For most, it was just another day. For Jin Seo, it was a constant reminder of the world he wanted nothing to do with.
Seo slouched in his chair at the edge of a Guild recruitment center, idly tapping his pen against the application form in front of him. His eyes drifted to the bold text sprawled across the top of the page:
"Join the Fight Against Devil Zones! Protect Humanity!"
"Tch." Seo scoffed under his breath and tossed the pen aside. What a joke.
His family didn't need another Devil Hunter. His father, Jin Sang-ho, was an SS-grade Hunter renowned for his ruthless efficiency in clearing Devil Zones. His older siblings, the prodigious twins Jin Min and Jin Ah, were A-grade Hunters, celebrated for their exceptional mastery of their DevilBound abilities.
And then there was Seo—the youngest, the weakest, and the least interested in wielding power that came from making a pact with a Devil.
"You're still here, huh?"
Seo glanced up to see his best friend, Kai, leaning casually against the wall with his signature smug grin. Dressed in a standard Hunter's jacket and with a lightweight sword strapped to his back, Kai looked every bit the rookie Hunter. His shaggy hair, still damp from morning training, added to his effortless confidence.
"Don't you have better things to do, Kai?" Seo muttered, leaning back in his chair. He gestured lazily at the pen and form. "I'm sure the Guild'll survive if I don't sign up."
Kai laughed, loud enough to draw annoyed glances from the other applicants. Unlike Seo, they looked eager—pens scribbling furiously, their eyes brimming with dreams of glory.
"You've been sitting here for an hour," kai said, taking the seat beside him. "At this point, just sign it already."
"Not happening," Seo replied flatly.
Kai shook his head, still grinning. "Man, you're Jin Sang-ho's kid. People would kill to have your bloodline. I mean, even if you don't wanna fight, you've got potential. Don't you feel anything when you see those Devil Zones?"
Seo's gaze flickered to the large monitor at the front of the room. A live feed of the city skyline played on the screen, capturing the faint crimson rifts shimmering ominously above Seoul. Occasionally, the camera zoomed in on one of the larger Zones, the swirling energy within seeming to pulse like a heartbeat.
He felt something, all right. But not what Kai was hoping for.
"Yeah," Seo finally said. "I feel annoyed."
Sky blinked. "Annoyed?"
"Annoyed that I'm stuck here because my old man doesn't know how to mind his business. Annoyed that everyone treats Devil Hunting like some sacred duty. And annoyed that you're still trying to sell me on this crap."
Sky sighed dramatically. "Hopeless. You're absolutely hopeless."
"Glad we're on the same page," Seo deadpanned.
Before Kai could launch into another lecture, a low buzz vibrated through Seo's pocket. He pulled out his phone, frowning as the screen lit up. A notification blinked across the display in bold red text:
[New Devil Zone Detected: C-Rank]
[Location: Yeonpo District, Seoul]
[Warning: Be Cautious]
Kai leaned over, his grin widening. "Looks like the fun's already starting."
"Fun for you, maybe," Seo muttered, swiping the notification away. He pocketed his phone and grabbed his coat. "I'm going home."
Kai grabbed his arm before he could leave. "Wait. Don't tell me you're skipping the practical assessment."
"Why not? It's not like I care about passing."
Kai's grip tightened. "Because if you walk out, your dad's gonna hear about it. And when he does, you know he'll drag you back here himself."
Seo winced. His father's temper was legendary. And as much as he hated the idea of staying, the thought of facing Jin Sang-ho's wrath was somehow worse.
"Fine," Seo muttered, shrugging off Ji-woo's hand. "But after this, I'm done."
Kai clapped him on the back, his grin back in full force. "That's the spirit! Who knows? You might even enjoy yourself."
Seo seriously doubted that.