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Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Park Siwoo

Shadow.

A secret assassination organization that operates in the darkness, dreaming of the revival of a great being.

Its members were a varied bunch, with many even working openly in society. A sort of double life, you could say.

Han Baekgil, the leader there, looked at the dark stone in his hand.

The Stone of Life.

A gift bestowed upon him by the Great Being.

Its effect was simple.

When a linked target would die it would lose its color upon their death, just like the stone of Lee Seoyoon he now held.

“Dead, huh.”

Han Baekgil clicked his tongue internally.

Lee Seoyoon had been a promising prospect since her Awakening.

She was also an Awakened with a cruel streak deep down.

One crazy person recognizes another. Han Baekgil saw that in her right away. That’s why he approached her beforehand and brought her into Shadow.

‘I was thinking of giving her an important task later.’

She was a surefire candidate to grow into an S-Rank. There weren’t many with that kind of talent even within Shadow.

Such a talented person died suddenly.

“Damn it.”

He clicked his tongue again and called the members together.

Members entered, their faces masked.

From One to Seven. Each a core member with a designated number.

Looking at them, Han Baekgil spoke.

“Lee Seoyoon is dead.”

“That psycho bitch is dead? How?”

“What do you think? Didn’t she just brag about finishing the job I gave her? Must have gone hunting to celebrate and got herself killed instead.”

At those words, the members silently nodded in agreement.

Lee Seoyoon’s violent actions were well-known even within Shadow. She always went hunting for people after finishing a job.

“But isn’t it a bit strange? Even if she’s crazy, she’s not stupid, right? She seemed capable enough to avoid getting caught in a trap…”

It was a valid point.

Seoyoon enjoyed hunting, but she wasn’t the type to prioritize life-and-death duels.

“She usually goes after lone wolves, right?”

“Yeah. She always looked down on those who moved in parties, so she probably did the same this time. Then she got caught…”

Han Baekgil raised his hand to silence them.

“There are two possibilities. First, a high-ranking Awakener entered a lower gate while hiding their identity. Or… .”

“A newcomer emerged and fought Seoyoon one-on-one?”

“That’s right.”

Han Baekgil nodded.

If an A or S-rank Awakener entered while hiding their identity, it wouldn’t be strange for Lee Seoyoon to be hunted.

However, the possibility was very low. Lee Seoyoon mostly operated in D and E-rank gates.

For a well-known Awakened to enter there? Possible, but not very likely.

Of course, it could’ve been because of a hidden piece or something, but the probability wasn’t that high.

Usually, those high-leveled players would start in a higher-level area for hidden pieces.

“If it’s a newcomer, who could it be?”

The members’ eyes sparkled with interest at the intriguing topic.

It was commonly thought that high achievements would be widely publicized, but that wasn’t always the case.

There were many Awakened who hid their achievement level to some extent.

Like an A pretending to be a B.

Or a B pretending to be a C.

They could receive slightly lower treatment, but they could also receive less attention.

There were quite a few Awakened who operated like that.

After all, bragging about your high achievements didn’t always have only advantages.

“That bitch’s achievement rank was A. And her level is 300. If someone took her down, they’re no ordinary player… .”

“That’s right. That’s why I called you all here. If a new face really did appear, that means a new variable has entered the equation.”

The members nodded in agreement.

Of course, even if it was a new face, they wouldn’t be a complete newbie.

They were likely someone who had been around the Awakened world for a while.

After all, there’s no way some low-level scrub could’ve taken down Lee Seoyoon.

“Alright. I get why we’re gathered. So boss, what are we going to do if we find that guy? Are we going to kill him?”

“There’s no need for that necessarily. We’ll keep the option open for recruitment. Of course, if that’s not possible…”

Han Baekgil’s eyes turned cold.

He didn’t need to finish his sentence; everyone understood.

“Good. Then I’ll track the movements of A-rank or higher Awakened. If they entered a gate, there’s definitely going to be a gap in their schedule.”

“We’ll look into the lower gate entry records. Of those who entered alone.”

To find out who killed Lee Seoyoon.

Shadow began to move to find out.

* * *

After exiting the gate, Kim Minwoo returned home and called his bodyguards.

“Please check this person out. Oh, and dispose of this ID.”

“Understood.”

Park Siwoo.

Hanbit Orphanage.

He handed over a piece of paper with simple information written on it, along with Park Cheol-woong’s ID card.

He thought it would be better to dispose of it in advance in case Shadow smelled something.

In less than 10 minutes, he was able to receive a document containing his information.

As expected, Park Siwoo was currently at the Orphanage.

He looked at the contents listed as special notes.

[He has been good at using swords since he was a child. Several guilds that coveted his abilities approached him, but he eventually failed to Awaken.]

‘He’s a promising talent, though.’

The sooner the contact, the better. Park Siwoo’s Awakening was overdue.

‘Let’s meet him first.’

Leveling up?

That can be done anytime.

Hunt foreign monsters within 7 years.

Honestly, it’s not even going to take seven years. Just a few months, and he’ll easily hit 200.

Then, growth will plateau.

But there’s a chance to break through.

That was enough reason to move right now.

“Prepare the car. We’re going to the Hanbit orphanage. We’ll meet Park Siwoo there.”

* * *

Hanbit Orphanage.

Children were running around as usual at the Orphanage located in Gyeonggi Province. Park Siwoo sat beside his friend, staring blankly at the scene.

“What are you doing?”

“It’s just… I don’t have much time left here. So I was watching.”

“Got nothing better to do? You’ve got all the time in the world.”

“What’s good about it? I’m going to die anyway.”

“I see. You have a younger sister, so… .”

His friend nodded in understanding.

Indeed, his younger sister was also here at the Orphanage. Siwoo was in a situation where he had to leave due to his age. Even if he received settlement support, all he could afford would be a small room in a boarding house.

While pondering over the suffocating feeling of being pushed aside, Siwoo spoke up.

“…What are you going to do when you leave? How will you survive?”

“Me? Like I said, I’ll probably just learn some skills. What about you?”

“I don’t know. Lately, I’ve been thinking I should do something real. If only I had Awakened…”

His friend chuckled.

“Awakening? Please. If you haven’t Awakened by our age, it’s over.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

Siwoo nodded quietly, feeling bitter.

His dream had been to become an Awakened ever since he was a child. The reason was simple: because he had been saved by an Awakened. Thirteen years ago, an A-rank gate suddenly appeared in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

He lost his parents while on a family outing.

If the Awakened hadn’t come to their aid, he might have lost his only sister as well. Since then, his dream had been to become an Awakened, to become someone who could save others, just like he and his sister had been saved.

Of course, it didn’t necessarily have to be an Awakened, but there was no other profession as respected as an Awakened.

That’s why most of the children at the Orphanage dreamed of becoming Awakened as well.

Unfortunately, only a tiny fraction of them ever realized that dream.

Just then.

A line of cars pulled up in front of the orphanage.

The eyes of the two people widened at the sight of the expensive-looking cars.

“What’s going on? Did some big shot come today?”

“I don’t know. The director didn’t say anything special.”

Then, a surprising sight unfolded.

People getting out of the cars.

Among them, a very familiar face could be seen amidst the crowd.

Kim Minwoo!

Even though he wore sunglasses, he was unmistakable.

Wasn’t he the hottest Awakened in Korea right now? Moreover, the hands of the people who seemed to be his bodyguards were filled with gifts that seemed too expensive to carry.

‘Why on earth is he here…’

At that moment,

“Hey! You there!”

“Yes? Me?”

“Yeah, you. Park Siwoo, right?”

“Yes, that’s me… Do I know you?”

“Of course. I know you very well. Do you mind if I have a chat with you? Somewhere quiet?”

Kim Minwoo took off his sunglasses and smiled brightly.

* * *

Inside a small cafe.

Kim Minwoo and Park Siwoo sat facing each other.

“If you want anything to eat, just order.”

“No, I’m fine. I just ate. So, what did you want to talk to me about… ?”

Park Siwoo seemed curious about the purpose of the meeting.

In that case, there was no choice but to get straight to the point.

“Siwoo, you’ve been worried lately, haven’t you?”

“…Yes?”

“You’ll be leaving the Orphanage soon, and you’re worried about making a living, right?”

“Um… yes?”

“On top of that, you have a younger sister to take care of.”

Park Siwoo nodded.

“You have me, though. I have a good eye for people. You’re a talented kid, from what I can see.”

“What do you mean by potential…?”

“It means you have the talent to be an Awakened.”

“…Yes?”

“Didn’t you hear me?”

“No, I did, but I haven’t Awakened yet?”

“Kid. I Awakened much later than your age. But look at me now.”

“You’re a super… rookie.”

“That’s right. If you find the right conditions and Awaken, you could be like me.”

“I’m sorry, but… I don’t really know what the conditions are…”

“It’s obvious! Who would know the conditions for Awakening? I happened to stumble upon them after trying various things.”

In truth, it wasn’t stumbling upon them, but rather knowing them beforehand, but there was no need to mention that.

“I’ve been looking for talented individuals lately, and you caught my eye. According to the Orphanage records, you’re quite skilled with a sword, aren’t you?”

“Oh…”

Park Siwoo nodded in understanding.

Being an Awakened was a prestigious profession.

Moreover, the conditions for Awakening were often stumbled upon like winning the lottery.

Naturally, orphanages also made efforts to produce Awakened individuals.

Sending exceptional Awakened individuals to guilds or organizations often resulted in substantial financial support as a reward.

One of those efforts was training.

Children were provided with practice weapons to train with.

Through this, they could discover weapons that suited their aptitude, and with luck, there were cases of Awakening.

It wasn’t a bad thing to find a useful skill even if one didn’t Awaken.

Park Siwoo had once been in the spotlight like that.

He was incredibly good at using swords.

But he hadn’t Awakened yet.

Maybe they can scratch that lottery ticket?

Thinking like that, the guilds formed relationships with Park Siwoo and provided some support.

They also helped him try various things to find the conditions for Awakening.

However, after a considerable amount of time had passed.

Park Siwoo was already a used piece of gum.

Those who had potential would usually finish Awakening before the age of fifteen, but this guy didn’t Awaken no matter what he did.

What good is it if he’s talented in swordsmanship? If he doesn’t Awaken, he’s ultimately useless.

It wasn’t just once or twice that they tried.

In the end, the guilds that had been keeping an eye on Park Siwoo dropped out one by one.

That’s why Park Siwoo was worried about what he would do to make a living after leaving the orphanage.

Instead of studying.

Instead of learning a skill.

He had come running with the goal of Awakening, so that wouldn’t have worked.

“You haven’t given up yet, have you?”

“…”

Park Siwoo quietly nodded.

Kim Minwoo smiled as he saw this.

“Let me help you until you Awaken. You’ll receive support beyond your imagination, whatever you dream of.”

“…Why?”

“Oh, and feel free to call me comfortably. Just call me hyung.”

…Yes, hyung. I understand why you called me here. But I don’t really understand why you’re doing this for me. The other guilds have all given up… .”

He chuckled.

Why is he doing this for him?

The world doesn’t yet know the worth of this genius.

The one who truly deserved to be called a genius by the Sword Saint was not himself, but Park Siwoo.

‘This guy is a real genius.’

Characteristics: Swordsmanship genius.

He had even firmly nailed it in the game start window, hadn’t he?

This guy is a monster.

There’s nothing to lose by forming a relationship with him.

And the most important thing is.

‘The possibility of getting achievement points is very high.’

That value couldn’t be compared to mere money.

After all, achievement points increased Kim Minwoo’s own potential.

The higher the level, the better it is for hunting foreign gods.

The only way to surpass the 200 level of the Tutorial.

Can he just ignore this?

“I can’t endure it.”

“Yes?”

“I said, I can’t endure it.”

What kind of life was Park Siwoo originally supposed to live? It was difficult to say for sure, but it could be speculated.

In the distant past, even when the best player knew the conditions for Awakening and jumped into the game as a pilot, an S-rank achievement was the limit.

Let alone Park Siwoo, who currently doesn’t even know his own Awakening condition

Of course, he could still reach the upper ranks as a swordsmanship genius.

‘A famous Awakened in Korea. That’s about it.’

That’s probably where it would end.

That’s how important the first skillbook was.

What if he achieves an achievement above S in this fate of ending up like that?

Will the story not be distorted and derailed if the protagonist’s fate changes this much?

If he succeeds, achievement points will pour in.

A lottery ticket with a guaranteed win.

He has to scratch it and see.

“S-rank? No, you’re definitely going to be an Awakened above that. Let’s do it. I’ll help you.”

He wanted to write a myth in the Korean Awakened world.

That’s why he came to find Park Siwoo.