"You kept your promise not to come home late. Mom's relieved."
A short-haired, brown-haired housewife with a youthful face welcomed Rega home.
Her name was Sekar—Rega's gentle and caring mother.
"I'm home." Rega looked slightly embarrassed as he replied to his mother's greeting.
"Go take a shower before dinner, okay?"
Rega nodded and headed to his room.
"Big Brother is home? How was the dungeon? Big Brother must've gotten beaten black and blue by a blue slime."
A high school girl with long brown hair tied into a ponytail suddenly appeared in front of Rega, teasing him with a mischievous grin.
"I'm home, Siri. Where's the usual welcome for your big brother?"
Rega pinched Siri's cheek until it changed shape.
"That hurts, let go…"
"Not until you apologize."
"I'm sorry, I regret it."
Rega let out a sigh and released Siri's cheek.
Siri rubbed her reddened cheek, clearly harboring a grudge over what had just happened.
"Where's Sister Sarah?"
"Big Sister hasn't come home yet. She said she has an assignment and had to stay at the university to finish it."
"As usual, Sister Sarah is always busy."
"More like Big Brother who pretends to be busy," Siri shot back.
"What did you say? Looks like I need to discipline you, little girl!"
"No! Big Brother is going to hurt me!"
Siri screamed playfully and ran away from Rega.
"You two, don't run around the house," said a handsome middle-aged man with half-white hair.
Ignoring her father's warning, Siri kept running to avoid Rega.
Rega stopped chasing when he heard his father's warning, but immediately resumed after being provoked by Siri.
"You kids…" Deno—their father—sighed helplessly.
"Isn't it good that they're close?" Sekar said.
Deno sighed again, then nodded in agreement.
Tonight's dinner was very special, filled with meat that was usually only served on special occasions.
Rega realized the dinner was prepared especially for him. Yesterday, when he told his family about his desire to become a hunter, they had firmly opposed it.
Rega needed time to convince them to allow him to become a hunter.
"How was the dungeon? You weren't hurt, were you?" Sekar asked, her eyes misty with worry.
Deno stopped moving, quietly glancing at Rega.
Even Siri stopped eating, openly staring at her big brother.
"Don't worry, Mom. A blue slime can't hurt me."
"Even if you say that, I'm still worried. Why don't you stop being a hunter and continue college like Sarah?"
Sekar's eyes were filled with hope.
Rega fell silent, finding it hard to reject his mother's request.
"Sekar, we've already discussed this," Deno interrupted, his voice serious and deep.
"I know, but—"
"Mom, please trust me. I will definitely become a top-class hunter and earn a lot of money."
Sekar could no longer hold it in. Her tears fell like crystals, soaking her clothes.
"Just don't push yourself, okay? If something happens to you, Mom—"
"I know. I promise I'll always come back safely."
Rega's tone was extremely convincing.
"The death rate for beginner hunters is very high. Where does Big Brother get his confidence from?" Siri commented sarcastically.
Rega sighed, reached out, and ruffled Siri's hair.
"You too, don't worry. Your big brother isn't a weak man."
Siri blushed and nodded, her expression softening.
The atmosphere at the dinner table began to feel tense.
At that moment, Siri suddenly became mischievous.
"Big Brother! I ate your pudding!"
"Hey! Don't—"
"Too late. It's already in my mouth." Siri smiled teasingly, looking cute and adorable.
Rega wanted to get angry, but couldn't after seeing his little sister's cuteness.
"You brat… I'll forgive you just for today, okay?"
"Hehehe." Siri stuck out her small tongue and winked mischievously.
Rega sighed helplessly.
Sekar felt a little better after seeing her son and daughter's behavior.
Deno was also relieved after seeing his wife's reaction.
The warm moment didn't last long. Siri returned to her room immediately after finishing dinner because she had homework to do.
Rega needed rest, feeling mentally exhausted after everything that happened today.
His first dungeon exploration and the appearance of the magical system—if Rega hadn't experienced it himself, he wouldn't have believed it.
"Tomorrow, I can go down to the second floor."
Rega slowly drifted off and slept soundly until morning.
… .. .
To be continued…