Gatebreaker: The Demon War Returns

Chapter 6: Family Echoes and a Sister's Smile

The announcement of the C-rank gate hung in the air like a storm cloud, a mix of apprehension and grudging excitement among the students. For Choi Hyun-woo, it was merely a blip on the radar, a slightly larger rat-hunt. He spent the days leading up to it in his usual routine: school, library sessions with Kim Da-eun, and hours online dissecting the absurdities of this world's "Awakened" society. The memory of Lee Ji-hoon's pale face, and his own blunt attempt at reassurance, occasionally flickered in his mind, a persistent, unwelcome warmth.

His nights, however, were less predictable. The dreams of the unknown woman persisted, growing slightly clearer, though her face remained stubbornly out of reach. He could feel a gentle touch, hear a soft, melodic hum that resonated with a deep, unsettling comfort. He'd wake up disoriented, the sterile silence of his room amplifying the phantom warmth. "Fucking useless," he'd curse under his breath, punching his pillow. They were a distraction, a weakness, and he hated them for it.

One evening, his mother, Mrs. Park, called him to dinner. He usually ate quickly, silently, retreating to his room. But tonight, she seemed more insistent.

"Hyun-woo-ya, sit properly," she said gently, placing a bowl of steaming kimchi jjigae in front of him. "You've been so quiet lately. Are you eating well?"

He grunted, picking up his spoon. "I'm fine, Mother." He still felt awkward using the familial terms, but he forced himself. They were his family now, even if he couldn't remember them.

His father, Mr. Choi, cleared his throat. "Your teachers say you're… excelling in your classes. Especially the gate training. Mr. Lee said you handled the D-rank almost single-handedly." There was a hint of pride in his voice, mixed with a touch of apprehension.

Hyun-woo just took a spoonful of soup. "They're weak. The creatures."

"Still, it's dangerous work," his mother fretted. "I worry about you, Hyun-woo-ya."

He met her gaze. Her eyes were filled with genuine concern. He saw no manipulation, no hidden agenda, unlike the calculating gazes he was used to. It was… disarming. "I can handle it," he said, his voice softer than intended.

His younger sister, Choi Su-min, who had been quietly eating, suddenly piped up. "Oppa, are you really going to the C-rank gate? My friend's brother is going, and he said it's super scary! They have like, actual demons!" Her eyes, wide and innocent, looked at him with a mix of awe and fear.

Hyun-woo felt a strange, protective flicker in his chest. A demon. The word still carried a profound weight for him, a visceral memory of terror and endless battle. But these "demons" of this world… they were just pathetic imitations.

"They're not real demons, Su-min," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "Just bigger, uglier goblins. Nothing to worry about."

Su-min's eyes lit up. "Really? You're not scared?"

He almost scoffed. Scared? He had faced true demons, beings that could tear reality itself. These were just… target practice. But seeing her innocent face, her genuine worry, he found himself saying, "No. There's nothing to be scared of. I'll make sure of it."

A small, genuine smile touched Su-min's lips. It was a bright, innocent smile, full of simple trust. It reminded him, fleetingly, of the youngest hero's smile, before the world had consumed her. He quickly pushed the memory away, but the warmth of Su-min's smile lingered.

After dinner, Su-min followed him to his room. "Oppa, can you help me with my math homework? It's really hard." She held up a textbook, her brow furrowed.

He usually dismissed such requests, retreating into his own world. But tonight, he found himself nodding. "Show me."

He sat beside her on the floor, the unfamiliar numbers and symbols a stark contrast to the ancient runes he was used to. He wasn't a scholar, not in this world's terms, but his mind was sharp, capable of quickly grasping patterns and logic. He patiently explained the concepts, his voice low and steady. Su-min listened intently, her small head nodding.

When she finally understood, her face broke into another wide smile. "Thank you, Oppa! You're the best!" She gave him a quick, unexpected hug before scampering off.

Hyun-woo froze, the warmth of her small arms lingering. A hug. He hadn't received a genuine, innocent hug in… he couldn't even remember. It was a strange, unsettling feeling, yet not entirely unwelcome. He found himself staring at the spot where she had been, a faint, almost imperceptible warmth spreading through his chest.

He was still a man of vengeance, still haunted by the past, still racist towards the "fucking beasts" that spilled from the gates. But the small, consistent acts of kindness from Da-eun, and now the innocent affection of his new sister, were slowly, subtly, chipping away at the steel wall around his heart. The C-rank gate loomed, a promise of violence, but for the first time, Hyun-woo felt a faint, new reason to return from it.