Chapter 13 – I Received 500 Million Won

I received a 500 million won bounty.

It might not be a lot of money to the rich, but to me, it was a sum so large my hands trembled.

I wondered where to spend the lottery win—no, the reward money—and decided to first find a house where I could stretch my legs and sleep properly.

I was tired of living in a rented room, and it felt a bit strange living all cramped up with Katrinne in such a small place.

Come to think of it, that’s right.

I first met Katrinne ten years ago. Back then, she was just a little kid, not even in elementary school yet.

But now, ten years have passed, and she’s eighteen.

She still looks like a kid in my eyes, but I thought she should at least have her own room.

It’s a sensitive age, after all.

No, thinking like this makes me feel like I’m some kind of dad.

I don’t even have a girlfriend, let alone being married.

Actually, the most urgent thing is equipment. No matter how good I am at personal combat, there’s a limit to what I can do bare-handed.

Think about it. Even if I’m good at hammering nails, using a proper hammer is much more efficient than using a rock.

It’s more comfortable, too.

Anyway, you can’t ignore the power of good gear. But this damn equipment is incredibly expensive.

Regular steel weapons are cheap, of course. You can even get them custom-made if you commission them for Hunter use.

But the moment you mix in something like titanium, the price skyrockets.

On top of that, magic components—that is, weapons activated by magic stones—are ridiculously expensive.

So, Aether Weapons are expensive to begin with because magic stones are their basic material, and they’re even more expensive due to the special mixed extraction process.

Plus, the higher the grade and purity of the magic stone, the more the price climbs, seemingly without limit.

Which means I can’t afford them.

‘Well, if I join a guild, I’ll get a signing bonus. I can just buy it then.’

For now, I can just buy and use some low-grade items.

Besides, I still have the two-handed sword that our dear Orc Champion gifted me on my last hunt.

Anyway, I stopped by a real estate agency.

It wasn’t enough to buy a great house, but I decided to purchase a place spacious enough for the two of us for 300 million won.

But there’s something I’m not happy about.

“You’re getting a great house for a real bargain, young man. This price is a steal, an absolute steal.”

“But… by any chance, do you not recognize me?”

“Huh? Have you been to our office before?”

“No.”

“Oh, I’m getting old, so I’ve been a bit forgetful lately. Ohoho.”

Of course, she wouldn’t know me; we just met today.

The strange thing is, it’s too quiet.

I awakened, took down a notorious villain, and even set a record for possessing the country’s largest inventory.

Despite all these newsworthy events, it was strangely quiet.

I thought all of South Korea would be buzzing with articles about me.

‘I guess catching a single wanted criminal isn’t enough to make you famous overnight.’

On my way back from signing the contract at the real estate agency, I searched my name on a portal site on my phone.

-Lee Hyunbin

The only results were articles about a celebrity with the same name admitting to a relationship.

-Anyang Amusement Park Dungeon

There was only news that the vicious villain, the Company Man, had been captured by a Hunter who entered the Anyang Amusement Park Dungeon.

My name wasn’t mentioned; it just said a “Hunter in his 30s.”

Then why the hell did those reporters ask for my name? What a bunch of useless hacks.

It’s a bit disappointing, but there’s no need to dwell on it. It’s only a matter of time before I become famous anyway.

After all, even the Tushin Guild tried to scout me.

If it becomes known that I’m a Dual Awakened, my value will skyrocket even more.

No. Since I’m starting over, I should aim for the top.

I was the strongest in that other world where I knew nothing. If I’m going to do this, I should set my sights as high as possible.

‘Should I order something for Karin to eat? It’s been a while.’

Since she watches the news, she must know I got the reward money.

She’ll obviously demand I offer her food immediately. That cheeky brat.

Just because she took care of my food, clothing, and shelter and supported me with some damn equipment back in the other world, she acts like she’s entitled to live in luxury.

‘She liked sweet and sour pork and jajangmyeon before, so I should just order that, right?’

She lived as a lord in the other world and must have eaten all sorts of delicacies, so seeing her slurp up mere noodle dishes feels a bit pitiful.

Regardless of the outcome, it’s my fault she was dragged into the modern world.

Well, I got a lot of reward money, and my income will increase in the future, so I shouldn’t sweat the small stuff.

When I entered the old rented room, I saw Katrinne playing a game with a headset on.

A stretched-out white T-shirt and sweatpants. Wow, the perfect image of a jobless gamer. All she’s missing is some stubble on her chin.

“Ah, guys. If you don’t pull aggro properly, the healer dies. Can’t you see the heal aggro keeps bouncing?”

Looks like she’s raiding again.

The Karin in my memory was a workaholic.

I remember being dumbfounded watching an eight-year-old girl stamping seals as big as her face while processing reports.

When I saw that and told her to go play outside like a kid her age, her response was a masterpiece.

-A pig that doesn’t work doesn’t deserve to eat.

She must have been alluding to me, who was lazing around the domain under the pretext of being a Hero.

To think that cheeky kid who said such arrogant things is now a game addict.

Did I ruin her like this? Was my discipline wrong? Was my parenting the problem?

“I’m out. Yeah, GG.”

It seems the raid party just finished.

Katrinne hung her headset on the monitor and grumbled in annoyance.

“Wow, such bad controls. Are they playing with their tongue? They suck. Ajeossi, do you think it makes any sense for a tank to only upgrade their weapon and not get any elemental defense items?”

“No, sometimes I forget you’re from another world.”

“Whatever. Oh, right. Ajeossi, I’m hungry.”

A glutton, as expected.

It’d be strange if you weren’t hungry.

“You seem to be eating more and more lately, you know?”

“What are you talking about? I haven’t even had dinner yet.”

Of course. It’s only lunchtime.

Still, I was planning to order something tasty for her anyway, so I won’t argue.

“Jajangmyeon and tangsuyuk?”

“Make it a large.”

“Okay.”

“And an extra-large portion of jajangmyeon!”

“Wouldn’t have expected any less.”

Seeing me order food on my phone app, an excited Katrinne hopped off her computer chair.

“Ajeossi. Did you get the prize money?”

She knew, just as I thought. Sharp as a tack, this one.

“I’m telling you now, just because I got some money doesn’t mean we can spend it recklessly. You’re not planning on increasing your food intake again, are you?”

This kid eats a ton. Not three meals a day, but nine.

Is it because she’s in a growth spurt? But she doesn’t gain any weight. Her stomach is so flat I wonder if she even has organs in there.

“What are you talking about? What are you going to do with the prize money?”

“Don’t get any ideas. I just signed a contract for a house.”

I’ll use the 300 million to buy the house, and I plan to scrape together the rest to get some basic equipment. But then this damn kid gives me a sly, smiling glance.

“I figured you would. Thought you’d buy a house first.”

“Why?”

“Yeah. You need your alone time, Ajeossi.”

“What alone time?”

“You need to watch those documentaries about animals that don’t wear fur coats alone, don’t you?”

Hey, it really was a documentary, okay?

I swear, I *ac-ci-den-tal-ly* mistook it for a drama and started watching.

“It’s okay. I understand completely.”

“No, there’s nothing for you to understand. If you keep insulting an innocent person like this, I might just cancel the food delivery. Why? Because our trust will be broken. And I can’t eat with someone I don’t trust. Got it?”

At my words, Katrinne’s mouth fell slightly open in a show of surprise.

She fumbled for something in her bag. A weird flyer? No, it’s a pamphlet.

“Oh no. Is our trust broken, Ajeossi? Then I guess I’ll have to cancel this equipment order….”

“What equipment?”

Karin smoothly pulled a white paper from the pamphlet and held it in front of her face. A special Hunter equipment contract? What is this?

Ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, hundred thousands, millions, ten millions, hundred millions?

This wasn’t some play money from a children’s bank; it was a real transaction contract for a 150 million won power suit and gauntlets.

“What, equipment? Is it for me?”

“Would it be for me? What would I do with Hunter gear?”

“Where did you get the money?”

I mean, how could a kid who thinks eating a single pack of ramen is the greatest joy in the world have enough money to buy a 150 million won item?

It doesn’t make sense unless she stumbled upon a gold bar somewhere.

In response to my question, Karin wiped the corners of her eyes with the back of her hand, pretending to cry as she spoke.

“I sold my gear.”

“What gear?”

“My game gear, of course.”

It was so unexpected that it took me a moment to process. Wait, are game items really that expensive?

“But you loved that game so much. Why sell it all of a sudden?”

“Yeah, I’m planning to quit. I think it’s about time.”

Right, that’s a good decision. You’re a game addict, a total game addict.

Her face used to be quite pretty, but now she looks like a panda’s long-lost sibling.

My kid’s face isn’t one to lose out anywhere, but the problem is those dark circles from that damn game reach all the way to her chin.

“You’re becoming an official Hunter now, Ajeossi. But you said the only equipment you have is a single sword you took from an orc. You’re the only person I know in this world. You can’t get hurt.”

My kid is so sweet. She might be a game addict, but her heart is so soft and she’s so clever.

This is… a little touching. Just a little. It’s definitely not because she secretly prepared 150 million won worth of equipment for me. It’s the thought that counts, the thought.

“This humble servant was unaware of your Ladyship’s profound considerations. If there is anything else you wish to eat, please command me.”

“Ahem. I find myself craving something called palbochae.”

“Yes, my lady.”

How does she even know what palbochae is? Oh well, I’m in a good mood. I ordered kkanpunggi along with the palbochae.

She does cute things like this sometimes. I guess this is the joy of raising a child.

I went back to the Chinese restaurant’s app to add to the order. Just as I placed the order and paid, my phone suddenly rang.

It was a number I didn’t recognize.

“Ajeossi, actually, there’s something I have to tell you….”

“Hello?”

Karin was trying to say something, but it was at the exact moment I answered the phone.

I gestured for Karin to wait a moment. She gave a small smile, nodded, and waited.

-Is this Mr. Lee Hyunbin?

“Who is this?”

-Hello. My name is Kim Min-jeong from the Gate Management Bureau. I’m calling because, in recognition of your recent act of saving many lives and setting an example for others, it has been decided to award you a Medal of Military Merit.

“A medal?”

Me, who never even received a certificate of merit in school.

A medal. Don’t you get a pension for this? Huh? And get your picture taken with important people.

It’s like that song, “I’d be so happy if I was on TV.”

-Yes, you’ll be having a preliminary meeting with the Director. Would you happen to have some time available?

“Ah, yes. I’m available.”

-Great. I’ll send you a text message with a map and the scheduled time shortly. If you’re busy and can’t make it, please just let us know in advance.

“Yes, thank you.”

As soon as I hung up, Karin clapped her hands cheerfully.

“Wow! You’re getting a medal, Ajeossi? That’s awesome! You never got a single medal back in our world.”

That damn other world. It was rife with betrayal and deceit.

“So, what were you trying to say?”

“Huh? It was nothing.”

“Don’t tell me you wanted to ask for something else after I already ordered the food?”

“No, it’s not that. It’s really nothing.”

Nothing, my foot. Her face is full of worry. We haven’t just been living together for a day or two; I can tell just by looking at her expression.

“Just spit it out. You’re going to tell me later anyway. Don’t waste time beating around the bush.”

Hearing my words, Karin hesitated for a moment. Then, fidgeting with her fingers, she spoke carefully.

“Ajeossi. I… I actually awakened.”

“Awakened?”

“Y-yeah….”

What is she talking about now? She’s only been playing games in the corner of her room. What kind of awakening?

“Did you awaken as a God of Food? Just how much more are you planning to eat, making such a terrifying declaration?”

“That’s not it!”

“Tha’s no’ i’!”

“Ah, stop copying me!”

“Ah, stahp cawpyin’ me!”

As I teased her, Karin’s smooth brow crumpled like paper. I guess I should at least hear her out.

“Alright, alright. What did you awaken as?”

She’s originally from another world, so she could re-awaken. It’s true that the probability of awakening increases inside a dungeon, but people do occasionally awaken in normal areas too.

“It says… Lord, Level 1.”