episode_0168

168

Lee Cheong.

If you were to ask the new students about Lee Cheong, they would all answer without any hesitation.

A monster.

No one denies the fact that Lee Cheong is the strongest and best hero trainee this year.

Most of them have experienced Lee Cheong’s power through the entrance exam.

Even the new students who looked down on Lee Cheong a little, with his always sleepy expression and lazy demeanor, were all completely overwhelmed by Lee Cheong.

The sight of her single-handedly defeating the named new students was unforgettable.

Everyone who challenges the best hero training academy in Korea has the ability and talent to do so, but Lee Cheong easily knocked down the new students.

Seeing her in action made the new students realize that there is a difference even in talent.

Despite hearing praises of being a prodigy, genius, or talented since childhood, compared to Lee Cheong, they were like frogs in a well.

And Lee Cheong didn’t even use all her power.

Just by observing her nonchalant behavior, it was clear that she hadn’t revealed all her strength.

It was almost laughable to think that she was the top new student without even using her full power.

Is the difference really that big?

Even though they are all Union new students?

While envying Lee Cheong’s talent and strength, they also felt a sense of awe.

Perhaps Lee Cheong is a genius even in the Union.

If she were to use all her power, she might be able to threaten Jinhyuk to some extent.

Of course, it would be difficult for Lee Cheong to defeat Jinhyuk, but there was a possibility that she could burst his bubble, which was only fueled by rumors.

Or maybe if Jinhyuk is being careless, she could deliver a heavy blow?

That’s what they thought.

Until just now.

“Lee, Lee Cheong? What is this?”

“A single blow? From Lee Cheong?”

“What the hell? It seems like it ended in almost 3 seconds?”

“Ah, I, I didn’t even see it. What happened?”

Murmurs.

The new students who were watching Lee Cheong and Jinhyuk’s duel were confused.

Lee Cheong, who made many new students keenly feel the difference in talent during the entrance exam, was defeated so easily?

Does this make sense?

How could Lee Cheong be so easily defeated…

If it was her extraordinary ability, she should be able to absorb almost any attack unless it’s extremely powerful.

Oh, could it mean…

Jinhyuk delivered damage to Lee Cheong that she couldn’t absorb with just one attack? Does he possess that level of power? He’s only a year older than Lee Cheong, right?

“Wow….”

The instructor let out an admiring sigh.

He carefully reviewed the duel between Jinhyuk and Lee Cheong that had just taken place.

As soon as the duel began, Lee Cheong dashed towards Jinhyuk like a flash of light and punched towards his head.

There was a power in Lee Cheong’s fist that couldn’t be considered as that of a new student.

Enough to bring down even a seasoned pro hero.

But what on earth happened?

Jinhyuk, without even blinking, calmly caught the fist and then retaliated by extending his right hand.

It was a movement reminiscent of a supernova.

Even the instructor, who was a top-ranked hero, was slightly caught off guard by the speed of their movements.

The instructor swallowed dryly as he replayed the scene he had just witnessed in his mind.

He couldn’t believe he missed the movements of students who weren’t even adults yet.

Even if they were ordinary trainees, they probably wouldn’t have been able to see the movements of those two properly.

It was rare to see a hero who could show such movements, even when active in the field.

“I’ve heard rumors about Lee Jinhyuk, but I never imagined he would be this strong. He might even be stronger than me.”

It was truly a surprising sight.

Even though he had retired from the field a while ago, he had gained considerable fame as a top-ranking hero.

But now, a hero trainee even stronger than him?

Normally, he would have dismissed it as mere gossip, but seeing it with his own eyes, he couldn’t help but be amazed.

“It wasn’t just a baseless rumor.”

Even the instructors were caught off guard, so even someone like Lee Cheong, who had made a name for himself as a monster rookie, would have been helpless to stop it.

In the end, Lee Cheong was sent flying out of the training ground by a single punch from Lee Jinhyuk, crashing into the wall and losing consciousness.

She was already a genius beyond the level of a trainee, but Lee Jinhyuk was a monster beyond comparison with Lee Cheong.

“I guess I miscalculated my strength.”

Looking down at the fallen Lee Cheong with a slightly apologetic expression, Lee Jinhyuk scratched his cheek.

Lee Cheong’s ability was quite annoying.

Being able to absorb almost all damage and counterattack, he didn’t expect her to vomit blood and collapse after exerting so much force to prevent her from absorbing it all at once.

“Lee Cheong may be a genius at an exceptional level, but she was only at the high-ranking level. Did I get too nervous?”

If Lee Cheong were to go all out, she would probably be at the level of moderate to high injuries.

Of course, there were variables due to her ability, but in terms of average strength, she was not much stronger than previously mentioned.

Perhaps if she were to face Baek Yurin in her early first year, she would fight decently but ultimately lose to Baek Yurin?

Still, for a freshman who had just entered Union, her skills were truly remarkable.

A year ago, Lee Jinhyuk would have been unbeatable no matter what.

But now, with his awakened ability, Lee Jinhyuk had become too strong.

It was an ability that couldn’t be used without others, but it was truly a formidable ability.

“….Lee Cheong, hey. Take her to the infirmary.”

“Oh, okay!”

Following the instructor’s instructions, Hayoung supported the fallen Lee Cheong and took her to the infirmary.

“Wow, this is insane.”

“Is she really our classmate?”

“She seems stronger than our clan’s heroes….”

“Amazing. This video will get a lot of views.”

Through an education trainee who was secretly broadcasting on his phone, this video spread throughout South Korea.

And thanks to this video, South Korea was once again ablaze.

After all, at his age, Lee Jinhyuk was at that level?

Experts analyzed the video and concluded that his movements were at the level of a top-ranking or even a high-ranking individual.

So, was he like the ancient legendary heroes… or even more?

Unlike Jin Soyeon, who had been controlling her strength since the incident with Yoo Dahee, Lee Jinhyuk was not holding back.

All eyes were on Lee Jinhyuk.

“Anyway, Jinhyuk is something else.”

Watching the match from the stands, Jin Soyeon shook her head with a bitter smile, as if she couldn’t help but admire him.

You really went all out against that kid, Jinhyuk.

She knew he was a Vritra, and she had a rough idea of how strong he was through their sparring sessions.

Currently, he was stronger than your average high-ranker.

A Lee Jinhyuk like that couldn’t be compared to someone like Lee Cheong.

Not just Lee Cheong, but even the significantly improved Lee Siwoon, Kang Daehan, and the much stronger Yoo Seolhyun, Seonari, and others wouldn’t be able to defeat Jinhyuk.

Is there even a possibility for Baek Yurin?

She had also reached a level comparable to a high-ranker.

But Jin Soyeon was confident that even Baek Yurin wouldn’t be a match for Lee Jinhyuk.

Because Lee Jin-hyuk will become the best hero with Jin So-yeon.

“You’re getting stronger, Jin-hyuk.”

Let’s move forward together.

Towards the goal we promised when we were young.

To achieve the dream of becoming the world’s greatest hero.

***

A few weeks after the duel with Lee Cheong.

I sat comfortably on the sofa at home, fiddling with my phone.

I casually turned on the internet to search for articles related to me… Wow, why are there so many related search terms?

– Commonly known as “One Punch Man Lee Jin-hyuk,” is he really at the level of a high ranker?

– [Is he a genius beyond legend?] How strong is the current Lee Jin-hyuk, a trainee?

– Genius trainee Lee Cheong vs Lee Jin-hyuk, what is the result?

– ‘New hero Satbyeol’s appearance’ Government: “The future of the hero industry looks bright…”

Countless articles were pouring out without a break.

I had become quite famous after the Gwanghwamun incident, but I became even more famous through the duel with Lee Cheong this time.

People who saw my face on the street were often surprised and asked for autographs.

Even at the academy, classmates, seniors, everyone was trying to be friendly to the point of annoyance.

It seemed like they wanted to build connections and be friends, but those who didn’t even look at me when I was at the bottom. Sigh.

“…I’m not even a celebrity, why did I become so famous like this?”

Well, the more famous I become, the easier it is to use my supernatural abilities, so that’s not too bad, but I was somewhat worried that villains might bother me.

There were quite a few villains who attacked famous heroes.

– Ding dong. Ding dong.

“Who is it at this time?”

It’s almost close to dinner time.

Who on earth is ringing the doorbell?

Seeing someone blatantly ringing the doorbell, it didn’t seem like a villain.

Could it be strangers coming like last time, claiming to be fans? Or maybe anti-fans.

I should move to a new place soon.

“…Huh?”

I blinked my eyes as I checked the intercom and looked outside.

Because an unexpected person was standing in front of the gate.

Why is she here at this time?

I was puzzled, but I took a step towards the gate to see the familiar face.

“Hello.”

“What’s up, Baek Yoo-rin. What’s going on without any contact at this time?”

Baek Yoo-rin.

She was standing at the gate, looking at me expressionlessly.

With her crimson hair flowing freely, she remained silent with her usual indifferent expression for a moment.

“Huh? Wait a minute.”

I looked behind Baek Yoo-rin and tilted my head.

She was carrying a large travel bag-like thing.

“Why do you have a bag…?”

“Jin-hyuk.”

Baek Yoo-rin looked straight at me.

“As we promised last time.”

And she uttered an unbelievable request.

“Can you take responsibility for me…?”