MRUCM 07

Chapter 07

*Ring.*

His smartphone buzzed briefly.

Baek Kang-jin put down his fork and checked the screen.

―Deposit Complete

―Amount: 50,000,000,000 won

―Sender: Korea Awakener Association

An amount with a long string of zeros.

The reward for subjugating the Skull Centipede.

Association President Go Jin-hyuk had kept his promise like clockwork.

The processing speed was to his liking.

Baek Kang-jin casually turned off the screen and looked across the table.

“Not good?”

“Huh? No! It’s not that!”

Ha-yoon flinched and shook her head.

Before her sat cream of mushroom soup drizzled with truffle oil and a freshly grilled steak.

But Ha-yoon was hesitating, fork in hand.

“It’s just…”

“Food is meant to be eaten. It won’t taste good cold.”

“Okay…”

Ha-yoon carefully took a spoonful of soup.

The moment it entered her mouth, her eyes went wide.

The richness of butter and the aroma of mushrooms enveloped her tongue.

For a palate accustomed to sneaking expired convenience store bentos behind her uncle’s back, it was nothing short of a shocking revelation.

“It’s delicious…”

“Yeah?”

“Really delicious. You eat too, Uncle.”

Baek Kang-jin rested his chin on his hand and watched his niece eat.

Munch munch.

Her cheeks puffed up like a chipmunk’s.

There was no way that bastard Han Man-su had fed her properly.

Her thin, stick-like wrists bothered him.

‘First thing’s first—I need to put some meat on her bones.’

He pressed the bell to call the manager.

“Yes, guest. Is there something you need?”

“Who’s the head chef here?”

“Ah… that would be our hotel’s main chef, Alain Park. He’s a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in France and—”

“Never mind.”

Baek Kang-jin cut him off.

His credentials didn’t matter.

What mattered was that Ha-yoon liked the food.

“Tell him this. I want to hire him as my personal chef.”

“Excuse me? But Chef is under contract with our hotel, so—”

“Whatever the penalty fee is, I don’t care. Tell him I’ll triple his current salary.”

“Th-three times?”

“If he refuses, five times.”

The manager’s jaw dropped.

This was no joke.

“Ah, understood. I’ll relay the message.”

“Uncle…!”

Ha-yoon blinked in surprise.

Just because she’d enjoyed one meal, he was hiring an entire hotel chef.

The scale was on a whole different level.

“Don’t feel pressured. I’ve got more money than I know what to do with anyway.”

Baek Kang-jin cut a piece of steak and put it in his mouth.

The juices burst.

‘Not bad.’

At least it was worth keeping him around until Ha-yoon got tired of it.

As soon as the meal was finished, Baek Kang-jin stood up.

“Once you’re done eating, get up. We have somewhere to go.”

“Where?”

“You’ll see.”

Baek Kang-jin’s gaze lingered on Ha-yoon’s worn-out sneakers.

The soles were so worn they were flapping loose.

Her jeans were frayed, and her t-shirt was stretched out.

‘Everything needs to be replaced. From head to toe.’

Apgujeong H Department Store.

A luxury mall where the top 1% of South Korea shopped.

As Baek Kang-jin pushed through the revolving door, a staff member rushed over.

But Baek Kang-jin walked past the employee toward a woman standing in the middle of the lobby.

“You’re here.”

“…Yes.”

It was Min Seol-hee.

She stood with her arms crossed, wearing sunglasses.

She wasn’t in her usual combat suit, but stylish casual wear.

Her aura was so distinctive that passersby kept glancing at her.

“I was wondering when you’d show up.”

Min Seol-hee lowered her sunglasses slightly and spoke.

Her expression said she found this absurd.

“I thought it was some special instruction from the President… but a shopping guide?”

“Got a problem with that?”

“No. For an SSS-rank transcendent, I suppose I can endure this much. But…”

Min Seol-hee’s gaze landed on Ha-yoon.

Ha-yoon was shrinking back, trying to hide behind Baek Kang-jin.

The dazzling lights and display windows filled with luxury goods seemed unfamiliar and intimidating.

“Ha-yoon, come here.”

Min Seol-hee smiled brightly.

The characteristic sharpness of an S-rank Hunter was nowhere to be seen.

She quickly scanned Ha-yoon’s condition.

‘Her clothes are shabby… but she has good bone structure.’

Her natural frame was beautiful.

Good skin, clear eyes.

With some styling, she’d shine.

“Let me ask one favor.”

“Go ahead.”

“I don’t know much about this stuff. I’m terrible with girls’ clothes.”

Baek Kang-jin scratched his head.

He’d lived 120 years in the other world, but his fashion sense was nearly non-existent.

“Pick out the prettiest ones you see. Don’t look at the price tags.”

“Hehe. That’s my specialty. Leave it to me.”

Min Seol-hee’s eyes sparkled.

Shopping.

She was the type who relieved stress through luxury purchases.

And shopping with someone else’s money?

There was nothing more thrilling.

“Let’s go, Ha-yoon. Unnie will help you.”

“Huh? Uh, um…”

Min Seol-hee took Ha-yoon’s arm and led her into the store.

Baek Kang-jin walked leisurely behind them, hands clasped behind his back.

“How about this? The color really suits Ha-yoon.”

“Isn’t it too short?”

“This is how everyone wears it these days. And you have pretty legs, so it’s better to show them off.”

Dressing room.

Ha-yoon became the star of a doll-play session.

Dresses, blouses, skirts, jackets.

The clothes Min Seol-hee picked out kept going in and out.

At first Ha-yoon looked awkward, but gradually her expression brightened.

Because seeing herself in the mirror was both unfamiliar and fascinating.

“Alright, this is the last one.”

Min Seol-hee handed her a white chiffon dress.

Ha-yoon changed and pulled back the curtain.

“……”

Baek Kang-jin paused.

He wondered if that was really the same child who’d been huddled up just moments ago.

The white dress accentuated Ha-yoon’s delicate, refined aura.

The line of her neck revealed beneath her neatly swept-back hair was elegant.

“How is it?”

Min Seol-hee asked with a proud expression.

“She’s a total model, right? I told you I have good taste.”

“I suppose.”

Baek Kang-jin nodded.

It wasn’t empty flattery.

Objectively speaking, she was beautiful.

Was it because she took after her mother?

The power of genetics was remarkable.

“Uncle… does it look weird?”

Ha-yoon twisted her body shyly.

“No. You look pretty.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Very much.”

Baek Kang-jin’s lips curled up involuntarily.

He felt a warm, fuzzy sensation in his chest.

Anyone could see he was a complete sucker for his niece.

‘Brother. Your daughter turned out really well.’

Baek Kang-jin called over the staff member.

His hand didn’t hesitate as he handed over the card.

“From here to there. Wrap everything she tried on.”

“Excuse me? Everything?”

“And prepare shoes and bags to match the outfits as sets.”

“Understood, sir!”

The staff member’s voice went up an octave.

Baek Kang-jin looked at Ha-yoon with satisfaction.

“Anything else you need? Accessories?”

“No! That’s too much. When would I even wear all of this…”

“Just wear one outfit per day.”

Watching this, Min Seol-hee chuckled.

‘That man… he’s unexpectedly warm.’

Her first impression had been that of a cold-blooded killer with no blood or tears.

She recalled the image of him melting monsters to death, crossing his legs in front of the association president, and proposing a deal.

But in front of his niece, he was an absolute doting uncle.

“Baek Kang-jin.”

“What?”

“Did you know? You look really human right now.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Before, you seemed like someone who wouldn’t bleed even if you were stabbed. Turns out you have a warm side.”

Baek Kang-jin cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Stop saying useless things and carry the bags.”

“Yes, yes. Understood, boss.”

Min Seol-hee pretended to grumble, but she didn’t seem to mind.

—

* * *

After shopping, the group headed to Seongbuk-dong.

One of Seoul’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

An area lined with grand mansions surrounded by high fortress-like walls.

Screech.

The massive iron gate opened, and the car drove in.

A well-maintained garden spread out before them.

Pine trees that seemed hundreds of years old stood majestically.

Behind them, an elegant two-story mansion revealed its grandeur.

“We’ve arrived.”

The driver got out first and opened the door.

Baek Kang-jin stepped out of the car.

“Wow…”

Ha-yoon’s mouth hung open.

A spacious yard.

The kind of place that only appeared in TV dramas as the residence of a conglomerate chairman.

“This is… our house?”

“Yeah. Signed the contract today.”

Baek Kang-jin said casually.

When he’d conveyed his requirements to the association president, Go Jin-hyuk had given him this house without a word.

It was originally a vacation home for some major corporation’s chairman, and the association had purchased it at a premium.

The reason for choosing this place was clear.

First, security.

The high walls and enclosed structure completely blocked outside eyes.

Perfect for protecting Ha-yoon’s privacy.

Second, the environment.

Ha-yoon, who’d lived in a room reeking of mold, needed emotional healing.

A spacious area where she could step on soil and smell the trees was essential.

And third.

Baek Kang-jin’s gaze turned toward the back of the mansion.

The Bukaksan mountain range wrapped around the house like a folding screen.

‘That’s the core.’

A terrain perfect for building a secret laboratory.

“Let’s go inside.”

Opening the front door revealed a spacious lobby.

Marble floors gleamed.

A chandelier hung from the ceiling, and expensive artworks adorned the walls.

“Pick whichever room you like.”

Ha-yoon carefully climbed the stairs.

Every time she opened a door, gasps of amazement escaped her.

Bedroom, study, walk-in closet, bathroom.

Everything was perfectly furnished.

“Uncle…”

Ha-yoon’s voice wavered.

Just yesterday, she’d been sleeping hunched up in a room where mice appeared.

Now she was standing in a place like a palace.

It all felt like a dream.

“Why are you about to cry again?”

“It’s just… I’m so happy.”

“This is your home now. No worrying about being kicked out, no need to feel self-conscious.”

Baek Kang-jin wrapped his arm around Ha-yoon’s shoulder.

“Do whatever you want.”

“Yeah… thank you, Uncle.”

Ha-yoon wiped her tears with her sleeve.

It was the first time since her parents passed away that she’d had a space she could call her own.

A wave of relief washed over her.

But then.

Suddenly, Ha-yoon’s expression turned serious.

“But Uncle.”

“What?”

“How are we going to clean this place?”

There were over ten rooms and five bathrooms.

Cleaning it all alone would take the whole day.

Ha-yoon’s brain structure was still within the bounds of a commoner’s mindset.

“Pfft.”

Baek Kang-jin burst out laughing.

“Don’t worry. I’ll hire people.”

“People?”

“Professional cleaning services and domestic help. You won’t have to lift a finger.”

“Ah…”

“Just rest. Study if you want, play if you want. That’s your job.”

Baek Kang-jin was firm.

For the past eight years, Ha-yoon had suffered enough.

Now it was time for her to be rewarded.

His resolve to make sure she’d never get her hands dirty was genuine.

2 AM.

After confirming Ha-yoon was asleep, Baek Kang-jin quietly left the room.

He crossed the garden and headed toward the walking trail behind the mansion.

A deep valley in Bukaksan.

A treacherous terrain where not even wild animals roamed, let alone people.

“About here should do.”

Baek Kang-jin stopped walking.

Surrounding darkness was pitch-black.

He stamped his foot, releasing mana.

Woooom…

A faint vibration occurred.

There was no sound.

He’d completely blocked it with magic.

The ground softened like jelly and split open on both sides.

A passage leading underground was created.

Baek Kang-jin walked in without hesitation.

Twenty meters underground.

He carved through the bedrock.

A vast space appeared beyond.

This would be Baek Kang-jin’s secret laboratory.

“……”

He folded his arms.

Opening the subspace pocket he’d brought from the other world.

Countless magical materials and experimental tools poured out.

What needed to be done today was clear.

Creating a safety device for Ha-yoon.

He picked up a black jar.

A sealing tool with grotesque rune characters engraved on its surface.

“Come out.”

Upon opening the lid, black smoke rose.

The smoke coalesced in the air, taking on a human form.

Red eyes flickered.

Kiiiieeeek!

A shriek-like sound echoed.

It was Darka, a shadow demon—one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon Lord’s army from the other world.

A malicious entity with no physical form, parasitic on shadows, and capable of controlling its host.

There was a reason Kang-jin hadn’t killed Darka but had sealed him instead.

‘Because he’s perfect material.’

Though evil, his abilities were outstanding.

Physical attack immunity.

Shadow movement.

There was no better bodyguard specification.

“Calm down.”

Baek Kang-jin snapped his fingers.

Binding magic activated, sealing the demon’s movements.

Then he pulled out a syringe from his pocket.

A clear liquid was inside.

‘Ego-deleting virus and loyalty-imprinting code.’

Baek Kang-jin’s patented biological coding technology.

It decomposed the demon’s innate murderous intent and ego through a virus.

Then it implanted absolute obedience and protective instincts in the empty space.

“This will sting a little.”

Poke.

The needle plunged into the black smoke.

KUUOOOOO!

The demon thrashed.

The black smoke scattered and re-formed repeatedly.

The virus was tearing apart and restructuring his brain structure.

His red eyes gradually turned blue.

About ten minutes later.

The demon’s glow stopped.

It knelt obediently before Baek Kang-jin.

Its killing intent had vanished, and it had become like a gentle lamb.

“Success.”

Baek Kang-jin nodded in satisfaction.

Now Darka was no longer a demon.

He’d become a loyal hunting dog solely for Ha-yoon.

“Let’s go.”

Baek Kang-jin took the demon back to the mansion.

He carefully opened Ha-yoon’s door.

He saw his niece sleeping peacefully on the bed, oblivious to the world.

Baek Kang-jin pointed at Ha-yoon’s shadow, looking at Darka.

“Get in.”

Shooo…

The demon scattered like smoke and seeped into the shadow beneath Ha-yoon’s bed.

No trace remained.

It was as natural as if it had always been there.

Normally, it would hide within the shadow, only emerging the moment Ha-yoon was in danger.

It blocks not only physical attacks but also magical assaults like curses and poison.

An absolute defense barrier that even an S-rank Hunter would struggle to penetrate.

“Protect her well. If even a single hair is harmed, I’ll tear your soul into shreds.”

He warned in a low voice.

The shadow rippled as if it understood.

Baek Kang-jin carefully pulled the blanket up over her.

‘Sleep well.’

He closed the door and stepped out.

For tonight, he felt like he could finally sleep peacefully.