Family Man System: Taking Care Of My Family Makes Me OP

Chapter 38: I can handle this

Kai was stirring the soup in the pot while Jean and Elara slept nearby.

After they returned and had lunch, all three had fallen asleep. The strain of everything they had endured had finally caught up with them, and one after another, exhaustion claimed them.

Kai, however, couldn’t remain asleep for long. The fatigue he had accumulated throughout the day had already faded, yet the events of the day continued replaying in his mind, leaving him unable to find any real rest.

’System?’ he asked. ’I blocked your messages earlier. What were you saying back then?’

[First of all, host, you fought bravely back then. You possessed the strength of a D-rank thanks to the skill <Guardian Embrace>, along with a high-grade sword. However, none of that would have mattered if you hadn’t stood up to protect your family.]

Kai faintly smiled and nodded.

’Thank you for saying that, but it feels natural to me.’

[And that is precisely why the host deserves the rewards.]

[Your bond with your family has grown stronger due to the recent events.]

[Skill: Family Bond]

[Level Up!]

[Additional Skill: Upon command, a barrier strong enough to withstand an S-rank threat will manifest around the host’s family.]

[Task: Protect your family from any form of threat.]

[Reward: Scroll of Derenholm]

[Rank: S]

[Note: Tear the scroll to learn the ancient martial arts of a forgotten age. The scroll will allow the host to remember the stances and techniques required to utilize his body as a killing machine. Additionally, the host will learn several breathing techniques that will enhance stamina and strength.]

Kai was taken aback by the reward. This was the first time the system hadn’t offered him an item or some tangible asset that he could immediately put to use. No, this was something entirely different.

[Host, upon tearing the scroll, it will take some time for all the knowledge contained within to gradually seep into your memories. You may also need to practice certain techniques and stances to gain a deeper understanding of them. Therefore, it is advised that the host tear the scroll once he is within the ruins.]

Kai nodded in understanding.

Right. It would be better to learn those techniques somewhere he could immediately put them to use.

And, truthfully, this was something he desperately needed. He had never received any advanced martial training in the past.

Everyone learned a few basic stances and techniques back in school. But that was all it amounted to. Nothing extensive enough to prepare someone for a real fight.

With the scroll’s knowledge, however, he would finally have another means of protecting himself and his family. He wouldn’t have to draw his weapons every time danger appeared. If necessary, his own body could become a weapon.

’Nice reward. Though, I need to focus on something else for the time being.’

The ruins and their rewards could wait. They were his second priority. First, he needed to deal with the incident and find out what charges, if any, awaited him.

Kai knew it wouldn’t remain hidden for long, so he decided to take the initiative himself.

Taking out his wallet, he slid out the card he had recently received from the man who had come knocking on his door.

He glanced at Elara and Jean before taking a deep breath. After a moment’s hesitation, he decided to make the call anyway.

Turning off the stove, he picked up his phone and stepped out of the room.

He dialed the number, raised the phone to his ear, and waited.

After a few rings, the call connected.

"Mister Adam? Do you remember me?"

{Greetings, Mister Kai. I was hoping to hear from you.}

Kai gave a wry smile.

"It’s not about the evaluation procedure, actually."

{I am aware. You were involved in an incident this morning. I can assure you that Hunter Drake is alive, though his injuries may be severe enough to prevent him from continuing as a hunter.}

Kai’s expression turned cold for a moment before he let out a quiet sigh.

"What charges has he brought against me?"

{At the moment, he is in no condition to utter a word. And his family has not pressed any charges against you.}

Kai was taken aback.

"Wait, really?"

{Indeed, Mister Kai. You see, before Hunter Drake was removed from the Red River Guild, he attacked four of his former team members, resulting in the death of one of them. His family initially sided with him in the matter, but he severed his ties with them afterward and began causing more trouble around Parker’s Block and the surrounding communities until he eventually crossed paths with you.}

There was a brief pause before Adam continued.

{His family members, especially his brother, who also serves as the Vice-Commander of the Hunter Association, believe Hunter Drake brought this upon himself.}

Damn. Drake’s brother was the second-in-command of the Hunter Association?

Mark had told him something about Drake being connected to powerful figures, but this was still quite insane.

{Since they have no intention of pressing charges against you, no action will be taken against you.}

Kai felt relieved, but then he remembered the other matter.

"What about the other person?"

{You mean Hunter Mance? He is an active member of the Red River Guild, and the organization might take action if he decides to file a complaint, considering you severed his hand.}

Kai growled.

"He threatened my family."

{I agree that he must have done something serious enough to warrant such a punishment from someone who generally remains calm. But, Mister Kai, there is no evidence to prove that he threatened your family because the surveillance system was down at the time. Your actions against him, however? More than thirty people witnessed them.}

Kai massaged his brows.

"So what now? Do I need to compensate him?"

{I don’t believe Mance would stop at monetary compensation. He is much like Hunter Drake. He may come after you again simply out of spite.}

Kai’s eyes narrowed.

"Where are you getting at with all this? You don’t strike me as someone who speaks merely on assumptions, Mister Adam."

{...You are right about that. I simply don’t want you to take this matter lightly. Perhaps if we met in person, I might be able to help you deal with this entire situation. I could also assure you that neither Drake nor Mance would ever trouble you again.}

Kai fell silent.

He considered Adam’s words for a moment before making his decision.

"Where do I need to come?"

There was no harm in hearing what he had to say.