Jinyoung awoke in a familiar room, his body trembling with confusion. The scent of freshly washed clothes and a faint hint of his mother's cooking floated through the air. He blinked hard, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. This couldn’t be real.

His old room—his room from twenty years ago—looked exactly as it had when he was just a boy. The faded posters on the walls, the childhood toys scattered across the floor, even the slight crack in the window frame. Everything was as it had been.

“Jinyoung!” A voice called out from behind the door, sweet and soothing.

His heart stopped. That voice…

His mother. It was his mother.

He stumbled out of bed, his legs heavy with disbelief, and opened the door. There she stood—his mother, alive and well. Her face beamed with warmth, her apron tied loosely around her waist. He hadn’t seen her in years, not since that dungeon break that destroyed everything.

“Are you alright?” she asked, her brow furrowing slightly. “Breakfast is ready. You’ve been sleeping too long, dear.”

Jinyoung’s throat tightened, emotions swirling in a torrent he couldn’t control. His mother looked the same, her long dark hair tied back, her gentle eyes soft but filled with concern.

He tried to speak, but no words came out.

His mother reached out, placing a hand on his forehead. “Are you feeling unwell?”

It was real. Her touch was warm and solid, but how could this be happening? He stepped back, almost tripping over himself. He couldn’t handle it. Was he dead? Was this some kind of twisted afterlife?

His mind raced. Then, out of nowhere, a translucent blue screen appeared before him.

[Congratulations! Regression Protocol Activated.]

[You have been granted a second chance to change your fate.]

His eyes widened as the screen explained the impossible: he had been sent back in time, twenty years into the past, just before everything fell apart.

A second chance.

A chance to fix the mistakes, to save the ones he lost.

His hands trembled. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the weight of responsibility already crushing him. He looked at his mother again, feeling tears prick at the corners of his eyes.

“Mom…” His voice cracked.

She smiled gently, oblivious to the storm of emotions swirling within him. “Come down for breakfast, Jinyoung. Your sister is waiting.”

Soojin.

His sister, who had also died. Jinyoung's breath hitched as he staggered down the stairs, every step feeling like a dream, a cruel twist of fate. But no, this was real—he was truly back in time. As he entered the dining room, there she was—Soojin, alive, smiling, her long hair flowing freely as she munched on a piece of toast.

"About time you woke up, sleepyhead." She grinned, looking up from her breakfast.

Jinyoung could barely manage a nod, his throat tight with emotion. This was his second chance, and he wouldn’t let it slip away.

Chapter 5: Entering the Hunters Academy

Jinyoung knew exactly where to begin: he had to become powerful. Unlike his previous life, where he had wasted away, helpless, he now had a purpose. His goal was clear—he would join the Hunters Academy, the training grounds for the elite hunters who protected humanity from dungeon threats.

The academy’s imposing iron gates stood tall before him, towering over the cobbled streets. His heart raced as he stepped through, the sound of his boots echoing in the open courtyard. The academy was bustling with life. Young men and women in sleek uniforms moved with purpose, their conversations filled with talk of training, dungeons, and ranks.

Jinyoung’s uniform fit snugly, the dark material glinting faintly under the sunlight. The crest of the academy—an emblem of a roaring dragon—rested over his chest, a symbol of strength and potential. His gaze scanned the crowd, recognizing many faces from his past life, though none of them recognized him yet. In the far distance, his eyes locked onto one person in particular.

Seo Yuna.

She hadn’t changed, at least not physically. Her long, black hair cascaded down her back, tied loosely, and her sharp eyes glinted with focus. Dressed in her academy uniform, she carried herself with an air of confidence. She was a wealthy girl from a prominent family, destined for greatness.

Jinyoung quickly looked away, but not before Yuna noticed his brief, intentional glance. Her brow furrowed slightly in confusion. Why is he staring at me?

To Yuna, Jinyoung was just another student, someone insignificant. But to Jinyoung, Yuna was someone he remembered vividly from the future—a powerhouse, one of the greatest hunters to ever live. He had seen her fight, had heard stories of her feats. But now, in the present, she barely acknowledged him.

And that was fine with Jinyoung. For now.

Chapter 6: The Sparring Test

The air in the academy training hall was thick with anticipation. It was time for the sparring test, the first real chance for the trainees to prove themselves. The spacious room was lined with spectators, students waiting for their turn, watching each fight closely. Every clash of steel, every shout of exertion echoed throughout the hall.

Jinyoung stood in the far corner, his eyes fixed on the sparring ring. He watched as each trainee was tested in combat, their skills and abilities laid bare for all to see.

“Next match: Jinyoung versus Lee Hyun!” The instructor’s booming voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd.

Jinyoung stepped into the ring, his face calm, his heart steady. Across from him, Lee Hyun smirked confidently. He was taller, his muscles more defined, and his eyes gleamed with arrogance. His uniform was pristine, the academy’s crest shining brightly on his chest. He was the type of student that everyone expected to succeed—someone destined for greatness.

"Let’s see if you can keep up," Hyun taunted, twirling his spear with ease.

BOOM!

The match started with a sudden rush, Hyun lunging forward, his spear thrusting toward Jinyoung with deadly precision. Jinyoung reacted instantly, his body moving fluidly with Ultra Instinct, his new ability. He sidestepped the attack, his movements sharp and precise.

CLANG!

Their weapons collided, the sound reverberating through the hall. Hyun’s spear was deflected effortlessly by Jinyoung’s sword, and before Hyun could recover, Jinyoung closed the distance, delivering a swift strike to his opponent’s side.

Hyun grunted, stumbling back. "What…?" He gritted his teeth, launching a flurry of attacks, his spear dancing in the air. But Jinyoung was already ahead of him, dodging each blow with ease. His movements were like a shadow, disappearing and reappearing in an instant.

WHOOSH!

With a final swing, Jinyoung disarmed Hyun, sending his spear clattering to the ground. He ended the match with a swift kick to Hyun’s chest, sending him sprawling backward.

“Winner: Jinyoung!”

The crowd was stunned into silence, whispers rippling through the students. Yuna, who had been watching from the sidelines, couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. Who is this guy?