Master-Disciple: One of the Hottest Genres Hands Down
A short while later, Yujin headed to Kim Taejin's training grounds. Even Park Secretary's demeanor was different from usual that day. As he drove him there, he kept pouring out his worries.
"Young master, are you sure you're okay with this? Our relationship with Kim Taejin isn't exactly friendly."
In the past, Kim Taejin had fought one of Black Heaven's S-rank heroes. The result was an overwhelming victory for Kim Taejin. It was a blow to Black Heaven's pride and a clear declaration that she was drawing a firm line between herself and them. Even if it was just for a week, becoming the disciple of someone like that wasn't something Black Heaven would welcome.
'It could even leave a bad impression on the organization's executives.'
Even as Black Heaven's heir, not everyone in the organization fully recognized it yet. Especially the prominent executives. They hadn't officially acknowledged Yujin, who had no track record to speak of. Show any weakness, and there was even the risk of a coup. No, his mother, the current leader, might strip him of his qualifications first.
That's why Park Secretary was unusually worried.
'And Kim Taejin is no pushover. Even a typical S-rank hero would have to bow their head to her.'
Kim Taejin was a true powerhouse whom even he couldn't handle easily. One wrong move, and it could turn into an irreversible disaster.
But Yujin himself was just staring out the window, lost in thought.
'Shit. Why didn't you tell me sooner?'
He was filled with massive regret inside.
'I thought she was just some strong, scary person! I had no idea she hated our family that much!'
If he'd known, he would've made up some excuse to back out. She hated Black Heaven, and she was an S-rank hero to boot. This was like walking straight into the tiger's mouth. Would a nobody like him even survive one punch? Eungheongheong! I'm so scared! I'm gonna die!
Yujin genuinely felt like bursting into tears.
But he couldn't back out now. The appointment was already set, and all the contacts had been made. Running away at this point might provoke her to come hunting him down with a "How dare you ghost me!"
Either way, he was dead. Nietzsche who? I think I'm going first.
'I didn't even want to meet this Kim Taejin person in the first place! Why does a total outcast like me, who's too busy trying to make friends, have to go through this crap?!'
He repeated that to himself a hundred times. Of course, only in his head. An outcast loser like him didn't have the guts to say it out loud.
'Sniff. It's like being forced to line up in front of a haunted house I don't even want to enter.'
Anyway, it was too late now. Park Secretary's words were just fueling his terror. Better to tune them out entirely.
"Park Secretary."
"Yes!"
"You don't need to say anything."
"Ah! S-sorry! I overstepped!"
Park Secretary flinched and bowed his head.
'Right, the young master must have his reasons.'
He'd never fully understood everything Yujin did. But it all turned out to be part of some grand scheme he'd orchestrated. This was surely no different—just another piece in Yujin's massive plan. All he had to do was quietly do his job.
'I wonder what he's planning against even Kim Taejin.'
Park Secretary's worried expression vanished, replaced by eyes brimming with anticipation as he gazed at Yujin. There was an unfathomable depth in that window-gazing stare that he couldn't even imagine. Of course, if he'd known, Yujin was basically on the verge of dying from tension.
'Yeah! While the young master's away, I'll do my part! He's always looking to the future and charging ahead!'
To the thoroughly deluded man, Yujin looked like Zhuge Liang preparing to receive a thousand arrows.
"We've arrived! I can't go any further from here. Good luck!"
Park Secretary said that and hurriedly drove off.
Ah...... He could've at least walked me in a bit. Didn't expect him to bolt without looking back. Now there's really no turning back.
'Sniff, he's scared of S-rank heroes too, huh? I'll get revenge later..... I'll deliberately leave school late on purpose!'
Yujin sniffled half in tears as he stared ahead. What stood there was a massive hanok that evoked images of a palace. Why live in a place like this when the city's right there? High-level masters were impossible to understand.
'C-can I really just barge into a place like this? What if I get punched for entering without permission?'
Yujin paced in front of the gate for a good while. Even entering a new store, an outcast would lurk outside for ten minutes scoping the vibe. And this was a gigantic hanok? Difficulty level way too high.
'Hoo, it's fine. The homeroom teacher already told them everything. Yeah..... Just a bit more mental prep!'
After thirty minutes of pacing, he finally timidly knocked on the door. The door was ridiculously huge—could a person even open it?
"Ex-excuse me."
No response. Feels like a ghost town. Is no one home? Hehe! Guess I have no choice! Should I head back? Oh, wait, I don't know the way back. Damn.
'W-wait, if no one's really here, am I stranded?'
Sudden anxiety hit. No way was an S-rank hero scarier than starving to death. Yujin pushed the door with his hand, not really expecting it to open.
But.
-Creak.
'It's open?'
He wondered if he should just go in anyway, but it was already open—no point now. No one answered anyway, so no crime there. Originally, he'd only knocked once? Yujin peeked inside, just sticking his head through.
"Ex-excuse me......"
The interior evoked the Joseon era just as much as the exterior. And there, someone was present. A small girl in hanbok. On her back was a load carrier that didn't suit her at all. Piled high with firewood.
'C-cute!'
There were only two types an outcast never felt awkward around: kids and cats. Thanks to that, Yujin could approach relatively calmly.
"Um, excuse......"
"How did you get in here?"
The girl spoke first as he tried to talk. Her tone was fiercer than expected, making him flinch a bit.
"Th-the door was open, so......"
"That door? It shouldn't open easily."
"Huh? It just opened."
Yujin scratched his head, his strength stat over 50. Was this off-limits? But no one answered when he called. Cut him some slack. Wait, did he only call once?
"Um......"
"Are you Black Heaven's heir by any chance?"
Huh, she knows me? Yujin squinted, then pieced it together.
'Ah! She's one of Hero Kim Taejin's disciples too!'
That explained the subtly arrogant tone and fierce aura.
'Sniff, no wonder her heart's worn down under that scary S-rank hero.'
Look at that load carrier! Way too heavy for a little girl! That's child labor violation right there. That Kim Taejin S-rank hero's gotta be a total beast!
"Yeah, that's me. Kim Yujin from Black Heaven."
"Hmmm...... Quite the impudent one. Can't even use proper respect?"
He almost burst out laughing. A kid acting like that was too adorable.
'Hmmm, since she spoke first, she wants senior treatment?'
For a hero's disciple, she had a childish side. But Yujin fancied himself an outcast who could read the room. He switched modes, clasping his fist in a formal salute and bowing deeply like he'd seen somewhere.
"Sorry, Senior. I didn't recognize you due to my shortcomings."
"Heh, Senior, eh? Well, as a hero, I suppose I am your senior. Not bad for Black Heaven stock."
"Glad I meet your approval."
Mmm, perfect. Nailing the communication! Even if it's just a kid, this is growth!
The girl stared at Yujin for a moment, then shrugged.
"Impressive. You don't even flinch at my killing intent."
"Huh? Killing intent?"
Yujin tilted his head. Killing intent? Never felt that in his life. Was not sensing it a fail? Oh god, can I go home now?!
"Hmph, whatever. Makes sense if you're that woman's son. For now, as my temporary disciple, welcome aboard."
Yujin was disappointed but hid it. They'd be together for a week anyway. No need to react poorly.
"You've got some guts, opening the door like it was nothing. That woman was right to praise you."
"Woman?"
"Your teacher."
Ah, the homeroom teacher. Yeah, without her recommendation, he wouldn't be here.
......Thinking about it, it felt kinda weird. He appreciated her looking out for an outcast like him, but shoving her precious disciple into these mountains? Outcasts are sensitive creatures who get lonely easily—they need delicate care from a distance......
"Whatever! Go inside for now. I need to finish this work."
"No need for your wife... I mean, let me carry it."
Yujin stopped the girl as she started walking. He reached out, half-forcibly taking the load carrier and slinging it over his own shoulder.
"Hah, you?"
"This is my job."
How could anyone make a kid do manual labor? As someone with basic common sense, he couldn't allow it.
The girl watched him quietly, then scratched her cheek.
!
!....
.........
"You really from Black Heaven?"
"Kinda."
"Heh, what a weirdo. Fine. Follow me then."
"Ah, yes!"
Yujin shouted energetically and followed the girl, who walked ahead with hands behind her back.
And so, the first day of training began.