The Omega Hunter (Solo Leveling)

chapter 33

Representatives from every nation summoned by the Korean Hunter Association had gathered in South Korea. Though the world was plagued with massive Gates in every region, they'd come, albeit frustrated and confused by the urgency of the meeting. Why call for a summit when each of their own nations was in crisis?

In the emergency conference hall, Woo Jin-Chul and Goh Gun-Hee reviewed a steady stream of updates as reports flooded in from around the globe. The atmosphere was tense as more representatives filed in, awaiting the start of the meeting.

Woo Jin-Chul, despite his careful handling of the situation, seemed distracted. Goh Gun-Hee noticed the flicker of unease in his eyes.

"You're worried," Goh Gun-Hee observed quietly, drawing Jin-Chul out of his daze.

Jin-Chul took a deep breath, nodding. "It's hard not to be. He has a family to protect, yet the world keeps demanding more from him."

Goh Gun-Hee gave a dry chuckle. "True. Sung Jin-Woo is selfless, but he's no saint."

Jin-Chul looked at him curiously. "How do you mean?"

Goh Gun-Hee huffed, glancing at the reports but not losing his train of thought. "Sung Jin-Woo can be ruthless when needed. Remember that international summit? One person died, and 

Thomas Andre himself left wounded."

The memory made Jin-Chul wince. That incident had nearly given him a heart attack. But he also knew how it had all ended in an uneasy truce.

"He wants to save this world," Goh Gun-Hee continued, "but not out of pure goodwill. I think he fights so his family can have peace."

Jin-Chul nodded thoughtfully. "I believe that too." His voice softened. Even if Jin-Woo ever chose to defy humanity, he knew in his heart he would still stand by him.As he glanced toward the door, he couldn't help but wonder where Jin-Woo was right now.

---

"Ta-da!" Jin-Woo grinned as he set a steaming pot of homemade kimchi stew on the table. Sung Jin-Ah's face lit up instantly.

"Wow, it smells amazing!" she cheered.

Their mother, Park Kyung-Hye, looked on, a bit concerned. "You shouldn't have gone through all this trouble, Jin-Woo."

Jin-Woo smiled softly. "You handled most of the unpacking when we moved here, Mom. Let me take care of this so you can rest."

Kyung-Hye sighed but smiled, knowing better than to argue with her stubborn son. She took a small taste, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh my... this is incredible."

His sister giggled. "Oppa's the best cook—well, after you, Mom! Try the side dishes too; he's amazing at those."

As Jin-Ah went on, Jin-Woo noticed his mother's expression changing. He leaned forward, gently asking, "Mom? Is something wrong?"

She placed her spoon down, looking at him intently. "Jin-Woo... is there something you're not telling me?"

Jin-Woo kept his expression calm, even managing a light chuckle. "What do you mean?"

She smiled, but there was a knowing glint in her eyes. "Your father used to cook for me before going on dangerous missions. It's a mother's intuition, you know."

Jin-Woo paused, a slight flicker of sadness passing through him, but he quickly recovered. "It's nothing like that, Mom."

Park Kyung-Hye looked at her son, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the burdens he carried. She gave him a quiet smile, choosing to let it go for now, and resumed eating.

Meanwhile, Jin-Ah observed their exchange, understanding more than she let on. She knew the dangers her brother faced, but she chose to believe, deeply and fully, that he would always return to them.

Just as they settled back into the meal, Jin-Woo's hand froze mid-reach. He'd sensed something unusual—a faint sound of footsteps from outside, one of them with a racing heartbeat filled with both excitement and nervousness.

"Let me get that," Jin-Woo said, stopping his mother as he got up to answer the door.When he opened it, he was met by a familiar face: their old neighbor, Tae Ha-Yoon.

"Aunt Yoon!" he greeted warmly. "It's good to see you. Did you come by for a visit?"

"It's good to see you too, Jin-Woo. I would love to visit, but that's not the reason I'm here." Ha-Yoon's eyes sparkled with a knowing smile.

Jin-Woo looked at her, confused. Given the distance to their new place, he couldn't think of any other reason for her to be there.

She laughed at his bewildered expression. "My, you've grown even more handsome since I last saw you."

Jin-Woo blushed slightly, smiling. "You're as beautiful as ever yourself, Auntie."

She huffed, playfully swatting his arm. "If only my idiot son could be as charming as you! I'd happily make you my son-in-law."

"Oi, oi, don't get carried away," came a familiar deep voice.

Jin-Woo froze, his heart pounding. That voice—a voice he had thought he would never hear again.

Ha-Yoon gave him an encouraging smile, stepping aside to let the second figure come into view. Jin-Woo's eyes widened, his breath catching as he saw him.

Standing before him was his father, Sung Il-Hwan, looking worn yet somehow untouched by time. The man he thought was lost forever.

Jin-Woo's body trembled, and he could feel tears welling up in his eyes. "Dad... is it really you?"

Sung Il-Hwan smiled, a hint of sorrow and pride in his eyes as he looked at his son. "Yes, Jin-Woo. I'm home."

(A/N Dont mind me, I'm just editing)