Chapter 129
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 129: How to Set a Goal (3)
I stared into the air with a distant look, as if lost in thought. And I slowly began to unravel the story.
“When I see Sunbae, I keep thinking of Kang Yu from the past, so I was worried.”
“Kang Yu?”
“Yeah. Kang Yu... was very sick a long time ago because of Over-awakening Sickness.”
Take this, ‘Past Story Attack’ a-la-carte!
“Every day, I worried if he could keep living, if he would die. Above all, our orphanage lacked money. The periodic donations we received were mostly spent on medicine and equipment to treat Kang Yu. He could only live on because of that.”
“...I see.”
“Maybe that’s why. I know he's all grown up, but I can't help but worry about Kang Yu. Because he’s family.”
“Family?”
“Yeah. Everyone at the orphanage is my precious family. Mihail, Kang Yu, they’re no different from my family. Sometimes, I even get angry when people treat my family carelessly or ignore them.”
“You really like your family, don't you.”
“Yeah.”
I smiled. This smile, at least, was genuine.
“I really love my family. And... I like you for making my family happy, Yuhan.”
“...Me?”
“Yes!”
Na Yuhan’s face immediately turned bright red. I took the opportunity to hold both his hands tightly and looked him straight in the eyes. As I sparkled my eyes, he grew very flustered and desperately tried to avoid my gaze.
“Th-that… this…!”
“My family became happy after I met you, Yuhan. I even got in touch with family I hadn't heard from in a long time after they were adopted. I became happy!”
“……”
“And for the first time... l-l... ung, I'll keep this a secret for now.”
As I spoke, my face flushed against my will. I ducked my head and moved away from him. I avoided his gaze slightly. But as if to show my will to convey all my feelings, I continued speaking without stopping.
“That's why I like you. Later... I want to introduce you to my family, besides just Mihail or Kang Yu.”
“Me….”
“Yeah. Because I want you to feel the happiness I’ve felt, too!”
I smiled brightly, acting innocent, acting genuinely happy. A corner of my heart throbbed, but it couldn't be helped. There are still so many things I have to do through the Meta System. Therefore, this is the best choice. While Na Yuhan was still out of it, I snuck a peek at the comments.
[Comment Section]
ㅇㅇ Kang Nahyun is the main heroine. Kang Nahyun is the main heroine. Kang Nahyun is the main heroine.
ㅇㅇ Yep, Kang Nahyun is a non-virgin~ Has an ex-boyfriend, right? They did it at the orphanage, right?
ㅇㅇ She said family, are you context-blind? You f*cking idiot.
ㅇㅇ lolol, look at the troll bastard squirming.
ㅇㅇ Ugh, stop with the non-virgin crap already... she said family. Do you do it with your family? And logically, would the heroine be a non-virgin, you morons?
ㅇㅇ Is this the power of the main heroine…?
ㅇㅇ L-l... so what!!! Why can't you say 'I love you'! Why can't you say it!!! Aaargh, so frustrating!!!
ㅇㅇReverse-harem... ㅠㅠ
ㅇㅇ What's with this one now?
Just as planned. I emphasized that Mihail was, to the end, family, and strongly appealed as if I liked Na Yuhan. At that, the emboldened Sunshine Faction diligently beat down the flailing Non-virgin Legion. The Non-virgin Legion, their influence weakened, slowly dwindled in the atmosphere where they couldn't act up as before, and the general readers also seemed to welcome this. The Metapoints also began to show a stable upward trend. …But for some reason, I wasn't as happy as I thought I'd be.
Do I always have to act in the way these readers want?Surely, when all the layers of lies I'm wrapped in are peeled away, you'll despise me. Thinking that, a bitter taste filled my mouth. If possible, I want to show you my true self.Someday.
“Let’s go! Everyone will be waiting!”
“Ah, u-ung.”
I led Na Yuhan, who was still dazed, and returned to where everyone was. Thankfully, the topic of conversation seemed to have gone in a different direction while I was away. I let out a sigh of relief and handed out the drinks I’d bought. Choi Sujeong fumbled with the drink I gave her, hesitated, and then expressed her gratitude to Nika in a small voice.
“...Thanks for saving Hana.”
Her cheeks were slightly red; she seemed to be quite embarrassed inwardly. To think Choi Sujeong would give her thanks here. I looked at Choi Sujeong with a little surprise, then at Nika, anticipating her reply. Nika looked at her silently for a moment, then snorted.
“I just did what had to be done, thief cat.”
“What did you say? You conceited fox bastard.”
...In an instant, the slightly softened atmosphere vanished.
“Please don't fight...”
We chatted, then stopped Choi Sujeong and Nika from fighting, then chatted, then stopped Choi Sujeong and Nika from fighting, then chatted, then stopped Choi Sujeong and Nika from fighting... huh, why is this repeating?
“I really hate that thing! Junior, don't meet with her!”
“...I dislike her too. Come here, Nahyun.”
“Don’t go!”
“Please don't fight...”
Anyway, we spent our time like that. Well, still... it seemed Choi Sujeong didn't hate Nika as vehemently as before.
“Go trip and fall on your way—!”
...Now it's probably just a normal level of hate, maybe.
After Lee Hana had recovered a decent amount of energy, it was almost time for the dormitory curfew. We said our goodbyes and were about to part when Nika stopped me.
“Ah, you. Follow me for a moment.”
“What is it?”
“The information has arrived.”
“Don’t go!”
“I have to...”
It seemed the information regarding that Tiger bastard had arrived. I sent the group off first—it was tough calming down the growling Choi Sujeong, especially—and followed Nika to her room. When we arrived, Nika locked the door and sat me down on her bed.
“First, about that man… Tornito.”
“Yes!”
“There’s no information.”
“None?”
“Correct. It's as if he just sprang up from nowhere. There's really nothing. If he was born on Earth, there should be at least some information... It’s strange, to this extent.”
Nothing at all… that’s weird. How can a person live and leave no trace? Was he perhaps not born on Earth? Is he an existence from the Tower?
“Perhaps someone with greater abilities than the Balder Family concealed Tornito’s tracks, or there's some other story. Even so, I can't believe there’s no trace... No, I could understand if it was just his childhood, but to hide it until he's fully grown...?”
“I see…”
“Right. So, for now, I’ve shifted direction and gathered more information on the man named Park Yulhan. And I've gathered some rather interesting information.”
“Park Yulhan…!”
That mosquito bastard. Just recalling his slick face made me scowl. But at Nika’s next words, my eyes widened in surprise.
“That guy, he's Erentos's grandson.”
“Erentos, as in, Erentos's Laboratory?”
“Yes. The researcher from the Savior-capturing team, Erentos. The Erentos Foundation he created is currently run by Erentos’s descendants and supports various research projects around the world. I don't know how involved Park Yulhan is with the foundation… hmm.”
“Erentos is famous for being a playboy. His other descendants could be running the foundation.”
“We’ll continue to track Tornito and Park Yulhan. Ah, and the 1st Report regarding ‘Spiritual Power’ also came in.”
At those words, I tensed up. Spiritual Power. The power that seems to be the common denominator between me, Na Yuhan, and Tornito. Will I be ableD to find a clue to its secret?
“Are there results?”
“It’s hard to call it results. It’s a concept so unknown that we're having difficulties. This report is also very short. There's a rumor that Erentos personally researched ‘Spiritual Power’ in depth.”
“Erentos….”
“It's possible the Spiritual Power research was passed down.”
If so, could that Spiritual Power research be related to Park Yulhan? And to Tornito?Does Park Yulhan also know about Spiritual Power? If he knows about it due to Erentos's influence... are Na Yuhan and I drawing their attention as an ‘Irregular’ and ‘Player’ because of this Spiritual Power?
All sorts of thoughts spun around, making me dizzy. As I groaned and agonized, Nika offered me a cup of tea.
“Ah, thank you….”
“I’m sorry I couldn't be of more help.”
“You’ve looked into so much! Thank you!”
I smiled brightly and soothed her, as her ears were drooping. As I patted her arm, her droopy fox ears twitched and rose slightly.
“Then I’m glad. If I was helpful, then my fiancé—”
“I’ll decline that.”
Ah, her ears drooped again.
In any case, it was a huge relief that Lee Hana’s curse-cleansing ended safely. Because the day we were to be sent to the battlefield was fast approaching.
The morning of. I diligently packed my bags, meticulously checking my plans in my head. The battlefield. I felt needlessly nervous, fiddling with the gun I was packing in my bag. Can I do well...No, I have to. It would be hard to survive if I responded carelessly. Besides...
‘The Hidden Piece Dungeon, ‘Dragon’s Lair’, was here.’
That dungeon, mentioned in the novel, should be appearing soon. This Hidden Piece Dungeon is one where a ‘Key’ appears. It’s also the starting point for Na Yuhan to seriously begin collecting the Keys. The starting point of the main story. And the point where my knowledge runs out. To respond to the various variables and crises I don't know about, I had to prepare even more thoroughly. I thought of the Meta System. ...I've mentioned to Na Yuhan that I have few points left. On top of that, I only gave skills or items as examples of things I could buy from the Metapoint Shop, so he would never imagine I could buy stats or levels. So, it should be fine to raise my stats and skill levels at the same moment I level up after hunting monsters in the field. It seems the only part of my Meta System Na Yuhan can see is <Story Twisting>. I hadn't been able to do it before, afraid it would look like I was suddenly getting stronger for no reason by investing Metapoints. This much alone is a huge step forward. I steeled my resolve, recalling the feeling of despair I’d felt during the curse-cleansing. Let's get stronger. Even stronger.
“This should be enough….”
There wasn't much to pack. Basic combat uniforms and weapons went into the Inventory, and they said we could use the daily necessities provided there. I shouldered the surprisingly light backpack and left the dormitory. When I went to the meeting place, everyone was already gathered, looking ready. Besides us, there were other sunbaes as well. Sion, who must have also been conscripted, greeted us cheerfully.
“Long time no see!”
“Ah, Sion-sunbae!”
Sion was wearing green-rimmed sunglasses that looked like strange alien eyes. It was probably a good luck item.
“Did you all bring your good luck items for the day?”
“No….”
Maybe that's why everyone was subtly avoiding him. Amidst this, Min Jaeyun received a good luck item from Sion and was fidgeting with it. She must be worried since it's her first real battle. For reference, it was star-shaped sunglasses.
“Ugh… can I do well?”
“Don’t worry too much! The place we’re going is the rear!”
“Right! So put those weird sunglasses down!”
I listened to Shin Baran’s scolding voice and let out a vague laugh. I wonder about that. …As per the law of fantasy-in-reality stories, which states that an incident must pop off for the plot to proceed, an incident was scheduled to pop off this time, too. Before long, the teachers led us and loaded us onto a military vehicle.
Drrrk— Clunk, Kltunk—
The ride was not good at all. It was passable until we left the school and the city, but as we went further out, the frequency of violent shaking increased. After some time, a fortress came into view in the distance. Everyone thought we had almost arrived and began preparing to get off. However…
“Uh, huh?”
“What, why are we passing it?”
The vehicle passed the fortress and began heading into the danger zone. Amidst the confused kids, I gave a bitter smile. Right.It sucks, but the place we're heading is the front lines.