For the next few days, Minhoo didn't show up. It wasn't unusual; as an S-rank hunter, Minhoo's schedule was packed with dungeon raids, interviews, and other mandatory gigs like modeling.
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For the next few days, Minhoo didn't show up. It wasn't unusual; as an S-rank hunter, Minhoo's schedule was packed with dungeon raids, interviews, and other mandatory gigs like modeling.
Jae-woo admitted to himself that he was a bit surprised by how Minhoo had managed to visit him two days in a row.
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As days went by with no sign of Minhoo, Jae-woo continued his monotonous routine. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't expecting another visit. No matter how much he tried to convince himself he didn't care, a small part of him was still waiting.
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Running his small coffee shop kept him occupied enough to stave off boredom, but it wasn't enough to completely distract him—despite how tedious it was.
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"Boss, what are you thinking about?" Beth asked, her single wide eye reflecting her curiosity while the other, a plastic prosthetic, caught the light. She leaned on the bar with her elbows, her chin resting on her hands, one of which was also a prosthetic.
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"You seem to be daydreaming more lately, cap," Gordon added, approaching with a limp and a tray of used glasses.
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Jae-woo snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of their voices. He quickly put on his usual demeanor. "Just thinking," he replied.
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Beth and Gordon exchanged worried glances but didn't press the issue. Beth tried to lighten the mood with a smile. "This is why you should get out and interact with people, attracting more customers to out cafe. It's such a waste to keep a handsome face like yours behind the bar," she teased.
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Jae-woo chuckled quietly, watching their banter. They were his old teammates and the closest people to him right now—this was his present, the life he had have to pad a painful price to get. Yet, a part of him still found himself waiting for Minhoo, an irrational feeling he couldn't shake.
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For the time being, the white-haired man, who had been missed by Jae-woo, was in the middle of a shooting for a high-profile magazine. If the redhead were here, he would definitely be laughing out loud at the very visible—only to Jae-woo—irritation on Minhoo's face while being fussed over by small army of human just to finish one simple look.
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For the time being, the white-haired man, who had been missed by Jae-woo, was in the middle of a shooting for a high-profile magazine. If the redhead were here, he would definitely be laughing out loud at the very visible—only to Jae-woo—irritation on Minhoo's face while being fussed over by small army of human just to finish one simple look.
Did Minhoo want to waste his time on this? The answer was very clear. Then again, he was always willing to endure these minor inconveniences for the sake of bigger gains—the greater good—despite how much he disliked this.
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Fortunately, it wasn't long till his manager—Lorien—something that could offer Jae-woo a distraction from this nuisance. Taking the tablet from her, he wasted no time to open it and begin scrolling even when stylists and make-up artists were fretting all around.
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Minhoo glanced through the files with his usual detached expression. After taking in all the details, he asked without looking away from the documents, "Found him?"
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The days followed to Jae-woo were a predictable pattern: work, smoke, sleep. Life carried on, with each day blending into the next. Nothing changed, physically. Yet, after his second meeting with Minhoo, he started to notice a shift. The inner demons from his past seemed to creep up again, uninvited, especially in the quiet moments alone.
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The days followed to Jae-woo were a predictable pattern: work, smoke, sleep. Life carried on, with each day blending into the next. Nothing changed, physically. Yet, after his second meeting with Minhoo, he started to notice a shift. The inner demons from his past seemed to creep up again, uninvited, especially in the quiet moments alone.
Jae-woo threw himself into running the coffee shop, trying to keep his mind occupied. But the thoughts he'd tried to push away kept crawling back, like stubborn, annoying cockroach. He tried to drown them out with work, drinking, smoking, and sleeping, but they wouldn't go away. Despite believing that everything would be fine now that he was no longer in a dungeon, the routine of his life—which he had chosen—felt increasingly hollow.
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Jae-woo threw himself into running the coffee shop, trying to keep his mind occupied. But the thoughts he'd tried to push away kept crawling back, like stubborn, annoying cockroach. He tried to drown them out with work, drinking, smoking, and sleeping, but they wouldn't go away. Despite believing that everything would be fine now that he was no longer in a dungeon, the routine of his life—which he had chosen—felt increasingly hollow.
Then came the nights—the hardest part of the 24-hour cycle. The silence and solitude only made his agitation worse as he lay awake, staring at the ceiling.
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Jae-woo had always been good at keeping his emotions under control, but lately, it felt like the dam holding them back was on the verge of breaking. It was as if someone was persistently prodding it, just waiting for the right moment to make it all come crashing down.
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Since then, night followed the same pattern. As soon as Jae-woo lay down on his hard mattress, memories of Ethan would surge into his mind. He knew he was dreaming and knew he was asleep, but waking up felt impossible. Often, he wished he could stay asleep, just to escape the torment of existing and living.
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Since then, night followed the same pattern. As soon as Jae-woo lay down on his hard mattress, memories of Ethan would surge into his mind. He knew he was dreaming and knew he was asleep, but waking up felt impossible. Often, he wished he could stay asleep, just to escape the torment of existing and living.
But the memory kept hitting him like a tidal wave, coming back stronger each time—each wave more painful than the last. He kept seeing Ethan, replaying their moments together. The kindness in his smile, the softness in his eyes, and the warmth in his voice...
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"Beautiful, isn't it?" Ethan said, looking up at the night sky filled with Aberration-shaped lanterns drifting lazily around.
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"Nah," Jae-woo replied with a tsk, his gaze following Ethan's but with a hint of irritation. "I don't get why people keep turning those monsters that nearly wiped us out into toys and decorations. Doesn't it make anyone sick just looking at them?"
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The bridge was lively with activity. Kids chased floating lanterns, their bright clothes fluttering as they ran. Vendors shouted, selling grilled meats and sugar sculptures shaped like Aberration heads. The air was filled with the smell of food and incense, while lanterns cast a warm glow. Music blended traditional tunes with modern beats, adding to the festive atmosphere.
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The bridge was lively with activity. Kids chased floating lanterns, their bright clothes fluttering as they ran. Vendors shouted, selling grilled meats and sugar sculptures shaped like Aberration heads. The air was filled with the smell of food and incense, while lanterns cast a warm glow. Music blended traditional tunes with modern beats, adding to the festive atmosphere.
People in colorful traditional clothes moved around, snapping photos and enjoying the scene. Jae-woo was also dressed in one—a flowing amber tunic that matched his eyes with subtle geometric patterns, adding a refined touch to his otherwise rugged look.
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Ethan chuckled at Jae-woo's frustration. "We're hunters, Jae-woo. We see Aberrations for what they really are, every gruesome detail. But most people don't. To them, they're just part of the story, part of the culture. They think it's cool."
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"Cool?" Jae-woo scoffed. "Cool enough to turn today into a monster-themed party? Do they even realize the main event is a six-foot-long banquet made entirely of dishes from Aberration meat? It's like they're celebrating the very things that nearly destroyed us."
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The day was originally meant to honor those who had lost their lives and sacrificed during the Great Breach, a time for solemn remembrance. But over the years, the annual event had shifted into something more upbeat, almost cheerful
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Jae-woo got that people needed a day that brought people together and cherished the presence, but it just felt off. Why not celebrate the hunters who saved humanity? Instead, it seemed like the day was all about glorifying the Aberrations that caused so much pain.
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Ethan shrugged with a smile. "That's capitalism for you. It turns anything, even our worst nightmares, into a profit opportunity."
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Jae-woo let out a snort but felt his irritation begin to fade as a lozenge-shaped boat came into view, slowly gliding down the river. Onboard, actors reenacted the stories of the first hunters who fought the Aberrations. The boat, decorated with symbols to ward off evil, was a nod to the old days when every detail mattered.
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Jae-woo let out a snort but felt his irritation begin to fade as a lozenge-shaped boat came into view, slowly gliding down the river. Onboard, actors reenacted the stories of the first hunters who fought the Aberrations. The boat, decorated with symbols to ward off evil, was a nod to the old days when every detail mattered.
This was the part of the Feast Jae-woo had been looking forward to. Despite his earlier complaints, he couldn't help but feel excited.
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"Look," he whispered, tugging on Ethan's sleeve, his voice filled with anticipation. "They're performing 'The Chronicles of Rowan'! I like him a lot, you know?"
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Rowan was a celebrated hunter from the Great Breach era, famous for defeating countless Aberrations. And currently, those actors on the boat were telling his story with precision and passion, especially the man with the snowy white wig—performing as Rowan. Fireworks exploded overhead, adding to the spectacle. Jae-woo was totally absorbed in the performance.
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Rowan was a celebrated hunter from the Great Breach era, famous for defeating countless Aberrations. And currently, those actors on the boat were telling his story with precision and passion, especially the man with the snowy white wig—performing as Rowan. Fireworks exploded overhead, adding to the spectacle. Jae-woo was totally absorbed in the performance.
What Jae-woo didn't notice was how Ethan's mood had shifted and how the man's smile had turned from warm to distant. Jae-woo also didn't realize that the Feast only honored the official hunters, never the rogue ones who chose follow the Hunter Association. This very small detail had vaguely showed the tip of the iceberg—the discrimination between two groups.
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What Jae-woo didn't notice was how Ethan's mood had shifted and how the man's smile had turned from warm to distant. Jae-woo also didn't realize that the Feast only honored the official hunters, never the rogue ones who chose follow the Hunter Association. This very small detail had vaguely showed the tip of the iceberg—the discrimination between two groups.
Caught up in the lively scene, Jae-woo completely missed the shift in Ethan's mood and the quiet tension brewing between them.
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"Hey, Boss, Ethan!" Beth's voice cut through the noise, drawing the two men's attention. "Let's go eat! The feast is ready—Ouch! Why'd you hit me?"
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She pouted and glared at Gordon, who had just tapped her on the head. Gordon rolled his eyes. "It was hardly a hit. Stop being so dramatic. Besides, you could've just texted them instead of shouting."
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Seeing the brewing argument, the rest of the team jumped right in to prevent an all-out battle. Jae-woo chuckled softly at the chaos afar and then turned to Ethan. "We'd better head back before they turn this festival into a full-blown war zone, yeah?"
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All of sudden, everything around Jae-woo shifted dramatically. He glanced down and saw that he was no longer wearing the elegant attire—but in a tattered, bloodstained combat uniform. His hands were smeared with blood, and the sight made his stomach churn.
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Then, Ethan's harsh and mocking laugh pierced the air, drawing Jae-woo's attention. His heart sank as he took in the horrifying sight of their teammates strewing lifelessly across the ground. The scene was terrifyingly vivid: Beth's hollow eyes stared at him, her flesh twisted in unnatural ways. Gordon's form was sprawled at Jae-woo's feet, torn apart and barely recognizable. The rest bore the same fates, some even worse.
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Then, Ethan's harsh and mocking laugh pierced the air, drawing Jae-woo's attention. His heart sank as he took in the horrifying sight of their teammates strewing lifelessly across the ground. The scene was terrifyingly vivid: Beth's hollow eyes stared at him, her flesh twisted in unnatural ways. Gordon's form was sprawled at Jae-woo's feet, torn apart and barely recognizable. The rest bore the same fates, some even worse.
No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.
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No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.
Jae-woo jerked up on bed, his heart pounding and his palms sweaty. The cold air on his skin was a harsh contrast to the searing heat of the memory. He struggled to control his breathing, his eyes darting around the dark room, desperately searching for something to ground him.
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Even years later, those memories had a knack for resurfacing at the worst possible moments, never letting him find any real peace. As Jae-woo sat on the edge of his bed, struggling to steady his breathing, his mind kept drifting back to Ethan—once a trusted friend, once the love of his life, who had turned out to be a traitor. No, Ethan had planned everything from the start. Just thinking about him was enough to make Jae-woo's blood boil and his heart ache.
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Even years later, those memories had a knack for resurfacing at the worst possible moments, never letting him find any real peace. As Jae-woo sat on the edge of his bed, struggling to steady his breathing, his mind kept drifting back to Ethan—once a trusted friend, once the love of his life, who had turned out to be a traitor. No, Ethan had planned everything from the start. Just thinking about him was enough to make Jae-woo's blood boil and his heart ache.
He got up and moved to the window, gripping the frame tightly. The cool breeze against his face was a small comfort, easing the pounding in his chest. Despite his best efforts to calm himself, the panic inside him was relentless and impossible to ignore.
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The pain was as raw and excruciating as it had been all those years ago, and it had been relentless, turning a former elite hunter into a trembling mess. Jae-woo's body shook, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he hunched over the window counter, making the muscular look so small and weak.
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"Stop...," he whispered, his voice cracking, almost like he was choking on his own breath. "Please, just stop... Please..."
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"Please... Please... Please... I'm begging you... Why couldn't I just... Why couldn't this pain go away...?" he pleaded—to whatever being that still had left a bit of mercy. His eyes burnt, yet no tear coming out.
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However, the knock on the door pulled Jae-woo abruptly out of his chaotic thoughts. For a second, his heart raced even faster, confusion and surprise mixing with the already present panic.
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It didn't take him long to figure out who was knocking. The powerful S-rank aura radiating from the other side could only belong to one person—Minhoo.
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The man's presence was too coincidental. But Jae-woo was too tangled up in his own mental mess to care about the timing. With a resigned sigh, he shuffled to the door and opened it, bracing himself for whatever fresh chaos Minhoo might bring. The hallway light spilled into the room, illuminating Minhoo's impassive face.
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The man's presence was too coincidental. But Jae-woo was too tangled up in his own mental mess to care about the timing. With a resigned sigh, he shuffled to the door and opened it, bracing himself for whatever fresh chaos Minhoo might bring. The hallway light spilled into the room, illuminating Minhoo's impassive face.
Minhoo's gaze was as unreadable as ever, but he could easily sense the panic simmering beneath Jae-woo's carefully maintained facade. Still, he chose not to comment on it.
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"I thought you'd be better than this," Minhoo said abruptly, as if he had just come up with the most brilliant observation. "Who would have guessed that the once-legendary S-rank hunter would one day end up leading seven out of eleven members of his entire team to their deaths?"
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As Minhoo's taunts sunk in, the old guilt, anger, and pain that he'd buried so carefully flared up again. The blow hit hard and fast. It was as if all his buried grief was coming back to suffocate him, making it hard to breathe or think clearly.
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Jae-woo struggled to keep his composure, but it was like trying to hold back a tidal wave with a leaky bucket. Minhoo's jabs about his failed mission, the deaths of his team, and Ethan's betrayal sliced through him like a hot knife through butter.
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His expression hardened, and his eyes narrowed as memories surged back. "You...," he growled, his voice barely holding back the anger bubbling underneath. "What exactly are you trying to pull here?"
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Jae-woo's jaw was so clenched that veins stood out on his neck. "You don't have a clue what you're talking about," he said, his voice rough and strained.
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The two of them stood facing each other with the door between them. Minhoo was outside, the flickering hallway lights casting an unsettling glow on him, while Jae-woo remained inside his apartment, swallowed by darkness.
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"Don't I?" Minhoo said in his usual monotone, tilting his head slightly. His gaze bored into Jae-woo's with a mix of boredom and disdain. "Do you really think no one would ever find out about your little disaster in the last dungeon raid?"
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Minhoo knew exactly what he was doing. The reaction he was provoking was exactly what he intended. He kept pressing, clearly enjoying the turmoil he was causing.
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The comment struck a nerve. Under Minhoo's relentless stare, Jae-woo felt exposed and vulnerable, as if all his failures were on display. His fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.
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"You don't understand..." Jae-woo's voice came out rough and strained. "You don't know what it was like... what really happened..."
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The flood of memories—screams, pain, chaos—threatened to drown him. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to shove them away, but the harder he tried, the more vivid they became.
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"Does it even matter?" Minhoo's voice was cold and indifferent. "Your leadership led to the deaths of valuable hunters, each with their own families and friends. It's still your fault, isn't it?"
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Minhoo's blunt words felt like a slap in the face, tearing down Jae-woo's carefully constructed facade of indifference. His heart raced, and his breathing grew uneven.
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With every cruel remark, Minhoo was dismantling the wall Jae-woo had built around himself, leaving him feeling exposed and powerless. He tried to respond, but his words failed him.
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"Everyday you try to bury your guilt, living as if you had no care in the world. But you can't run from the reality forever, senior," The white-haired man stated, as emotionless as a translating program reading something word by word. "The Feast of The Breached Blue, hm? You do know how to choose a date."
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"Everyday you try to bury your guilt, living as if you had no care in the world. But you can't run from the reality forever, senior," The white-haired man stated, as emotionless as a translating program reading something word by word. "The Feast of The Breached Blue, hm? You do know how to choose a date."
