My daughter brought about the end of the world.

In the middle of a desolate expanse of bloodied snow was a solitary throne where Seola was gracefully perched, her chin resting on her hand with her eyes fixed on me.

“Why, Seola?” I asked.

In response, her lips curved into a bitter smile, and her sunken eyes glimmered with disdain. “It appears as though nothing has changed, Seojun. Have you come to play the role of a father at last?”

“I...” I struggled to find the words, but her icy voice cut through my hesitation.

“Or is it that, as a hunter, you’ve come here to capture your own flesh and blood?”

Rendered speechless, I closed my mouth. My purpose here was clear: to deliver a final plea, to try to talk Seola out of her plan. But I realized my daughter wasn’t willing to negotiate.

“Stop, Seojun.”

A voice resonated from behind. The owner of the voice was none other than the Sword Saint, and behind him stood a multitude of hunters, their eyes aflame with determination. They had convened to vanquish Seola and were the last vestige of hope for humankind.

“That creature is no longer your daughter. She is nothing more than a monster,” the Sword Saint declared.

“No,” I retorted with unwavering resolve. “Seola is not a monster. She is my daughter.”

“I will not force you to participate in this battle, but I implore you to withdraw.”

“I’m afraid I cannot,” I said softly.

Raising my spear, I turned to face the Sword Saint, my eyes locked onto his.

One of the Sword Saint’s eyebrows arched upward. “Are you being serious?” he asked, his tone laced with skepticism.

“I beg for your understanding,” I replied, bending my knees slightly and lowering my stance. After steadying my breath, I gripped my spear firmly.

“You may meet your end,” he cautioned as if to dissuade me.

“I’m prepared to die.”

I was fully aware of my inadequacy as a father, and that my sacrifice would be in vain for both Seola and the Sword Saint. Any attempt would be futile as the power imbalance between us was evident. Nevertheless, I couldn’t stand by and allow my daughter to be hunted.

In an instant, the Sword Saint appeared before me with incredible speed. He was almost invisible in his swiftness, and I only realized he had moved when his blade pierced my heart. As the cold sensation of the sword cutting through my chest washed over me, I gazed at the Sword Saint.

Thud. My spear fell to the ground, and I crumpled down after it. The Sword Saint briefly looked down at me before turning his head toward Seola. My vision blurred, obscuring Seola’s face, and a dry female voice echoed in my ears.

[The witch, Lee Seola, is filled with rage.]

[The final quest on Earth begins.]

[Final boss: Defeat the witch, Lee Seola.]

It had begun, and there was no turning back.

Blood seeping from my throat, I coughed it up and mustered my last ounce of strength. “I’m sorry, Seola,” I whispered.

Hot tears blurred my vision and regret flooded my thoughts. I wished with all my heart that I could turn back time and undo everything. As my consciousness slowly faded, a faint voice echoed:

[Initiating Hunter Lee Seojun’s unique quest.]

[You will be returned back in time.]