The Agents Arrive
Peter couldn't focus at all. He had read the content over and over so many times he had lost count.
No matter what happens, I will stand by your side.
The words his master had spoken struck his disciple's heart like a dagger. At the same time they ignited a burning competitiveness that had never been so large or fierce.
The disciple could sense it clearly: his master truly held a great favor for Kang-jun. The gaze he had never received even once in all these years was now reaching out to Kang-jun.
Just how talented had to be for his master to bestow such a great favor?
Wang Gang, the god-spear, stood at the pinnacle of the second-ranked S-class hero. Among physical-class dealers, he was one of the absolute top talents. Peter had no idea what level of talent was required for his master's eyes to recognize him.
Of course, to Peter as well, Kang-jun was clearly strong. He smelled of an expert. Yet he did not appear as powerful as his master saw.
I will give my best, Master. Sister. No, I will win. I will win and then show Sister…!
Wang Sian was undoubtedly going to attend. Or perhaps the entire team. It was a match of pride. He had never believed his own strength had reached his vice-captain's level.
He was the best disciple of the greatest disciple of Wang Gang! He could not let that title be tarnished. Even if he lost, he had decided to create a good fight.
Peter kept glancing at the clock. Never had a single second felt so long. Of course, the Wang Sian sitting beside him could feel the disciple's anxiety. It was… disappointing. Since he already knew the result, it was even more so.
"Peter."
"…Yes?"
"No matter what, don't be too upset, all right?"
This can't be happening. Not even Sister…!
Instead of giving in to despair, Peter only poured more firewood on the fire of burning passion. He clenched his teeth even harder. I will never lose. I will never…!
"Don't worry. I will definitely win, Sister."
Wang Sian opened her mouth as if to say something more, then closed it again. They hadn't even started fighting yet, and there was no need to break his spirit here. If he threw away his motivation by assuming defeat from the start, what kind of spirit would he have left?
She only hoped Peter would not fall into shock. Kang-jun was an opponent he could not compare to. He was an entirely different category that required no comparison; the more one looked, the more pathetic the gap would feel.
Kang-jun sat a short distance away, watching Peter casually glance at the clock with a faint smile. The chat window was still open beside him.
…He had been briefly possessed by a system.
- Aigo, hyung-nim lol, that's exactly it lol, if I win, how about 10 coupons each lol, my mental is broken lol lol
- ????????????????
- Suddenly? lol lol, negotiation ending lol lol
- lol lol lol lol mcn lol lol
- Ah lol lol lol, let him fight until he gives up lol lol lol, keep challenging him lol lol lol lol
- ok ok, then I'll give you 30 lol lol lol lol
- This is when the taste of chicken wings is the best lol lol lol lol lol lol lol
- Hyung, what are you feeding lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol
- Strongly feeding lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol mental attack lol lol lol lol lol
- Sbn nl lol lol lol, wow next time I'll definitely shoot the coupons fuck lol lol lol lol
Good, good.
- Aaaaaaaaah!!!!!! Hyung-nim is my idol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- lol lol lol mcn lol lol lol lol
- lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol
- Ah, this is the taste lol lol lol lol lol lol lol, this is it lol lol lol lol
- lol lol, the feeling is insane lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol
- lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol
- Better than my wife's handjob lol lol lol lol lol lol ah lol lol lol lol
- ????????????????????????????
- lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol, crazy lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol
- rljd lol lol lol lol
Kang-jun was busy playing with the gods, so five o'clock was fast approaching.
Peter occasionally turned his head to look at Kang-jun. He seemed lost in deep thought, staring vaguely somewhere without moving. …Was he simulating the match in his head?
In truth, Wang Gang was also greatly looking forward to this match. Besides being a born fighter, Wang Gang was exactly the type who suited a tough fight. Right now his hands and feet were itching; he could not wait.
Before five o'clock, Wang Gang quickly called it a day.
"Well, thanks for your hard work today. …There's a meeting tomorrow, so everyone prepare thoroughly."
"Yes, Captain."
Even though the agents had already heard rumors of the match, they kept busy in the office instead of leaving after his good-bye speech.
The agents also knew Peter's skill well. They had heard over and over that he was Wang Gang's top disciple.
"Hey, can you win?"
Julia poked Peter's arm with her elbow and asked. Her junior's face was completely serious.
"I'll give my best."
"Good. Win, kid."
She wanted him to win. After all, he was her cute junior. She didn't want to see him discouraged and deflated.
Of course, among themselves they had already made bets.
"Bet on the winner. Loser pays?"
Vice-Captain and Julia bet on Peter. Roy bet on Kang-jun.
"You not betting?"
"I'll sit out."
"Hey, only you sit out. Hurry up."
Since Wang Sian already knew the result, she wanted to sit out the bet, but Julia insisted she participate until the end, so she was forced to join. On Peter's side. …After all, even if she lost she would be depressed; it was better to at least give support.
The entire office then descended to the third-floor training room. S-class heroes had the authority to open the group room door without permission.
The spectators pressed against the entrance wall. The two who would face each other stood facing each other in the center of the group room. Kang-jun accepted Wang Sian's spear instead of his sword and held it.
"Loosen up. As much as you want."
Kang-jun twirled the spear lightly, loosening his arms and legs. Peter involuntarily swallowed hard at the opponent's spear-handling skill. It was obvious she had handled one or two spears before, but it was definitely a considerable level of proficiency.
He said he would use a sword.
Something felt off. The feeling was dangerous. But Peter shook off the unease and focused every nerve.
When the mind is united, there is nothing it cannot achieve.
Peter also swung his spear, loosening his body. And finally, he slammed the spear butt into the ground, signaling that he was ready.
"Ready."
They both assumed their stances. Wang Gang tilted his head slightly toward his daughter.
"Daughter, watch carefully and concentrate."
"Yes."
Wang Sian widened her eyes. Even the superhuman Belita found this match interesting. She already knew how strong Kang-jun was. During the Nesting investigation in the 50th District, she had watched him closely as a teammate. She was, after all, the kind of talent Senior Jang Hwa-young herself acknowledged.
The other agents watched the two with expectant eyes. At least it would be worth watching.
And soon the match began.
Peter made a slight movement as if intending a short probe…
━━━!
He saw something flash. When he came to his senses, his own spear was swept aside and the opponent's spear was pointed directly at his chest.
Peter had no idea what had happened for a moment. Everyone else felt the same way, including Wang Gang and Wang Sian.
What… what the hell…?
Soon his mind returned and he looked down at the spear pressed tightly against his chest. From there he understood. …He was not a genius.
This was the most miserable moment of his life. Truly miserable. His whole body trembled.
"Again! Again! I was careless. I'm sorry."
Peter gritted his teeth and shouted. Kang-jun smiled crookedly, sheathed the spear, and took several steps back.
The other agents could not believe their eyes. The match had ended before they could even do anything properly. Even Roy, who had become the winner in the blink of an eye, looked dazed.
"What… how did this happen?"
They started the match again. This time Kang-jun did not end it in one breath. He toyed with Peter's swordsmanship for a while. But in terms of fundamental skill completion, Kang-jun was overwhelmingly superior. Following the advice of the master who said it was better to build the fundamentals than to learn sloppy techniques, Kang-jun had steadily practiced.
No gaps. No openings.
Peter struggled desperately. Basic and application. The things Master had emphasized so much were being accomplished almost perfectly by the opponent. Basics and applications, Peter was clearly falling behind.
There, Peter despaired. He had expected the skill gap, but he had not imagined it would be this severe. …The water was entirely different.
Kang-jun, who had been playing along moderately, quickly swept Peter's spear aside and pointed the spear tip directly at his chest once more.
"Again! …Again."
At that moment the agents turned away. They no longer wanted to see Peter's miserable face. They could sense his despair indirectly.
Wang Sian watched the match one more time, then turned at the fourth attempt. Wang Gang and Belita stayed to the end.
After the seventh attempt, almost exhausted Peter slumped to the ground. He had not even touched the tip of the opponent's spear.
How could the difference be this great?
"It wasn't bad. For your age."
Peter could not lift his head. Depending on how one heard it, the words could have been insulting, but the opponent had every right to say them. …In truth, Peter's ears were not hearing the words at all.
Miserable and hopeless. He truly wanted to die.
Clap clap. Wang Gang's applause tore Peter's heart further. He clenched his teeth. The achievement he had built so high had collapsed in vain.
"You did well, Peter. You gave your best. I know."
It was a comforting word from the master to boost the disciple's spirit, but to Peter it felt like thorns. Too painful. Wang Gang patted the shoulders of the despairing disciple in comfort.
Kang-jun went out with Belita laughing. Now only the master and disciple remained in the group room.
"Master…."
"Yes."
"This… I can't follow at all… I don't understand. This… this…"
The master felt a pang in his chest. After all, he had raised a treasured disciple, yet the boy looked this defeated.
"Experience tells us that there are geniuses like that in the world too. You just need to set a more realistic goal."
"I can't…"
"No, you're outstanding. Kang-jun is simply more outstanding."
It was not even a matter of degree. Peter knew he could not even become the opponent's opponent. Kang-jun was simply toying with him.
"…Sorry, Master. I'll do my best."
"No, what are you sorry for? …Overcome it, Peter. You have to overcome it. Use this as your foothold. Anyone has setbacks and hardships. I once had them too."
"Yes, I'll overcome it."
Yes, a good person.
Wang Gang stroked Peter's head.
"Will you come with us?"
"No, I'll stay here a bit longer."
"Okay, don't overdo it. …Haste is actually poison. You can just keep going at your own pace. Understand?"
"Yes."
"I'll go ahead."
"Thank you for the guidance, Master."
When Wang Gang left, Peter was left alone in the vast group room. Soon Wang Sian entered. Peter could not look her straight in the eye. …In truth, he did not want to see her now. He looked too shabby and miserable.
"Peter."
"…Yes, Sister."
"Cheer up. I don't want to see you like this."
"I'm sorry, Sister."
The resolve to win and confess felt ridiculous. It would have been better if there had been a condition like just brushing the collar and winning. …Of course, even that would not have worked a hundred times.
"Okay, keep going. Understood? I'll go first."
"Yes, Sister."
Wang Sian felt that comfort itself could be poison.
Peter turned with his back to her.
After Sister left, he shed a single tear.
---