GalaxyTL
Looking at the entire original world view, Choi Gang-hu was closer to a growth-type munchkin. Although he was humanity’s strongest, there was still somewhat of a gap between him and the higher beings who were his ultimate revenge targets until the early to mid-stages of the original story.
Of course, he narrowed this gap at an unbelievable speed through his overpowered characteristic [Predation]. However, that doesn’t mean there were no crises in the plot. The first battle with a higher being was a representative event.
“What’s wrong?”
Wang Jun-gul, who had stopped in his tracks as well, expressed his doubt. Choi Gang-hu’s gaze also moved in the direction where Ryu Seo-ha’s eyes were fixed. The object inside the glass case labeled number 1488 was a small stone.
“It’s pretty.”
A red pebble with crimson spots. Except for its unique color, it was of a common size and shape that could be found anywhere. At this clear expression of interest, Wang Jun-gul quickly flipped through the ledger.
Equipment Grade: Unknown (Presumed S-grade)
Comprehensive Series: Unknown (Presumed Fire-type)
Possessed Skill: Unknown (Presumed Special-type)
Basic Appearance: Oval pebble
Usage Restriction: Unknown
Appraisal Summary: Usage method and purpose unknown, Collection value B-grade
“Uh…”
Wang Jun-gul’s expression became subtle. This was because Ryu Seo-ha had once again pointed out an S-grade item of unknown use, which was very rare even in this treasure vault full of all kinds of items.
“If you want it, you should take it.”
Choi Gang-hu nodded with a languid expression. As if to say, hurry up and take it out.
“Oh, of course. Originally, things are meant to find their rightful owner.”
Wang Jun-gul, who had been considering asking for appraisal of a few items wondering if he might have a special skill to avoid disruption, quickly agreed.
“Shall I take it out for you right now?”
Ryu Seo-ha looked up blankly at the handsome face of the large man standing next to him like a bodyguard. Choi Gang-hu, just before [Predation] of a higher being’s core, suffers an irrecoverable injury. At that time, Dr. Han Gang-seok, who was analyzing the material that Han Ga-eul had obtained at a great cost, suggests consuming the ‘Fire Egg’, and Choi Gang-hu, thinking he has nothing to lose, follows the advice and gains a one-time revival skill.
“Should I…”
He barely managed to speak but couldn’t finish. Could this be used to solve the lifespan problem? Although it might only be absorbable without side effects by Choi Gang-hu like magic stones, if we could find a way somehow…
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
His disjointed thoughts came to an abrupt halt. Choi Gang-hu’s kind eyes mixed with curiosity made him feel like he’d been doused with ice water. If I use up this material, what about the injury he’ll suffer later?
It should be fine if the lifespan problem is solved. I just need to grit my teeth and raise my level enough to treat him directly. But what if it fails? How will I treat Choi Gang-hu’s injury then?
“Isn’t this the achievement Ryu Seo-ha earned?”
He was afraid of ruining everything. Of taking away Choi Gang-hu’s predetermined victory due to his own greed. He felt pathetic for worrying about others even though his own life was at stake.
“If there’s something you want, don’t hesitate.”
Choi Gang-hu tapped Ryu Seo-ha’s white cheek with his fingertip. Reciting softly as if advising an immature child. After hesitating for a moment, Ryu Seo-ha nodded.
Worrying about who to use it for is a later issue. Even if a decision is made, it’s not something that can be tried right away. In any case, if it’s something that will definitely be needed, it was right to secure it in hand first.
In the end, he ended up obtaining the Fire Egg in addition to the Ruyi Sword. He decided to choose the remaining one guaranteed in the sworn statement slowly after the IHL tournament ended. There was no rush. Even if something went wrong with him, he had written the sworn statement to transfer the right of receipt to Choi Gang-hu.
Leaving behind Wang Jun-gul, who tried to hold them back once more under the pretext of a banquet, the two immediately left China.
“…Are you giving this to me?”
In the private jet crossing the continent. Choi Gang-hu, holding the Ruyi Sword wrapped in fine cloth, asked back with an uncharacteristically dazed expression. It was a fresh reaction. Ryu Seo-ha nodded, laughing softly.
“You were planning to give it to me from the start…?”
“Yes. I thought it would suit you well, Mr. Choi Gang-hu.”
The Ruyi Sword (如意劍) was a weapon that, true to its name, changed its size, shape, weight, material, strength, and even number according to the owner’s will.
“Aren’t you regretful? An S-grade weapon is hard to obtain even with billions.”
Although Choi Gang-hu would soon realize, it was also an ‘SS-grade weapon’ that had never officially appeared even once. An item difficult to value due to its overpowered spatial skill engraved on it. But he didn’t regret it.
“I’ve only been receiving until now. I wanted to give you a proper gift at least once.”
Anyway, due to the wear restriction, Ryu Seo-ha couldn’t use it directly. And he doesn’t have the ability to utilize it like Choi Gang-hu. Rather, strengthening their relationship this way was a much better choice…
Suddenly, lips touched above his eyelid with a soft ‘chu’. When he stepped back a beat late, startled, Choi Gang-hu lightly raised both hands with a face full of regret. As if to say he wouldn’t shower him with more kisses.
“You’re really so pretty it’s killing me.”
Choi Gang-hu’s lips were loosely relaxed as he looked down at Ryu Seo-ha wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. His gaze, melted like honey, was so sweet that Ryu Seo-ha completely forgot the words he was about to add as an excuse.
After staring as if bewitched at Choi Gang-hu showing deep joy all over his face, he lowered his gaze. For some reason, his earlobes felt hot. He could feel his heart beating in a pleasant rhythm.
“…Would you show me more of the private jet?”
He held out his hand, smiling back as if nothing had happened. It was an expression of his desire to see Choi Gang-hu’s joyfully smiling face again.
“As much as you want.”
Strong arms lifted him up as if they had been waiting.
❖ ❖ ❖
Marco Polo Airport in Venice. Due to various incidents, they decided to skip the protocol events prepared by the organizers and move directly to the accommodation. They heard that the delegation that had arrived earlier did the same.
The venue for the IHL matches was an artificial island near Venice, and a festive atmosphere was already prevalent. Even in a situation where overseas travel had become difficult, it felt very much like a tourist destination.
A huge structure modeled after Rome’s Colosseum, giant screens installed here and there, and various street vendors. The scenes inside the artificial dungeon where most of the matches would take place were scheduled to be broadcast live without delay.
The delegation’s accommodation was prepared a little away from the busy central area. However, Ryu Seo-ha headed to a villa built on a nearby uninhabited island instead of the accommodation for medical staff in the next building.
“…I feel uncomfortable continuing to move separately like this.”
“What the higher-ups want from you, Mr. Ryu Seo-ha, is just to show your precious face at each event. We’ve already gotten permission, so there’s no need to worry about it.”
“But there must be schedules for the medical staff too…”
“It’s better to get used to special treatment, even for the deployment of security personnel.”
Both the security guards assigned by the association and those dispatched from the Promhell Guild had to give in to Choi Gang-hu’s persuasion that the quiet uninhabited island would be easier to work on than the main island for the games, bustling with crowds.
It was also because his heart was lifted by the scenery of the villa, which gave a sense of grandeur like a medieval castle while also evoking a serene atmosphere. The opening ceremony is in two days, and the delegation will have personal time until today, so it should be fine.
“Do you like the sea?”
“I didn’t know, but I guess so. It’s calming.”
“Then let’s go out.”
There was no luggage to unpack, and as Ryu Seo-ha was leisurely leaning on the terrace enjoying the view of the distant sea, Choi Gang-hu suddenly held out his hand. When Ryu Seo-ha took it reflexively, Choi Gang-hu slowly walked as if escorting him.
Led by the gentle touch, they arrived at a sailing yacht docked at the pier of the uninhabited island. A private vessel with stylish sails. Compared to a private helicopter or plane, it might be called a modest luxury item.
“Wait… are we setting sail by ourselves?”
While he was distracted by the luxurious, art-like appearance of the hull, which was larger than expected, the yacht started moving towards the sea.
“No need to worry. It’s equipped with automatic navigation technology.”
“No, what about the security guards…”
“Don’t you trust me?”
Ryu Seo-ha had no words to refute Choi Gang-hu, who was smiling mischievously with narrowed eyes. After all, hundreds of security personnel combined were no match for Choi Gang-hu alone.
The sailing yacht cutting through the deep teal sea did clear his mind. The wind, much milder than in Seoul, blew coolly, wrapping around his body as it passed by.
Although not the emerald color he had dreamed of, the waves spewing white foam and surging pleased his eyes. The vaporetto, Venice’s representative means of transportation and attraction, added charm to the scenery as it traveled between distant islands.
He fixed his gaze on the horizon, half-leaning on the sun bed perfect for sunbathing. He could see glass crafts dyed in pretty colors floating on the water surface instead of buoys.
Beep─!
A bottlenose dolphin suddenly jumped up beside the hull, making a cute sound. It was a sea monster famous for being tamed and controlled by summoner-type hunters representing the water city of Venice.
Influenced by items that look like glass crafts, they patrol designated areas and immediately notify their owners if unauthorized monsters appear. Apparently, they’re extremely popular with wealthy tourists due to their familiar appearance.
“Hello.”
Ryu Seo-ha also unknowingly greeted it with a smile, his eyes crinkling. He had approached the railing closely without realizing. He could feel his heart pounding.
Even knowing it was a monster, perhaps because of the perception that it was harmless, he felt excited like a child meeting a dolphin for the first time. Come to think of it, the next family trip was supposed to be to a warm country resort.
If his parents were alive, wouldn’t they have been able to see such a rare sight together? Along with his older sister and younger sister.
As he was trying to control his mood that was about to become gloomy, Choi Gang-hu, who had been staring at him intently, suddenly jumped down below the hull. Landing gently on the deep blue water surface, he looked up at Ryu Seo-ha and spread his arms wide.
“Come here.”
As if telling him to leave behind all gloomy thoughts and fall into his embrace.