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Chapter 12 - Chapter 1: The Return from the Dungeon

Rai (telepathy): Mina... I'm coming. Just like I promised.

Rai stepped out of the dungeon. The wind hit his face—his first real breath of fresh air in two years.

Mina (suddenly hearing his voice): "Papa! Hurry! Come with me! The A-rank dungeon gate... it's opening!"

General Baren (confused): "What's going on, Mina? Why are you so—wait… Are you saying… this reminds you of Rai?"

Mina: "Not reminds. I know. He's coming back."

Baren: "But Mina… Rai died in that dungeon. It's been two years! What are you saying?"

Mina: "Just shut up and come with me!"

Baren: "Fine. I'll grab the jeep!"

They raced through the woods toward the sealed dungeon. The moment they reached the gate, guards were shouting in panic.

Guard: "The gate—it's opening!! That's impossible!!"

Baren: "What the hell is going on?!"

Mina (to guard): "Move. I don't need protection. I know who's coming."

Baren: "You lied to me, Mina?! You said he was dead!"

Mina: "I had to... I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up."

Baren (angrily): "No one survives inside a dungeon for two years!"

The gate slowly creaked open. Thick smoke spilled out. Footsteps echoed inside the mist.

Baren: "Who's that? I can't see—"

Mina (whispers): "That mana flow… it's him."

Baren (squinting): "Wait… that aura… it's too strong. You can't be Rai. His flow is different. You're just one level below me—how can that be Rai?"

Rai (stepping out, smiling): "Uncle... even your sense ability still hasn't dulled. But only family can read me this clearly."

Baren: "If you are Rai... then how the hell did you become this strong?!"

Rai (grinning): "Let's just say… I spent some quality time in the king's chamber of the A-Rank dungeon."

Baren (growls): "Drop that disgusting weapon. Why does your mana feel so heavy?!"

Mina: "Stay back, Uncle!"

Baren (already in stance): "Too late."

Baren charged without warning.

Rai (dodging): "Ouch! That hurt, old man!"

Baren: "Stop calling me old man! Fight properly!"

Rai (laughs): "You're still terrible at controlling your left side!"

Baren (swinging again): "Shut up and fight me seriously!"

Mist cleared as the crowd around the gate gasped, finally able to see Rai's face clearly.

Baren (shocked, lowers his sword): "...It is you."

Mina (running): "Rai!!!"

She didn't stop. She ran straight into him and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

And then... she kissed him.

Baren (shouting): "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING IN FRONT OF ME?! Am I invisible now?! You want me to carry you both on my back next?!"

Rai: "Hehe... sorry, Uncle. Got carried away."

Random soldier: "General's daughter just—what the hell is happening?!"

Mina (eyes full of tears): "You idiot... you actually came back..."

Rai (holding her): "Of course I did. I promised you, didn't I?"

Chapter end 🔚

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