episode_0032

Ding dong-!

In front of the newly built new laboratory,

After buying coffee and a box of donuts.

We visited Juhee Han’s new laboratory.

“Oh, is your younger brother here?“

“Hello, long time no see.“

“Han Seo-jin…! Hello…“

“Hello. How have you been, Minhee?“

A white laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment neatly arranged.

To create items to prepare for future events,

I neatly wrote a planning report and submitted it to the head of the house.

A few days later, permission to establish a research institute was granted.

Han Joo-hee’s lifelong dream,

I was able to open a private research center filled with state-of-the-art facilities.

“Hehe… Ta-da~ Look at this…! Isn’t it really pretty…? Everything is new…! Now I can use it as much as I want without needing permission from the director of the research center…!“

Han Joo-hee waved her white lab coat,

He had goggles on his forehead and was stroking the mechanical equipment with an excited expression.

In another area, there was a separate facility for manufacturing elixirs.

Even though I, an outsider, don’t know how to use those facilities,

It was full of state-of-the-art equipment that cost quite a bit of money.

“So… how is work? Is it worth it?“

“Yes…! Thanks to you, we are paying Jihye’s tuition well… I’m so happy that Joohee here is taking such good care of us.“

“Ahem, I would appreciate it if you would call me the director of the research center from today.“

“Ah…yes! All right. Research Director Joohee Han…!“

“Hehe…!“

She unfolded her white gown as if she was very excited,

I immediately sat down on the high-end Herman Miller chair and started eating donuts.

“Uh, so what brought you here today? Do you have anything to entrust to me?“

“Yes. I need a little something.“

I sat down on a chair and thought about my future plans.

Right now, I am receiving money from the family, but

It is not possible to lend a helping hand financially forever.

With the ballplayer Han Joo-hee sitting right in front of me,

If there is researcher Park Min-hee, who previously created a very cool cold resistance elixir.

After reproducing the patented technologies in my head…

I felt like I could start a startup right away and take all the money out of the market.

Additionally, before other competitors take profit,

If we supply equipment to the market at a reasonable price.

It seemed like it could greatly improve the equipment level of hunters in this world.

‘Then first… let’s develop a healing elixir… and make a few weapons in advance for future battles.’

I immediately took out a notebook and started writing down things.

Of course, I have no idea how this works scientifically, but

While my past self was looking for a way to acquire the latest weapons on a shoestring budget,

This can be seen through documents registered at the Patent Office.

I started drawing recipes and blueprints for the elixirs one by one, relying on memory.

Cheollarak—!

Let’s fill about 20 sheets of A4 paper.

Juhee Han and Minhee Park looked at me with surprised expressions.

“Phew… Now, everyone, please read this. The first 10 chapters are about improving the healing elixirs currently on the market, and the remaining 10 chapters are about designing plasma weapons using high-grade magic stones.“

“What is this…?“

“Hmm…“

They carefully read each page of the document,

As he turned over each page of paper, his expression became brighter.

In particular, Han Joo-hee’s mouth turned up completely, and she occasionally said things like “Oh my…”

Minhee Park was also reading the document with a very concentrated expression.

While the two geniuses read the document in silence for about an hour,

I was thinking of talent to recruit to a startup.

‘I’m sure Catherine will be of great help…and there’s someone else I can entrust…’

thud-!

While I was getting bruised like that.

Suddenly, the girls trembled and slammed their hands on the table, then looked at me.

“What is this…you…did you learn this at the academy?“

“This is not content that can come out of a student’s mind… The academic terminology described or the process of mixing method is also the same…“

I tilted my head as if I had no idea.

Then he moved a chair towards them and sat down close to them.

“Now, what are we going to do from now on? I’m going to set up a startup right away. It is also a cutting-edge company armed with many new technology patents.“

“Start-up…? suddenly? It’s been a while since we opened our research center?“

“Sister, I’ve always said this since I was young. I want to create the best weapon that will become the most famous in the world.“

“No…but, isn’t it too dangerous? Do you have money?“

“I don’t have one. There are a lot at home. Moreover, I have already hired someone to run the business for me. So now what we need is…“

I laid my hands on a blueprint containing the unique features of technology that was five years ahead of its time.

Then he smiled with a very confident smile.

“Technical skills. That’s also an overwhelming difference in technology. With just this one thing, we can do it. And the two people in front of me… are geniuses who can make that possible.“

They began to think with serious expressions.

Park Min-hee can receive her salary on time just by receiving orders for experiments at the research institute.

After work was over, Han Joo-hee stayed in the lab and tinkered with various things.

However, it is ultimately just a hobby.

It was clear that these were not romantic matters that would ignite sincere passion.

But suddenly starting a business.

It was like flapping wings toward a new world,

There were many risk factors, but…

For some reason, their hearts started pounding.

The feeling of my heart pounding for a new challenge.

It felt like such a passion was breathing in my heart and kindling for the first time in a long time.

click-!

It seemed like the persuasion was successful this time too.

“Okay, okay. If you’re my younger brother, I think he’s got something planned… Just tell me what I can do. Let’s proceed right away.“

“If Han Seojin’s opinion is the same… I will continue to work hard. Since it’s a start-up… this makes my heart pound a little.“

“Good. Then everyone agreed?“

I smiled and stood up,

Each of the two geniuses was entrusted with one task.

“Now, Juhee noona, please make just one sword this time. It’s very light and easy to use.“

And then he immediately looked at researcher Park Min-hee.

“Minhee Park, please modify the elixir according to the recipe. Feel free to improve it to reduce side effects or addiction symptoms as much as possible, and if other ideas come to mind, feel free to improve it.“

“Yes, okay!“

“Yes, I understand!“

I put my coat back on and headed outside.

Now, a CEO who will lead this startup perfectly.

I was thinking of going to see Catherine again.

—–

smart.

“Yes~ Please come in~“

I opened the black door and went inside.

Catherine was standing there, delicately wiping the goods with a cloth as before.

“Ah! Long time no see, customer Seojin Han! How have you been?“

“Yes, I have been well. I’m sorry for asking to meet you when you’re probably busy already.“

“No~ We finished inspecting and packaging the items ordered yesterday, and since there are a lot of items, delivery will probably be completed by next week.“

She tucked her green hair behind her ear,

He sat me down with a gentle smile.

I looked at her back, immersed in old memories.

With vibrant green hair and an elegant black coat.

After meeting her, I started dressing in dark colors, similar to Catherine.

‘This time… will I be able to protect you?’

I fiddled with my gloves and looked at the white nape of her neck,

Next, Catherine took out a drink from the refrigerator and sat in front of me.

“So… what brought you here today? Do you want to order something new?“

“Ah, today… I’m here to make a suggestion that you might find a little interesting.“

I took out the business plan report from my briefcase and handed it to her.

Just like she taught me in the past,

It was a very clean and clearly written report.

“Hmm…hmm…it’s a business plan…it’s fun, sure…“

Catherine immediately sat down with her knees crossed and looked through the documents intently.

I rested my chin on my hand and began to watch her absorbed face.

The habit of biting her lower lip without realizing it when she focuses on something.

In addition, he keeps turning the ballpoint pen with his left hand.

It resembled Catherine from the day I met her in the past.

“Commander? There is a particularly large number of orders for medical supplies this month. Were there many people injured?”

Those eyes that always looked at me full of worry,

When beautiful green eyes look at me with tears in their eyes.

In response to Catherine’s continued questions, I would reluctantly tell her the painful facts.

“There are a lot of citizens caught up in the recent terrorist attacks… There is not a lot of funds, but the medical community also seems to be short on manpower and supplies. So, I was thinking of donating this support item.”

When I tell her the truth I kept hidden from her,

Catherine came right next to me and put her gloved finger to my lips.

“I can’t… If you keep doing this, your financial difficulties will get worse. “All the subsidies from companies have now been cut off, right?”

“Okay… I couldn’t help it. No matter how important money was, saving people’s lives came first.”

In a war, it is the business that holds the most power,

They immediately cut off support when I did not move the soldiers as they wanted.

We had no choice but to struggle in poverty for a while and barely fill our stomachs.

In order to expand the company’s business, bomb residential areas in slums by pretending to be an act of terrorism.

A place where you can barely breathe with subsidies only if you obey such ridiculous orders.

That was the battlefield I was standing on.

“Ha… I can’t help it. you are.”

Catherine turned off the PDA and held my hand.

Then he smiled brightly and looked up at my face.

“I will donate this medical supplies with my own money.”

“yes…? But if you want to handle such a large amount of money on your own…”

“Instead, promise me just one thing.”

“What… do you want?”

A warm gaze,

And the heart that supported me in both material and spiritual ways.

Whenever I barely come back from a battlefield alive,

Meeting Catherine was always the first thing I did.

At least for that moment, it was really warm.

“When you’re tired, ask me to help you, instead of suffering alone. “Okay?”

“Yes, got it.”

I chuckled and placed the black commander’s hat on her head.

That was all I could give,

Catherine also always liked the hat I was wearing.

I gave it as a dog tag to prove our friendship and trust.

So I opened my heart to her little by little.

But as always with me,

This world did not allow me my hard-won happiness.

So one night, early in the morning.

A sparsely populated dockside in Incheon.

I was betrayed by subordinates who received bribes from the company.

The moment when we celebrated Catherine’s birthday with a small chocolate pie and lighting candles.

He was suddenly attacked by his subordinates and lost consciousness due to sleeping gas.

Then, little by little, I opened my eyes in the darkness with blurred vision,

Before I knew it, I was with Catherine, my whole body tied up with rope.

I was being carried away by corporate mercenaries.

“Ah, you’re awake. I’m sorry that things turned out this way. If you had only listened to what the Chairman said, this wouldn’t have happened. Commander Han Seo-jin.”

“You crazy bastards… release this… right now…!”

She was lying unconscious on the mercenary’s shoulder,

I was being dragged onto the dockside by other mercenaries.

“Ah, the sea breeze is blowing cool today. “I’m glad the weather was nice on the day I went.”

“stop…! stop!!! Let her go!! “She’s a woman who had nothing to do with that!!!”

I was struggling on my shoulder and screaming.

Then the leader of the private mercenary group smiled and looked back at me.

“Well, if she hadn’t contacted you and altered our deal… none of this would have happened.”

“what…? “What kind of bullshit is that…!”

“Catherine, she is not only a competitor to our company in the market, but she even proudly sponsored numerous medical supplies to large hospitals across the country. Thanks to that, a large pharmaceutical deal that had been in preparation for several months was canceled… Do you know how much damage the Chairman suffered?”

She was right.

In fact, the business Catherine runs has a lot of overlap with their company.

Moreover, when they make profits by raising prices in the name of supply disruption due to war,

She somehow obtained goods from overseas and tried to normalize prices.

With the words, ‘This is a must-have item for you, right?’

“Anyway, the Chairman wanted you and… to deal with this woman. “I was lucky because the two of you happened to be in the same place.”

“Please… not Catherine…! “Don’t touch that woman!!!”

“Do not worry. After you die, one of the most loyal members we recruited… will take your place as commander. At least the organization won’t be disbanded. Oh, and this woman…”

She placed Catherine precariously on the edge of the dock.

Catherine looked around blankly, as if she had finally come to her senses.

As soon as I realized the situation, I started struggling.

“Commander…! Commander, what on earth is going on…!”

“Miss Catherine is also awake. It would have been better if you had passed out. Umm… But if I had to explain it, I would say it was too awkward without knowing what was going on.”

Afterwards, the mercenaries made me stand next to her.

We were standing at the edge of the dock, precariously tied to a rope.

They then took out sticks from their pockets and pointed them at us.

“Well then, thank you for your hard work so far. Although your commanding skills were outstanding, what can life do like this? “You shouldn’t have disobeyed the Chairman’s words in advance.”

“Crazy people… you… are all mentally ill… blinded by money… crazy bastards!!!”

“Ah, maybe so. Then goodbye. Miss Catherine, and Commander Han Seo-jin.”

They came out in an instant and shouted magic spells at her,

One by one, sparks came out from the tips of the wands.

“Commander!!! Avoid it!!!”

She hugged me and jumped straight into the sea.

The deep sea water on a midwinter night was so cold that it froze my skin.

Crying green eyes.

And with his whole body tied up with rope, he couldn’t even struggle,

I still remember the sea in the middle of winter.

She hugged me tightly and struggled with her legs.

But it was of no use because the rope was tied so tightly.

We just feel the sea water slowly rising into the very depths of our lungs.

It was falling very slowly into the deep sea.

‘It ends like this. ‘My life.’

I closed my eyes while being held by her.

My breathing gradually became more difficult, and white bubbles flowed from the corners of my mouth.

She leaned her forehead against me and closed her eyes,

Even though I couldn’t hear her because it was deep in the sea.

Even Catherine, who was strong-willed, faced her approaching death.

She just closed her eyes and hugged me tightly.

The moment I saw Catherine for the last time,

She took something out of her pocket.

A beautifully shining green gem.

It was the jewel she always wore on her necklace.

It began to shine brightly beneath the deep night sea,

It was shining brightly and glowing in her hand.

Her voice flowed into my head from the magical gem,

I writhed in extreme fear of someone else’s death that I would face again.

‘No… no… if one of us dies here… it’s me… don’t… please…!’

“Commander, I’m sorry for not being with you until the end. But if I can save you… that’s it. Please do your part… and be happy.”

Catherine immediately placed the jewel in my palm and then said,

He just smiled brightly and hugged me.

She was warm, soft, and beautiful.

‘Catherine…! You can’t… you can’t sacrifice your life for someone like me…!’

I struggled, expelling the last drop of air from my mouth.

I didn’t want to lose anyone again.

I would rather die, if this were the end of my life.

Now I just wanted to close my eyes and sink like this forever.

To the point where I can never open my eyes again,

Deep down, forever, on her behalf.

“I trust you, Commander. “Of all the people I’ve ever met… you were the most dazzling person.”

Even at the bottom of the deep sea, she shone so brightly.

Magical power slowly began to flow from the jewel held in my hand.

She kissed me and then put her face against my chest.

“Please forget about me now. “Because I don’t want to be an obstacle for you.”

So I lost consciousness in the deep sea,

After a while, I fell from the ceiling of the commander’s office and opened my eyes drenched in sea water.

“Commander!! Are you okay…! “Where are you injured?”

“Catherine…”

The comrades who remained next to me immediately struck the necks of the traitors who had run away.

I immediately ran to the dock in Incheon and quickly searched.

With a glimmer of hope that he is still alive,

I barely managed to hold on to my fading consciousness, as if I was about to faint,

I screamed at the top of my lungs into the pitch-black sea.

She eventually washed up on the shore unconscious.

I will never see Catherine again.

Since then, the mercenaries who participated in the incident and even the president of the company.

Or, if you are somehow related to the company,

They found them all, tore them to pieces and killed them.

The leader of the mercenary group, who was quick-witted, also tried to flee abroad.

In the end, he was dragged alive by his subordinates.

I don’t remember much of what happened after that.

Surtr said that he killed him in a pretty cruel way.

It is said that from then on, I sometimes looked out into the sea at night and sobbed alone while drunk.

Next to me were a few burnt photos and a green gem that had lost its light miserably.

Like a person who had lost his mind, he was just looking at the sea.

Although revenge was taken, she could not be taken back.

From that day on, Catherine went away from me forever.

A newly dispatched woman came to me several times regarding supplies.

I stayed in the commander’s office and sent my subordinates to conduct the transaction on my behalf.

At the thought that she might suddenly return,

I was always fiddling with the green gem on the days when supplies arrived.

The last gift she gave me.

“Uh… Seojin?“

Catherine looked at me with a worried expression.

“Are you okay? I called but there was no answer…“

“Oh, I’m sorry. I had a hard time sleeping at night. I guess I dozed off for a moment.“

I smiled and stretched.

Then she tilted her head and handed me the contract.

“I have read the entire contract carefully. It’s a bit surprising that you suddenly want to do business with me. The plan is the same, and the contents written here are the same. It’s full of content that looks quite interesting.“

“So…how about, why don’t you try it together? If Catherine would join… I think it would be a really big help.“

She said to me with a big smile.

“Yes! My heart was pounding. If we can distribute these healing elixirs to everyone… we can minimize the injuries suffered by hunters… even hunter parties that cannot recruit healers will have less to worry about. And at a very low price, we supply it to hunters all over the country… no, even all over the world…!“

“That might be possible too. We plan to improve it as much as possible to prevent addiction or side effects. I thought you would like it.“

Because she always wanted to spread happiness to many people.

This business plan seemed like it would be enough to pique her interest.

“Good…! Please leave it to me. There is someone I know who has a mass production line for elixirs. I also have a friend who is in charge of the logistics line. Once the elixir recipe is complete, you will be able to sell it right away.“

“Good. Oh, do you have any ideas for a company name? For some reason, Catherine seems to have good sense.“

“Ah….! It’s the company name…um…“

She looked worried and talked about various candidates.

I just nodded with a friendly smile.

Just seeing Catherine smiling brightly and talking to me,

That smile.

That warm smile.

That alone was enough for me.

“Okay… Then, I will come see you later when the research results come out.“

“Yes…! Please continue to look after us. Hehe, that sounds fun. This time too.“

She and I gently held hands and shook hands.

I nodded with a silent smile,

After seeing Catherine off, I headed to the dormitory.

It was time to return to being a student at the academy again.