Chapter 6
Junhyeok’s lips curled into a warm smile as he looked at his siblings.
“Hey. Stop crying.”
At Junhyeok’s words, Euncheol quickly stifled his tears.
Sniff. “I-I’m not crying. Sniff, sniff.”
Junhyeok affectionately patted both their heads—Euncheol, sniffling while wiping his face, and Eunjeong, who clung to his sleeve with her head bowed.
“You must’ve been really worried. I’m sorry.”
After apologizing, Junhyeok turned to his sister.
“Eunjeong.”
“Yes?”
“I need to discuss work with this gentleman. Take Euncheol inside for a while.”
Nodding, Eunjeong grasped Euncheol’s hand.
“Okay… Euncheol, come here.”
“Yeah!”
Euncheol’s voice rang with newfound vigor, his relief palpable now that Junhyeok had returned.
As the siblings retreated into the office, the boss chuckled.
“Heh, adorable kids. The little one just started elementary school?”
“Yes.”
“Tch, now I see why you overwork yourself. But still—no more all-nighters in danger zones. If you die, what happens to them? This world’s too cruel for kids without guardians.”
Junhyeok nodded solemnly.
“Haha, I’ll be more careful. So, what’s your offer? The TV alone should be worth a fortune.”
The boss stroked his chin.
“Hmm, it’s certainly pricier than the rest. In this condition? I could flip it to some wealthy buyer.”
“Then name your price. It’s a 98-inch behemoth—cost nearly 20 million won before the Cataclysm.”
The boss snorted.
“Twenty million? Don’t embarrass yourself. It’s secondhand, practically stolen goods. Six million total.”
“Six? You’re joking. Functional electronics are rare these days.”
“And luxury buyers are rarer. With food prices skyrocketing, people hoard cash. A year ago? Maybe eight million. Now? Impossible. Fine—650K. Final offer.”
In this inflation-ravaged world, priorities narrowed to food, clothing, and shelter. Non-essentials like TVs fell to the bottom.
Junhyeok sighed.
“Fine. Deal.”
The boss grinned.
“Smart move. Most ‘hyenas’ barely scrape together a million nowadays—some don’t even clear 100K. You hit the jackpot.”
“Surviving a monster-infested night ought to pay well,” Junhyeok retorted. “See it yourself, and you’d call this a bargain.”
“Ugh, spare me. Thought you’d push for seven mil.”
(He’d expected Junhyeok to haggle harder. The sudden compliance puzzled him.)
“Times are tough, like you said… Wait, offering more?” Junhyeok teased.
(Truthfully, Awakening Stones and Skill Cards would yield far greater profits than squabbling over pennies.)
The boss scowled.
“What nonsense! No take-backs! Unload the truck—I’ll fetch the cash.”
“Haha, sure.”
As the boss left, Junhyeok smirked and began unloading.
After returning home, Junhyeok immediately called the school. His siblings had skipped class waiting for him—he owed their teacher an apology.
“Haha, yes. Family emergency. My apologies for the late notice… They’ll attend tomorrow…” Hanging up, he turned to them.
“Sorted with your teacher. Rest today—but no more skipping school, understood?”
Euncheol bounced excitedly. “Woah! No school?! Hyung, you’re the best!”
“Geez, that thrilled?”
“Hehe.”
Junhyeok ruffled his brother’s hair, his smile bittersweet.
‘When I first woke after regressing… I thought it a dream.’
Months of grief after learning his siblings died en route to visit him in prison had twisted him into a villain. Now, alive before him—he’d protect them with his life.
“Lunch? Let’s order in.”
Euncheol shot his hand up. “Jajangmyeon!”
“Haha, okay. Eunjeong?”
“I’ll… too.”
“Jajangmyeon, jjampong, and tangsuyuk it is.”
After ordering, Junhyeok retreated to his room.
Trrring!
After several rings, Cheolmin’s voice crackled through.
“Yo! Junhyeok! What’s up?”
“Yo! Cheolmin. No hunt today? Let’s grab drinks—my treat.”
(Cheolmin—Junhyeok’s only close friend—had also lost everything in the Cataclysm. A year ago, he’d Awakened as a common Warrior-class Dealer, scraping by while secretly aiding Junhyeok’s struggling family.)
“Drinks? Hell yeah! Where?”
“Usual spot. 7 PM.”
“See ya.”
Hanging up, Junhyeok sighed.
“The kids are safe… but Cheolmin’s the urgent one now.”
In two days, Cheolmin would die during a hunt—his party annihilated by a rogue monster. This time, Junhyeok would intervene.
‘If an extra Tanker handles the second monster, they survive.’
Preventing the hunt was impossible—Cheolmin’s loyal party never skipped missions. Infiltrating as a Tanker was the solution.
(As a registered Tanker, Junhyeok could lead parties—and copy their skills. A dual purpose: save Cheolmin and empower himself.)
