[1 — A Confusing Morning]
Yeon Mu Hwi sat on his bed, still stunned from waking up to a slap from his little sister.
Just minutes earlier, he had opened his eyes to find himself reborn—
alive, young, and surrounded by warmth he had never known.
He was crying.
Not loudly—just a few quiet tears sliding down his cheeks without him noticing.
And of course, Su Rin saw everything.
[2 — MC and His Annoying Little Sister]
His little sister, Yeon Su Rin (6), stood in front of him with her cheeks puffed up and arms crossed.
Su Rin:
"Oppa, were you crying when I woke you up?"
MC:
"…No."
Su Rin:
"You were! Your eyes were shiny and you sniffed like this—"
Sniff sniff sniff!
Mu Hwi almost laughed.
MC:
"I wasn't crying."
Su Rin:
"Liar! Did you have a nightmare? Maybe a ghost dragged your soul out!"
MC:
"…Something like that."
Her eyes grew huge.
Su Rin:
"HUH?! Really?! Tell me everything!"
He flicked her forehead lightly.
MC:
"I'll tell you after breakfast."
Su Rin:
"Promise?"
MC:
"If you stop saying I cried."
Su Rin:
"Aha! So you DO admit—"
MC:
"Let's go eat."
She giggled as she followed him out of the room.
Warm, lively, noisy—
this was what a family felt like.
[3 — The Yeon Family at Breakfast]
The Yeon family dining room was bright and filled with morning chatter.
Dishes steamed on the table, and sunlight warmed the wooden floor.
Present were:
• Father — Yeon Taejin (45)
Calm, steady, successful merchant.
• Mother — Seo Eunsol (42)
Gentle, always worrying, soft-spoken.
• Older Brother — Yeon Mu Jin (17)
Tall, mature, dependable — the model first son.
When Mu Hwi and Su Rin entered, all three looked up.
Taejin:
"Mu Hwi, you overslept. Are you feeling unwell?"
MC:
"…No, Father. I'm fine."
Before he could sit, Su Rin leaned in and stage-whispered:
Su Rin:
"He was crying."
MC:
"SURIN!"
Mother froze in panic.
Eunsol:
"Crying?! Oh dear—Mu Hwi, what happened?! Did you see something scary? Did you get sick?!"
MC:
"I'm fine! Really."
His brother raised an eyebrow.
Mu Jin:
"Since when does Mu Hwi cry in the morning?"
MC:
"I wasn't crying!"
Su Rin nodded dramatically.
Su Rin:
"Yes he was."
MC:
"…You're enjoying this too much."
Su Rin stuck her tongue out.
[4 — The Family Business Talk]
Once breakfast began, Father cleared his throat.
Taejin:
"Mu Hwi, you're eight now. It's time to start learning simple things about our family business."
Mu Hwi blinked.
Taejin:
"You don't need to work. Just learn the basics."
"Mu Jin will help you understand how our trade works."
Mu Jin:
"It'll be good for you. Knowing business is useful no matter what."
Both looked at him with gentle expectation.
But Mu Hwi lowered his gaze.
He had lived seventy silent years dreaming of this moment.
MC:
"…Father. Brother."
"I want to be a martial artist."
Silence fell immediately.
[5 — The Family's Reactions]
Mother (Eunsol):
"M-Martial artist?! Absolutely not! It's dangerous! People fight all the time! What if you break something—what if you get kidnapped—what if—"
Mu Jin:
"Mu Hwi… martial arts isn't a game. You know that, right?"
MC:
"I know. But I still want to pursue it."
Father's eyes narrowed slightly—not in anger, but in careful judgment.
Taejin:
"…This is truly what you desire?"
Mu Hwi nodded firmly.
MC:
"Yes."
Mother grabbed Father's sleeve.
Eunsol:
"Taejin, he's too young—"
He gently held her hand.
[6 — Brother's Support]
Mu Jin studied Mu Hwi quietly.
Mu Jin:
"You're not the type to say things without thinking."
"If this is really what you want…"
He sighed.
Mu Jin:
"…I still don't like it. But I'll support you."
He ruffled Mu Hwi's hair.
Mu Jin:
"Just don't die, okay?"
Mu Hwi smiled softly.
MC:
"I won't."
[7 — Sister's Challenge]
Su Rin leaned closer with sparkly eyes.
Su Rin:
"Oppa, do you even have what it takes to be a martial artist?"
MC:
"…Why not?"
Su Rin:
"Because last week you tripped chasing a butterfly."
MC:
"That's because you pushed me."
Su Rin:
"It was an accident!"
MC:
"You yelled 'FLY, OPPA!' before doing it."
Su Rin:
"That was motivation!"
The room burst into laughter.
[8 — Father's Decision]
After everyone quieted down, Father finally spoke.
Taejin:
"If this is truly your path… I will support it."
Mother gasped.
Eunsol:
"Taejin!"
But he continued firmly.
Taejin:
"However, you must start properly."
"You will enroll in the Wind Manor Martial School."
"It's close, reputable, and safe for beginners."
He looked straight at Mu Hwi.
Taejin:
"Learn the basics there. Build your foundation."
"If after one year you still want this…
then we will discuss sending you to a real sect."
Mu Hwi leaned forward and bowed deeply.
MC:
"Thank you, Father."
Su Rin tugged his sleeve.
Su Rin:
"Oppa, if you become a real martial artist…"
"…can you beat the boys who stole my marbles last week?"
MC:
"…Yes."
Su Rin:
"YAAAAY!"
[9 — End Scene]
Breakfast continued with laughter and chatter, the sunlight warming Mu Hwi's face.
A new life.
A real family.
And now—
the first step toward the martial path he had longed for.
For the first time in two lifetimes…
The future felt bright.
END OF CHAPTER 2