Sorry, Noona
> [Spend 3,000 LP to upgrade talent Fighting (C+) to Fighting (B).]
> [Spend 7,500 LP to upgrade Speed Reading (F) to Speed Reading (B).]
> [Spend 10,000 LP to purchase random special ability for talent Fighting.]
> [Acquired special ability Focus: Slow Video.]
> [Spend 10,000 LP to purchase random special ability for talent Speed Reading.]
> [Acquired special ability Precise Reading & Speed Reading.]
Seo Joo-hwan had upgraded both Fighting and Speed Reading to B-rank and purchased a special ability for each. That alone had burned through a whopping 30,500 LP.
A sum greater than what he'd gained from Choi Mi-hwa. But once he confirmed the special abilities, he didn't regret a single point.
▶ Effect: Enhances dynamic vision and quickens thought processing.
※ Full effect only activates in Fighting situations.
▶ Effect: Enables speed reading without missing a single character, as thorough as close reading.
A satisfied smile spread across Seo Joo-hwan's face as he examined the two special abilities. Their descriptions were relatively straightforward compared to those for writing or gaming talents, but their effects were top-tier.
"Now I won't have to go getting beat up anywhere."
Of course, he wasn't the type to go around picking fights in the first place. He'd lived a life full of misfortune, which had toughened him up deep down. After turning into an adult, he hadn't had many occasions for physical brawls, so he'd softened a bit.
What pleased him most was the second special ability. For someone who loved reading almost as much as writing, Precise Reading & Speed Reading was as appealing as Stenographer's Typing Speed, which he'd gotten from his writing talent.
"Status window."
The first time he'd opened it since discharge.
It had been completely overhauled from the sparse initial version. Just looking at it filled him with a solid sense of security and surging confidence that he could tackle anything.
Another week passed. Mid-February already.
In that time, Seo Joo-hwan had diligently written, and after going paid, he'd achieved over 10,000 purchases per chapter—a far cry from his pre-regression performance.
He checked the points that had piled up overnight.
Today's Best #1 — 1,000 LP awarded.
Weekly Best #1 — 3,000 LP awarded.
The biggest change after going paid was the activation of serialization-related achievements. Today's Best gave 1,000 LP, Weekly Best 3,000. He hadn't checked the monthly yet. Probably within this month.
Of course, if he couldn't snag #1, he'd aim for next month—but with the momentum of The Possessed Master is a Martial Arts Public Enemy, it seemed plenty possible.
'Plus there's the first-month buff.'
Either way, the key was a stable LP source. Surprisingly, the Best series achievements could stack, and even top 10 gave a small LP payout—not as much as #1, but still.
Thanks to that, he'd secured LP for Blessing of Focus and item pulls.
"Hmm. Not sure if it's any good..."
He scratched his head vigorously while reviewing his proofread draft. Objectively critiquing his own writing was tough.
Even with B-rank writing talent, crafting prose remained a challenge.
"Sigh. Upgrading talent doesn't solve everything."
A recent realization: Raising talent didn't inherently boost core skill. Talent and knowledge were distinct domains.
Take B-rank Fighting—he could match most pros in raw potential, but actually winning? No. They were true professionals: drilled in martial arts, bodies optimized for combat like monsters.
He was just uncut gemstone with talent and special abilities. If he went all-out, maybe... but the point was, maxing talent required personal effort.
'Am I fully utilizing my writing talent?'
Compared to others, efficiency was high—he had the chops from making writing his trade. But 100%? Still questionable. Writer's block hit multiple times per session.
The silver lining: Someone to alleviate that frustration had appeared.
He sent his proofread stockpile to Choi Mi-hwa. The 1 vanished promptly, followed by a reply.
Choi Mi-hwa lived up to expectations as an editor. She pointed out oversights, never missed errors, and even helped with female psychology that felt awkward to him as a guy. This time, she nailed a nagging subconscious issue.
"Ugh. Mi-hwa's the best."
The brief consultation cleared his blockage. He usually mulled alone—random input could derail his focus—but her advice was an exception.
The rabbit thumps the floor with its foot, tapping the carrot like a club against its palm. How was an emoticon this dynamic? Imagining her urging the next chapter made him chuckle.
"Looks good now."
Since that day, she'd been awkward around him. No face-to-face, but it showed in messages. Still, as his author and PD, contact was inevitable, and the awkwardness faded.
Her text addiction meant she'd devour The Possessed Master is a Martial Arts Public Enemy's stockpile regardless. Now, she'd dropped formalities and honorifics.
"Ugh. Done."
Her advice let him fix the snag quickly. As he prepared to send the revisions, two unread KakaoTalks caught his eye.
His eyes widened upon checking.
"How'd hyung send a KakaoTalk from the army?"
Da-an University made sense—he was a returning student, so joining the '16 group chat wasn't odd. But Lee Jeong-hoon in the military? Smartphones weren't unrestricted until 2020.
"Early vacation?"
He checked Lee Jeong-hoon's first.
"Aha. Hyung stashed a burner."
He snickered knowingly. His old 4th Company was small, less scrutinized, on the third floor with separate lockers—easy for sneaking phones. Seniors duplicated spare keys, passed down to vets.
Word got around by late service. He'd skipped it for workouts, though.
A warm smile crossed Seo Joo-hwan's face.
"He remembered."
Worth transferring the commendation. Friday was already exciting.
Next, the '16 group chat.
New group, so freshmen weren't chatting much. Awkward with senior present. They'd make a side chat or loosen up post-Baek Jeong-gi.
Speaking of Baek Jeong-gi... Seo Joo-hwan frowned at the vague memory.
"That guy's around."
No direct beef, but no fond memories. His tone grated—casual to freshmen, some older than him.
"Ah, right—the class-year asshole."
Draft dodger obsessed with hierarchy games. No need to call out now.
"Just don't fuck with me."
Not his style to start drama. Annoying, but not grudge-worthy. If provoked, though, he wouldn't hold back.
"College again, huh."
Group invite made it real. He shook off memories of his loner life. Different now: taller, leaner, no trauma, high self-esteem, no money worries—grades optional.
Everything changed.
"No more loner life."
Maybe a campus life full of dreams and hope this time. Excitement brewed.
Next morning, Seo Joo-hwan headed out for his workout.
"Blessings almost up."
Both Succubus God's and Helchang's Blessings had under two weeks left. After all the benefits, their end felt regrettable.
"Lucy, this'll come back later, right?"
It'll appear again when you level up. Can't say which level, though.
"Hm. Item gacha too?"
Yes. Probability's a secret~
"Gotta level up for guaranteed use, then."
The Lust System grew by absorbing desires, not just piling LP—diverse sources mattered, his or others'.
"Gym's gotta be close."
Ribbon Fitness in Anyang was a 10-minute walk. He scanned his membership and entered, spotting the usual crowd.
PT day today. Im Su-hee, now friendly, greeted him.
"Hey, Joo-hwan. Early again?"
"Habit to leave with buffer time."
Another from pre-regression misfortune—delays despite punctuality bred 20-30 minute cushions.
"Hoho. Good habit. Consistency's key in training."
She nodded approvingly at his trainee mindset. He shrugged at her dedication.
"Weren't you a college student?"
"Yeah."
"Semester soon?"
"Yep."
"You'll keep coming post-start, right?"
"Uh... maybe?"
"No way you're skipping? Muscles vanish without consistency. Muscle loss."
"That easy?"
Gym folk half-joked about it, but true loss was rare—beginners lost little, pros much.
Im Su-hee nodded firmly.
"Totally! Especially newbies like you—gone quick."
"I'll try steady. First college rodeo, though—not sure."
"Ugh, such a shame. Your body's a natural gift—consistent, you could compete in years."
"Haha, contests no... Fashion muscles my goal."
He scratched his cheek awkwardly. No pro ambitions. Not anti-big muscles—extreme bulk was pass, but naturals took lifelong investment anyway.
Local naturals felt iffy.
'Basically legal doping.'
Helchang's Blessing outdid most drugs. Post-karma fix, changes were huge—but sans blessing, this fast? Impossible.
Competing would mock true naturals. His line in the sand.
Same for sports crushing others: no ball games, boxing, UFC.
'Writing doesn't crush others if I win. And it's talent, not dope.'
Semantics maybe, but his boundary.
Im Su-hee nodded reluctantly, dripping regret.
"Bummer... Well, keep training—mind might change. Tell me then. Full support."
"Haha, thanks."
No denial—just thanks. His call anyway. Felt bad stonewalling her earnestness.
She stepped closer, playful.
"But when you dropping the formal? We're friends."
"Haha..."
She'd dodged age before; guessing 25 got this tease.
'Hey, noona. Conscience check—you're 7 years up.'
Pre-regression, he'd been older. Still...
'Drop it?'
Closeness mattered. Teasing back:
"Noona... I mean, noona feels right over friends. Cool dropping formal?"
Double-check—some hated instant casual.
"Duh. I said drop it."
No joke—she beamed, nodding.
"Gimme a sec to prep?"
"Sure."
She turned... then half-turned, smiling softly.
"Call me noona once more, you're in trouble?"
Gentle words, chilling vibe. Thirty-something aura.
He instinctively formal:
"...Yes."
"Casual."
"Yeah."
Sorry, noona.