Absolute One Is Also New to Fatherhood Episode 35

Nearly half a month had passed since then, but Kang-jun's daily life remained largely unchanged.

Tap-tap, tap-tap-tap!

The 'Black and White Twin Brothers'—who had been forcibly turned into undead by Kang-jun—were relentlessly attacking Bong-gu in a chaotic joint assault.

Yet compared to just a few days ago when he could only helplessly take hits, Bong-gu had shown noticeable improvement, however slight.

"See? Getting beaten up is still the fastest way to learn."

Where before he would have taken all ten strikes, now he could evade or block about half of them. He even occasionally attempted counterattacks—a remarkable leap forward by any measure.

"Let's call it a day for training."

As Kang-jun stretched his hand toward the twin brothers, dark tendrils sprouted from beneath their feet like vines.

Sssssk...

Soon, the brothers were completely engulfed, sinking into the ground as if swallowed by coffin-shaped shadows.

Bong-gu, panting heavily with his hands on his knees, turned his pale face toward Kang-jun.

"You only trained me half as much as usual today."

"It's your exam tomorrow. Need to conserve your stamina."

Bong-gu sighed briefly before adding in a self-deprecating tone, "I don't feel ready at all... Why does time fly so fast?"

"Technically, this is all because you lacked talent and ability. Who else is there to blame?"

Kang-jun lightly patted Bong-gu's shoulder before adding nonchalantly, "Let's go. I'm hungry."

Though his tone was brusque, Kang-jun privately acknowledged Bong-gu's dramatic improvement over two months of training. He was now confident Bong-gu wouldn't embarrass himself—and might even achieve decent results.

"By the way, did you give her the lottery ticket yet?"

Kang-jun scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "No... Kept delaying because I wasn't sure how to bring it up with my sister."

"It's not some protective charm—how long are you going to hold onto it?"

"Thought I might wait until Christmas. It's coming up ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠soon."

Bong-gu nodded. "Not a bad idea. Might make it an unforgettable Christmas for her."

"Right?"

"You should start thinking about Seol's present too. Good gifts take careful planning."

"Present?"

"Kids her age count down to Christmas all year. I know I did at that age..."

Kang-jun narrowed his eyes slightly. "Wait—you didn't already get Seol a Christmas gift, did you?"

"Of course I did—she's my only niece. Got her something nice."

"Mind giving me a hint what it is?"

"Worried I might have gotten something better?"

Kang-jun snorted. "As if I'd feel threatened by you. Probably just some trendy toy..."

Bong-gu tilted his head. "Sounds like you have something special in mind?"

Kang-jun nodded with a faint, bitter smile. "Oh, I've got something truly spectacular planned..."

He chuckled low before adding, "Anyway, no overthinking today. Eat well and rest up—you'll need your stamina."

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, "Choral," played softly in the dimly lit chamber.

"I hear even the Black-White Twin Brothers' fate is unknown now."

The hooded man seated on a throne-like chair spoke casually while listening to the music. Though his hood nearly concealed his face, it couldn't hide the crimson glow in his eyes.

Known only as "The Leader" of the Anti-Management Bureau Alliance, this robed figure remained an enigma. His faction consisted of those drawn to his power and the will of the god he served.

'Behind me stands the so-called Deposed King of Death—an omnipotent being.'

'He desires a world where the strong naturally rule over all...'

'To those who contribute to building this new world according to His will, I promise future glory.'

The Leader tapped the armrest with bony fingers. "In trying to catch one ornamental killifish, we've lost four valuable brothers..."

His voice—like nails screeching down a chalkboard—made one's skin crawl.

Yet the kneeling figure before him, Shadow—first among the twelve elite officers—responded impassively: "Leader, preparations for tomorrow's operation are complete. May we receive final instructions?"

The robed man nodded slowly before answering in measured tones: "The plan remains unchanged."

Then, with a sinister smile, he whispered: "Hasn't the omnipotent Deposed King of Death been aiding our cause in every way?"

As the symphony's tempo accelerated...

"Proceed tomorrow as planned. At the gathering of ignorant, weak humans, we shall conduct the Forbidden Art bestowed by the Deposed King of Death."

The music reached its climax:

Everything would unfold according to his god's will. Trembling with conviction, the Leader smiled viciously—certain they were nearing the world his deity desired.

Then.

A voice of profound malice echoed in his mind:

"I must take revenge on 'Immortal'... who stole my throne, my people, my lands, my flesh, my power..."

A divine oracle.

"Child, you must avenge me against '■■■' who took everything from me..."

Though he couldn't fully comprehend the message...

"Thus, through the Forbidden Art, gather more soldiers to strengthen our forces. Offer more sacrifices so I may regain my power..."

The seething grudge within was crystal clear.

The biannual Rank Advancement Exam was a nationally televised spectacle. Major networks broadcast it live, and spectators traveled great distances to attend in person.

Thanks to this, the lobby of the Seoul Branch building of the Management Bureau, chosen as the venue for the promotion exam, was packed with an overwhelming crowd of people.

Gulp...

Bong-gu, who had unconsciously swallowed dry saliva, looked around like a country bumpkin who had just arrived in Seoul for the first time.

"Wow, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠this is insane..."

Though most seemed to be ordinary spectators, there were also famous figures usually only seen through mass media.

From top-ranked Hunters to agents from major domestic and international guilds scouting for talent.

"Man, I'm getting nervous for no reason."

At that moment, Crabsley, who had stubbornly insisted on tagging along, spoke in a serious tone.

"Even if you don't tense up and just perform as you usually do, I'm certain you'll achieve satisfactory results."

Kang-jun nodded in agreement before adding flatly,

"Yeah, just do twice as well as you did in training."

"Huh? Not half as well as in training?"

"If you can only do half as well as in training, are you even human?"

Bong-gu groaned before answering, staring at the distant reception desk.

"Well, I'll be back soon."

Kang-jun then turned to Crabsley.

"Let's head to the arena and grab our seats."

"Yes, my lord."

"I think the arena is underground..."

The promotion exam consisted of two parts: a closed-door physical ability test held in an internal examination hall and a public combat tournament held in a large arena.

Naturally, the reason so many people had paid hefty ticket prices to be here was solely for the combat tournament.

It was one of the rare opportunities to witness the dazzling, adrenaline-pumping battles between Awakened—far more spectacular than any ordinary sports event.

Because of this, the building was filled with families and spectators, with snack corners selling refreshments and souvenir booths peddling figurines and bromides of famous Hunters scattered throughout.

It's practically a festival.

Kang-jun was busy browsing the merchandise when—

"My lord?"

At Crabsley's call, Kang-jun finally looked up—just as a massive man ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠barreling toward him collided with him and toppled backward.

Thud!

"Ugh..."

The man, having landed hard on his rear, grimaced in pain.

"Hey, watch where you're going..."

Kang-jun's sharp remark made the giant raise a hand apologetically.

"My apologies. I was lost, checking the map on the pamphlet, so I didn't see you..."

Then, mid-sentence, the man suddenly muttered, "Huh?"

He stared blankly at Kang-jun, tilting his head in confusion.

...Did I just fall?

In terms of pure physical strength, he was unmatched—not just in Korea, but worldwide.

S-rank Hunter, ranked 6th.

The Iron Man, Go Du-yeol.

As Kang-jun walked past him, Du-yeol scrambled to his feet and asked again,

"Wait, did I just fall?"

"Can't you tell?"

"Yeah, I definitely fell..."

Then, muttering, "How the hell...?" he quickly closed the distance and cautiously pressed,

"Why did I fall?"

"Maybe you hit your head just now."

"No, that doesn't make sense..."

"I recommend seeing a doctor."

As Kang-jun tried to walk away, Du-yeol swiftly blocked his path.

"You seem strong. How about an arm-wrestling match?"

Kang-jun stared at him like he was insane.

"Why would I?"

Du-yeol hesitated, lips twitching, before replying as if it were obvious.

"Because when two strong men meet on a narrow bridge, they must determine who's superior through a contest. Isn't that natural?"

Then, pounding his chest like a gorilla, he declared with fervor,

"A battle between two mighty men! Sweat pouring down, forging bonds of friendship!"

Kang-jun sighed.

This guy's completely nuts.

He clearly wasn't right in the head.

Grr—

Just as Crabsley stepped forward, Kang-jun waved him off.

"Fine, fine."

He turned back to Du-yeol.

"What do you want?"

Past experience had taught him that this kind of guy (the not-quite-sane type) wouldn't give up until humored. Better to play along and shake him off quickly.

"Ah, a true man indeed!"

Du-yeol's voice brimmed with emotion as he raised a hand the size of a pot lid.

"Have you heard of Face-Slapping Battles?"

"Huh. A contest to see who's dumber?"

"A sacred trial of manliness!"

Kang-jun raised an eyebrow.

"So you're asking me to do this moronic contest?"

"Yes! Let us determine who is the greater man!"

"And how does this moronic contest work?"

"Simple! We take turns slapping each other's faces."

"First to fall or surrender loses, right?"

"You catch on quick!" Du-yeol grinned, raising a finger. "But since there are too many eyes here, let's find a quiet spot."

Kang-jun nodded, and Du-yeol led him to a deserted basement mechanical ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠room.

"This should do."

"Who goes first?"

"I'll defer to my junior."

"Junior?"

Du-yeol nodded.

"You seem like a rookie Hunter. If you can withstand even one of my slaps, I'll write you a recommendation."

"From the National Association of Morons?"

"Hah! I like you more by the minute. If we could bench-press together every day, life would be perfect."

His gaze turned solemn.

"As deputy guild master of Solitude, Korea's premier guild, I could fast-track your membership."

Kang-jun waved it off.

"No thanks." He shook out his hand.

"So I go first, right?"

"Hahaha! Put your all into it!"

"Not holding back?"

"Squeeze out every last drop of strength!"

Du-yeol enthusiastically slapped his own cheeks twice.

"Come at me, junior!"

Kang-jun muttered, "Hmm, hope you don't die," before raising his hand high.

Instinctively sensing danger, Du-yeol licked his parched lips.

...Am I scared?

For a moment, Kang-jun's palm loomed like Mount Tai in his vision.

"If you die, it's not my fault?"

"W-Wait..."

"Open your mouth and you'll lose all your teeth."

"H-Hold on—"

With that, Kang-jun swung his hand down with full force.