Golden Age
I replied to her KakaoTalk asking what I ate with, 'Spinach soybean paste soup and grilled mackerel.'
Sure enough, less than ten seconds later, another message popped up.
'As if...' I clicked my tongue with a tsk tsk and sent back,
'...Something tasty.' Chatting like this somehow made it feel like we were dating.
But that feeling didn't last. I shook my head to dispel any budding expectations. After all, Yu Seoyeon probably saw me less as a romantic interest and more as a benefactor she needed to repay.
'Who am I to dream?' Clicking my tongue again, I quickly replied, 'Sure, sounds good.'
Not long after, another ding!
Confirming her reply, I let out a soft chuckle and sent a simple 'Yes' before checking the time.
'Time to get started.' It was pushing toward 2 p.m.
I closed KakaoTalk, pulled my earbuds from my bag, plugged them in, and searched for the women's pro volleyball match starting at 2 on my smartphone. I hit play.
"...I have a feeling they might pull off a win."
"Daehan Construction's strong in serves and blocking, so they'll need to watch those errors."
As the commentators chatted, the Daehan Construction roster appeared on screen.
"Daehan Construction fields Yoon Ha-young, Kim Minseo, Lee Tae-young, Yoo Eun-jin, Tanya, setter Shin Yeo-jeong, and defensive specialist Kim Yuri."
Each player's profile photo flashed by, all of them stunning beauties, but Minseo especially stood out as a knockout.
'I'm such a proud manager.' I gave a wry smile and focused on the commentary.
"The big news is Kim Minseo making her debut start."
"Right. Daehan's been hit hard by injuries to their attackers. Who's this Kim Minseo?"
"She was the star who led her high school, Seoul Central Girls' High, to a championship. She burst onto the scene as a promising rookie amid all the hype. But she struggled in her pro debut and faded without many chances."
The male caster sounded puzzled. "Putting her in for such a crucial match?"
"True, she's been weak on the pro stage so far, but that doesn't mean her explosive power is lacking. Daehan's likely using her as their key card this game."
"So she's the one to watch."
"Yeah, keep an eye on her."
"Exciting! Now, GS Caltex counters with Yoo Se-young, Lee Min-kyung, Jang Young-seo, Jung Moon-hee, Niel, setter Yoo Garam, and defensive specialist Lee Hyo-jeong. Foreigner vs. foreigner right out the gate—sparks will fly."
"Yep. Foreigner showdown aside, watch Minseo's chemistry with her teammates, and the serve battle between the two sides."
"Niel leads the league in serves this season, with Daehan's Kim Yuri hot on her heels. Both warming up now."
The players took their positions on court, signaling the real action was about to begin. Amid the shifting cameras, I spotted Minseo's tense face, clenching and unclenching her fists.
'You got this.' I cheered her on silently.
"Daehan needs balance like GS to keep it competitive."
"Set one underway with Kim Yuri's serve!"
Kim Yuri served. GS Caltex received cleanly and quick-attacked. "Lee Tae-young blocks it! But GS still has it. Niel attacks—scores!"
Daehan lost the first point to GS's quick combo.
"GS leads the league in receives, no question."
"Yeah."
"Daehan's dead last there, so they need fewer errors and play to their strengths."
As predicted, GS was stuffing Daehan's attacks and transitioning smoothly. Daehan wobbled early under Niel's power spikes, failing to defend properly. Balls weren't reaching Minseo or Tanya reliably.
'Already 4-0.' The gap widened fast.
'...Should I call her?' As I debated summoning Minseo mid-game, Shin Yeo-jeong suddenly yelled something. Niel served right then.
"Quick serve! Lee Tae-young quick-attacks for the point!"
Lee Tae-young received Niel's serve, tossed to Tanya, who slammed it home.
"Beautiful score."
"Daehan's centers overpower GS's. Keep that up, and a comeback's possible."
Momentum shifted. Daehan pressed with Kim Yuri's serves. But GS marked Niel tightly, stifling attacks.
"Impressive disruption of Daehan's links. GS's coach scouted well."
"Yes. Daehan's issue is attacker Kim Minseo. She needs to step up."
Minseo was indeed lackluster. Any hint of an attack, and she'd shy away from the block like it scared her.
"Kim Yuri serves! Lee Min-kyung receives! Niel attacks—but Lee Tae-young blocks! Tanya chases the loose ball. Kim Minseo sets it up with a three-touch."
She could've spiked but opted for a safe three-touch pass. Commentators let out a brief ah! of regret before GS's frantic rally pulled their focus.
"Tight ball. Flipped to the other side—GS hammers it! Point!"
"Niel and Tanya are both beasts, but Niel edges out with fewer errors. Shining here. What a spike."
The hype was all on Niel. Minseo's timidity got somewhat buried—thankfully. But pausing the stream to check chat? Pure vitriol against her. The hate was so vicious, it made me grimace.
Minseo's on-camera look wasn't great either.
"Niel's spike makes it 8-3. GS hits technical timeout first."
Niel scored again during it, grabbing the timeout. Play paused for 60 seconds each side.
'This looks bad.' I stopped the stream and launched the Manager App.
Congratulations!
Daily check-in successful!
Random Item Box reward granted.
Claim your Random Item Box?
[Yes / No]
I hit Yes on the prompt.
Congratulations!
Acquired item 'Hypnosis (1 use)'!
◈ Issue any command to the target. Duration based on target's level (min 0 sec / max 1 hour).
'Pretty useful... but not right now.' I skipped past it, opened the trainee list, and selected Kim Minseo.
Proceed directly to the Training Room?
Caution: Cannot return until training ends.
[Yes / No]
I hit Yes. My vision darkened briefly, then lit up in the decadent glow of the Training Room.
I headed straight to the wall lined with masks.
'Missing that one.' The one I'd given Elena was gone. I clicked my tongue.
'...Whatever.' Shaking it off, I grabbed a suitable mask, slipped it on, selected a cloak to hide my patient gown, draped it over myself, and entered Room 1.
========== Author's Note ==========
It says [Awakening Time!] but read it as [Training Time!].