5 Minutes Later
"Where am I?" I mutter, slowly opening my eyes.
"We're in a hospital, sir," a voice replies.
"Ah... so it wasn't a dream. I really..." My voice hitches, and tears form in my eyes.
"I'm afraid not, sir. It may be out of place to say this, but you should go to your sister and break the news to her," he says softly before walking away.
I head to my mother's ward and find Jin-ah still crying, her face buried in her knees. My heart aches at the sight. I gently pat her shoulder.
"Jin-ah, I need to talk to you about something."
She looks up at me with teary eyes and a snot-covered nose. As I break the news about our father, she completely breaks down. I hug her immediately, patting her back and stroking her head, saying nothing—just offering comfort.
A week passes in a blur. We arranged our father's funeral; only a few close people attended and offered their condolences.
"Brother, what will we do from now on?" Jin-ah asks, tugging on my sleeve.
"What do you mean? Don't worry. Your big brother is still here. I'll take care of everything," I say with a smile, thinking, Well, it's not a lie. I've got plenty of money from stocks, crypto, and other trades. At least I won't have to dive into dungeons daily just to pay bills. I can give Jin-ah a peaceful life… and if I get the system, I'll definitely save Mom. Just wait till 2018—the Double Dungeon is coming.
[Six Years Later]
[2018]
"Brother, I'm home!" Jin-ah calls out as she opens the gate and steps into the living room.
As she walks in, I see a cute girl with purple hair and an undeniably great figure. I get why she's the female lead in Sister Leveling—but don't take me for a degenerate. My eyes are on someone else.
Yes, the beautiful golden-haired S-rank hunter.
Why her, you ask? I met her at one of the dojos where I was learning swordsmanship and dagger techniques. When? During my free time in college. Yes—unlike the original Jinwoo, I completed my degree. I'm smart like that.
I met her before she became an S-rank, so we're pretty good friends. At first, I saw her like a character from a story, just like I had with my parents… but slowly, I fell for her—for real. Still, I've decided not to confess until I become S-rank myself. I don't want to ruin her image or burden her.
Also—yes, I awakened. Like the original Jinwoo, I'm an E-rank hunter. But thanks to my Saitama training since childhood, my physical power borders on D-rank, though still technically falls short. My body's combat-trained, so I can take down D-rank monsters and hunters—but definitely not C-ranks… probably. I haven't tried.
"Brother, why are you staring at me and nodding like that?" Jin-ah asks.
"Nothing, Jin-ah. How was school?"
"It was fine, same as always. I've got a test coming up, so I'm heading to my room to study."
"Also, I've got some work to do today, so I won't be back for a few days. Don't worry, okay?"
"Okay, but come back soon, alright? I'll be waiting."
"Yes, yes, my cute little sister," I say, patting her head.
"Hey! I'm not a kid—stop treating me like one!" she protests, but doesn't really try to stop me.
"See you later, Jin-ah."
As I leave, she softly mutters, "Idiot brother," and closes her door with a faint blush on her face.
Despite being able to afford luxury apartments in top-tier cities, we still live here—because of the memories.
At the construction site, I see the usual hunters chatting and getting ready. I recognize most of them. This group handles low-level gates around this district. I've joined them a few times over the past year—mostly to familiarize myself with the local scene.
There are about 17 hunters. The ones I remember are Joohee, Chi-Yul, and the team leader, Kim Sang-shik.
It's a D-rank dungeon. Everyone thinks it's nothing special. Only I know… it's a Double Dungeon.
I'll try to save them if I can. But if I fail... "The strong must protect the weak." My father's voice echoes in my mind. If I were strong, I would protect them. But I'm still just an E-rank.
Once I get the system, I'll start helping people for real.
"Jinwoo, you're joining us today?" I hear the sweet voice of orange-haired healer, Joohee.
"Oh, Joohee. Long time no see. How've you been?"
"I'm good! Come on, they're about to start the raid."
So… the Double Dungeon raid begins.