Back on Earth, Go Byeonggap immediately scanned his surroundings for any sign of monsters. But in the endless crowd, picking one out was no easy task.

He grunted in frustration for a few seconds, then decided to head home first. Truth was, since the moment the monster wave broke out, he hadn’t been able to shake the worry about his mom.

He hoisted the unconscious woman onto his back and stepped out onto the street. Deliberately, he found a soldier and handed her over. With what had just happened, he couldn’t trust the Illumission vigilantes.

Truth be told, the soldiers weren’t exactly above suspicion either.

“Did the monster wave only break out here?”

Go Byeonggap asked as he handed the woman off. The private on the receiving end looked like he hadn’t even understood the question.

“Uh, well, I… we’re, ah, still assessing…”

“Forget it. Keep up the good work.”

Go Byeonggap turned and hurried off.

‘Please, let nothing have happened. Please.’

He forced the anxiety down and pushed his legs forward, leaping over buildings and sprinting toward home. By some miracle, there was no sign of chaos near his house.

He punched in the door lock code and yanked the front door open. His mother, Park Yeongok, was pacing the living room, her face tight with worry.

“My son! …Oh, son?”

Park Yeongok’s face went white. It was because of the blood smeared across Go Byeonggap’s clothes in patches.

He explained quickly, before she could faint.

“Mom, it’s okay! This isn’t my blood!”

“Not yours?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Not a scratch.”

“Oh, thank god…”

Park Yeongok’s legs gave out and she collapsed to the floor. Go Byeonggap rushed over and caught her.

“Son, why weren’t you answering your phone? …Your mother was so worried when she got the disaster alert…”

“A call?”

Go Byeonggap checked his phone. Over a dozen missed calls glared back at him. He’d been so out of it he hadn’t even thought to check.

“Sorry, it was on silent. I didn’t see them.”

“Well, thank goodness you’re safe. Oh, thank God, thank Buddha, thank every deity out there.”

Byeonggap settled his mother onto the sofa, then went to wash up. The water hammered down from the showerhead, and his thoughts sank into themselves.

‘Jirisan last time… and now this. Monster waves are only going to happen more often. I’ll be away from home more and more. And then I can’t take care of Mom.’

It wasn’t just monsters he had to watch out for anymore. People couldn’t be trusted blindly either. Byeonggap steeled his resolve.

‘I have to tell her everything. And keep her in Asvillam — at least until the threat is gone.’

He stepped out of the bathroom, towel-drying his hair. Park Yeongok was still trying to calm her racing heart.

Byeonggap slipped quietly onto the sofa beside her.

Park Yeongok spoke as if she’d been waiting.

“Byeonggap, I don’t know what kind of work you do since you never tell me, but please stay home for a while. The world out there is terrifying these days.”

“Mom, actually… there’s something I need to talk to you about that.”

“Talk? Yes, go ahead.”

“Ahem.”

He cleared his throat.

“What’s with all the throat-clearing? You’re making me nervous.”

“Mom… I’m a hunter.”

“…What?”

The story began four years ago.

Why he became a hunter. How he’d lived as one.

Then — what happened to him last summer, how it changed his life, and how he lived now.

Go Byeonggap laid it all out, holding nothing back.

At first, Park Yeongok nearly had a fit. It wasn’t unreasonable. She knew better than anyone that her husband — Byeonggap’s father — had lived and died as a porter, gone too soon and too meaninglessly.

But as Byeonggap’s story unfolded, her expression softened. By the end, a subtle sadness settled over her face.

“…So you’re telling me to go live in that place with the goblins? That… world? With those little green guys?”

“Yeah. They’re trustworthy. They might look a little off-putting at first, but once you get to know them, they’re all the real deal.”

“It’s… a little hard to believe. But my son wouldn’t lie to me.”

Byeonggap squeezed his mother’s hand tight.

“Mom, I can’t tell you everything, but something dangerous is coming. I want you to stay in Asvillam. That way I can fight — no, work — with a clear mind.”

Park Yeongok was quiet for a long moment. Go Byeonggap waited patiently, and before long, his mother spoke.

“Alright. Let’s do it that way.”

“Yeah. I’ll pack right now.”

Go Byeonggap gathered his things in short order. Not that there was much — just a few changes of clothes for his mother.

Once he was ready, he used his ability in front of her for the first time. As the gate to Asvillam opened, Park Yeongok couldn’t hide her shock.

“Wha— That’s amazing. Your father couldn’t do anything like this.”

‘That’s because Dad was just an ordinary F-rank awakener.’

He didn’t bother saying it out loud.

“Let’s go.”

Instead, he took his mother’s hand and stepped slowly through the gate.

* * *

Every goblin in Baltadren except the sentries had gathered in the central square. They stared up at the dais with round, startled eyes.

«You dummy, you’re late.»

«Sorry, I had a few things left to tidy up and finish. More importantly, all the goblins are here.»

Ea tilted her head, looking at the dais.

«Doran’s Lord is here too. But who’s that woman next to him? I’ve never seen her before.»

«They say it’s the Lord’s mother.»

«His mother? Oh… now that you mention it, I think I see a resemblance. I have a pretty sharp eye for these things, you know.»

«Sigh, just come over here and stand.»

Doran let out a small sigh and tugged Ea over. Just then, Go Byeonggap spoke.

«Everyone eaten?»

«Yes! We have eaten!»

The goblins answered in unison. The booming voices made Park Yeongok flinch.

«Everyone see her?»

«Yes!»

«This is my mother, Madam Park Yeongok. She’ll be living here from now on.»

Go Byeonggap hesitated for a second, then spoke briefly.

«Take good care of her. Got it?»

«Yes!»

«We will serve her with all our devotion!»

«Good. Now get back to work.»

The gathered goblins dispersed quickly. Only a few executives remained in the square. They climbed the dais in unison and offered their greetings.

«Your Majesty the Queen Dowager, we have heard much about you from the Lord. I am Dorma.»

«I am Kiriyan. It is an honor to meet you.»

«Hello! I’m Doran!»

«I am Turka. I am glad to see you have recovered.»

«I am Bamond. If there is anything you find uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to tell us.»

The executives bowed their heads in greeting. Park Yeongok just blinked her mouth open and shut, not understanding a word.

“Ah, son. What are they saying?”

“Just introducing themselves and saying hello. They all said they’ll take good care of you.”

“Oh, hello. I’m Byeonggap’s mother. I hear my son has been putting you all out… Anyway, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Mom, it doesn’t matter if you speak Korean — they can’t understand you anyway.”

As Go Byeonggap said, the goblins all wore bewildered expressions.

“Oh my, what do we do then? You need to translate for me quickly.”

«Ah! So the Queen Dowager can’t speak this language?»

Ea popped out from behind Turka. Park Yeongok startled at the sight of her—no surprise, really, like watching a living mannequin come to life.

«Ea, you’re here too. Yeah, you’re right. My mom can’t speak this side’s language.»

«Shall I help? You know I’ve got a knack for this sort of thing.»

Go Byeonggap opened his mouth to answer on reflex, then swallowed the words. He shook his head.

«No, you’ve been using way too much of your power lately. Last time, after wiping that harpy’s memory, you were groaning for half a day.»

«Ah, it’s fine. It’s not just anyone—it’s your mother. Besides, if we’re all going to live together, won’t it be a hassle if we can’t talk?»

«That’s true… I just don’t want you overdoing it.»

«I appreciate the concern. But I can still handle it. I’m tougher than I look. And you have no idea how happy I’ve been these past few days since you called your kin. Don’t you understand I want to repay that somehow? I know gratitude, and I know shame.»

«Hoo… then, I’ll leave it to you.»

«Yes!»

Ea bounced up and took Park Yeongok’s hands in hers.

“Ah, son. Who is this young lady? Is she a girl you’re seeing?”

“What are you talking about? She’s just a dear friend.”

«Hehe, this will just take a moment.»

Ea exerted her power. The same procedure she’d done for Go Byeonggap before. A soft light bloomed from their clasped hands, then faded as it was absorbed into Park Yeongok.

When the ritual ended, Ea staggered, dizzy. Doran quickly steadied her.

«Ehehe… it’s done. A bit tiring, as expected.»

«Oh my, oh my!? What’s happening?»

Park Yeongok was stunned.

Go Byeonggap explained the whole story to his mother.

They exchanged greetings and introductions again. The goblins begged Park Yeongok to speak comfortably with them, but she adamantly refused.

Go Byeonggap guided his mother to the house. It was originally his personal quarters, but he’d renovated it a bit for this.

A handsome two-story log house. A large vegetable garden in the yard, and even a dog. Straight out of a country cottage dream.

Thankfully, Park Yeongok was more than satisfied.

“Son! This is amazing! I feel like I’m dreaming.”

“Glad to hear it. But there’ll probably be inconveniences here and there. It’s still backward compared to Earth, after all.”

“Mmm-hmm, you know I’ve always longed for country life. This is exactly the picture I had in mind.”

“If Mom likes it, then I like it too. If you’re curious or need anything, just grab anyone and ask. They’ll all be happy to help.”

«Euh-heung! Got it.»

Park Yeongok hummed a tune, clearly in good spirits. Go Byeonggap chuckled softly seeing his mother as bright-eyed as a child.

“By the way, now that you’ve seen the goblins for real, aren’t they a bit scary?”

“Hmm, at first I felt that way, but they all have gentle faces and good manners—they’re all right, aren’t they? I don’t know how you became their boss, but they all seem to like you.”

“They’d die for me, that’s for sure.”

“Speaking of, I saw a cute young lady earlier… Was her name Doran?”

“Yeah, that’s Doran. Why do you ask?”

“No reason. Just thought she was cute.”

She smiled meaningfully. Go Byeonggap let out a long sigh.

“…Mom, don’t get any weird ideas.”

“Oh please, what did I even say?”

“Anyway, get some rest. I’m going to go take care of some work.”

“Okay, son. Make sure you stay safe.”

“Don’t worry.”

Go Byeonggap turned and headed toward the fortress wall.

The faint smile that had spread across his face hardened into stone. What he was about to do next was something he could never let his mother see.

He stepped into a chamber built inside the wall. A man with his limbs torn and twisted, bound tightly in iron chains, was sobbing.

Orka was standing guard before him.

«My Lord, you have arrived.»

«So you’re here instead of Turka.»

«Yes, we just switched shifts a while ago.»

«Ah, is that so?»

Go Byeonggap shot the man a piercing glare.

«Nothing unusual happened?»

«Nothing since I took over. But Turka said he kept screeching and yelling, so he slapped him a few times.»

He looked at the man again. Now he could see the dried blood crusted around his nose.

«Good, nice and quiet now. When you see Turka later, tell him I said well done.»

«I understand.»

Go Byeonggap dragged a chair over from nearby and sat down.

The man wasn’t in his right mind. He only barely responded after Go Byeonggap called out to him more than a dozen times.

“H-huh…?”

“Finally responding, huh.”

“P-please spare me! Please spare me! Hyung, please let me go! I’m sorry. I messed up!”

“I’ll think about whether to spare you or not… first, let me ask you a few things.”

“Yes! Yes! Ask me anything!”

The man was being cooperative. Go Byeonggap lit a cigarette and put it between his lips.

“Illumission—and what you bastards are planning—tell me everything. If I catch you rolling your eyes or dodging the question, well, you’ll have to deal with the consequences.”

“…”

The man’s lips quivered. At the same time, Go Byeonggap’s eyebrow twitched. He stood up.

“This guy, even with a warning…”

“Hyungnim, no! Please, hear me out! I-I’m just a low-level grunt—I don’t know anything! I just….”

“Just what?”

The man’s face twisted with anguish and pain. He bit his lip hard, then spoke as if steeled by resolve.

“I… I heard that soon Korea will be devoured by monsters, just like Argentina. When that happens, I was ordered to join forces with the monsters to purge the nonbelievers.”

“Nonbelievers?”

“Th-they mean people who haven’t joined the Hexagram Order.”

“So kill all civilians? You’re shitting me.”

“Yes. They said the Korean Peninsula must have not a single nonbeliever left… I-I only know this much! I swear!”

“This bunch is fucking insane.”

Go Byeonggap chewed the thought over. Then a spark hit him, and he asked.

“Now that I think of it, that Kkeokchi didn’t touch you. How’d you pull that off? I’ve never heard of a monster picking and choosing who to kill.”

“It’s—it’s thanks to a Symbol I was issued recently.”

The man lifted his broken hand with effort. Go Byeonggap’s eyes locked onto the left ring finger.

A hexagonal ring made of amethyst.

‘That’s the pendant Hexagram Order members carry around.’

It looked like an ordinary luxury item. Go Byeonggap stepped closer and pulled the ring off.

Then he examined it closely.

‘Just a normal ring—Hah!’

“Hrk!?”

Go Byeonggap flinched and hurled the ring away. A cold bead of sweat trickled down his forehead.

‘Th-this is Madmut’s energy.’

He had never met Madmut himself. But deep in his mind, etched into Landriol’s memories, he could glimpse the bastard’s trace.

Put simply, an instinctive revulsion surged through him.

Suppressing the unease, Go Byeonggap picked the ring back up.

“So with this, monsters won’t attack you?”

“Y-yes! I heard they’ll steer clear as long as you don’t strike first.”

“Hell of an item. You can turn monsters into wallpaper.”

“Th-that’s right! I’ll give it to you, Hyungnim! Take it! There are so few that even within the guild, only a handful have one.”

“How’d a rare thing like that end up with you? Weren’t you a grunt?”

“Ah… I’m in supply logistics, so I swiped one on the sly. Heh heh.”

The man gave an awkward laugh. With his face a mess of tears, snot, and blood, the sight was grotesque.

“Hmph. If you’re offering, I’ll take it gratefully.”

Go Byeonggap slipped the ring into his pocket. The man’s face brightened.

“Then… you’re sparing me?”

“Yeah, I won’t kill you.”

“Th-thank you so—! Huh? What did you just say?”

«Orka, wrap this bastard in a few more chains and toss him into the forest.»

«Yes!»

“W-what are you saying? Huh? W-what!? Don’t come closer! Aaaagh!”

“You should’ve thought about the possibility of being monster chow when you threw someone else in.”

“Hey, you son of a bitch! I told you everything! Save me, I’m begging you!”

“If you’re still alive by dawn tomorrow, I’ll reconsider.”

Go Byeonggap turned away, cold as stone.

And the next morning. Not even the man’s white bones could be found in the forest.