Basement Reunion and the Demon King's Claim
The 6th team and the 7th team waited anxiously for the two of them. Jang Hwa-young wanted nothing more than to rush straight to where Kang-jun was, but the weight of her team leader title kept her feet firmly planted. She pretended to remain calm on the surface, yet her insides burned hotter by the second.
Soon, a figure began to approach from within the darkness. Only Jang Hwa-young sensed it. She dashed over at once. The other team members craned their necks, staring in the direction she had gone.
“Kang-jun!”
Jang Hwa-young called out his name in that hazy darkness, her voice thick with longing. Beside the tall figure she recognized the familiar silhouette. Kang-jun. She ran to him and threw her arms around his solid frame.
“Kang-jun, I’m leaving first.”
Carlos chuckled deeply, gave Kang-jun’s back a friendly smack, and kept walking forward. Kang-jun hugged the woman pressed against his chest once more, then whispered into her ear.
“You’re making others look if you don’t mind.”
Aghast, Jang Hwa-young immediately pulled back, smoothing her clothes with hurried hands. Only then did the lantern light slowly illuminate them both.
If they had been even a moment later, the embarrassing scene would have been witnessed by everyone. Rumors would have spread through the branch like wildfire: the aunt and her nephew… well, you know what kind of story. She wiped at her own flushed chest.
“Any injuries?”
“It would have been more dramatic if there had been. Too bad.”
“Being hurt is the worst!”
Kang-jun gave a wry smile and began to walk slowly toward the 6th team. The members, faces full of ten years’ worth of patience, burst into loud laughter. Seniors! Hye-mi reached him first and threw herself into his arms.
Mommy! Look at this kid!
Velita, who had been robbed of her spot, glared with eyes like a cat’s, legs kicking furiously. She wedged herself between Hye-mi and Kang-jun, squeezing into his embrace.
This auntie is really something!
Hye-mi gritted her teeth and pushed back as well. The two women were engaged in a silent battle for his lap. He soothed them all with gentle pats before pulling them apart.
Tzushi, too, had her frozen expression thawed into a smile of relief. Of course, Hana did as well.
The women had once again fallen under his spell. How wonderful, how magnificent he was… Remaining behind to protect their comrades and battling monsters for hours was no easy task.
The 7th team was equally delighted by Carlos’s safe return. He laughed with a good-natured twinkle, claiming he had done nothing at all.
“Senior, let’s move quickly. It’s not entirely safe….”
“Exactly. Everyone, line up!”
The two teams once again formed two neat rows and started moving at a brisk pace. This time Kang-jun and Carlos brought up the rear.
“Hey, Kang-jun. How did you do that earlier?”
“Just… I figured, I’m a superhuman, so I gave it a try.”
One of the most ridiculous explanations he had ever heard. Yet the result was shocking. It seemed the true prodigy looked exactly like this.
“Shouldn’t it have been a superhuman ability?”
“Exactly.”
The two of them chuckled softly.
Carlos had come to truly like Kang-jun. He already knew of his exceptional talent, but the sight of the man risking his life to shield their comrades moved him deeply. Talent, personality, looks—none were lacking. If he had a daughter, he would immediately want to make this man his son-in-law. He now understood why the cold, formidable Jang Hwa-young senior was reduced to melted eyes the moment she saw Kang-jun. She was utterly smitten.
“What will you do after we leave?”
“Leave? Well… dating a guy is….”
“Ha ha, you rascal!”
“Just kidding. …I need to rest. At least four days of deep sleep.”
Carlos seized the opening while Kang-jun was distracted.
“Have you decided on your new workplace yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Then how about coming under me?”
“…Under you, senior?”
“Yeah. I’ll make room for you. What do you say?”
Kang-jun paused for a moment. There were a few complications.
“I work only two days a week, though. I also have a labyrinth team.”
“No problem. I’ll adjust the schedule.”
The offer was surprisingly generous. Kang-jun glanced at Carlos, who was smiling with practiced ease.
…Did I really make a good impression?
This man was clearly decent. And since he was already treating him so well, he stood to gain benefits as well. With an A-class status, his voice would carry real weight.
“Then I’ll contact you later.”
“Understood. I’ll be waiting.”
· · ·
Two days later, at 6:27 PM on the fifth day.
The 6th team and the 7th team finally returned to that underground pit containing the signal amplifier. Having already reported their arrival to Team 0 via communication, the staff were waiting at the bottom to greet them.
“Thank you all for your hard work.”
They climbed the ladder back up and were given water. Thirsty as they were, they gulped down a single small bottle in one go. Each member claimed a chair and slumped in exhaustion.
Jang Hwa-young, Lee Kang-jun, and Carlos entered the makeshift tent set up for an emergency response committee. The branch chief in charge looked utterly drained after two sleepless days.
Jang Hwa-young bowed slightly to the chief and asked.
“What happened?”
“We were trying to exterminate the Queen Monster when this occurred.”
Three teams had lost communication entirely. The other two teams had been cut on and off. Those two were assumed to be emerging now; the remaining three had vanished without a trace. Rescue teams had already been dispatched, but with those three teams cut off, it was likely they had all perished…
“It was quite dangerous. …I figured some teams would suffer.”
“I’m sorry. I never expected the influence to spread so widely….”
The Queen Monster had been discovered by Team 11, led by S-class Fredrik. Before attacking, they had first reported the matter to the branch as per protocol.
The chief had also warned the nearby teams—three to the left and three to the right—before issuing the order to attack. It had already been noted in the report that the Queen could influence nearby monsters once stimulated.
Yet no one had anticipated it would spread across the entire labyrinth. The straight-line distance between Team 11 and the 6th team alone exceeded ten kilometers.
Team 11 had ultimately succeeded in defeating the Queen Monster after heavy casualties, thanks in no small part to S-class Fredrik’s efforts.
“So what about Fredrik?”
“He was severely injured, but he’s expected to recover. No life-threatening issues.”
Phew. Jang Hwa-young rubbed her chest. How lucky. She could not afford to lose even one of her remaining close friends in this place.
“Understood. …Then we’ll head back now.”
“If you wish, you may return to our branch….”
“No. You’re all dealing with your own headaches already; we won’t add to yours.”
“…I apologize.”
“Then go ahead. Good luck.”
The three stepped out of the tent. Leading the 6th and 7th teams, they walked along the passage. Everyone moved like zombies, exhausted. Their faces looked as though they would collapse on the ground at any moment. It would have been satisfying to let out a single cry of relief at having escaped the hellish labyrinth, but all strength had left their voices. After all, they had been forced to endure such hell for hours; even the presence of spirit was something of a miracle.
At long last they emerged into sunlight. The sun was setting, its rays painted in deep crimson, yet the sight moved them profoundly.
“Hic…”
Park Hana, who possessed no immunity whatsoever to such sights, burst into tears the instant she beheld the beautiful sunset. Kang-jun had no intention of interrupting her first real emotion. Fine, let her cry it all out.
Haaaaang… Hwaaaaang…
Hana instinctively sought Kang-jun’s chest. He stroked her back, which was soaking his shirt with her tears.
“You did well. Hana, you worked so hard. …I know.”
From that single phrase alone Hana sobbed even louder. Hye-mi’s eyes grew red as well. Sniff, sniff. Yet the way she refused to cry while her nose still dripped was somehow admirable.
They walked slowly out of the ruins. The 55th branch had already arranged two medium-sized buses to wait for them upon receiving the emergency call from the 45th branch.
“Thank you all for your hard work.”
The bus driver bowed deeply to the exhausted group. They had no strength left to reply. They tossed their bags and gear into the luggage compartment, climbed aboard, and slumped into their seats with eyes shut.
By the time one full minute had passed, everyone had already drifted straight into dreams. Hye-mi slept with her mouth open, drooling. Velita snored in a strange, rattling rhythm. Kang-jun took out his phone to record evidence. …He would upload it to a hidden folder later.
Even the crying Hana, who had wept in his arms earlier, fell asleep the moment she sat on the bus. The vehicle was already thick with the atmosphere of sleep. The door hissed shut, the bus gave one last jolt, and it began to rumble along the road.
Kang-jun glanced outside at the setting sun, then turned his head. Whether by chance or not, their eyes met.
Though her appearance was disheveled from lack of sleep, an instinctive dignity clung to Jang Hwa-young’s figure. Kang-jun reached out a hand toward the aisle. She glanced back, checked that everyone else was asleep, and took his hand.
“Thank you for your hard work, senior.”
“You too, Kang-jun.”
There were no kisses, but the simple act of sharing body heat through their joined hands conveyed far more than words ever could.
The joined hands parted. Jang Hwa-young soon closed her eyes and fell asleep as well. The bus rattled, yet no one stirred.
…The five-day labyrinth exploration came to a close in this manner.
· · ·
At 10:05 PM the medium bus dropped them off near Kang-jun’s team house. Everyone walked inside the dormitory still half-asleep.
Velita and Jang Hwa-young had decided to stay here tonight and return tomorrow.
“Thank you all for your hard work. Go wash up and sleep right away. We’ll sort the gear tomorrow.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Everyone headed to their own rooms. Kang-jun and Jang Hwa-young shared one. The door closed with a soft click, and a warm silence settled between them.
“I’ll wash up first.”
“Hm? Okay.”
Kang-jun stripped right there, becoming completely naked. Agh, Jang Hwa-young turned slightly, averting her eyes. He walked straight into the bathroom and washed from head to toe with meticulous care.
Haa, now I feel human again.
He shook the soap off and stepped out. She, watching from the opposite side, grabbed fresh clothes and hurried into the bathroom. Kang-jun gave her backside a light smack as she passed.
Ouch, that guy…
Kang-jun feigned ignorance, rummaged through the closet, and dressed in comfortable clothes before drying his hair. The bathroom door soon shut. A torrent of water sounded.
Kang-jun checked each team member’s room. Everyone had washed cleanly and was already sleeping soundly.
He returned to their room, locked the door, and knocked loudly on the bathroom.
“Who is it?”
“I-I’m not disturbing you, am I?”
“What did I leave behind?”
“No, it’s not that. Could you open the door for just a second?”
The door cracked open a crack. Only a damp face peeked out. Her skin looked soft and moist for the first time in ages.
“What is it?”
“Can I come in?”
“…Huh?”
“Can I come in, you said?”
Jang Hwa-young looked startled. She blinked repeatedly, lips parting.
“N-no, why all of a sudden?”
“I just checked on the kids. They’re asleep.”
Checked on the kids, you mean. Of course she understood perfectly.
“I… I’m still in the middle of washing.”
“Will you kiss me?”
All of a sudden? Just like that?
“…After I finish washing. It won’t take long.”
“No. Right now. Quickly.”
Kang-jun did not let up. Jang Hwa-young finally parted her lips.
Their lips met. Then his tongue pushed inside. This again? Jang Hwa-young opened her mouth and let her tongue meet his. The two who had been separated for so long finally reunited. Of course they grew aroused.
The bathroom door slowly opened wider. Her wet body appeared. Only then did she realize what Kang-jun had intended by such preparations.
The rough kiss resumed. Saliva and water mingled. After a moment she forcibly pulled away.
“Haaa… I’m still washing you know….”
“I’m in a hurry. I can’t hold it back.”
“Tsk.”
She was hopeless. Really.
“Fine. …Then sleep.”
Jang Hwa-young braced one hand against the wall and thrust her plump backside toward him. Water gathered in the hollow of her lower back.
Kang-jun immediately pushed his shorts down. His erection stood rigid, searching for an entrance.
Haaa. The moment his thick member touched her private depths, she let out a sweet, trembling breath. Then it slid inside her. Her knees, already parted, closed around his waist. Aaaah.
“Shh. Don’t make noise.”
He turned on the shower. The cold water slammed against her waist.
Kang-jun began to thrust vigorously. No teasing, no gentleness. He had been holding back for far too long and was desperate to spill. The sounds of flesh meeting flesh and water alike echoed loudly.
Jang Hwa-young could not endure it. Her strength faded and her body slipped down. She dropped to all fours like a dog, panting heavily.
“Haaa… haaa… ah… ugh… en… ang… ahng…”
Slap, slap—the rhythmic sounds of skin on skin filled the bathroom.
Kang-jun reached climax far sooner than expected. It had been too long. He might as well start with a quick round.
He pounded her hard, then erupted deep inside. Uhn, uhn. Her hips jerked with each pulse. He stayed buried inside even after finishing, then pulled out and raised himself once more.
“Eh…?”
Kang-jun seized her wet hair with one strong hand.
Agh.
“Aaah, Kang-jun!”
Jang Hwa-young furrowed her brows and cried his name loudly.
Pulling a senior’s hair like this!?
Yet instead of scolding him she let out sweet, high-pitched whimpers.
Fucking hell, this mature senior is such a slut.
Yanking the heavenly-haired senior’s dripping locks while fucking her from behind.
Jang Hwa-young called out his name once, then said nothing more. She only let out those sweet, desperate moans. No matter what punishment awaited her later, right now she would simply follow her instincts.
Kang-jun thrust harder, pulling her hair tighter. Ah, ahh. Her head tilted back. Then he grabbed her jaw and forced it down, arching her neck sharply. Her breathing turned wild, beast-like.
“Eh… kh… k… ugh… k… ahh… hng… hng… hng…”
Her arms, now useless as her body rocked, flailed in the air. He grabbed her wrists and pinned them tightly to her waist.
Perfect restraint.
Kang-jun slammed her waist with even greater force, driving her cries higher.
“K… haa… k… ang… a… hng…”
The knees that had hit the floor slowly folded inward.
After so much rough motion, his climax drew near. Kang-jun released his grip on her chin and seized her restrained arms with both hands, pulling them taut. Like reins. Then he drove her hips with savage intensity.
——!
Aaaah—ugh. Her moans died. She bit her lip hard, suppressing the overwhelming pleasure that surged through her. She could not even feel the water still raining down.
Fucking hell, it feels so good. This senior’s pussy is driving me insane…!
She squeezed him as tightly as she could. Kang-jun pushed through her powerful resistance, still grinding deep inside. Jang Hwa-young felt her mind about to shatter.
Finally their hips met with a last heavy slap. Aaah! At the same moment her entire body trembled through her climax. While he spilled inside her, he watched her anus rhythmically clench and release. Then he lowered his gaze to the lewd junction where his thick shaft disappeared, studying it with fascination.
The thick white ropes of cum that clung to his member when he withdrew looked obscenely obscene as they dripped down.
Once he pulled free, Jang Hwa-young raised her hips and collapsed forward, letting the shower wash over her while she panted. The hole where his member had been slowly opened, then closed again. From it, two thick loads of semen slowly oozed out and dropped onto the bathroom floor with soft plops.
Kang-jun took a brief breath, then hardened himself once more. He pulled her onto her side.
“Kang-jun… senior… just a little more rest, okay?”
Of course such a plea held no power. Kang-jun slammed his erect cock straight into her depths again. Aaah… ahh… hng…
…From that point on he fucked her twice more in the bathroom and twice more on the bed.
Senior can sleep comfortably now.