Comfort-Seeking Type
I can't believe it. Even after clearly witnessing the events unfolding right before her eyes, Hong Ji-hwa's mind refused to process them.
What in the world had just happened? A gigantic mummy had materialized in midair, only to collapse moments later. To her eyes, that colossal mummy was a B-rank monster that surpassed the rift's grade—something impossible to fell in a single blow. The bandages wrapping its body likely offered strong resistance to physical attacks, so even if she pummeled it relentlessly, it would have taken her about three minutes.
Yet Cheon Ji-hoo dispatched it in just nine seconds. The mummy, which had been battering him with stone pillars, toppled over and never rose again. Cheon Ji-hoo, hovering in the air, merely swung both hands gently. Something flashed, beautiful fireworks bloomed in all directions, then converged into a single point that pierced straight through the mummy.
"......Wow."
It was a sight that drew an involuntary exclamation. Who on Earth could hunt monsters like that? Even if you gathered all the renowned magic hunters in the world, none could replicate even a tenth of what Cheon Ji-hoo had just shown. Hong Ji-hwa, an S-rank hunter herself, was absolutely certain of it.
"Let's go."
With the mummy dealt with in one go, Cheon Ji-hoo turned back and said that. Hong Ji-hwa followed.
If Cheon Ji-hoo ever decided to become a hunter, they might issue the world's first SS-rank license, beyond even S-rank.
* * *
Crack, crunch.
Cheon Ji-hoo extracted the core from the deepest part of the rift. True to its E-rank nature, this rift yielded nothing of value beyond the core. The guardian had shattered the nucleus completely, leaving it as worthless scraps. He'd hoped for something useful in a place dubbed a mage's tomb—perhaps grave goods or research records.
'Guess the owner just wanted to show off his power.'
Such types existed from time to time. Not seeking a successor, but perverts who built labyrinths like this simply to torment intruders. The tomb's master probably fell into that category.
He tossed the core to Hong Ji-hwa.
"This one will collapse in five minutes."
"You can control that too?"
"Roughly, yeah."
"Then why last time was it one minute...?"
"Figured Hunter Hong Ji-hwa could make it out in one. I'll head out first."
With that casual reply, Cheon Ji-hoo cast Teleportation and vanished back to the entrance. Left alone, she clutched the core and bolted frantically once more.
This was the second time. Grinding her teeth, Hong Ji-hwa spat a vigorous curse.
"Son of a bitch-!!"
She barely escaped the rift again. Waiting outside, Cheon Ji-hoo clapped, praising her as impressive. Utterly unable to fathom what that madman was thinking, Hong Ji-hwa caught her breath. Soon, space contracted, and the rift sealed shut.
"Hoo... I've got a lot to say, but I'll hold it in."
"Feel free."
"I'll pass."
"Suit yourself."
Cheon Ji-hoo pulled out his new smartphone to check the time. Smartphones were great for this—checking time, making calls, no mana drain from mental links.
"Ah, reply from Ji-yoon."
Ji-yoon: When'd you even buy that? Good thing. From now on, text me whenever you're heading out, oppa!
A chuckle escaped him. As if she's my guardian. He sent a short reply and pocketed the phone. Plenty of time left...
"Ms. Hong Ji-hwa."
"Yes?"
Hong Ji-hwa, reporting the rift closure, turned to him. He pondered briefly before speaking.
"Let's do one more. Still a while till Ji-yoon gets out of school."
* * *
'Oppa bought a phone all by himself—how proud of him. He even remembered my number? I only told him once.'
Of course, oblivious to her brother's whereabouts, Cheon Ji-yoon thought that and smiled to herself. She had always been the quiet type at school. Diligent, steadily training, the model student teachers loved. But since Cheon Ji-hoo returned, her vibe had shifted dramatically. Before, she'd respond coldly to approaches; now, she replied kindly more often. Her grades soared in both theory and practice, and she'd groomed her looks to avoid ridicule—possessing beauty that turned no heads.
Though nowhere near her brother's league.
"You look happy."
"Ah."
During break, she hadn't erased her smile after texting Cheon Ji-hoo. She nodded at the girl who approached.
A student who'd chatted her up a few times even before his return.
"Oppa texted he got a phone."
"Ooh, mind sharing his number?"
"Nope."
"So firm. Then gimme yours."
"......Sure, that."
Cheon Ji-yoon handed over her number readily. Her first exchange since enrolling at Hunter Academy.
* * *
Cheon Ji-hoo dragged Hong Ji-hwa along and closed yet another rift. Tackling two in a day was taxing on stamina. Hunters didn't raid one rift then rest days for nothing.
Yet he showed no fatigue after two C-rank rifts. Only Hong Ji-hwa, who had sprinted full-tilt to escape, panted heavily.
"You're getting faster."
"......Huff, huff, haa."
She wished she could curse him out—just once. Maybe spit it and drop dead. Her mind was fraying that badly.
"Now that you've got a phone, I'll contact you next time. Ji-yoon's out soon, so I'll go."
With those words, he vanished in a swirl of light. Only then could Hong Ji-hwa unleash her thick venom.
"Fucking asshole-!! Goddamn motherfucking bastard-!!"
"I-I'm heading home first, Commander!"
Lee Joo-hwan fled.
* * *
Arriving home just as Cheon Ji-yoon finished school, Cheon Ji-hoo first met the realtor Lee Joo-hwan had connected him with.
"I'll show you tons of great properties."
"Ah, sure."
The realtor beamed brightly, undeterred by his nonchalant demeanor. A client ready to drop billions on a single purchase. If he botched it and lost the deal, a huge commission vanished—no room for sulking.
Soon Cheon Ji-yoon got home, and they rode with the realtor, touring properties.
First house. Top-floor apartment on the 70th, overlooking the Han River at a glance. Move-in ready, fully vacated. Entering the spacious unit, Cheon Ji-yoon eyed Cheon Ji-hoo anxiously.
"Oppa, aren't we looking for a place for just us two?"
"Just checking this out. We might live somewhere like it someday?"
"I-If that's it..."
She'd assumed house-hunting meant some villa or one-room district. Never dreamed of a penthouse atop an apartment tower. The realtor smiled through their talk, explaining the listing.
"River view with the Han at a glance. Exclusive area about 200 square meters. Price: 2.34 billion won. Cash deal, we can negotiate to 2.3."
"I see."
Cheon Ji-hoo toured inside with Cheon Ji-yoon. The floor-to-ceiling windows impressively framing the river, as promised. She sparkled with interest, which pleased him. But no snap decisions—inspect carefully, as his parents taught him young.
'Mom, Dad.'
I'll find the perfect home today. One Ji-yoon loves, easy to defend—the best.
Second house.
"Great Han view here too. Unlike the last, it's a penthouse: 254 square meters exclusive, 3.7 billion. Features top-tier security, breakfast service—like a hotel."
Third, fourth.
Former Yeouido location meant every spot had solid river views. After the sixth on the list, back in the car, Cheon Ji-hoo asked.
"Ji-yoon, which seemed best?"
"Hmm, all looked good."
Her serious, eyes-closed pondering was adorable. As he smiled softly, she snapped her eyes open.
"The fourth? Super close to school, built for hunters. Indoor pool, gym, breakfast buffet... If we're going, that one's tops. I'll be a hunter someday anyway."
"Got it."
He checked the list. The fourth: mere kilometers from Hunter Academy, river views tailored for hunters. Famous for housing hunters and their kids. Top floor: 181 square meters, 3.6 billion.
'That's fine.'
He'd liked it too. Good feng shui, mana-friendly spot. Hunter apartment meant solid defenses.
"Someday it'd be awesome to live there."
Cheon Ji-yoon grinned dreamily; he just smiled. What face would this cute sister make if he surprised her with it? Probably roll on the floor in joy. Memories of childhood: he'd scrounge treats, she'd stuff her mouth and beam happily.
"Yeah, someday we will."
Soon. Like tomorrow evening.
Unaware, Cheon Ji-yoon asked innocently.
"So tomorrow we're really house-hunting for our move?"
"I'll scout a few first, then we tour together later. You went to school—no need tiring you two days straight."
"I'm fine."
"Gotta train hard to be a hunter."
She nodded. The teary-eyed realtor, eavesdropping, treated them to dinner before dropping them home. Convinced Cheon Ji-hoo would buy.
Next day, Cheon Ji-hoo called the realtor, revisited the apartment Ji-yoon liked. 68th floor, 181 square meters. Four bedrooms, two baths. Living room's vast windows offered airy river views. Terrace for outdoor BBQs.
"This one."
"Excellent choice!"
As desired, he handled the purchase via phone swiftly. Taxes waived and sorted; ownership transfers to him post-completion.
'Buying with taxpayer money, huh.'
A bit ironic, but fair pay for labor. He had the realtor hook him up with interior designers, gave a budget, requested pretty furnishings. Big bed, tub—Ji-yoon's wishes.
Time for her dismissal. Friday, too.
As Cheon Ji-yoon entered home, Cheon Ji-hoo thumbs-upped.
"Ji-yoon, let's move."
The fiery Friday night brimmed with joy.