Chapter 263
Chapter 263
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 263
Chapter Title: Part 87. Reason for Smiling (1)
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Season said.
"Jefferson Antonio. Scout the newly discovered Quaysa platoon-level unit with your own hands right now. As quickly as possible."
"Yes, Chief."
"Kang A-jin. You support Christoph along with Jeon Gal-hae-yeon. Keep asking him about his hunch. Move according to that hunch. I'll take responsibility for any failure. Help all of Christoph's activities until I return."
"Understood!"
'Won. Go to South Sudan and assassinate ranking 399 Barun.'
― Is that the Desert Mage Barun?
'The guy who hindered the Federation in every round and preached anti-humanism. Eliminate him without a trace.'
― Understood.
After issuing his orders, he set off as well.
A frenzy of non-stop activity ensued.
He was preparing for "night" more cautiously than usual.
The timing for the third night had arrived, yet there was no word from the Apocalyptic Clock (EX).
Yoo Ji-tae wasn't the one disappointed. The Clock was behind all this. If it was disappointed, it should have said something.
But there was nothing. No answer even when called. Perhaps it was in a situation where it couldn't speak. Maybe a backlash from Yoo Ji-tae's definitive providence.
The first night and second night hadn't been particularly threatening. The third would likely be the same. Still, Yoo Ji-tae decided to play it safe. That was why he was even busier.
― This is astonishing!
In the midst of his hectic schedule, he turned on the holographic TV in the command room right on time.
On Channel Lair, today's superhuman live broadcast was playing.
― They've successfully cleared an A-rank rift, no less.
The host said. The background on screen was a mountainous region.
In the middle of the woods stood a long, pitch-black rift split vertically. Reporters were gathered in front of it.
― We're all holding our breath waiting for them.
The most spotlighted teams in the current holy superhuman scene were three: Team Mochi, Team Lair, and Team White.
Until now, only one team had succeeded in clearing an A-rank rift: Team White. It was expected, given they had active rankers.
― That one-of-a-kind record has been broken today!
― We're so proud. It's the first for this year's cadets.
― Ah, looks like they're coming out now. Please stay tuned to this channel.
As light leaked from the rift, the reporters edged closer.
Superhumans slowly emerged from within.
A red-haired girl covered head to toe in dark blue blood. Her eyes were sunken with exhaustion. Her reddened hands were torn, blood trickling down.
It was Yeoreum.
Yeoreum and Gaeul.
Two months had passed since the two left home.
Yoo Ji-tae watched the kids giving their all on the front lines from afar.
He'd had no intention of sending them out originally, but now a bit of trust had formed.
On screen, Yeoreum staggered out. The three following her looked much the same. Exhausted, but with eyes sharpened by killing intent. The kids had become soldiers in just two months.
A few reporters rushed forward with questions.
― Amazing achievement! A word, please!
― Why did you take down the A-rank boss solo? We're dying to know!
― You've been tackling rifts non-stop lately. How's your health?!
While the others gave rough answers, Yeoreum, too tired, ignored the cameras.
Then she looked straight at the one filming her. Probably the one marked with the Lair Promotion Bureau logo.
Yeoreum flashed a delighted smile and grabbed the camera lens. "Ah, a word please!" said a reporter, and Yeoreum spoke.
― You watching?
― I'm doing good.
― When I get back...
She pressed her index and middle fingers to her lips with a kissy sound.
― Okay?
The smile was brief. Yeoreum boarded the Lair Agency van with a weary look again.
― Whoa, did Yoo Yeoreum just blow a kiss?
― Who was that for? Does she have a boyfriend?
― Who knows... Maybe her sister Gaeul?
― Could be a message to her Lair classmates too.
Yoo Ji-tae nodded.
Doing well.
When she returned someday, he'd share a cigarette with her.
Meanwhile, Gaeul wasn't in the footage.
Unlike Yeoreum, who actively appeared in media, Gaeul's team avoided official press to keep Tyr Blanc out of the spotlight.
Still, Gaeul messaged Yoo Ji-tae every Monday.
Like today.
[Gaeul♥: Ajusshi ㅜㅜ]
[Gaeul♥: Miss you so much ㅠㅠㅠㅜ]
Two hours ago.
He'd checked late. He replied.
[Me: You doing well]
[Me: Miss you too]
[Gaeul♥: O!!!!]
Instant reply.
[Gaeul♥: ㅠㅜ]
[Gaeul♥: Ajusshi ㅠㅠㅠㅠ]
[Gaeul♥: Staying healthy and well?????]
[Me: How about you]
[Gaeul♥: Super fine!]
A photo arrived. Gaeul beaming brightly.
And atop her head sat a chick.
She'd taken Ppivung along since she'd be dorming with Ringring for months.
[Gaeul♥: Ringring took it!!]
[Me: Cute]
[Gaeul♥: I know ㅎㅎ Me a lil' ㅎㅎㅎ]
Every Monday, Yoo Ji-tae looked forward to these two's photos.
This inexplicable feeling while chatting with her... He didn't hate it.
[Gaeul♥: Bom unni and Winter doing good??]
[Gaeul♥: Cleaning ajusshi? ㅜ]
[Gaeul♥: Miss home so much now that I'm gone ㅠㅜㅠㅠ]
[Me: Tough?]
[Me: Wanna visit?]
[Gaeul♥: No!?!?]
[Gaeul♥: I'll come back when I can't tough it out anymore... ㅜㅠ]
[Gaeul♥: Oh right! Gimme pics!!]
[Gaeul♥: Pic pic]
[Gaeul♥: Pic pic pic ㅠㅠ]
Yoo Ji-tae snapped and sent some casual photos.
As always.
[Gaeul♥: Huh?]
[Gaeul♥: Who's that ㅜㅠ]
[Me: It's me]
[Gaeul♥: No it's not ㅜ My ajusshi ain't that ugly ㅜㅜ]
[Me: ㅑㅇ]
[Gaeul♥: ㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[Gaeul♥: Desperate much ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[Gaeul♥: Heehee ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[Gaeul♥: Joking, you know????]
[Gaeul♥: Love you♥]
A photo came. Gaeul making a heart with her fingers.
Yoo Ji-tae focused on those fingers.
Her usually pale, small hands were swollen, veins bulging.
A sign of overexerting magic output. She'd just been fighting a monster.
[Me: Tell me if it's tough anytime]
[Gaeul♥: Yes~~~~]
[Gaeul♥: Say hi to unni, Winter, and cleaning ajusshi too♥]
[Me: Hang in there cheering for you]
[Gaeul♥: Wuung~~~]
Yoo Ji-tae forwarded the photo to Bom and Winter.
Then he left the Federation.
"Chief. Where are you headed?"
No time to rest.
Today was Winter's parent-teacher conference.
The boys huddled together, staring at one spot. "Whoa...", "No way..." murmurs spread.
They were staring at Winter.
It was the usual gaze at Lair Public Elementary. Winter found it no big deal and ignored it.
Early in the semester, always expressionless and blunt, with an oddly mature air, the kids had been intimidated by Winter. The dragon's dignity played a part too.
Even the teacher worried about her social skills.
But once Winter got a taste for money...
She started connecting with peers.
"I lost my OMR pen, Winter. How much?"
"...One thousand won."
"One thousand? Why so pricey?"
"...Huh?"
"You can buy 'em outside for five hundred."
"...Go buy one, then?"
Hardcore haggling got her scolded by the teacher.
So Winter changed strategy. Prep a few extras of daily supplies in advance.
But that wasn't all. Desperation made money.
"Forgot colored paper today. Sell any, Winter?"
"...Three thousand won."
"Huh? Why so much?"
"...Two packs."
"Supplies are one pack. Why..."
"......"
"Okay, got it. I'll find someone to share..."
Wicked peddler...!
Some kids hated on her, calling her a merchant.
"Hey! You're overcharging!"
"...Am I?"
"Yeah! Scammer!"
"...True."
"Wha...?!"
But Winter didn't care about haters. She barely noticed complaints. "Ugh!" The complainers got mad instead.
Plus, plenty defended her.
"No money? Don't buy. Why hassle our Winter?"
"Right! Did Winter force you?"
Kids she'd helped out of binds thanks to her.
To those defenders, Winter gave 100-won discounts next time. Grateful, they promoted her to friends.
Winter was learning marketing and VIP management on her own.
Besides, the closer they got, the more her blunt honesty charmed. Her cool, straightforward quips were unexpectedly appealing.
By semester's end, kids approached her more. Lately, three girls stuck to her like besties.
Today too, during break, they clustered, chitchatting.
Fourth grade. Topic: favorite boys.
Winter had zero interest. No profit.
Who looked cool in what clothes...
Saw a senior up close, he's so tall...
I don't like peers 'cause too young, prefer celeb X...
Winter nodded along boredly.
"What about you, Winter?"
"...Huh?"
"No crush?"
"...No."
"Any handsome guys?"
None really. Winter fiddled her hair.
"Why? Aaron sunbae is super handsome."
"...Who's that?"
"Y'know, the kid model senior."
Winter shook her head at the holo pic.
"...Meh."
Familiar reaction.
A bespectacled friend thought: Winter always half-mopey. But occasionally lit up.
When was that? Something clicked.
"Kanna. Obviously ugly to Winter."
"Aaron sunbae? Nah, your standards too high."
"Think. Winter's face is like this. Imagine her family."
A gasp swept.
Right.
Winter was the goddess of Lair Public Elementary...
One kid remembered something, startled.
"Right! Last time I saw Winter's sister? Come pick her up."
"Ehh? For real?"
"Yeah. I was shocked."
"Why? Pretty?"
"Yup. Insanely. Prettier than idols..."
Eyes turned to Winter. She smiled awkwardly.
Kids pondered next.
Sister that pretty too? Then dad or bro must be god-tier.
If like Winter... No wonder kid model Aaron's meh if that's daily since kid...
Eyes sparkling, kids surrounded Winter. Asked cautiously.
"Winter. Got a brother?"
"...No?"
"Dad?"
Such situations never got easier. Winter pondered.
Not dad by blood. But legally dad. No blood shared, so not dad, but dad-like care...
Finally, she nodded.
Kids freaked.
"Whoa! Why not say sooner!"
"What's your dad like? Age?"
Dunno exactly, maybe 400? Winter gave looks-based age.
"...Early 30s?"
Squeals erupted.
"What? So young? Married super early."
"Height? How tall?"
Winter had asked once, curious.
"...189?"
"Whoa, tall..."
"Awesome... Young, tall. Face too..."
Early 30s. 189cm. Highlighted by Winter's inherited face.
Kids pictured: Blue hair. Tall stature. Godlike face atop!
Winter's face brightened more, thinking of dad.
Yep. Crazy...
One couldn't hold back.
"Winter!"
"...Yeah?"
"Tell us about your dad?"
Chorus from beside.
"Yeah me too! Curious!"
"What's he like?"
Winter blinked. Paused silent, then grinned wide. Rare smile. Something sparked. "What!", "Tell us!" Kids nagged.
"...Curious?"
"Yes!", "Quick!"
"...Really?"
"Yesss! Yes! Yes!", "No teasing, spill!"
Winter curled her fingers into a circle, smiling.
"...Five hundred won."