Chapter 94: What Kind of Social Party Is This? It’s Totally That.
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 94: What Kind of Social Party Is This? It’s Totally That.
A dark room.
A single computer served as the only source of light, illuminating the space.
In that dim environment, a man sat on a sofa, his legs spread arrogantly. He had intended to cross them, but the sheer girth of his thighs made it no easy task.
"The Devil Chaos Ultra King, how did the approach to Min-su go?"
"That... well..."
"What? You failed? How did that happen? My plan should have been perfect!"
"That... you see...!"
"I see... so that’s how it was... It was the result of Min-su’s excessive foresight, having attained both the Truth and Reason of the Universe... I wanted him to make his debut with a new look at this social party..."
"In... instead, I’ve sent all the prepared clothes via courier. I even confirmed the delivery driver’s message saying they were received. You probably don’t need to worry about the fashion side of things."
"Hmm..."
Chubby Ahn fell into deep thought.
Originally, he had planned to pass on various tips—not just about the outfit, but also how to act in high society to become popular. He had been especially meticulous because they were approaching this social gathering in a new way.
To think the plan would go awry from the very start.
"I heard Melanie is among the children participating in this social gathering."
"Yes, that’s correct."
"Lately, the atmosphere between Melanie and Min-su has been unusual... Should I say they’ve grown a bit closer? The frequency of their texts seems to have increased... It means no woman can resist Min-su’s aggressive advances."
"Hehe... true... but there is one thing I’m worried about."
"What is it?"
"Min-su’s recent reputation within Noble is a bit... well, it’s like that. It seems the 'Min-su’s Scream' clip has started spreading worldwide and has become an excessive comedy meme. Even in overseas communities, people use that clip whenever something sad happens. If this continues, his prestige will take a major hit... and because of that influence, there’s a trend of people evaluating Min-su’s face as 'funny.'"
"Get to the point!"
"I’m worried the other members of Noble will laugh at him like a 'laughter bell' went off the moment they see Min-su’s face."
"Mmm..."
This was a problem even Chubby Ahn couldn't solve.
To make matters worse, a video of him clearing a Gate while unconscious had been captured recently, making 'Fainting Min-su' a meme as well. He couldn't forgive those who consumed Min-su’s handsome looks in such a way, but there were simply too many of them.
"It can’t be helped. It’s a shame he won’t be able to seduce women with his great looks, but I believe in Min-su’s brilliant eloquence."
"Does that mean...!"
"Yes... this time, we’ll go with a mask concept. You know the vibe, right?"
"Yes, I’ll prepare it accordingly!"
The conversation between Chubby Ahn and The Devil Chaos Ultra King came to an end. As always, there was only one voice.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Restaurant Ato.
It’s a top-tier restaurant where reservations take a year and not just anyone can book a table. In this place, where only a select few are permitted to dine, there were currently no customers except for two people.
"How is it? Nice, right?"
"But why are there no other customers? Did you rent the whole place out?"
"Of course. Why should I have to look at other people's faces while I'm eating with you?"
"I guess so..."
Melanie was someone who practically radiated the scent of wealth. Aristocratic dignity, elegance, and poise were ingrained into her very posture.
"The atmosphere is nice, but more than that, I like this place because the food is truly refined and clean."
"It’s a good spot. If I give them your name later, can I get a same-day table without a reservation?"
"Please. You could probably get a same-day reservation just by giving the name Baek Tae-yang."
We sat across from each other, chatting idly. Then, as the conversation hit a lull, I threw out a hook before getting to the main point.
"By the way, I thought everyone would be wearing gowns and dresses for a rich people's social gathering, but I guess not?"
Usually, when one thinks of a high-society party for the wealthy, images of glittering chandeliers and servants carrying champagne come to mind. The participants would all be wearing luxury dresses or suits, hovering around the most influential person there.
That was my general perception of social gatherings, but Melanie’s outfit didn't fit that image at all. Rather, it was very similar to what girls wore when hanging out in Hongdae or Gangnam. The only difference was that even from a distance, it screamed 'luxury,' putting it in an entirely different league.
"Ah, how should I put it... it’s very different from what you’re thinking, Tae-yang. The atmosphere is actually quite free."
"Really? That’s interesting. I’m looking forward to it. But since it’s for Innate Awakeners, is Yu-min coming too?"
The moment Yu-min’s name came up, Melanie glared at me. Her face became the living embodiment of the 'ㅡㅡ.' emoticon I’d seen in her texts as she furrowed her brow and spoke.
"Why? Why are you curious about that?"
"Just because. Yu-min is an Innate Awakener too. I wondered if everyone was gathering."
"No. As you know, So Yu-min’s Main Skill is too weak, so Noble doesn't even invite her out of courtesy. Actually, Yu-min hasn't really liked that kind of thing for a long time anyway."
I let out a sigh of relief without realizing it. My biggest concern had been Yu-min’s presence. In a gathering of Innate Awakeners, the presence of an Always-Active Main Skill holder would be special. If Yu-min were to see me with Melanie, things could get very complicated.
It would be an awkward situation whether I tried to soothe Yu-min or not.
But since she wasn't coming, it was the best possible news.
"Oh, really? She’s not coming."
"Talking about another woman right in front of me... what, were you planning to ask her to join us if she came to the party?"
Melanie had her hands on the table as if she were about to stand up. Given the circumstances, it was a reasonable thought, but it was a misunderstanding.
"It’s not like that. Things are a bit awkward between Min-su and Yu-min. It would be weird if they ran into each other."
"Is that all?"
"What?"
"That’s not the only reason you asked."
Was I that obvious? Melanie was certainly sharp at picking up context, likely from dealing with so many people. How did anyone ever think of pairing a woman like this with Min-su? No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't understand Chubby Ahn’s romance plan.
"I want to join too. The social party."
"Mmm..."
"I can't?"
"No... I mean, bringing a partner is common... but your name value is so high, I’m worried. In most cases, I’d just have you wear a disguise, but your body is a bit..."
That was definitely a problem.
To think having too good a body would be an issue.
I wasn't exceptionally tall, but even considering my height, my physique was incredible. Tanned skin, white hair, and an overwhelming frame that could pull off any outfit. No matter what I wore, the fit revealed just how muscular I was. And that wasn't all—even in trousers, there was the heavy volume of the slight bulge on my left thigh.
It definitely will be a problem.
Even with a disguise, all I could change was my face and hair color; my skeletal structure wouldn't change. Based on the brief explanation I got from Melanie, Noble was extremely exclusive. A group that viewed Innate Awakeners as aristocrats and Post-Awakeners as slaves.
What would happen if I, someone treated as the new giant of the Post-Awakeners, showed up there? It was certain I wouldn't be welcomed. Or they might just block me from entering in the first place.
"So, Tae-yang, it’s a shame, but I guess..."
Ding!
Just then, Melanie’s phone rang. As soon as she checked it, her eyes widened.
"...I thought we couldn't go together, but I think it’ll work. They said they’re holding the party with a mask theme this time... If you just dye your hair, I think we can go together under the setting that you’re my bodyguard hired from overseas."
"Suddenly? That changed fast."
"I know. The president of Noble has always been a bit capricious, but he’s never changed things on a whim like this before... Hmm... I don't know the reason."
"Maybe it’s because Min-su is participating."
"Kim Min-su was always going to participate. There’s more information there than you’d think. That’s why even though many people don't join Noble, they still attend the gatherings they host. I’m one of them."
The situation was suddenly falling perfectly into place. At this point, it was as if the world was begging me to go to the Noble party. Since the table was set like this, I couldn't refuse.
"Then what color should I dye it?"
Now, only the question of the hair color remained.
"I’ve been curious for a while, is that white hair natural?"
"I... think so?"
I didn't know the details about Baek Tae-yang. But since his name was 'Baek Tae-yang' (White Sun), wouldn't it naturally be like that?
"Can a Korean have naturally white hair? Not dyed...?"
"I don't really know either."
"Hmm... I am curious. I feel like there’s some secret regarding your lineage, Tae-yang."
"Forget that, let’s just finish eating. What time is the party?"
"Nine o'clock."
Nine? It was only one-thirty now. Melanie had clearly said she’d dressed up to go to the party, but there was too much time between now and then.
"You put on your party clothes now for a nine o'clock party? Specifically? To have lunch with me?"
When I pointed that out, Melanie’s face turned a shade of crimson. She stammered for a long time, unable to say anything, before finally speaking up.
"Th-that can happen! Why not? I could have just prepared early!"
"Who said you couldn't? I just thought it was interesting. You don't have to get so defensive, I already know."
"Fine! You’re so sly... I really hate you!"
"Thanks for taking me to the party."
"...Yes."
Munch, munch.
Melanie kept stuffing food into her mouth like a hamster with full cheeks. It was obvious she wanted to escape the situation, which made me chuckle.
The atmosphere isn't stiff... we’re wearing masks... I won't really need to change clothes.
It was great not having to worry about a dress code. All that was left was deciding on the hair color, but that was practically already decided.
Is it time to become a 'Blond Tae-yang'?
It was time for the classic protagonist of the NTL world to make his appearance.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
After having lunch with Melanie, chatting about this and that, and testing weapons, time flew by. I dyed my hair blond, put on a mask, and stuck close to Melanie’s side.
"You absolutely cannot let it show. The people here are sharp... so keep your mouth shut as much as possible, okay?"
"I know, I’m not that stupid."
While we were talking, a man who looked like a guard glanced at us and nodded.
"You may enter."
Melanie was wearing a mask too, so normally they should have checked her identity properly, but they likely recognized her from her unique aura of elegance. Having entered without much trouble, I began to scan the room to get a feel for the atmosphere.
What the?
Once inside the Noble social party, I couldn't help but be genuinely shocked.
This is totally...
The true nature of the masked social party hosted by Chubby Ahn was...
It’s a hunting pocha.
It perfectly mirrored the look of a 'hunting bar' in a busy downtown district.