Hey, I've Seen This in Spider-Man

Kim Yujin was slightly taken aback by the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠scene before him.

Geukjin Jireugi was a fairly powerful technique in its own right. Since it unleashed all the power gathered in full force, its destructive might was tremendous. It could blow opponents away with just the shockwave, even without the fist making contact. In fact, he'd once taken down a monster lunging at the class president with a single strike.

That should have been the case—

But it's not having much effect?

The mana storm remained unscathed even after taking a direct hit from Geukjin Jireugi. Of course, it wasn't completely meaningless. It had at least created a small opening, allowing him to push forward a bit.

But the seemingly endless storm quickly filled the gap. To make matters worse, the deeper he went, the fiercer the storm grew.

Can I keep pushing inward like this?

Even if he made it in, would he really be able to reach Younghee? Gritting his teeth, Yujin stepped forward anyway.

"Urk!"

The mana force shoving him back was immense. Something sharp whistled past his cheek with a slash!, drawing blood that trickled from the shallow cut.

This is all coming from Younghee's body?

No matter how he thought about it, this wasn't normal. If his knowledge was correct, the amount of mana in a human body was finite. There were exceptions like Kim Taejin, who possessed an enormous quantity due to individual differences, but Younghee surely wasn't on that level.

Yet if she was generating a mana storm of this magnitude, what would happen to her body in the end? It wasn't hard to imagine.

"Hoo, no time to scout it out half-assed."

Of course, even Yujin found this situation frightening. But what scared him more was the fear that his hesitation might lead to an irreversible outcome. Lost lives couldn't be brought back.

Having steeled his resolve, Yujin raised his arm.

"Hup!"

-Kwaaaang!

He swung his fist with all his might. It was just a plain old punch. But in terms of putting everything into it, it was no different from Geukjin Jireugi.

This'll work!

At the same time, he swung his other fist. Once, twice, three times, ten times, twenty times. That hand never stopped. He just kept unleashing full-power punches relentlessly.

Watching the spectacle from right beside him, Lime was dumbfounded.

Is he seriously 'punching' through a mana storm head-on right now?

Every single blow was at full power. It wasn't some advanced technique with finesse. He was just wildly smashing away.

It was like firing missiles at a tornado nonstop until it eventually dissipated. An utterly simple, brutish method.

But that's exactly why it worked.

No matter how fierce the mana storm, if you keep canceling it out with this much impact, gaps are bound to form...

The mana storm eroded the caster's reserves, but at the same time, it served as a powerful barrier protecting them until then. It was akin to endlessly depleting that barrier.

The key point was that there was a limit to how much mana Younghee could output at once, no matter what.

If faced with a wall that regenerated infinitely, destroy it faster than it could regenerate. When the impact overwhelmed the mana, a path would open accordingly.

-Crunch!

"Grk!"

But it wasn't entirely risk-free for Yujin. He was unleashing full-power strikes dozens of times over. His bones creaked, and his muscles screamed in agony.

Still, he couldn't stop. The moment he did, the path would vanish.

Just keep moving.

Deafening roars echoed. The massive storm tried to swallow him in resistance. Yujin forced it open.

Just think about pushing forward.

......

He'd already reached the center of the black mana. At this point, there was no retreating. The moment he hesitated, the black mana would tear him apart.

It was akin to a natural disaster. A normal human might have knelt before its power and terror.

But.

A little more!

Yujin knew none of that. The dangers of the black mana or whatever—none of it mattered. All he knew was that a friend needed saving right in front of him. That was everything.

"Uwooooooo!"

-Kwajik!

Finally, a gap tore open, revealing a wide path. Without hesitation, Yujin charged in.

Younghee's figure came into view at last. He swung mercilessly at the black curtain blocking her.

-Splurtch!

A chilling rupture echoed. But it wasn't the sound of the curtain breaking.

It came from Yujin's extended fist.

It's tough!

If the storm so far had been a wall, this was a shield proper. Even a full-power punch couldn't breach its solidity.

-Dodge!!

Lime on his head shouted. Too late, black mana snaked toward Yujin from all sides like serpents.

But he couldn't stop. Halting now meant no second chance. He sensed it instinctively.

Yet dodging would mean death.

At that moment—

Puhak!!

A blue sword strike flew in from afar, slicing through the black mana in one clean cut. Far off, Cheolsu was visible bringing his sword down.

"Cough! He must have pushed himself too hard—Cheolsu's body collapsed on the spot. Yet his gaze remained fixed on Yujin.

You save her.

That's what his eyes seemed to say. Taking in that look, Yujin hardened his resolve. Without hesitation.

He raised his other hand. Gripping that fist even tighter.

He ignored the alert sounds for now. But he felt the power surging into his fist grow even stronger.

Soon, a massive roar echoed. It was the sound of Yujin smashing the black curtain.

With that, the final barrier enveloping Younghee shattered.

"Lime!"

-Ah, seriously! I'm gonna be pissed when we get back!

With her shout, Lime leaped in. Her tiny hand finally touched Younghee's body.

And—

****

Better off than I thought.

Kim Cheolsu thought as he flexed his arm.

How many times had he ended up in the hospital now? The only upside to this useless body was its quick recovery.

The doctor who'd examined him had even seriously suggested he volunteer for human experiments. Well, if that made him a hospital VVIP or something, maybe. But wasting time on an operating table? Better to just train quietly.

In the end, I couldn't save Younghee.

That thought alone brought a bitter smile he couldn't suppress.

Of course, he knew it was unavoidable. He was aware he'd trained to the point of death. He'd given his all. He'd never thought his talent lacking.

It was a form of arrogance. He knew countless kids were striving to reach his level.

Still, there was an uncrossable wall between Kim Yujin and me.

This incident had some excuses, sure. His body wasn't at full strength from the injury. Hell, he'd heard it was touch-and-go for survival. No weapon either, so he'd had to form one with mana. Worst condition, worst situation, swordless swordsman. If he performed at half his usual level, it'd be a miracle.

But that didn't console Cheolsu.

Even at my peak, what could I have done?

He had no idea how to stop rampaging mana. All he'd managed was clinging and wailing.

In the end, he'd failed, and Kim Yujin succeeded. Just that difference.

...Pathetic.

Back then, saving Younghee was all that mattered. Now, doubt crept in sometimes. Could he really surpass Kim Yujin? Maybe Younghee was happier by that guy's side after all. At least Yujin wouldn't let his woman get hurt.

Useless thoughts.

Cheolsu shook off the feelings. Dwelling was fine, but not now.

"Hoo." He took a deep breath. Before him was the door to a hospital room.

Not like it had been ages since they'd met. But after that incident, maybe? Tension parched his throat anyway.

-Knock knock.

Gathering courage, Cheolsu knocked. His palm was slick with sweat.

A familiar "Yes~?" came from beyond.

He gripped the handle. Even that took monumental resolve.

Opening the door revealed the room. A premium single room, courtesy of Heukcheon. No idea why, but they were providing quite the conveniences for this mess. No need to refuse free favors. Especially not in his position.

"Pardon the intrusion."

Spacious room, faint song playing softly, white bed. On it sat a black-haired girl in patient garb, propped up on her upper body.

Younghee. The girl Cheolsu treasured above all, the one he wanted to protect.

She slowly turned her head.

Ah.

She was alive. Amid that despair, Younghee had survived intact. Her appearance hadn't changed much, he thought. The short bob of black hair, the innocently shining dark eyes. Everything was the Younghee he knew.

Just that ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠brought salvation. His efforts hadn't been entirely futile. It felt like proof.

"Younghee..."

He called her name again. She lifted her head. White curtains fluttered behind her.

Against that backdrop, Younghee tilted her head.

Then her lips parted slowly, very slowly.

"Who... are you?"

Her unexpected response froze Cheolsu in place.

"Do you know me?"

The girl asked with painfully pure innocence.

◇◇◇

"Younghee?"

Cheolsu approached, calling his childhood friend's name. Realizing his mistake the instant he did.

"Eek!" Younghee shuddered, curling up. Terrified face.

"Ah, s-sorry. C-could you not come closer?"

Her dark eyes shook anxiously. Clutching the blanket tightly, she kept peeking at him. Like facing a frightening foe.

Cheolsu's feigned calm face hardened. Younghee was scared of him right now.

"It's okay, Younghee. I won't hurt you."

"N-not that. Actually, I... g-get anxious when strangers approach."

Younghee edged back slightly. No room left with the bed against the wall, yet she tried anyway. Still watching him warily.

......

"Ah, n-no. S-sorry. Didn't mean to hurt you. What should I say... The doctor said it's physiological."

"......"

"S-so... d-don't cry."

Cry? Was he making that face?

Younghee looked guilty. Even trembling in fear, she considered others' feelings. Classic kind-hearted Younghee.

Memory loss, and scared of me... that's it.

Social phobia. The term popped into mind.

He'd thought he'd accept any outcome if she lived. But this reaction tore at his heart more than imagined.

As Cheolsu barely regained composure, Younghee watched him anxiously.

"S-sorry..."

Cheolsu belatedly noticed her expression. Fear mixed with apology toward him. A messy face.

He could tell it was genuine. Like instinctively grimacing at a bad smell. Unconscious for her too.

"It's fine. You didn't do anything wrong, Younghee."

Cheolsu chose words carefully. Cautiously took one step forward.

"S-sorry! I was wrong!"

Just one step. Yet Younghee reacted sharply. Pulled the blanket over, trembling as she peeked.

Then forced a smile. Awkward, lips tugged up unnaturally.

"I-I have nothing. No money, no parents. S-someone like me is useless. So... c-can you just leave me alone?"

A fawning expression to appease him. Younghee wasn't the type for that. Not with their bond.

But now. The distance felt impossibly vast.

"Younghee, don't you recognize me?"

"Ehehe, sorry. I-I lost my memories. Sorry. Don't get mad."

What the hell was this? How should he handle it?

Memory loss might've been okay. But facing a girl trembling just at him? What could he do without terrifying her more?

Maybe better if he wasn't here—

-Slide.

The door opened then. Yujin, white bandages on his hand.

Spotting Cheolsu, Yujin sharply inhaled.

"Cheolsu—"

"Y-Yujin-ssi!"

Younghee suddenly leaped from bed, dashing behind Yujin. Like a kid hiding from strangers behind a parent.

Even Yujin looked troubled by the reaction. Cheolsu's face was corpse-like.

"Cheolsu—"

"Sorry."

Cheolsu cut Yujin off. No way he could stay calm now.

Yujin fine, him not? That it?

"Thanks for saving Younghee. But right now... right now..."

Cheolsu trailed off, head bowed. Unable to bear it, he slowly exited the room.

…*

Hospital corner bench. Cheolsu leaned back against it.

Aaah, damn. So human hearts could sink this low. He even missed the days fighting solely against Yujin.

-Ding.

His phone buzzed. A massive sum—hundreds of millions—deposited.

Cheolsu tossed it aside expressionlessly.

"Hey. At least check it? I put in quite a bit."

Turning, Park Secretary approached.

Suddenly all formal speech? Odd thought.

He sat naturally beside.

Cheolsu stared ahead, then spoke heavily.

"......Why'd Younghee end up like that?"

"A form of PTSD, they say. Body's fine, but mentally overwhelmed—rejects memories and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠people. Even fears the doctors approaching."

"Yujin was fine."

"He's the one who saved her."

No retort to that. No matter what, Yujin pulled Younghee from hell. Made sense she'd depend only on him.

Acceptance... he couldn't force it.

"This incident wasn't under Yujin-nim's orders."

"I know. Yujin's after Younghee, not to hurt her. Never once forced her with strength. I vaguely sense other causes for this mess."

"......But we know the culprits."

Deep in thought, Cheolsu turned unconsciously. Park Secretary pulled documents from his bag. Heukcheon figures and data.

"This?"

"Data list on those behind this."

Cheolsu scanned gravely. Heukcheon involved, as expected.

"Why give this to me? Aren't they your side?"

"Even Heukcheon has factions."

Per his explanation, Yujin wasn't fully accepted as heir yet. Some executives wanted him ousted or eliminated. These perps were theirs.

"Doesn't add up. Why target Younghee?"

"Eh, call it the pervert in charge."

No way Yujin predicted even Dr. Jekyll's depravity. Pointless against the irrational.

"Anyway, those are the ones who did this to Younghee."

".......So why tell me?"

"Revenge, obviously."

Park Secretary replied like what a question.

Cheolsu recalled this man and Yujin were Heukcheon. Natural mindset for them: repay blows tenfold, kill for revenge.

Cheolsu chuckled dryly.

"In the end, you ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠handle rivals without dirtying hands."

Yujin gained most from this. Did nothing, yet got pretext to eliminate foes via others. Even saved Younghee.

Park Secretary nodded leisurely.

"Ever think Yujin-nim orchestrated it all?"

"......What?"

"Think it's all coincidence? You all in survival test together, Younghee and you fighting, this rampage?"

He knew it wasn't random. These docs' doing, right?

But Yujin predicted everything? Stayed away deliberately, appeared only at key moment to save her?

".......Impossible."

"But that's how it played out."

Cheolsu pondered silently. Yujin benefited most. And he must've known Dr. Jekyll's plans—let it slide on purpose.

Why, though.

"No, even so..."

"Yujin-nim predicted you'd want to kill Dr. Jekyll yourself."

Park Secretary smiled, like boasting. Probably felt that way.

"Of course, not the full rampage. That's why he rushed in recklessly to save her."

Her memory loss and rampage outside his calc too. But even that benefited him. Showed his freakish power, made Younghee rely solely on him.

All in Yujin's plans?

Hostile execs, them targeting those around like Younghee, even his own thirst for revenge?

Chills ran down his spine. How far did he scheme? All these calculations behind his back unbeknownst.

Who he'd truly faced sank in anew.

"......Why tell me? Easier to hide and maneuver."

"Minimal sincerity. Watching this, I acknowledge you somewhat."

Cheolsu was straightforward. Trials that'd break normals multiple times—he endured. Look now: eyes reignited with clear target.

Frankly, enviable talent. If not Yujin-nim's foe.

"Acting generous. You profit anyway."

"Gotta do that much. You wouldn't bare teeth at the man who saved your woman."

Cheolsu clenched his fist silently. Couldn't deny.

Regardless, Yujin saved Younghee's life. Gratitude obligatory.

"Besides, to us, Dr. Jekyll's just a cocky punk. Kill him? Easy if we want."

A hassle, but doable anytime. That's his weight to them.

"But unlike us, you want to kill him yourself. This is your chance."

Park Secretary said clearly. Serpent's tongue.

"Eh, but you'd die as is. Take this."

He slid over a box. Black sword inside.

"This?"

"Custom-ordered special. Better than your current one."

Sounded legit. As swordsman, Cheolsu knew blades. Near top-tier, no flaws.

Even class prez's gift was good—this superior.

"Why me?"

"We benefit if you last longer. What you cut with it? Your call."

Done talking, Park Secretary rose without lingering.

Cheolsu stared at the received sword.

Revenge...

Younghee needed time to recover anyway. Might as well do what he could now.

Cheolsu's eyes began to gleam like a vengeful spirit's.