Chapter 64: Always By My Side

Chapter 64: Always By My Side

1.

The day after the festival, the representatives of the D-Mart survivors were suddenly summoned for a meeting after lunch.

The entrance was closed, and everyone took their seats.

I scanned the room once and then began.

Is there anyone here who hasnt read the post about the B-grade rift that was uploaded to the community?

I see you are all aware then. Youre also familiar with the comment I wrote.

Everyone nodded.

I continued, nodding as well.

Only Serena, Ciel, and I will be going from D-Mart. The rest of the ability users, please focus on guarding the vicinity of D-Mart.

As I finished, Mr. Sangdeok raised his hand.

When do you plan to leave?

We will prepare whats necessary today and fly out tomorrow morning.

In that case, Ill pack about three days worth of non-perishable meals. You can store the meals in a refrigerator and heat them up when you want.

Thank you.

Thank you? Its something we should obviously do. We should be the ones thanking you for sealing the rift.

Without responding, I just smiled.

The meeting then proceeded to check the next farming schedule and crop list before concluding.

Originally, the meeting was held just to inform them about my brief departure to the Haneul Nuclear Power Plant, so it ended swiftly.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

As everyone started to leave the meeting room, I headed towards the exit. A voice called out from behind me.

Hyung-nim!

It was Baek Jihun.

Do you have a moment?

2.

What did you want to discuss that you had to bring me all the way here?

The place Baek Jihun brought me to was the rooftop.

In response to my question, he showed an awkward smile and pointed upwards.

I wanted to talk while looking at the sky. It feels suffocating staying inside a room.

I also looked up at the sky, following Baek Jihuns gaze.

White clouds floated in the blue sky. The protective shield of the Land of Hope seemed to wrap around it, making it appear as though it had a faint golden filter.

Hyung-nim.

Hm?

When I looked back down, Baek Jihun was looking at me.

Youve been busy lately, right?

Yeah, kinda.

I think its important to take a break once in a while.

Is that what you wanted to talk about?

Geez, youre so impatient.

Baek Jihun continued with a serious look.

Im worried about you. Judging by your complexion at the start of the meeting earlier, you looked like someone carrying a bag of cement on each shoulder.

Did I?

It seemed I had inadvertently let my exhaustion show.

The pressure I felt after reading the community comments

But then, Baek Jihun, like a ghost, pointed it out.

Is it because of online opinions?

I replied, a bit taken aback.

How did you know?

Was I that easy to read?

Baek Jihun replied with a sly smile.

Hyung-nim. I was a pro gamer. Getting bashed online was my expertise.

You, Jihun? How? You always won.

Thats why. If I didnt carry even one match, immediately Id become washed up, trash, and someone to be gotten rid of. Ive really heard all sorts of things.

Seriously?

Yes, really.

I was genuinely surprised.

When Baek Jihun was active, I only watched major big matches and only visited the community when my favorite team won.

So, from what I saw, posts were always praising Baek Jihun.

Occasionally, when I had a poor game and was carried by my team members, the communitys popular posts would be flooded with comments like Isnt Baek Jihuns form dropping? or Isnt he washed up and just getting carried by his team now?

But in the end, you proved them wrong.

Yes, I did. But still, its the same. If I make a mistake next time, the same comments will appear again. Arent you also afraid, Hyung-nim? Thinking, Even if I handle this B-grade rift well now, can I consistently do so in the future? Can I always meet expectations? Thats what youre thinking, right?

Yes.

Baek Jihun had precisely discerned my emotional state.

Given that I was heading to seal the first-ever B-grade rift, the atmosphere felt like sending off someone embarking on a long journey.

First, Mr. Sangdeok handed me a bundle.

Here, Ive prepared a lunchbox and preserved food. Eat well, and take care on your journey. A full stomach will help you fight better.

Dont worry, Ill enjoy the lunchbox.

Next, Lee Jinah greeted me.

Please, Captain, dont get hurt and return safely.

Yeah. Its just a B-grade. It shouldnt be a problem.

The next one was Han Miin.

I wish I could go to film it as well

Its dangerous. Plus, with three of us hanging on, itll be too burdensome for Ciel..

Ugh. I know. Be careful. Dont let your guard down.

Okay, thanks.

Next was Baek Jihun.

Hyung-nim, dont forget what I told you.

You too.

Baek Jihun nodded.

Men didnt need many words between them.

Lastly, Baek Seona stepped forward.

You looked pretty down during the meeting yesterday. You seem better now. Something good happened?

Well something like that.

Trying to brush it off vaguely, Baek Seona tilted her head and then said with a smile,

Im relieved. I was worried you might be feeling pressured after reading the community comments.

She was spot on.

Did Baek Jihun tell her?

When I widened my eyes and sneaked a glance at Baek Jihun, he shook his head in a similar expression as mine.

Then, Baek Seona continued,

But if ever you feel burdened, think of me. Even if the community suddenly turns against you or the whole world dislikes you, Ill always be on Doha Oppas side.

Pff. Hehehe

After a brief silence, Baek Jihun couldnt hold back his laughter.

Baek Seona glared at him with a piercing look.

Whats so funny?

No, hehe its not that

Hey! Im saying something nice here. Why are you laughing at me?

I, too, chuckled.

These siblings, really are cut from the same cloth.

And then, it struck me anew.

Indeed, Baek Seona was truly a wonderful woman.

4.

Eventually, after exchanging goodbyes and leaving D-Mart in the middle of the flight, Serena, who had been quiet for a while, spoke up.

Master!

Hmm?

Im on your side too! Me too!

I wondered what she had been thinking about. Did she fret just to say this?

Serena, hanging onto Ciel, her shining golden hair fluttering in the air, spoke with determination.

She seemed to be struggling to articulate some deep emotion, her brows furrowing.

Whenever youre feeling down, just look beside you! You dont even need to remember; Ill always be right there with you!

I was momentarily lost for words.

In her direct gaze and green eyes, I felt Serenas sincerity.

While searching for words, I heard Ciels voice from above.

Me too. I feel the same as my sister, Master.

Thats right!

Serena quickly chimed in agreement with her younger siblings words.

When I looked up, I saw Ciels golden eyes watching me even while flying.

Serena, Ciel. Thank you, really.

My throat was too tight to say anything other than thanks.

Why was I becoming so sentimental? Was I hitting middle age already?

Suddenly, I felt truly fortunate.

The burden that had settled in a corner of my heart seemed to have melted away like snow.

Thus, we flew in this warm atmosphere.

Heading towards Haneul Nuclear Power Plant, where the B-Class Rift awaited.