Clear After the Rain
"Pardon the intrusion."
The uniformed woman, Cha Su-rim, kicked off her high heels and stepped into my one-room apartment out of the blue. I briefly considered suggesting we head to a café, but decided against it. It was pouring outside anyway, and I had no shame about her seeing my living space. The idea that single guys live like slobs is just a stereotype. Thanks to my daily candle-lighting habit, there's no musty smell either. Above all, this was my place. She was the guest. No reason for me to feel awkward.
The only issue was that I'd just come back from the Tower. Right before opening the door for her, I'd stuffed my bloodstained clothes into the storage pouch and hopped into the shower. The bathroom was right by the entrance, making the trick possible. I poked my head out just to confirm she'd come in properly, but the sight of her slipping off those heels stopped me in my tracks. Was my single streak that long? I swallowed hard. Twenty-five years? Yeah, that qualified.
"Give me a sec. I'll be quick."
"No worries. Don't mind me."
She said not to mind, so I took my sweet time. Zoning out under hot water is my ultimate healing ritual. Still, out of courtesy, I cut it ten minutes shorter than usual. Felt kinda grimy, though? I'd hear her out, then shower again. Keeping a guest waiting wasn't ideal, but she'd shown up unannounced. Still, I'm a gentleman overflowing with manners. Without batting an eye, I spat out a white lie.
"Sorry. I meant to be out sooner, but..."
"No, it's fine. You just got back from the Tower."
Cha Su-rim smiled like she understood everything. But my soaking-wet shoulders pricked at my conscience. Should've turned on the heater first.
"Feeling settled now?"
"Ah, yeah, sorta. Not fully, but I can finish up after you go."
"...?"
Climber Gallery folks said awakeners are most sensitive right after returning from the Tower. Never happened to me, but post-battle stress can peak, leading to unpredictable outbursts. That's why the government "recommends" B-rank and above use protective facilities for climbs. Not that I'd ever need one. C-rank was plenty for me.
"Those wounds... you have a lot. Not recent ones, though."
Cha Su-rim hesitated before speaking. Fair question. My body looked pretty beat-up. Should've worn a long-sleeve tee—my bad.
"No big deal. Got jumped by a monster ages ago."
"Ah..."
It was over ten years old. A memory of loss I'd never forgotten, not for a second. But time really is medicine; now I could fake nonchalance, even if forced.
"Half are from solo training. No need to pity me."
"Pity? Never crossed my mind."
She startled, denying it vehemently.
"They look like badges of honor. Kinda cool, actually."
"Yeah? Thanks."
About ten years back, I was obsessed with martial arts. But no matter how hard I tried, I was just a regular guy. So I gave up. My revenge went down the drain. Haven't forgotten, though. I'd grow a bit more and track it down. That named monster they call it now.
"Glad you're safe, at least."
"Yeah. Got some help."
If only it'd been a tad faster. Well, that was probably the guy's best shot back then. Even I'd survive against Cha U-jin, the Four-Color Mage.
"So, what's the business?"
"Here to inform you about benefits for your updated rank."
"...?? Phone would've sufficed."
"You didn't pick up."
"Ah..."
I don't answer unknowns.
"Didn't read texts either."
"......"
Yeah, I'd blacklisted a ton of spam keywords. Pesky relatives always after insurance payouts.
"So, what's the benefit?"
Thick skin's best when cornered.
"Housing support."
"Oh?"
"Here's the info. Choi Do-yul, from now on, you qualify for a 60-pyeong penthouse in Gangbuk."
"...?!!"
"Also, reward payout incoming for protecting citizens."
Should've answered sooner! But something felt off.
"60-pyeong penthouse? That's B-rank perk, right?"
This sly fox was trying to dazzle me. The shock clouded my judgment briefly, but I snapped back. Climber Gallery once had a rank-benefits debate flooding pages 1-3. Mostly bellyaching, but I picked up trivia.
"Correct. Standard B-rank benefit."
"Then why..."
"You might not know, but fresh registrants are getting scout offers left and right. You can guess why."
Looked like my butterfly effect from Unknown was rippling through Korea's awakener scene. Unknown, you sinful bastard. You shook up the whole industry. But I hadn't gotten any offers... Oh, right. Unknown numbers and blocked texts.
"Korea's upping perks to retain talent. Yours stacks with the reward, so better terms."
Unknown, you cheeky genius. I'm reaping all your benefits. A 60-pyeong penthouse? The kind listing at 20 billion won sale, 200 million deposit, 15 million monthly rent? And I get to live there?
"One more thing—ignore any texts or voicemails claiming to verify you're Unknown for 10 billion-plus payouts."
10 billion? Suddenly wanted to check spam.
"Why?"
"They're all dead."
"...!"
"Rookies or so-called prodigies. Don't reply out of curiosity, Do-yul."
Me? I'm just a lowly C-rank scrub.
"Yeah, I'll watch it."
"Promise?"
"...Pardon?"
"Promise... sorry. Overstepped."
Cha Su-rim gave a wistful smile. What was that? She seemed desperate.
"Ahem. Any other questions?"
She changed topics, face flushing like she realized her pushiness. But I'm a gentleman. Played dumb.
Felt like I had to.
"Do I have to move?"
Perfect timing—my one-room felt cramped. But manly Choi Do-yul had to play coy once.
"Not mandatory. But."
She smiled faintly.
"You going or not?"
Hell yeah. Free upgrade? No-brainer.
"Better perks unlock at official B-rank."
"Not planning to rank up."
B-ranks get hassles like leading raids.
"Just sharing what you need to know."
Her meaningful smile felt suspicious. Wondered if she suspected I was Unknown. But her breathing, pulse—checked with new senses—were steady. No pupil dilation, no tremors. Felt more like she was desperate to give more. Near-obsessive.
Didn't pry. She seemed normal, but one poke and she'd cry.
"I'll move."
"You sure?"
Words said one thing, but her eyes begged yes. Pure goodwill, not shady. Team leader's busy, yet she came, waited. Couldn't ignore that sincerity. Weak to genuine hearts.
I nodded quietly.
"Great. Address change today, mover on your schedule. Just bring yourself; we'll handle the rest..."
And so, thanks to Unknown (?), I scored a 60-pyeong penthouse move. Sweet.
After Cha Su-rim left for the Association, alone again, I scorched myself under hot water once more (important) and plopped at the PC.
Rumble-crash!!
"Ack! Scared me!"
What downpour was this? Deafening thunder had me peering out at a torrent. Lightning bleached the sky white, fat raindrops pummeling like mad. Hole in the heavens?
"No rain forecast..."
Radio always on when bored, so I track weather daily. This week's forecast was clear skies all week. Now a flood warning?
"Meteorology doing nothing?"
Anyway, coffee time. Moody vibe. Modern luxury—instant powder whisked in cold water makes Americano. Ice cubes? Iced Americano done. My one indulgence. Cheap beans' bitterness calms the soul. Radio on, perfect.
Felt like I forgot something crucial. Call Myeolgeuk? Gut said now or regret later.
Ten minutes later:
That single vowel packed rage. Hallucinating?
Whoa... Mind-boggling ID. Couldn't resist; fired up the net for match history. Jaw-dropping. Loss, loss, loss, loss... Fiery defeat parade. Fitting for a fire cultivator—history screen blood-red. Top champs: stubborn axe warrior, bare-knuckle brawler? Rank: Iron. Winrate: 22%.
"Hmm..."
Speechless. How deep the fall?
Refreshed history. Latest: StoneFaith
No stuff, but felt like making some.
Own what?
Guilt triangle spun, stabbing my conscience. Yeah, I was the villain.
Like a pig to slaughter. Endless abyss ahead. My karma.
Matched her pick.
Even support? Fine. Jungle? Hope flickered.
Until her next lines.
"......"
[Your team has lost]
[Your team has lost]
[Your team has l...]
That day, Myeolgeuk and I hit a five-game losing streak. Chirp-chirp. Happened on a sunny afternoon, fierce rain finally cleared.