episode_0082

*****

When watching romantic comedies, there are clichés that often appear. The heroine reveals her feelings, but the protagonist does not notice. Sometimes, readers wonder if the main character may be hearing impaired.

But maybe I can, right? I also thought so. Unless you confess it openly, it would be embarrassing if you were certain and were wrong. I myself am not that quick-witted.

However, from my own experience, I found out that this is not necessarily the case.

‘Still, it’s not a useless story. If you too get a confession, think carefully.’

‘How can I possibly do that?’

‘well? ‘Isn’t that something you don’t know?’

I brought this up because I knew Hwa-in, who was later confessed to by several heroines. This advice is given in the hope that people will sincerely think about the heroines rather than being surprised by the fact that they received a confession.

However, for some reason, from then on, Hwain’s demeanor began to change little by little.

‘Ami, how about you?’

‘What will you do if your friend suddenly confesses to you?’

I thought this was also an extension of small talk. It’s a topic that everyone might have fantasized about at least once. I remembered a time when a girl in my class confessed to me, and I answered exactly what I thought.

Then my wrist was grabbed.

‘What, suddenly?’

‘that… .’

Hwa-in looks down at her hands and is surprised. It was as if he had been caught unawares.

Yeah, well, let’s say that can happen. Still, if you realize it, wouldn’t it be natural to let it go?

I tried to shake it off for now. However, with the strength of her body, Hwain’s hand did not even move. At that moment, a feeling of something shaking creeped into me and I was contemplating whether to use my magic power.

My eyes met those of the painter who was looking straight at me.

‘… … .’

My potential lies in recognizing the other person’s gaze. Among them, the gaze itself can be sensed without being conscious of it, but the emotions contained within it and the intensity of the gaze cannot be conveyed unless one is conscious of it.

But at this moment, my potential has been activated arbitrarily. Intuitively, I could tell that there was great kindness in his gaze towards me.

I figured it out.

Immediately afterward, all kinds of thoughts came and went quickly in my head. why? I’m a man? Have I ever made a rational appeal? If this happens, what will happen to Raon? Could it all just be my imagination? that’s right. I’m sure it will.

But if, just one chance in a thousand times, what I felt was not wrong. So, if I could at least accept a confession here.

How should I answer so that I can pretend like nothing happened?

‘About the confession you just made.’

‘Yes?’

‘Who did you think you were confessing to?’

He was startled by the sudden words and his voice turned upside down, but fortunately Hwa-in didn’t seem to notice. Still, I could understand what that meant.

At least there is no need to come to a conclusion right now.

‘That’s it? ‘Are you surprised that I thought about being confessed to by a man?’

‘uh. I was really chilled.’

‘Anyway, no matter how many times I tell him he’s a man, he doesn’t understand.’

I desperately pretended to have the same attitude as usual. Fortunately, Hwain didn’t seem to notice. It was a stroke of luck that we were almost at the station.

As if running away, I ran into the station and boarded the train that arrived just in time. Only after confirming that there was no Hwa-in around, I finally let out a sigh. I was so nervous that I felt like my legs were going to give out, so I had to use my magic power.

Now that I’ve returned home in a semi-zombie-like state, I’ve finally had some time to think properly.

“What on earth happened?”

The first thing I thought about was the possibility that I had made a grand mistake. What I sensed as potential was an unclear feeling of goodwill.

Looking at Sia’s case, the view of familial love also feels like a great favor. In other words, there is a possibility that I may have guessed and misunderstood the great camaraderie or friendship.

But this literally felt like a happy circuit. If it’s friendship, why do you suddenly grab my wrist?

There is also the atmosphere of the place. Even if I didn’t have the potential, I would have thought I would be confessed in that situation.

So let’s assume that Hwa-in really feels a, well, rational attraction to me.

In this case, receiving a confession is dangerous. If you refuse to confess, your personal relationships will naturally be strained, and in the worst case, you may have to leave Hwain’s team. The option of receiving a confession? How could it possibly exist?

The good news is that Hwain’s favorability may not be that great just yet. Although I acted impulsively, I didn’t confess, and there’s no reason for my favorability to increase that much.

Yes, this is the most surprising. I don’t know why Hwa-in’s likeability rating is so high. Where did Raon go? Raon!

“Where did I choose the wrong option? .”

A thought came to mind as I muttered words without thinking. Maybe it was because of the butterfly effect that Hwain was unable to experience an important event with Raon?

It was complacent to think that Hwa-in and Ra-on had accumulated the same memories because they entered school together at the same place.

[That’s the correct answer!]

See, Mr. Intuition also confirms my guess. As I thought about it, more evidence came to mind. Hwa-in, who strangely lacked confidence, or Ra-on, who had no love story at all.

It’s not my intention, but I think I look pretty cute right now. If you’re a high school boy of that age, you might be attracted to him based on his looks alone.

But Raon is also a great girl. We will continue to make rational appeals to Hwain. On the other hand, what about me?

You can place your hand on your heart and speak confidently. I have never done anything to attract the favor of the opposite sex! I won’t do it again!

[…] It’s you! You idiot… .]

… I felt like something was moving in my intuition, but was it just my mood?

Anyway, it’s not too late. If she gets closer to Ra-on from now on and follows important events step by step, Hwa-in will be able to achieve true love, not just a temporary illusion.

And I will also be able to regain a stable position as a colleague.

“Senior is too busy to stick his head in or make a fighting pose.”

“Huh? Ah, it’s Sia. When did you come?

“You didn’t even know you were there, even though you weren’t hiding your presence. What on earth were you thinking about?”

“Rice, it’s no big deal. It’s all just been resolved.”

Sia looked at her with suspicious eyes, but she didn’t lie because it seemed like it had really been resolved.

Tomorrow is finally experiential learning. I have decided on the general direction, so I will take care of the details tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s me, fighting!

***

The Northern Front is the common name for the northernmost part of the Republic of Korea’s territory that stands against the encroachment of Lee Gye-hwa. So its location has continued to change over time.

This front line, which reached Chungcheong-do during the period of great chaos, went up to the 38th parallel during the March 8th Defense War. After that, after the efforts of many heroes including Kwon Seong, now…

“We ended up right here at the Yalu River!”

The passionate lecture of a young man who introduced himself as Jeong Tae-min resonated throughout the hall.

The students’ reactions were subtle. Just an hour ago, I was bracing myself while remembering the notoriety of the Northern Front, but suddenly it was like listening to a lecture in a hotel lounge, so it was worth it. The content of the lecture itself was probably good for the students.

However, I was an exception. Since pushing up the northern front was my main task while on active duty, I listened to the lecture with great concentration. Although that impression was a little different from other kids.

No, why did you only put it up so little!?

The range I posted in the 7 years I was away is less than the range I posted in 1 year. Of course, I know it’s difficult because the wires can get longer the higher you go, but even so, isn’t this too slow?

I don’t think it’s a question of ability. Because I didn’t raise Junseok in vain. Let’s hear from Changhyuk or Sia later about what happened behind the scenes.

“It’s very different from the image I had in mind.”

“Yes. I thought it would have a completely rural feel.”

“Haha. Is that possible? There are many ordinary people who live here. The population is also larger than that of most cities.”

Jeong Tae-min hears the whispering between two students like a ghost and answers. I can sense that there is enthusiasm, but the kids are a bit reluctant. Still, after listening to it, it was clear that the area around here was quite different from what I thought.

In the past, front lines moved back and forth every half a year at the longest or every few weeks at the shortest. So, rather than a fixed base like this, I used to stay in a place where an old military-style pipe was pushed into a container.

However, this hotel-like building with a clear view of the entire surroundings where we are now, as well as the apartments below, were no different from the city. It is the appearance of a planned city that is determined to stay for a long time.

“Welcome to the Northern Front!”

The well-made lecture ended with Jeong Tae-min’s welcome speech. The students still looked like they didn’t understand what was going on, but they applauded for now.

That wasn’t the end of the sudden welcome. As soon as Taemin Jeong’s passionate lecture ended, the door to the hall opened and a trailer containing all kinds of food came in. What, they provide a buffet meal?

“Hey, is it really okay to do it this way?”

“Yes! It’s okay!”

“When is the training? What about battles with monsters?”

“Hey, why do we fight all the time! You don’t have to worry about that!”

Was there no prior agreement? Sia, who was embarrassed, asked Jeong Tae-min about various things, but Jeong Tae-min was OK with everything, like a generous tree.

When the other party came out like that, even Sia couldn’t stop the kids who had food in front of them. A few impatient people had already stretched out their hands.

Of course, most of the students looked puzzled. If they volunteer to go to the infamous front, the students here either have a high desire for success, have a grudge against monsters, or have a strong sense of justice.

Even if you make them feel at ease in this way, not many people will be happy.

“Ami, what do you think? Is this something like the Last Supper──Ami?”

As I was looking for something to eat, Hwa-in, holding a plate, approached me. I pretended not to hear that and moved to a place away from Hwain.

… Was it too clumsy? Still, if it approaches from the other side, there isn’t much reason to avoid it. Even if it was a bit unreasonable, we had to keep the distance like this. It might be a good idea to consult with Sia later and come up with an appropriate excuse.

But a problem arose here. When I left Hwain, I had nowhere to go. That’s also natural because most of the guys I’m close with are also close with Hwain.

At this point, I was wondering if I should also consider the option of being a scoundrel. Someone tugged on my sleeve, which had fallen apart.

“… ? Ah, it’s Marie.”

“Are you free now?”

It’s the best. I nodded my head up and down vigorously.

“Thank goodness. Master is calling. Come with me to see Master.”

Who was your teacher? I almost asked back, but I managed to remember who Marie’s teacher was. There are not many people in this country who can teach witchcraft.

“… Is that so.”

The worry was short-lived. I followed Marie and headed to where my former colleague, the Four Heroes Priestess, was.

***

Priestess. Just hearing the name makes it seem like it must be somewhere deep in the mountains, like a shrine or temple.

However, the place where the priestess was located was the top floor suite of the hotel we were in. This can be said to be a good example of what happens when religion becomes corrupted.

“You’re teasing me inside again.”

“It’s been a while, pseudo.”

I raised my hand and greeted Princess Bari, a priestess who could pick out my inner thoughts like a ghost. The priestess also greeted me with the same smile that was in my memory.

Just because the place you live is snobbish doesn’t mean you are snobbish, too. Two beautifully closed eyes, neat white clothes. The long black hair that spread out like overflowing threads gave off a mysterious atmosphere.

“I’m also happy to see Ha-min again. Has it been 7 years?”

“From my perspective, it’s only about a few months. And please call me Ami now. Just in case you don’t know.”

The priestess in front of us is the only one among the Four Heroes who also appeared in the original work. In the original work, rather than being a high-level hero like he is now, he was closer to the position of a helper who helps the main character and his group and guides them.

His outstanding ability does not change even in this world, so he was one of the heroes I received a lot of help from during my active duty days.

“Please come this way.”

A priest’s eyes see many things, so just keeping them open consumes her energy. So, she usually spends her days with her eyes closed.

Of course, just like me, she opens or closes her eyes, but it doesn’t make much of a difference. Still, she often reached out and touched people like this.

“You’ve become softer.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever have to worry about my skin for the rest of my life.”

“You’ve become small and cute.”

“I’m paying attention to that part, so can you please don’t touch it?”

I answered with a bitter smile, and the priestess laughed. Somehow, I feel a little embarrassed.

“So why did you call me?”

“Do you need a reason to see a friend who came back after 7 years? If you want to hide your shyness, put in a little more effort.”

He still looks inside people like a ghost. He says that it is the God within him who tells him, but as someone who has never seen a real God, I find it very doubtful. That’s why they call it a pseudo.

After that, a casual conversation continued for a while. The conversation centered on old memories, wondering if it was true that he missed his old friend.

“Sia back then was really cute.”

“What are you talking about? Sia is still cute.”

“There are too many things to call cute now… Oh. Was this a secret?”

… Although there were some words that really bothered me along the way. Basically, a priestess has a great personal life and won’t say anything she doesn’t want to say, even if she dies, so it’s useless to question her.

“Let’s talk about the rest later. It came out during the experiential learning experience, so it couldn’t last too long. Please get to the point slowly.”

It wouldn’t be a lie to say that I wanted to see my old friend, but it was clear that I had a point. The only time this guy calls someone into his room and talks to him is when he has some business to do.

He probably knew in advance that I was going to say this. The priestess quietly raised her head and opened one eye without any signs of embarrassment. No, it was difficult to even say that the eyes were open because the eyes were so squinted that the pupils were not visible at all.

“I heard it from Marie. Your soul is strange.”

It seems that Marie consulted with the priestess about me. I don’t know if his soul was distorted, but I was thankful because there was no way I could guess why he had turned pitch black.

The inspection took more time than expected. This was the first time a priestess had spent this much time looking at someone’s soul, so I became more and more nervous as time went by. What, is it that serious?

“Hamin.”

“Uh, huh?”

“You really have become quite cute. I was lost for a moment because I was watching so intently.”

“Hey!!!”

Let’s talk about something more important first!

There is no use in lamenting. Because that’s what My Pace is. On the contrary, it is likely that some people are making a fuss about not telling us about it here.

Fortunately, the priestess seemed to have not intended to go that far and cleared her throat a couple of times and adjusted her posture. Realizing that this was a really important conversation, I also corrected my posture.

Weeing─, weeing─.

I woke up startled by the sudden alarm.

“What is this!”

“It looks like a monster has appeared outside. We’ll talk about this again next time.”

“Can’t you just tell me now? Is it that long of a story?”

I wish they could at least tell me whether it’s okay or it’s dangerous. Just by knowing that, you can prepare for many things.

In response to my request, the priestess placed her hand on her lips for a moment and tilted her head.

“Ah, that’s right. Next time you come, please bring ‘that boy’ too.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t expecting it… .”

Before I knew it, I left the priestess waving her hand with a smiling face—isn’t this a congratulatory message?—and took the elevator and left the suite.

***

“Look at that!”

“It’s really not a joke… .”

All the students were out of the hotel. Looking at the figures wearing hero suits, it was clear that they were trying to dispatch but stopped.

The reason for stopping was simple. This was because the war situation was so overwhelming that we did not need to go.

A huge castle wall that may be dozens of meters high. A monkey-like monster so large that it could be seen beyond was charging towards me.

If it had appeared in Seoul, an evacuation order would have been issued for nearby cities, heroes would have gathered, and there would have been chaos. The magic fired from the castle walls was actually bouncing off the thick fur.

The difference in weight classes is overwhelming to anyone. A human being who was no better than dust jumped in front of the monkey monster, which continued to rush forward in a seemingly unstoppable manner.

Kwachang!

Originally, it would have been reduced to six pieces and disappeared without a trace. However, the sword light that erupted from Inyoung cut the huge monkey monster in half.

It’s not just there. In the coming waves, the small monsters are dealt with by magic and modern technology, and the giant monsters are dealt with by ace heroes.

It was such an overwhelming achievement that not even a few monsters could reach the huge wall, let alone overcome it. The students around him were also cheering, perhaps because they had finally seen what they had been hoping for.

In such an excited atmosphere, I saw a person immersed in grief.

“I… , are you okay?”

“No! This can’t happen again!”

“Calm down, Deputy! Not even for a day or two!”

“Does it look real? If we continue like this, the image of our base will remain the same! The corporate kids are stealing all the new recruits!?”

“The image wasn’t manipulated!”

Jeong Tae-min, who had been calling himself an enthusiastic 1-stroke instructor until just now, was struggling with anger. The people around him, who seemed to be his subordinates, were trying desperately to stop him, but it didn’t seem to be easy.

I was the only one who saw it because everyone was looking towards the castle wall. Even then, a person came and blocked him.

“I’m sorry. That person was a bit stressed from work.”

“Stress?”

“As you know, there are not many people who stay here for jobs that are not mandatory. The adjutant talks about talent and budget, but… .”

In short, we hope that more students will remain here after the mandatory period.

But as I said just now, the only people who come to places like this are unique people. Naturally, there are not many of them. Therefore, Taemin Jeong tried to somehow change the image of this place as a monster paradise during this experiential learning experience.

For some reason, as soon as I arrived, I thought the welcome was too much.

“But isn’t that meaningless because the monsters keep coming?”

“If you’re lucky, there are times when monsters don’t come for about a week. I think the adjutant wanted that week to be now. Well, as you can see, the result was a failure from the first day.”

“Budget!!! Manpower!!!!!!”

What you’re saying is similar to what the half-corpse Changhyuk kept muttering when I was on active duty.

As I watched Jeong Tae-min being dragged away screaming in sorrow, I once again remembered the hardships of being a manager.

*****