Reality Quest: Lookism

Reached 2200 stones! Here's the bonus chapter!

Btw: I researched Solo leveling as well nano machine and you already understood where I'm going with this, when i will finish this arc imma see if i can make a good plot plan for the SL novel, but I don't promise anything as i want to finish this one first.

I'm just letting yall know that i want to explore the other countries of SL so AU will be, as I don't believe Just Korea, Japan, America and Cina got the best hunters, that would be bullshit.

The world is big.

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Jin rolled his shoulders, the tension in his muscles fading as he smiled, the blood on his face only adding to his unsettling aura. "You ready for round two?" he asked, his tone laced with excitement.

Eunsung adjusted his stance, his own aura flaring as he prepared to meet Jin's challenge head-on.

Then.

The sound of Jin's phone vibrating interrupted the charged silence. Jin pulled it from his pocket, his eyes still locked on Eunsung as he accepted the call. Eunsung stood silently, folding his arms, waiting honorably despite the intense atmosphere.

"It's me." Jihan's voice came through, steady but slightly strained. "Your parents are safe. I got to them in time, but..." There was a pause, followed by a deep breath. "The Mad Brothers attacked them. I was intercepted by the elder brother on the way, so I came late. Your father managed to stall the younger two, but he got injured in the process. Your mother's fine, though, no injuries."

Jin listened in silence, his grip tightening on the phone. The veins on his neck, arms, and face began to bulge as his eyes darkened, their usual calm replaced by something far more menacing. His expression remained unreadable, but the subtle tension in his frame was like a coiled spring ready to snap.

After a long moment, Jin finally spoke, his voice low and calm. "Thank you for protecting them. I'll finish here quickly and come."

He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket, turning his gaze back to Eunsung. The playful spark that had lit Jin's eyes during their battle was gone, replaced by a cold, unfeeling stare.

"I'm not in the mood anymore." Jin said flatly. "We'll fight another time."

Eunsung frowned, his composure unwavering. "I still need to avenge my men."

Jin's expression darkened further as he took a single step closer, his voice sharp enough to cut through the tension. "I'm not going to repeat myself. I know why you're here. Headquarters sent you to test me."

Eunsung's silence confirmed Jin's words. He stood still, his muscles tensing as if bracing for an attack. The atmosphere between them grew heavier, but Jin didn't move to fight. Instead, his cold gaze seemed to pin Eunsung in place.

After a long pause, Eunsung nodded slightly and stepped aside, allowing Jin to pass. "You're treading on a fine string, Jin Lee." Eunsung said quietly. "Be careful. The line you're walking won't always hold."

As Jin walked past, Eunsung reached into his pocket and pulled out a small card. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed it toward Dowan. The card fluttered through the air before Dowan caught it. Eunsung's gaze remained on Dowan as he spoke.

"If you want to know about your father's death, call me."

Dowan's eyes widened in shock, his grip on the card tightening. "What do you mean? My father-"

Eunsung didn't answer. He turned and walked away, his calm demeanor unshaken, leaving Dowan standing there with a storm of questions brewing in his mind.

Jin didn't pause or look back. His steps were steady and purposeful as he led the group toward the stairs. Dowan hesitated for a moment, glancing between the card and Jin's retreating figure before quickly following.

Yu trailed behind them, one hand in his pocket while the other holding Jin's coat, with his expression as nonchalant as ever, though his eyes flicked to the card in Dowan's hand with mild curiosity. Se-Hoon, bruised but steady, brought up the rear, his focus entirely on Jin's tense shoulders.

The group descended the building in silence, the weight of Jihan's call and Eunsung's cryptic words hanging over them like a storm cloud. Jin's mind was elsewhere, his focus solely on his parents' safety and the men who had dared to harm them.

As they exited the construction site, Jin's voice broke the silence. "We're going to Jihan's house."

No one questioned him. Without hesitation, they followed, the air around them heavy with unspoken resolve.

....

The taxi pulled into the driveway of Jihan's residence, and even in the dim light, the sheer size of the property was striking. The house wasn't just large; it was practically a mansion, with towering gates and manicured hedges framing its pristine white walls. Dowan let out a low whistle as they stepped out, his gaze sweeping over the estate.

"This is where Jihan lives?" Dowan asked, eyes wide. "I thought he was just some quiet kid."

Se-hoon shrugged. "Guess he's quiet because he doesn't need to brag."

Jin ignored their commentary and dialed Jihan's number. The call was brief, and soon, the heavy doors swung open. Jihan stood there, there was a flicker of relief in his eyes when he saw them.

The moment Jin stepped inside, his mother rushed forward, her face pale but tear-streaked. She threw her arms around him, clinging tightly. "Jin! Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Her voice trembled, the worry evident.

Jin's expression softened as he gently caressed her hair. "I'm fine, Mom." His voice was calm, reassuring, but there was a weight in his tone that hinted at his internal anger. He held her for a moment longer before stepping back and turning to his father, who had just entered the room.

Mr. Lee's injuries were evident, bruises on his arms and a slight limp, but his pride and resilience shone through. Jin approached him, placing a hand firmly on his shoulder before pulling him into a hug.

"You held out well, Dad." Jin said quietly. His father patted his back, chuckling softly despite the pain.

"It's what fathers do." Mr. Lee replied, his tone light but filled with meaning.

Jihan, who had been standing by quietly, gestured toward the spacious living room. "We can talk more inside. You'll all be safer here for now."

The group followed him into the living room, an elegant yet cozy space with plush sofas and a large glass table. Once everyone was seated, Jin leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, and addressed the room.

"The Mad Brothers." Jin began, his tone measured but firm. "They're members of Seowon-dong. Kang In Kang is the representative there."

Yu raised an eyebrow. "How do you know all this?"

Dowan answered before Jin could speak. "When we were going around beating up members of the bully council, we picked up a lot of information." He leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms. "Turns out Seowon-dong specializes in... bounties and hitmen jobs."

Jin nodded in confirmation. "The Mad Brothers are frequently used to target the families of their clients' enemies. That's why they came after mine. It's their usual tactic."

Mr. Lee, who had been listening intently, frowned. "So they came because of the bounty on your head?"

"Exactly." Jin replied, his voice tense. "But I'm not going to let this slide. Kang In Kang sent them, and he'll pay for it. I'll go to Seowon-dong and take care of him myself."

The room fell silent at Jin's declaration, the weight of his words sinking in. It was clear to everyone that Jin wasn't just making a promise, he was stating a fact.

After a moment, Jin turned to Dowan and Se-Hoon. "The council meeting in five days. I need you two to tell me everything that happens there."

Dowan nodded, his expression serious. "You can count on us."

Se-Hoon, still processing the gravity of the situation, gave a firm nod as well. "We'll handle it."

Just as the conversation seemed to settle, Dowan's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, and a familiar name flashed across it.

"It's Siyeon." Dowan said, picking up the phone without hesitation. Jin leaned back slightly, his focus momentarily shifting to the call.

----

1293 words.

Jin is not playing around anymore.

Patreon: Mr_Graythorn or Mr_Gray