Chapter 117: Do Kyunghye - (1)
Late at night, in front of Seoul Station.
A man with a short sports haircut and eyes filled with determination glanced around.
At a glance, he was unmistakably a teenager, not yet in his twenties.
"Is this Seoul Station? Wow."
It was the first time he had ever been to Seoul.
He stared at the unfamiliar Seoul Station sign, then quickly recalled his reason for coming here.
"Shin Sanghyun..."
His gaze landed on the photo of Sanghyun displayed on his smartphone.
His favorites list was filled entirely with news articles and videos related to Sanghyun's battles.
Of course, it also included the recent contract announcement from Hyunjung Corporation.
"He's like a beacon of light for players like me who started from nothing."
His clenched fist tightened with resolve.
A considerable amount of Sanghyun's history had been made public online.
In particular, his time as a porter under Yoon Daekyung's group had been repeatedly told and exaggerated in various forms.
Many players regarded Sanghyun as a legendary figure who had risen from a mere porter to his current status.
This young man was no exception.
Of course, 99.99% of players simply admired Sanghyun from afar.
But his thoughts were different.
Just using the same sword as Sanghyun and working as a porter made him feel a deep sense of connection. Being an orphan, too.
So he made up his mind.
He would find Sanghyun and beg him to take him as a disciple. If he refused, he was ready to sleep on the streets until he was accepted!
"I want to become an amazing swordsman too!"
The young man shouted.
His voice rang out loudly, unable to be contained within himself.
"If I could even get a little guidance from him, I’d have no regrets."
All he knew was that Sanghyun lived in the Gold Building of Jamsil Station’s Player Town.
Since Player Towns strictly prohibited outsiders, he had no choice but to wait at the entrance.
"I have to see him no matter what."
Without considering how many days he might be waiting or what he would do, he had come to Seoul for the first time with only one thought in mind.
His steps naturally led him toward Player Town.
Around midnight.
"Phew."
Sanghyun emerged from a warm bath with a satisfied expression.
After an exhausting day of nonstop battles, nothing was better than a bath.
Even in his past life, it had been part of his routine, and that hadn’t changed after his regression.
"It definitely has an ominous presence."
His eyes settled on the Blood-Drinking Sword, Pimakum, emitting a dark red aura from one side of the living room.
It was well known that after Dokgo Yoon obtained Pimakum in his past life, his already nasty personality became even worse.
It wasn’t uncommon for artifacts to consume their owners' minds depending on their nature.
"I need to use it wisely."
The thought struck him again.
Powerful weapons often came with a price, and Pimakum was certainly one of them.
"There's still some time before the large-scale raid with Do Kyungsoo. And I haven't heard from Lee Sehwa either."
As he checked the messages, texts, and call history on his smartphone, Sanghyun organized his upcoming plans.
Recently, Ham Jiyeon's messages had increased noticeably.
However, since their elemental resistance training wasn’t urgent, it wasn't a top priority.
"Alright, should I go to Japan?"
A schedule came to mind.
He had been thinking for a while about the Break Spot Dungeon beneath the Dotonbori River in Osaka.
It was a dungeon he had never forgotten, one he always kept in mind.
If a Break Spot Dungeon wasn’t cleared in time, it could serve as a trigger for a massive rift.
The Break Spot Dungeon in the Dotonbori River was set to ignite the Shinjuku Great Rift in about a month.
That catastrophic event had resulted in nearly ten thousand civilian deaths.
By clearing the Break Spot Dungeon, he could prevent a future disaster. The Great Rift wouldn’t happen.
"Since it's past midnight, I’ll get some good rest today and leave tomorrow. I can easily book a flight."
Sanghyun nodded.
It felt like he had found the perfect way to fill a gap in his schedule.
It would be a short trip, but he could also enjoy a bit of sightseeing—his own way of recharging.
6 AM.
Waking up from unbearable hunger, Sanghyun didn’t head to the kitchen but straight to the front door.
He had recently discovered a great gukbap (rice soup) restaurant in Player Town.
It was in a secluded spot, so it didn’t get much foot traffic, but the taste was phenomenal.
Since it was a holiday, there wouldn’t be too many people, making it the perfect morning.
Then—
"Sanghyun-nim!"
A sudden voice rang out from beyond the fence at the entrance to the complex.
Sanghyun immediately drew Pimakum.
He always maintained a cautious mindset, so rather than being startled, his reflexes acted first.
Besides, his Fighting Spirit skill was already stable and active, making his movements fluid.
"I’m not a suspicious person! P-please lower your sword for a moment?"
"……"
The young man, scratching his nearly shaved head, bowed repeatedly. He looked like a high school student.
'He looks familiar.'
Though they should have been strangers, Sanghyun felt like he recognized him.
"My name is Shin Yunhyuk!"
'...Shin Yunhyuk?'
The moment the young man introduced himself, Sang-hyun's eyes gleamed.
That was a name he vividly remembered.
In his past life, Shin Yunhyuk had been a swordsman who gained great fame after training under the Sword God, So Hyeongjun.
A player well-deserving of the title "named."
However, his premature death was a blemish on his record.
He had played a significant role alongside So Hyeongjun in major incidents, which led to his downfall at the hands of the Constellation Devourers.
They believed his rapid growth under So Hyeongjun must have been due to a Constellation’s backing, and they eliminated him.
Despite later becoming infamous alongside So Hyeongjun, he was known for the legendary tale of how he once knelt outside So Hyeongjun’s house for days, begging to become his disciple.
It was akin to the "Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage" story from Romance of the Three Kingdoms—enduring harsh weather without wavering.
'But why is he coming to me?'
Sanghyun found it unexpected.
In his past memories, Shin Yun-hyuk had never sought him out at Jamsil Station.
I had to go to Yongsan Station, where So Hyeongjun lived. A clear 'difference' had emerged between my past and present actions.
"Alright. You've introduced yourself, so I understand that much. But what brings you here?"
Sanghyun asked Shin Yunhyuk.
He had a rough idea but wanted to hear it from him directly.
At that moment—
Before Sanghyun could even finish speaking, Shin Yunhyuk dropped to his knees. He did it so quickly that a thud sound echoed.
It was enough to make Sanghyun worry about his kneecaps. But the man himself seemed unaware of any pain.
"Please, become my master! This isn't a rash decision. I've thought it through and am willing to stake everything on it!"
"Heh."
Sanghyun couldn't help but chuckle.
This must be the boldness of youth.
The audacity—or recklessness—to seek out a person and make such a request without hesitation.
But if he considered the young man's determination and passion, recklessness could be redefined as ambition, desperation, and sincerity.
"I'm serious!"
"Alright. I understand. But I'd like to hear why I should become your master."
Sanghyun asked formally.
He hadn't dropped honorifics with Shin Yunhyuk yet, and he wanted to acknowledge the young man's enthusiasm properly.
"I've watched every video and read every article about your achievements! You're truly incredible! And your rapid growth since becoming a Player is astonishing!"
"Isn't that a bit cliché?"
Sanghyun asked with a smile.
Not that Shin Yunhyuk's words were wrong. His rapid growth was undeniable.
"Anyone who recently became a Player and wields a sword like me sees you as a role model!"
"There are plenty of skilled swordsmen, like Do Kyungsoo. I'm still just a latecomer."
"And that's exactly why you're like a beacon of hope for us! You're ascending from the mortal realm to the celestial realm!"
"Ugh..."
A shiver ran down Sanghyun's spine, from his fingertips to his entire body, making him unconsciously curl his fingers.
It was the shiver of secondhand embarrassment.
He had never received such direct and exaggerated praise before.
At this rate, Shin Yunhyuk was practically deifying him.
"You can work me like a slave or train me mercilessly! I'm prepared, so please be my master!"
Becoming a mentor-disciple pair.
It sounded simple, but it was no light matter. It wasn’t like making a casual friend.
"Let’s drop the whole 'master' thing."
Sanghyun firmly rejected it, pulling Shin Yun-hyuk to his feet.
He still had a long way to go before he could be someone others looked up to.
Which meant he had no right to take on a disciple so casually.
"Huh?"
"I can always give you advice. I don’t mind being a reliable advisor. But if it’s about becoming your master, I’ll turn you down for the rest of my life."
Sanghyun made his stance clear.
Deep down, though, he was tempted.
In his past life, even So Hyeongjun had acknowledged Shin Yun-hyuk's immense potential as a swordsman.
If guided properly, he could become a valuable asset in the future.
In fact, Shin Yun-hyuk might be a better match for Do Kyungsoo than for himself.
"Ah..."
"No need for such a world-ending sigh. You should focus on solidifying your foundation first."
"I'm sorry! I must've come off too aggressive with my request!"
"Let’s keep it simple. You ask for advice, and I’ll give it. That’s the kind of relationship we’ll have."
Sanghyun patted Shin Yun-hyuk’s slumped shoulder, understanding his emotions.
All Shin Yun-hyuk really needed was a mentor who could help him unlock his potential.
Titles like master and disciple were just unnecessary formalities to Sanghyun.
"...Alright."
"Man, I was just trying to grab some beef soup with my half-awake face, and now look at me."
Sanghyun chuckled at his reflection in the nearby security booth window.
His slightly disheveled hair, the stubble that had grown overnight, and the overall sleepy, unkempt look.
He looked like a complete hermit.
Yet here he was, getting a serious request to become someone’s master in this state. It was too funny.
Noticing Shin Yun-hyuk still hesitating, he spoke up again.
"Let’s go to the park near town. We can talk on the way, and we’ll start dropping the formalities. Straighten your shoulders. Why are you looking so down?"
Sanghyun gave Shin Yun-hyuk’s shoulder another encouraging pat and walked toward the nearby park with him.
It felt strange.
In his past life, Shin Yun-hyuk had walked a completely different path, forming a connection with someone else and falling into the depths of corruption.
But now, here he was—pure, untainted, and standing by Sanghyun's side.
It was fascinating.
And at the same time, tempting.
If he could change this man's future—
If he could turn an enemy he would have had to kill into a friend he should protect—
This was a turning point.
Perhaps the most fitting phrase to describe this moment for both of them.