Chapter 353

Chapter 353. A Glimpse of the Future (1)

A considerable amount of time had passed since the fronts in Romania and Mexico had been settled.

There were even reports stating that all the players dispatched there had returned home.

Inside the guild, there was a notification that Rashar had returned as well.

I took that opportunity to distribute various rewards, including bonuses, to the guild members.

Despite the noisy situation due to my absence, most of the members of the Palao Guild had diligently performed their roles all over the world.

The fact that Earth remained intact to this extent was also thanks to their efforts.

So, I wanted to express my gratitude in some way.

Thanks to the New Safety Industry, which produced defensive gear, the guild never ran out of money, so I decided to distribute it generously.

To kill two birds with one stone.

We also planned to have a gathering with the executives in Korea.

“The appointment is at 7, which means… there are still four hours left.”

I thought of catching up on some sleep, which I had hardly done in the past few weeks.

However, the moment I threw myself onto the office sofa, a bright flash of light erupted.

Ahel had barged into my office.

In his arms was the other half of his soul, a tablet PC.

‘To think he’s able to transport that complicated device without a glitch, he truly is a genius.’

For some reason, Ahel’s face seemed more unpleasant than usual today.

Even if that wasn’t the case, there was no reason to welcome an uninvited guest who suddenly stormed into my office.

I intended to snap at him immediately.

“Didn’t I tell you not to use teleportation magic recklessly within the guild…?”

Before I could finish my sentence, Ahel thrust the tablet PC right in front of my nose.

Just as I was about to question what he was doing, my eyes landed on the picture displayed on the screen.

It was a picture of a woman in a light, airy dress.

Of course, she was a stranger I had never seen before.

Confused by what he was trying to do, I turned to Ahel, and he swiped to the next image.

This time, it was a photo of a woman dressed in a revealing top and short skirt.

As I frowned, Ahel immediately showed me the next photo.

‘Skinny jeans and a white tee.’

By that time, I faintly realized what Ahel was getting at.

‘Is he asking about my preference?’

Ahel continued to show me different photos.

By then, I’d seen at least six or seven photos of women in various styles.

In that fleeting moment, countless thoughts raced through my mind.

Ahel and Rashar, who had grown up together since childhood.

The stories that might have transpired between them.

Then, my speculations about Ahel’s intentions in showing me these pictures.

My mind, which was already warmed up, quickly processed all the information and arrived at a conclusion.

“… Number 3.”

“Hm, I thought it would be number 1.”

Ahel nodded with a subtle expression on his face.

Then, just like when he arrived, he disappeared with a bright flash of light.

‘Coming and going, not a single word properly spoken, utterly unruly.’

The difference was that while his arrival was nothing more than an intrusion.

Upon his departure, he seemed like a magpie delivering good news.

‘I don’t know what he’s discussed over there and to what extent.’

I didn’t expect there’d be many events where my preferences in women’s clothing would be reflected.

Feeling slightly bashful, I rubbed my neck for a moment.

Instead of sleeping, I picked up my smartphone.

* * *

“My goodness…”

“Wow, those proportions…”

“T-This product really suits you well, sir! The fitting is truly, truly… a work of art… gulp.”

No sooner had I stepped out of the fitting room than the whispers began.

The store assistant assigned to me mumbled incoherently, even stammering.

However, instead of paying attention to the noise around me, I checked the Mirror.

Beyond the gleaming Mirror stood my dapper reflection.

A crisp white shirt and ripped jeans.

It suited me as if it had been mine all along.

‘Looks better than before.’

After becoming a player, my body had indeed changed.

Not only had I grown taller despite having passed my growth period, but my shoulders also broadened.

It was likely due to the mana forcibly injected, disregarding my innate limits.

I felt as though I had grown to the optimal point to extract the best performance.

Consequently, players tended to have larger than average physiques or heights.

My contemplation of my reflection was brief.

“Orabang, try this next!”

“Hyung, how about these pants?”

The twins, with whom I was out shopping, brought over the next set of clothes.

They had been exceptionally excited when I suggested a shopping outing.

Perhaps because they had spent most of their time at home since the assault incident?

They had been so thrilled that they insisted we go right away.

There was no reason to postpone it, so I brought the pair directly to the department store.

Initially, I naturally assumed the twins had many things they wanted.

‘I wondered if their allowance was insufficient?’

After it was revealed that I was a player, I hadn’t hidden my personal wealth, and I always provided the twins with generous allowances and living expenses.

But it seemed that wasn’t enough, or so I thought.

So, I came out with the intention to buy whatever they desired.

“This hat too!”

“Maybe we should look at something other than jeans…”

In reality, the twins had little interest in their own belongings.

They focused more on playing dress-up with me.

Watching the twins in their high spirits, I chuckled.

“How many outfits are you planning to try on?”

“A lot!”

“We’ve only been out for an hour. Once we’re done here, let’s check out the semi-casual section. Honestly, I think that style would suit you better.”

“I’m all for it! You’ve had a lot of interviews and briefings, right? Let’s get you properly outfitted this time with a matching vest and tie!”

Although it seemed I had already seen plenty of my belongings.

‘I don’t see a need to rain on their parade.’

Since the twins were so thrilled, I didn’t want to dampen their spirits.

I hadn’t paid much attention to them due to focusing on the war.

Also, I had strictly controlled the twins’ movements since the incident.

It had been a long time since we went out like this.

‘Who knows when I’ll have such an opportunity again?’

Today, I resolved to go along with the twins’ enthusiasm.

“Then let’s move to the next location. We can’t fill the closet with just jeans.”

“Okay!”

“Let’s check the store’s map and not get lost.”

While Jinwoo was looking at the department store map, I handed my card to the store assistant.

“Please charge for all the items I tried on.”

The assistants then busily sorted the clothes.

After a while, burdened with shopping bags, the twins and I left the store.

The twins’ dress-up session continued even after we visited other stores.

Burgundy slacks that revealed a glimpse of the ankle.

A light black T-shirt.

And a jacket matching the pants.

“My, you are one handsome brother.”

Yeonwoo, seemingly pleased with the clothes she had picked, began taking my photos.

This way, look over there, stretch your hands here.

Though slightly uncomfortable with the numerous instructions.

Having decided to go along, I complied with Yeonwoo’s words without complaint.

Meanwhile, Jinwoo picked out another piece of clothing.

“Orabang, how about trying on this cardigan?”

“Isn’t the cardigan a bit warm? It’s almost May.”

As Yeonwoo tilted her head questioningly, Jinwoo pondered.

“Is it…?”

I took the cardigan from Jinwoo’s hand and said.

“If not now, I can wear it in the fall or next year.”

Thus, my family enjoyed a pleasant time after quite some time.

However, as more people arrived, we couldn’t stay long in one place.

“Oh my gosh, it’s really K!”

“He’s incredibly handsome!”

“He looks even better than models; his appearance is striking.”

“Let’s post this on Instagram!”

“Are those two his siblings? Twins?”

The news of my presence here had spread on social media.

In response, security personnel from the department store approached to manage the situation.

“Mr. Kang Hyunwoo. We apologize for the inconvenience, but to ensure the safety of other customers, could you please move from this area…?”

Thanks to them, we managed to escape the crowd without any major issues.

There was no need to worry about being unceremoniously ejected.

The department store guided us to a VIP room, cut off from the outside.

‘This worked out well.’

Shopping made me realize there were numerous things I wanted to buy.

Gifts for Kim Yul and Yang Taeho, the Seo father and son, guild executives, Squad Leader Yang Jochul, and the people of the Order of Palao.

There were many to whom I was indebted, and it seemed like a good idea to buy gifts for them as a token of appreciation.

With the aid of a professional shopper, the twins and I continued shopping more efficiently.

* * *

At 7 p.m., after dropping the twins home, I headed to the appointed location.

Holding a gathering in the name of a dinner party was a first since I founded the guild.

Since there were over dozens of attendees, I reserved an entire Chinese restaurant.

Upon arriving at the restaurant and stepping inside, the players seated in the hall stood up.

I waved lightly and said.

“Don’t stand up. Just enjoy your meals comfortably.”

Having endured tedious corporate dinners, I well understood that dining with superiors wasn’t relaxing.

Thus, I planned to let them enjoy their meal among themselves and withdraw from their area.

I headed to the table set in the innermost part of the hall.

There, only those who could be considered my closest aides were gathered.

“Over here, hyung!”

“Hurry up, man.”

Kim Yul, Yang Taeho, Jordan, Ahel, and Rashar were all present.

‘… White tee and jeans.’

The reason for Ahel’s visit to me was becoming apparent.

What concerned me was whether Rashar was aware of Ahel’s visit or not.

‘Given Rashar’s personality, she wouldn’t openly wear such an outfit if she knew my preference.’

If that’s the case, it would be reasonable to consider that she didn’t know I colluded with Ahel.

If that assumption held true.

‘I wouldn’t need to mention it first.’

At least in the context of my relationship with Rashar, Ahel appeared to be an ally.

Not knowing when or how I might need his help, it seemed wise to keep my mouth shut for the time being.

With my thoughts concluded swiftly, I approached the empty seat and said.

“You arrived early.”

The only vacant seat was coincidently across from Rashar.

Or was it another intervention by Ahel?

Perhaps everyone participating was a conspirator.

As I sat down, the prepared dishes began to arrive.

The ambiance of the restaurant, as well as the food, was fairly pleasant.

Everyone seemed to relax a bit, engaging in casual conversations throughout.

The peaceful atmosphere persisted, at least until the meal was nearing its end.

“Hm?”

Yurin chicken, chili prawns, dongpo pork, and various other dishes were being enjoyed when all eyes suddenly focused on one spot.

A hole had opened in the outdoor garden of the restaurant during the meal.

As if to forcibly remind us that the war was not yet over, it was a perfectly timed intrusion.

Ironically, it was a sudden hole, and almost simultaneously, general-rank creatures emerged from it.

The cool spring weather had led us to open all the windows connecting to the exterior.

Consequently, we had to experience gazes aligning directly with those of the emerging general-rank creatures during our peaceful dining.

“Roar…?”

Four general-rank creatures halted right upon exiting the hole.

The onlookers each commented on their impressions of the scene.

“Is this for real…?”

“Truly, just our luck, ain’t it?”

“Miserable unlucky creatures…”

“These idiots, don’t interrupt people when they’re eating.”

For a hole to open at a gathering of at least platinum rank players.

As someone said, from the monster’s perspective, they were terribly unlucky.

Damned System

TL’s Corner:

Unlucky creatures.