Childhood Friend vs Disciple
So, you've been in another world for the past ten years? As a hero?
That's what I said.
And then you defeated the Demon King, and even got a skill to summon your companions?
That's what I said.
Seo-rin looked at my words with a skeptical expression.
But then she nodded firmly.
Yeah, whatever. This world's turned into an unbelievable mess. I couldn't believe it either.
But I'll believe you.
No, it's not like that... it's the real thing. I'm just frustrated about it.
As I thought that, I glanced at Seo-rin's face and suddenly remembered something.
'This guy really grew up.'
The last time I saw him...
It was probably before the high school entrance ceremony.
Back then, he still had a childish look.
Now his face and figure belonged to a fully mature woman.
So, you didn't skip my entrance ceremony on purpose?
That's right. I was sent to that world the day before.
Thinking back, before I was summoned to this world...
Seo-rin had planned to come see my entrance ceremony.
It clicked in my mind.
When Seo-rin heard that I hadn't skipped it on purpose, she seemed relieved inside.
You've grown a lot since I wasn't there. You really have that adult vibe now.
Because it had been ten years since I last saw her, the atmosphere felt a bit awkward.
To break the ice, I tossed out a casual remark.
...With only ten years passed... is that really all you wanted to say?
Huh?
Seo-rin gave me a strange look and spoke in a voice thick with complex emotions.
Did you not want to see me? You said I was dragged there unwillingly. So, did you not think of me at all during those years?
Ah... of course I did. I even thought about looking for you after returning.
To be honest, I didn't think much of it.
I already figured our connection had long been cut.
Seo-rin probably only remembered me as a big brother in her childhood memories.
I... I really...! Sob... I searched for you all those ten years!!!
It turned out it wasn't like that.
Apparently, a lot of pent-up frustration had built up over the years, so she shouted at the top of her lungs loud enough for everyone at the agency to stare.
Waaaaah--!! How much!! I worried!! Hwaaa-!! Waaaaah!!
I took Seo-rin out of the place because she was crying more passionately than ever.
Fortunately, as time passed, Seo-rin gradually calmed down.
Since we had to talk in a quiet place, I moved her to her house.
So this is your house?
...Then even though I look like this, I'm an A-class Awakened.
The house Seo-rin led me to was a luxurious apartment by the Han River.
It was even bigger than eighty pyeong.
Whoa, I've seen all kinds of houses now.
I worked hard while you weren't around.
And it was the royal floor.
Not just the Han River, but the entire massive Seoul skyline was visible from the window.
The bustling cityscape I couldn't see in the other world filled my mind with a sense of "I really came back to this world."
How's the view? Amazing, right?
Yeah. You grew a lot while I wasn't looking, Cha Seo-rin.
With that casual compliment, Seo-rin's face turned red.
From her reaction, it seemed she really had searched for me all those ten years.
'Were we that close?'
We were close, of course.
But after ten whole years of searching...
It was vague.
To me, she was just a younger sister who listened well and was popular.
Hmph...! You grew up. So then.
When you were little, I had to take care of all your tantrums, so I suffered.
Tantrums? What...! How well-behaved I was.
Was I really? My memory's...
Heh! And now I don't need any help from you.
Even with such trivial conversation, it was clear Seo-rin was excited.
That would be a pity.
...Huh?
Back then, the childhood me who cried and pouted asking for help was so cute. Tsk.
At first it felt a bit awkward, but after exchanging a few lines, the atmosphere from when I treated Seo-rin like a little sister naturally came back.
Taking advantage of that, I tossed out some playful words.
...What? So now you're not cute?
No, um... that's not it.
The moment I brought back that old atmosphere, it wasn't quite the same.
For some reason, it felt strangely awkward.
While talking with me, Seo-rin's gaze kept avoiding my eyes,
and her face had flushed earlier,
but now even her bare neck and shoulders were turning red.
'What's wrong with her?'
Even though I had no experience with women, I could tell Seo-rin's reaction wasn't normal.
I switched topics after exchanging old stories for a bit.
By the way, do you live alone in a big house like this?
Yeah. What about you?
I just live in a small one-room apartment.
Hearing that, Seo-rin subtly curled her lips and narrowed her eyes.
Then... can I live with you?
...What?
You don't have to think weirdly. We've lived together for years.
We had lived together.
We were both from the same orphanage.
But this is different from back then.
...I'll think about it.
Hmph, don't say no.
Seo-rin deliberately looked a little sulky.
Then, as if embarrassed, she quickly changed the topic.
So, what rank are you?
Me? Um...
Rank...
The word F-class wouldn't leave my mouth.
Why are you dragging it out? What if it's E?
No... F...
Huh?
Seo-rin heard my rank and couldn't hold back the laugh trying to burst out.
Pff...! Ah, sorry... I've never seen an F-class before. I only read about it online. It's the first time I've seen it in real life.
As if trying to swallow the laugh, she covered her mouth with her hand, but...
Seo-rin's laughter had already pierced my heart like a dagger.
...Don't laugh. Anyway, since I have a skill to summon companions from that world, it doesn't matter. Whatever.
Oh ho, is that companion useful? Stronger than me?
Seo-rin asked with sparkling eyes.
She seemed to be trying to appeal her presence to me.
Well, I don't know.
For now, Elysia is an S-class Awakened in this world.
It seems ranks here are determined by the amount of mana one possesses.
So, if I summon other companions someday...
At least I can set S-class as the baseline.
Probably stronger than you.
Objectively, there's no way Seo-rin who is still A-class could beat Elysia.
Thinking that, I stroked my chin and spoke.
But the moment I said that, Seo-rin's expression hardened.
What? Stronger than me? You mean it?
Seo-rin instantly created a cold atmosphere.
Then why don't you summon her?
Now? To summon and what?
Let's just see their real strength. Let's figure out who's stronger.
She wasn't this aggressive before.
Apparently, living as an Awakened for the past ten years was pretty tough.
Seo-rin had become a much fiercer woman than I remembered.
***
Then I'll summon her.
Since Seo-rin came this far, I had no choice.
Inside, I was a bit curious to watch the strength comparison between Elysia and Seo-rin too.
I concentrated mana to activate the Dimension Summon skill.
A light mist appeared, and the familiar blonde knight revealed herself.
Master, I've been waiting.
Elysia greeted with her usual bright expression, but when she spotted Seo-rin, she froze for a moment.
Master, who is this...?
My friend. Cha Seo-rin.
Seo-rin, who didn't like the introduction I gave, shot back with a pout.
Friend? Saying it that way makes it sound so stiff. I'm a little hurt.
Then what should I call...
My one and only childhood friend?
It wasn't really childhood friend material since I always had to take care of her.
That's a bit...
Seo-rin examined Elysia carefully.
As a woman, she thought she was superior.
Well, she looks strong. You were in a master-disciple relationship?
Yes, that's right.
Elysia answered calmly and glanced at me.
Then she gave me a strange smile.
Seo-rin didn't miss that.
You two are quite close, huh?
I suppose so. Master had only one disciple.
Disciple...
Elysia deliberately added the love character to emphasize her relationship with me.
The conversation was getting weird.
Seo-rin noticed the strange atmosphere flowing toward her.
Her face slowly showed discontent.
'...Something feels off.'
Seo-rin glared and continued.
You received S-rank this time... is that you?
Yes, that's correct.
Elysia answered calmly.
But I don't think rank is everything.
Oh ho...
Seo-rin's lips curled slightly.
Yeah, that's true.
Muttering to herself, she immediately pulled out her magic staff.
Then I'll give you a light demonstration. Is that okay?
Seo-rin's challenge for sparring.
Elysia hesitated and looked at me, and I signaled to let it happen.
Very well. It's been a while since I've sparred with a mage.
In response to Seo-rin, Elysia drew her sword.
Both eyed each other, pointing their staff and sword at one another.
And a brief silence.
When that silence became awkward...
They both started moving.
...
And of course.
The duel ended with Elysia's victory.