him.
"Ho ho, calling it a mansion is underselling it—it's a full-on fortress. Anti-air defenses, magic barriers... and those guards look like they're protecting a military black site."
His words sparked a sudden curiosity.
"In that case, sir... could you break through?"
"Me? Let's see..."
Gwak Chunsik pondered deeply. I could feel even Han Seojun perking up to hear the answer.
And finally, he spoke.
"Ten percent."
"Ten percent?"
"Yeah. Best case, that's my odds of punching through. And even then, I'd have to go in ready to die, losing at least two limbs."
That caught me off guard—way off. Given his personality, I'd expected something like, "What, you doubt me? I'll bust it wide open right now!"
But this level of seriousness? And losing two limbs? What scenario was he even simulating in his head?
As I reeled, Han Seojun's voice cut in.
"Ten percent... Mind sharing your reasoning, sir?"
"Oh? Not trying to downplay the Caliones or anything. The outer guards and barrier? I could crack those with enough prep. But all the monsters I know they have? No way they're all out when I hit. Fighting those guys... I'd be lucky to walk away in one piece."
I knew exactly who he meant by "monsters." Three names popped into my head right away.
"Hmm, two of 'em jumping me at once? That'd be... tch. Even I'd be done. My scenario assumes I only run into one. So don't sweat it, Eugene. Probably only a handful in the world could crack this place."
I agreed with him completely. In the game, facing Dad, Parnello, and the consigliere all at once in the mansion?
Silver Crow... nah, infiltration style? Maybe Magical Girl Thief (old man edition)? Even that might not cut it.
It'd take way longer than I'd ever imagined, no question.
"We've arrived."
The car pulled into the mansion grounds and stopped. Han Seojun hopped out first and opened the rear door for us.
"Finally here! Whew!"
Gwak Chunsik followed me out, stretching as he took in the surroundings.
"Damn, it's a palace alright. No wonder they call him emperor! Haha!"
"This way."
"Lead on."
As we turned toward the entrance, the doors swung open and a man stepped out.
"It's been a while, sir."
"Whoa, if it isn't Calione's little pup! Long time no see!"
Out of respect for the elder, maybe? Dad—who'd normally wait seated to greet guests—had come out personally, an unusual sight.
He gave a dignified nod, while Gwak Chunsik threw his arms wide in obvious delight.
Their reunion was warmer than I'd expected, like a couple of old uncles catching up after ages.
────Kakakakakaka!
The air started rumbling.
"...Huh?"
What the hell?
"Still with the rough greetings, I see, sir."
"And you're still a monster yourself."
Aura rippled from both men, dominating the area before clashing in midair.
So that's why he'd come out to greet us? Han Seojun had already driven off to park somewhere safe.
I backed away, staring slack-jawed as their auras devoured each other.
Crackle!Crackle-crackle!
The wild red aura surged from all sides, only for the blue to neutralize it effortlessly, expanding its domain bit by bit.
──!!
────!!!
Not to be outdone, the red aura erupted endlessly in response. The blue sharpened viciously, slicing like a blade to hold its ground.
No quarter given—a true clash of tigers.
It was so epic, I wanted to post on the forums: 'Calione vs. Gwak Chunsik aura battle—real or fake? My chest is pounding for real.'
Such a legendary showdown, and only I get to witness it...
The building shook, the ground quaked. Soil churned everywhere, cracks spiderwebbing around their feet.
Even amid the chaos, their aura control inspired me hugely.
Manifesting it like that... and that method...
Each technique was top-tier, late-game stuff. Just watching made me question if my own aura ideas were even on track—the scale was insane.
In a game, I'd have gotten a "EXP Gained" popup for sure.
The invisible barrages traded a few more volleys.
"Shall we call this greeting done? Hate to ruin the expensive flooring."
"Yeah, that's plenty. Time's passed, but you're still as strong as ever."
"You're as steadfast as always, sir."
With that, the auras subsided, flowing back into their bodies. The warzone vibe around us faded to calm.
"Nice warmup after so long—feels great."
"Same here, thanks to you, sir. Shall we head inside?"
"After you."
...So that near-death stare-down was just their hello?
No doubt about it—I'd have eaten that greeting and dropped dead without even countering.
"Heh. You look shocked, kid."
Gwak Chunsik noticed me standing there dumbfounded as he started walking.
"Awed by my greatness, right?"
...He just wanted to brag, huh. But it was impressive, so I nodded honestly.
"Honestly, yeah. It's like... I could see what 'a different league' really means."
"That so?"
"Yeah. Makes me worry if I can ever get as strong as you and Dad."
"Pointless fretting."
"Huh?"
He spun on his heel and headed inside.
"One's your dad, the other's your master. Total nonsense to worry."
He hummed it almost cheerfully, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
Yeah... maybe it was pointless.
* * *
"Hello! My big bro's been a huge burden on you!"
Following Dad inside with Gwak Chunsik, we found Jiyoon there, doing her trademark navel-bow greeting.
"Huh? You got a little sis too?"
Gwak Chunsik blinked in surprise, glancing between us.
"...Yeah. My sister, Jiyoon."
"Jiyoon Han Calione! Nice to meet you~."
She helpfully gave her full name, bowed again, then beamed at me.
"Welcome back, big bro!"
And just like that, she tackled into my arms.
She'd tried to be polite like she'd been taught, but couldn't last more than a few seconds.
By now, it was routine, so I patted her head naturally.
"Who told you we had a guest?"
"Alesia said your teacher was coming, so I came to say hi~!"
"Oh?"
Guess she'd come down out of courtesy since it was "my teacher."
"Not ditching homework, right?"
"Eek!"
It was a joke, but her burying her face in my chest confirmed it—she'd bolted.
—Miss! You still have five pages left!
Yup.
"Alesia's calling from upstairs?"
"Carry me up, pleeease!"
"Alesia! Jiyoon says she's not there!"
—Miss, you toooo!
Alesia descended from the second floor in a flash—silent but with prim, perfect posture.
She glanced at us, bowed gracefully, then...
"Shall we go, Miss?"
"Waaah! Alesia's meanie!"
She scooped up Jiyoon—who was glued to me—and vanished upstairs.
"...Families are all the same, huh."
"Pretty much."
Even I used to think mafia homes were all grim and cold.
That's when Dad, who'd gone ahead to the dining room, came back—probably thinking we were taking too long.
"Something wrong, sir?"
"Nah. Your daughter's adorable."
"Saw Jiyoon, huh? Haha! Not to brag, but she's the cutest."
"Reminds me of my granddaughter. How old is she? Mine's seven..."
"Jiyoon's seven too."
"No kidding! What a coincidence! So anyway..."
Just like that, the topic shifted to daughters and granddaughters as they headed to the dining room, chatting amiably.
Is this what girl-dad and grandpa chats look like? Baffling.
By the time we reached the table, dishes were appearing one by one.
Seemed tailored to Gwak Chunsik's tastes—Korean and Italian mixed evenly, with no clashing combos.
Raw fish carpaccio with squid blood sausage... does that even work?
"Hope it suits your palate, sir."
"Looks delicious already—don't worry."
The meal began, conversation flowing: recent updates, plans to smash Villain Union with Sword Saint, tidbit sharing.
Then it was my turn. I seized the moment.
"Dad. Sir. I need a favor from both of you."
"Hm?"
"What is it?"
They both turned to me.
"Well..."
Nothing tough. Just help me out with some easy mode.