The morning light filtered through the blinds, painting soft golden stripes across Nitrian's room. He stirred, a low groan escaping his lips as he stretched, the warmth of his nightly dragon form training still humming beneath his skin. (Another day, another step closer to… everything.) A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he rolled out of bed. His Time-Savers perk instantly smoothed his clothes and styled his hair, leaving him effortlessly presentable. (No point wasting time on the mundane.)
As he padded toward the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon greeted him. Norma stood at the stove, humming softly as she flipped pancakes. Her presence exuded calm warmth, a grounding force in his life.
"Morning, Mom," Nitrian chirped, flashing a genuine smile. "Anything I can help with?"
Norma turned to him with a gentle smile of her own. "Just setting out the plates, dear," she replied warmly. "You're always so eager to help. It's sweet."
Nitrian activated Florence Nightingale, amplifying his helpfulness as he moved with practiced efficiency to set the table. He wanted to ease the subtle lines of worry that often creased her brow. "Just trying to be a good son," he said sincerely, his Honest to the Bone perk lending undeniable truth to his words.
Norma paused for a moment, her gaze softening as she watched him work. "You're more than that," she murmured before returning to her pancakes.
Nitrian smiled softly, feeling a warmth in his chest at her words. He knew she appreciated his efforts, and that was all that mattered.
As they worked together, the kitchen filled with the scent of cooking food and the sound of sizzling meat. The atmosphere was cozy, a sense of routine and comfort that Nitrian cherished.
When the table was set, Norma turned to him with a warm smile. "You know, Nitrian, you've always been very considerate. It's one of the things I admire most about you."
Nitrian's cheeks flushed slightly at her praise, but he smiled back at her. "Thanks, Mom. I just want to help out."
Norma nodded, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I know you do. And it means a lot to me."
As they finished preparing breakfast, Jin-Woo and Jin-Ah arrived, their presence filling the room with energy and chatter. Jin-Ah bounced into her seat, her pigtails swaying like excited pendulums, while Jin-Woo moved with his usual quiet intensity.
Nitrian watched them with a smile, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. This was his family—people he cared for deeply and would do anything to protect.
As Jin-Woo and Jin-Ah settled into their seats, the kitchen became a flurry of activity. Jin-Ah's eyes sparkled with excitement as she watched Nitrian, her voice bubbling over with anticipation.
"Oppa, let's play after school!" she exclaimed, her voice high-pitched and pleading. "You promised!"
Nitrian chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Of course, squirt," he said with a grin. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
He activated Arlo, amplifying his natural charm, and then used Fluff is Life, summoning a small, impossibly fluffy rabbit from his Pocket Space. The rabbit twitched its nose adorably, making Jin-Ah squeal with delight as she scooped it into her arms.
Jin-Woo watched them quietly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're good with her," he remarked neutrally, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone.
Nitrian used Communication to gauge Jin-Woo's mood, sensing the subtle undercurrent of anxiety that always seemed to linger beneath his calm exterior. "She's a handful," Nitrian replied lightly, "but she's family." His voice softened as genuine affection colored his words.
Turning to Jin-Woo more seriously, Nitrian added, "How are you feeling about the recent gate activity? Things seem to be escalating."
Jin-Woo's faint smile faded as unease flickered across his face. "It's… unsettling," he admitted quietly. "I feel like things are changing faster than I can keep up. Every gate I go into feels harder than the last."
Nitrian placed a comforting hand on Jin-Woo's shoulder and activated Honest to the Bone to convey genuine support. "You're stronger than you think," he said firmly. "You're adapting and growing every day." To emphasize his point, Nitrian demonstrated a few quick martial movements—blurs of precise power honed through years of training.
Jin-Woo watched him thoughtfully before nodding slightly. "Thanks," he said simply.
As they finished breakfast, the atmosphere remained warm and relaxed. Nitrian made sure to engage with both Jin-Woo and Jin-Ah, using his charm and humor to keep the mood light.
After breakfast, Jin-Woo and Jin-Ah headed off to school, leaving Nitrian to help Norma with the dishes. As they worked together, Nitrian couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. These moments, though mundane, were precious to him—a reminder of the bonds he cherished.
After Jin-Woo and Jin-Ah left for school, the house settled into a quiet rhythm. Norma stood at the sink, washing the dishes with practiced ease, her movements calm and deliberate. Nitrian leaned against the counter, watching her with an amused smile.
"You've been spending so much time helping everyone else lately," Norma said softly, breaking the silence. Her voice carried a note of concern as she glanced over her shoulder at him. "Are you taking care of yourself too?"
Nitrian smiled at her concern, his green eyes warm as he replied, "I'm fine, Mom. Helping you all… it keeps me grounded."
Norma paused, her hands submerged in soapy water as she turned to face him fully. Her gaze was soft but searching, as though trying to read between the lines of his words. "You're always so thoughtful," she murmured. "It's one of the things I admire most about you."
Nitrian's cheeks flushed faintly at her praise, but he maintained his smile. "Thanks," he said simply. "I just want to make sure everything's okay."
Norma dried her hands on a towel and stepped closer to him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "You do more than that," she said quietly. "You make things better—just by being here."
Nitrian felt a flicker of warmth in his chest at her words, but he quickly masked it with a playful grin. "Careful, Mom," he teased lightly. "You'll make me blush."
Norma laughed softly and shook her head. "I'm serious," she said, her tone earnest now. "You have this way of making people feel safe—like they can rely on you no matter what."
Nitrian's playful demeanor softened as he looked back at her. "That's because they can," he said simply.
They sat in companionable silence for a while, sipping tea and watching the city lights begin to twinkle as dusk turned to night. The air was cool but not cold, carrying with it the faint scent of blooming flowers from a nearby garden.
After a few moments, Norma broke the silence. "You know," she began thoughtfully, "you're going to make someone very happy someday."
Nitrian chuckled softly but didn't reply immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and looked up at the darkening sky. "Maybe I already am," he said finally, his voice quiet but sure.
Norma tilted her head slightly, studying him with an unreadable expression before smiling warmly. "Maybe you are," she agreed.
As they sat together on the balcony, Nitrian felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—not just for Norma but for everyone in his life. They were more than just people he cared about; they were his family. And he would do whatever it took to protect them.
The school courtyard buzzed with activity as students milled about during lunch break. Nitrian scanned the area, his gaze landing on Joo-Hee, who sat alone under a sprawling oak tree. Her orange hair glowed in the sunlight, framing her face like a halo. She was hunched over slightly, her expression thoughtful as she poked at her lunch with a pair of chopsticks.
Nitrian approached her with a warm smile, holding a carefully prepared bento box in his hands. "Hey, Joo-Hee," he greeted, his voice soft yet playful.
Joo-Hee looked up, startled for a moment before her lips curved into a shy smile. "Hi, Nitrian," she said, her tone hesitant but welcoming.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked, already sitting down beside her without waiting for an answer. He activated Potpourri, subtly enhancing his natural scent with hints of sandalwood and vanilla that blended seamlessly with the crisp autumn air.
Joo-Hee blinked at the bento box he handed her, her eyes widening in surprise. "You made this?" she asked incredulously.
"Of course," Nitrian replied smoothly, activating Faerie Feast: The Secret Ingredient is Love to subtly amplify her feelings for him. "I figured you could use something better than cafeteria food."
Joo-Hee opened the box carefully, revealing an assortment of beautifully arranged dishes—perfectly rolled sushi, neatly sliced fruit, and delicately seasoned vegetables. Her breath caught as she stared at the meal. "Wow," she murmured. "This looks amazing."
Nitrian leaned back against the tree trunk, watching her reaction with satisfaction. "Go ahead," he encouraged. "It's all yours."
As Joo-Hee began eating, Nitrian engaged her in conversation using Communication to listen attentively to her thoughts and concerns. He made sure to keep his tone light and supportive, creating an atmosphere where she felt comfortable opening up.
"It's just… overwhelming sometimes," Joo-Hee admitted after a few bites. She placed the chopsticks down carefully and glanced at him. "One minute I'm a normal student, and the next I'm training to fight monsters."
"You're handling it better than you think," Nitrian said softly but confidently. His gaze locked onto hers as he activated Love Spot, drawing attention to the faint golden glow in his eyes.
Joo-Hee's cheeks flushed slightly under his gaze, and she quickly looked away. "I don't know about that," she muttered.
Nitrian chuckled lightly and leaned closer, teasing her gently using Tsundere Service. "Come on," he said playfully. "You're tougher than you give yourself credit for."
Joo-Hee's blush deepened as she tried—and failed—to suppress a smile. "You're really good at this," she said quietly after a moment. "You always know what to say."
"That's because I mean it," Nitrian replied sincerely, activating White Knight to further solidify his role as her protector and confidant.
By the time lunch ended, Joo-Hee seemed noticeably more relaxed—her laughter lighter and more frequent than when they'd first sat down together. As they stood up to return to class, Nitrian gave her one last smile.
"I'll always be here for you," he said simply, his voice steady and sincere.
Joo-Hee hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "Thanks," she said softly.
As they walked back toward the school building side by side, Nitrian couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment—not just in how much closer they'd grown but in knowing that he'd helped ease some of the burdens weighing on her shoulders.
The evening sun cast a warm, golden glow over the apartment as Nitrian sat on the small balcony, gazing out at the cityscape. The hum of distant traffic and the occasional chirp of birds created a soothing backdrop to his thoughts. He had spent the day connecting with everyone—Jin-Woo, Jin-Ah, Joo-Hee—and now, as the day wound down, he found himself reflecting on it all.
Norma stepped onto the balcony, carrying two steaming mugs of tea. She handed one to Nitrian before settling into the chair beside him. "You've been busy today," she remarked with a knowing smile.
Nitrian took a sip of the tea, savoring its warmth. "It's been a good day," he replied simply, his voice calm.
Norma studied him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "You're always doing so much for everyone," she said softly. "Sometimes I wonder if you ever take time for yourself."
Nitrian smiled at her concern, his green eyes warm as he replied, "Helping you all… it keeps me grounded."
Norma's lips curved into a gentle smile as she reached out to place a hand on his arm. "You're remarkable, you know that?" she said quietly. "Not just because of what you can do—but because of who you are."
Nitrian felt a flicker of warmth in his chest at her words, but he quickly masked it with a playful grin. "Careful, Mom," he teased lightly. "You'll make me blush."
Norma laughed softly and shook her head. "I'm serious," she said, her tone earnest now. "You have this way of making people feel safe—like they can rely on you no matter what."
Nitrian's playful demeanor softened as he looked back at her. "That's because they can," he said simply.
They sat in companionable silence for a while, sipping their tea and watching the city lights begin to twinkle as dusk turned to night. The air was cool but not cold, carrying with it the faint scent of blooming flowers from a nearby garden.
After a few moments, Norma broke the silence. "You know," she began thoughtfully, "you're going to make someone very happy someday."
Nitrian chuckled softly but didn't reply immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and looked up at the darkening sky. "Maybe I already am," he said finally, his voice quiet but sure.
Norma tilted her head slightly, studying him with an unreadable expression before smiling warmly. "Maybe you are," she agreed.
As they sat together on the balcony, Nitrian felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—not just for Norma but for everyone in his life. They were more than just people he cared about; they were his family. And he would do whatever it took to protect them.
The rhythmic sound of fists hitting padded gloves echoed through the empty gym as Nitrian and Jin-Woo sparred. The space was dimly lit, with only a few fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, casting long shadows across the worn mats. Nitrian moved with fluid precision, his strikes sharp and calculated, while Jin-Woo struggled to keep up, his movements slower but determined.
"Come on, Jin-Woo," Nitrian said, his voice steady but encouraging. "Keep your guard up. You're leaving yourself wide open."
Jin-Woo gritted his teeth, sweat dripping down his brow as he adjusted his stance. He threw a punch, aiming for Nitrian's torso, but Nitrian sidestepped effortlessly, countering with a light tap to Jin-Woo's shoulder.
"Better," Nitrian remarked, activating Athletic to demonstrate a series of quick movements—sidesteps, feints, and strikes that blurred together in a display of controlled power. "You're getting faster."
Jin-Woo exhaled heavily, lowering his gloves for a moment as he caught his breath. "It doesn't feel like it," he admitted quietly. "I'm still just an E-rank hunter. No matter how much I train, I don't feel like I'm improving."
Nitrian stepped closer, placing a hand on Jin-Woo's shoulder. He activated Honest to the Bone, ensuring the sincerity of his words resonated deeply. "You're improving more than you realize," he said firmly. "Every time you step into that gym or enter a gate, you're pushing yourself beyond your limits. That's how growth happens."
Jin-Woo looked at him, his dark eyes searching for reassurance. "What if it's not enough?" he asked softly.
Nitrian's grip on his shoulder tightened slightly as he replied, "It will be enough because you won't stop trying. And I'll be right here with you—every step of the way."
Jin-Woo nodded slowly, his expression shifting from doubt to determination. "Thanks," he said simply.
Nitrian smiled and stepped back into position, raising his gloves again. "Now let's see if you can land a hit this time."
The sparring resumed, Jin-Woo's movements gradually becoming more confident and deliberate as Nitrian guided him through each technique. Nitrian made sure to adjust his pace and intensity to match Jin-Woo's progress, offering encouragement and advice whenever needed.
As the session came to an end, Jin-Woo collapsed onto the mat with a satisfied sigh, wiping sweat from his face with a towel. Nitrian sat beside him, handing him a bottle of water.
"You did well today," Nitrian said genuinely.
Jin-Woo took a long sip of water before glancing at him. "You're always pushing me," he remarked quietly. "But it helps."
Nitrian chuckled softly and leaned back against the wall. "That's what friends are for," he replied simply.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of their breathing gradually evening out as they recovered from the workout.
Before they left the gym, Jin-Woo turned to Nitrian with a faint smile. "You know… you're kind of annoying sometimes," he said teasingly.
Nitrian laughed and nudged him lightly. "And you love it."
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the living room windows, casting warm golden hues across the cozy space. Jin-Ah sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by a chaotic assortment of crayons, coloring books, and stuffed animals. Her pigtails bobbed as she hummed a cheerful tune, her small hands furiously scribbling bright colors onto a page.
Nitrian leaned against the couch, watching her with an amused smile. "What masterpiece are you working on today, squirt?" he asked, his tone playful.
Jin-Ah looked up at him with wide, sparkling eyes held up her drawing proudly, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "See? You're a dragon, and you're saving everyone from bad guys!"
Nitrian chuckled softly, leaning forward to examine the drawing more closely. "You made me look pretty cool," he said with a grin. "I like it."
Jin-Ah beamed at his praise, her pride evident in the way she puffed out her chest. "You're already cool, Oppa," she said matter-of-factly before returning to her coloring.
Nitrian activated Arlo, amplifying his natural charm as he reached into his Pocket Space and summoned a small, fluffy kitten. The kitten mewed adorably as it padded toward Jin-Ah, who squealed in delight and scooped it up into her arms.
"Another one?!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder. "You always have the cutest animals!"
Nitrian laughed lightly. "Only for you," he said teasingly. "But don't tell anyone—it's our secret."
Jin-Ah giggled, hugging the kitten tightly as it purred contentedly in her lap. "You're the best, Oppa," she said sincerely.
As she played with the kitten, Nitrian leaned back against the couch and watched her with a soft expression. He loved these moments—simple and carefree—where Jin-Ah's joy was infectious and unfiltered.
"Oppa," Jin-Ah said suddenly, looking up at him with a serious expression that was unusual for her. "Why do you always take care of everyone?"
Nitrian blinked at the question, caught off guard by her sudden shift in tone. He tilted his head thoughtfully before replying, "Because I care about you all."
Jin-Ah frowned slightly as if trying to process his answer. "But who takes care of you?" she asked quietly.
The question lingered in the air for a moment before Nitrian smiled gently and reached out to ruffle her hair. "You do," he said softly. "Every time you smile or laugh or draw something amazing like this." He gestured toward her dragon drawing.
Jin-Ah's frown melted into a shy smile as she hugged the kitten closer to her chest. "Then I'll keep taking care of you too," she declared firmly.
Nitrian felt an unexpected warmth in his chest at her words but masked it with a playful grin. "Deal," he said lightly.
They spent the rest of the afternoon playing games and telling stories—Nitrian weaving fantastical tales of dragons and heroes that made Jin-Ah's eyes light up with wonder. By the time Norma called them for dinner, Jin-Ah was practically glowing with happiness.
As they headed to the dining table, Jin-Ah tugged on Nitrian's sleeve and whispered conspiratorially, "You're my favorite Oppa."
Nitrian chuckled softly and whispered back, "And you're my favorite squirt."
Later that week, Nitrian decided to visit Jin-Woo's mom, Kyung-Hye. He arrived at their apartment just as the afternoon sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the quiet street. With a book tucked under his arm—a pretext for visiting—he knocked on the door.
Kyung-Hye opened it moments later, her warm smile immediately brightening the atmosphere. "Nitrian!" she greeted cheerfully before noticing Joo-Hee standing beside him. Her gaze flickered between them curiously. "And you've brought a friend."
Nitrian nodded casually as he stepped inside. "Joo-Hee wanted to see how Jin-Woo lives," he explained smoothly, shooting Joo-Hee a quick wink that made her blush faintly.
Kyung-Hye chuckled softly and gestured for them to sit in the living room. The space was modest but cozy, filled with family photos and small touches that spoke of care and love—a crocheted blanket draped over the couch, neatly arranged books on a shelf.
As Joo-Hee settled into one of the chairs, Kyung-Hye handed Nitrian a plate of snacks—rice cakes and sliced fruit—and patted his shoulder affectionately. "You're such a polite boy," she said fondly.
Nitrian flashed her an innocent smile while mentally noting how much he enjoyed being praised by adults—a habit he'd carried over from his past life. "Just trying to keep up my reputation," he said playfully.
Joo-Hee watched their interaction quietly, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she observed how effortlessly Nitrian charmed people around him.
Jin-Woo entered the room moments later, his dark eyes flicking between Nitrian and Joo-Hee before settling on his mom. "What's going on?" he asked simply.
"Just catching up," Nitrian replied breezily as he popped a rice cake into his mouth. He gestured toward Joo-Hee with his free hand. "Joo-Hee wanted to see how you live—thought I'd show her around."
Jin-Woo raised an eyebrow but didn't comment further. Instead, he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms, watching them interact with quiet intensity.
Joo-Hee shifted slightly in her seat but chose to ignore Jin-Woo's scrutiny for now. She turned her attention back to Kyung-Hye, who was asking Nitrian about school and other mundane topics.
After about twenty minutes of light conversation, Joo-Hee stood up and glanced at Nitrian hesitantly. "We should probably head back," she said softly.
Nitrian nodded and set down his empty plate before turning to Kyung-Hye with a grin. "Thanks for the snacks."
Kyung-Hye smiled warmly and patted his shoulder again. "Anytime, Nitrian—and you too, Joo-Hee."
As they left the apartment building together, Joo-Hee glanced at Nitrian thoughtfully. "You're… different around people," she said quietly.
Nitrian tilted his head curiously as they walked down the street together. "Different how?"
Joo-Hee hesitated for a moment before replying honestly, "You make them feel comfortable—even when you're being cheeky."
Nitrian chuckled softly but didn't respond immediately. Instead, he ruffled her hair lightly as they continued walking under the fading sunlight.
"Come on," he said with a grin. "Let's get you home."
The years passed in a blur, each one adding layers to Nitrian's growing strength and deepening bonds with those around him. His days were filled with relentless training, quiet moments of connection, and the satisfaction of seeing his loved ones thrive.
Nitrian spent countless hours sparring with Jin-Woo, pushing him to his limits while offering encouragement and advice. Jin-Woo's movements became sharper, his confidence growing with every session. Though still an E-rank hunter, his determination was unwavering. Nitrian used Athletic and Martial to guide him, ensuring that Jin-Woo's physical skills matched his mental resilience. Their bond deepened through shared struggles and victories.
"You're getting faster," Nitrian remarked during one particularly intense session as Jin-Woo managed to dodge one of his strikes. "Keep it up."
Jin-Woo grinned despite the sweat dripping down his face. "You're not going easy on me, are you?"
"Never," Nitrian replied with a smirk.
Jin-Ah remained a constant source of joy in Nitrian's life. Her boundless energy and unfiltered enthusiasm made her a delight to be around. Nitrian used Arlo and Performance to entertain her, weaving fantastical stories and summoning adorable creatures from his Pocket Space. She adored him, often declaring that he was her favorite person in the world.
One afternoon, as they played a board game together, Jin-Ah looked up at him with wide eyes. "Oppa," she said seriously, "you're like a hero in my stories."
Nitrian chuckled softly and ruffled her hair. "And you're my favorite sidekick."
Norma's worries eased under Nitrian's constant care. He used Florence Nightingale to ensure she was always well-fed and comfortable, creating a safe haven within their home. Their bond grew unshakable as Norma came to rely on him not just as her son but as her pillar of support.
One evening, as they sat together on the balcony sipping tea, Norma turned to him with a thoughtful expression. "You know," she said softly, "you have this way of making people feel like everything will be okay."
Nitrian smiled gently. "That's because it will be."
Joo-Hee was the focus of Nitrian's most delicate efforts. He used Potpourri, Alluring Whisper, and Love Spot to subtly weave a web of attraction around her, amplifying her natural affection. Through shared moments filled with laughter—and unspoken tension—her feelings for him deepened steadily.
One day after school, as they walked through the park together, Joo-Hee glanced at him hesitantly. "You're always so… supportive," she said quietly. "It's like you know exactly what I need."
Nitrian smiled warmly at her. "That's because I care about you," he replied sincerely.
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she looked away, but her smile lingered.
On his 18th birthday, Nitrian stood in the heart of his "Dragon Den," the grand manor within his Pocket Dimension. The air thrummed with residual energy—a testament to his relentless training over the years. He had honed his dragon abilities to a razor's edge, each scale and claw a weapon, each breath a force of nature. Sunshine Magic now flowed through him like a second heartbeat—a radiant energy he wielded with increasing mastery.
Suddenly, a holographic screen materialized before him, shimmering with cartoonish hearts and sparkles. A cheerful voice echoed through the grand hall:
[Congratulations, Contractor! Your Rizz Leveling System is now active!]
Nitrian blinked in surprise before chuckling softly. "Rizz Leveling System?" he asked aloud, amusement lacing his tone.
[That's right!] the voice chirped enthusiastically. [This system will help you achieve your ultimate goal: building the greatest harem in the Omniverse! Think of it as your personal wingman.]
The screen displayed a list of available Rizz Routes, each associated with a potential harem member. Only one name was highlighted: Joo-Hee.
[It seems you've already unlocked the Healer Route!] the voice announced smugly. [Joo-Hee is your first target! Clearly, your charisma is off the charts.]
A new mission appeared on the screen:
[Mission: Deepen your connection with Joo-Hee.
Objective: Achieve 'Ultimate Rizz' status to unlock new routes.]
Nitrian stared at the screen for a moment before tapping Accept. His lips curved into a mischievous grin as he thought about Joo-Hee—and how far they'd already come.
[Mission accepted!] the voice declared gleefully. [Good luck, Contractor! May your rizz be ever in your favor.]
As the screen vanished, Nitrian leaned back against one of the ornate pillars in his Dragon Den and laughed softly to himself. (This is going to be fun.)