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Thomas was bored. For as often as he was hailed as a National Level Hunter and thought to do whatever he wanted, there wasn’t much that could hold his attention or entertain him for extended periods. There was even less that offered him a challenge. The giant wasn’t one to keep up with the news, but even if he tried, he couldn’t not hear about the Jeju raid that happened in Korea.
With it came a plethora of rumors, especially with the death of Goto Ryuji and two other Japanese Hunters along with Korea’s S-Rank healer Min Byung-Gyu. There was gossip about Japan’s strongest, and the networks that Thomas had fingers in heard the whispers of his plans to use the raid to become a newly recognized National Level Hunter while crippling their closest competition – with the chatter of plots and cover-ups floated an increasingly familiar name, Sung Jin-Woo.
The Hunter had first come onto Thomas’ radar because of Hwang Dongsoo. If there was one thing that the National Level Hunter was, it was protective of what was his, so when he heard about a low-level Korean hunter giving Dongsoo trouble, he had no issue letting the S-Rank go a bit wild. It piqued his curiosity when Jin-Woo’s name came up again when dealing with the humanoid-type monster that appeared out of a gate on American soil. He again let Dongsoo handle the situation – though it was more that The Federal Bureau of Hunters had decided that the matter was not important enough to bother Thomas.
At first, Thomas tried to brush it off, but the name Sung Jin-Woo constantly appearing on his radar was bound to interest the Hunter. The ambiguity surrounding the dungeons he entered, coupled with his lower rank and pending re-evaluation, raised even the rambunctious man’s suspicion. There was just so much going on around the seemingly average male that the Hunter wanted to know more. That said, had Thomas not been paying attention to the newly minted S-Rank when he had, he would not have put much weight behind the sudden halt to the Jeju raid with the appearance of Sung Jin-Woo.
It could have just been seen as the Koreans wanting to protect the public from seeing further bloodshed as the mission went downhill, but the almost quiet announcement of the raid’s success with the appearance of the mage-type Hunter was like a drop of blood in the water, and Thomas was a hungry shark. He immediately went to Laura, checking his schedule and negotiating with the blonde to get his itinerary cleared enough for a flight to Korea. She had put her foot down, refusing to let him drop everything like he’d done previous times, which pushed his departure back several weeks until he finished his contractual obligations.
He could have completely disregarded all of that, but Laura was one of his most competent secretaries, and the Hunter was almost sure that if he pissed her off too much and she left, Thomas would never find someone as good as her again. She allowed him to do whatever he wanted, though she was good at talking him into completing all the boring bureaucratic nonsense that came with running and managing a guild the size and power of the Scavengers. That said, he hated the meetings and all the paperwork that came with juggling gates and Hunter teams. There was also the general celebrity that came with being a National Level Hunter, especially in the States, so there were certain obligations that he had to manage on that front as well.
As Thomas left a meeting with the President, he ran into a still-trembling Norma Selner and realized that he had just missed Sung Jin-Woo’s trip to America. The Hunter couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of the situation. Here he was chomping at the bit to meet the S-Rank, and he had just waltzed into his country under the invite of Adam White, and Thomas had no clue until the man had already left. His conversation with Ms.Selner made him even more raring to go. Someone as powerful as that would likely give Thomas the fight he was itching for. He had started clearing more gates, though the battles had lost that same challenging spark despite their increased number. The Hunter counted the days, bags already packed and ready for his flight. Laura, bless the knowing woman, had cleared him a whole week, and Thomas was going to be sure to take advantage of it.
___
When Thomas stepped off the plane, he had a broad smile on his face. It widened even further as he spotted Woo Jin-Chul of the Monitoring Division. It was always fun talking with the A-Rank Hunter, and if anyone was more tired and overworked than Laura, it was Woo Jin-Chul. Even still, the blonde welcomed Thomas and saw him to his hotel while inquiring about the purpose and duration of his stay. The National Level Hunter laughed boisterously at his prodding, slapping Jin-Chul on the shoulder as he reassured the man that he wasn’t here to cause trouble but that he would like to see Hunter Jin-Woo.
Woo Jin-Chul was slightly nervous as he gave the last known whereabouts of the S-Rank, though Thomas assured him that he wasn’t coming with ill intentions. He dropped his bags off in his suite, phone in hand, before he stopped by the gate owned by the Knight’s guild, only to have to deal with shocked and trembling Hunters as they stuttered through trying to tell him that Sung Jin-Woo had already taken off towards a dungeon break occurring at a high school. Thomas arrived outside the school to a cacophony of police, media, distraught parents, medics, traumatized students, and Hunter Association workers trying to contain the situation. From the chatter, the problem had already been resolved, and Sung Jin-Woo and his shadow soldiers had single-handedly dealt with the dungeon in the span of a few minutes while everyone else was busy organizing.
Thomas intercepted the S-Rank Hunter as he exited the building, and it was at that moment the National Ranked Hunter realized that Sung Jin-Woo was not just an S-Ranked Hunter. He couldn’t be with the sheer amount of mana he radiated before he seemed to realize and reign it in. The younger male oozed danger, and Thomas had hardly gotten a word in before Jin-Woo had fisted his shirt, yanking him down to his level before pinning him with a glare, halting anything the older man might have said.
“I don’t have the time or energy to care for why you’re here. If it is for Hwang Dongsoo, the man has what’s coming to him if he tries anything, no matter who stands in my way.” Jin-Woo’s grip tightened as his mana levels sharpened around them, stealing the older Hunter’s breath.
“If this is another recruitment attempt, I’ll have to decline. If it’s anything else, surely it could wait.” With that, he pulled away, Orc blood staining Thomas’ shirt before the smaller Hunter stalked past him, leaving the National Level Hunter stunned.
If Thomas was interested before, that encounter with the younger Hunter had solidified his attention. If nothing else, the National Level Hunter just wanted to fight Sung Jin-Woo. He had felt his mana a bit but wondered what it would be like to go up against the man completely unrestrained. That wasn’t to mention how it would be to stand against the full might of the S-Rank Hunter and his summons. There were whispers that some of his shadows were also at the rank of an S-class, and Thomas wanted to see just how accurate that information was.
There was nothing he could do but return to his hotel room, so he did. He tossed his bloodied shit to the side and got himself ready for bed, lounging around as he scrolled through his phone for updates. Laura was already stacking his schedule in preparation for when he returned Stateside, causing the Hunter to groan, and the media in Korea and America were having a field day with the increasing numbers of dungeons and dungeon breaks. Thomas looked through his social media; a candid of Sung Jin-Woo in a hospital room appeared on his timeline, and the Hunter didn’t hesitate to like it. His sister took the photo, posting it with a silly caption about him being overprotective, and his impatience suddenly made sense as it was her school where the dungeon break occurred.
A few days passed with Thomas taking a tour around the Peninsula, finding various activities to entertain himself, and even being asked to take on a dungeon or two. He had readily agreed. He still hadn’t been able to pin down Sung Jin-Woo, as it seemed the younger Hunter lived in dungeons, so getting to crush a few monsters was the next best thing. Tonight wasn’t any different from all the others, the only exception being he got talked into going bar hopping by a group of bold Hunters who didn’t let his status deter them from inviting Thomas out. The older man was all for it, letting loose and joking with the group in a mix of stilted Korean and fumbled English.
As the night grew on, Thomas found himself sitting at the bar, far more drunk than he would ever admit to being, as he nursed another Rum and Coke. His new best friend, an A-Rank Healer named Keigo, had stumbled to the bathroom not too long ago and hadn’t returned, leaving Thomas alone as the rest of their group tapped out hours ago. The older Hunter laughed into his glass as he thought about the media storm he was kicking up solely by his posts so far.
“You know, for a National Level Hunter, you sure aren’t very perceptive.” Thomas would never admit to nearly choking on his drink as the voice sounded behind him.
Golden eyes flashed as he spun on the stool, crinkling in the corners as he recognized that the voice belonged to Sung Jin-Woo – just the man he wanted to see.
___
When Jin-Woo ran into Thomas Andre outside of Jinah’s school, he had several questions, but he couldn’t focus on anything besides getting to the hospital to ensure his sister was okay. It didn’t register that he had manhandled and threatened a National Ranked Hunter until he had seen with his own two eyes that Jinnah was okay, if not a bit traumatized, and could go home in a few hours. The soldiers he had placed in the man’s shadow were like second nature. He was curious about the willful man, but the other Hunter decided to show up at the worst possible time. Between everything that was going on with the Demon Tower, collecting the ingredients for the Holy Water of Life, the weird nature of the Knight’s Guild dungeon, and the dungeon break at Jinha’s school – it was all too much for the Hunter to handle in the span of a few weeks. He knew that had he not had a near-exponential spike in power due to the assimilation, Jin-Woo would have collapsed from overworking and might not have made it in time to save Jinah had he still had the limitations on his Shadow Exchange.
All of that was to say that his first meeting with Thomas Andre wasn’t the best, but he was still intrigued by the man and partially curious about how he stacked against him without the help of his shadow soldiers. The days following that meeting were filled with running dungeons and spending time with his family. He still kept an eye out on the soldiers within the older Hunter’s shadow and waited patiently for an opportune time to visit the National Level Hunter.
Jin-Woo felt smug when he exchanged with his shadow and startled the older man. He couldn’t stop himself from quipping about it, the English words rolling slowly off his tongue. Thomas spun around to face him, and the hard edge slowly melted from his frame as he registered who it was.
“You, my friend. Are a busy man.” The giant laughed, waving over the bartender and gesturing for Jin-Woo to place his order.
It would do him no good considering his composition, but he settled for Baekseju since he wasn’t the one wasting their money.
“What can I say?” He finally responded to Thomas’ statement as his drink arrived.
“There’s just so many dungeons these days. Someone has to clear them.” The older Hunter hummed in agreement before a laugh bubbled from his throat.
“Say…” He slammed back the rest of his glass before training those fierce golden eyes on Jin-Woo.
“What do you say about going up against the strongest in the world?” One of Jin-Woo’s eyebrows quirked at the question.
While he had wondered that same thing, seeing the older Hunter having similar thoughts was funny. It was even funnier seeing how unchanged his attitude was despite the amount of alcohol he had ingested.
“Tell me why I should do that when I already know the answer to that question.” The Shadow Monarch couldn’t help but tease as he leaned against the bar, still having to tilt his head up to meet Thomas’ gaze with his towering form even as the man was seated.
A slight smile rose on his face as the National Level Hunter guffawed, running a large hand through wild blond locks as he nearly toppled off the stool.
“I like your spirit...” The older Hunter had tears in his eyes as if Jin-Woo’s statement was the funniest joke he had heard.
The blonde stood, eyes sharpening into something a bit more serious. His hulking size became apparent as Jin-Woo craned his head to maintain eye contact, even as he was crowded into the bar at his back.
“But come on now. Aren’t you a bit curious? We all know that your shadows are powerful. But look at how tiny you are… I could break you without much effort.” The words were a suggestive purr, and the S-Rank was unsure if it was Thomas’ interest or the alcohol that loosened his tongue.
Even still, Jin-Woo couldn’t say he didn’t appreciate the attention. His heart raced as they stared one another down, practically dating the other to cave in.
“You really believe that?” The shorter man questioned, head slightly tilting to the side as he watched the blonde wet his lips.
“We could always test it out… You honestly can’t tell me you’ve had a satisfying fight in a while. Why not go a few rounds with me?” Jin-Woo did not miss the double entendre, and the smile on his face grew.
It was a tempting offer he couldn’t deny, and it didn’t take much more prompting before a mischievous smile made its way onto Jin-Woo’s face. He pulled Thomas close, sending the hulking male stumbling into him as he shadowed away from the bar. They appeared in a clearing. The sounds of waves crashing all around them told the Shadow Monarch that this was one of his scouts, and the island they had arrived on was deserted. Jin-Woo smiled wider when he took in the blonde’s expression. His hands were braced on his knees, and he looked seconds away from displacing all the alcohol he had consumed with the flush on his face.
“Yeah. Alcohol and whatever the hell that was, do not mix.” He grumbled, straightening up a few seconds later as he rolled his shoulders.
“How do you want to do this?” There was a playfulness to the Hunter’s tone as he asked, blonde locks being whipped by the wind as he shifted his stance.
Jin-Woo didn’t continue the conversation, twin daggers materializing in his hands as he dashed forward. Thomas roared with laughter, his own mana surging around him as a reinforcement as he deflected the first blow. For someone so large, the S-Rank was surprised by how easily Thomas could keep up with him. The tank types usually lacked speed, but when the National Level Hunter went on the offensive, he was nearly a blur, and Jin-Woo almost suffered for it.
Fighting with Thomas Andre was a thrilling experience. The man was nothing but laughs and taunts the moment he realized that Jin-Woo could take his punches at full strength. The Shadow Monarch knew that his physical body was strong, but up against the strongest in the world, he struggled to make the damage stick. His Ruler’s Authority counteracted the man’s Capture, though the skill nearly pulled him in before he realized what was happening. His reinforcement skill bruised Jin-Woo’s fists as he tried to break through it forcefully and protected him from much of the younger’s initial attacks. That was not to say that the fight was one-sided. That was far from the case as the two let loose, unafraid of holding back as the pressure waves from their attacks further flattened their surroundings. Thomas pushed him to get more creative, and if Jin-Woo leaned on his shadows a bit more to give him back the edge, the other would never know.
“You’re still a tough little thing, even without your shadows, huh?” The giant spat out a glob of blood as he spoke, the two circling each other again, waiting to see who would make the next move.
“I told you I already knew the answer,” Jin-Woo smirked, the action hiding a wince as he felt his rib pop back into place.
The Shadow Monster would admit that Thomas had the edge on him when it came to physical fighting. Still, Jin-Woo was infinitely more durable and had the added caveat of faster healing times than even the National Level Hunter. The other man had caused a notable amount of damage but was also left scarred, though he didn’t seem to care. Dark lines of his tattoos peeked through the remains of his shirt, and Jin-Woo couldn’t help but stare as he watched the other like a hawk, hands itching to touch.
“Come on now. You’re going to hurt my pride by acting like that.” Thomas teased, slowly closing the distance between them.
“Oh, I’m sure your pride can take it,” Jin-Woo said just as easily, causing the older man to grin.
“Yeah? You think so?” Thomas’ voice was a low rumble as he looked down at the smaller Hunter, a smile playing at his expression as emotions danced in his eyes.
Jin-Woo licked his suddenly dry lips, feeling smug as the older Hunter watched his actions with a predator’s focus. He wasn’t sure who moved first. But the S-Rank found his fist clenched in the tattered remains of Thomas’ shirt as their lips smashed together. The kiss was sloppy, their tongues sliding across one another as their hands explored. Jin-Woo tore the shirt from Thomas’ chest, eyes flitting over the exposed inked muscles, and his mouth followed eagerly afterward as the mountain of a man laughed.
His large hand cupped Jin-Woo’s head as he gripped his hair, pulling lightly as the younger man tongued his nipples and bit at the ink marring his chest. Thomas pulled him away, dipping down to reclaim his lips as he hoisted him up. Jin-Woo took the hint, wrapping his legs around the man’s trim waist. His hands tangled into sweat-damp locks, pulling roughly so the other Hunter would expose his neck for Jin-Woo to bruise. He complied, moans rumbling out of his throat in appreciation.
Their rutting was frantic, Thomas guiding his hips as he squeezed the plump flesh in his hands as Jin-Woo wrapped his arms around the other’s neck. The rest of their clothes were quickly discarded, the S-Rank providing the oil for the older man to slick his fingers as his tongue explored Thomas’ mouth. The smaller man moaned at the sheer display of strength. The National Level Hunter could hold him with one hand as he stretched him out with the other without breaking a sweat.
Jin-Woo grew impatient, his hand wrapping around Thomas’ throat as he practically growled at the man to fuck him now. The older Hunter laughed despite the hand restricting his airflow, shifting the other higher up to better position himself before sinking into that tight ring of flesh. The S-Rank hissed at the stretch, eyes watering without his approval as he was slowly pressed down. He knew that The National Level Hunter was a big man, but he especially realized it now.
“Look at that.” Thomas was breathless as he spoke, eyes looking in wonder at the bulge in Jin-Woo’s stomach.
“You’re so tiny .” That wasn’t true, and they both knew it. Still, it made the smaller man clench around the cock inside him with the realization that he could see Thomas inside of him.
“You’re just so fucking big.” The younger man cursed as he shifted. The Hunter was pressing against his prostate already, and he hadn’t even begun moving.
That pulled an appreciative moan from the older man as he slowly started guiding Jin-Woo along his cock, muscles flexing enticingly with every motion.
“Faster.” He practically begged as their eyes met.
Thomas’ grin was feral as he complied, their pace increasing as they moaned and panted into each other’s mouths. The slick sounds were nearly drowned by the sounds of the sea lapping at the shore but were driving the smaller Hunter wild all the same. Jin-Woo had fistfuls of Thomas’ hair as he rocked his hips into the other’s consistent thrusts, alternating with pulling the man’s hair and using his shoulders as leverage to fuck himself harder. One of those large callused hands was wrapped deliciously around Jin-Woo’s cock, and despite his insane stamina, he knew he wouldn’t last long with the twisting motion of his fist coupled with the abuse his prostate was taking.
“Fuck, you feel so good. Going to ruin you for everyone else but me.” Thomas had a dirty mouth and hadn’t stopped muttering filth into Jin-Woo’s ear from the moment he started fucking him.
The S-Rank didn’t mind, but he bared his teeth as his grip tightened in the older man’s hair. “If you think you are anyone else’s but mine after this, I will kill you myself and add you to my shadow army.” He growled in response.
The National Level Hunter laughed, his hold tightening as he redoubled his efforts, swiftly pulling them both over the edge of pleasure as if it were a race. Jin-Woo kept him close, uncaring that their clothes were left behind as he shadowed them to Thomas’ hotel room. They went another round in the shower, the spray doing wonders to rid them of blood, though they didn’t get much cleaner than that. The pair didn’t resurface for days, only pulled from their exploration of each other’s bodies by various news reports of a massive gate opening in the skies of Japan.
Thomas was smug as he laid out with his arms tucked behind his head, his eyes alight as he looked at the sexed-out, marred-up S-Rank on the other side of the bed as he read off the newest headlines.
“Wanna make it a bet on who can defeat the most monsters?”
Jin-Woo looked over his shoulder at the other man’s question, a mischievous smile making its way onto his face that the older Hunter had quickly learned to associate with something unexpected.
“Race you there.” Jin-Woo disappeared into the shadows, and Thomas was left alone, staring blankly at the shadow left behind where the younger Hunter was previously sitting.
He tossed his head back as laughter bubbled from his chest once the shock faded. Yeah, few things in Thomas Andre’s life challenged him, and even less held his attention or entertained him for long, but he was sure that there would never be a dull moment with Sung Jin-Woo.