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 🔚