"Brother, please go shopping with me today," Siri said, looking at Rega with teary eyes.
"Can't you shop by yourself?" Rega asked.
Siri briefly puffed out her cheeks, then flashed a mischievous smile. "I can, but I can't carry all the groceries by myself."
Rega rolled his eyes and spoke while pinching Siri's cheek.
"This big brother of yours isn't a pack mule."
"Aw, that hurts! Brother, you're hurting me."
"Hah, fine. If it's just for today, I'll go with you."
Rega let go of Siri.
"Yay! I love you, Brother!"
Siri was overjoyed. She jumped up and hugged Rega's arm.
…
At the shopping mall, Rega stood frozen as he stared at snacks piled up like a mountain on the cashier's counter.
"What is all this?"
"Snacks for the holiday! You're treating, Brother!" Siri replied enthusiastically, looking extremely cheerful and adorable.
"Tch… in that case, add a few things that Sarah, Dad, and Mom might like too."
"Alright, but is it really okay? You have enough money, right?"
Rega's eyebrow twitched.
He flicked Siri on the forehead, making the girl scream before clutching her reddened forehead.
Rega let out a light laugh. Siri pursed her lips with a resentful expression that instantly vanished when Rega offered her a special ice cream.
(So Master doesn't want to enter a dungeon today?)
"Mm, I'm sure Siri deliberately dragged me out so I could take a break from hunting."
(Humans are so complicated. Why not just forbid it directly instead of going around in circles like this?)
Ai tilted her small head, looking curious and adorable.
"You know, some things are better left unsaid."
(…I don't understand.) Ai shook her head with an awkward smile.
"Ahem, forget it if you don't get it. It's probably too difficult for an existence like you to understand."
(Haa…) Ai fell silent.
"Brother! I've gathered everything. Please pay at the cashier!" Siri's shout snapped Rega back to reality.
"Alright, wait a moment."
Rega paid for everything, totaling five thousand units of universal currency.
Siri looked incredibly happy on the way home.
"At least I got to see the happy smile on my sweet little sister's face."
There were no complaints in Rega's heart.
As soon as they arrived home, Rega was warmly welcomed by Sarah and their parents.
They didn't bring up dungeons or holidays, but Rega knew they were holding themselves back from mentioning it.
'There's still tomorrow. Taking one day off is fine.'
…
(Breaking News! The Monster Outbreak that occurred last night in Korea has been completely eradicated by their number one hunter, Sung Jin Soo!)
As usual, Rega watched hunter-related news before starting his activities.
(According to international statistical data, the frequency of Monster Outbreaks has increased over the past few months. Hunter analysts believe this could be a sign that something is coming.)
"I hope there won't be a Monster Outbreak here," Sekar murmured softly, earning a nod from Deno.
"Even if one does occur, the hunters will surely handle it—especially our pride and joy."
Deno and Sekar looked at Rega.
"Dad, Mom, don't place too much hope on a rookie hunter like me," Rega said with a bitter smile, looking helpless.
"Hahaha, that's true. As long as you're around, our little family will be safe!"
Rega nodded with a serious expression.
"Where are Siri and Sarah?"
"Siri's probably still asleep. That girl stayed up late playing games last night," Rega replied.
"Oh? Playing games?" Sekar's expression turned terrifying.
"What about Sarah?"
"Big Sister Sarah was exhausted after finishing her college assignments and needs more rest."
"If it's because of college assignments, I'll allow it." Sekar's expression softened.
Rega took a deep breath and muttered inwardly, 'Siri, don't blame your big brother. This is your fault for gaming all night.'
Breakfast passed pleasantly with their parents.
"Dad, Mom, I'm heading out now."
"Be careful and don't push yourself!" Sekar shouted.
Rega waved back in response.
Today, Rega had a goal he absolutely had to accomplish.
…
At the same time, Sekar Sari, Rega's childhood friend, was hunting monsters in a mid-level dungeon.
Sekar Sari wore light armor made of magic steel. Though it looked fragile, its durability could withstand damage up to 100,000.
Slash!
Her strike split the three-meter-tall ogre cleanly in two.
(Level up!)
Sekar Sari smiled faintly and returned to her group with a happy expression.
To be continued…