#kamish

[hanakihan]

you know what screw canon I literally want to see Kamish being a legit part of Jinwoo’s army and being annoyed boomer grandpa they need (also mentor figure for Kaisel let’s gooooo)

but plz everyone are so noisy he just naps in jinchul’s shadow without him even knowing so (simply because when kamish was so done jinwoo happened to chat with jinchul whose shadow was closest) and he kinda stayed here

also excuse me kamish can shrink to tiny cuddly thing and I just want tired jinchul come home and turn only to see a mini humanity’s calamity casually napping on his coach poor man legit has to hit his head on door to see if he’s hallucinating or no

also jinchul and kamish friendship lets go

[little-shadow-club]

By SL's logic the strongest hunter out there that isnt a ruler's vessel is... a healer.

(Nameless 5th national hunker i keep thinking about you every day—)

[bookaddictsguide]

Tuesdays with Dorie DC: Kamish

[giusidiks]

Tuesdays with Dorie DC: Kamish

[sayonara363]

Let us all thank the almighty https://www.tumblr.com/notsogoodmentally

For her feeding a starving nation of Liu Zhigang X Sung Jinwoo.

She knows these characters from me because I couldn’t stop talking about them and she sits beside me so.

Yes they are in wedding dresses, yes it is in fact Zhigang and Jinwoo. We don’t have anything to say for ourselves. I paid 6 Euro for her to draw them. I am eternally grateful for your gift ❤️

Let us applaud that she even drew them despite having two pictures of Zhigang.

And also the shadow army had the highest priority in this art. Also terrified Jinho and Jinah are there. And yeah Ashborn is there. And all of them have a red bowties !

Live long the King IForgotHowToDraw, hooray ❤️

[manawari]

Thinking about Ruler!Byung-gyu being able to float in the air once he uses his powers to their full extent. His eyes will glow completely white. In that way, not only he can give everyone cool buffs, he can also make everyone be easily recovered from their wounds. His presence can be still seen, but nothing can penetrate through him because he is invincible.

[thecosmickight]

Ask game: 12

12. What's the funniest or craziest AU

idea you've ever come up with?

So far, it's my Mana Pregnancy au.

For those who don't know, It's an AU where Woo Jinchul has a one nightstand with a national level hunter and gets pregnant because,

1.) Rulers can create things

2.) NLH was thinking about starting a family

3.)Why not? As a writer, I'm the god of this story, and what I say goes.

(Solo Leveling seems to be the fandom I have silly or crackish aus.)

[animebltches]

title: the shadow that almost was

[image id: Two panels from the Korean manwha “Solo Leveling” of Sung Jin-Woo talking to the death-shadow of the powerful dragon Kamish. Kamish is bowing down to him as Sung Jin-Woo reaches out to touch its head. In the scene Kamish is recognising Sung Jin-Woo as his king and is vowing servitude to be part of Jin-Woo’s army. end id]

[arkhammaid]

Hello there! I would like to ask you a question

I am aware that you have switched accounts but I would like to ask on why you deleted your solo leveling fanfic in which jinwoo is go gunhee’s grandson and is a middle schooler. I wanted to know this because I recently came into the fandom and I saw your memes about that fanfic and I got interested and merely wanted to know why you deleted it.

I apologize if this is an uncomfortable topic for you and you do not have to answer. I was just curious about the fanfic because of how fun and interesting it seemed.

Thank you for listening to me

hi there anon! thank you for reaching out to me :)

i deleted it for mainly three reasons. first, i was no longer satisfied with the story. second, i hit a mayor writing block and never came around to write more chapters. and third, when i first published the fic, the endpairing was already fixed (sung jinwoo x liu zhigang) and the main course of the story set. but there were some changes, changes i didn't properly tag, as this was not only my first fic on ao3 but i also totally forgot about it.

once it came to my attention, i of course changed the tags and put proper warnings on the work. (previously, it was a general fic, but the ratings changed to teens up (some could also see it as mature)) there was nothing explicit in my fic, there has been some stuff hinted, but i never wanted for the story to go in the direction of nsfw. and while i forgot to change the ratings of the fic, i did put proper warnings in the beginning notes. there i also explained my reasoning for the following chapter.

one of my readers commented that this fic feels like "statutory rape", simply because sung jin-woo, a grown man, was in the body of a teenager, close to an adult, and had a crush on liu zhigang (who's in his early-mid twenties here). this comment led to a rather big thread, where other readers chimmed in. in short, it was a big mess and in the end, i deleted these comments.

i won't lie and say it never bothered me, but i did continue the fic. until i decided to take it down, as i no longer liked it and over the course of the year (how fast the time goes!), my writing style changed and i simply didn't like it anymore.

i do have plans to bring the fic back, edited and freshly written, but i don't know when. maybe in the following month, maybe next year, who knows?

and don't worry, it isn't uncomfortable at all for me, i'm very thankful you reached out and asked about it :)

(and i do have to say, this fic has a special place in my heart, since it was the first i posted on ao3 and did quite well. i learned much with it and during the writing process, which i'm very thankful for!!)

[hanakihan]

@manawari

that post apocalypse AU where Jinchul’s dead zone is where Kamish spawned so through course of years it turned from constant survival against this unpredictable force (Kamish didn’t differentiate between humans and fellow monsters) so eventually it turned into two tired old men club on neutral relationship grounds-sometimes helping each other

jichul casually riding kamish and them being in good relationship and gunhee almost screamed upon them stumbling into kamish’s lair only to have Jinchul peacefully talk to him and even pet him

[mydearestbeloved]

Chapter 3 [Draft]

Sung Jinwoo/Trial Player!Reader

CW: All hail severely traumatized Reader.

Inspired by @circeyoru ‘s “Future Power Couple”

[Masterlist🦋✨️]

The moment you stepped out of the Hanging Gardens, the city of Seoul came crashing into your senses. The bustling noise, the chatter of strangers, the blaring car horns—it was overwhelming. After so many years surrounded only by the whispering leaves and the sound of distant waterfalls in your domain, this city felt like a whole other world. Yet, you had no time to marvel at it.

Your first thought was him. The young hunter who, in the original story, would one day transform from the weakest E-rank hunter to the world’s most formidable force. You had seen his journey play out on the pages of a manhwa, and even though this was your reality now, you still thought of it as a story. Perhaps that was the only way you could cope.

Jinwoo. The name was a whisper in your mind, a mantra you repeated as you sent out your butterflies to search for him. They flitted into the sky, through alleyways, dodged bustling crowds, and skimmed across rooftops, invisible to everyone but you, its compound eyes transmitting a dizzying aerial view of the city straight to your mind. You kept your focus tight, pushing down the nerves that gnawed at your stomach.

But your search was interrupted by a sudden shift in the air around you. The city's mood had changed in an instant. People on the street stopped, their heads turning upwards, eyes glued to the enormous screens on the skyscrapers. As the images on the screen flickered into view, a chill you down your spine.

It was chaos. The screens showed devastation—images of buildings crumbling, fire and smoke engulfing the skyline, and a massive gate that loomed ominously above it all.

The first S-rank gate—the one from which Kamish, soon to be the most feared dragon in history, first emerged. You stood frozen, your eyes widening as the scenes played out in real-time.

“No…” You breathed out, barely a whisper, your hands shaking.

Even watching it on the screen was entirely different from reading about it on the pages of the manhwa. It was real now. Too real. The ground beneath you seemed to tilt as civilians screamed and hunters rushed into action. The casualties. Oh God, the casualties. The sight of corpses being pulled from rubble, the screams and cries of civilians and hunters alike echoed through your mind long after the broadcast ended. The dread spread through you like ice.

If I’d just managed to get out sooner, you thought, the guilt and horror churning in your stomach. If I’d escaped the Gardens just a year earlier, or even a few months…

Surely you couldn’t have stopped the gate from opening, but could you have evacuated more people? Shielded them with your powers? Reduced the casualties? Your mind raced with possibilities, spiraling in your inability to actively turn back time in a scale that large.

Could I have made a difference? Could I have saved even a single life?

Your breaths came in ragged gasps, heart pounding. The "what ifs" started to spiral, pulling you deeper into a pit of guilt and self-recrimination. Your fingers dug into your palms as you tried to regain control. Just as the world around you blurred from the tears stinging your eyes, there was a gentle nudge at the edge of your consciousness, yet the swirling visions just made you want to empty out your stomach.

Through your shared vision with the butterfly, there he was, younger than you expected— around sixteen or seventeen, a teenager, though he looked like he’d grown up too fast. His frame was slimmer, not yet the broad-shouldered man you knew he’d become. He was dressed in a faded school uniform, his eyes carrying the weariness of someone who had already seen too much. The lines of his face were taut with worry, a haunted look lurking in his gaze. An expression you’d often seen through the pages, etched into his older self.

You swallowed hard, your fingers trembling. If…If I had been here sooner, would things have been different for you?

Your mind wandered to another possibility—his father. Would you have been able to prevent the disappearance of Sung Il-Hwan if you’d arrived two years earlier? Could you have kept Jinwoo from bearing the weight of that loss, the look of pain he now wore like a permanent scar?

Though his mother was still with him now, you could see the faint shadow of the pain he carried even now. Could you have helped him avoid the countless sleepless nights, the burden he’d shouldered in silence for years?

But reality was harsh, and you couldn’t change the past. A hollow ache settled deep inside you, thoughts haunted you, sticking like thorns in your mind.

---

The following years were a blur of watching from the shadows, helping where you could without being noticed. You couldn’t save everyone, but you could lessen the burdens on the boy you had grown to care for. The butterflies you sent to heal his mother and alleviate her pain seemed to help, if only a little. But that look—that haunted, broken look in Jinwoo’s eyes whenever he thought no one was watching—it gnawed at your heart.

It was during one of those quiet nights, as Jinwoo and the rest of the world slept soundly, that you decided to take a more desperate measure. Jinwoo’s mother was showing signs of the dreaded Eternal Sleep disease, the same way she had in the manhwa. You had placed a protective spell around her to shield her from excessive mana exposure, but it hadn’t been enough.

No, not again... please, not again. You couldn't bear it. You refused to let Jinwoo suffer the same pain twice.

There has to be a way to save her, you thought, teeth clenched. The pages of the manhwa didn’t reveal much about Eternal Sleep, but you took a gamble. If exposure to mana was the cause, then maybe you could draw the mana out of her system.

The hospital was quiet that night, the corridors bathed in a cold, sterile glow. You slipped in under the cover of darkness, cloaking yourself and the room in an illusion. Her face was pale and serene, and she seemed to hover somewhere between sleep and consciousness, untouched by the turmoil around her.

You took a steadying breath, summoning the butterflies close and feeling their power surge within you. Your children hovered around her bed; their wings softly glowing as they began to absorb the excess mana from her frail body.

“Please… let this work,” you whispered.

Focusing on your intent, you reached out with your healing magic, channeling the butterflies to draw mana out of her body. It was delicate work, like trying to remove poison from a deep wound without disturbing the tissue around it. Sweat trickled down your temple as you focused, your hands trembling with the effort. You could feel it working; her breathing grew steadier, the tension in her muscles slowly unwinding.

“Yes, yes… this is working…” you whispered to yourself. Little by little, traces of mana were being drawn away from her, and with every second, your heart beat faster with hope for the first time in years.

But then, as if someone had flipped a switch, everything came crashing down.

[Warning! Trial Player is not permitted to alter this part of the storyline.]

The system’s notification blarred before your eyes in blinding red text. You shook your head, gritting your teeth.

“No, no! I can’t stop now! Just a little more and she’ll—” You breathed, ignoring it, pushing yourself harder. You could feel the system’s cold disapproval as it listed penalties— deductions in your stats, loss of your domain privileges, even the risk of a forced expulsion back to the Gardens, warnings, threats, each one harsher than the last. But you didn’t care. If there was a chance, even the slightest one, that Jinwoo could have his mother healthy and safe, you’d risk any penalty.

[Initiating first protocol: Trial Player is restricted from interfering with main events.]

“No! Please!” You screamed in your mind, pushing harder, trying to siphon the last remnants of mana from her body. An invisible force tightened around you, harsh and unyielding. It was like trying to wade through thick mud, each step harder than the last, until finally, the force slammed into you, and you were thrown back, the butterflies flung away from you as the spell shattered.

Your body hit the wall with a sickening thud. You let out a gasp, clutching your ribs as you tried to regain your balance. An invisible barrier had been erected between you and Jinwoo’s mother, solid and unyielding. Your butterflies fluttered helplessly against it, unable to pass through.

“No… No, no, no!” you screamed, cried, banging and clawing against the barrier until your hands were raw and bleeding. But it wouldn’t budge. The tears blurring your vision and cascaded down your cheeks in rivulets.

The system’s cold, unfeeling voice echoed in your mind. You couldn’t register the subtle unfamiliar desperation other than your own. [Trial Player, cease all attempts to alter key story events, or face permanent penalties.]

A sob tore from your throat as you slid to the ground, your shoulders shaking. “Please,” you sobbed, your forehead pressed against the barrier. “Please, let me help her...”

The silence a sledgehammer that you had failed. All your efforts, your desperate attempts to change the course of events, had been for nothing. The realization hit you like a knife to the gut.

No matter how much you tried, no matter how desperately you wished to change things for the better, the system wouldn’t allow it. It had let you toy with minor events, heal minor wounds, but when it came to the story’s crucial turning points, you were powerless.

The what-ifs that had haunted you since you’d first stepped into this world were answered in the cruelest way. Even if you had left the Hanging Gardens sooner, even if you had arrived in time to save Jinwoo’s father or cure his mother, you would have been stopped.

For the second time since you had been isekai’d, you felt utterly, hopelessly trapped. You were no longer a player with some semblance of control. For all your power, for all your knowledge of the future, you were nothing more than a helpless spectator to a story that would unfold exactly as it had always meant to. You were a mere observer, bound to the whims of a story you could never truly change.

All you could do was watch, from the shadows, as the boy you loved continued to suffer. As something inside you continued to crack.

You drew your knees to your chest, burying your face in your arms, letting the sobs wrack your body. For once, you let yourself feel the weight of your powerlessness, the despair that had been building in your heart for years.

In the darkness of that hospital room, the weight settled over you like a suffocating blanket. And all you could do was cry. This was no longer the story you had loved. This was your reality. And you were utterly powerless to change it.

---

You stumbled out of the hospital, numb and hollow, the world blurring around you. The voices of passing strangers, the hum of distant traffic—it all faded, leaving only an aching silence in your heart. You wandered without aim, letting the sorrow settle, the bitter knowledge clawing at you. How many years had you spent dreaming of a way to help him, of a way to change his fate? And for what?

Back in the Hanging Gardens, you’d felt trapped and powerless, but there had always been hope. Now, that last ember was snuffed out, leaving only darkness in its place.

As you returned to your hidden space in the city, you couldn’t shake the feeling of helplessness. It was like a familiar, cruel reminder of your first days in the Gardens, alone, struggling to survive in a world that hadn’t wanted you. And now, here you were again, unable to do anything but watch as the story unfolded as if you were still on the outside.

-----

The city had begun to grow familiar over the years, but the feeling of unease and disquiet never truly left. In this world of hunters, dungeons, and chaos, you weren’t exactly a normal citizen, though you’d tried your best to blend in. You made a life here, a life woven carefully to avoid standing out, hiding a fraction of your power and even more of your knowledge.

The first step to living a new life in this world was a matter of practicality: identity. You needed to establish yourself as a citizen of Seoul. But just as you were puzzling over how to manage something as complex as legal documents, the system—your ever-watchful, omnipotent shadow—seemed to have anticipated your needs.

You stared down at your supposedly birth certificate and identification card, your name printed clearly beneath a picture of a face that felt both like yours and... not. Relief was short-lived, turning to a sickening churn in your stomach. What happened to her? The question gnawed at you in quiet moments. This girl, this "you" of this world, had her life been erased to make room for your presence? Had she died before you arrived? Or, worse yet, had she been destined to die, and the system had simply taken advantage?

You tried to ask the system directly. “What happened to... the original?” you whispered, feeling a tremor in your voice. But, predictably, the system remained silent, its screen blinking away without an answer.

It left you with grim speculations. The more you thought about it, the more it felt like a noose tightening around your conscience. On sleepless nights, the thought haunted you: somewhere, in some unmarked corner of this world, the original (Name) might be lying forgotten.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered to the wind one night, your voice barely audible. You were sitting in the Hanging Gardens, surrounded by the flowers you’d nurtured into bloom with your magic. The air was filled with the scent of roses and jasmine, a comforting balm against your troubled mind. “I promise... I’ll make a place for you here.” A way to remember her in the only way you could.

When you had a rare moment of free time, you returned to the depths of the Gardens. Deep within its heart, you found a secluded spot, a quiet clearing where the sunlight filtered through leaves, casting gentle dappled shadows. It was here that you began to build a small tomb, using stones and flowers enchanted with your magic.

It took days to finish. You poured your heart into it, weaving protective wards and spells into every petal, every blade of grass. You carved her name—your name, really—and when it was done, you placed a simple plaque: For the one who came before me. May you find peace.

Your hands clasped together; you couldn’t stop the tears from spilling over. This was your way of making amends, a fragile attempt to honor a life you had never known.

You stood there for a long while, the only sound the gentle rustling of your butterfly summons as they hovered, curious yet respectful.

“Thank you,” you whispered, not sure who you were even speaking to. Was it gratitude for the life you now had, or a farewell to the life you’d unknowingly taken?

---

After sorting out your papers and putting that grim thought to rest, you turned to the next task: becoming a hunter. You needed a way to sell the monster drops from your domain without drawing too much attention. Those materials were too valuable to ignore, and your stash from the Hanging Gardens had been growing, with enchanted trinkets and rare plants you’d carefully cultivated over the years.

With your identity settled, the next task was securing your place in this new world. You needed to establish yourself as a hunter, and quickly. The aftermath of the catastrophic gate and Kamish’s rampage had left the world desperate for capable hunters. S-rank hunters had fallen, and fear gripped the public. What if another gate like that one appeared? What then?

The Hunter Association was overrun with applications, both from hopefuls and seasoned hunters alike, eager to prove their worth. You knew your capabilities exceeded those of even high-rank hunters, but revealing your full power would draw unwanted attention. The last thing you needed was to be a target for the Hunter Bureau or one of the powerful guilds that dominated South Korea’s hunter landscape.

Suppressing your powers took everything you had. It was like trying to hold back a tidal wave with nothing but your bare hands. But you managed. After a few practice sessions cloaked in the safety of the Hanging Gardens, you learned how to cloak your true strength, masking it just enough to appear as a C-rank healer.

The evaluation day was chaotic, with hunters and administrators bustling around, trying to keep things moving. You stood in line, trying to ignore the stares from the other applicants. You kept your head down, focusing on the role you had to play.

“Next, please!” the examiner called, gesturing you forward.

You stepped up to the designated area. The sensation of being probed by the assessment device was unpleasant, like icy fingers brushing against your soul. But you kept your facade intact, holding your breath as the machine beeped.

“C-rank healer,” the examiner announced with a bored tone, scribbling notes on his clipboard.

You let out a silent sigh of relief, bowing politely before making a swift exit. You could feel the weight of curious eyes on your back, but no one suspected a thing.

Joining the South Korea Hunter Association was easy after that. You chose not to align yourself with any guild, instead opting to work freelance. It allowed you the freedom to pick your own missions and, more importantly, to avoid too much scrutiny. The Association didn’t question it, relieved to have another willing hunter, especially one with healing skills.

After a few raids, you gradually established a rhythm, selling a select number of drops at the hunters' markets. You kept the powerful materials for yourself, knowing the enchanted items might raise suspicions. The influx of funds was just what you needed.

----

The money you earned was enough to set up a modest business, a modest storefront on the quieter side of town, far from the bustling commercial districts. It was a charming space with large windows that let in ample sunlight. Perfect for what you had in mind.

A flower shop.

It was a simple concept—a quaint little greenhouse-inspired shop, cozy and serene, with butterflies fluttering gently around the blooms. Your years of cultivating exotic flowers to look like their normal counterparts in the Hanging Gardens paid off. Your magical influence made the flowers not only bloom faster but also granted them subtle enhancements, flowers that brought calm or clarity, leaves that eased headaches, petals that had slight rejuvenating properties, and much more.

The enchantments were soft, just enough to go unnoticed by hunters who occasionally stopped by, curious about the whispers of a shop with “enchanted” flowers. To manage the flow of clients, you eventually made the shop private, requiring customers to book appointments. Word of mouth spread quickly, though, and you found yourself busier than you’d anticipated.

One afternoon, as you were tending to a particularly finicky flower that required a touch of magic to bloom, a young girl entered the shop, holding her mother’s hand. Their wide eyes taking in the quiet, verdant space with wonder. The mother glanced at the butterflies resting on flower petals and the leaves that shimmered in soft hues.

“Mom, look! The flowers are glowing!” she exclaimed, eyes wide with childish excitement.

Her mother smiled and turned to you. “Hello,” she said with a nervous smile. “This place is… magical.”

You returned her smile, pleased with her reaction. “I’m glad you think so. What can I help you with today?”

She hesitated, fidgeting with the strap of her bag. “I… I heard about your flowers and, well… I’ve been feeling exhausted lately. I thought maybe something here might help?”

You nodded and led her over to a section of delicate white blooms. “These are calming flowers,” you explained. “You can put them by your bed, and they’ll help ease your mind while you sleep. Their scent is soothing and works wonders for stress.”

Her face lit up as she reached out, fingertips brushing the soft petals. “They’re perfect. I never thought flowers could… do that.”

“They’re a little special,” you said with a soft chuckle. “But sometimes, a touch of nature is all we need.”

“And this is for you little one.” You make a grand gesture, like a magician, and a pink carnation bloom in your hands. The girl eyes sparkled, and you took the chance to slip the flower behind her ear.

She and her mother left with a small bundle, the flowers carefully wrapped, and you watched them go, a sense of satisfaction warming you. You were making a life here, slowly but surely, even if there was still a shadow of loneliness lingering at the edges.

Over time, your shop became something of an oasis. People came not just for the flowers, but for the atmosphere, the butterflies drifting lazily through the air, the subtle scent of earth and blossoms mingling together. You overheard customers remark on how they felt better after just a few minutes in the space, how even just watching the butterflies was calming.

“Ah, it’s so peaceful in here,” A couple walked in one day, the man sighed as his partner looked around. His eyes widened as a butterfly landed on her hand, its tiny wings shimmering like fragments of stained glass. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“This place... it’s like stepping into another world.”

If only they knew.

You smiled warmly, handing him a bouquet wrapped in elegant paper. “They’re drawn to the scent of the flowers,” you explained. “It’s said that they bring good luck.”

One regular visitor was an elderly woman who came once a week to buy flowers for her husband’s grave. She’d chat with you while you wrapped her order, sharing stories of her late husband and their time together. She once remarked, “There’s something… kind about you, dear. It’s like you have a healing presence.”

You only nodded, humbled and slightly unnerved by her words. You didn’t feel like you deserved the praise—after all, you were only borrowing this life, this identity. But every time she left with her bouquet, she’d smile back, and you’d return it with a quiet, grateful nod.

And so, you continued on, living a borrowed life.

End Note:

Unedited Draft of [010/10/2024] - Welcome

[sulkingheichou012]

Into the Dungeon with You

Pairing: Jinwoo x Reader

Genre: RomCom, Action, Future Smut

Warning: Description of violence and profanity.

Summary: Jinwoo frowned as a new system notification appeared before him.

[Special Reward Successfully Claimed.]

Author's note: I'm happy that some of you are enjoying my silly work! Yes, if you're asking to be tagged—sure! 😊

Chapter 15

Jinwoo stood at its edge, the darkness stretching endlessly before him, thick as oil and heavy as grief. A place not meant for the living. The miasma of ancient curses and devouring malice pulsed here like a heartbeat from an old god long dead—and maybe not dead enough.

Each step he took forward made the shadows cling to him tighter. Even his shadows stirred uneasily under his command, shivering in the oppressive gloom. But he pressed on, his black cloak glinting faintly in the void, his eyes unwavering.

“Y/N,” he murmured, her name anchoring him to himself.

The first challenge rose from the fog like a memory he had tried to forget. Shapes—figures—stepped forward, familiar faces twisted by darkness. Hunters he couldn’t save. Enemies he’d destroyed. They whispered lies, dredged up guilt, clawed at his mind.

“You left her,” they hissed. “You chose power over her.” “You failed.”

Jinwoo didn’t flinch. He drew Kamish’s Wrath and cleaved through them, black flames burning the regrets into ash. “I’m coming for her,” he said, his voice steel and ice. “No one stops me.”

The abyss answered with silence—before the next challenge came.

A flood of beasts, fanged and monstrous, born from the Primordial Hunger itself, rushed him. Mouths filled with endless rows of teeth gnashed for his flesh. They devoured shadows, light, and life indiscriminately.

Jinwoo met them head-on. Igris and Beru fought at his side, their loyalty unwavering, but even they flickered in and out of existence as the devouring energy gnawed at their forms.

“Hold,” Jinwoo commanded, his voice echoing with Absolute Authority. Shadows hardened. Weapons struck. The beasts fell by the hundreds. Still, the miasma thickened, pressing on his lungs, his soul.

It didn’t matter. He wouldn’t stop.

His body burned with wounds that didn’t close fast enough. His strength, usually limitless, waned in this cursed domain. But every time his knees threatened to give, he thought of her.

Of Y/N. Of her smile, her laughter, her stubbornness. Of how she faded in his arms with a soft apology. Of how he promised to bring her home.

And so he walked. And so he fought.

Deeper. Farther.

Until finally, he came to it.

A clearing of stillness in the endless storm of darkness. An ancient space where the abyss dared not encroach too deeply.

And there, at its center, stood the Majestic Old Tree.

Even now, it was beautiful.

Jinwoo stood in front of the Majestic Old Tree, his breathing steady despite the burning in his chest. The battle scars that marred his body didn’t matter now. His focus was entirely on her. Encased in the crystalline amber at the heart of the tree, Y/N lay still—too still. But alive. He could feel it. The faintest pulse of life, of soul, deep within the sealed prison.

She had waited for him. And he had come.

He moved closer, slowly, as if one wrong step would shatter the moment. His hand, scarred and gauntleted, rested against the cool, glowing surface. The warmth he longed for was faint beneath it, but it was there. The smallest flicker of life. A spark.

For a long time, Jinwoo said nothing. He just stood there, head bowed, his hand splayed over the amber casing like he could shield her from the darkness even now. But something inside him stirred. A feeling. No—a certainty.

He sank to his knees without a word, still keeping his hand pressed firmly to the barrier. His forehead followed, resting against the cool surface. His eyes closed. His breathing deepened.

And then, slowly, he leaned in closer. Not with his warrior’s instincts. Not with the determination of a king. But like a man listening for the softest sound in the world.

Like a father, listening for a heartbeat.

He held his breath as his ear pressed gently to the amber, his other hand moving instinctively to where hers rested within the seal. His palm lined up with her smaller fingers as if bridging the impossible distance between them.

Jinwoo strained to hear something. Anything.

He wasn’t sure what he expected. But in that silence, he imagined it— A faint flutter. The echo of life growing, waiting, hoping. The life they had created together before the end.

His throat tightened painfully. Was it real? Was it only in his mind? He didn’t know. But his heart clenched in his chest, a feeling too big to contain.

“I’m here,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I’m here… and you’re not alone.”

The light from the tree pulsed faintly, almost like an answer. And then again, stronger.

The amber softened beneath his touch, a warmth spreading outward like breath returning to frozen limbs. The pulse was not imagined—it was real. Two pulses. Hers… and another.

Jinwoo exhaled shakily, a tear slipping down his cheek before he realized it.

“You held on… even when I couldn’t feel you anymore,” he murmured. “Even when I wanted to destroy everything for taking you away.”

He smiled faintly, though it was a raw thing. “You didn’t let me.”

The amber cracked—thin veins of light spiderwebbing across its surface. Slowly. Carefully.

Jinwoo didn’t move. He just kept his forehead against hers through the barrier, eyes closed, whispering, “Come back to me… come back to us.”

Another pulse. The cracks deepened.

And finally, with a sound like ice thawing in spring, the amber began to dissolve. The tree bloomed fully, light spilling over them both in radiant waves.

Y/N’ fingers twitched where their hands aligned.

And Jinwoo, for a moment, couldn’t breathe.

Her eyes slowly fluttered open. Confused. Dazed. But there.

“Jin… woo…?” Her voice was raw, barely a breath.

He pulled back just enough to look at her, his smile breaking through the weight of everything. “You took your time,” he whispered, his forehead pressing to hers again, this time skin to skin.

Y/N blinked, tears gathering as she realized. “I’m… alive?”

“We are,” Jinwoo murmured. His hand slipped protectively over her, just for a moment. “All of us.”

She followed his gaze and gasped softly, the realization dawning in her tired but luminous eyes.

He held her close, strong arms wrapping around her as she slowly emerged from the amber’s remains, his shadows gathering protectively like wings.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered, sealing the moment in his heart.

And this time, he wasn’t letting go.

Y/N could barely comprehend the warmth surrounding her. The weight of Jinwoo’s arms anchoring her, the gentle brush of his breath against her temple, and the steady thrum of his heartbeat pounding in rhythm with hers. For so long, she had dreamed of this moment—of his voice, his touch—but now, it was real.

She shivered slightly, and he drew back just enough to see her face. His onyx eyes were dark with emotion, but there was something else… something raw and desperate. His hand lifted, brushing damp strands of hair from her cheek, lingering there as if he was terrified she’d disappear if he let go.

“Y/N,” he breathed, his thumb tracing the curve of her jaw. “You’re really here.”

And then his lips found hers. Soft. Tentative. Like he was afraid of breaking her.

But she wasn’t fragile anymore. She kissed him back, her hand curling into the collar of his cloak as tears slipped down her cheeks. The taste of him, the warmth—him—it was overwhelming. Her fingers dug deeper as if she could pull him even closer, and his control snapped.

Jinwoo’s mouth moved hungrily over hers, the kiss deepening with a hunger that trembled in every part of him. His hands splayed over her back, his body pressing closer as if to imprint her into his very skin. His breathing was harsh, his desperation pouring into every movement.

“Tell me this isn’t a dream,” he muttered against her lips between kisses. “Tell me I’m not losing my mind again.”

“You’re not,” Y/N whispered shakily, holding his face between her hands now. “I’m here. I’m really here, Jinwoo.”

His forehead dropped against hers, his chest heaving. He kissed her again—softer this time, but lingering like he could breathe through her.

But then he pulled away. Just enough. His hands cradled her shoulders as he searched her face. That deep focus returned, the weight of his duty settling heavily on his features.

“You need to rest,” he said gently but firmly. “Gather your strength.”

Y/N blinked at him, her confusion turning to worry. “Jinwoo—”

“I need to finish this,” he said, his voice low but steady. “The Primordial Hunger is still here… its root buried in the depths of this abyss. I won’t leave it alive. Not after everything. Not when it can rise again.”

His words cut through her. His determination was ironclad. But so was his exhaustion. The weariness behind his gaze, masked so well by his strength, made her heart clench.

“You can’t,” she said, gripping his hands tightly. “Not alone. You’ve done enough—”

“I haven’t,” he interrupted, his grip tightening as well. His voice dropped, almost a growl, but there was no anger—only fierce love. “If I don’t end it, this will happen again. Maybe not to you, but to someone else. To everyone. And I won’t risk that.”

Y/N shook her head, tears prickling her eyes. “But you’ll die—!”

“Then I’ll die fighting,” Jinwoo said fiercely, his eyes burning as they held hers. “But I’m not leaving anything unfinished. Not after what it took to bring you back.”

She stared at him, seeing the absolute certainty there. No fear. No hesitation. Only a vow.

For a moment, she wanted to argue. To tell him he was being reckless. But something inside her shifted.

He had fought for her. Died for her. Crossed every hell imaginable to reach her.

How could she do any less?

Y/N took a deep breath, steadying herself. She wiped at her tears and looked at him with a strength that matched his own.

“Then we finish it together,” she said firmly.

Jinwoo’s eyes widened slightly, as if he hadn’t expected her to resolve so quickly. But then his expression softened into something deeply proud… and something deeply relieved.

His fingers laced through hers, squeezing once.

“Together,” he agreed.

She stood straighter, still leaning slightly against him as she regained her balance, but her grip on his hand never wavered. Jinwoo’s shadow pulsed around them like a living thing, his power already gathering for the final battle.

Y/N reached out, letting her energy synchronize with his. She could feel it now—their connection. Deeper than anything she had known before. She wasn’t just his partner in battle.

She was his equal. His other half.

As they turned toward the path that would lead them deeper into the abyss—where the Primordial Hunger awaited—Y/N cast one last glance over her shoulder at the majestic tree. At the place where she had waited… where she had endured.

And now, she would fight.

The abyss was suffocating, thick with miasma that clung to their skin and made every breath feel heavy. Jinwoo led the way, his steps steady and deliberate, shadows swirling protectively at their feet. His grip on her hand was firm—solid, grounding. He moved like a man on a mission, his black cloak gleaming faintly under the faint glimmer of corrupted light.

And Y/N was doing her very best not to implode.

Because… Wow. W O W. She could not believe this was happening.

Her lips still tingled from the kiss. Correction: kisses. Multiple. First soft… then desperate… then hungry. Like he wanted to consume her whole and didn’t care if there was an audience. Which, in fact, there was. The tree saw it! And probably the shadows! Oh God, Igris definitely saw it!

She nearly tripped but caught herself, pretending she’d just stepped over some uneven ground. Jinwoo didn’t notice—his predatory focus was dead ahead—but Y/N’ face was already burning.

He kissed me. Jinwoo kissed me. Like THAT.

Squealing erupted in her mind like a stampede of rabid fangirls at a limited edition merch sale.

Should I say something? Do I slap him? No, wait, I wanted it… but he didn’t even ask!

What the hell?! Since when is he so… so rude and sexy?! She had read about this kind of Jinwoo! At 2AM! Under her blanket! On her phone’s dimmest setting! Smut fanfics that definitely didn't have any right being that good!

But now she was living it?! Experiencing it firsthand? Reality had no business being better than fiction!

Y/N bit her lip, holding back the hysterical laughter bubbling up her throat. Her face was on fire, and she was seconds away from smacking herself in the head to snap out of it.

Pull it together, woman! You’re in an abyss! About to fight some primordial nightmare! Focus!

And yet, all she could think about was the way his hand had cradled her cheek, the low rumble of his voice when he whispered her name, and the utterly sinful way his lips felt on hers.

He was still holding her hand. Still walking beside her. Still totally unaware that her brain was currently short-circuiting.

Y/N inhaled sharply through her nose and squeezed his hand tighter. “Are you okay?” Jinwoo asked without looking, his voice smooth, calm—deadly serious.

“Nope,” she muttered under her breath. “What?” “Yup! Totally fine!” she corrected immediately, giving a nervous laugh.

Jinwoo shot her a brief, confused glance, then shrugged it off and returned to scanning the surroundings. His guard was up, his killing intent controlled but simmering just beneath the surface.

Y/N, on the other hand, was seconds away from combusting. This man is going to kill me, and it won’t be the monsters—it’ll be his damn handsome face. She puffed out her cheeks in frustration, groaning quietly to herself. “I can’t believe my first kiss was stolen just like that!,” she grumbled.

“What was that?” Jinwoo asked again, still not looking. “Nothing!” she chirped too fast.

He hummed in that low, distracted way, still oblivious, and tugged her closer to his side as they moved forward. Like he always wanted her there.

Y/N sighed, clutching his hand like it was the only thing keeping her from floating away. Rude. Sexy. Dangerous. Yep. She was screwed.

Y/N' inner squealing faded as soon as the distant clanking of chains echoed through the abyss. It was like the sound of inevitability, sharp and cold in the suffocating silence. She exchanged a glance with Jinwoo, but he was already focused, his dark eyes narrowing as they advanced.

The path narrowed, jagged stone walls closing in around them. Miasma thickened with every step, dragging at their bodies like unseen hands trying to pull them under. The devouring aura pressed against their skin, invasive and heavy. Breathing felt like inhaling smoke.

And then—they reached it.

A vast cage sprawled across a sunken chasm, made of rusted iron and ancient bone fused together by blackened roots. The cage trembled, chains stretching taut as something massive stirred within. Shadows deeper than night coiled around it, swallowing even the faint light Y/N summoned to their path.

Then… an eye opened.

Slitted and luminous, it pinned them where they stood. And then the voice came. Low. Mocking. Inside their minds.

"Little Balance Keeper. Little Monarch. You've brought yourselves here willingly? Brave… or foolish."

Y/N flinched despite herself. The voice was a gnawing thing, scraping at the inside of her skull, pulling at old memories. Painful ones. But she gritted her teeth and anchored her feet.

Jinwoo stood like a wall beside her, unmoving. The tension in his jaw betrayed his anger, but his voice was calm. “Funny. I was about to ask you the same thing.”

"You should have let this world rot," the Primordial Hunger whispered. "You could have ruled its ruins, Monarch. And you—Balance Keeper—do you think your light can hold me again?"

The chains binding it shuddered violently. They weren’t just metal; they were constructs of ancient sealing magic. And they were breaking.

Jinwoo took a step forward, shadows pooling at his feet like a living ocean. “Keep mocking. It’ll make your fall sweeter.”

The beast laughed, a sickening noise like bones cracking underfoot. "Come closer, little King. Show me your strength. Entertain me."

Y/N exhaled, steadying herself. Her hands glowed faintly as she summoned radiant chains of light—different from the last time. They weren’t born from desperation now, but from resolve. “I’ll hold it,” she told Jinwoo quietly. Her gaze didn’t waver. “You finish it.”

For a heartbeat, Jinwoo glanced at her. She wasn’t the same girl who had vanished with a smile and a sacrifice. He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.

Y/N’ light chains lashed out, embedding deep into the colossal limbs of the Hunger as they tried to slip through the bars. The golden bindings flared bright, crackling with energy that defied the darkness. The beast screeched but pulled harder.

Y/N winced, bracing herself, but she held firm.

The cage exploded outward.

Jinwoo moved instantly. Kamish’s Rune Blade materialized in his hand, black lightning wreathing the crimson edge. He swung hard, deflecting a monstrous claw that came crashing down. The force of the impact cracked the stone beneath his feet, but he stood firm, sliding back only inches.

The creature lunged again. A massive maw opened wide, teeth gleaming like obsidian knives. Jinwoo ducked low and drove the blade up, slashing across its jaw. A spray of black ichor hissed in the air—but the wound closed instantly.

Y/N threw her hands forward, radiant chains shooting out and wrapping around the creature’s neck. She pulled with everything she had, light flaring blindingly. The beast howled and jerked away from Jinwoo, snapping several chains but halting its advance.

“Hold it!” Jinwoo barked, not turning his gaze from the creature.

Y/N braced herself. Her arms shook violently as she poured more of her power into the bindings. But her strength… it wasn’t draining like before. Soulbound Fate pulsed in her chest, stabilizing her energy, feeding her from the deep bond they now shared. Jinwoo’s life force echoed in her own.

Her eyes widened in understanding. “We… we can do this,” she whispered to herself. She tightened her grip.

The Hunger laughed again, this time shaking the ground. "Oh… this is new. A tethered soul? No matter. You’ll still die."

Jinwoo pushed off the ground and launched himself forward. He moved like a shadow himself, slipping through the creature’s defenses. He slammed Kamish’s blade into the beast’s side, twisting it hard, forcing black lightning to surge through its body.

But the creature retaliated fast—its tail sweeping toward him like a falling mountain. Jinwoo raised his free hand. “Absolute Dominion,” he growled.

The shadows around him thickened and solidified into an impenetrable wall, catching the blow—but the force sent a quake through the entire domain. Jinwoo skidded back, the impact rattling through his body.

Y/N felt her knees buckle for a second watching him get thrown back. Her heart pounded as doubt clawed its way up. He was strong, but not invincible. And this thing was ancient. Relentless.

The Hunger noticed her fear. "There it is," it whispered in their minds. "The doubt. You’re wasting your breath, Balance Keeper. He’ll fall here, and you’ll seal me again until you wither away."

Y/N' grip faltered. For a moment, she almost let go.

And then Jinwoo shouted. His voice cut through the miasma and the beast’s taunts like a blade.

“TRUST IN US! WE CAN DO THIS!” He wasn’t begging. He was commanding. A surge of power exploded from his body, Absolute Dominion warping the air around them.

Y/N snapped back to herself, breath catching in her throat. This wasn’t like before. They weren’t alone.

She poured everything she had into the chains, screaming as she forced them to tighten again. They blazed hotter, brighter—blinding gold searing through the darkness. Her soul resonated with Jinwoo’s, a steady pulse that anchored her. And now… they weren’t draining her life force. They were feeding something greater.

Jinwoo charged again, Kamish’s blade spinning in his hand as his shadows rose behind him. Igris, Beru, Iron—all of them bursting forth like a wave of vengeance. But Jinwoo led the attack himself.

He drove his blade straight into the Hunger’s throat as the shadows swarmed its limbs, locking them down. His free hand thrust forward again, plunging into the wound.

A shudder ran through the beast as Jinwoo’s authority overruled it. The creature howled, its body convulsing violently as its resistance crumbled under Jinwoo’s unrelenting will.

Y/N saw him glowing faintly. The link between them was strong—Soulbound Fate channeling their strength in a loop. He wasn’t just fighting for himself. And she wasn’t just holding it back.

They were one force. Perfect balance.

“Submit,” Jinwoo growled.

The Hunger’s body writhed, massive limbs spasming as its essence was pulled into Jinwoo’s shadow. Y/N' chains snapped free as the form dissolved, folding into darkness and vanishing into Jinwoo’s dominion.

Silence fell. For a long moment, nothing moved.

Y/N stood frozen for a heartbeat, the radiant glow from her chains fading slowly around her trembling hands. She stared at the place where the beast had been, where moments ago it had fought tooth and claw to tear them both apart.

But now… silence.

Her legs gave out beneath her. “We… we did it?” she whispered, like she didn’t believe the words even as they left her mouth. Her wide eyes turned to Jinwoo, searching his face for confirmation. For something real.

Jinwoo turned toward her. Their eyes met. And then she ran.

“Jinwoo!” Y/N’ cry cracked in the air as she threw herself into his arms.

He caught her easily, but his legs—exhausted, battered—didn’t hold. They fell hard to the cold, broken earth, tangled in one another. But neither cared. Y/N clutched his Cloak, burying her face against his neck as if afraid he would disappear again. Jinwoo’s arms locked around her, firm and steady, grounding them both in this fragile, miraculous moment.

His ragged breath tickled her ear as he whispered, “I’ve got you.” And he did.

For several long moments, they just held each other, shivering in relief, hearts pounding in sync.

But Jinwoo’s mind sharpened again. They weren’t done.

[System Notification]

You have defeated [Primordial Hunger].

You have conquered the Abyss. Level Up!

Level Up!

Level Up!

Shadow Extraction is now available.

His dark gaze lifted toward the darkness that still lingered. The echo of the Primordial Hunger’s existence hadn’t vanished completely.

Y/N slowly eased back as he helped her sit upright. “What… what are you doing?” she asked quietly, sensing his shift in focus.

“I’m not leaving it like this,” Jinwoo said, his voice low, calm, but edged with finality. “This thing—this Hunger—has no place being free. If I can’t destroy it, I’ll control it.”

He rose to his feet, still holding Y/N’ hand for a moment before gently letting go. Y/N watched him, concern in her gaze, but trusted his decision.

Jinwoo stepped forward, the dark space still vibrating faintly with what remained of the Primordial Hunger’s will. He extended his hand, shadow energy spiraling from his palm, curling in the air like tendrils of smoke.

“Arise,” he commanded. His voice thundered with Absolute Dominion.

The darkness swirled violently. The Hunger’s remaining essence clawed at existence, resisting the pull, its presence heavy, oppressive. Eyes—those terrible, slitted eyes—opened again within the void.

“You would bind me?” the voice spat, deep and mocking. “I devour worlds. I consume Kings and Gods alike. You cannot chain me like one of your pets.”

Jinwoo’s eyes narrowed. “This isn’t about chains,” he said. “It’s about purpose.”

The beast’s snarl echoed in their minds.

Jinwoo stepped closer. His hand didn’t tremble. “Stay in this abyss… and you’ll rot. Forgotten. Alone.” His voice softened just slightly, dangerously persuasive. “Serve me… and you’ll feed on something greater. Endless battle. Endless worlds. But never alone.”

There was a long pause. The Hunger’s gaze flickered—something almost… curious passing behind those ancient eyes.

“You offer me… release?” it murmured.

“I offer you a throne beneath mine,” Jinwoo said. “You can devour everything I destroy. If you obey.”

The oppressive energy around them tightened like a storm gathering on the brink. Jinwoo didn’t move.

He tried a second time, his voice ringing through the void, commanding. “Arise.”

The swirling shadows recoiled violently, shrieking through the dead air. Still resisting.

Jinwoo’s gaze hardened. He inhaled deeply, feeling the familiar thrum of Soulbound Fate anchoring him, Y/N watching silently at his back. This wasn’t just for him. It was for her. For everything they fought for.

For the third time—calm, steady, absolute—he spoke: “Arise.”

A deep rumble shook the ground beneath their feet.

Then, something answered.

From the void, the remaining essence of the Primordial Hunger began to twist, condense, and reshape. The monstrous mass that once tore through dimensions became something more refined… but no less terrifying.

A towering lupine form emerged from Jinwoo’s shadow—its body sleek yet massive, draped in writhing tendrils of darkness like a living nightmare. Its fur bristled with jagged shadow spikes, and veins of ghostly violet energy pulsed faintly beneath its obsidian surface, marking its ancient power. Eyes ignited—a deep, menacing violet glow—searing through the gloom like twin void stars. They locked onto Jinwoo.

It snarled, a low rumbling growl that promised destruction, hunger… submission.

This wasn’t the hulking, mindless behemoth they had fought moments ago. It was more focused. Intelligent. But still Primordial.

The shadow aura coiled and uncoiled from its massive paws as it stalked forward, circling Jinwoo once—predatory and tense—before lowering its massive head.

Then it bowed.

Its muzzle touched the cold, cracked earth at Jinwoo’s feet in absolute submission. An alpha who knew it was standing before the true apex.

Jinwoo stood tall, black mist curling around him as his shadow pulsed in acknowledgment. He said nothing at first, simply resting his hand on the creature’s massive head. The contact sent a ripple of power through the air.

“You belong to me now,” he said softly. “And you’ll never be alone again.”

As the colossal shadow wolf knelt before him, the familiar ding of the System echoed in his mind.

You have extracted the remains of [Primordial Hunger]. Shadow extraction complete. Designation pending...

Please assign a name to your new shadow.

Jinwoo’s gaze sharpened. The System window hovered quietly, waiting. He didn’t hesitate. “…Fenrir,” he commanded, his voice resonant, carrying absolute authority.

Another ding followed.

[Primordial Shadow Beast: Fenrir] has been created.

Rank: Monarch-Class Type: Abyss Devourer Loyalty: Absolute

Once a force of endless hunger and ruin, it now serves the Shadow Monarch. Its power stands at the pinnacle, rivaling the ancient Monarchs. Beware: its hunger remains, but its leash is unbreakable.

The massive wolf—Fenrir—lifted its head as if understanding its name, violet eyes blazing with renewed purpose. It gave a deep, bone-rattling growl that rolled through the ground like distant thunder, then snapped its jaws in anticipation.

Jinwoo gave a small, satisfied smirk. "Good," he murmured, resting his hand once more on Fenrir's obsidian mane, dark mist swirling between his fingers. "You'll feed well."

As they preparing their way toward the exit of the Abyss, things should’ve felt serious. They had just conquered a nightmare, sealed the Primordial Hunger, and now walked through the gloom with a terrifying shadow beast at their side.

But then… there was Y/N.

She slowed down, glancing over her shoulder at the towering shadow wolf that padded behind them. Fenrir’s monstrous frame radiated an ancient hunger even now. Mist coiled off his fur like dark smoke, crimson eyes glowing in the deep gloom. He was a terrifying sight—huge, sleek, and every inch a predator.

Y/N squinted at him, thinking.

Jinwoo noticed immediately. “What are you doing?”

She ignored him. “Hey… Fenrir?”

The massive beast’s head turned slowly toward her. His glowing red eyes focused, waiting. Silent. Menacing.

“I was thinking…” Y/N began, voice light, “can you… maybe transform into a cute puppy version of yourself?”

There was a moment of silence.

Jinwoo froze mid-step. “…What.”

Fenrir’s eyes narrowed, a low growl rumbling out from deep in his chest like distant thunder. His aura flared dangerously, shadow mist swirling in agitation. He took a deliberate step closer, towering over Y/N, jaws parting to show gleaming fangs.

「 I AM THE PRIMORDIAL HUNGER. THE DEVOURER OF ALL. 」 His voice echoed directly into their minds, deep and ancient. 「 I WILL NOT LOWER MYSELF TO—」

Y/N, unphased, marched right up to him and, without hesitation, reached out. She gave his massive shoulder an experimental rub. Then another. Then both hands dove into his shadowy fur like she was fluffing a pillow.

Jinwoo just stared, slack-jawed. “…Y/N… that thing devoured worlds.”

Fenrir’s furious aura wavered. He went stock still. The growl faltered. His eyes, wide and glowing, blinked in disbelief.

And then… Swish. A massive, shadowy tail gave a faint wag behind him.

Y/N gasped, delighted. “He likes it! And now he’s our good boy. Every good boy deserves a belly rub. You’re just misunderstood.”

Jinwoo slapped his forehead. “Oh my god.”

Fenrir stiffened, his shadow smoke flaring out again as if trying to reclaim his dignity. But the tail—traitorous, disobedient tail—wagged again. Slightly faster this time.

「 Cease this at once! 」 His deep mental voice sounded strained. Almost desperate. 「 I shall not lower myself to such frivolity. 」

But Y/N was beaming. “You’re totally enjoying this! Don’t deny it!”

Then, with an innocent (or maybe not-so-innocent) grin, she said, “If you want more rubs… give me your paw.”

There was another heavy pause. Fenrir’s eyes glowed fiercely, his head tilting as if insulted. But slowly—hesitantly—he lifted one massive paw and placed it in front of her like an obedient pup.

Jinwoo made a strangled noise in his throat. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Ohhh! Poochi! Who’s the good boy now??” Y/N cooed, her voice suddenly turning ridiculously high-pitched as she grabbed his paw with both hands, giving it gentle rubs. “Chukuchukuchuuuu! You big baby.”

Fenrir looked away sharply as if pretending none of this was happening. But the faintest puff of smoke escaped his snout like an embarrassed huff. His tail wagged again—this time an undeniable rhythm, betraying his pride completely.

Jinwoo groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “This is definitely you,” he muttered, glancing at Y/N. “No illusion could ever come up with this madness.”

“Thank you,” Y/N chirped brightly.

Fenrir sulking silently in the shadow —still menacing… but with his tail wagging ever so slightly, as Y/N gave him an approving pat and kept hold of his paw for a little longer before it disappeared.

Jinwoo sighed, but there was a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. Yeah. She was home.

With a final glance back at the place they had conquered, Jinwoo shifted his stance. "Shadow Exchange," he commanded quietly.

In an instant, they vanished from the Abyss—reappearing on the surface, where the world was still and waiting. The air was lighter, the sky stretched endless and blue above them, far from the suffocating darkness they had left behind.

Y/N took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. She tilted her face toward the sky, the sunlight warming her skin. In her heart, she whispered softly. Thank you… Raizel. For fighting. For trying. For loving me… across lifetimes.

Far away, in his distant domain, Raizel stood in quiet stillness. He exhaled slowly, as if he had finally set down an unspoken burden. A faint warmth, almost like peace, settled in his chest. And though he would never say it aloud, his thoughts found their way to Jinwoo. A worthy king… to stand at her side. He closed his eyes. And let go.

The moment their feet touched solid ground again, Y/N took in a sharp breath—the air here was different. Real. Fresh. Familiar.

Home, Jinwoo thought.

And waiting at the gate of the house were two figures. As soon as Jinwoo and Y/N stepped forward, his mother rushed out, her face crumpling as she shouted, “Y/N!”

Jinah was right behind her. “Unnie!”

They collided into Y/N with all the force of a tidal wave. His mother hugged her so tightly, Y/N actually squeaked. “Oh my god, I can’t breathe!” But the words were muffled against Mrs. Sung’s shoulder. Jinah clung to her waist, crying openly.

“You came back! You really came back!” Jinah sobbed. “Oppa didn’t say anything, he just disappeared, we thought—!”

“I’m here,” Y/N whispered, her voice thick. “I’m here now.”

Mrs. Sung pulled back just enough to cup Y/N’ face in her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks but her smile radiant. “Thank you for coming back to us. We prayed… every day.”

Jinwoo stood nearby, watching quietly as his family wrapped Y/N in their arms. His lips curled into a small, victorious smile. She’s home.

For the first time in a long while, something inside him felt at peace.

Later that night, the house finally settled into a peaceful quiet. Jinah had passed out on the couch, mumbling something about "meat comas," and his mom had gone to bed after fussing over Y/N one last time. The warm hum of home wrapped around them like a familiar blanket.

Jinwoo stood in the kitchen, pouring hot water into two mugs. His movements were slow, precise—automatic, really. He barely realized what he was doing until he set the second cup on the counter and stared at it for a long moment.

Y/N tilted her head at him from where she sat at the table, legs curled under her like she owned the place. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice gentle.

Jinwoo’s fingers curled lightly around his own cup. “Nothing,” he murmured, then let out a quiet laugh. “I just realized… for months after you were gone, I kept doing this.”

“Doing what?”

He glanced at her, his dark eyes thoughtful. “Making two cups of coffee. Every night. Out of habit, I guess. Or… hope.”

Y/N felt her throat tighten. She stared at him, warmth spreading across her chest—but before she could say anything soft or serious, he smirked, just a little crooked and teasing.

“I even caught myself talking to your pillow,” he added smoothly, taking a sip from his cup.

Y/N nearly choked on air. “What?!”

Jinwoo shrugged with zero shame. “What can I say? It still smelled like you.”

Her face flamed instantly. “Jinwoo!”

He tilted his head toward her, that slow, lazy grin spreading wider. “Don’t worry. I washed it before it got too weird.”

“You—!” She set her coffee down with a loud clink. “Oh my god. You’re worse than I thought.”

“Maybe.” His tone dipped lower, warm and teasing now. “But after all this time, you’re back. And now I don’t need a pillow.”

Y/N stared at him, eyes wide. “Are you flirting with me over coffee?”

“I’m telling you the truth.” Jinwoo walked over, setting his cup down beside hers. He braced his hands on either side of the table and leaned in, close enough that she could feel the warmth of him, smell the faint bitter edge of his coffee breath. “And if you’re not careful, I might start thinking you like it.”

Her heart skipped hard in her chest, but she smirked anyway, refusing to back down. “You’ve been love-struck that hard, huh?”

Jinwoo hummed low in his throat. “You have no idea.”

For a moment, neither moved. The air crackled between them.

The stars blinked faintly above them, a scattered sea of light against the dark sky. Jinwoo sat with Y/N beneath their shared blanket, their shoulders pressed close, fingers lightly entwined around warm mugs of coffee.

She sighed in contentment, resting her head against him. “I missed this,” she murmured, voice soft and peaceful.

Jinwoo glanced at her from the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable for a beat before a faint smile tugged at his lips. “Me too.”

For a long while, neither spoke. The air between them was warm and quiet—too quiet.

Then Jinwoo said, casually, “You know… it was almost too peaceful while you were gone.”

Y/N blinked, tilting her head up slightly. “Too peaceful? That doesn’t sound like a bad thing.”

He chuckled, low in his throat, a sound that might have passed for amusement. “You’d think.”

She waited, expecting him to say more.

Jinwoo lifted his mug to his lips, took a slow sip. His dark eyes stared ahead, distant. “Everyone was smiling. Moving on. Like nothing happened.” His fingers tapped against the ceramic, idly, as if keeping time with something only he could hear. “Like you’d never existed.”

Y/N frowned, the smile fading from her lips.

“So,” he continued, tone light, “I started thinking… maybe it was time to mess things up a little.” He gave a slow shrug. “Tear the world apart. Make them all scream, just so it would feel… fair.”

Her eyes widened, a quick intake of breath catching in her throat.

But Jinwoo glanced down at her with a crooked smirk. “Kidding. That’d be a bad look for me, right?”

Y/N let out a laugh, unsure if she was supposed to believe him or not. “You… are joking, right?”

He leaned in, bumping her shoulder playfully. “What do you think?”

Y/N smiled faintly, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

She leaned into him again, relaxing under the illusion of his calm. She believed it. She wanted to believe it. After all, he was here, wasn’t he? He hadn’t lost himself. He’d brought her home.

But Jinwoo didn’t say anything more.

Inside, where she couldn’t hear, his thoughts echoed in the silence.

I wasn’t kidding, he admitted to himself. I was one step away from destroying everything. From making the world bleed just so it would hurt as much as I did.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, taking in her scent, the warmth of her beside him.

If I hadn’t found you… if you hadn’t come back…

He exhaled slowly, hiding the tremor in his chest behind another sip of coffee.

Instead, he looked at her, smiling faintly. “I thought you said you admired me,” he teased. “Why make me feel like the loneliest man in the world?”

Y/N laughed again, softer this time, and squeezed his hand.

Jinwoo squeezed back, but his eyes drifted once more to the stars, silent.

You saved me, he thought. Even when you weren’t here. But I don’t think I could’ve waited much longer.

And because she didn’t know what he was truly thinking, because he made sure she wouldn’t, Y/N smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder again. Peaceful. Safe.

The house had settled into a quiet calm for the night. Jinwoo’s mother and Jinah had long since gone to bed, and the stars outside were a muted shimmer through the window. Y/N stood in her borrowed room, toweling off her hair after a warm shower, still getting used to the feeling of being home—even if it wasn’t the world she was born in.

She was humming softly to herself, fluffing at her already half-dried hair when there was a soft knock at the door.

“Y/N,” came Jinwoo’s voice, low and hesitant in a way that immediately made her heartbeat quicken.

She padded barefoot to the door and opened it, tilting her head curiously. “Hey.”

Jinwoo stood there, silent for a moment, eyes a little darker than usual. Then, without asking, he stepped inside. Y/N blinked but didn’t stop him, distracted as she was, still toweling at her damp hair. “What’s up?” she asked, casually wringing out strands that were already dry.

He was quiet behind her. She felt it before she saw it—the weight of his gaze, heavy and intent. Then suddenly, a warm arm snaked around her waist from behind, drawing her gently but firmly back against him.

Y/N stiffened for half a second, wide-eyed, her hands frozen mid-dry. “J-Jinwoo…?”

His head lowered beside her ear, his breath warm against her damp skin. “I want to sleep beside you tonight,” he whispered, voice raw but controlled. “I’m scared if I close my eyes, I’ll wake up and you’ll be gone.”

Y/N’ throat went dry, and for a moment she didn’t trust her voice. She nodded faintly instead, cheeks flushed so hot she thought she might ignite on the spot. “O-Okay,” she managed.

He hummed softly, satisfied with her answer, but didn’t move right away. His grip stayed gentle around her, and after a long moment, he finally let her go.

“I’ll wait,” he said simply, giving her space.

And wait, he did.

Y/N continued to pretend to dry her hair, standing at her little vanity, fussing with invisible dampness as if it was her most sacred duty. She ran the towel over her hair again. And again. And then again.

From the corner of her eye, she could feel Jinwoo watching her from where he sat on the edge of her bed.

Except now… he wasn’t just watching.

He was waiting.

And very obviously annoyed.

When she risked a glance at him, she found him sitting there, arms crossed over his chest, one brow raised high in a look that screamed, Really?

Y/N froze. “What?”

“You’re stalling,” Jinwoo said flatly.

“No, I’m not,” she shot back, spinning back to the mirror. “My hair’s still wet.”

“Y/N.” His tone was patient in the way that suggested it was running out.

“It is! I can feel it!” She rubbed the towel over her hair again, aggressively.

“Y/N.”

She risked another glance. He was now lying back against her pillows, one arm behind his head, the other lazily patting the empty space beside him. His gaze was steady, unamused, and just a little smug.

“You’re acting like a virgin,” he said bluntly.

Y/N sputtered, nearly dropping the towel. “I—! You—! I am—!” she stammered, cheeks burning even hotter.

Jinwoo’s lips twitched. “So you keep telling me.”

“That’s because it’s true!” she huffed, spinning back to the mirror, mortified.

“You’ve been drying your hair for twenty minutes,” Jinwoo drawled. “You’re going to wear it out.”

Y/N groaned into the towel. “This isn’t fair,” she mumbled.

“It’s not,” Jinwoo agreed easily. “I’ve been suffering longer.”

She peeked at him through her fingers. He was grinning now. That quiet, devastating grin that made her stomach do flip-flops. His hand was still patting the space beside him, slow and lazy.

Finally, she gave up, dropping the towel onto the vanity with a resigned sigh. “Fine,” she grumbled. “But no funny business.”

“I’ll behave,” Jinwoo promised. Then, after a beat, “Mostly.”

She shot him a look as she crossed the room, but when she slipped under the covers beside him, his arms were there instantly, wrapping around her like he’d been waiting years for this.

And maybe he had.

<< Chapter 14 | Chapter 16

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[rarepears]

So, don't know if you remember that anon that read your fic without being in any fandom (GOT and Solo Leveling)

I'm, of course, a Sung Jinwoo kinnie, his simp, he's my babygirl and I love him, so of course I read it even if I don't like GOT (too much dead, and I always choose the ones fated to die, one season was enough to understand that I was better far away from them)

But I have to admit that half of the time I'm lost with Jinwoo.

Some dragons danced? LOL sounds important, too bad I don't know what it means

All the religious stuff? Who knows what it means, me no, for sure, I also don't care, brain empty just here for the laughs

What I'm saying, is that those people are unnecessary complicated

(That thing they say about Jinwoo doing something with the children and Kevan saying that he shouldn't do that with Tywin- the chapter of the tea party - yeah, Jinwoo and I are equally lost here. What did he do?)

Of course Jinwoo is lost, I'm lost half of the time, and I know what is happening so yeah

Jinwoo isn't just a himbo (he is, but that's not the problem here) that doesn't understand the situation, it's just we need a lot of knowledge to understand how they say hello

Poor Jinwoo, he just wants a meal and looks at the cute lord and ends up marrying and adopting three little psychotic kids (mission failed successfully ig)

Poor Jinwoo 😞

But hey, he gets to eat all the guilt free almonds. He still remembers when almonds were affordable and everywhere. Now though? Almonds are starting to be easy to buy again but it's still so expensive - but not as expensive as it was 10 years ago. Thank goodness for Westeros still growing all the fancy nuts.

(Hey, is there any fic that addresses like the impact of Kamish taking out most of the West Coast of the US?? Because like California produces 80% of the world's supply of almonds. As for pistachios, that's nearly half of the world’s supply and 99% of US production. California is the fourth-largest producer of wine in the world – ranked only behind Italy, France, and Spain. The state produces over 80% of all stone fruit produced in the US, including 70% of the country’s peaches, 95% of its plums, and over 99% of its nectarines.

California is the largest producer of vegetables in the US, accounting for more than 40% of the country’s vegetable acreage. The state has also consistently led the country in vegetable exports, accounting for 52% of the US total during the 2020-21 season. California farmers produce almost all of the US' artichokes, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, celery, spinach, and carrots. Other vegetables grown include asparagus, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, squash, cucumbers, and snap peas. California’s unique climate also lends itself to year-round lettuce production; more than 70% of the lettuce grown in the United States comes from California.

Anyways, California being burned down and made inhabitable is insane and the ripple effects are everywhere. WHERE IS THAT FIC?!

I guess you can also say that this is spoilers for why I have Jinah buying all the shit and clothes. She REMEMBERS that money means nothing when all it takes is one gate to wipe out nearly an entire world's supple of almonds. Then it doesn't matter how much money you have; there was no almonds for anyone to eat.)

[inconsistentrambles]

swapped! SL au

When the giant raises its spear to stab Jin-Woo, he’s aware of his own demise. However, when he awakens in a world that views him as a dangerous Nation-level hunter he’s not quite sure if he should be horrified or happy.

In which E-Rank Jin-Woo is transported to a world where he had participated in the Kamish Raid and all the unusual hijinks that come with that.

S!Rank Jin-Woo is notorious for being mysterious and antisocial. He has a cult-like fanbase of fans but due to his apathetic persona many people find him difficult and unsettling.

Hwang Dong-Su stayed with Korea due to S!Jin-Woo. When he first awakened he challenged S!Jin-Woo but was beaten very easily. Despite this Hwang Dong-Su found himself admiring S!Jin-Woo’s strength and uncaring personality. He secretly runs many S!Jin-Woo fan sites and groups but when with Jin-Woo in person he act obtuse and arrogant- he’s a tsundere. When he meets E! Jin-Woo he acts the same but E! Jin-Woo takes note in the change of country.

Go Gun-Hee understands S! Jin-Woo intimately like a father. Due to overseeing him during his youth he feels responsible for him and pity for his lost childhood. He coodles E! Jin-Woo

Liu Zhigang likes Jin-Woo. During the Kamish raid they found themselves unconsciously pairing together due to them both being the youngest and having similar personalities. He views S!Jin-Woo as an anti-Social little brother and often teases him or tries to spar with him. He takes advantage of E!Jin-Woo’s obliviousness and convinces him that S! Jin-Woo called him big brother. He is the first overseas hunter to come check on Jin-Woo

E! Jin-Woo is shocked that Liu Zhigang is so friendly with him as he admired him for his personality and strength in his og universe.

Thomas Andre is very soft on Jin-Woo. He didn’t like the inclusion of him during the Kamish raid due to his young age. After S! Jin-Woo survived he acknowledged his strength and attempted to get S!Jin-Woo to join his guild. Despite being rejected he still pampers him, viewing S!Jin-Woo as ‘one of his’ and someone apart of his ‘family’ due to his young age. S! Jin-Woo exploits this to get weapon and items out of him which Thomas easily gives up. E! Jin-Woo is scared of Thomas and can’t look him in the eyes. Thomas tries buying him expensive things to get him to like him.

S! Jin-Woo actually has an estranged relationship with his family. Due to his job he could not hang out with Jin-ah often and she was mainly raised by his summons and expensive tutors he hired. She goes to an expensive private school and her identity is hidden from the public. She acts cold and awkward towards E! Jin-Woo when he tries talking to her.

Kyung-Hye passed away due exposure to S!Jin-Woo’s mana for too long which worsened her symptoms and mutated her illness into a fatal condition. S! Jin-Woo feels immense guilt for this.

[sayonara363]

Sung Jinwoo / Liu Zhigang Headcanons!

- Zhigang is very clingy. If Jinwoo goes to another room he goes with him. If Jinwoo goes on a morning run he goes with him. If Jinwoo cooks he stands besides him doing nothing but look how his boyfriend makes food.

- Between the two Zhigang is a yapper and Jinwoo a listener.

- Zhigang teases Jinwoo on a daily basis.

- Zhigang is the main one who initiates physical contact. Cuddles, hugs, kisses etc.

- Jinwoo expresses his love through words but from time to time also initiates physical contact even if not as much as Zhigang.

- Surprisingly Jinwoo is the one who gifts a lot of flowers to Zhigang.

- Zhigang likes to bad mouth other national rank hunters while Jinwoo stays neutral.

- They do have matching bracelets made by Jinah.

-Zhigang doesn’t mind when Jinwoo styles his hair a different styles every day.

-Jinwoo calls Zhigang a cockroach because of his hair.

-Zhigang also calls Jinwoo a cockroach because he survives through everything like a cockroach .

-Zhigang was actually the one who didn’t knew that Jinwoo survived (or was resurrected) after the battle with three monarchs. He turned down TV when saw how claws of beast monarch pierced through Jinwoo’s body.

-Was the one who with all his might tried to hold Jinwoo back from fighting the Monarch of Destruction alone.

- Didn’t helped that Jinwoo was planning to buy as much time as possible even if it ment sacrificing his live.

- Jinwoo didn’t try to sugarcoat it and said straight forward to Zhigang that he was going to die.

- Zhigang was also apposed of the idea of turning back time.

- While fighting Zhigang tried his best not to look at the side where Jinwoo and Antares fought.

- Jinwoo was forever sorry to put such a burden on Zhigang.

- As much as Zhigang was happy that Jinwoo survived he was not as clingy as before.

- Jinwoo actually left his matching bracelet with Zhigang. It would have been destroyed if he fought with it.

- After the battle things have settled down with rulers helping to kill off the rest of magic beasts. Zhigang wasn’t happy to face the one who gave him his powers.

- Zhigang hates and I mean HATES Ashborn. Even more he hates Architect.

- Jinwoo tried to defend Ashborn but in the end gave up.

- Zhigang feels neutral about Rulers. He is grateful for them for saving the Earth but that ends there.

- Knowing that your partner is no longer a human changed Zhigang a lot.

- He still loves Jinwoo a lot. Nothing can change that.

- Jinwoo did tried to apologise but Zhigang shut him before he could have said anything.

- They both became quieter. It was kind of uncomfortable period in their relationship.

- They did tried to dance with each other but neither Jinwoo nor Zhigang knew how so they just had fun.

- Zhigang loves Jinwoo in any version. Would that be his E-rank form or S-rank, they are the same person.

- Jinwoo cuddles way more when he is in his E-rank body.

- Zhigang doesn’t mind neither of them.

- Zhigang bites.

- Jinwoo growls.

- Jinwoo takes most of the space on the bed.

- They both have pretty bad nightmares and both comfort each other.

- Zhigang is an unpaid psychologist for Jin-Ah because she refuses to speak to the real doctor and there are no other option besides Zhigang.

- Zhigang is just happy to help. Even though he isn’t sure how. He just tries his best to encourage her to open up to her physician.

- Zhigang did tried to force Jinwoo to get professional help but did not succeeded. Jinwoo just teleported away from the conversation.

- Zhigang gets cock blocked by Jinwoo’s shadow soldiers. Especially by Beru.

- Zhigang actually likes Beru a lot. An enormous ant that he can teas? Best thing ever.

- Three dragons that Jinwoo has are actually really interested in Zhigang. But in theirs mind Kamish died not because national hunters were stronger than him but because Kamish underestimated them.

- Jinwoo once said to Zhigang that he needs to be on a look out for another dragon that want all national hunters dead.

- Jinwoo never said who that dragon was but that dragon was very offended by National hunters. (That dragon was Ennio from solo leveling Arise)

- Jinwoo likes sweets a lot and even if he doesn’t say it out loud Zhigang just spoils him with all sorts of treats. He knows that Jinwoo could buy them himself but knowing him he just ain’t going to have time for that.

- Jinwoo is actually work alcoholic. Zhigang is ready to force him to sleep by any means. Would that be seductive or begging at his knees.

- Jinwoo is cold, and Zhigang likes cold. Partially because of the trauma he got from fighting Kamish. The other part is just because.

- Theirs dates are as chaotic as they could be. Would that be a nearby Dungeon Break or something else, their dates could never end up with a good note.

- Jinwoo tries to make at least an effort to sleep and eat like a normal person despite not needing it.

- Zhigang still feels weird when placing his head above Jinwoo’s heart and not hearing it beating. He wakes up in the middle of the night to freak out that his bf is dead but then remember that he is not technically dead.

- Only few reporters got a few photos of Jinwoo and Zhigang together. Would that be Jinwoo’s sneaky personality or a Chinese government doing it job good.

- When first meeting with Jinwoo’s mum Zhigang felt like he was going to get executed by her. “Honey, is he really the one who you want to spend your life with?”. But in the end they kinda got along.

- But Jinwoo’s father was a different story. Automatically achieving a few scores from him because he was a cup of a ruler and really powerful at that. So Zhigang didn’t had much problems with him.

- Jinah follows a lot of Zhigang’s can accounts and then sends him those videos. They laugh together.

-Zhigang was the first one to suggest starting dating.

… That is about everything I got on them. I was starved not having content about them so I went and created it myself. I felt like that sound “SOMEBODY SEDATE ME!!!” So yeah. I love those two dumbos so much. Also I did went berserk with those headcanons and I do not feel ashamed. I also have a tons of different Au’s and the problem is that I can’t even properly explain any of them. Maybe one day. And I kinda think I made Jinwoo a bit too much different from his original self and the same goes for Zhigang.

[animebltches]

the dragon kamish held in the hand of its rightful owner