Welcome to Dungeon Hotel Chapter 149

145. Long Time No See

 

* * *

 

As soon as I was released from Jan Schultz, instead of buying a plane ticket, I headed to the hotel using a master key.

 

However, when I got to the hotel, Uncle’s words that the manager was being held hostage turned out to be a trap. 

 

“Junghyo, Junghyo, you’re really bad! How could you just take Han Woohyun and Hwang Misoon and leave us alone?” Uncle shouted with an upset face.

 

The Korean internet community went crazy because I was hiding my face by wearing a knight’s helmet. However, he remained completely silent on the matter, expressing only his disappointment.

 

And then there was Uncle Minhyuk—.

 

“How can you come up with the idea of taking Junghyo with you into an EX-Class dungeon?” 

 

With eyes filled with anger rather than disappointment, he began to hit Han Woohyun, not me. 

 

Han Woohyun looked like he was used to receiving Uncle’s hostility. 

 

“Because this was a raid where confidentiality was important, we were not able to notify you in advance.” 

 

A voice mixed with resignation, as if saying, “There he goes again,” was heard.

 

As I realized that strong resignation, a scary thought came to me for a moment. No way; does Uncle continue to act like that even within the guild?

 

“Notify…in advance? Did you say ‘notify’?” 

 

“There is no reason to ask for permission, right?” 

 

….? 

 

No, that’s not all. I also sensed a strange wariness from Han Woohyun.

 

Why do you two have such a bad relationship?

 

As far as I know, it was the Hanwoon Guild that helped Han Woohyun stop the unfair contract with the Baekho Guild, and that took the lead in responding to various rumors afterwards.

 

Originally, his management philosophy was to take the lead in improving the treatment of hunters, but I especially felt that Uncle helped Han Woohyun a lot with a sense of duty— 

 

‘If I look at it now, it’s almost like a sworn enemy?!’

 

What was worse, Uncle soon grabbed Han Woohyun by the collar and lifted him into the air.

 

Unfortunately, this place was not a lounge, but a coffee shop on the first floor, so the restriction against using violence within the hotel was lifted.

 

‘I solved it using my front desk skills. Even if the elderly just tap each other on the shoulder, the violence prohibition clause is activated.’

 

It may be possible to create a ban on violence again with skills right now.

 

…Then it would be like taking Han Woohyun’s side. 

 

I alternated my gaze between Han Woohyun and Uncle Minhyuk, feeling like a powerless husband mediating between my parents and my wife. 

 

If only I were truly a “powerless husband,” then maybe siding with my wife would put an end to it all…

 

But that’s not the case now!

 

No one seemed interested in helping me.

 

The staff were in the lounge, and Uncle Junsoo supported Uncle Minhyuk, while Aunt Misoon went as far as to expose the truth about our relationship.

 

“Hey, just kill him. He’s dating Junghyo.”

 

…! 

 

It was then. 

 

As Uncle Minhyuk’s grip tightened, Han Woohyun’s body was lifted even higher.

 

I don’t know how that’s possible, but—

 

This can’t go on any longer.

 

“Front desk!”

 

The unique skill of the hotel owner, who exerts control over the entire hotel!

 

“Violence is prohibited in any area of the hotel, Uncle!” 

 

At the same time, two people—no, three people—were thrown out.

 

As Uncle Minhyuk was thrown out, Han Woohyun was thrown out in the opposite direction, and for some reason, my Dad, who was running from the direction of the elevator, was thrown out.

 

Dad,,,? 

 

When did you get here?!

 

I watched the three S-Class land perfectly on the ground, as if they had been put together.

 

Especially, I noticed Dad grabbing his shoulder right after landing. 

 

“Dad!” 

 

“Lee Semyung!”

“Semyung-ah!” 

 

Aunt and Uncle Junsoo also shouted in surprise.

 

“…Lee Semyung?”

 

At the sound, Uncle Minhyuk, who had landed, slowly turned his head. Various emotions crossed the eyes of Uncle Minhyuk, which had been filled with anger.

 

All while Uncle Junsoo runs out and hugs Dad. 

 

“Semyung, Semyung, Semyung~ You really… Hng…Were you alive? I don’t know! I don’t know!” 

 

When Uncle hit Dad’s chest with his fist, Dad chuckled. 

 

“You’re still the same.” 

 

“What’s still the same? I already have two kids. I married Jang Myeongshin.”

 

“Myeongshin? Ha… This time, you’ve really succeeded, haven’t you!” 

 

It was a strange feeling watching Dad ruffle Junsoo’s hair as if he were truly happy. 

 

It was oddly touching to see that Dad and his colleagues still seemed like they were in their 20s or 30s whenever they met.

 

The phrase “this time, you’ve really succeeded” seemed odd, suggesting that it wasn’t just about Junsoo finally marrying the woman he had secretly loved for seven years. 

 

‘That words just now…It clearly means that Dad came to see a world where Uncle Junsoo couldn’t marry Aunt Myeongshin.’

 

Whatever it was, I first reached out to Han Woohyun, who seemed like no one would take care of him.

 

“Are you okay?” 

 

Han Woohyun got up as if there were no problems.

 

He actually seemed fine.

 

Is it natural because he’s S-class…?

 

Still, while I was turning Han Woohyun’s body this way and that, I felt a stinging gaze.

 

“….!” 

 

It was Dad. For some reason, Dad walked toward me, holding his sword sheath tightly. 

 

It was impossible to read any emotion from his stern expression. There were times when I felt like he was suppressing something, but for the most part, he just felt ‘nervous.’ 

 

So this is awkward.

 

My hands even started to sweat. Back in the dungeon, I could hold Dad’s hand without hesitation, but now things felt different. 

 

Whether it was due to the aging delay ability of the S-class or the time difference between this world and Earth, Dad was just the same as he was 15 years ago. 

 

However, now that I’m not young Junghyo anymore, I couldn’t help but feel that Dad might find me a bit strange too. Since his daughter, who he parted with when she was young, has grown up like this, he probably needs some time to adjust.

 

Therefore—

 

Therefore… Uhm… 

 

Right now, even saying that I missed him might feel a bit awkward.

 

Let’s leave it at that.

 

It was the moment when I lifted my head with such determination.

 

I could see the bloodshot eyes of Dad. I could even see his lips trembling, from the lips to the cheeks.

 

If this scene was one mass, it seemed as if the mass had been pulled from both sides and stretched until it became transparent.

 

I couldn’t take my eyes off of the subtle movements of Dad’s eyebrows, the tears welling up beneath his lower eyelids, and his lips moistening as if about to say something each time.

 

Dad… is back.

 

As Dad’s face finally crumpled under the weight of suppressed emotions, tears burst forth from me like water breaking through a dam.

 

“…Dad!” 

 

It was an uncontrollable cry like a child.

 

Uncontrollable pure emotions poured out of me like a rushing stream.

 

Longing. Resentment. Disappointment. Pleasure. Joy. 

 

“I really… really wanted to say it… really…”

 

As he had done before, Dad hugged me tightly, pressing my head against his chest, and whispered in my ear.

 

“I’m alive… Dad is alive… I really wanted to tell you that.”

 

The sound of sobbing emerged from my throat like the whimper of a beast, “Ugh…”

 

I let out a rough breath and grabbed Dad’s shoulders with both hands. 

 

I wanted to confirm Dad’s presence, even if it meant using my hands because I couldn’t see it.

 

“Because Dad is okay… everything is okay… Even if you couldn’t come back, I just wanted to say it like that… Dad is alive.”

 

He seemed to know what it was like to desperately want to tell me that he was alive. 

 

Even though he was caught up in the dimensional gap and suffered all sorts of hardships, I was more concerned about the pain and worry that would remain in my heart. 

 

He wished that I could be okay too, since he was okay. 

 

Each time he went on a dangerous raid, telling me not to become a hunter—even if it was said as a joke—it all came from the same heart.

 

He feels worried about me. 

 

As I became an adult and became a fellow hunter, Dad’s heartbreaking realization touched me so painfully.

 

“Water… Even just a bit of water…”

 

After crying for what felt like an eternity, my surroundings gradually came back into focus, as if I had lost my mind.  

 

Dad poured me some water from the bottle of water on the stand, and I drank it and took a deep breath.

 

“I was really surprised.”

 

“Why?” 

 

“The elevator door opened, and I saw you. You haven’t changed at all.”

 

“It’s the first time seeing me since when I was 10 years old.”

 

Except because he was too distracted in the dungeon. 

 

“Still, you’re the same for Dad. Just taller. Still small, though.” 

 

Dad put his hand on the top of my head and laughed.

 

….?

 

But I’m taller than the average Korean woman?

 

It’s not easy to be taller than Dad.

 

Before I could voice such a protest, Dad shot Han Woohyun a look full of dissatisfaction.

 

“But there’s a man standing next to our child…” 

 

Krak.

 

I heard the sound of Dad gritting his teeth as if they were about to shatter.

 

No, Han Woohyun clearly has a baby face. 

 

Although he looks a little scary, if you look at his face alone, doesn’t he look good in a school uniform?

 

What was in Dad’s eyes…?

 

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m glad you’re safe.” 

 

However, Han Woohyun simply nodded politely, as if ignoring Dad’s words.

 

It seems like he only hears what he wants to hear.

 

“Our… Junghyo’s… boyfriend?” 

 

“Yes. And we’re also high school classmates.”

 

“Aah…” 

 

Dad smiled as if he were looking at a monster. Dad held out his hand as if to shake it.

 

‘Uhm, I don’t think so. I don’t think you should grab it.’

 

I wanted to say that to Han Woohyun, but Han Woohyun willingly took his hand.

 

No, he tried to do that.

 

Until Uncle Minhyuk, who was next to me, slapped Dad’s hand away. 

 

“Are you trying to play the role of a guardian for a grown-up child when you just appear after 15 years?”

 

I was a little surprised by the cold voice.

 

Being a guardian… Uhm, that’s something… Uncle Minhyuk himself… more…  

 

“Minhyuk, long time no see. Thanks for taking care of Junghyo. As expected, you kept your promise. Thank you. But let’s talk more about this…”

 

“You don’t need to talk to Junghyo’s boyfriend. Han Woohyun is the boy who stayed by Junghyo’s side during the time you were away.” 

 

What is this? 

 

What is this sudden change in attitude?

 

While both I and Woohyun were embarrassed, Uncle Minhyuk looked at Dad with cold eyes.

 

Dad frowned and answered.

 

“It was you who stood by Junghyo’s side in my absence.”

 

“There are things even I cannot do. Like truly playing the role of a father.”

 

Dad’s eyes also changed slightly at Uncle Minhyuk’s obvious provocation.

 

“Now, you…” 

 

“Anyway, it’s disgusting for you to interfere in Junghyo’s private life.” 

 

“…Junghyo’s private life? Where does privacy come between families?”

 

“It’s an outdated idea that families don’t have privacy. It’s presumptuous to want to know everything about a family you’ve been separated from for even 15 years.” 

 

“Presumptuous…?” 

 

At that moment, Dad’s face crumpled.

 

But Uncle turned around as if he were okay with it.

 

As Dad grabbed Uncle’s shoulder, Uncle brushed off Dad’s hand with a displeased expression. 

 

“The subject who ran away when Junghyo needed it most—”

 

“…What?” 

 

At that moment, Dad’s fist swung towards Uncle’s face. 

 

I momentarily thought that Dad’s fist had struck Uncle’s face. It was as if time had stopped for a moment, with just the difference of a single sheet of paper, even as the fist halted. 

 

The air stirred around Dad’s fist.

 

My skills and the power of the hotel were struggling to suppress the power of the S-Class hunter Lee Semyung. 

 

Is that why?

 

Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. 

 

“…Ugh…” 

 

My stomach felt sick, and my ears began to ring.  

 

It felt similar to when a surge of mana depletion hit me hard… 

 

‘Long Time No See’ Quest!

 

—The satisfaction between the two long-time friends is dropping rapidly.

 

—Try to raise both of their satisfaction levels to 100% on your next visit.

 

—Completion Reward: 1000 EXP, 1000 Partnership EXP, ???

 

A quest window appeared after a long time.

 

Under the name ‘long time no see’.

 

This is definitely… a greeting from my status screen.