episode_0016

Always a happy Friday.

Time passed since the intense training exercises, and it was finally Friday.

Nothing much had happened during that time.

Attended classes, trained to improve physical fitness during training hours.

Spent truly boring times like that, and before I knew it, it was time to head home.

Finally, tomorrow is the weekend.

If I want to improve my cursed mana even a little, I should quickly enter the dungeon.

To do that, I need to separate from Hwayoung, who always sticks with me…

…Should I just go together?

No, dungeons that are not conquered for a long time experience a synchronization phenomenon where the Earth and dungeon’s harmony align, causing monsters to spawn if left unattended.

Occasionally, there are dungeons that remain peaceful without experiencing this synchronization.

The place I am heading to is a hidden dungeon that has not been conquered or synchronized for a long time.

If Hwayoung doubts how I know about this place, how should I explain it to her?

She always smiles at me; if I reveal this side of me, what will she think?

It might be better to show some resentment and let off steam for a moment.

“Uh, Hwayoung.”

“Yeah, Kyeol. What’s up?”

“I think I’ll be busy tomorrow. It’s okay if we don’t meet for a day, right?”

“…Where are you going?”

With narrowed eyes, she blinked sadly at me.

Oh no, please don’t look at me with those eyes!

I almost blurted out where my mouth was going!

Hwayoung, what a terrifying attack!

I have to hold it in!!!

“I-I’m sorry! I just want to go somewhere without being disturbed by anyone. How about we have dinner outside together today?”

“…Alright, if Kyeol says so.”

Luckily, she understood easily.

I’m sorry for lying, but this seems like the best choice. I’m sorry.

“So, where should we eat?”

Squeeze-

Hwayoung smiled again and took my hand.

Hwayoung, who always exuded a strong presence since childhood, could sometimes be unpredictable, but she has always been kind to me.

I should continue to treat Hwayoung well in the future.

At least without showing any tears.

…

Holding hands with Hwayoung, we wandered the streets without a destination.

“Hwayoung, is there anything you want to eat? I’ll buy.”

“Nah, I’m fine. Kyeol, why don’t you choose what you want to eat?”

“Umm…”

Always the same story.

Have I ever seen Hwayoung assert something?

She always seems to be thinking about me.

I also want to do something for her, but since she never expresses any desires…

It seems like she’ll just keep thinking about me as long as I stop pondering even for a moment.

“I’m fine too. I wish you would tell me what you want to eat for once.”

“Huh? I really am fine though…”

“…Really?”

“…Hm!?”

I’m under attack now.

I widened my eyebrows and squinted my eyes like Hwayoung did earlier, looking at her with eyes that seemed rejected.

Hwayoung’s pupils shook violently as if an earthquake had struck.

This guy is seeking revenge.

“S-So, sh-should we go eat pizza?”

“Huh.”

You…!!

“I suggested we go eat what you like.”

“Oh… I didn’t? I also like pizza?”

“Hmm…”

Pfft-

“Umm…”

Since Hwayoung always eats what I eat, I realize I don’t even know what she likes.

Hmm…

“Next time, I hope you choose what you want.”

“…Okay.”

“Then, bulgogi pizza okay?”

“Yes!”

As I firmly held Hwayoung’s hand while she looked dejected, she also tightly grasped my hand as if to not let go.

A silly giggling face.

I can never get used to that expression.

There was one thing I learned while being with Hwayoung.

Fixing my gaze straight ahead, I head towards the restaurant selling pizza.

···If I keep looking, I might end up laughing like a fool without even realizing it.

I feel like somewhere on my face is getting warm.

We simply held hands tightly and walked together.

·····

As we entered the restaurant, all eyes turned towards us.

People of all ages were staring in our direction.

They must be looking at Hwayoung.

Oh, there are people who seem like they’re in a relationship over there.

“Where are you looking?”

“Wh-what? Oh, I felt a bit hot here, so I was looking for the air conditioner.”

“It’s winter now, you idiot!! You got caught red-handed!!!”

“Cough!”

Seemingly upset, the man interrogates and grabs the collar of the guy as if in a scene from a comedy animation.

Um… I’m sorry for some reason!

After placing our order and sitting by the window, we chatted with Hwayoung while waiting for the pizza to arrive.

Eventually, the pizza came, and we started eating it slice by slice.

Hwayoung nibbled delicately on the pizza from the tip, showing no signs of dislike and enjoying it, which made me feel good.

Hwayoung and I slowly finished a whole pizza and left the restaurant.

Once outside, we aimlessly wandered the streets without any destination in mind.

Children playing around with their friends.

Students enjoying games at the arcade.

People buying food from street vendors and settling their bills.

Everyone is living with smiles on their faces.

In a world where potential dangers lurk unpredictably, these people live on, smiling.

Citizens here live believing in the heroes who protect the city.

I hope nothing ever happens.

I hope a world of killing and being killed never comes.

Results always follow causes.

If I desire such an ending, we all have to make an effort.

It should be fine to spend these carefree days now.

At the same time, we should prepare to prevent important events from happening.

“Hwayoung, shall we grab some chicken skewers over there?”

“Yeah, sounds good!”

Walking side by side to the stall selling chicken skewers, we playfully argue about who will pay.

“Hwayoung, how about I treat you this time?”

“No. I’ll pay. So, put that wallet away.”

“····Haha!”

“····Hehe!”

Hwayoung and I engage in a playful wallet tug-of-war, bursting into laughter.

Even the owner of the chicken skewers stall, watching us, joins in the laughter.

Peaceful.

Harmonious.

Happy.

I wish days like these would continue forever.

·····

Exploring street food stalls with Hwayoung until sunset turned into night.

Before heading home, I escorted Hwayoung to her doorstep.

“Did you enjoy today?”

“Yeah, if you had fun too, then I had a great time.”

“Let’s hang out like this again next time. Not just at food stalls, but maybe at a mall or something.”

“Hehe, sure! Let’s do that.”

Hwayoung smiles at the idea of exploring more diverse places next time.

Before parting ways, we exchange final greetings.

“I’ll head back now. You go in first.”

“I’ll wait and see you go in.”

Anyway.

“Okay. I’ll text you later.”

“Yeah. Be safe and come back tomorrow.”

Waving goodbye-

Hwayoung waves her hand left and right.

I reciprocate the gesture, waving back as I gradually move further away.

Hwayoung continued to watch me until I disappeared from her sight.

·····

As Han-Gyeol vanished from view, Hwayoung stopped waving her hand.

Erasing the smile from her face, she began walking off in another direction.

“Take care, don’t get hurt.”

Han-Gyeol wouldn’t get hurt in the dungeon he’s going to, but still, worrying is inevitable.

It’s a bit sad not being able to see him for a day, but she can’t cling onto Han-Gyeol forever.

“If only I had told him what I wanted… Heh, hmph.”

Hwayoung, what she wanted.

There was always only one thing.

“What I want, I already have.”

The person who had always been with her for 15 years.

Pizza, Han Gyeol’s favorite food.

Initially, she didn’t even eat pizza.

As time passed and she saw Han Gyeol repeatedly, her thoughts gradually changed, accepting everything about Han Gyeol.

What he likes.

What he dislikes.

His dreams.

His mindset.

She liked everything.

If he liked something, she wanted to like it too,

If he disliked something, she disliked it too.

If he desired something, she helped him achieve it from behind.

In Ewayoung’s life, now only Han Gyeol mattered.

If Han Gyeol didn’t exist in the world, it would be enough to destroy it.

She had the power to do that.

“Why bother destroying the world. Not even crazy.”

Those crazy guys.

A group of lunatics called the Salvation of White Blood.

People with insane ideas that to bring peace to the world, the human race itself must be eradicated.

Memories of days spent repeating cycles because of these crazy people came back.

“You’ll come looking for me later. Wait.”

Whatever you were planning, whoever you were trying to assassinate.

“I already know everything.”

Ewayoung arrived after a long walk in a certain forest.

The faint mana energy felt there.

There was a sophisticated barrier that someone passing by wouldn’t notice unless they paid attention.

A barrier that couldn’t be crossed without the owner’s permission.

Ewayoung swung her sword towards that place.

Swish!

She effortlessly cut through the barrier, revealing a cabin in the gap.

Ewayoung slipped through the gap and entered the barrier.

Silently-

Was there no one inside, or did they not notice Ewayoung breaching the barrier?

It was the latter.

She didn’t breach the barrier; she only disrupted the mana supply maintaining it.

Soon, the scattered mana would gather again, restoring the barrier, making it seem like nothing happened.

“This place strangely hid things from me. Even though I thought I knew everything.”

Clang-

Pushing off the ground with her left foot, she spread her legs and lowered her stance.

“So luckily, I can relieve this stress on you.”

She gripped the knife sheathed at her right hip.

Her left hand prepared to draw the knife.

“Who are you to meddle, you vultures.”

Swish-

She swung her sword towards the cabin.

Swoosh―