Chapter 11
Returning home, Junhyuk first transferred the items from the truck's hidden vault into subspace. After securing everything, he stepped into his house.
The six-story villa had its elderly owner residing on the top floor - a remarkably kindhearted grandmother.
Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beeeep!
As Junhyuk input the doorlock code and opened the door,
"Hyung's home! Hyung!"
The youngest, Euncheol, came scampering toward Junhyuk.
Close behind, the middle sibling Eunjeong approached with a tense expression, carefully watching his reaction.
"You... you're back."
Junhyuk's face momentarily tightened at Eunjeong's formal address but soon relaxed into a warm smile.
"Haha, yeah. Any trouble at school?"
"Trouble? Oh! Teacher said hyung needs to come!"
At Euncheol's abrupt declaration, Junhyuk blinked in confusion.
"To school? Why?"
"Umm... I forgot!"
When Euncheol proudly confessed, Junhyuk sighed and turned to Eunjeong.
"Eunjeong-ah. Do you know what this is about?"
"W-well... It's... p-parent-teacher... conferences..."
Junhyuk's eyes flew to the calendar with realization.
"Conferences? Ah! It is that time of year. My mind's been elsewhere lately. When's the deadline?"
"They... they said they'll schedule via phone call... Probably next week."
Eunjeong kept glancing at Junhyuk while speaking. Though only a third-grader, life's circumstances had forced her to mature quickly. She understood these meetings involved more than just student evaluations - hidden implications lingered beneath.
Recognizing her concern, Junhyuk gently ruffled her hair.
"Got it. I'll call the teacher and handle it. You two focus on studying like always. Oh! I brought samgyeopsal to celebrate today!"
Euncheol immediately started bouncing behind them.
"Samgyeopsal! Yay!"
"Go start prepping the grill. I need to visit Grandma upstairs first."
"Okay!"
"Uh-huh!"
After handing Eunjeong one package, Junhyuk exited with the remaining meat.
"Wonder if she's home..."
He'd bought extra portions for their landlord while shopping - a warm-hearted woman who often cared for his siblings during his work absences. Junhyuk regularly showed gratitude through small gifts, though today's was more substantial.
Ding-dong!
The fourth-floor doorbell echoed.
After a moment:
"Who's ringing at this hou- H-hyungnim!"
A baby-faced youth scowlingly opened the door before bowing sharply at the waist.
"You honor us with your presence!"
Junhyuk massaged his temples at the gangster-movie bow.
"Enough dramatics. People will think I'm mobbed up. Is Grandma in?"
The boy nodded vigorously.
"Yes! Inside!"
A voice carried from within:
"Changsoo-ya, who's here?"
"Junhyuk Hyungnim!"
A silver-haired grandmother in an apron appeared, likely interrupted during meal prep.
"Junhyuk-ssi?"
Junhyuk bowed slightly.
"Good afternoon. I came to pay the overdue rent. My apologies."
He produced an envelope. The grandmother accepted it kindly.
"No rush, dear."
"Forgive me - you only charge half-rate, yet I still delay. And this..."
He offered the meat package.
"What's this now?"
"Bought some samgyeopsal for the kids and thought you'd enjoy some too."
"Aigoo, spoil those children instead!"
"Plenty for all. Everything else alright?"
The grandmother side-eyed Changsoo.
"Unless you count this rascal skipping studies to play 'Porter' games."
Changsoo bristled.
"It's not games! I'm studying Hunter combat tactics! Who needs college when Awakened rule the world? You don't understand anything!"
The grandmother clicked her tongue.
"Foolish boy! You think Awakening's guaranteed? Past eighteen, natural awakening's near impossible! And we can't afford those pricey Awakening Stones!"
"But lots awaken at nineteen! Hunters get rich! Cool! Girls only want Hunters now!"
"Ya! Should I die without great-grandchildren?"
"Junhyuk-ssi, talk sense into him! He respects you!"
Junhyuk adopted a stern look.
"Changsoo. That tone with your grandmother? She worries for your future."
The rebellious teen immediately bowed.
"Yes, Hyungnim!"
To Changsoo, Junhyuk was legendary - a former delinquent king whose exploits were mythologized across local schools. After discovering they were neighbors, the teen developed near-religious devotion.
Junhyuk continued gently:
"Preparing for Awakening isn't wrong. But what if it never comes? You'll need real skills. Study or learn a trade as backup."
"Your wisdom lights my path, Hyungnim!"
"Just think it through."
Junhyuk knew Changsoo's destiny - no natural Awakening. But he planned to use a looted Dealer Stone on the loyal youth. Having endured cutthroat villain alliances, he needed at least one trustworthy party member.
The grandmother sighed.
"Hopeless... How's work? Heard the Hyena jobs are drying up?"
Junhyuk smiled mysteriously.
"Actually... I just Awakened."
Silence fell.
"Awakened? Truly?"
"By some miracle. Gave up hope after twenty."
The grandmother clasped her hands.
"A blessing! What class?"
"Tanker."
Changsoo gaped.
"T-Tanker? The noble class! Expected of Hyungnim!"
"Enough fuss-"
"Nonsense! Bring the children up! We feast tonight!"
Unable to refuse, Junhyuk retrieved his siblings. Laughter soon filled the grandmother's unit with sizzling meat and celebration.
