Chapter 111: The True Hero (6)

Chapter 111: The True Hero (6)

TL/Editor: raei

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"...So, Gyeom. Just hug me once."

There was an undeniable depth in Han Yoo-jung's eyes as she spoke.

A desperation that not even her small smile could hide.

"..."

Although the outcome turned out to be the worst possible, I know now that she had been acting for my sake.

Since finding out that her actions were actually harming me, she's been fully cooperating.

But still, I wonder if she regrets it.

Or if she just can't control her feelings.

Or maybe she's just lonely.

Slowly spreading her arms, she stood still, looking at me with those eyes.

She leaves the choice entirely up to me, not asking for anything more.

If I were to walk past her, perhaps she would just freeze there on the spot.

"..."

But that's no reason for me to hug her.

Maybe because she's the only one who knows my past.

Unconsciously, aspects of who I used to be emerge.

Selfishly, I walked past Han Yoo-jung, leaving her behind.

"..."

And what I saw, froze me in place.

As I tried to ignore her and walk past, Han Yoo-jung's eyelids fluttered, despair filling them.

...Suddenly, I remember my own lonely past.

I can't help but pity her.

If I leave her alone like this, it will only make me feel uncomfortable.

It felt like it would be better to tie up loose ends here, so I could rest more comfortably.

-Tap, tap.

In the end, I tapped her shoulder a couple of times.

At my touch, her arms that were slowly losing strength twitched.

Han Yoo-jung quickly turned her head to look at me.

Without meeting her gaze, I walked towards the next room.

But perhaps my touch acted as a trigger, Han Yoo-jung hugged me tightly from behind as I walked away.

"...Ha."

I let out a chuckle without realizing it.

Whether this laugh was meant to be a warning, or because I myself was confused by these inexplicable feelings, I couldn't tell.

Han Yoo-jung's hands were trembling.

And then, with a voice full of tears, she whispered.

"....Being alive..."

"..."

"....No, to see you alive again...I'm so grateful."

At the same time, Han Yoo-jung's hand began to shine.

She was imposing her dreams on me again.

But why?

Today, I don't want to refuse her dream.

Is it because I had a happy dream last time?

Maybe it's because it reminds me of the day I bid farewell to the crying Song Soo-yeon.

Maybe I simply don't have the strength left to fight with Han Yoo-jung anymore.

Her desperate appearance, mixed with the effort she put into cooking for me, confuses me.

I grabbed Han Yoo-jung's hand and gently applied pressure.

Han Yoo-jung trembled, resisting my force at first... but after the light in her hand faded, she let go of me.

I didn't ask her what dream she had imposed on me.

It's funny to think I've come to trust her... but I believed she wouldn't have given me a bad dream.

Anyway, the end for her and me was already determined, and whatever she does before that, wasn't important.

---

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2 A.M.

-Clang!

"...Phew..."

Solace put down the barbell and wiped off her sweat with a towel.

Then, she checked her records.

Today, she had beaten yesterday's record again.

She hydrated and turned on her phone.

Unable to contact Jung-gyeom recently, she went back to living buried in articles like before.

She meticulously observed the reactions and articles about herself.

[The Disappearance of Solace]

[Solace Reacts Only to Dice's Appearance]

[The Fallen Villain Alliance. Where is Solace?]

[Dice. The New Villain's Abilities]

Each one, without exception, stressed Min-Bom.

"...Phew..."

But it wasn't like what was written was wrong.

Solace had not been active recently.

She only paid attention to news about Dice, continuing her training.

Catching him was her only concern.

She no longer cared about negative comments, criticisms, or reputation.

Because there was something more important.

She vaguely understood.

That fighting Dice this way, she wouldn't win.

It wasn't enough.

And this thought planted a seed of anxiety in Min-Bom's mind.

If she couldn't defeat Dice, she might never find out what happened to Jung-gyeom.

Luna, who had threatened Jung-gyeom.

And Dice, who was acting to pardon such a Luna.

How could she just watch this happen?

Solace entered the power-measuring machine, trying to shake off these thoughts.

With devices attached to her chest and head, she unleashed her power.

"Ugh...! Hng...!"

Her head lost color, and her eyes filled with light.

Her body gradually began to glow and heat up.

When her mind was cluttered like this, squeezing out her power with all her might felt somewhat relieving.

Like shouting loudly, it helped alleviate frustration and served as a foundation for developing her abilities.

Until now, with her innate talent, she had neglected such training.

Though she had worked harder than ordinary heroes... she hadn't given her absolute best.

She had only done enough to be slightly ahead of others.

But not anymore.

An opponent had appeared whom she couldn't beat with such half-hearted efforts.

An opponent she must somehow overcome.

An opponent she must somehow catch.

That's why she was so dedicated to training now.

However, it wasn't without anxiety.

She worried it might already be too late to save Jung-gyeom.

...But perhaps because of what Dice said.

'.........Wait, and he'll come back.'

Contradictorily, those words he said became a hope, motivating her to move forward.

She wanted to believe that he was still alive.

So, Min-Bom continued her training late into the dawn.

"....Dice..."

Solace muttered through clenched teeth, letting out her anger.

This villain was the first to make her this angry.

...She had to catch him, no matter what.