Hijack: Becoming The Strongest Hunter By Stealing Skills.

An athletic-looking young boy, assumed to be in his teens, sat on a couch with a pair of striking blue eyes fixed on the TV, watching the latest episode of his favorite series.

He held a bucket of popcorn in one hand and a can of his favorite soft drink in the other. Rin was enjoying himself since his dad was away on a mission, leaving him free to do whatever he wanted as he was alone at home.

As he took a sip of his drink, a memory of his mother crossed his mind—back when she was still alive. They used to watch movies together, laughing and keeping each other's company. A faint smile crept onto his face as his gaze shifted toward a picture of his mom.

The picture frame was on the yellow-painted wall facing him, her easy smile as alluring as the feelinh of standing near an ocean.

"Mum," Rin mumbled in a soft tone, "it's been such a long time since we talked. You can't imagine how much I miss you. Ever since you left, there's been nobody I can share my feelings with.

Dad's hardly ever around—always out on raids or explorations for the association since he's one of the best hunters in the world. It hurts.... uhgh..."

He was always bored, being homeschooled by his dad. The old man was always concerned about his safety after the advent of the magical beast... in the fear they might attack at any time. And he wouldn't want Rin to be caught up in any of their attacks.

The world wasn't safe anymore!

As Rin continued speaking to the picture, a knock on startled him. Rin frowned, glancing at the door.

"Dad isn't supposed to be back yet," he muttered, hurriedly cleaning up the mess he'd made on the floor. Wondering why his father hadn't entered the house yet, Rin approached the door.

"Dad, you've lost the house keys again, haven't you?" Rin called out, exasperated. "I've told you so many times—leave the key with the hunters' agency before going on missions. But no, you wouldn't listen. You always use forgetting them as an excuse."

As Rin opened the door, expecting to see his father, he froze. Standing there was Hunter Hayes, an S-rank hunter, his father's colleague, and a close family friend.

"Sorry, I didn't know it was you, Mister Hayes," Rin said, flustered, trying to cover for his casual tone.

"Why don't you come in, sir?" Rin said, stepping aside to invite Hayes inside. Hayes entered the Sewon household and seated himself on the vintage black couch.

As Rin began to head toward his room, Hayes called out in a firm voice, "Rin!"

"Yes, sir? Is there a problem?" Rin asked, slightly uneasy. Hayes rarely came over unless it was to meet Rin's father to deliver important documents, so Rin wasn't used to talking to him directly.

"I'm here on behalf of your father," Hayes said gravely. "He asked me to come pick you up. He wants to see you."

Rin's eyes widened in surprise. His father never called him during missions—he always emphasized keeping family life separate from work.

On the other hand, Rin hesitated, his mind racing for an excuse not to go. He'd been taught not to trust anyone completely, no matter how close they seemed.

Sensing Rin's reluctance, Hayes reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold bracelet with the name Park Min-Hoo engraved on it.

"This belongs to my dad," Rin said, his voice steady. "He never takes it off. Where did you get this?"

"Your father gave it to me," Hayes explained. "He knew you wouldn't trust me otherwise. He also left you this message." Hayes then played an audio recording of Rin's father asking him to come.

Reluctantly, Rin nodded. "I'll get ready," he said, heading to his room.

As they drove to the location, Rin pestered Hayes with questions, trying to uncover why his father had summoned him so urgently. But Hayes remained tight-lipped. "I was only instructed to bring you to him. I wasn't told the details," Hayes replied.

"Hunter Hayes, you're as stiff as ever," Rin grumbled. "At least crack a smile for once."

"A hunter must always remain focused," Hayes said curtly.

***

When they arrived, Rin's heart sank. They were at the Hunters' Hospital. The air carried the scent of antiseptics.

"Why are we here?" Rin asked, his voice trembling.

Hayes sighed deeply. "Your father was attacked by a Dokugin—a monster capable of manipulating its victims through its venom. The venom is eating away at his soul, rendering him unable to use his magic to fight it off.

Without a healer nearby during the mission, there was no way to save him. The toxin has no antidote, and once fully infected, the victim becomes a monster under the Dokugin's control. Your father's last wish is to see you before... before he's culled."

Rin's eyes filled with unshed tears. "Why couldn't you save him? After everything he's done for the association?" he demanded.

"We tried," a guild member said softly. "But by the time we reached him, it was too late."

As Rin entered his father's wards, his legs froze right at the doorway. He gasped as he saw bandages wrapped around his head... All other body parts. His father... His only family in the world!

Tears streamed down his face. His father, whose face was as pale as that of a corpse, said in a weak tone,

"Little tiger, how are you holding up?"

Rin approached him with gentle steps.

He saw his father smile.

"I know Hayes told you everything. Don't hate the association—they did their best. This was my fate."

"Dad…" Rin choked.

"Promise me one thing, son," his father said in a strong tone, causing Rin to stop. Still, he couldn't hold back his gritting jaws nor tears. "Don't let this stop you from becoming a hunter.

If you give up, imagine how many people will die or become monsters because you weren't there to stop them. Become a hunter stronger than I ever was. Protect the world."

With those final words, his father's voice faded.

"Dad! Dad!" Rin cried out, but there was no response.

A doctor stepped in, his face solemn. "We're sorry. He had to take the poison in advance to prevent losing control. There was no other way."

As the association members consoled Rin, Hayes handed him a white envelope.

"What is this?" Rin asked.

"It's from your father," Hayes said. "It names me as your guardian and includes your recommendation letter to the Hunters' Academy. Your father wanted you to have this."

Hayes placed a firm hand on Rin's shoulder. "Welcome to the hunters' world. Let's see what you're made of."

Rin couldn't believe this. Were things done in such an absurd way in the association? How could this be the next thing he would hear right after his father died?

He clenched his fist.

'Cursed bastards!'