According to Lee Jeong-Hyuk, during my absence, they had had meeting after meeting. In conclusion, the majority seemed to believe that I would make it back alive. The violence, cruelty, and superior physical capabilities the black creature possessed made them consider my death as a real possibility, but Lee Jeong-Uk believed that I would make it.

I looked at Lee Jeong-Uk with a rather puzzled look, but he looked away and continued his story. “I just assumed that you were alive, since all of your underlings were still waiting for you.”

I knew he’d been worried about me, despite what he said. His eyes, set in his pale face, had welled up with tears. I smiled at him while patting him on the back. He looked at me, then stood up and walked off while clicking his tongue.

Patter, patter.

I heard footsteps racing into the living room. So-Yeon was running toward me, covered in tears and snot.

“Daddy…”

She ran toward me with her arms wide open. I smiled brightly, lifting her up. I smelled sweet shampoo coming from her. Her cheeks had gotten chubbier, which told me that everyone had been taking good care of her while I’d been gone. I patted her on the back as I held her in my arms.

‘My sweetie, have you been...