CHAPTER SEVENTEEN !
───the new quest.

HYEON IS CURRENTLY IN HIS BEDROOM, scrolling through his social media accounts which are filled with posts about him becoming the 22nd S-Rank Hunter in Japan. He sighs, still unable to fully believe the turn of events.

He sits on his bed, startled when Jinx jumps onto his lap. Patting the cat's head, he looks up at the ceiling, remembering the glowing figure that spoke to him when he was near death.

"Become our king's aid," the figure had said.

Hyeon furrows his brow. "Am I strong enough to protect this king? But does he even need protection? And why should I be his aid? I don't even know him."

He sighs in defeat and continues scrolling through his phone. A news notification pops up: "A new S-Rank Hunter in Korea?" Curious, Hyeon clicks on it and sees the article about the new S-Rank Hunter in his home country, where he was raised.

"Sung Jinwoo," he reads aloud, and his heart skips a beat. He doesn't know why, but this name feels familiar, almost like a distant memory. Shaking his head, he looks at Jinwoo's picture.

Suddenly, a flood of memories rushes back to him. The glowing figure's words echo in his mind:

"Become our king's aid."

"Become our king's aid."

"Become our king's aid."

"Become our king's aid."

Hyeon winces as a sharp pain shoots through his head. "Ah, stop," he mutters, pressing his hands against his temples. As his power starts to unleash, the entire room begins to freeze over.

"Meow," Jinx meows, scratching at Hyeon's shirt.

Hyeon's eyes widen as he surveys the icy mess he's created. "What the hell is happening to me?" he asks himself. He starts reabsorbing the power he had unleashed when his head was hurting.

"Is he the king that glowing figure was talking about?" Hyeon wonders aloud, his gaze fixed on Sung Jinwoo's picture.

He shakes his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "This doesn't make any sense. Why do I feel this connection to him? And what does it have to do with that strange figure?"

Jinx meows again, as if sensing his owner's distress. Hyeon looks down at the cat and manages a small smile.

"I don't know what's going on, Jinx," he says softly. "But I have a feeling my life is about to get a lot more complicated."

He takes a deep breath and turns his attention back to his phone, "Should we or I go back to korea?" Hyeon wants to learn more about this mysterious Sung Jinwoo and the strange connection they seem to share.

2 days after.

HYEON SAT IN HIS CHAIR INSIDE HIS ROOM, the letter from Ryuji Goto still clutched in his hand. The weight of the situation pressed down on him. He had just become an S-Rank Hunter, yet here he was, contemplating a dangerous raid on Jeju Island filled with giant insects.

Dear Hyeon,

I hope this letter finds you well. As the Guild Master of the Draw Sword Guild and one of the strongest Hunters in Japan, I have a matter of great importance to discuss with you.

It is with great urgency that I invite you to join the Jeju Island Raid. This operation is being undertaken by the Japan Hunters Association and Korea Hunters Association to eliminate a severe threat to the island's population. A massive infestation of giant insects has taken hold, and they require the assistance of the most capable Hunters to eradicate this monsters.

While your participation is not mandatory, your presence would be greatly appreciated.

I understand that you are still adjusting to your newfound status as an S-Rank Hunter, but I believe this raid presents an opportunity for you to showcase your abilities. The threat posed by these insects is severe, and your skills could prove invaluable in protecting the lives of innocent civilians.

If you choose to accept this invitation, please report to the Korea Hunters Association headquarters in Seoul, where you will receive further instructions and be briefed on the mission details. The raid is scheduled to commence in two weeks' time, so I kindly request that you consider this offer and provide me with your decision as soon as possible.

I have the utmost confidence in your abilities, Hyeon. Your performance during the Rank Re-evaluation was nothing short of extraordinary, and I believe you have the potential to become one of the greatest Hunters of our generation. This raid is a chance for you to prove your worth and make a lasting impact on the world.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I will be more than happy to discuss this matter further with you. Here's my contact number +** 3*****92.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Goto Ryuji
Guild Master, Draw Sword Guild

"Why do I always find myself in these situations?" he muttered, glancing at Jinx, who was lounging lazily on the bed. "I'd rather binge-watch anime than deal with creepy crawlies."

Jinx blinked at him, unimpressed.

"Yeah, I know you don't care about my problems," Hyeon sighed, rolling his eyes. "But this isn't just about me. It's about the raid, and if I don't go, what if something terrible happens?"

Just then, after he put down his phone on the bed , a not his favorite notification popped up.

[NEW QUEST: ANGEL'S CASTLE DUNGEON]
Location of Dungeon Door: Korea

"Great. Just great!" Hyeon exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

"Why can't I catch a break?"

He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. "I mean, what's next? A quest to fight a dragon? A giant spider? Ugh!"

An anxiety swirling within him. He had finally made the decision to participate in the Jeju Island Raid, but there was still much to do before he could leave.

He approached his mother, who was busy in the kitchen, preparing dinner. "Mom, can we talk?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with anticipation.

She turned to him, wiping her hands on a towel. "Of course, Hyeon. What's on your mind?"

"I want to go back to Korea. I think it's time for me to reconnect with my memories and participate in the Jeju Island Raid," he said, gauging her reaction.

His mother's expression shifted to one of concern. "Are you sure about this? It's been a long time since we've been back, and the raid sounds dangerous."

"I know it's dangerous, but I feel like I need to do this. It's part of who I am now," he replied earnestly. "And besides, I'll have S-Rank Hunters with me. I won't be alone."

She hesitated, her brow furrowing as she considered his words. "I understand, but I'm still nervous about you going back. It's a big step."

Hyeon reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I promise I'll be careful. I'll contact Ryuji Goto and let him know I'm coming. I just need your support."

After a moment of silence, she nodded slowly. "Alright, if this is what you truly want, I'll support you. But I'll talk to your father and grandfather first."

"Thank you, Mom!" Hyeon exclaimed, relief washing over him. He quickly pulled out his phone and typed a message to Ryuji Goto.

Hyeon: I'll participate, but I don't know if I'll make it in time. I have something else to do in Korea, and it's important, but I can't discuss that with you. Also, please do not expect too much from me. I'm nervous.

Ryuji: That's fine. Thank you. I'll see you here in Korea for the raid.

24 hours later.

HYEON STOOD OUTSIDE THE FAMILIAR house in Korea, his heart heavy with mixed emotions. It had been twenty-four hours since he arrived, and his father had wasted no time in insisting on accompanying him.

Hyeon dramatically sobbed at the thought of leaving Jinx behind and missing countless hours of binge-watching anime.

As he looked at the house he had once called home, nostalgia washed over him. Memories flooded back—playing in the yard, family dinners, and the warmth of his mother's cooking. But there was also that haunting figure, the faceless boy who lingered in his mind like a shadow. Who was he? And why did he feel so connected to him?

With a heavy heart, Hyeon stepped inside the house. The familiar scent of home enveloped him, and he felt a pang of longing. He quickly unpacked his belongings, arranging them neatly in his old room.

The clock on the wall ticked steadily, reminding him that time was slipping away.

After finishing up, he prepared a quick meal, his mind racing with thoughts of the dungeon he needed to enter.

He slipped on his favorite hoodie, feeling a sense of comfort in its familiarity. Gripping the key tightly in his hand, he took a deep breath and opened the front door.

As Hyeon walked towards the dungeon location, the streets of Korea felt both welcoming and intimidating. He passed by bustling markets and familiar landmarks, but his mind was focused on the task ahead.

"Just get it over with," he muttered to himself, determination setting in.

Arriving at the dungeon entrance, he paused to take in the imposing structure before him.

The air was thick with tension, and he could sense the energy radiating from within. He took another deep breath, reminding himself of the stakes.

This was not just about him; it was about uncovering the truth behind his powers and the mysterious king who needed his aid.

With the key in hand, he stepped forward, pushing open the heavy door. The darkness within beckoned him, and he felt a shiver run down his spine.

"Here goes nothing," he whispered, stepping inside.