The Novel's Extra (0-100)

Chapter 13 - Change (3)

— At around 1 P.M. today, a group of monsters appeared in Seoul, leaving 500 wounded and 7 dead.

A news anchor reported today's incident. With a deep sigh, Chae Shinhyuk stroked the bedridden patient. Her pale complexion stabbed at her father's heart. Although she was an adult who would soon become a hero, Chae Nayun was still a little girl to Chae Shinhyuk.

— According to investigations, the monsters were led by an intermediate rank, grade 1 monster called beast inciter. This man-sized, badger-shaped monster has never before appeared in Korea. The association believes a third party brought it in and has set out a search.

"... Mmm."

Chae Nayun opened her eyes as Chae Shinhyuk called for a doctor.

"You're awake. How are you feeling?"

"... Fine."

Chae Nayun raised her feeble body. A doctor came running in to check her pulse, but Chae Nayun pushed him away with a smile.

"I'm fine, Dad."

"Really?"

"Of course. I'm not injured. Didn't the doctor tell you?"

"I, I did."

The doctor spoke up inadvertently. Chae Shinhyuk was a powerful figure with the country's economy in his palm. Being on this man's bad side would only make his life difficult.

"... She seems fine, so you can go."

"Yes, sir."

The doctor hurriedly left. Chae Nayun spoke as the door closed.

"... Dad."

"Hmm?"

Chae Shinhyuk kindly responded.

"About brother."

Her low-spirited voice called up the dark past he wanted to forget. Remembering his son always caused a sharp pain in his heart. With a gentle smile, Chae Shinhyuk held his daughter's hand.

"... What's wrong?"

"Can I go see him when I'm discharged? I'm on sick leave anyway, right?"

"Of course you can."

Chae Shinhyuk softly agreed as Chae Nayun leaned her head against her father's shoulder and recalled what happened earlier in the day. The djinn from the museum, the black hand that strangled her, and a voice that mentioned her older brother. Chae Nayun's fury suddenly reignited.

"Dad, by the way..."

Chae Nayun's tone turned dark. Her voice carried a heavy emotion. Chae Shinhyuk worriedly asked.

"What's up?"

"... No, it's nothing."

She began to loathe someone from the bottom of her heart, but she couldn't tell her father how she felt. She thought back to how her stomach felt like burning from the djinn's poison magic. She could clearly hear that guy even as she writhed in pain.

— I'm sure her older brother will come to comfort her.

He had mentioned her brother. Everyone in the world knew on the day the sky fell 4 years ago. She didn't even have the opportunity to grieve then. After that day, she etched her brother's name deep inside her heart and he became an untouchable subject. As a Cube cadet, that guy should've known about her brother's condition. Even so, he mentioned her brother like that. Chae Nayun suppressed the fury in her heart and engraved his name in her head. Kim Hajin. Kim Hajin. From that day forward, Chae Nayun would no longer forget his name.