SWNOVELXO Chapter 245. Pre-Demolition (3)
“You’re always in a suit.”
“Is it weird?”
“No, not at all. To be honest, I thought it might be uncomfortable to wear when working. Suits have a certain fit, you know?”
Jeong Ha-seong quietly examined the Awakened next to him.
From the perfectly fitted vest to the brown oxford shoes, he embodied a cynical suit.
Rummaging through his memories, he realized he hadn’t seen someone so far removed from the standard formal style before.
Of course, Awakened ones can turn anything into a powerful weapon just by touching it, thanks to the special law called ‘Magic Transmission.’
That phenomenon means even wearing ordinary items could still ensure minimal defense against a B-class wind-type monster’s breath, preventing one from becoming an exposed traveler.
Luckily, that wasn’t an issue for him.
Even with all the fuss about flexibility and comfort, a suit is still a suit at the end of the day.
Jeong Ha-seong was curious about why someone who seemed to live a casual life opted for such formal attire instead of comfy training clothes.
The hero, who hadn’t talked much during their three months of dining together, asking such a personal question was surprising.
But for the earthling who had kindly driven him to Incheon, he felt he could do at least this much in return.
“Do you really like suits that much?”
“Rather than liking it, it’s more like it was the clothes I wanted to wear personally.”
“Sorry, but those sound like the same thing.”
“Is that so?”
Without turning his head, Gi-ryeo replied.
“The truth is, I’ve always wanted to wear a uniform while working.”
That was not a lie.
“I once worked at a bathtub factory and delivery service, and somehow started preparing for the prison guard exam…”
“A bathtub? A bathtub factory?”
“Just briefly when I was younger. Anyway, it’s common for a test taker to imagine themselves when they pass.”
“…That makes sense. I thought the same during my college entrance exam.”
“I wanted to wear a clean uniform and earn my living as a guard, but that didn’t go as planned.”
The blond man continued discussing his life in a dry tone, as if he were talking about someone else.
“Things just didn’t work out. So now, I’m just wearing this to match my mood instead of official work clothes. It’s for self-satisfaction.”
As he took a glance down, there was a white shirt right there.
Unlike what he had just said, he realized that the black suit the previous owner of this body wore when he died was not what Gi-ryeo favored. Yet he still maintained a certain style.
‘It’s mostly because 80% of the clothes Esther gave me are suits, though.’
Beyond the dream of being a correction officer, the real owner of this body, earthling Kim Gi-ryeo, had a peculiar craving for white-collar work since he started in a simple labor job.
So, in a sense, he chose to maintain a formal style as a way to indulge in wearing clothing from that office job he longed for during his life.
Either way, it’s a trend beyond understanding, and from the enhanced perspective of a jellyfish, all fabrics are ultimately uncomfortable, so it’s better to give at least a little meaning to this forced culture.
‘Efficient and good, right?’
Gi-ryeo fiddled with the silk tie around his neck.
But at that moment.
The primitive sorcerer, who usually was hesitant to start conversations, spoke up.
“You wanted to work in a prison? I guess if someone like Kim Gi-ryeo Hunter was guarding, the inmates might feel safe among them.”
“Um, sorry, but are you implying I look scary enough to frighten criminals?”
“No, it’s a much more accurate and complimentary expression. Why do you self-deprecate like that?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Charisma.”
Jeong Ha-seong placed one wrist on the hilt of his Sword of Sunset, fixed to his belt.
And while gazing at Gi-ryeo’s black tie, he pondered.
He had a personality that poured ideas through the sieve of his mind several times before speaking them outright.
‘So that’s why he wears suits with such a uniform concept.’
He was so unique.
Whenever he conversed with Gi-ryeo, he often received unexpectedly interesting answers, and today was no exception.
Compared to the turbulent waves before him, this Awakened was calm and deep, resembling the very depths of an ocean rather than its surface, and why was it always so unpredictable when they spoke?
‘With hair that’s entirely yellow, he must be dyeing it regularly. I thought he was really into his appearance and liked dressing up, but that didn’t seem to be the case…’
Ha-seong briefly observed his own graying hair, which was well past due for a salon visit, and continued.
“Anyway, it must be disappointing that you couldn’t achieve your dream. I feel the same. You would have suited that job well.”
“Isn’t that the same for you?”
It had been just a few seconds since he’d thought it was unpredictable, but this unfamiliar question came out already.
“You originally wanted to be a veterinarian but quit when you Awakened, right?”
When discussions about specific professions arose, Jeong Ha-seong’s mouth formed a thin line, and he showed a strange reaction.
Then it happened.
Gi-ryeo cautiously began to ask more, watching the hero’s expression.
“Ha-seong, are you planning to continue this line of work?”
“Excuse me?”
“I just wondered if you intended to be a Hunter for life…”
It was a statement packed with meaning.
Jeong Ha-seong, who had somehow become one of today’s leading heroes, originally aimed to become a small animal veterinarian specializing in dogs or parrots.
That job, having its share of instances requiring sharp instruments, would inevitably encounter blood, but there’s a difference between lifesaving surgery and merely performing an autopsy.
“It’s tough work.”
Despite his robust physique, that young man’s mental strength wasn’t on par, and he had once even had to rely on the hospital.
“Honestly, I think sometimes you feel a bit too unwarranted responsibility.”
“Unwarranted?”
“As I’ve said before, what’s the big deal about Awakening… You can find it online; some research from abroad shows that the statistics from the last few years of Awakening manifestations are on an upward curve.”
“…”
“Surprisingly, humanity is adapting to magic power faster than expected. Give it another 10 or 20 years, and the proportion of Awakened will increase significantly. Then the Hunter market will expand, and citizens will grow more self-reliant in their defenses.”
“I see.”
“The conclusion is, whatever you do from now on, I doubt the world is going to fall apart from that. If you want, just handling the essential Dungeon Breaks would still keep society running fine.”
Gi-ryeo spoke cautiously through the crashing waves.
“Have you ever thought about wanting to quit being a Hunter?”
His tone was soft and attentive, but internally, he had a rather sinister calculation running.
This F-Class scoundrel had made an impossible promise to Jeong Ha-seong.
However, if Jeong Ha-seong were to retire, then there’s no need to pay the corresponding rewards to the parties involved regarding the lecture!
A devious mindset of making the other retire if he couldn’t himself!
‘In a way, raising Jeong Ha-seong was an investment for the future, so the time spent was a bit regretful; but if it were to be exposed that I conned 6 billion won a month over a goal that is unlikely to be achieved…!’
Gulp.
The blond man awaited the response, tension evident in his eyes.
“Wanting to quit? I think about that every day.”
Oh!
The fourth S-Class of Korea’s soul prepared to soar.
“But I won’t.”
However, in just a moment, his inner thoughts plummeted.
“Truth is, I didn’t aim to become a veterinarian out of some grand sense of duty. I just happened to have decent grades… and I really like dogs, plus they keep saying the pet market is going to grow.”
“…”
“That kind of job usually pays well, right?”
Then the black-haired Fire Mage demonstrated a gesture he absolutely wouldn’t have performed before.
He formed a circle with his index and thumb while extending the other fingers lightly.
It was a typical gesture indicating money.
“I chose my dream based on percentages, after all.”
“Oh my god.”
“So even if my job changes because of some random superpower that fell from the sky, whatever.”
Ha-seong shrugged.
He had always had a fluid personality devoid of strong opinions, and with his indecisive nature, he appeared content with the current situation.
A world where countless people would suffer due to just one absence?
In the grander scheme, there was hardly a more fulfilling and significant life.
Jeong Ha-seong didn’t need to trouble himself with pondering the existential question of “what’s the meaning of my life?” like the middle-aged company workers often do.
‘Yet, becoming Korea’s first S-Class or having such an overabundance of magic power that I awakened uncontrollably… I do think that was a bit excessive, but thanks to this person beside me, I’m improving much through training, so honestly, I don’t feel that much self-loathing these days.’
Ha-seong kept calm, hands clasped behind his back.
Then, he smoothly continued the conversation in his usual clean and proper tone.
“Kim Gi-ryeo Hunter.”
“Yes?”
“But listening to what you’ve said so far, I can’t help but feel like you’re subtly urging me to consider quitting.”
“Huh?”
“It’s almost as if if I were to stop being a Hunter, you wouldn’t have to worry about me whining to get back onto a regular team…”
“…….”
“Must be just a feeling, right?”
Immediately, Jeong Ha-seong’s eyes widened as he fixed his gaze intensely at the side profile of his companion.
“Just a feeling, right? Hunter?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“Thanks for answering.”
In any case, it was alright.
Since the shift in Jeong Ha-seong’s demeanor after dinner at that stew restaurant had been noticeable enough for even the alien to realize, it was still better than being stuffed like a dumpling.
Gi-ryeo, wiping cold sweat from his palm, eventually said, “By the way, Ha-seong, are you getting hungry…? I drove all the way here, so very gratefully, I’ll buy you a meal.”
“Oh, food?”
“How about seafood?”
“Sorry, but I forgot to bring my magic consumption accessory today. I’m not sure if there’s a restaurant willing to serve an S-Class Awakened at this hour.”
“In that case, there are many bakeries nearby; we could grab some bread and eat in front of the sea…”
Their conversation continued.
Thus, the two S-Class Hunters agreed temporarily to pick something up from a nearby confectionery and dine outdoors.
In the midst of this, Jeong Ha-seong took out his mobile phone and suggested, “By the way, since we’re in Incheon, why don’t we break a Gate for fun after our meal?” but was promptly dismissed by his companion with cold criticism.
“Are you crazy? That won’t do. Hey, Jeong Ha-seong. Since there’s no strict schedule, you should take a break with me today.”
“Really?”
“If you go diving into the dungeons while I’m on vacation, just watch what’ll happen! I told you before, diving into work so intensely can drive you insane! Or could it be you’re already insane?”
Plod, plod.
Jeong Ha-seong and Kim Gi-ryeo headed towards the coastline to gather food.
As they navigated the relatively rugged terrain avoiding ordinary folks, it took them a while to reach the sandy beach.
Just as they hadn’t quite exited the sandy boundary, familiar yet puzzling information began to approach them.
Heavy or sharp, or the word “galaxy” invokes an image of cold cerulean hair. Along with that tall stature.
“Huh?”
“What’s that?”
Gi-ryeo pieced together the visuals entering his view.
‘Is that Kang Chang-ho?’
The subject of their pact appeared on the midday beach.
Dressed in a casual black short-sleeve tee and long jeans, he looked quite ordinary at first glance, even with summer sunglasses perched on his nose, he resembled a typical vacationer.
But was a wealthy individual with considerable assets truly choosing such a public place as his summer getaway?
“Kim Gi-ryeo!”
Sure enough, his true intent revealed itself right after.
The towering Awakened approached, a Boston bag emblazoned with a golf product logo slung over his shoulder.
As he approached, Gi-ryeo expressed his confusion without taking a breath.
“What’s up?”
Just that single sentence, without even a subject, was enough for the contractor to calmly put his sunglasses away into the bag’s outer pocket and continue the conversation smoothly.
“I was wondering why the direction seemed off, and here you are at the beach. Did I just interrupt your playtime with some kids?”
“Um?”
“Sorry about that. But Kim Gi-ryeo Hunter, you’ve been getting into a lot of mischief lately. I actually followed you because I found out a little late that you had left for Seoul.”
“Ah.”
“So I rushed over thinking you were about to go into some weird shenanigans again, but it looks like that’s not the case?”
The National Hero’s displeasure was evident at the mention of his “mischief” during their conversation.
But Gi-ryeo’s reaction remained flat.
“Dungeons?”
It was simply luck during the Gampo Port incident. Given that the Korean stalker was still around, such scenarios could arise at any moment.
There was no need to be surprised by such an expected event.
“Random coincidences like with the tentacles don’t occur often. Why would I wander into dangerous places without reason?”
“Hmm.”
Even with a third party present, he figured this much wasn’t pushing the enhancement heart’s limits too far.
“Since we’re under a pact, what is there to worry about?”
“I’m worried someone might pull a fast one using some strange method.”
Kang Chang-ho strolled over towards where the higher-ranking Hunters stood while casually speaking.
Gi-ryeo observed the light-hearted way he answered and felt lighter as he responded.
“I have no intention of breaking the Knight’s Pact, so don’t worry.”
Next, he planned to explain how someone would never break a contract risking their life and all, but—
Clatter!
For some reason, the moment the blond man’s words ended, an unidentifiable noise echoed nearby.
Clatter?
It passed quite quickly, so he wasn’t certain, but it felt like…
“Uh?”
Kang Chang-ho halted his steps, lowering his head.
The moment he heard the peculiar noise, he shifted his gaze to his bag.
“Oh, right. I almost forgot about this.”
He muttered a few incomprehensible words, then told them to wait a moment.
He promised to show them something amazing and opened the zipper of the bag he was carrying on one shoulder.
‘Isn’t that full of golf equipment?’
But just when Jeong Ha-seong was having that thought, something changed in Kang Chang-ho’s demeanor.
The subtle smile he’d maintained shifted slowly down into an expressionless visage.
Kang Chang-ho’s eyes widened ever so slightly, looking inside the bag for quite some time, before switching his gaze to the nearby blond Awakened.
And then back to whatever was in the bag, displaying his reaction.
After a moment of speechlessness, he suddenly frowned and chuckled quietly.
Although he didn’t make any sounds, it was the first time they’d seen the S-Class Hunter chuckle so widely, exposing his lower teeth.
But why was that?
At first glance, Kang Chang-ho’s laughter appeared decidedly upbeat, reminiscent of his youthful days.
Yet within someone’s mind, a sudden chilling warning light flicked on.
It felt strongly that something was off.