Jinwoo returned home as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the city. The day had been filled with new experiences, each one a step further into the life he had always wanted but never dared to dream of. But he didn't come back empty-handed. On the way, he had stopped by a department store—one he would've never dared enter before. The prices alone once made him turn away, his wallet and his status as an E-rank hunter keeping him at a respectful distance. Now, however, he walked in without hesitation, his steps sure and his head held high.
He browsed the racks, his eyes scanning the displays until they landed on a warm winter jacket. It was soft and light, the kind of garment that would protect Jinah from the cold mornings she always complained about. He picked it up, the fabric smooth and inviting beneath his fingers. She deserves this, he thought, a soft smile playing on his lips. With a nod to the salesclerk, he made his purchase and turned to leave.
But as he reached the door, something caught his eye. A small, delicate necklace, simple but elegant, lay on a velvet display. It was just something special, a token of his affection, a promise of more to come. He hesitated for only a moment before adding it to his purchases, the bag clutched tightly in his hand as he headed home.
The moment he opened the door, a familiar scent greeted him. Dinner. The aroma of something savory and comforting filled the air, and he froze, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with the rising heat of his body. From the kitchen came the sound of soft movement—clattering dishes, the quiet hum of Jinah's voice as she worked. She was cooking.
Jinwoo's lips curved upward without him realizing it. "…I'm home," he called out, his voice soft but filled with a newfound contentment.
Jinah peeked out, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. "Oppa! You're back already?" she asked, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and joy.
"Yeah," he replied gently, his gaze never leaving hers.
She smiled, a radiant expression that made his heart skip a beat. "Dinner's almost ready. Go wash up."
Seeing her like this, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the stove, her hair slightly disheveled, Jinwoo felt a surge of love and protectiveness. He moved towards her silently, wrapping his arms around her from behind. She started slightly, a gasp escaping her lips, but she didn't resist. Instead, she leaned into him, her body molding against his as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Jinwoo rested his face on her shoulder, inhaling her scent, a heady mix of her natural fragrance and the lingering aroma of the meal she was preparing. He turned her gently, his hands cupping her face as he looked into her beautiful eyes. He couldn't help but lean in, his lips capturing hers in a soft, tender kiss that quickly deepened into something more passionate. Their tongues danced, tasting, exploring, a silent promise of more to come.
Jinah responded with a fervor that matched his own, her arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, lost in each other, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating as one.
But all too soon, Jinah pulled away, her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining with a mix of desire and amusement. "Go freshen up," she urged, her voice soft but firm. "Dinner's almost ready."
Jinwoo nodded helplessly, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. He didn't want to make her angry, not when she was his woman, his everything. With a final, lingering look, he headed to the bathroom, the sound of her laughter following him down the hall.
After freshening up, he returned to his room, his mind already racing with the day's events and the promises of the night to come. But as he sat down, his gaze sharpened, and he called out to the System, a part of him always alert, always ready for the next challenge.
"…System."
Blue light unfolded silently before him, a familiar interface that had become a constant companion in his new life. A notification flashed across the screen, and Jinwoo's eyes narrowed slightly as he read the words.
`[System Notification]`
`Condition Met: Hunter Kill (Self-Defense)`
`Reward - Blessed Key`
Jinwoo's eyebrows furrowed. "A blessing…?"
The panel shifted, and a new item appeared, its description sending a thrill of anticipation through him.
`[Item Acquired]`
`Demon Castle Dungeon Key`
`Description:`
`A special key that grants access to the Demon Castle—`
`a dungeon that exists beyond standard gate classifications.`
Jinwoo's heartbeat quickened. "…The Demon Castle." He remembered the name, a place of endless battles, a tower built for growth where he had gained many levels and collected resources to become stronger. The thought of returning, of pushing his limits once more, filled him with a mix of excitement and determination.
Another chime rang, and Jinwoo's eyes widened as he read the next set of notifications.
`[Level Up!]`
`[Level Up!]`
`[Level Up!]`
`[Level Up!]`
`Level: 20 → 24`
Power surged through him—clean, overwhelming. His body felt lighter, sharper, stronger. Jinwoo clenched his fist, feeling mana coil effortlessly beneath his skin, a testament to his growth and the endless potential that lay before him.
"…Four levels," he murmured, a quiet laugh escaping him. The System window faded just as Jinah called out from the kitchen, her voice a gentle reminder of the life he was building, the love he was nurturing.
"Oppa! Food's ready!"
Jinwoo stood, a faint smile playing on his lips. Before leaving the room, he glanced once more at the shopping bags resting on the table, the jacket and the necklace a promise of more to come, a symbol of the life he was creating with Jinah by his side.