Chapter 26
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: Gifts and a New Journey
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Chirp chirp
Sparrows perched on the windowsill chirped away.
As the birds sang their cheerful songs, there was one person having a quieter morning than anyone else.
It was Yuhyeon.
Ugh
Light streamed through the crack in the window, and Yuhyeon slowly opened his eyes.
He didn't need to check the time to know it was already midday.
Haaah.
Yuhyeon stretched languidly with a drowsy expression.
After logging out yesterday, he had returned home and slept as if hed been knocked unconscious.
It had been a while since hed slept so deeply.
Mmm.
Yuhyeon did some light stretching.
He rolled his neck and stretched his arms out, but unlike usual, there wasn't a single sore spot.
My condition is great. Maybe its because I slept so well for the first time in a while.
He closed his eyes, humming as he recalled the events of the previous day.
He raised his hands into the air and moved them as if a piano were there.
His hands danced lightly, as if pressing upon black and white keys.
Hmm.
As he moved his hands, the memories of his time in Wonderland began to resurface.
The successful performance through the downpour, the impromptu jam session with the other musicians
The lingering feeling from that time still made the fingertips pressing into the empty air tremble.
Its been a long time since Ive felt this way.
In his childhood, he had often experienced such vivid emotions.
The kind of feeling where the afterglow of the previous day carried over, making it impossible not to touch an instrument.
This was the first time hed felt this way since he lost his hearing.
Should I give it a try?
His gaze, which had been following his moving hands, shifted to the shelf.
It was filled with LPs and his cherished collection of classical albums.
Yuhyeon took an LP from an album and skillfully placed it on the turntable.
Crackle.
The elegant melody of a violin began to fill his room.
It was one of his most beloved pieces, Paganini's Cadenza.
It really has been a while.
Yuhyeon took out his carefully stored violin and rested it on his shoulder.
He expertly assumed his posture and lightly flicked the bow.
Screech.
A dull, unpleasant sound came from the violin.
He could tell as much without needing to hear it directly.
Its been neglected for a long time.
The texture felt rougher than before, and the vibrations were uneven.
It would be a miracle to produce a good sound from it in this state.
How long has it been since I last played?
It was his personal violin, one he hadn't touched a single time since the accident.
He knew that if he took it out, he would inevitably long for his brilliant past.
That he was playing it again now was nothing short of a miracle.
That was how profound an emotional impact Wonderland had on him.
If it werent for Wonderland, I would have never felt this again.
Playing Wonderland for the past few days, Yuhyeon had caught a glimpse of new hope.
He learned that there was a special kind of performance only he could do, and he obtained a legendary skill and class that others couldn't.
He even unlocked his potential as a composer through the inspiration he gained in Wonderland.
So much so that Team Leader Park Jeonghu from SAM Entertainment had offered him a contract.
It opened a new path for me.
In the few years Yuhyeon had spent cooped up in his tiny room, the world had changed rapidly.
A world where it was no longer a joke to use up all your vacation days to play Wonderland.
A world where legendary skills and classes became stepping stones to turning one's life around.
That opportunity had now come to Yuhyeon.
I can achieve my dreams, both as a composer and as a gamer.
To play to his heart's content in Wonderland and use his legendary class as a chance to turn his life around.
And at the same time, to use the inspiration gained from the game to walk the path of a composer again in reality.
It was a moment where he had been given a chance to achieve the dream he thought he had lost.
By the way, its condition is serious.
After he finished playing, Yuhyeon gazed at the violin.
The top plate had long since split, and the bridge was severely warped.
He felt a pang of guilt, realizing he had let it fall into such disrepair.
This was an instrument that had been with him for half his life.
I should get it serviced sometime.
With that resolution, he shot up and threw the window wide open.
A refreshing breeze filled his lungs.
Alright, shall we start the day?
As he spoke, Yuhyeon habitually checked his wrist.
He wanted to see the messages that had arrived while he was sleeping.
Ah, right. I took it off to sleep comfortably.
Come to think of it, he had taken off his watch, determined not to be disturbed for once.
His gaze shifted to the smartwatch on his desk.
Yuhyeon checked the backlog of messages one by one.
Oh?
A smile spread across Yuhyeons face as he read the messages.
There were two pieces of good news.
Team Leader Park Jeonghu: Im afraid my schedule is packed this week. Would you perhaps have some time next week?
One was about scheduling a meeting with Team Leader Park Jeonghu of SAM Entertainment.
Web Message
Nonghyup Bank Deposit 5,802,000
09:00 1772--52
The other was news that all 600 gold had been exchanged and deposited into his account.
Yuhyeon stared at the text message, dumbfounded.
It still doesnt feel real.
When was the last time he had earned such a large sum of money?
It felt like the first time since he won prize money at the Queen Elisabeth Competition.
And unlike back then, I dont have to spend it on hospital bills.
With this amount, he wouldn't have to worry about rent or living expenses for the next three months.
He would even have money left over after buying a monthly pass at the capsule room.
How long has it been since I had spending money?
His mind began to fill with excitement.
Should he eat something he hadn't been able to afford? Or maybe go shopping for clothes for the first time in a while?
The material desires he couldn't indulge due to his lack of funds slowly crept up on him.
Yuhyeon shook his head and reminded himself.
Theres something I have to do before that.
And that was to repay his hyung, Sangcheol, who had created this opportunity for him.
If it weren't for him, he never would have logged into Wonderland, and none of this would have happened.
He wanted to give Sangcheol a special gift.
What would he like?
Yuhyeon carefully recalled the conversations hed had with his hyung.
Before I got married, a ton of money went into wedding preparations, you know? But it was the same even after we got married.
Then, he suddenly remembered something Sangcheol had told him.
Sujin is pregnant. The baby is coming next year, so we have to save up in advance, and I cant just spend money carelessly. Its been ages since weve even gone on a date.
He couldnt spend money recklessly because a baby was on the way next year.
Hed said that they couldn't even afford a hotel getaway like everyone else, and they always ate at home because eating out was too expensive.
And yet, despite all that, Sangcheol had readily spent a large sum of money on Yuhyeon, buying him meals and paying for his time at the capsule room.
Hmm.
Yuhyeons eyes narrowed.
Recalling that conversation, he started to get an idea of what to give him.
When it comes to gifts, the recipient's feelings are more important than the giver's.
I know exactly what hell like.
How could he not, after they had spent their entire lives together?
A wide smile spread across Yuhyeons face.
Restaurants at quitting time were bustling with people.
While everyone was unwinding with a cold beer, one man spoke with a particularly anxious expression.
Yuhyeon, are you sure this is the right place?
It was Park Sangcheol.
I cant afford this unless its payday
He muttered in a worried tone as he looked at the menu.
Assorted Hanwoo Beef (550g): 168,000 won
The price for a piddling amount of grams was a whopping 170,000 won.
The fact that it wasn't even an even 600g was even more infuriating.
It was true that he wanted to buy his dear dongsaeng anything he wanted, but this was crossing the line.
The price, that is, not Yuhyeon.
Who asked you to pay, hyung? Im buying, so just order comfortably.
Contrary to his worries, Yuhyeon spoke calmly.
Sangcheol tilted his head.
What money do you have to be buying something like this? I know your situation all too well.
Hah, are you so sure about that?
Yuhyeon showed Sangcheol his phone screen.
Hmm?
Sangcheols expression quickly changed from doubt to shock.
S-S-Six hundred?!
He had seen the news of Yuhyeons currency exchange with his own eyes.
Th-th-this is really money you earned? In Wonderland?
Of course, Sangcheol knew you could make money from games.
He himself had exchanged money he earned in-game just a few days ago.
How did a guy whos only been in the beginners village earn this much?
But Yuhyeon was a beginner who had just started.
A complete newbie who was only level 10 at that.
How in the world could he have earned a huge sum like 600 gold?
Dont tell me you found another hidden piece in that short time? Like a legendary item?
The only plausible explanation was that he had found and sold a legendary item.
Though that was just as statistically improbable.
Well its a long story.
Yuhyeon calmly explained to Sangcheol everything that had happened.
As he listened, Sangcheols eyes gradually narrowed.
So youre telling me you got a Gold Emblem from the elder, a unique mane or something from the goddess, and even a legendary class called Conductor of Melody?
Yeah. And I got the 600 gold as payment from a streamer named Pengkun.
Whoa
Sangcheols jaw dropped in disbelief.
How could all of this happen to one person?
From hidden quests to a legendary class, and all for a guy who hadn't even been playing for a week.
Pengkun? I know that streamer.
Besides, Sangcheol already knew who Pengkun was.
Wasn't he the celebrity who spammed Shorts with all sorts of weird content?
And by Tomson, you mean the Tomson they call the Godfather?
If he knew Pengkun, then Tomson was a given.
He was a streamer who enjoyed global popularity under the nickname Godfather.
It meant that all these big-shot streamers were paying attention to Yuhyeon.
What in the world is going on
Of course, he already knew Yuhyeon was incredible.
Wasn't he once a world-renowned genius violinist?
However, that was a story that only held true in the world of musicians; Wonderland was an entirely different world.
This is so unfair Im the one who started the game first, and Im the one who gave up my weekends to hunt diligently, so why
Sangcheol even started to feel a sense of injustice.
He was honestly jealous of the fact that everything from hidden quests to a legendary class was being handed to Yuhyeon.
He didn't know if it was just because he was being petty.
Haa, I didnt wish for you to be this happy
Th-thats a bit much.
Its just an internet meme, dude.
Sangcheol said in his usual mischievous tone.
Anyway, thanks for everything. If it wasn't for you, hyung, I wouldn't have had this opportunity.
Yuhyeon also smiled and replied.
Aha, so thats why youre buying me beef? In that case, Im going to eat till I burst tonight!
Eat as much as you want. I also brought a separate gift for you.
Yuhyeon said, pulling out a shopping bag he had hidden.
Sangcheols eyes widened as he checked the contents.
The bag was filled with several sets of baby clothes, formula, and even diapers.
Wh-what is all this? Is this for me?
Theres more at the bottom, so check carefully.
At the very bottom was a gift certificate enclosed in a luxurious envelope.
It was a one-night stay voucher for a 5-star hotel.
A hotel voucher? Why this
You said its been a while since youve been on a date after getting married. Take this chance to go on a hotel getaway with your wife. By the way, its an executive suite, so all you have to do is show up.
The corner of Sangcheols eye twitched.
Yuhyeon might have said it like it was nothing, but the gift itself was anything but.
From baby supplies to a hotel voucher, wasn't this a special gift meant for his entire family?
Sujin will be so happy. Thanks, Yuhyeon.
Sangcheol said with a face full of sincerity.
It was no exaggeration to say this was the happiest hed ever felt receiving a gift.
But that wasn't the end of it.
Thats not all. This time, a special gift just for you.
Theres more?
Ta-da.
Sangcheol, who had been lost in emotion, turned his gaze back to Yuhyeon.
When Yuhyeon showed him another gift, his eyes instantly widened.
Wh-whoa, no way
Inside was a motion controller.
It was an auxiliary device that helped with controls in Wonderland and an item that Sangcheol had desperately wanted.
It was also an item he thought he would never be able to buy.
I figured it would be hard for you to buy gaming gear because of your wife.
That was the exact reason he hadn't been able to buy it.
In his already difficult situation, what spare money did he have to buy gaming equipment?
This is crazy I wanted this so bad! Thank you so, so much, Yuhyeon!
Seeing his hyungs genuine reaction, Yuhyeon let out a small smile.
As expected, the surest gifts for a man were game CDs or game currency.
Sangcheol energetically rolled up his sleeves and said.
Youre giving me all this and buying me dinner too? I have some shame. Dinners on me tonight!
Haha, you like it that much?
Of course, Im ecstatic!
Even as he spoke, Sangcheols gaze was fixed solely on the motion controller.
The smile on his face showed no signs of disappearing.
Watching him, a thought suddenly occurred to Yuhyeon.
Maybe happiness isnt so far away.
After the accident, he had lived trapped in despair.
He clung to the unfulfilled dream he so desperately wanted to achieve.
But thinking about it now, that wasn't what was important.
Lets live happily with the people around me.
To be faithful to the life he was given and find happiness within it.
As long as he could live happily with the people around him, that was enough.
And now, through Wonderland, hadn't he gained a chance to achieve the dream he had longed for?
Hyung, Im going to work hard from now on.
Huh? At what?
Whether it was in Wonderland or achieving his dream as a composer in reality, whatever it might be.
He was saying that from now on, he would move forward without hesitation.
Just because.
Yuhyeon smiled brightly.
Yuhyeon, Im heading out first! You have to come to Lutetia! Lutetia!
A drunk Sangcheol shouted with a broad grin.
He was in such a good mood that his face was much more relaxed than usual.
I know, get home safe, hyung.
Yuhyeon put Sangcheol in a taxi before heading straight to the capsule room.
He wished he could have gone with his hyung, but it was a shame.
It was the perfect time to head to the big city, having finally reached level 10.
Id like to charge 50 hours for a capsule.
That will be one million won. Would you like to pay in full?
Yes, please.
The moment he spent a whole million won just on charging his capsule time.
But there was not a hint of hesitation in Yuhyeons hand as he handed over his card.
Theyre giving me 10 hours of service time
If he charged 50 hours at once, they would give him 10 hours for free. How could he refuse?
Besides, he was reinvesting the money he had earned from the game, so it didn't feel like a big waste.
I should buy a capsule machine once I start making more money.
The thought occurred to him that it might be good to buy a machine if the opportunity arose.
Considering the long-term expenses, it would probably be cheaper.
It was just that one machine cost 30 million won, making it impossible to purchase right now.
Lets take it slow. I dont know what the future holds.
There was no need to be hasty when he didn't know how much money he would make from the game in the future.
He still had the song contract, and he could think about it later when his situation improved in various ways.
Log in.
As he logged into Wonderland, a warm sunlight greeted him.
The place he opened his eyes was the center of the plaza where he had last logged out.
It still has a festival atmosphere.
The plaza was still crowded with many users.
Even though the festival was over, the cheerful and lively atmosphere remained.
It was clear that the highest-grade blessing had created a positive influence.
I should take it all in.
Yuhyeon smiled as he looked at the legacy he had left behind.
Just as he was about to say his final goodbyes to Charles, Olsen, and the Elder.
Sir Yuhyeon! Are you leaving?
Charles rushed out of the cathedral as if his feet were on fire to greet Yuhyeon.
Soon after, Geye and Martin also ran out into the plaza, saying.
It was the moment to show their final respects to the teacher who had given them such a great awakening as musicians.
Charles: Advanced Musician
In fact, it seemed hed had an epiphany while Yuhyeon was away, as he had awakened as an Advanced Musician.
Not just Charles, but Martin and Geye as well.
We were waiting for you. You cant leave without letting us say a final goodbye, can you?
Yuhyeon looked at them with considerable surprise.
Although he had made a significant contribution to the village, he was still just a stranger.
He couldn't help but be surprised that the NPCs had rushed out for him like this.
So, youre off now.
Musician! Thank you for visiting our village!
Instructor Olsen, Elder Germano, and even nameless villagers all came to see Yuhyeon.
Instructor, Elder
The corner of Yuhyeons eye twitched.
He wondered if this was what it meant to be treated like an honored guest.
As proof, he could feel the users in the plaza glancing at him.
Thank you, truly. Ive enjoyed my time here.
Yuhyeon said with a calm smile.
If Wonderland had given Yuhyeon hope, Hemona Village was the place that had given him the motivation to dream again.
It was a place so meaningful that a simple thank you could hardly express his gratitude.
Just then, Geye approached Yuhyeon and spoke.
Sir Yuhyeon, please accept this.
Ting!
You have acquired Geyes Handmade Recorder.
Description: A maple recorder that Geye painstakingly crafted for you. An instrument made using his hobby of carving, its appearance is crude, but it is filled with Geyes sincere heart.
Yuhyeon looked at Geye with wide, round eyes.
This is
Please forget the great discourtesy I showed at the cathedral last time.
A d-discourtesy? I never thought of it that way.
Then I am glad. While preparing for the ritual, I learned a great deal from you as a musician, Sir Yuhyeon. This recorder is a token of my heart. The heart of a disciple who has learned much from his master.
Yuhyeon smiled along with Geyes awkward grin.
Thank you, Sir Geye.
Yuhyeon looked at the recorder.
What did it matter if the instruments appearance was crude or how it performed?
It was a gift made with a heart that cared only for him, making it more precious than anything else.
Yuhyeon then looked at everyone who had come out to see him off.
Charles, Olsen, Martin, Geye, the Elder, and the villagers
Yuhyeon returned their smiles with one of his own.
Thank you. Ill be on my way now.
Yuhyeons light footsteps headed toward the next village.
To the place known as the true beginning of Wonderland, the very first city.
To the City of Advancement, Lutetia.