Sudden Gate-Tunnel

I had heard many people refer to Song Gi-young as a ‘frightening person.’

Being around him naturally caused tension and fear. It was known he possessed a peculiar ability to make people anxious.

I had a feeling I knew why.

‘Song Gi-young was a player, too.’

This was a fact that had remained completely unknown because Song Gi-young himself had never revealed it. Though he had awakened as a player, it seemed he had not engaged in gameplay.

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[Player]

Name: Song Gi-young

Age: 68

Level: 11

Class: –

Guardian: –

Unique Abilities: [Charisma] [Overwhelm (壓倒)]

Status: Hope/Doubt/Weariness

Disposition: Ambitious/Neutral

Summary:

1) A generous individual capable of rational skepticism

2) Dotes on his grandchildren

+ Class has not been chosen.

+ Guardian has not been chosen.

+ Disposition and characteristics/summary represent a few prominent aspects and can change depending on the situation.

+ Due to low proficiency in Sensory Eye, access to detailed information is not possible.

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I was able to find some unusual information through the Sensory Eye.

‘Charisma? Overwhelm?’

My current level was 19. Song Gi-young’s level was 11. Perhaps due to the level difference, I could even discern his unique abilities. Just level 11–he had only just finished the tutorial at this point in time—yet, it was fascinating that Chairman Song Gi-young had awakened ‘unique abilities.’

‘Two of them, no less.’

It seemed fitting for a man of his stature.

“This is it.”

I handed over the ‘Type B Healing Potion.’

“I am a player. I believe you understand what a player is and the kind of being they are.”

“I see.”

Song Gi-young, seated on the sofa, stared intently at the ‘Type B Healing Potion’ I offered.

“If you’re a player, you can activate an item’s description window. If you’ve awakened as a player, that is.”

“I am not a player.”

So he says. He claims he’s not a player.

“Then, I will explain it for you.”

The ‘Type B Healing Potion’ was exactly as the name suggested, a hair growth tonic. It made hair lush and abundant. Seo Joo-hwan managed to get 1 billion won from Song Gi-young with it.

The summary tells us.

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1) A generous individual capable of rational skepticism

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He was generous. If you provided what he wanted, he would give ample compensation.

“It simply makes your hair grow just by taking it in.”

“How much exactly?”

“As much as you desire.”

Song Gi-young gave me a once over.

[Sensory Eye detects a unique ability.]

[The unique ability ‘Charisma’ activates.]

I felt the aura of Song Gi-young through the Sensory Eye.

‘It’s ticklish in my heart.’

It wasn’t as scary or frightening as people described.

‘Come to think of it, they said something about feeling tingles in the heart when talking to Song Gi-young.’

He may have the unique ability ‘Charisma,’ but he’s only level 11. I’m not intimidated. Had I not known, I would be ignorant of the power of a unique ability.

“I do not lie. I am not bold enough to lie in front of the chairman of Seongshin.”

I looked straight into Song Gi-young’s eyes. He chuckled.

“You do not seem to lack boldness. It’s been a while since someone stood so confidently in front of me.”

Song Gi-young’s gaze on me shifted slightly. It was subtle, but definitely perceptible.

“What is it you desire?”

I had no intention of asking for cash.

“I’d like an apartment and some cash.”

If it were anyone else, they may have exclaimed, ‘Is this guy insane?’ But Song Gi-young did not.

“An apartment and cash?”

“It’s a newly built apartment located near the DMC. It’s worth about 900 million won now.”

“An apartment.”

Song Gi-young looked straight at me.

[Sensory Eye detects a unique ability.]

[The unique ability ‘Overwhelm’ is detected.]

Information came through the Sensory Eye.

I felt a crushing pressure. Breathing became slightly hard. I had witnessed the true nature of the ‘Overwhelm’ unique ability.

‘It feels like… wearing a slightly thick mask?’

That’s all it was.

‘It’s nothing special.’

Honestly, it was almost laughable considering our levels were nearly doubled.

“The apartment, I understand. And how much cash would you like?”

The apartment’s market price was around 900 million won. Seo Joo-hwan once got 1 billion won in cash. No need to think too hard.

“I want 100 million won.”

Song Gi-young continued to gaze at me as if probing. It wasn’t just a look; he was fully utilizing his abilities as a player.

[The presence of ‘Overwhelm’ continues to be detected.]

A little time passed.

“It doesn’t seem you’re lying.”

Song Gi-young stood up.

“Fine. I’ll trust you this once.”

He warned me, unaware that the influence of ‘Overwhelm’ had no effect on me.

“Let’s write up the contract immediately. However, should your words prove false, you will pay dearly for the 40 minutes of my time you’ve wasted.”

I nodded. His warning didn’t scare me. I was already familiar with the ‘new wonders.’ I added a comment in a relaxed tone, almost forgetting.

“I would like the world to remain unaware of me. I’m not seeking attention.”

I chose a different route from Seo Joo-hwan, who had made headlines in the newspapers.

“Very well.”

I had one more condition.

* * *

I left the headquarters of Seongshin with a light heart.

‘I thought it would be nerve-wracking.’

Things went smoother than expected. In the past, I couldn’t even maintain eye contact. But now, returning to the past, it was different. The aura exuded by the chairman of Seongshin was nothing special.

‘The deal is done.’

The apartment I had in mind was ‘DMC Riverview Jai.’

In the future, with the Korean Player Association moving in close by, the value will skyrocket, making it prime real estate—a landmark of Korea and one of the safest places. It wasn’t the market value or the money that made me ask for this apartment.

‘I could sell it three years later when money is needed.’

In three years, the Player Association would be well-established, and DMC Riverview Jai could be liquidated any time. While I didn’t get the cash, it was as good as having it.

‘I’ll need the 1 billion won three years later.’

I had secured a final stronghold, real estate that could be converted to cash at any moment.

‘Moreover.’

Now, our family doesn’t need to struggle in a semi-basement. My sister, who used to wake up at dawn to work and support us, can have a room of her own.

My mother, whose lifelong dream was to live in an apartment, can see her wish fulfilled.

‘Our sanctuary.’

As I worried about the rent increasing every two years and us possibly getting evicted from our cramped basement, that concern is gone. With the contract in my hand, there’s no need to worry.

The chairman of Seongshin genuinely admired.

[This is unbelievable. Is this… a new wonder?]

He was no longer bald. He stood in front of the mirror, motionless for a long time. He then called his secretary and inquired about DMC Riverview Jai. Purchasing an apartment was not difficult for the chairman of Seongshin.

[Of course. I accept all the conditions of your proposal. Miss Kim, come to the chairman’s office.]

Everything proceeded swiftly. There was a vacant property available for immediate purchase.

[Ah, and about the girl named Kang Sun-hwa. If she wishes, help her become the foster daughter of one Lee Soo-hyun. Make sure it goes smoothly.]

True to his reputation, he handled everything efficiently. Mom had been keen on taking care of Sun-hwa. For mom, for Sun-hwa, and for myself, I made this offer.

‘Having the qualification of siblings will make dungeon entry much more convenient.’

The prodigy among prodigies, whose talent hadn’t fully unfolded yet. It benefits me in many ways to travel with Sun-hwa. Besides, I genuinely want to protect her.

‘Seongshin now knows about the new wonders.’

I must maintain the future’s major currents. With Seo Joo-hwan’s influence, ‘Seongshin’ develops a deep interest in ‘new wonders.’ Under Song Gi-young’s leadership, they actively support ‘players’ and embark on related business ventures, especially since the chairman has experienced the wonders firsthand.

‘Now, they will move quickly.’

The same as the past. Like how events unfolded before, I will do my best within these major currents. Amidst all this, I received a message.

[Web Sent. Bank of Korea.

Deposit 100,000,000 KRW.]

It felt surreal. Holding the apartment contract and 100 million won in cash. It was hard to believe this was my reality. It almost felt too unreal.

I walked on. Seoul, Hongje-dong. I waited for about 15 minutes in front of a building.

“Sis, have you finished work?”

My sister, the ultimate tsundere, looked me up and down as if she had seen an unseeable thing.

“…What?”

“I stopped by somewhere and I’m heading home now. Since it’s about your finishing time, I thought we could go home together.”

“…”

She didn’t reply. She acted as if I were terribly bothersome. She turned and began walking to the bus stop, an icy demeanor in her stride.

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Status: Pleased/Relief/Delight

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‘She’d die of embarrassment if she knew I could read her mood.’

Most likely. She’d die of shame if she knew her current emotions were so apparent.

‘And the relief?’

It must be the emotion she feels from knowing I am still alive. Since I returned alive from ‘the day of the great upheaval.’

“The bus is here.”

We boarded the bus. Through the Sensory Eye, I could feel the glances of the people. Even before having the Sensory Eye, I’ve been accustomed to such looks. Bare-faced and modestly dressed, but my sister had that kind of presence that involuntarily catches the eyes of many. Neither my sister nor I were too bothered by these glances.

“Sis, how about we move?”

“Do you have a lot of money?”

“Yeah. I have around 100 million won.”

“Are you drunk? Get a grip.”

“What if it’s true?”

“…”

She ignored my words as if they were nonsense and continued to stare out the window.

I know she, too, wants to move.

She’d want to leave a place where cockroaches may surge out at any moment. Just, she would not show it. True to our nature as practical siblings, we did not converse. She just looked outside. I did too. Silence was fine. Not every silence needs to be filled with words.

‘If only she knew what’s in my hand is the contract to a new apartment.’

Not to mention the 100 million won sitting in my bank account. Even the thought of it lifted my spirits.

“Sis.”

“What?”

“I’m going to get us a nice place to move into.”

“…”

She was still just looking outside.

“Let’s live somewhere nice. I’ll also make it so you can quit your job.”

In the future, she won’t have to worry about contracting leukemia or having to work in a factory because we lack money.

“Today, with mom…”

Thinking about having a family dinner, I suddenly lost my words.

‘Huh?’

I saw something outside the window. The street trees were flickering with golden light. It seemed the people passing by didn’t see the light. Of course. They are not players. It’s only visible to the eyes of a player.

‘A sudden gate?’

The Seoul Station dungeon had just been cleared. Was there a sudden gate that appeared near Hongje-dong at this time? I tried to recall. A vague memory came to mind.

‘One. There was.’

It wasn’t a crucial topic in the formal announcements. Just briefly mentioned as the first gate that ‘the Swordsman’ had cleared.

The faint golden light shimmering among the street trees. And there stood a woman. I knew her.

“Sis, something urgent came up, I need to get off here.”

The strongest PVP player who was invincible if on your side, and the two-faced slaughterer.

I had found Shin Yeon-seo, along with a very small sudden gate.