Chapter 8 - Ch 121-127

Chapter 121 Ouroboros (3)

The Ouroboros started rampaging. "Kieeeeee, eeeee, eeeeee!" Bang! Bang bang! Bang!

A thunderous roar echoed.

As the Ouroboros, boasting a size comparable to a building, threw a tantrum, concrete structures crumbled like dominoes.

Apartments, buildings, shops, roads – everything was collapsing.

The Ouroboros was ravaging downtown Busan with its steel- like sturdy body. Lee Jinhyuk watched the Ouroboros through binoculars from a distance.

…Looking at it like this, it's certainly a bit scary. Wow, shit. Why is it so big? 

If Lee Jinhyuk had been at that scene, would he have been crushed and died immediately?

Ugh.

Lee Jinhyuk wondered if everyone was alright.

The current Jin Soyeon shouldn't be careless enough to get hit by a blind attack, so she should be fine, right?

"Kiririri?! Kiririri, ririririri!" Kwaaaang!

Hong Daye unleashed her telekinetic power.

It was a telekinetic force that felt powerful enough to crush even the Ouroboros's steel-like sturdy body.

The sheer power could be fully felt just from the sound of air being torn apart.

However, as if somehow aware, the Ouroboros immediately twisted its head to avoid the telekinetic attack.

It skillfully evaded the invisible, formless force. As if it could see the telekinetic force.

"…Is it the third eye? It's only avoiding attacks that seem dangerous."

Lee Jinhyuk muttered to himself. The third eye.

It's one of the most annoying abilities of the Ouroboros.

That snake bastard can observe abnormal, magical, physical energy, and so on through its third eye.

It's already difficult to deal damage due to its endless regeneration and sturdy body, but to make matters worse, it's also tricky to land attacks because of the third eye.

In other words, it's a monster that has a well-rounded combination of regeneration, durability, and evasion.

It can be said to be a truly troublesome monster.

Even in the game, Lee Jinhyuk had struggled for a long time when he didn't know the strategy.

But after learning the strategy, it was just like a dummy monster with an annoyingly large HP bar.

First, to tackle the Ouroboros, it's necessary to destroy the third eye.

And for that method…

"Huu, Lee Jinhyuk, can you hear me?" "Yes."

At that moment.

A call came from Han Seowoo. Han Seowoo's voice could be heard beyond the noisy sounds at the scene.

"As you said, I asked Hong Daye and the HanYoung Clan members for help."

"How was their response?"

"For now, Hong Daye's side agreed to follow our orders. They were quite cooperative when I borrowed the name of Gaon Nuri."

"That's fortunate."

The name value of Gaon Nuri is quite useful.

It was able to easily persuade someone like Hong Daye.

It really seems that a representative clan is indeed a representative clan.

"The HanYoung side said they won't take orders and will do things their own way. But they said they'll cooperate to a minimum extent."

"Well, that's fine."

From the standpoint of being another representative clan, it seems they're not too pleased with simply following orders.

Lee Jinhyuk just scratched his chin at the HanYoung Clan's words that they would cooperate to some extent but act autonomously.

"Anyway, what we needed was Instructor Hong Daye's ability."

What Lee Jinhyuk needed now was Hong Daye, Hong Daye.

Because she had a powerful single blow that could pierce through the Ouroboros's durability.

Even that snake with endless regenerative power had been deliberately avoiding Hong Daye's attacks, hadn't it?

It was proof that Hong Daye's attacks were threatening, no matter how much it could regenerate.

"I explained the strategy to Hong Daye. She seemed a bit unsure, but when I said we have a tactical advisor on our side, she said she'd follow along."

"Hmm. About that tactical advisor." Could it be me?

Tactical advisor?

If Hong Daye finds out later, it seems like Lee Jinhyuk might get an earful.

"But will Han Seowoo be alright?" "Huh? What do you mean?"

"It seems Hong Daye is willing to follow our plan because she thinks we have a professional tactical advisor…"

To put it bluntly, even if Lee Jinhyuk went to Hong Daye and explained the strategy in detail, Hong Daye would likely react negatively.

Because Lee Jinhyuk was just a mere academy student.

In other words, the credibility, reliability, and persuasiveness of his words would be low.

Let's take a simple example.

No matter how right the words are, would they even listen to a young student's chatter?

Isn't it much more likely that they'd dismiss it as nonsense?

"Ah, well… I personally hold you in high regard."

"Pardon?"

"Other clan members might just be following along because it's Yoo Seolhyun's order, but I've seen what you've accomplished so far."

What Lee Jinhyuk has accomplished so far?

"Like how you cleanly conquered the Youngdeung Mountain Dungeon, and how you've been going around here and there throughout the summer vacation, tackling monsters, villains, dungeons, and so on as if you knew about them in advance…"

Ah, come to think of it, during this summer vacation, Lee Jinhyuk did go around various places with Han Seowoo and Yoo Seolhyun, even pushing himself a bit too hard for artifact farming.

From Han Seowoo's perspective, it must have been amazing to be able to discover artifacts wherever they went.

"You said you have a special ability to identify monsters' weaknesses, right? …I believe you."

So perhaps Han Seowoo had been suspicious that Lee Jinhyuk might have some special ability.

But at that time, it couldn't be helped.

Because Jin Soyeon alone wasn't enough firepower, so help from strong external forces was needed in that situation.

Thanks to that, they were able to collect a large number of artifacts and items now, so it wasn't bad. 

"So have confidence and give proper orders."

"Yes. I understand."

"Good, then let's take down that oversized snake."

Although it was quite a threatening monster to be simply treated as a snake, if they could target the third eye and reverse scale, it could be turned into just a big snake as she said.

Then, shall we start by destroying the third eye first? "Let's start the operation. Aisha, I'm counting on you."

"It's been a while since I've faced such a large monster, I'm getting excited~."

Aisha put on her invisibility cloak with her usual relaxed response.

The invisibility cloak that consumes a considerable amount of physical and magical energy, making long-term use impossible.

But its effect can be said to be outstanding.

Because it can completely escape the perception of the opponent.

"Ms. Hong Daye, then I'll leave it to you."

"…? This voice sounds very familiar from somewhere."

"Ms. Hong Daye, please hurry."

"Hmm, well…"

When Lee Jinhyuk switched the channel to Hong Daye's side and gave orders, she seemed unsure about his voice but given the situation, she obediently carried out the strategy as she had heard from Han Seowoo.

Hong Daye raised a considerable amount of special ability to pressure the Ouroboros's body.

She spread her telekinetic force widely like a gravity field so that the Ouroboros couldn't avoid it even if it could see it, strongly pressing down on its body.

It must take truly tremendous power to bind even momentarily a mass of that size.

Indeed, she could be called High Ranker Hong Daye.

It was a power incomparable to ordinary telekinesis users.

"Everyone else, please try your best to bind the snake's movements."

Everyone was following diligently as planned.

Special ability users with restraining abilities, barrier abilities, wind abilities, and so on were also doing their best to restrain the Ouroboros's body.

The Ouroboros was trying hard to break free from the restraints, swinging its tail vigorously.

Probably, that restraining force won't last even a few seconds.

But 3 seconds is enough. For her.

"This much is easy peasy!"

"Kiririri, ririri?!"

Aisha appeared right in front of the Ouroboros.

Thanks to the effect of the invisibility cloak, she was able to approach right up to its nose without being detected by the Ouroboros.

If it weren't for the invisibility cloak, even though the Ouroboros was half-restrained, it would have been difficult to approach easily because it was struggling so much.

No, even if she could approach, it would have certainly resisted desperately.

However, with the help of the invisibility cloak, it was possible to reach right in front of the Ouroboros without any interference, leisurely receiving help from a wind mage.

Moreover, the Ouroboros was currently in a situation where its body was half-bound.

Aisha thrust her twin swords towards the third eye with all her might.

It was truly a lightning-fast strike.

With Aisha's attack reminiscent of a beam of light, the Ouroboros lost its third eye.

Blood gushed out in a fountain!

In the excruciating pain of losing its eye, the Ouroboros thrashed violently. "Kieeee, eeeeeeeeee, eeeeeeeeeek!"

It must really hurt.

It's breaking free from the heroes' restraints and writhing about.

But it won't last long.

That's because the Ouroboros is a monster with endless regenerative power.

Since the third eye is an important organ, it will take some time to regenerate, but it was obvious that it would soon regenerate.

But it's okay.

Because they can make it so that it can't regenerate again. "Ms. Hong Daye, now!"

"Hmm!"

Hong Daye concentrated the formless power she had spread widely into one point.

In a situation where a massive amount of power was concentrated enough to cause an illusion that space was distorting, Hong Daye attacked the Ouroboros with all her might.

Could the Ouroboros, having lost its third eye, possibly avoid Hong Daye's telekinetic force?

Hong Daye is an outstanding hero who was even mentioned as a candidate for the top 10 ranks.

"Kiririri? Kiririririri, riririririk?! Keeeeek?!"

It hit directly.

It struck the Ouroboros's reverse scale. The reverse scale just below the neck. In plain terms, the reverse scale.

It was the Ouroboros's crucial weak point.

Hong Daye accurately attacked the reverse scale as per the strategy.

Although the reverse scale is much tougher than other scales and can't be damaged by ordinary attacks, it was not enough to withstand Hong Daye's full-power strike.

The reverse scale is the source of power responsible for the Ouroboros's regeneration.

Now that such a reverse scale has been damaged, the Ouroboros should not be able to regenerate.

"It really can't regenerate?"

Hong Daye muttered to herself in an excited tone while looking at the Ouroboros.

Chapter 122 Ouroboros (4)

Could it be enraged from losing its third eye and reverse scale?

"Kieeee, eeee, eeeeeee!"

The Ouroboros opened its huge snake mouth wide. Beyond its massive maw, an unknown power could be felt. Magical energy was boiling.

Dragon's breath.

Commonly known as breath attack.

It seems the Ouroboros is about to fire its breath attack!

"Dragon's breath confirmed! Everyone, gather around Soyeon!"

Lee Jinhyuk quickly radioed the others.

To block the dragon's breath that reaches thousands of degrees over a wide area, a special ability of matching caliber was needed.

The usual Hong Daye could have easily blocked it.

But she had used too much power. In the current situation, it would be difficult for her to block an attack of that magnitude.

It seems other heroes could block it if they combined their powers, but that would waste more energy than necessary.

So let's ask Soyeon.

If it's Soyeon, and with the artifact she has, she should be able to respond sufficiently.

They will gather obediently since Lee Jinhyuk had already explained the effects of the artifact Soyeon possesses.

"Everyone, please gather over here!" Soyeon raised her shield and took the lead.

She looked a bit nervous, but nevertheless, Soyeon faced the Ouroboros with eyes full of determination.

Suddenly, a tremendous heat began to rush towards Soyeon.

Intense flames poured down as if to burn the whole world, melting even buildings and roads.

The hot wind and flames seemed about to swallow Soyeon's body at any moment.

Soyeon bit her lower lip slightly. Then, after slowly taking a breath, she activated the artifact while letting out a shout with all her might.

"Haaaaap!"

Whiiiiing.

A kind of barrier formed around Soyeon.

The shield Soyeon has is an artifact named Aegis.

As its nickname "God's Shield" suggests, it boasts considerable defensive capabilities. It's especially effective against such wide-area attacks.

Of course, it would consume a considerable amount of power, but its effect is outstanding.

"Kiririri? Kiririri…!" Whoosh, whoosh!

The dragon's breath beat against the barrier but didn't budge at all.

It's not just because of the artifact's effect, but also thanks to Soyeon's special ability.

She could amplify the power of artifacts several times through her special ability.

That's why in the game, Soyeon went around looking for numerous artifacts, and the more artifacts she possessed, the exponentially stronger she could become.

"Kiiiiii!"

The Ouroboros was enraged at the sight of Soyeon and the heroes who didn't budge even under its dragon's breath.

Soyeon deactivated the barrier while panting slightly.

It seemed she had consumed quite a lot of magical power to block the dragon's breath.

But the Ouroboros was also exhausted.

It had burned a massive amount of magical power to breathe out flames, so it was momentarily stiffened from the recoil.

Soyeon seemed to have noticed this fact as well. She instinctively realized it was a golden opportunity.

Suddenly, Soyeon gripped her sword tightly and quickly turned her gaze towards the wind mage.

"Mister, please use the wind to throw me towards the snake's head!"

"Will you be alright?" "It's urgent! Hurry!" "Alright."

The wind mage immediately moved Soyeon towards the Ouroboros's head.

Soyeon flew towards the Ouroboros at high speed, riding the wind.

Lee Jinhyuk was slightly taken aback by Soyeon's sudden action, but he quickly asked others to cover for Soyeon.

The heroes worked hard to cover Soyeon so that the Ouroboros couldn't attack her.

Under the various attacks from the heroes, the Ouroboros hesitated, and Soyeon was able to safely reach its head.

"Kiii? Kiiiiiiii!"

The Ouroboros hurriedly spat out acidic liquid.

The acidic liquid that could melt even steel engulfed Soyeon, but she was able to safely block it by activating Aegis.

And she landed on the Ouroboros's head.

The Ouroboros hurriedly tried to shake Soyeon off, but Hong Daye and several other heroes combined their powers to prevent the Ouroboros's movement.

Soyeon quickly drew her sword.

The center of the Ouroboros's head.

It was one of the Ouroboros's weak points with relatively low durability.

Of course, even if the durability is relatively weak, it would be difficult to pierce through at once with the power of an ordinary hero.

But Soyeon was no ordinary hero.

The future strongest in the world, a hero among heroes. That was Soyeon.

She strengthened her sword several times using her special ability and then thrust it into the Ouroboros's head with all her might.

And then she raised magical power and thoroughly burned the inside of its head.

She burned the Ouroboros's brain with magical power. "Haaaaaah!"

"Ke, keeeee, eeeeee, eeee?!" The Ouroboros writhed.

It thrashed about with its huge body, turning downtown Busan into a wasteland.

It swung its head around and tried its best to shake off Soyeon, but Soyeon only thrust her sword in more forcefully.

How much time passed like that?

Due to Soyeon's strike and the heroes' attacks, the Ouroboros finally laid down its huge body.

With a thud, the Ouroboros's body fell helplessly to the dirty ground.

Spewing blood and trembling, the Ouroboros finally stopped moving.

Its body, which had been panting intermittently with its tongue sticking out, grew cold.

It had perished.

The Ouroboros, a raid-type boss monster boasting endless vitality.

At the hands of Soyeon and the heroes.

"Haa, haa, haa."

Soyeon, looking drained, looked down at the Ouroboros from atop its head with a half-dazed expression.

When she pulled out the deeply embedded sword with a squelch, blood gushed out.

Soyeon, her body slightly wet with blood, came down from the snake's head with a disgusted expression. She glanced at the Ouroboros. She seemed a bit worried that it might come back to life and move again.

"It's really dead, right…?" With those words.

"Wow, amazing!"

"Shit, I really thought we were going to die."

"Who's that kid? She's incredible, isn't she? She looks so young."

The heroes shouted.

Noisy voices were transmitted through the radio.

Lee Jinhyuk let out a sigh of relief and moved towards Soyeon and the heroes along with the bodyguards.

The heroes were surrounding Soyeon and praising her.

Heroes from Gaon Nuri, HanYoung, and others could be seen.

"Wow, kid, you're amazing! You look quite young though."

"What? She's an academy student? Really?"

"Has the era changed…?"

"With this level of skill at that age, she might really become a single ranker?"

Amid the heroes' flood of compliments, Soyeon scratched the back of her neck with an embarrassed expression.

"Jin Soyeon, it was a bit reckless but… you did well."

"Ah, th-thank you, teacher."

Hong Daye, looking quite tired, approached and patted Soyeon's shoulder.

It seems she thought Soyeon's action was a bit reckless but not a bad judgment.

"Why are you only praising that kid? I worked hard too~."

Aisha was whining with the invisibility cloak carelessly draped over her shoulders.

Lee Jinhyuk approached her and gave her a compliment that wasn't quite a compliment.

"Aisha did well too. Thanks to Aisha, we were able to safely tackle that monster."

"Is this what Koreans call 'bowing while lying down'? Well, anyway, thanks for the praise. Hehe."

Aisha savored the praise with a grin.

This woman, she really has an interesting personality.

"Jin Soyeon."

"Daehan?"

"Your skills seem to have improved even more than during the final exams."

"Ah, yeah. I put in some effort."

"Effort… Huh. I see. I should put in more effort too."

Kang Daehan made a subtle expression before smiling slightly.

Lee Jinhyuk knew that he had also been thoroughly beaten by Yoo Dahee and undergone hellish training.

The effects of the hellish training were evident, as he had fought quite well against the Ouroboros.

If it had been Kang Daehan from the midterm exams, he wouldn't have dared to join this fight, but he had managed to check the Ouroboros well somehow.

Kang Daehan had truly grown at a pace incomparable to the original work.

The shock of being thoroughly beaten by Yoo Dahee must have been great.

If he hadn't experienced being thoroughly trampled by Yoo Dahee, he wouldn't have undergone such hellish training.

"Jin Soyeon, was it? You're certainly amazing."

Joo Hwayun had approached at some point and expressed admiration.

"I watched during the ranking battle, but I didn't know you were this good. I thought only Lee Siwoon and Baek Yoorin were rivals to our Daehan."

"Uh, um. It was just luck."

"Honestly, you were better than some in our clan? Those guys collapsed after getting hit by just one tail."

"Ah, haha… Is that so?"

"Yeah. Hey, do you have a clan in mind?" "Pardon?"

"If not, our clan…" "Hey!"

Han Seowoo interrupted in the middle.

"Ms. Joo Hwayun? What are you saying to our Soyeon?" "Our Soyeon?"

"Yes, our Soyeon. Soyeon has agreed to join our clan. Right, Soyeon?"

"Huh?"

"Well, I think it would be better for that child to come to our HanYoung Clan for her own sake. If she comes to our side, we can nurture her talent even more."

"What? Are you saying our Gaon Nuri is not good enough for Soyeon?"

"I didn't say that, but if that's how you heard it…"

Soyeon couldn't do anything as Han Seowoo and Joo Hwayun argued.

Why are those two arguing again? "Ah! Jinhyuk!"

Soyeon spotted Lee Jinhyuk. She had an expression of relief.

She quickly trotted over to Lee Jinhyuk's side. "Jinhyuk, Jinhyuk! It really happened just as you said!"

"It's thanks to you and the others doing well, what did I do?" "Oh come on, look at you. Being modest doesn't suit you."

…Wasn't Lee Jinhyuk usually quite modest?

"Anyway, thanks to you, we were able to safely take down that snake monster. Your special ability is amazing!"

"Hmm."

Could you not talk about it so openly? Anyway, she looked quite excited.

Well, it was her first time facing such a huge monster.

Looking back, it was amazing that Soyeon, a mere academy student with little experience, performed this well in actual combat.

Is this what it means to be the protagonist? 

'…It seems to have wrapped up well somehow. Fortunately, it looks like no one died, and while there are some injured people, it ended with just minor injuries.'

Everyone from Gaon Nuri and HanYoung seemed to have relaxed.

They had successfully taken down the most threatening Ouroboros, and other minor monsters had already been mostly eradicated by other heroes and police.

Everyone seemed quite tired from fighting their hardest. Some heroes were sitting down and drinking water.

One hero even laid down flat. 'Phew, is this the end of it for now?' So many things happened today.

The battle with Alex's group, the fight with Yoo Dahee, and the subjugation of the Ouroboros.

Shit, all this happened in just how many hours? It could truly be called an exhausting day. 'Well, compared to others, I didn't do much.'

While everyone else was busy on the field, Lee Jinhyuk just observed the situation through binoculars and gave orders.

Thanks to that, he wasn't very tired mentally or physically.

It might sound a bit sorry to say this, but Lee Jinhyuk alone was fresh and energetic? 

While everyone else was struggling with minor injuries and depletion of physical strength, mental energy, and magical power, only Lee Jinhyuk was fine, so he felt a bit sorry.

This is…

Lee Jinhyuk should at least keep his guard up properly. There might be surviving monsters approaching this way.

"Excellent. I didn't expect you to take down that huge monster so easily."

But then.

"But aren't you letting your guard down too much?" Right behind Soyeon.

"That's why you didn't even notice someone like me approaching like this."

Lee Jinhyuk could see Yoo Dahee with her white hair fluttering, raising her hand.

"Right?"

Yoo Dahee chuckled. Why is that girl here?

Did she not run away but watch the situation from afar?

What was she doing while they were fighting the Ouroboros, and why now of all times?

Could it be that she was waiting for everyone to be exhausted and let their guard down? 

Shit.

"Goodbye."

"Ah!"

Yoo Dahee thrust her hand towards Soyeon.

As if time had stopped, Lee Jinhyuk's head started spinning rapidly.

Why is she targeting Soyeon? Wasn't Lee Jinhyuk the priority?

Ah, it's because of the defensive artifact Lee Jinhyuk has. The attack might be blocked if she's not careful.

And she thinks Lee Jinhyuk is Vigilante, right?

So she targeted Soyeon first, who she could kill for sure with a surprise attack.

She judged that she could kill Soyeon more certainly than Lee Jinhyuk, as Soyeon was exhausted from fighting the Ouroboros.

So towards Soyeon…!

All these thoughts occurred in an instant.

Lee Jinhyuk's thinking ability accelerated infinitely. 'Damn it, not Soyeon!'

Before he knew it, Lee Jinhyuk's body was moving on its own.

The one closest to Soyeon was none other than Lee Jinhyuk. Currently, he was the only one who could help her.

Lee Jinhyuk couldn't lose Soyeon, not as much as Soyeon. It's not just because she's the protagonist.

Soyeon was like the last family Lee Jinhyuk had left.

Having lost his parents in his previous life, he couldn't lose Soyeon so meaninglessly like this. Absolutely not.

"Oh my?" Thud! "What, you?"

"Ah."

Unconsciously, Lee Jinhyuk pushed Soyeon's body.

It was a nimble movement that was hard to believe came from Lee Jinhyuk.

Thanks to that, he was able to save Soyeon from Yoo Dahee's grasp.

But.

"I thought it wouldn't penetrate because of the defensive artifact."

Was it because of that?

"But it penetrates when I put a little strength into it?"

Yoo Dahee's hand pierced through Lee Jinhyuk's body instead of Soyeon's.

Chapter 123 The End and the Beginning (1)

"Ah."

Blood. Blood gushed out.

When Yoo Dahee withdrew her outstretched hand, streams of blood spurted in all directions.

Splat! Blood splattered on Jin Soyeon's face.

The sticky, slimy blood thoroughly soaked Jin Soyeon's face. The unfamiliar, fishy scent of blood filled her nostrils.

Jin Soyeon unconsciously wiped the blood on her face with her fingers.

Red.

A very bright red blood.

Droplets of blood dripped between her fingers. The weakly falling blood slowly soaked the ground.

"Ah, ah."

Jin Soyeon stared blankly straight ahead, not even thinking of wiping the blood on her face.

Right in front of her nose.

Lee Jinhyuk was standing there.

With a large hole pierced in his abdomen.

He just hung his head halfway, coughing up blood. "Ah, ah, uh."

Lee Jinhyuk staggered as if he would collapse at any moment.

He swayed back and forth, unable to control his body, spewing strong blood from the round hole pierced in his abdomen.

Eventually, Lee Jinhyuk's body slowly tilted.

As if he no longer had the strength to stagger, he fell face down on the ground.

Jin Soyeon, with a dazed expression, stretched out her trembling hands and embraced Lee Jinhyuk's slowly tilting body.

She felt no strength from him in her arms.

Only hot streams of blood flowed from his abdomen.

Jin Soyeon blankly looked down at the streams of blood. The blood that had flowed out had already formed a puddle.

He just entrusted his body weakly, only gushing out blood. "Ah, ah, uh, aah."

She tightly hugged Lee Jinhyuk's body. Her mind went completely blank.

It felt like all the blood drained from her at once. Jin Soyeon couldn't believe the current reality. It didn't feel real. She desperately hoped she had seen wrong.

But reality is cruel.

This sticky blood, this fishy scent, his faint breathing, people's screams…

…They were all whispering that this situation was indeed real.

"Ah, ah, aaah, ah." It wasn't a mistake.

Lee Jinhyuk's body had been pierced through. He collapsed, scattering his organs and blood. Because of me.

While trying to save me who had let my guard down.

And instead, Jinhyuk, Jinhyuk di… "Ah, aaaah, aaaaaaaah!"

As she clearly realized the reality she faced, Jin Soyeon screamed loudly while hugging the body of her dying childhood friend.

The, the wound is too big. He's lost too much blood.

With damaged organs and this much blood loss, it's dangerous even for a hero trainee.

It's too dangerous!

Jin Soyeon's body trembled like an aspen tree.

Her heart pounded loudly and cold sweat poured down.

Even meaningless tears flowed drop by drop. The tears flowed endlessly down along her jawline.

She couldn't see ahead because of the tears. Even the sight of the dying Lee Jinhyuk blurred.

"Ah, it wasn't my intention, but well, not a bad result." "You!"

Yoo Dahee, who had mercilessly pierced Lee Jinhyuk's abdomen, chuckled as she looked at Jin Soyeon, her hair with blood droplets fluttering in the wind.

"He must be precious to you? Seeing how he took the hit for you. Ha, how foolish."

"Youuu, uuuuuuuuu!"

Jin Soyeon's voice, filled with anger and crying, echoed loudly through the city.

She glared at Yoo Dahee with a raw expression mixed with negative emotions like loss, anger, doubt, sadness, malice, and more.

As intense emotions erupted like an explosion, Jin Soyeon could feel something sleeping inside her slowly starting to stir.

She couldn't stand Yoo Dahee's words that seemed to mock his sacrifice. She wanted to grab Yoo Dahee right away and do something to her.

This was the emotion she felt during the kidnapping incident.

No, it was an even darker, more sinister emotion than that. "Oh."

Even the great Yoo Dahee slightly flinched at the terrible gaze filled with dark killing intent.

How to put it, it was enough to give goosebumps just by facing each other like this.

They say when a woman harbors a grudge, frost falls even in May and June.

This is scary, really scary.

"You, da, dare to do this to Jinhyuk…!"

"Do you have time to worry about me? If you don't treat him quickly, he might really die?"

"…!" That's right.

There's no time to worry about Yoo Dahee now.

Fi, first Jinhyuk, I have to treat Jinhyuk. He'll surely live if we hurry and treat him.

"Damn it!"

"Wh-what's with that bitch!"

"Fuck! That bitch is asking for death!"

The heroes, who were taken aback by the sudden surprise attack, quickly regained their senses and attacked Yoo Dahee.

However, the heroes who were exhausted from the raid against the Ouroboros found it difficult to inflict proper damage on Yoo Dahee.

Even though Yoo Dahee was alone, she was a high-ranker level expert.

Moreover, John used his clone ability to cover for Yoo Dahee for a moment. The heroes hurriedly used flash grenades to remove John's clone. However, in that time, Yoo Dahee had leisurely disappeared.

"Jin Soyeon!"

"Ho, Hong Daye teacher…"

Jin Soyeon looked up at Hong Daye with a dazed expression, tears streaming down, as she laid Lee Jinhyuk on the ground.

Lee Jinhyuk was just panting, intermittently coughing up blood.

His condition was extremely serious. As if he could die at any moment.

"Ji, Jinhyuk, Jinhy… The blood won't, won't stop… What should I…"

"Healing potion! Bring a healing potion right now!" "Ah."

For an injury of this degree, even a healing potion might not be able to do anything.

But they poured in the healing potion with the desperate feeling of grasping at straws.

Was it because it was an expensive healing potion? It wasn't ineffective. It somewhat stopped the bleeding and healed the wound to some extent. However…

'His internal organs are too damaged. It's not something that can be handled with a healing potion in the first place.'

Hong Daye bit her lower lip slightly.

She could keenly feel that the white-haired kid had attacked with full intention.

She twisted magical power in a spiral shape to pierce through the body and thoroughly damage the organs. It was truly a fatal strike. It was a wound that couldn't be recovered by normal methods.

It was such a severe injury that a normal person would have already died.

It was only because Lee Jinhyuk was a hero trainee and was protected by a defensive artifact that he avoided instant death.

Instant death, that is. "Cough, cough, haa… ugh…"

"Jinhyuk! Jinhyuk! Are, are you al, alright?! Uu."

Lee Jinhyuk, who had slightly regained consciousness thanks to the healing potion, looked at Jin Soyeon with weak eyes while constantly coughing up blood.

Jin Soyeon bit her lower lip as she looked down at Lee Jinhyuk's miserable appearance, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Drip. Drip drip.

Droplets fell on Lee Jinhyuk's face. It was her childhood friend's tears. "So… So, Soyeon…"

"Yes! I, I'm here."

Lee Jinhyuk called Jin Soyeon with a dying voice, and Jin Soyeon nodded her head vigorously with a nasal voice full of tears.

"Are, are you… alright?" "I'm fine so! So, hic."

"I, see, that's, good… Cough, cough."

"Don't, don't talk, Jinhyuk! Don't talk!"

As Lee Jinhyuk coughed up blood again, Jin Soyeon panicked with a pale face.

The bleeding was already too severe.

Although he seemed to have recovered slightly thanks to the healing potion poured in, it was unclear how effective it would be, so he needed to rest as much as possible.

"We're contacting now, so a transport vehicle will come soon, so just hang on a little longer, Jinhyuk, just a little…"

Hong Daye was busy trying to arrange a vehicle.

She was struggling to even call a taxi through the phone, but it seemed everyone was reluctant because it was a place where several monsters had caused havoc.

They might be attacked by hidden monsters.

Even if offered money, it didn't seem like anyone would come easily.

Looking around, all Hong Daye could see were damaged vehicles and roads. In the worst case, they would have to carry Lee Jinhyuk themselves.

"Damn it, is there anyone who could come…"

"Ms. Hong Daye! I called Yoo Seolhyun, she was waiting nearby so she should be here soon."

"Yoo Seolhyun? Why is she here?"

Hong Daye was slightly puzzled at Han Seowoo's words. Why was Yoo Seolhyun here? But there was no time to worry about that now. Lee Jinhyuk's condition was urgent. Screech!

Just then. Vehicles could be seen in the distance.

Several large vehicles applied their brakes a short distance away.

Suddenly, Yoo Seolhyun and several others got out of the vehicles.

They hurriedly ran towards them.

"Is everyone alright? I heard there was a seriously injured person… Who exactly… Huh?"

At that moment, Yoo Seolhyun flinched.

She spotted Jin Soyeon through the gaps between people, and beyond her, a man lying covered in blood.

"…Lee Jinhyuk?"

The one lying there with his stomach pierced.

Yoo Seolhyun felt as if her heart had sunk slightly.

It was all the more shocking because someone she never expected was dying.

'Why, why is Lee Jinhyuk in such a state?'

She had definitely received a radio message that they had successfully taken down the huge snake.

Why is he in such a dying state like that?

It looks like he could breathe his last at any moment.

This can't be…

"Uu, uuu… Se, Seolhyun… Ji, Jinhyuk, Jinhyuk please… save himmm…"

Jin Soyeon burst into sobs.

"Fi, first we need to get to a hospital quickly…! No, for a wound of this level, we need to find a healing mage rather than a hospital…"

However, healing mages are not common.

As they were quite rare special ability users, their numbers were quite limited.

If it were Seoul, they could have asked the healing mage in the Gaon Nuri Clan, but this was Busan.

Even if they try to find a healing mage now, wouldn't it already be too late…

"Tch. I know a healing mage on our side. I've already contacted them, so we can go there."

"…Daehan?"

Kang Daehan was busy fiddling with his phone, then clicked his tongue once and jerked his chin towards the fallen Lee Jinhyuk.

"What are you doing? Aren't you going to save that guy?" "Ah, th-thank you Daehan!" 

At his words, Jin Soyeon came to her senses and immediately picked up Lee Jinhyuk.

"Jin Soyeon, quickly! Get in quickly! Lay Lee Jinhyuk down here for now!"

"O-okay!"

Yoo Seolhyun quickly guided Jin Soyeon to the back seat of the vehicle, and Jin Soyeon hurriedly got in the vehicle with Lee Jinhyuk.

Kang Daehan and several others got into other vehicles. "Han Seungju! Hurry!"

"Ah, yes!"

Yoo Seolhyun urged the driver.

Then she instructed him to drive straight to the location Kang Daehan had told them.

It wasn't a very distant location.

If Lee Jinhyuk could just hold on a little longer, they would surely be able to arrive before it was too late.

"…So, Soyeon." "You…"

Yoo Seolhyun glanced at Lee Jinhyuk, who was weakly calling Jin Soyeon, then bit her lip.

He's dying and still calling for Jin Soyeon. She turned her head away sharply.

Seeing his miserable state somehow made her chest ache.

An inexplicable sadness was enough to disturb Yoo Seolhyun's heart.

This feeling was similar to when her mother was in such a state… No, why? It was a very unfortunate thing that he was in this state, but why this feeling…

"…We're going to where a healing mage is, so for now, don't talk and stay still."

Yoo Seolhyun said, as if telling him to rest. "…I have, something, to say, cough!"

"Ji, Jinhyuk! Don't talk! Just rest for now! Please stay still!"

Beyond his fading consciousness, Lee Jinhyuk had one thought.

He wanted to say that even if he died, he would be revived thanks to wearing the resurrection artifact.

But what if.

What if he couldn't revive?

As it was related to resurrection, Lee Jinhyuk couldn't be sure whether this artifact would work properly or not.

So Lee Jinhyuk made his last request, using his last bit of strength.

Thinking of Jin Soyeon, who would blame herself thinking she had sacrificed herself for him if the resurrection failed.

"It's not… your fault, so… it's okay, it's okay, so even if I… die, don't blame your…"

"Ah."

This time he looked towards Yoo Seolhyun. "Yoo Seol… hyun…"

"Don't talk and stay still."

"Soyeon… I… I'll leave… Soyeon… to you."

"Lee Jinhyuk? You? Lee Jinhyuk! Hey, snap out of it! Hey!"

"Huh? Ji, Jinhyuk! No, no! We're out of healing potions too, wh-what should we do…!"

"Mister! Please drive faster, faster! We can pay the traffic violation fines later, so hurry!"

Shocked by the sight of Lee Jinhyuk with his head drooped, they hurriedly shouted, and the vehicle was able to arrive at the clan where the healing mage was even faster.

They and Kang Daehan's group took Lee Jinhyuk, whose breathing was faint, to the healing mage and begged them to save Lee Jinhyuk, and the healing mage quickly began treatment in the intensive care room.

Jin Soyeon sat in the guardian waiting room outside the treatment room, praying alone, calling on the names of gods she had never sought before.

Please, please save Jinhyuk.

She would do anything, anything if Jinhyuk could be saved.

She earnestly prayed for Jinhyuk to be saved from death. How much time passed like that.

Suddenly, the healing mage opened the door and came out of the intensive care room.

Jin Soyeon and the others looked at the healing mage with desperate faces. They waited anxiously for the results of the treatment.

"Do, doctor? Jinhyuk, Jinhyuk is…?"

The healing mage looked once at Jin Soyeon, whose face was covered in tear stains, then finally spoke slowly with a desolate expression, avoiding her gaze.

"At approximately 18:43 today… he passed away." "What?"

Jin Soyeon was momentarily stunned at the news of Lee Jinhyuk's death.

"I'm sorry."

"He, he died? Jinhyuk? You say he died?" "…"

"Ah, uu, uuuuu." Thud.

Jin Soyeon sat down with a dazed expression. Jinhyuk died.

While trying to save me.

So it's right that he died because of me. Jinhyuk was murdered by me and Yoo Dahee.

Chapter 124 The End and the Beginning (2)

"I wonder if everyone is safe?"

In Roxanne's private office at the Church of Noon. "I hope nothing bad has happened."

Roxanne, who had been diligently working, unconsciously looked out the window and muttered to herself.

She already knew that Lee Jinhyuk and his group had gone down to Busan to eliminate villains, but she was surprised by the sudden news of a giant monster appearing.

On TV, she could see a monster reminiscent of a huge serpent.

She could see several heroes struggling to fight it through the TV screen, and since it was none other than Lee Jinhyuk's group, it was difficult to calm her anxious heart.

She found it hard to focus on her work properly, worried that people might get seriously injured.

"Oh my, our Roxanne is worrying about all sorts of things."

Cynthia Gwyn, who had brought some black tea, chuckled and shrugged her shoulders as she casually placed a teacup on Roxanne's table.

Cynthia didn't seem to be very worried. "It'll be fine. Aisha went with them too." "Is that so?"

"You know, Aisha is more skilled than she looks." "Yes, she's certainly talented, but…"

Apart from her skills, there was something concerning about her personality that always seemed to be joking around and not serious.

But Roxanne soon shook her head and brushed off her worries.

There are many other heroes there too, so it'll be fine.

"Our Roxanne is worrying about unnecessary things today. Ah, could it be that you're so worried about that boy~?"

"…What's with that tone?"

"Nothing~ It's nothing."

"…Haa, really."

Roxanne looked up at Cynthia with a slightly exasperated expression.

Then she sighed once and slowly sipped her black tea. "Aw, no need to be shy, Roxanne." 

"I'm not being shy."

"You're at that age, it's natural to be interested in the opposite sex, ahem. Of course."

"You're not even listening to me…"

Roxanne couldn't help but sigh at Cynthia's unnecessary fuss.

She really didn't understand why Cynthia kept trying to link her with him.

She was just purely worried, that's all.

At one point, she had been fooled by Cynthia's nonsense and mistakenly thought that Lee Jinhyuk might like Roxanne.

But after that incident at the restaurant, it just remained an embarrassing memory.

Because of Cynthia, she had jumped to conclusions and caused an unnecessary misunderstanding.

"Just… as a church member and as a friend…" Friend.

It has a nice ring to it.

It's a bit embarrassing to say, but Lee Jinhyuk was her first friend of the opposite sex around her age.

"…I'm just worried."

Even if Lee Jinhyuk has the ability to foresee the future, he can't predict everything.

He might be experiencing danger due to unexpected events.

So she prayed that God's protection would be with him.

That he would finish his business safely without any mishaps.

Roxanne quietly offered a prayer in her heart… Ring ring, ring ring.

"Ah."

Just then, the phone rang. "Who's calling?"

"It's a call from Aisha."

"Oh, really?"

Roxanne then answered the phone. "Hello? Aisha? Are you hurt anywhere?"

"…Ah, yes, I'm fine."

I'm? Then does that mean someone else is hurt?

Certainly, that snake monster looked quite dangerous, so it wouldn't be strange if there were some casualties.

"…Um, well."

"Aisha?"

Aisha hesitated slightly.

She had heard that he and Roxanne were friends.

Considering Roxanne's personality, she would surely be very distressed.

But she couldn't not tell her either.

Aisha dragged out her words before quietly moving her lips. She carefully delivered the news of his death.

Then. "…Pardon?" Crash.

Roxanne suddenly dropped the teacup she was holding.

*

Death.

Death is always sudden.

Jin Soyeon knew this fact well.

Just looking at the internet, TV, news, newspapers, etc., stories related to death were constantly being circulated.

She knew she would experience it someday living as a hero.

Because the hero industry was full of numerous dangers due to monsters and villains.

She had already prepared herself to some extent.

But she didn't know she would experience it like this. That she would lose Jinhyuk so futilely.

She didn't… didn't know at all… It was right before her eyes.

Ugh. "…"

Jin Soyeon sat blankly on the living room sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling.

She just stared at the ceiling endlessly, briefly recalling what had happened until now.

After his death.

Lee Jinhyuk's funeral was held.

The chief mourner at the funeral was none other than Jin Soyeon.

He had no parents or relatives, so Jin Soyeon, who could be considered his family, had to take on the role of chief mourner instead. Jin Soyeon's mother was abroad due to work. Still, thanks to Yoo Seolhyun's help, she was able to prepare the funeral smoothly.

Quite a lot of mourners came.

Among them, the largest number was naturally the academy trainees.

Familiar academy classmates showed their faces.

Lee Siwoon, Kang Daehan, Sunari, Roxanne, Baek Yoorin, Han Dongwon, Oh Seongwoon, Go Mirae, Yuliya Troyanova, and so on.

In addition, Han Seowoo from Gaon Nuri, Joo Hwayun from HanYoung, Cynthia Gwyn from the Church of Noon, and even Aisha came.

Many people mourned Lee Jinhyuk's death.

While everyone was observing a moment of silence, Lee Jinhyuk's body was confined in a coffin and buried in the dark, damp ground.

Jin Soyeon could only watch with hazy eyes. Something… something… didn't feel real.

Jin Soyeon was just dazed until the three-day funeral ended. It felt so unreal that she was overseeing Lee Jinhyuk's funeral.

After all, until just recently, they had been traveling all over the country during summer vacation, diligently catching monsters, resting, and having fun.

But now she's overseeing Lee Jinhyuk's funeral? With her own hands?

Come on.

You should say something that makes sense. Really, stop saying such nonsense.

Please…

"…"

How much time had passed since Lee Jinhyuk's funeral?

Jin Soyeon just stayed cooped up in the house doing nothing.

Although summer vacation had ended long ago, Jin Soyeon had no intention of going outside. She didn't want to go out. She really hated the classmates who seemed to have already forgotten about Lee Jinhyuk's death and were chattering away.

This world didn't care about Lee Jinhyuk's death.

As if his death had no meaning or value, people returned to their daily lives.

In the midst of this flow, only Jin Soyeon couldn't accept it. Or more precisely, she didn't want to accept it.

She just hated everything.

She didn't like people who were smiling carelessly. They just got on her nerves for no reason.

Everything was irritating. She hated it all.

"…"

Jin Soyeon looked in the mirror.

Her once sleek hair had become dry and frizzy, and her bright, clear eyes had lost their light and become hazy.

The house was cluttered with dust and garbage, and it was dark with the curtains drawn.

In the dim house.

Jin Soyeon closed her eyes gently, hugging her knees alone in the darkness.

When she closed her eyes quietly like this, the conversations she had with him would vividly come to mind.

The memories and recollections of the time spent with him. But at the same time, Jin Soyeon had to writhe in guilt.

Because his death was Jin Soyeon's fault and sin. Hadn't she said proudly in the past?

That she would protect Lee Jinhyuk when he was in danger.

-Maybe later when I'm in danger, could you protect me first?

-Don't worry about that. Jinhyuk, I'll protect you no matter what. I promise.

-Really?

-Yes!

She had said this, but instead of protecting him, she received protection.

She had spoken so confidently, thinking she had some strength.

It's really not funny at all.

She had promised. That she would protect him.

She had promised like that, but stupidly received his protection?

Jin Soyeon bit her lower lip hard. Droplets of blood trickled down.

Although Lee Jinhyuk had told her not to blame herself before he died, the more she thought about it, the deeper her self-loathing and disgust grew.

Because it was clearly Jin Soyeon's fault for exposing Lee Jinhyuk to unnecessary danger.

From the beginning, Lee Jinhyuk didn't seem to want to fight the giant monster.

He only followed along reluctantly when she said she would fight.

Of course, Jin Soyeon had decided to face it alone and asked Lee Jinhyuk to help evacuate people, but this is a cowardly excuse.

Given his personality, he wouldn't leave her alone in danger. Jin Soyeon caused his death by relying on his kindness.

If Jin Soyeon hadn't been unnecessarily stubborn at that time, both of them would have safely evacuated people and gone to a safe place.

Then they wouldn't have received Yoo Dahee's attack.

Even if they were attacked, they would have been able to respond to some extent with their health intact.

However, at that time, everyone including Jin Soyeon was in an exhausted state, so they couldn't detect Yoo Dahee's attack.

"…Uu, uh."

The word 'if' kept swirling endlessly in her mind. She regrets that action then.

She shouldn't have stepped up without knowing her place just because she gained some strength.

Why, why did she make such a choice. Making Jinhyuk die…

Ding dong.

"Who is it again…"

It was already close to evening.

Jin Soyeon ignored the doorbell sound.

Since she stopped attending the academy, several friends including Lee Siwoon and Yoo Seolhyun had visited her home.

But Jin Soyeon just sent them back.

She didn't want to hear or see their superficial words and actions.

She just wanted to be alone quietly. Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong!

"They're being particularly persistent today…" Click. Clunk.

The door opened. How?

And who?

"Haa, Jin Soyeon."

The person who forcibly picked the lock and entered was. "Why is the house in this state? Live with some tidiness."

"…Yoo Seolhyun."

It was none other than Yoo Seolhyun.

Chapter 125 The End and the Beginning (3)

"…"

"…"

Yoo Seolhyun came to visit.

She looked down at Jin Soyeon for a moment.

Jin Soyeon sat limply on the sofa, looking up at Yoo Seolhyun.

Her lifeless eyes and chillingly cold expression clearly conveyed Jin Soyeon's state of mind.

It was like looking at a depression patient. No, was it really depression?

Silence fell for a brief moment.

Yoo Seolhyun shifted her gaze slightly and slowly scanned the house, then let out a sigh.

"Haa, Jin Soyeon."

The state of the house, scattered in a mess, was truly a sight to behold.

Even so, wouldn't it be better to do at least some minimal cleaning?

"Why is the house in this state? Live with some tidiness." "…Yoo Seolhyun."

Jin Soyeon threw out a question in a dry voice. "…What brings you here again."

"Just because."

Yoo Seolhyun shrugged her shoulders casually. She tried to make a joke.

"I was wondering how long you'd keep acting like a tragic heroine."

"Ha."

Jin Soyeon snorted.

A tragic heroine, huh.

Yoo Seolhyun wasn't the type to have such a good-natured personality to make such pointless jokes, was she?

"Don't waste your time unnecessarily and just go. You don't need to worry about me."

Until now, Yoo Seolhyun had been particularly attentive to Jin Soyeon.

While other kids hesitated due to Jin Soyeon's continued refusal, Yoo Seolhyun would suddenly visit like this without paying any attention to whatever Jin Soyeon said.

Honestly, Jin Soyeon didn't think they were close enough for Yoo Seolhyun to care this much.

Is it because of Lee Jinhyuk's last will before he died? That short will asking to take care of Jin Soyeon?

If so, Jin Soyeon would say this to Yoo Seolhyun. That it's unnecessary meddling.

"Jin Soyeon. How long are you going to be like this?" "…"

"You should at least attend the academy. At this rate, you might fail or even get expelled. If you're going to be like this, you should at least take a leave of absence."

"…" Silence.

Jin Soyeon didn't say anything in response.

She seemed to have no reaction whatsoever to the academy anymore.

Seeing this, Yoo Seolhyun could only let out another deep sigh.

"Huu. Well, fine, let's say the academy is one thing. But are you going to keep staying cooped up at home? I heard you were targeted by that Yoo Dahee girl or whatever."

Yoo Seolhyun was frustrated.

That she was staying alone in the house so thoughtlessly.

You should at least have some minimal defenses, shouldn't you?

"To put it bluntly, that white-haired girl could suddenly attack you."

"An attack, huh."

"You can ask for help from the church or our side. Shouldn't you at least take refuge in a safe place…"

"That's perfect."

Jin Soyeon cut off Yoo Seolhyun mid-sentence. Then she slowly raised her head.

There was a cold, sardonic smile on Jin Soyeon's lips. Yoo Seolhyun frowned at Jin Soyeon's reaction.

What? Perfect?

What on earth is she saying?

"If they come looking for me on their own, I'd be grateful. Tell them to come if they dare."

"You?"

It would be practically impossible for the current Jin Soyeon to face Yoo Dahee's group alone if they launched a surprise attack.

She would surely meet her death, clear as day. She should know that fact better than anyone.

Yet she says such things…

"If they're going to come, I hope they come quickly. I'm tired of waiting."

"Jin Soyeon."

Is it because of her desire for revenge? Or has she half given up due to sorrow?

Or does she need a target to vent her frustration on?

…No, maybe it's all of the above. 'This is giving me a headache, really.'

I don't know how to deal with her anymore.

For a whole month, Yoo Seolhyun had tried various ways to comfort, encourage, and persuade Jin Soyeon, but it was of no use.

For Jin Soyeon, who had closed her ears and eyes tightly, it seemed that no matter what words or actions Yoo Seolhyun took, they didn't reach her heart.

Then is there no choice?

She didn't want to stimulate Jin Soyeon as much as possible, so she tried not to say these words.

But since she's staying cooped up at home in a half- resigned state, she had no choice but to slowly bring up these words.

"You know, Jin Soyeon."

After pondering her words for a moment, Yoo Seolhyun finally moved her lips.

"Do you think this is what the deceased Lee Jinhyuk would want?"

"…"

For a moment, Jin Soyeon's shoulders twitched.

There was a reaction, whether good or bad, when she directly mentioned Lee Jinhyuk.

"Do you think Lee Jinhyuk would want you to be in this half- resigned state, living miserably?"

"…"

"Lee Jinhyuk would want you to get back on your feet. Jin Soyeon, it's already been a month. How long are you going to be like this? It's about time you came to your senses…"

"Ha!"

Suddenly, Jin Soyeon sneered.

For a brief moment, she shook her shoulders, suppressing her laughter.

Then abruptly.

Swish! She met Yoo Seolhyun's eyes directly.

It was a sharp gaze that was hard to believe was from the usual Jin Soyeon.

"Who are you to say that?" "What?"

"What do you know about Jinhyuk to talk about what he would or wouldn't want?"

It seems that directly mentioning Lee Jinhyuk wasn't a good choice after all?

It looks like she overstimulated Jin Soyeon more than necessary.

"Yoo Seolhyun. You talk about Lee Jinhyuk's death so easily? Well, I guess you would. To you, Jinhyuk was just a business target, right?"

"Jin Soyeon, you… Huu."

Yoo Seolhyun was slightly angered by her words, but soon calmed her irritation, considering Jin Soyeon's state.

Jin Soyeon was in a state of great psychological distress due to the death of her childhood friend who had been with her for a lifetime.

Hadn't Yoo Seolhyun also struggled greatly when her mother passed away?

So she could understand Jin Soyeon's words and actions to some extent.

Yes, to some extent.

"You just pretended to be close to him because you wanted his future prediction ability, didn't you?"

"…"

Pretended to be close because she wanted his future prediction ability?

Well, it's not entirely wrong.

At first, she certainly valued his future prediction ability more highly.

But after experiencing various things throughout the first semester, she thought they had become somewhat like friends, no, had become friends.

Although she didn't express it in words, she thought this was enough to be considered a friendly relationship.

He was almost the first male friend she considered as an equal, except for Lee Siwoon.

He seemed to know well about Yoo Seolhyun's preferences, tendencies, personality, likes, and dislikes, so he was surprisingly easy to talk to.

He was quite a good person as a conversation partner… yes, a friend.

This kind of friend, she thought wasn't bad. But that friend died.

Leaving his last words in front of Yoo Seolhyun.

"With that attitude, how dare you talk about knowing Jinhyuk?"

"…"

Of course, Jin Soyeon, I might not know as much as you do.

Jin Soyeon had been with him since kindergarten, while Yoo Seolhyun's relationship was only a few months at best.

But Jin Soyeon, didn't you grow distant from him after entering the academy?

Because of your pointless philandering with men.

Therefore, while you might know more about the past Lee Jinhyuk, Yoo Seolhyun might know more about the current Lee Jinhyuk.

After all, she knows that he first revealed the important secret about his future prediction to Yoo Seolhyun.

The secret he had kept hidden even from his childhood friend who was almost family.

"You must be disappointed, right? You seemed to have gained a lot of benefits thanks to Jinhyuk's ability, but now that he's gone like that."

"…Jin Soyeon."

Although irritation rose at Jin Soyeon's seemingly sarcastic words, Yoo Seolhyun tried hard to calm her anger.

There's no need to take those words to heart. Because Jin Soyeon was just venting her frustration.

Yoo Seolhyun knew better than anyone that she was just spewing out her rotten, festering emotions as they were.

But.

"You don't have any particular thoughts about Jinhyuk's death, do you?

Yoo Seolhyun's patience was inevitably running out with Jin Soyeon's continued criticism.

"You're just indifferent, right? To you, it's just a shame that a useful ability user is gone, isn't it? Right, Yoo Seolhyun?"

Indifferent?

Me?

Yes, it might look that way.

People always judge based on what's visible on the surface.

People only realize when you cry miserably like you, Jin Soyeon, expressing 'I'm sad, I'm heartbroken'.

But you know what, Jin Soyeon. I get it, I get it, but…

Why do you think only you are sad, struggling, and heartbroken?

Did I seem unaffected because I helped with Lee Jinhyuk's funeral properly, took care of the aftermath of the stolen auction items, and worried about you for a whole month?

Only you are the tragic heroine, only you are sad? Is that right?

"What? You're saying it's been a month already, so how long am I going to be like this? It's not 'already a month', it's 'only a month'!"

For a month, I've been your emotional garbage can.

You just need to vent your frustration while staying cooped up at home, but I've been busy non-stop dealing with the aftermath of the Busan Great Rift incident while calmly receiving your venting.

Nevertheless, the reason I'm paying attention to you like this is not because you're a talented hero candidate or a scouting target.

-Soyeon… I… have a request… about Soyeon.

I just wanted to fulfill the request of the deceased Lee Jinhyuk.

But Jin Soyeon, you only know how to speak in that way.

"You wouldn't understand! Born into a wealthy family with no lack, you've lived happily!"

Yoo Seolhyun bit her lower lip for a moment. She too knows the sorrow of loss.

As Jin Soyeon said, she might seem to have grown up without lacking anything, but since childhood, she had been rotten to the core due to competition with her siblings.

The only person who could be called a sanctuary was her mother.

But in the end, her mother passed away, unable to overcome her illness.

And at that time, Yoo Seolhyun was alone.

She endured and overcame it alone, without anyone to comfort her, care for her, or feel sorry for her like this.

"Jinhyuk was family to me! A family I've been with for a lifetime! And that Jinhyuk died! You're telling me to come to my senses now? Ha!"

I want to fulfill Lee Jinhyuk's last request.

"Haa! Enough, Yoo Seolhyun. I'll take care of my own business, so don't come here spouting unnecessary words."

I want to fulfill it, but…

"If you're paying attention to me because of Jinhyuk's last words, I'll decline from my side."

"Huu."

Yoo Seolhyun slowly inhaled and exhaled. "Is that so?"

In fact, Yoo Seolhyun also had dark emotions deeply seated in her heart.

But the situation wasn't favorable, and she wanted to somehow fulfill Lee Jinhyuk's last words, so she endured and endured.

But.

If you keep talking like that. "So that's how it is, huh?"

Yoo Seolhyun smiled coldly with her head slightly lowered.

You're saying there's no need to listen to Lee Jinhyuk's last words?

Ah, I see. Jin Soyeon.

So that's what you're saying. "Soyeon, you know."

She knows she shouldn't bring this up.

Because the current Jin Soyeon was no different from a child full of resentment.

A child who doesn't know what to do in the current situation, wandering here and there, getting angry, and bursting into tears.

That's exactly what she looked like.

Normally, Yoo Seolhyun would have been able to control her emotions and adequately receive Jin Soyeon's resentment while comforting her.

But today's Yoo Seolhyun couldn't do that. No, she didn't want to.

"I actually knew from hearing it from the clan members."

Because she had been angry ever since Lee Jinhyuk died. If asked who she was angry at, Yoo Seolhyun would answer like this.

"The reason Lee Jinhyuk ended up dying." That she was angry at Jin Soyeon.

"I heard it was because of you?" "…!"

Because Jin Soyeon held a large share in Lee Jinhyuk's death.

"Ah, don't misunderstand. I'm not saying this because Lee Jinhyuk sacrificed himself for you."

So Yoo Seolhyun wanted to express her anger to Jin Soyeon once, but she had been suppressing her anger for a long time because Jin Soyeon's condition was not good at all.

"The Ouroboros raid wasn't part of our plan, right?"

But Jin Soyeon, if you talk like that, Yoo Seolhyun won't hold back anymore either.

"I heard that because you were so stubborn, Lee Jinhyuk felt he had no choice but to participate in the Ouroboros subjugation?"

"That, that's…"

"Then, Soyeon."

Yoo Seolhyun speaks with a cold gaze, her mouth smiling but her eyes not smiling at all.

"In the end, doesn't that mean you killed Lee Jinhyuk?" 

Chapter 126 The End and the Beginning (4)

"Ah."

Yoo Seolhyun's words stabbed Jin Soyeon's heart like a dagger.

She felt an intense pain as if a blue blade was carving into her chest.

Jin Soyeon could only tremble her shoulders, biting her lower lip hard, as pain welled up from deep within her heart.

Did I cause Jinhyuk's death? Yes, that's right.

I killed Jinhyuk.

I know.

I know, but…

Hearing it directly from someone else's mouth makes it impossible to come to terms with the guilt and sense of responsibility. My heart, my heart hurts so much.

"Of course, I know you told Lee Jinhyuk there was no need to help. But."

Yoo Seolhyun's eyes flashed sharply.

"You knew how Lee Jinhyuk would act after hearing those words, didn't you? That he would never abandon you."

"That's…"

It was a fact that couldn't be denied. In fact, Lee Jinhyuk had said this:

-No, you're risking your life to fight that snake bastard, and you're telling me to stay in a safe place.

-Haa Soyeon, think about it the other way around. If I said I'd fight that snake alone and told you to stay out of it, would you just nod your head? You wouldn't, right?

"You used Lee Jinhyuk for your petty sense of heroism." "I… I didn't mean to…"

It wasn't about heroism.

And it certainly wasn't about using Jinhyuk. She just wanted to save people. With great power comes great responsibility.

She just wanted to help because she had the power to help people.

Why did it turn out like this? How?

"The subjugation of Ouroboros, which wasn't even in the original plan, was nothing short of a gamble, to put it bluntly."

Lee Jinhyuk certainly knew well about Ouroboros' weaknesses.

However, judging by his surprise when Ouroboros appeared, it seems he hadn't expected Ouroboros to appear at this time at all.

In other words, fighting Ouroboros was truly a life-or-death gamble.

"But you gambled with Lee Jinhyuk's and other people's lives as the stakes, Jin Soyeon."

Suddenly, a certain phrase popped into Jin Soyeon's mind.

-Maybe later, when it's dangerous, protect me first. A single sentence Lee Jinhyuk had said half-jokingly.

Lee Jinhyuk had asked to be protected first when in danger. But Jin Soyeon ended up prioritizing the lives of citizens.

Although it wasn't her intention, she ultimately exchanged the lives of citizens for Lee Jinhyuk's.

"…"

"Lee Jinhyuk died because of you." "…"

"Because you were so stubborn, Lee Jinhyuk ended up like this!"

"…"

"Just because you've gotten a bit stronger lately, just because you have some talent! Do you think you've become something, Jin Soyeon? You're just an aspiring hero at best! Why did you do such a stupid thing and make Lee Jinhyuk… die…"

"…You're right."

Yoo Seolhyun suddenly bit her lip. Her blazing emotions subsided.

Because she saw Jin Soyeon, who had lowered her head pitifully with tears in her eyes.

"Everything you say is right." Drip, drip.

Tears were falling incessantly.

"Your words… seem to be all correct, Yoo Seolhyun."

"No, that…"

Yoo Seolhyun hesitated for a moment. Then she bit her lip finely.

She hadn't meant to say such harsh words.

But it seems she said everything, both what should and shouldn't be said, because she got more excited than she thought.

What did I just say to someone who's in despair? This wasn't what I intended.

"It's all my fault, my fault…"

"Soyeon."

Jin Soyeon, who had been trembling her shoulders and dropping tears, soon raised her head.

The tear stains were very clear. "No, that…"

Yoo Seolhyun hesitated for a moment, pondering what to say.

Soon, Jin Soyeon slowly moved her lips.

"Can you leave for today…? I want to organize my thoughts…"

"…"

Yoo Seolhyun pondered for a moment at Jin Soyeon's powerless words.

Would it be okay to leave Jin Soyeon like this?

If she does something strange…

"Don't worry. I won't do anything weird. I just want to be alone for a while."

Jin Soyeon, who immediately noticed what Yoo Seolhyun was thinking, said not to worry, but her attitude made Yoo Seolhyun even more worried.

"So, Seolhyun, please leave for today…"

But she couldn't ignore Jin Soyeon's words when she kept saying that.

After pondering for a moment, Yoo Seolhyun finally let out a deep sigh and nodded.

Because staying here in this atmosphere wouldn't be good for either of them.

"Huu. Alright, for now…" "Yeah."

"Soyeon, I'll come again around lunchtime tomorrow, okay?" "Oh, okay."

Yoo Seolhyun moved her steps slightly and unconsciously looked back once.

Then she chewed her lips for a moment.

"What I said earlier… I think it was too harsh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. The words just came out wrong."

"I know, I said a lot of harsh things too. I'm sorry too." "…I see."

As Jin Soyeon suddenly showed this kind of enlightened attitude, an inexplicable uneasiness crept up. 

Yoo Seolhyun pondered for a few seconds whether it was okay to leave like this. But soon she stepped forward.

Jin Soyeon watched Yoo Seolhyun's back for a while.

She just stared blankly until Yoo Seolhyun left the house, then let out a deep sigh.

"Haa."

Then she wiped away her tears. "…"

Jin Soyeon, who had been muttering to herself powerlessly, took out a ring from her pocket. A ring with a simple design.

It was the Space Ring.

It was the relic and keepsake that Lee Jinhyuk had been wearing until just before his death.

"…Jinhyuk."

Jin Soyeon tried on the ring once.

The ring was a bit loose. Jin Soyeon clenched her fist with the ring on and tried to recall his name once.

Every time she looked at this ring, his face came to mind.

That's why she always carried it with her since Lee Jinhyuk's death, but she had rarely taken it out and held it like this.

Because memories of Lee Jinhyuk were both longing and painful.

"…Huu, hic, Jinhyuk, Jinhyuk." Jin Soyeon was sobbing again.

When she gripped the ring tightly, it felt as if she could feel his warmth.

As Yoo Seolhyun said, if Jin Soyeon hadn't been so stubbornly insistent back then, wouldn't Lee Jinhyuk have survived?

Then she wouldn't have had to hold his keepsake like this and miss him.

But why, why.

Why did she make that choice back then? And cause Jinhyuk, Jinhyuk, to die.

"…I should get revenge, right?" Revenge.

Revenge for Jinhyuk's death.

The target of that revenge was crystal clear.

"…How long are you going to stay cooped up at home crying, Jin Soyeon. You have to… get revenge for Jinhyuk."

A month is enough to stay cooped up at home like a patient. It's about time to go outside.

To get revenge.

'But it might be too much for me alone.'

Not only does she lack information about them, but Jin Soyeon is relatively weak. She's far too inadequate to face villains who can even summon monsters.

Without the help of others, she wouldn't even dream of revenge.

That's how formidable the organization called Rebellion that Lee Jinhyuk mentioned is.

Especially Yoo Dahee.

She recently made the news for killing even a high-ranker hero.

It seems she's gotten even stronger than a month ago.

'If it's help from others, who… Yoo Seolhyun? Would she help? Or…'

Crack, crack, crack. "…Oh, no."

Was it because she was wearing the Space Ring? She accidentally opened the spatial storage.

It was a mishap that occurred because she didn't know how to use it properly.

Objects fell out of the crack in a rush.

A black bow, special grenades, smoke bombs, special arrows, a giant flashlight, sticky bombs, tracking devices, radar, a sword for large monsters, a shield, civilian clothes, and so on.

The items that Lee Jinhyuk had been storing through the Space Ring fell out mercilessly, turning the house into a mess in an instant.

The only fortunate thing was that not all the items were spat out.

Because there were really many items sleeping in this Space Ring.

"…There's a lot of stuff. So Jinhyuk carried all these things in his spatial storage."

She vaguely recalled Lee Jinhyuk's figure, packing all sorts of things throughout the summer vacation for convenience.

Jin Soyeon put the items back into the spatial pocket one by one, reminiscing about Lee Jinhyuk.

That's when.

She found a thick notebook.

A notebook with a lot of wear and tear. What could this notebook be? Jin Soyeon unconsciously reached for the notebook.

And then she slowly began to open it.

It was hard to read because it was written in cursive. But despite that, she could make out some of it.

But this.

What is this content?

"…Locations of villains to watch out for? Timing of monster appearances? Composition of Rebellion members? Academy semester goals?"

Isn't this notebook filled with detailed information about the timeline of future events, monsters, and villains?

Could this be a notebook where Jinhyuk jotted down information about the future he saw through his future prediction ability?

"Names, locations, abilities, weaknesses of Rebellion members… With this."

There's a lot of very specific and detailed content.

Can you know this much detail with future prediction ability?

Well, whatever. With this, she could find out information about the villains who caused Jinhyuk's death.

With this notebook, she might be able to do it. Get revenge on those bastards.

"…Wait, wait a minute. What's this? Huh?" But something strange caught her eye.

She read it carefully again, thinking she might have misread due to the hastily scrawled cursive, but she hadn't misread.

"…Jinhyuk's death? Bullying? No, what?"

In this notebook, even Jinhyuk's death was predicted in advance.

It was a future slightly later than now, but in the notebook, Jinhyuk was certainly destined to meet his death.

But the problem was the process leading up to Jinhyuk's death.

No, what is this?

"…Bullied for not having abilities? Followers of Siwoon and Daehan? And I… what?"

Jin Soyeon couldn't compose herself due to the countless unbelievable contents written.

"No, no, no, that can't be."

The process, cause, reason, problems, and solutions leading to Lee Jinhyuk's death.

All of that was clearly revealed.

The jealousy and bullying from classmates including Lee Siwoon and Kang Daehan, and Jin Soyeon's insensitivity were clearly indicated.

"There's no way, I would do that."

Especially after Lee Jinhyuk's death was outrageous.

It was none other than Lee Siwoon and Kang Daehan who indirectly bullied Lee Jinhyuk, blinded by jealousy.

They weren't directly involved, but they didn't particularly stop their followers' actions either.

But Jin Soyeon, unaware of this fact, was comforted and encouraged by Lee Siwoon and Kang Daehan and went to get revenge on the Rebellion members together? 

Was this nonsensical content the future that Lee Jinhyuk saw through his future prediction ability?

This kind of thing? Really?

Then Jinhyuk, seeing this future… "Ah, ah."

Suddenly. Very suddenly.

She recalled the time when Lee Jinhyuk's behavior started to change subtly.

She felt a slight discomfort in Lee Jinhyuk's actions and words from around the time just before entering the academy.

At that time, it was a bit strange, but she didn't think much of it.

Judging from the timeline in this notebook, it seems Jinhyuk started seeing the future sometime just before entering Union Academy.

Because after entering the academy, he showed behavior patterns different from what was written in the timeline.

"So you distanced yourself from me after entering the academy…? Is this why you tried to set me up with Siwoon in a strange way?"

Jin Soyeon bit her lip hard. 

Blood trickled down between her lips.

The tangy taste of blood stimulated her tongue, but she didn't pay the slightest attention to it.

"Did you think I would forget about your death and laugh with another guy…? Even with a guy who bullied you…?"

Drops of blood were already staining her collar.

"So that's why you rejected my confession…? Because you couldn't trust me…?"

Bang!

Jin Soyeon unconsciously slammed her fist down. The living room floor caved in.

"You're saying this was the original future? Don't make me laugh, there's no way, there's no way…! There's no way I would do that…!"

Ding, ding.

Her phone rang.

It was a message alert.

Jin Soyeon frowned and checked the message.

It was a message from Lee Siwoon. He had been sending messages like this regularly since Jin Soyeon refused to meet.

Lee Siwoon's worried message. 

Normally, she wouldn't have thought much of it, but having just seen the contents of the notebook, Jin Soyeon couldn't stand it.

She reflexively gripped the phone tightly and threw it at the wall.

The phone shattered with a crack. "…Enough, I don't need anyone else's help."

Originally, she would have received help from Lee Siwoon, Kang Daehan, and others, right?

But now Jin Soyeon doesn't need it. She doesn't need anyone else's help. "I'll do it alone."

Even with information about the future, it would be nearly impossible for Jin Soyeon alone to face the Rebellion members.

But Jin Soyeon was confident.

Because she had discovered a way to grow rapidly after the summer vacation.

"I'll do it alone."

A life-or-death struggle.

She realized that fighting against powerful villains and monsters made her grow exponentially.

As if absorbing the strength of her opponents. 

Like gaining experience points after defeating monsters in a game.

Jin Soyeon could grow faster the more she fought against strong opponents.

'This notebook has information on the danger level, location, and weaknesses of various dungeons, villains, and monsters. Then what I need to do is simple.'

Let's use the information in this notebook to defeat enemies step by step and grow quickly.

Fight and fight like that to get revenge on those bastards.

Of course, she knows that Yoo Dahee's growth rate is unbelievably fast.

But I'm faster.

I can catch up someday. "…"

Jin Soyeon eventually took a shower, fixed her hair, packed clothes, food, money, the notebook, the Vigilante's Sword, the Aegis Shield, and other items, and slowly stood in front of the front door.

And then she slowly walked out of the house.

The outside world she stepped into after a month was very dark and chilly.

Jin Soyeon looked up at the moon aimlessly, then suddenly stepped into the darkness. 

And so, Jin Soyeon's figure disappeared beyond the darkness.

Chapter 127 Anomaly (1)

"…It's autumn already."

Yoo Seolhyun suddenly muttered to herself as she leaned against the window, looking at the scenery outside.

It had already become early autumn weather.

The leaves visible in the distance were starting to show colorful hues, and luscious fruits were hanging ripe.

It feels a bit cooler.

It was midsummer just a short while ago. Looking back, time really flies.

"…Has it already been about a month since the Busan Great Rift incident?"

The Busan Great Rift incident.

It refers to that incident when numerous monsters appeared and turned the entire Busan city into chaos.

There were significant casualties and property damage due to hundreds of monsters and the giant snake monster named Ouroboros.

Even now, people in Busan were trembling in fear, recalling the Great Rift incident.

Because vicious monsters could appear again and trample their daily lives.

It was inevitable for people to be afraid, as another large- scale monster incident occurred before the wounds from the Busan Infection Explosion that happened a few years ago had properly healed.

And because of the Busan Great Rift incident, one villain began to emerge.

It was Yoo Dahee.

The person suspected to be the main culprit of the Busan Great Rift incident.

The girl who first gained notoriety during the Union attack incident. The girl who proudly revealed her own name was suspected of summoning the monsters, putting heroes and the government on edge.

Because the abnormal ability to summon monsters was no different from a natural disaster.

Being able to freely summon dangerous monsters alone?

It essentially means that an individual could control the peace and security of the nation. 

Therefore, the government designated Yoo Dahee as the worst villain and terrorist in Korean history and worked hard to cooperate with the Hero Association and clans to eliminate her.

However, despite the government's efforts, Yoo Dahee's influence and notoriety only grew day by day.

It was thanks to the government's unintended noise marketing.

An individual that even the government, association, and clans are wary of and fear.

It was like announcing the birth of a new great evil.

Yoo Dahee soon began to attract many types of villains.

Villains oppressed by the government, villains with grievances against social regulations, villains with grudges against heroes, villains who want to make huge amounts of money, villains who just want to commit evil acts, and so on.

She united villains who had been watching the government, association, clans, and heroes under the banner of Rebellion.

Rebellion.

It means revolt, insurrection.

In other words, a denial of the current system. Therefore, Yoo Dahee intends to carry out.

A rebellion against the current system along with villains dissatisfied with the current Republic of Korea.

"I wonder what's going to happen to the world, haa." The political situation in Korea was changing rapidly.

Suppressed villains began to run wild under Yoo Dahee's name.

Some people were enthusiastic about Yoo Dahee and even praised her.

A normal person wouldn't praise a criminal like Yoo Dahee, but all sorts of praise posts were being uploaded on the internet.

Her beautiful appearance, strength that didn't match her age, innate talent and the worst abnormal ability in history, and so on.

Whether in a good sense or bad sense, she was bound to be attractive, so there were quite a few cases of people falling for Yoo Dahee.

In fact, even for serial killers, if they had pretty or handsome faces, there were quite a few cases of fan cafes being created or petitions on the national petition board demanding their release.

In Yoo Dahee's case, it was very severe. 'She killed the high-ranker Oh Junho, huh…'

Villains following and obeying Yoo Dahee wasn't just because she could summon monsters to turn cities into wastelands.

Yoo Dahee proved herself by killing a high-ranker. 

That she was not only capable of summoning monsters but also qualified as a villain herself and as the leader of an organization.

The fact that she killed a high-ranker hero who had been through thick and thin at an age not even reaching adulthood was evidence that Yoo Dahee had talent and potential above rank 10.

Perhaps the future Yoo Dahee might become a monster that no one can do anything about.

The worst villain in Korean history.

'Using blessed talent above rank 10 for evil acts…' Yoo Seolhyun let out a sigh.

Then she slightly checked the time. It was already lunchtime.

Maybe she should go check on Jin Soyeon's condition soon. 'I wonder what Jin Soyeon is doing.'

She was a bit worried because she had said some harsh words to Jin Soyeon yesterday.

She still couldn't forget Jin Soyeon's face looking at her with tears falling and an expression stained with guilt.

Honestly, she was even a bit afraid that Jin Soyeon might make an extreme choice.

So Yoo Seolhyun carefully tried sending messages and calling Jin Soyeon, but as expected, she didn't answer.

Could she be sleeping until now? Or is she ignoring it on purpose?

…When she said she'd visit again around lunchtime yesterday, Jin Soyeon had nodded as if she understood, so she probably wasn't ignoring it on purpose.

Yoo Seolhyun hurriedly moved her steps with an unnecessarily anxious heart.

She was able to arrive at Jin Soyeon's house before long.

But wasn't that the familiar back of a man at Jin Soyeon's front gate? Why is that guy there?

"Lee Siwoon?"

"Ah."

Lee Siwoon, who had been hesitating whether to ring the doorbell or not, slightly turned his head at the familiar voice.

Then he could see Yoo Seolhyun.

"Yoo Seolhyun."

"You're really something. So devoted."

Yoo Seolhyun looked at Lee Siwoon with a smirk.

He had been trying quite hard to comfort the heartbroken Jin Soyeon until now.

He visited Jin Soyeon's house like this and also recited words of encouragement to Jin Soyeon, who was cooped up at home, through text messages or phone calls. 

But Jin Soyeon only expressed her refusal.

She didn't properly meet him even when he came to her house, rarely answered phone calls, and only replied to messages roughly.

But Lee Siwoon didn't seem to mind much.

A normal person would feel hurt or discouraged by continued rejection, but that Lee Siwoon guy was devoted for a whole month without even being asked by anyone.

"Isn't one-sided love quite hard, Lee Siwoon?" "…"

"No matter what you do, Soyeon's attention is probably all elsewhere."

"…"

Lee Siwoon was silent for a moment. That's right.

He knows well that nothing will change no matter how he acts like this.

But…

"You must have had a hard time too, Yoo Seolhyun." "What?"

"It's one-sided for you too."

"Ha." 

Yoo Seolhyun snorted. One-sided?

What nonsense is this?

Did that guy think Yoo Seolhyun had any interest in Lee Jinhyuk? It was a bit ridiculous.

"That's not funny."

"Not funny… Well, let's say it is."

Yoo Seolhyun frowned slightly at Lee Siwoon's attitude of nodding and going along with it, but she didn't bother to argue further.

She didn't want to waste time unnecessarily in front of Jin Soyeon's front gate.

-Ding dong ding dong.

Yoo Seolhyun rang the doorbell and waited for the gate to open.

But there was no response. The gate didn't budge at all.

She tried ringing the doorbell again, but it was of no use. "Haa, really."

Yoo Seolhyun forcibly picked the lock on the gate like last time, as if she had no choice.

Lee Siwoon hesitated slightly at that sight, but meanwhile, Yoo Seolhyun had already moved her steps briskly and picked the front door lock as well. "Yoo Seolhyun, you…"

"Wait, what's this?"

What they saw as soon as the front door opened was a dented living room floor.

It looked as if it had been struck hard with a fist. "…Is that a phone? It's broken?"

There was a shattered phone lying a bit further away.

Judging by the marks on the wall, it seems the phone was thrown at the wall and broken.

"What on earth happened here?"

"Could she have been attacked by someone?"

An ominous thought flashed through Yoo Seolhyun and Lee Siwoon's minds.

"Jin Soyeon!"

"Soyeon!"

The two called Jin Soyeon's name and searched the house thoroughly, but they couldn't find a trace of her.

Did something really happen?

If so, this is really bad, really bad.

I shouldn't have left Jin Soyeon alone after all.

Lee Siwoon bit his lower lip slightly.

"…She wasn't attacked by villains, was she?"

"That's not it, there's no sign of a fight at all."

Yoo Seolhyun, who was carefully examining the living room, could realize that no fight had occurred here.

The broken phone and dented living room floor seemed to be her own doing.

"Shoes… The shoes Soyeon usually wears are gone. Looks like she went out for a bit…"

"That would be fortunate then."

Since she might have gone out briefly to buy a new phone to replace the one she threw in anger yesterday, Yoo Seolhyun and Lee Siwoon decided to wait for a while.

But even after some time passed, Jin Soyeon showed no sign of returning.

As Jin Soyeon still didn't return, they even reported to the police out of anxiety, but in the end, they couldn't find Jin Soyeon.

Yoo Seolhyun and Lee Siwoon tried to use their family's influence to find Jin Soyeon, but it was of no use.

And so, Jin Soyeon disappeared without a trace. From the academy, from home, from daily life.

The person named Jin Soyeon had completely vanished like a mirage.

*

"Hyuk-ah."

"…Mmm?"

"Wake up, Hyuk-ah!" "…Wait, what."

"I said wake up! Hyuk-ah! Jinhyuk-ah!" "…Ah, uh?"

I slowly opened my heavy eyelids at the brazen girl's voice.

And there…

"Are you awake?" "Who are you?"

Soyeon from kindergarten was smiling brightly as she looked at me.