Chapter 81
"Excuse us." "Good work." The police officers left after expressing their gratitude for our cooperation in the investigation. The taekwondo officials and gym manager who'd come with them departed as well.
"Phew."
There'd been a minor issue, but we'd wrapped it up nicely with promises to be more careful in the future. And now...
"Moon-soo?"
"Yes."
Only Coach Jang Seo-yeon and I remained.
"I thought you said you were going to check out the taekwondo skills?"
"That's right."
"Anyone could see that went way beyond just checking their skills!"
"Hm. Their skills were lower than I'd expected."
It was true. Compared to Gomushin Coach, who'd taught me taekwondo in Nam Hae-su's dream, the world number two was like a kid playing around! That guy's Mushin nickname wasn't hype at all.
"Haa... From now on, if you're planning something, tell me the details first."
"Yes."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
I didn't want to inconvenience others just to achieve my goals. I wasn't some devil like Nam Hae-su who ignored all means and methods. I'd climb up fair and square! With pure skill!
Though that skill itself feels like a cheat exploiting the system! Training body and mind in dreams where time flows much slower partially carries over to reality. Sure, there's the risk that death does too, 'partially,' but it wasn't enough to break my will.
"Alright, quick question to confirm. What did you and Section Chief Seo Hye-ju talk about at the hospital yesterday?"
"A new patient."
"Is this patient in a deep sleep like Seon-yeong or Mr. Nam Hae-su...?"
"Yes. It's been three years."
"Oh no... three years..."
Since it was the same incurable disease her own daughter had suffered, Coach Jang Seo-yeon's demeanor turned deadly serious.
"We're currently investigating the patient's background."
"And after that?"
"......"
"Don't tell me, another dream dive?"
"Probably."
"Haa... Guess I'll be hearing 'salary thief' complaints again for a while."
Coach Jang Seo-yeon grumbled as she flopped onto the plush sofa.
Salary thief. Since I was her only charge. It was true there wasn't much for her to do when I was off in a dream.
"Isn't that good?"
"No. It was nice at first, but only for a day or two."
"Bored?"
"My daughter's being a pain."
The coach gave an unexpected answer.
"I see."
"...You're not gonna ask how she's being a pain?"
"I'm sure there's a reason."
I wasn't perverted enough to pry into the private life of my dream girlfriend/classmate. That place was a deserted island with just the two of us. In reality, there were guys way cooler than me, like that prince 'Leon.'
"Haa... We've got a long way to go."
"Don't worry about the salary."
"Haa...!"
"Anyway, while I'm asleep, Elmolrans Hospital will guard me, so it's safe, but external issues are on you."
"Like the press or police?"
"Yes."
"Don't worry about that. I'll handle what I can."
"Thank you."
The conversation wrapped up roughly. I'd been a bit startled by the morning visit from reporters and cops, but compared to the attention I'd gotten in Nam Hae-su's dream, it was still cute.
Yeah. Long way to go. Just like Coach Jang Seo-yeon's grumble—there was a ton ahead.
"Coach."
"That look says you have another favor to ask."
"Yes. Right now, my Olympic events are the 4000m swim and 10km swim marathon, right?"
"Yep."
"I want to try 2000m, 1000m, 300m, and 100m too. Compare me to the first-stringers."
"2000m is doable. The rest? No way."
"......"
Instant rejection on my request. Coach Jang Seo-yeon jumped into explanations.
"You think I haven't checked?"
"But I heard my leg strength improved."
"Sure, but as you know, crawl stroke relies more on arm power."
"Yeah... true."
Maybe push-ups like crazy in the next dream?
"No need to be too disappointed. You're neck-and-neck with first-stringers at 1000m. The issue is you can't snag Olympic medals."
"Aha!"
"I was gonna bring it up anyway. I planned to apply for 2000m qualifiers after discussing with you."
"How do I stack up?"
"Lucky? Bronze medal."
"Hm..."
"Don't be bummed. Some swimmers can't even get that bronze and get nagged by their husbands."
"Sorry."
It was the coach's own story.
"Oh dear! That was immature of me. I wasn't asking for an apology. Don't misunderstand?"
"Yes."
"4000m swim is a sure gold. 10km swim marathon... gold locked until you retire."
"Makes sense."
Marathons were my edge with near-limitless stamina!
The coach added, "I suggested it before—how about track marathons too?"
"Sounds good."
More Olympic medals the better, so I agreed readily. Track 100km marathon. Double the ancient distances alone showed how monstrous modern athletes were. Aptitude Test-verified athletes. Aptitude Test-verified coaches. And Aptitude Test-verified scientists and techs crafting suits and supplements... Different league entirely.
"Want me to find a track marathon specialist coach?"
"No. I'll crush them with my specialty: endurance."
"Fair enough."
She knew my stamina well and nodded right away.
"Coach. Proving it in a marathon race would be quickest, no backlash either, right?"
"Hold on. I'll talk to the dean."
"The dean?"
Why the Sports University dean out of nowhere?
"You're not a student, Moon-soo."
"Well... true."
"I checked your contract with the former coach. It's renewed yearly."
"Yes."
"Problem is, it's full of loopholes."
"...No way."
As far as I'd read the fine print, the former coach hadn't scammed anywhere?
Coach Jang Seo-yeon explained. "When the former coach got fired, your renewal obligation vanished."
"Ah!"
"And originally, this contract? Looks like you weren't serious about being a swimmer. Right?"
"How'd you know?"
Fired from my convenience store gig, it was just to mooch free room and board till I found a job.
Things are different now! Back then, I never dreamed I'd catch first-stringers. Plan was fake effort then bail.
"Renewal choice is coach-only."
"Weird?"
"It's a safeguard against transfers. But if treatment sucks, you can't just leave."
"Then slack off and use the free lodging."
"What if they won't let go?"
"......"
Hadn't thought that far.
"Listen up. If you had no talent, it's not bad—free perks for a non-student."
"Hm..."
"But with your talent proven, it flips. You'll beg to break it for better terms."
"...Yeah."
No time for taekwondo or marathons. Contracts. Lesson: one wrong choice in society could ruin your life.
"From now on, any contract or decision—consult me first. You're the athlete. Coach's job is helping you focus on training. Use your coach."
"Yes."
"You got lucky, Moon-soo."
"Me?"
"Proving your skill made the International Swimming Federation plan to reinstate the former coach."
"What! Then..."
"Right. That loophole? Gone."
If the coach wants, yearly renewals mandatory for me.
"They can't call him back now 'cause his fault's too big, but when public cools... right before your next renewal year. Quiet comeback."
"No idea."
"Me neither."
"How'd you find out?"
"Thank Mrs. Park Han-hee, who dotes on you like—like more than her own kid."
"Ah..."
Never expected payback like this.
"She blocked the federation's plan in advance."
"Whew."
Relief washed over me.
That was close for real! Bold as brass in dreams, but reality? Average Joe. One life—no room for failure.
No lifelong regrets like Nam Hae-su; can't rewind.
"Still, no slacking. Former coach's demotion to suspension. Federation might ignore her and reinstate anyway."
"......"
"That's why I'm seeing the dean."
"Not for the marathon?"
"That too. They'll pressure you to quit athletics entirely."
"Allowed?"
"Yep. Your aptitude's shaman."
"Aha!"
"Contract-bound, can't be full athlete, but athletics is side gig anyway? Focus on main job shaman—they can't touch you."
"If they push anyway?"
"PR war. 'Federation and school killed a sure Olympic gold medalist.'"
"Aha!"
"So no worries."
"Yes. Thanks so much. Seeing you in a new light, Coach."
Thought of her as Song Seon-yeong's mom, confident in her figure. Swimming skills a bonus.
"Grateful? Measure that 100km track marathon record ASAP."
"Yes. I'll find the fastest upcoming race and enter."
"Too late. Meeting the dean tonight."
"Even so..."
No marathon today?
"Wait."
"Pardon? Yes."
Coach Jang Seo-yeon pulled out her smartphone and dialed quickly.
Ring ring~♪ "Mom. What's up?" Song Seon-yeong's voice from the phone.
"My darling daughter. Busy?"
"Kinda... but got time for you."
"Need a favor, but if you're busy..."
"You calling during work hours? Gonna hear 'salary thief' again."
"Not enough to worry my fretful daughter."
"Weird talk, I'm hanging up."
"Hang up and regret it."
"What?"
"Moon-soo needs your help."
"Coach?"
I never said anything that scary!
"...Can't be helped."
"Said you were busy?"
"When and where?"
"Hold on. Texting time and place."
Click. Call ended.
"Coach?"
"I have an appointment, gotta head to the taekwondo dojang now. So Seon-yeong'll handle the 100km track marathon."
"Seon-yeong?"
"Yeah. Problem?"
"Calling your busy working daughter for me feels..."
"It's fine. Drama queen. You heard—she's coming right away."
"True, but..."
Really okay?
The coach playfully shoved my back. "Hurry and change into workout clothes in the locker room. Don't forget sneakers."
"Uh... yes."
"Hate Seon-yeong coming?"
"No."
"Then what's the issue?"
"......"
Dunno.
"Leave details to me. You wash up, maybe cologne... Oh! Probably don't have any. Not a big deal, but my daughter likes hyacinth scent."
"Hyacinth?"
"Flower name."
"Got it."
Song Seon-yeong's favorite perfume. Hyacinth. Filed it away as non-essential info in my head.