Chapter 120: Dream (1)

Chapter 120: Dream (1)

TL/Editor: Raei

Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun

Illustrations: Posted in discord.

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Ever since I was young, I excelled academically.

People around me called me a genius, and I even won various competitions.

However, this was only true during my childhood.

As I entered middle school and high school, I realized I was nothing more than ordinary.

Yet, I couldn't just stand still and accept it.

I believed that even without innate talent, through sheer effort, I could surpass those who had it.

If I put in multiple times the effort as someone talented, surely I could outshine them.

Otherwise, wouldn't it be too unfair?

However, contrary to my naive expectations, the world proved to be unfair.

Despite my efforts, I failed.

No matter how painfully hard I tried, I couldn't achieve my goals.

I was broken.

"Hey! You made it to Korean University Law School! Congratulations!

"...Huh?"

I snapped back to reality.

Where am I?

Just moments ago, I was with Luna, facing off against Jefrin.

I looked around.

The bustling environment, several tables, and a glass with a green bottle of alcohol in front of me.

A familiar sight.

It's been a while...

This was a Korean bar.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

I looked up.

Sitting across from me was a friend I'd hung out with often.

Although I was busy studying every day, whenever he called, I'd come out for a drink.

This very pub...

It was where we met after I received my LEET* scores.Ne/w novel chapters are published on no/vel(/bin(.)co/m

I had bombed the test and drowned my sorrows in alcohol, weeping bitterly.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

But now...

"You're saying my scores qualify for Korea University's Law School?"

I was bewildered.

Korea University is the top institution in our country.

Just moments ago, I was focused on my life at the academy...

Noticing my confusion, my friend frowned.

"Are you drunk?"

Was everything I experienced just a dream?

Am I drunk?

I glanced at the bottle in front of me.

It was freshly opened, with only a small amount consumed.

The glass in front of me was filled with soju.

I hesitantly took a sip.

If this is a dream, it wouldn't have a taste, but...

"Ugh..."

"What's wrong?"

As always, the taste of soju was repulsive.

Its distinctive alcohol scent lingered around my lips.

Was this not a dream?

I hastily grabbed a spoon and dove into the side dish, shoveling it into my mouth.

The pot in front of me.

Its spicy, tangy red broth.

The taste tingled on my lips.

"Pork kimchi stew?"

"Oh... oh, oh, oh..."

Regardless of my current situation, one thing was clear.

This spicy, savory sensation...

Ah, this is definitely pork kimchi stew.

"Ma'am! One bowl of rice, please!"

"Alright~!"

As I frantically started eating, the friend sitting opposite me looked at me in disbelief.

"Have you lost your mind...?"

Whether this current situation was a dream or everything before it was, it didn't matter.

All I was grateful for was the white rice and pork kimchi stew in front of me.

---

Raei Translations

---

The next day.

"Ah... my head..."

I reached out my hand.

Get up, senior.

Rudy...?

"That's right."

Astina took my hand and stood up.

What's going on? And why do you look...?

I gave her a wry smile, wondering how to explain the situation.

Should I fabricate a story? Or tell the truth?

All these thoughts raced through my mind.

Then, my phone rang.

It was my granddad.

Hello?

Ah, yes. Ill be there soon.

Yes, yes. Ill take a taxi.

After responding, I hung up.

Seeing this, Astina's eyes sparkled.

Rudy, I might not fully understand where this is, but everything here is an illusion. We need to escape from this place...

I laughed as she rambled on.

"Yes, seeing your face, I think I understand."

Suddenly, a past memory flashed before my eyes.

It was of a wizard named Jefrin striking my head.

And the memory of being told to have a pleasant dream.

Piecing those memories together...

Am I... dreaming?

Hearing my words, Astina confirmed with enthusiasm.

"Yes! We need to escape from here."

"How do we get out?"

"If you genuinely want to leave, I've heard you can do so instantly. Just think about wanting to go back!"

"You mean...want to escape?"

I rubbed my chin thoughtfully.

Then, I focused.

I want to escape.

I want to get out...

I must leave...

"Why... are you hesitating?"

Astina looked at me with growing concern.

That same anxiety started creeping into me.

"I... can't?"

Please, try more desperately!

Astina and I stood in the street, trying everything we could think of.

We shouted for someone to send us back and even clasped our hands in desperate prayer.

Yet, there was no change.

I came to a realization.

Was I not feeling desperate enough?

I gazed intently at Astina.

Perhaps she felt uneasy in this unfamiliar world as she tapped her foot nervously.

Outside, she gave off the aura of a dependable senior, but here she looked just like any other girl.

In the outside world, Astina and I were about the same height.

Of course, I was still growing, so over time I would surpass her, but for now, we were similar.

Yet here, as she tapped her foot with an anxious look, she just seemed like an ordinary girl.

Why are you staring like that

Astina's voice wavered as she noticed my gaze.

It's nothing. Im just trying to think of a way out.

Right

Astina and I began brainstorming together.

But answers didn't come easily.

Hmm

I realized this was all a dream.

I had a reason to escape from here.

But I didn't feel that urgency.

Why was that?

After some reflection, I made up my mind.

"Astina, can we go somewhere for a moment?"

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*from the author: The term 'LEET' refers to the aptitude test one takes to enter a specialized law school.

By joining the said school, one can acquire qualifications to become a lawyer, prosecutor, or judge.

*'Zhuangzi's butterfly dream is one of the most famous anecdotes from Daoist philosophy, and it originates from the writings of Zhuangzi (or Chuang Tzu), an influential Chinese philosopher.'

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