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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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The next day, the first thing Sungjoon Lee did was prepare for the move.
Actually, there wasn’t much to prepare.
This was because Taehyun Ko hadn’t simply handed over the real estate contract.
He had taken care of everything, from move-in cleaning to reserving the moving company.
Not only that, but he had also furnished the house with all the necessary furniture and appliances.
It was literally a situation where all they had to do was move in.
Thanks to this, the move proceeded smoothly, and they were able to complete it in just one day after receiving the house documents.
Of course, since it was such a sudden move, everyone in the family seemed a bit flustered at first.
However, it didn’t take long for smiles to bloom on their faces as they took in the impeccable living environment.
Especially his younger sister, Seoyun Lee, who continuously expressed her joy with exclamations of admiration.
“Wow! Is this really our house?”
One’s surroundings naturally have a significant impact on their mood.
The only scenery visible around their previous villa had been scattered trash and narrow, dark alleyways.
But the inside of the apartment they moved into had a walking path surrounded by lush trees and grass.
It was only natural that their mood improved.
‘It’s definitely a very nice place.’
Of course, the scenery wasn’t the only satisfying aspect.
Well-trained security guards were stationed at the entrance at all times.
Even in the unlikely event of a gate opening or a monster invasion, their safety was guaranteed to a certain extent.
“The house is so great! Oppa, you’re the best!”
Sungjoon Lee smiled proudly as he watched Seoyun Lee excitedly exploring the house.
‘The Hunter Association… it’s a better place than I thought.’
Although they had made the mistake with the Frenzy Gate, it could be considered an accident.
Their actual capabilities were quite impressive.
They accurately understood his needs and addressed them.
He had accepted the contract intending to use them as a kind of shield until he finished growing, but his opinion was gradually changing.
If they always handled things this well, he was willing to maintain a good relationship with them in the future.
While Sungjoon Lee was contemplating the Association, Soohyuk Lee and Jiyoung Kim, with complex expressions mixed with happiness and bewilderment, approached him.
“Son… where did you find a house like this?”
There had been a valid reason why they hadn’t moved right away despite having a considerable sum of 4 billion won.
It was the lack of available properties.
It had been a whopping 47 years since monsters first appeared and seized their territory.
Although numerous Awakened and Returnees had emerged, calling themselves Hunters and hunting monsters, they still hadn’t reclaimed all the lost land.
It was frustrating, but it couldn’t be helped.
The power possessed by monsters was beyond imagination, and they had formed their own factions, settling in specific areas and reigning like kings.
Some of these monsters were even eyeing the human territories, the so-called safe zones.
Those living on the edges of the safe zones never knew when their homes would be taken away.
In fact, Gimpo City, where Sungjoon Lee and his family had previously resided, had been seized by monsters, hadn’t it?
Therefore, many people tried to settle in the center of the safe zone, within Seoul, which made it incredibly difficult to find a decent property even if one had the money.
Yet, he had found a property in just a week, or rather, in a single day.
Naturally, Soohyuk Lee and Jiyoung Kim couldn’t help but be bewildered.
“…It’s a welfare benefit I received for becoming a B-rank Hunter. You all know how amazing the Association’s welfare is.”
Jiyoung Kim’s eyes narrowed at Sungjoon Lee, who was scratching the back of his head.
“Welfare?”
Of course, she knew that the Hunter Association’s welfare benefits were substantial.
She had heard several times that B-rank Hunters and above received houses, brand apartments in Seoul, as a welfare benefit.
But she had never heard of anyone moving into an apartment just a day after being promoted to B rank.
Sungjoon Lee hurriedly added, as Jiyoung Kim still seemed suspicious,
“Normally, there’s a waiting list, but the Association thinks highly of me, so I received it right away.”
Come to think of it, the amount of money he earned in a month was overwhelming compared to ordinary rookie Hunters.
For parents, their child’s success was their greatest pride. Soohyuk Lee smiled.
“As expected of my son. I’m so proud.”
But unlike Soohyuk Lee, who was smiling, Jiyoung Kim’s eyes were still narrowed.
However, the emotion contained within wasn’t suspicion but worry.
“Are you… being forced to do things by the Association because of our family’s financial situation?”
Since he had already thought about it countless times, he could answer immediately.
“I’m doing everything because I want to.”
A bright smile bloomed on Jiyoung Kim’s face as she met Sungjoon Lee’s unwavering gaze.
“I’m glad. I’ve always said this, but I want you to live doing what you want, not sacrificing yourself for the family.”
It was a sincere and genuine wish for his happiness.
It reminded him once again of the reason why he had so desperately wanted to return to Earth.
‘It was because of my family.’
No matter how much power he gained, no matter how much wealth and fame he accumulated, he couldn’t gain a family who genuinely cared for him and worried about him.
Only his family’s sincere heart could truly fill his heart.
Perhaps it was because of the overflowing happiness, but words he had been too shy to say before naturally flowed from his mouth.
“And I love you.”
Jiyoung Kim gently held Sungjoon Lee’s hand.
“I love you too, my son.”
It wasn’t something to be taken for granted.
Their support was silent, but their love and concern for each other remained unchanged.
This was what family was.
His parents’ warm hearts touched Sungjoon Lee’s heart.
A brighter smile than ever bloomed on his face.
“I really… really love you.”
As expected, his family was an irreplaceable treasure to Sungjoon Lee.
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A whole eight days. He had rested for a day longer than originally planned.
But he had no regrets.
‘Those were truly fulfilling days.’
Not only had he lived the happy life with his family that he had longed for, but he had also taken care of moving, a crucial part of his family plan.
Therefore, his steps as he headed out to hunt in a gate early in the morning felt lighter than usual.
Unfortunately, this lightheartedness didn’t last long.
“Hello, are you by any chance Returnee Lee Sung-joon?”
“Who are you?”
Sungjoon Lee’s eyes narrowed. Just then,
“I apologize, I should have introduced myself sooner. My name is Jaehoon Im, and I work for the Hwansung Guild. Here’s my business card.”
As if to prove his words, Jaehoon Im immediately took a business card out of his jacket and handed it over.
Guild ‘Hwansung,’ 2nd Personnel Team, Team Leader, Jaehoon Im.
It was a sudden encounter, but he could immediately guess the reason for the visit.
‘It must be about recruitment.’
Normally, he would have simply declined and ended the conversation.
But there were too many suspicious things.
It hadn’t even been a day since he moved, yet they knew his exact address.
He wouldn’t have minded much if he lived alone, but this was a precious home he shared with his family.
“How did you know my home address?”
Jaehoon Im was flustered by Sungjoon Lee’s sharp tone, despite having shown his business card.
‘He’s acting like this even after hearing that I’m from Hwansung…?’
Sasin, Nuri, Bulsae, Baekho, and lastly, Hwansung.
They were the five guilds that currently represented Korea, and they were objects of envy for Hunters.
Most Hunters would bow deeply upon hearing his affiliation.
But Sungjoon Lee’s reaction was different.
He remained standing tall.
His voice was as cold as ice.
“Did you, the team leader of one of the five major guilds, investigate me?”
“I apologize if you were offended, but I definitely didn’t find out to harm you, Returnee Lee Sung-joon. I simply heard about you and wanted to recruit you to Hwansung as soon as possible…”
Jaehoon Im, constantly shifting his gaze and gauging Sungjoon Lee’s reaction, carefully continued,
“I apologize once again for not considering your feelings in my haste.”
Sungjoon Lee fell into brief contemplation.
His words certainly made sense.
If they had intended to threaten him, they wouldn’t have approached him like this.
Moreover, he had even politely apologized.
There was no need for him to overreact.
‘There’s no need to make enemies of the five major guilds.’
Sungjoon Lee’s stiff expression softened a bit.
“…I’m satisfied with my current contract terms, so I’m likely to decline your offer. Is that alright with you?”
“Please listen to what I have to say and then decide.”
“Then tell me. But I have a busy schedule today, so I can’t give you much time.”
The moment Sungjoon Lee gave his permission, Jaehoon Im spoke as if he had been waiting.
“Thank you for the opportunity. Since you’re busy, I’ll get straight to the point. We at Hwansung want to recruit you. The contract period is three years, the contract fee is 100 billion won, and the annual salary is 10 billion won. We will also lend you the necessary artifacts for hunting free of charge if you wish. Of course, we will cover any penalty fees incurred from breaking your contract with the Association.”
Jaehoon Im’s voice was filled with confidence as he spoke without hesitation.
This was only natural, as the amount he offered was equivalent to what typical S-rank Hunters received.
Moreover, he was even offering to lend the necessary artifacts for hunting free of charge.
‘It’s an offer a B-rank Hunter can’t refuse.’
However, contrary to Jaehoon Im’s expectations, Sungjoon Lee gave a completely unexpected answer.
“I refuse.”
“…We’re offering you the same treatment as S-rank Hunters. Isn’t that a sufficient offer?”
Jaehoon Im wore an expression of utter disbelief.
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