Farewell to the Mentor
The promised week passed faster than expected. Both Yujin and Kim Taejin felt a pang of regret as they faced each other. Unlike the first day, Kim Taejin had come out to the front gate to see him off.
"Good work."
Kim Taejin said with a wistful smile.
"I was planning to chase you off from the start, but somehow you lasted the whole week."
"It was great training with you, Senior."
Yujin meant it. The surroundings were peaceful, no tricky human relationships to navigate. Just a strangely mature little girl. Even for an outcast like Yujin, it had been a comfortable space. Of course, living here forever would be a problem.
"Can I come back sometime?"
"......Who knows."
For all her talk, Kim Taejin was at odds with Heukcheon. Regular meetings with its heir weren't ideal. Rumors could spread in the industry, which wouldn't be good for her—or for Yujin. It might even make Heukcheon's executives question his qualifications.
"Well, come if you want."
But that's what Kim Taejin said. She liked Yujin. In just a week, she was seriously considering him as a disciple. More than that, she had high expectations. This kid might just change Heukcheon.
'He's still a fledgling, but I've trained him enough not to lose to most guys.' Even if he had to fight for his life, there wouldn't be a problem. Yujin could handle it now. Receiving instruction from Kim Taejin herself meant that much.
"Looks like your ride's here."
A black Bentley driven by Park Secretary came speeding from afar. It pulled up smoothly a short distance from the two. Park Secretary, still in his black sunglasses, bowed politely toward them.
"You've both worked hard."
"And who are you?"
"Ah, this is Park Secretary, the one who acts as my secretary."
Kim Taejin eyed Park Secretary, who had bowed at a perfect ninety degrees. B-rank top-tier, maybe low S-rank? Even for Heukcheon's heir, using a guy like this as a secretary? Was Heukcheon that bold, or was Yujin that impressive? Hard to say.
"Hey, you one of Heukcheon's lackeys?"
"No, sir. I'm the young master's glorious first sword."
Kim Taejin chuckled at the unexpected reply. She'd thought he was just a greenhorn, but he'd already built his own foundation.
"Interesting. Well, that boss of yours isn't exactly normal either."
Park Secretary said nothing. Internally, though, he was a bit shocked. He could tell from her tone and expression that it was praise.
'Kim Taejin giving praise?'
Kim Taejin was notorious among heroes for her harsh judgments. Especially against Heukcheon's heir. Unless Yujin had really won her over, it was impossible.
"As the heir's secretary, you can talk to the higher-ups, right?"
"I used to be the former chairman's personal secretary."
"Then pass this to your big boss: Kim Taejin will visit Heukcheon soon regarding Kim Yujin."
"What does that—"
"That's all I have to say to Heukcheon."
Kim Taejin turned back to Yujin without another word.
"Hey, brat."
"Come on, Senior. At least call me by name for our last goodbye."
"Shut it. You're still a fledgling."
"Ah, but at least I'm not an egg anymore. I did it!"
Kim Taejin stared at Yujin quietly. In that short time, her eyes showed genuine affection for her disciple.
"I saw potential in you. Don't let that flame go out—keep nurturing it."
"......Sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about!"
"Sigh, whatever. I'll have business on your side soon anyway. Until then, don't lose to anyone. Take care."
"I can promise that much!"
Defeat doesn't happen unless you fight, right? So if you don't fight, you won't lose. Outcasts were invincible that way.
"Always with the nonsense. Here, a parting gift."
Kim Taejin handed over a small pouch. Inside was a round, blue pill-like thing.
"What's this? Rice cake?"
"A Spirit Pill."
Spirit Pill. A solidified elixir that boosts one's power and capacity when consumed. This color marked it as top-grade. Even most S-rank heroes would covet it.
"Looks tasteless. I prefer sweet stuff."
Of course, Yujin had no clue about its value.
Kim Taejin sighed deeply.
"Use it in a dire situation where you're really tense."
"Like what?"
"Like when you're fighting someone."
In truth, Spirit Pills had risks. They massively amplified power temporarily, but the user lost rationality and turned into an aggressive monster. Using one mid-battle was risky—like a last-resort forbidden technique.
'Well, as Heukcheon's heir, he probably knows without me saying.'
That's why she gave it. Best not to use it, but given Heukcheon's environment, dangers lurked everywhere. For the worst-case scenario, to save his life at least.
"Anyway, stay healthy until we meet again."
"Yes! You too, Senior. Don't eat too salty with your age."
"Who's worrying who here?"
Kim Taejin waved lightly as she turned away. Watching her go, Park Secretary felt a shiver down his spine.
'Could she have been aiming for this?'
Yujin's standing in Heukcheon was low. Without achievements, no matter how strong, the executives wouldn't acknowledge him. Without winning them all over, he couldn't be true heir. Hell, they might even scheme against him. In other words, the current executives were his potential enemies.
But what if an S-rank hero like Kim Taejin got involved?
'It checks the executives, and scores massive credit for recruiting her.'
Of course, it wasn't easy. She was an S-rank hero who hated Heukcheon—a near-impossible target. Yet Yujin had pulled it off in just a week.
'What move did he use?'
Getting close enough to call her "Senior" in that time. Yujin was strong and clever, sure. But this good at socializing too?
'I need to step up, or I'll just hold the young master back.'
Park Secretary vowed to himself, gazing at Yujin with respect.
'Heh heh heh! Dodged seeing that so-called hero Kim Taejin in the end! Nice!'
The real Kim Yujin still had no idea the girl he'd spent the week with was Kim Taejin.
…
The next day.
After a week away, Yujin returned to the academy. For most, reuniting with friends would be exciting. But Yujin the outcast was different. If anything, the closer he got to school, the worse his condition became.
'Hey, my stomach hurts...'
-Why all of a sudden?
Yujin's antics weren't new. The slime watching from inside figured it was just another episode but asked out of courtesy.
'I'm nervous about going back to school after so long.'
-Now? You've been going for a while, haven't you?
'My daily-trained mental fortitude weakened over the past week.'
-You're insane.
It sounded ridiculous to others, but Yujin was dead serious. A whole week off before returning? He hadn't noticed going daily, but now anxiety hit hard. It felt awkwardly out of place.
'What if the kids think I'm weird?'
-They were probably happy without you.
A brutal fact bomb dropped. Wasn't that too much? Outcasts were delicate creatures—cut him some slack.
'You're a really bad person.'
-Took you long enough? Shut up and walk. You're already at the school gate anyway.
True enough, Yujin was at the front gate. He just paced without entering. Anyone watching might think a barrier was up.
'Psychological barriers are like wards to outcasts.'
The slime was getting pissed watching him mutter forever.
-Just go in. You have stuff to do anyway.
'But I promised a spar with Cheolsu this morning! What if I screw up like last time and he hates me?'
-......What could you possibly do to make him hate you more? Kill his parents?
'Cheolsu doesn't have parents, so I can't.'
-You're crazy. Were you planning to if he did?
Of course, Yujin had no such thought.
'But experience tells me something'll go wrong.'
-Realizing that now? What a relief. I'm tearing up.
Yujin was a growing outcast. Usually, worrying like this led to the worst outcomes. Probably this time too. Then getting close to Cheolsu again would be impossible. He had to avoid that at all costs.
'Ugh! Worrying made my stomach act up again...'
-You and your issues. Aren't you meeting a friend after a week? Your future relationships are on the line.
For an outcast like Yujin, not being tense would be weirder.
'Oh, right! That Spirit Pill!'
A thought flashed. Like enlightenment, he pulled out the pouch. Inside was Kim Taejin's Spirit Pill.
'She said eat it when tense or before fighting someone.'
Wasn't this perfect? Tense as hell, right before a spar. When else?
'Eat when tense? Like a calming pill?'
Better than nothing. Yujin popped the Spirit Pill in his mouth.
-You idiot!! Why eat that now, you fuck!!
The slime yelled urgently, but too late. As he swallowed, the pill's energy spread through his body. The mystical power surged, and his eyes began losing their light. His usual innocence faded, replaced by cold madness.
How much time passed? When Yujin lifted his head, something was different.
-......Hey, you okay?
"......Feels like shit."
-Holy fuck.
Murderous intent filled Yujin's eyes. The slime silently pitied the lunatic he'd soon fight: Cheolsu.