episode_0093

“I don’t know if this is the right word to use, but… . Our universe. I think you and the main building are quite similar.”

“What is that… .”

“It’s a story of mutual differences.”

The universe furrowed its brows at the unexpected words. Could it be that he was joking?

It can’t be helped that she thinks that way. No matter how much she’s been in the industry and how much she’s grown, she’s still limited to B-class. She doesn’t dare to be called S-class. [Skills] and her proficiency, ability, fame, and – talent. Everything she has is just a drop in the bucket compared to [Neulhaerang].

“That joke is too much.”

“You’re joking, I’m serious.”

Seriously, the grumbling voice was a little hoarse.

Song Chan-seop smiled slightly as he watched her slightly puffing out her cheeks. Although her appearance was completely different, he could see a glimpse of a little girl who resembled a rabbit in her actions.

Family members tend to resemble each other. Even though they may not be of the same blood, sisters are definitely sisters. Song Chan-seop raised his hand at Woo-joo, who seemed to be getting even angrier at the ambiguous smile.

“Let me give you a brief example to make it easier to understand.”

The hand pointed to space.

“You and your brother, [Hanibaram].”

And then he turns his hand and points at himself.

“And, me and my grandfather. [Chungmugong].”

After hearing that, Woojoo could understand what he was talking about.

“Do you understand? You want to be strong for your younger brother, and I want to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather. The circumstances are a little different, but we are both in the same position, clinging to our families.”

“… … .”

“Let me tell you my story for a moment.”

As he said that, Song Chan-seop collapsed on the edge of the bed next to Woo-joo, where Eun-ha was staying.

As expected of a large body, its heavy weight sank deep into the soft mat, and the frame, which had barely moved no matter how much the little girl rolled her feet on it, creaked.

“Our universe. As you know, my family is the blood relative of [Chungmugong] of the time. I am the grandson of the person you call Gong Elder.”

The universe nodded at that calm voice.

At first, I didn’t know. It felt familiar, but I didn’t have the luxury of comparing it to the urgent situation in Jeju Island, so I just thought it was because of their similar physiques.

After the Jeju Island incident ended and he regained consciousness, he only recently learned of his family relationship.

If Hong Yoon-ha, who had been wearing a bread hat that Eun-ha had never seen before and who had gradually become close to her sister and come to trust her, had not subtly revealed their relationship, I think I would have continued to not know about it.

The kind old man who used to play with his younger brother while walking together was actually a retired human hero, and [Neulhaerang], who fought fiercely against beasts with him, was his grandson. How surprising, the world is so vast and yet so small.

Afterwards, when Song Chan-seop and his sisters found out about this fact through conversation, they both found this strange relationship strange.

Anyway, Song Chan-seop continued, leaning his arm over the bed rail.

“Even now, no one knows that fact except for a few people, including your sisters. You kept it a secret, because your grandfather didn’t want your grandson to be known.”

He is the world’s greatest hero. Now, 20 years later, his appearance has been almost forgotten, but when he announced his retirement and disappeared, the whole country, no, the whole world was in an uproar.

It was only natural that he would be so excited to learn that his grandfather was a hero at a young age. He secretly wanted to be treated well and for people to recognize him.

But sometimes his grandfather and mother, who came to the house, disciplined him strictly as a child. They told him not to go anywhere and talk. If anyone asked him, he should pretend not to know.

Every time the young Song Chan-seop disobeyed that order, he was scolded harshly and had to move as if he was running away in the middle of the night to escape from a debt collector.

“At that time, I was displeased with it. I thought my grandfather was ashamed of his family, no, of me. I suspected that he was hiding it for fear of being a burden to someone with such great fame.”

His expression, as he ruminates on his unfortunate past, looks a little bitter. He looks down at his hands as if reproaching himself and continues speaking.

“But it wasn’t. I realized it later when my head got thicker. My grandfather actually did it to protect his blood relatives.”

Heroes get people’s attention.

One, that gaze includes not only admiration and respect, but also jealousy and hatred. It was the same for [Chungmugong]. The heroes and suicide squads who stood up for the people were not only facing monsters from other dimensions, but also countless [villains].

There are bound to be many enemies. As they win victories and receive praise from [villains], it is only natural that their resentment for their defeat deepens.

Old Man Gong was concerned that his young blood relatives might be put at risk by those hiding in the darkness.

“My grandfather didn’t want his family to suffer under the pressure of being the grandson of a hero.”

Bloodline of world-class heroes. Just possessing that splendid title makes you far from ordinary. You become the subject of countless comparisons and expectations.

There is no individual called ‘Song A-mu’ in their interest. There is only the public figure of [Admiral Yi Sun-sin]’s grandson. The moment he fails to live up to expectations, praise will turn into slander and expectations will turn into disappointment. Thunderous applause will turn into a sharp knife.

So the old man hoped that his beloved grandson would not be swept away by his name and would live only his own life.

“I was grateful after learning that fact. At the same time, I was angry.”

I was most angry at myself for trying to brag about my grandfather’s noble life, which was no one else’s. I was angry at myself for not understanding his consideration and resenting him a little.

“So, now I am hiding that relationship solely by my own will. Not by borrowing my grandfather’s power, but to rise up on my own strength.”

As Song Chan-seop spoke, he suddenly rummaged through the pockets of his hospital gown.

What he pulled out was a small pendant that glowed sky blue.

The trinket, already small, seemed even smaller when hung between Song Chan-seop’s thick fingers. The chain was old and dirty. Even the jewel, which was the size of a ten-won coin, was covered in scratches, which could be clearly seen even from a distance.

However, despite the traces of the arduous passage of time, the hanging jewels still sparkled without losing their light.

“That’s….”

“[Babel]. Just like the hat your brother received, it is something that your grandfather left me at the last moment.”

His eyes, which were tinkling the pendant as he answered the words of the universe, sank low.

“This is one of the 100 necklaces that Baekhyunman, the master craftsman, made to help the suicide squad, although most of them are now lost.”

“… … .”

It was something that even the universe knew about. When she was an intern and was just starting her life as an Awakened person, she happened to remember seeing it while researching materials for her preliminary studies.

Now, the know-how and training methods for acquiring [skills] have spread among the Awakened, but back in the days of the first generation Awakened, when they had to start from scratch by actually experiencing things, [rare grade equipment] first appeared.

The specs of the equipment itself are nothing special, but its effects were probably revolutionary at the time….

“It served as his name tag during his active service. Since he was not in good health, it was to ensure that his belongings could be returned to his family.”

Song Chan-seop’s voice that followed interrupted the cosmic thoughts.

Oh! Even though it is a historical object, how can you think of something else while talking about something important? While he put the necklace in his pocket, Woo-joo shook his head invisibly and scolded himself softly.

Whether she said it or not, Song Chan-seop continued.

“When I regained consciousness and received this item, I felt my grandfather’s will, other than his intention to pass the relics on to his last remaining family.”

“… … .”

“You were not wrong. Keep moving forward. That’s what he said.”

His neck, which he shouted with power, and his strong arms, revealed by the rolled-up sleeves, trembled terribly when Song Chan-seop clenched his fists. The thickness of his wrists was like three or four iron pipes pressed together.

Beneath the spiderweb-like filaments, in addition to the thick veins, many overlapping, branched muscles stood out beyond the skin.

“It may sound arrogant, but… . So I thought. I will continue his legacy.”

People don’t know. Originally, it was an ordinary arm that was not even half as thick as this. The fact that when he was young, that [Neulhaerang] was teased by those around him for being skinny.

Just like the old man Gong once did – after countless hard training sessions and training, he changed his attitude, his speech, and even his physique, using his grandfather as a role model.

That the current Song Chan-seop was created.

“I will never let the three letters of [Chungmugong]’s name disappear from history.”

Without disappointment.

I believe that day will surely come someday.

Without losing courage.

Just as the man who admired the great rock face eventually became like him, Song Chan-seop was similar. However, he did not wait for the nobleman, but decided to become like him first.

“Of course it won’t be an easy road. But… .”

A wall-mounted television installed in the corner of the hospital room.

Song Chan-seop looked at himself reflected in the pitch-black screen after the screen had turned off.

“I decided that I would do it.”

It was a vow that Jangbu had made to himself. It was right to reach it at all costs.

Does that face, which boldly declares its beliefs, resemble someone a little?

Looking at that figure, Woo-joo somehow felt like he knew why Hong Yoon-ha had fallen for him. A man who works hard toward his goal is so cool. As a person, he admires him.

“Can I do that too?”

My voice trembled a little as I asked, feeling insecure and embarrassed by my own comparison.

“Of course.”

The reverse soldier nodded toward Woo-joo, whose cheeks were slightly reddened with embarrassment.

That heavy affirmation seemed to be a firm encouragement, like patting the shoulder of a new challenger who was anxious about the trials and tribulations ahead.

“I believe I will fulfill my promise. The same goes for you. Don’t waver and just go straight.”

Rather, Song Chan-seop tried to add something, but couldn’t find the words to express it, so he kept his mouth shut for a moment.

“Rather, I am more worried about [the wind of the sky] than you… No, I am more worried about our galaxy.”

His voice, which had become a little weaker than usual, was clearly filled with concern for Eunha, unlike when he had been teasing her so often.

Woojoo nodded heavily at those words. As someone who had always played the role of an older sister to her younger brother, even if it was insufficient, she could understand his concerns.

Nanzhongjichu, Maenghobokcho. It’s a given.

A girl with a talent that is heaven-sent, or even heaven-worthy, has not yet revealed her talents, but she will soon become famous. It would be even stranger if people did not pay attention to her abilities and her growth.

There was a time when it fell apart and interest waned, but that is now a thing of the past.

Although it was overshadowed by the activities of [Union] and [Chungmugong], the name of the suicide squad that fought alongside [Neulhaerang] at that location was also revealed to some extent as the Jeju Island incident and the government accusation incident continued.

A young talent who is currently not attracting much attention, but was evaluated as a potential S-class player in the near future, has made a comeback – what will happen when this fact is revealed?

The return of the supernova, the blue chip that has jumped up in the sky.

It hasn’t really caught fire yet, but once all this chaos is sorted out and [Union] leaves, it’ll burn brightly like dry firewood that’ll warm up the place that’s been left behind. The [large guilds] that hear the news will probably be very excited. If it becomes known that it’s currently unaffiliated, it’ll be even more so.

Can the wild flowers that read the ‘wind’ endure such dirty emotions as greed, longing, and jealousy?

The moment she thought of Kim Jin-hyung, a threatening sound was heard between her teeth.

“That guy’s personality probably won’t allow it, but I’ve seen many Awakeners ruined at a young age. If they’re drunk on power and glory, or if they go down the wrong path against others’ will.”

“… … .”

And, if it’s wrong.

The universe felt Song Chan-seop’s words that he had swallowed for me not with his ears but with his heart. His chest felt heavy as if he had tied lead to his heart, as if he was assuming what-ifs in his head.

“The more that happens, the more those around you need to guide you well. In particular, your role as a family member is the most important. Root your heart deeply and don’t waver. If you, the older sister, wavers, our younger sister, Eunha, will naturally waver as well.”

“… I’ll keep that in mind.”

Well, I’ve already tried it once and failed.

It will never happen again, she thought to herself, picturing the large blacksmith in the beanie hat.

“Call me when you’re fully recovered. I’ll train you personally while rehabilitating you. But be prepared, it’ll be a tough time.”

“It’s what I was hoping for.”

“And,”

He stood up and stretched his hands out into space.

Beyond the large hands, when she looked up, a man so tall that her neck ached was smiling with the hospital room light as his halo.

“If you need any other help, just let me know. I’ll be happy to lend a hand any time.”

“… … .”

[Nulhaerang]’s assurance already made me feel more secure, as if I had accomplished something. Woojoo gladly took the hand that Song Chanseop extended.

“Thank you.”

It’s a really heartwarming sight, though-

Have you forgotten something?

Kwaaang!!!!

It was almost bedtime. The ward, which had been filled with a drowsy atmosphere, became noisy with a deafening roar.

The door made of reinforced plastic broke, no. Torn, no… Bursted?

Anyway, I rolled on the floor like a rag. The impact shook the building as if an earthquake had occurred, and the cement walls cracked and the dust that had been stuck to the ceiling was blown away by the wind, causing a cloud of dust to rise inside the hospital room.

In that thick air, Song Chan-seop swallowed dry saliva. The thick murderous intent wafting from outside the door had a pressure that would make even the world’s [Neul Hae-rang] nervous.

Surely, the [Union] attack incident that happened relatively recently came to Song Chan-seop’s mind. Was it really as Hong Yoon-ha had expected, that the [villain] had attacked him with the intention of attacking him?

He glanced at the universe beyond his back, still not fully recovered and having difficulty moving, and clicked his tongue briefly. If he were alone, it would be different… .

No. Song Chan-seop is ready for battle.

What do you mean by running away? He was a man who followed the will of [Admiral Yi Sun-sin]. In any case, battle was inevitable. He was not a man so rotten that he would ignore his patients, especially his comrades, and run away.

[Neulhaerang] opened her eyes wide and her fighting spirit burned. Come here!

“Song Chan-seop, brother.”

My fighting spirit is broken.

What emerged from the dust was [Heenari], Hong Yun-ha, who was emitting mana similar to a ghost and fluttering like a mist.

The body of her (a S-class sorcerer beauty in the province, with no experience with men) who was smiling brightly and the deep red energy contained in each hair that danced around were suffocating Song Chan-seop. She must have recovered less because she had used [Blessing]…! Hong Yoon-ha, who had overwhelmed [Nulhaerang] with just that momentum, opened her red lips.

“Do you want to die?”

“Ugh… .”

Even the general took a step back because of the chaste woman’s sorrow.

It was then. In Song Chan-seop’s field of vision, Eun-ha was seen peeking out from behind [Hee-na-ri], beyond where the door had disappeared, and smiling wickedly.

By any chance, you went around looking for Hong Yoon-ha yourself?

“-[Honey Wind], you bastard! Did you have to sell out your comrades like that to feel better?”

“Despair is the destination of the old man!”

“Stop bothering the poor galaxy and focus on me. If you really don’t want to die.”

“… … !”

[Heenari], who had been walking lightly, reached out and grabbed [Neulhaerang] by the collar.

She smiled brightly and asked Song Chan-seop a question as he was dragged in helplessly, unable to even resist despite the overwhelming difference in their sizes and strengths.

“Was the late night snack delicious? How about a cigarette? How about exercise?”

“… Calm down.”

“Was it so good that you threw away the lunch box I made with all my heart and ran away?”

“… That’s.”

“That? Tell me straight. Why didn’t you eat my lunch box? Was it bad?”

Calm down. Song Chan-seop consoled himself at Hong Yoon-ha’s urging and chose his words carefully. If you speak well, you can survive!

“I don’t know how it was done, but usually when a side dish enters your mouth, there are only four or five flavors that come together. However, just with your sausage and vegetable stir-fry, you can have a feast of more than ten flavors.”

Ah, this situation. I’ve seen it somewhere. The universe, sensing the future, covered itself with the blanket. I didn’t want to see his tragic end.

“They say that cooking skills improve with practice, but I never knew that it could develop in that way. It was still too early for humans to make food.”

“… … .”

Heek…! Eunha, who read the ‘wind’ blowing from [Heenari], was crushed by the disaster she brought upon herself and ran away somewhere with a shrill scream.

“Do you remember the dog you used to raise in the yard? The dog that used to follow people so well, when he saw your food, he showed his teeth-”

Wow!!