Behind the mask of trust, in the darkness of manipulation, lies the true horror: a puppeteer pulling strings of sanity, weaving a nightmare from the fragile threads of the mind.
~MilkLover.
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"You've known all this time, haven't you?" Jinwoo asked quietly.
The car fell silent.
His voice remained even, but a storm raged within. All this while, had Azaroth simply been observing him like some specimen?
And did he know about my System?
"I know..."
"...."
'I Know'
Those two words echoed in Jinwoo's mind like a warning bell.
A mixture of suspicion, fear, and (rage?) churned within Jinwoo's chest. Azaroth's observations were too accurate to be mere coincidence. But what can he do now? If Azaroth really knew about the system... Does that mean he would have to—
"I know that you are much more powerful than you show to others... More powerful that what your rank suggests."
Jinwoo's hands clenched into fists.
The car fell into a tense silence. Jinwoo waited for Azaroth's next words, his mind racing with questions and doubts Azaroth could ask or the demands he would make or or or... At this moment, his mind was overwhelmed and struggling to function properly..
"I know that you are tense... Me asking you about this all of a sudden must be stressful." Azaroth spoke gently. " I had doubts that you are at least a D-rank when I saw you in that B-rank dungeon... But after seeing your documents you were E-rank, I thought to ignore the matter brushing it off.. But when I saw C to B-rank aura coming from you in the A-rank dungeon..."
He paused.
Jinwoo's mind raced, contemplating how much Azaroth truly knew.
Jinwoo asked, eyes flinty. "A.. Azaroth.. You must have had your own theories. But then.. you said nothing, continuing as usual. Why is that?"
Azaroth just sighed a little giving an expression that he didn't wanted to say this but he is forced- "At first I didn't know what to make of you hiding your strength. But upon reflection, jumping to conclusions didn't feel right that's why I decided to ask you directly... After all, I know you are not a spy from other guilds. So I thought you must have a reason to hide your awakening"
"Maybe it's because you were traumatized to be a hunter once again after, you know what I'm talking about, right?"
Jinwoo just nodded.
The weight of Azaroth's words eased some of the tension in his shoulders. He wasn't being accused or suspected of betrayal, and Azaroth seemed to have no ill intentions, he had just waited for a long time but when Jinwoo didn't tell him, he just asked. Simple as that.
Haa..Azaroth seems unaware of my secret but just questioned me because hiding my strength.
"That's a reason, or maybe you were doing it for Jinah as being a Porter of our guild was still good and less life-threatening... Ah, I don't know man.."
Jinwoo listened intently, tension leaving his frame. He opened his mouth to say something but then hesitantly closed his mouth.
Azaroth looked at him and slightly chuckled.
"You don't need to explain if you don't want man... But—
"Jinwoo, as one of the members of The Hunters Guild and a squad leader I must consider the safety of my members first.." Azaroth's tone became serious.
"Though I believe in you. I can't risk the life of those when they don't even know that their porter is hiding his strength for whatever reasons and that porter is at their back when they are inside a life-threatening Dungeon gate.. You get what I mean, right?"
Jinwoo looked down, face darkened by guilt. Azaroth continued, "I'm not asking for explanations. Those are your secrets to keep. But as your friend, well if you consider me one, I need to know my team is not walking blindly into danger, and that you have no ulterior motives"
Jinwoo felt a pang of guilt.
'H-How could he be so good to us all...'
Azaroth's concern for the safety of his team was genuine. Jinwoo had never intended to jeopardize anyone's safety.
'What should I say.. Can he really trust me..? After all this..? I don't know about my system, What if, what if it asks me to suddenly kill them inside the dungeon..? '
Azaroth's voice sounded again.
"I just want you to promise me that I can trust you."
"I- I.." Jinwoo hesitated a little.
He wasn't the Sung Jinwoo from the Manhwa. He hadn't even killed a single person after getting his system because everything was dealt by Azaroth.
Not to mention that other things had happened in this story like - he fighting the Spider queen inside the abnormal dungeon while the spider queen killed— no, ate the warrior and Miss Healer was sliced in front of him reminding him of the double dungeon incident.
And the one who had saved him that day was none other than the man who gave him a new job under his guild and a good life - Azaroth Morningstar.
His character arc had gone a different route than the canon.
Unlike the canon him who saw the uglier side of humanity by constantly being backstabbed by the people resulting in him killing humans and turning cold. He had seen that there were people who cared for others, cared for him, his family, high-ranking people with genuine heat who didn't look down upon him for his low rank but conversed with him on the basis of his personality, Good people he could trust and lean on.
As the car continued down the bustling streets of Seoul, Jinwoo felt a mix of emotions.
He wasn't the calm, cold, and collective Jinwoo, but a rather nieve one.
And all that change had happened because of this man.
So Jinwoo when looking at the man who was waiting for his response, still trusting him after finding out that he was hiding his rank...
Jinwoo strengthened his resolve...
"You can trust me," Jinwoo replied, his voice choked but resolute.
Azaroth chuckled softly, his eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and relief at Jinwoo's response.
He respected Jinwoo's decision to keep certain aspects of himself private but was glad to hear the promise of trust.... Or that's how Jinwoo was seeing things....
Inside Azaroth was cursing Jinwoo like crazy...
'The fuck is wrong with this shameless protag!?' Azaroth shouted inside his head, trying hard to maintain his calm personality.
He was here talking with this dude instead of going on a date with Yoo Soohyun or playing with his pet Song Yi. All because he could confuse this bastard by asking about the secret and then guilt-tripping him into telling him about his system.
Well, that was not what he wanted, but shouldn't he at least trust him enough and tell him that he can grow stronger by fighting..?
'Look at him smiling like that! Where is the trust huh!?'
After showing him that he trusted Jinwoo he expected that Jinwoo would at least tell about ANYTHING. If he did that Azaroth would try to help him... But NO! This fucker wasn't even sharing trivial information like he could summon daggers or potions from the system!
*sigh*
At least everything was not for nothing. Now, Azaroth was the one person Jinwoo could truly confide in about his hidden strength.
The trust had been hard to come by, but now he finally had someone who understood and accepted him not telling his reasons.
And Who knows, perhaps in the future he would feel comfortable enough to share even more of his secrets with Azaroth..?
"So, mind telling me what your actual rank is?" Azaroth's questioned Jinwoo.
Jinwoo felt a pang of uncertainty. How much should he reveal? With a hesitant breath, he replied, "It should be around C to B rank."
"And why aren't you re-evaluating yourself— ah! because you are hiding.. makes sense as to why you don't know for certain"
Azaroth nodded thoughtfully, seemingly accepting Jinwoo's answer without pressing further. Instead, he shifted the conversation to a more encouraging tone.
"You should be stronger now. You can easily fight the monsters you were fearful of back then," Azaroth remarked, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.
"T-That's true.."
Jinwoo's confusion lingered, wondering why Azaroth didn't delve deeper into the matter. However, he silently nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for Azaroth's trust
As the car sped up through the bustling city streets, Jinwoo stole glances at Azaroth.
Why had Azaroth chosen to let the topic go so quickly? And had he shown trust and told everything he knew about him without gaining anything..?
Azaroth remained focused on driving, his expression unreadable.
And why is HE, the busy person he is... was going to have dinner which his sister made..?
Yeah, because he was friends with Jin Ah far before he knew Jinwoo.
But just because he is Jinah's friend...
Don't tell me there is something between Jinah and him..!
Jinwoo looked at him with a shocked expression...
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Author Note: The previous Power Stone goal didn't go well, but I hope to get them next time.
So give stones!
I also realized one thing... My vocabulary is like that of a caveman... *Sigh*
But it's not a problem coz it's easier for you all to understand what's going on in the story... lol.
Read 7 chapters- Patreon.com/MilkLoverFanfics
Azaroth has started doing crazy experiments! Kekeke
She had always spoken highly of Azaroth. Could there be more to their friendship than met the eye?
'Um Mm, don't think nonsense!'
Jinwoo shook his head.
As Azaroth and Jinwoo arrived at Jinwoo's apartment building, they stepped out of the car and made their way towards his house.
They took the elevator up to Jinwoo's floor, where they stood in front of his apartment door.
Jinwoo buzzed the intercom and Jinnah's cheerful voice replied "Eh? Oppa? You guys here already?"
She sounded flustered, likely still cooking.
Shortly after, the door swung open.
What came into Azaroth's view was a beautiful petite girl with a fair face, glistening neck with some steam droplets... The girl really looked beautiful.
She had her hair tied in a ponytail and had worn a cute sponge-bob apron on top of her casual clothes with some traces of flour near her right eye.
She cleared her stray hair from her eye and then first looked at Jinwoo.
"Oh, y-you really came!" She said looking at Azaroth.
"Haha, you preferred me not to come?"
Azaroth said in a sly tone while chuckling.
"AH!! No! I really like.. like that you came." She blurted out in a panic.
"I... I thought you guys might come a bit later."
Jinwoo chuckled. "Sorry, we didn't want to keep you waiting."
Azaroth smiled warmly at Jinah. "Yeah, we came as soon as you called. Nice to see you again, Jinah. Thanks for having me over."
Jinah blushed slightly,
"Oh, um, come on in," she said, stepping aside to let them enter.
She was indeed a cute sister material.
So pure... I want to taint her...
As they stepped inside, the apartment was filled with the comforting aroma of her cooking.
Jinah busied herself in the kitchen, stirring a pot on the stove.
"Sorry for the mess!" she said, flustered.
"I'm still cooking dinner," she explained, glancing back at them with a shy smile. "I didn't expect you so soon. Ah! But don't worry. It's almost done!"
"It smells delicious already," Azaroth commented, his gaze lingering on Jinah for a moment longer than usual.
Jinwoo and Azaroth washed their hands and Azaroth was inside the washroom.
Jinwoo came near Jinah and said, "Wow Jinah, you really prepared a lot. And it really looks good—"
Jinah just glanced at him, "Oye, idiot Oppa! Why didn't you...." She said through gritted teeth.
Question marks appeared on top of Jinwoo's head "What do you mea—"
Jinah glanced at the bathroom side to see if Azaroth was coming out. Not finding him she looked at her oppa with a horrifying gaze, "W-why didn't you tell me that you were giving 'him' the phone!" she hissed.
Jinwoo scratched his head. "E.. eheh.. My bad...?"
"I was nagging at him like some old harpy without realizing!" Jinah sighed despairingly.
Her voice slightly lowered, "I.. I was nagging at him like an old aunt.. wh.. what have I done.."
Jinwoo chuckled nervously. "Ehe.. H-He didn't seem to mind your tone much."
"And how do you know what goes on inside his head huh? "
Jinah glared.
Jinwoo raised his hands in surrender. "I'm sorry ok? Won't do that again."
Just then Azaroth emerged. Jinah schooled her face calm as Jinwoo whispered, "Forgive me?"
She huffed. "This time. But you owe me oppa!"
"Need any help?" Azaroth asked looking at them with a smile.
"Ah, no Azaroth.. you.. you please sit.." She said in a ladylike tone and then turned to Jinwoo, "Hey Oppa! Could you set the table?"
Jinwoo smiled, relieved. It seemed Jinah had forgiven him.
"Sure thing," Jinwoo replied with a grin, moving to grab some plates and utensils.
Jinah brought over the brimming pot of kimchi jjigae and they gathered round the small dining table. The rich aroma made mouths water.
Jinah served Azaroth first because he was the guest and then served her Oppa, finally serving herself she sat down and then looked at Azarot as she fretted quietly.
"I-It's nothing fancy, I hope you don't mind."
Especially with this 'esteemed' guest being a renowned hunter and coming from wealth, she worried her cooking wasn't up to par.
She watched nervously as he lifted the spoon.
Azaroth took his first bite and suddenly paused.
His expression..? inscrutable.
Heavy silence fell as Jinah's panic rose. What if he hated it? Her skills were nothing compared to a gourmet chef.
"...." the two brother and sister looked at him in anxiety.
"... This... " After a second or two, he opened his mouth "What is this!?" He said.
Jinah paled, heart dropping like a stone.
Looking at his sister's face Jinwoo tried to say something, "Ah.. A-Azat—"
"You call this nothing fancy?!" He stared into the stew, awestruck. "This is heaven."
Jinah blinked, hardly daring to believe. "R-really?"
Azaroth met her eyes with a smile. "Jinah, your cooking is truly a gift. This kimchi jjigae - not gonna lie but it's wonderful!"
Jinah broke into a radiant smile, like a flower blossoming. The worried creases on her forehead vanished, replaced by a glowing joy.
"Thank you so much!" she said, bowing her head shyly. "I'm glad you like it."
Beside her, Jinwoo beamed proudly. "Told you your cooking was the best. You were worrying for nothing."
He gave his sister an affectionate pat on the back. Which made Azaroth feel like Homelander when he was about to leser a bunch of people...
Calm down Azaroth... he is her brother..
Jinah glowed under the praise, a warmth filling her from head to toe.
This jjigae had been her mother's recipe.
Her mom was also a great chef at a restaurant and she was usually complemented for her Kimchi Jjigae.
(A/N: Not in the original Manhwa.)
Jinah's mother was famed for her soul-nourishing stews. She had taught Jinah everything, from selecting the finest ingredients to balancing each flavor with care.
Though sadly under the Eternal Sleep Disease these past years, Jinah felt her mother was still with her through the meals she cooked.
During dinner, Azaroth engaged Jinah in conversation, asking about her day and complimenting her cooking. Jinah, still a bit flustered but visibly pleased, responded with shy nods and soft-spoken replies.
Between bites, Azaroth turned to Jinah with a smile. "I see your green thumb is as skilled as ever. Those flowers on your windowsill looked lovely from outside."
Jinah blushed. "Hehe.. It's nothing much.. I just don't forget to water them regularly."
"I'd love to see your plants closely someday~"
Azaroth said and then Jinah looked shaken.
'Is.. Is he saying he wants to see my room..?!!'
"You absolutely should!" Jinwoo said with an enthusiastic smile,
"Her jasmine vines are the envy of the neighborhood! Do you wanna see them after dinner!?"
"Oppa!" Jinah swatted him with a face redder than a tomato.
'How dense could this Oppa be!' She shouted in her head.
Azaroth watched her cute flustered reactions with amusement."Jinah, you really are a curve ball, aren't you?"
"Hmm..? " Jinah finally managed to make eye contact with him.
"Athletic, fit, topper of the class, beautiful, plus with skills in both kitchen and garden! Damn!" He started counting on his left hand nonchalantly.
"With your talents, any man would be blessed to have you."
'Wa wa wa wa.. what did he ssssss sayyy...' Jinah's head began spinning with smoke coming out of her ears...
Jinwoo was looking at the sight with confusion.
His sister, usually confident and spirited in front of him, was now bashful and blushing under Azaroth's charming attention....
This tomboyish nagging little goblin as a wife to someone.. he couldn't even picture that possibility.
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♣
The lively neon streets of Seoul bustled at 10 PM. In front of a grand restaurant, a red BMW screeched to a halt.
A large man with a shaved head stepped out, his expensive shirt stretching at the biceps. Without a word, he tossed the car keys to the valet and strode inside.
The maître d' bowed deeply. "Mr. Hwang. Please, this way."
Weaving through the crowded dining floor, they arrived at a large private compartment. Inside, a beautiful woman sat smoking a cigar while having a wine.
She looked elegant as always but Dongsuk detested these kinds of women the most, fidgeting with her glass as Dongsuk approached. His glare said he'd prefer to be elsewhere.
"Rose. Now tell me, what was so urgent you insisted we meet?"
Dongsuk said brusquely as he sat down.
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