Chapter 70

Kim Hajoon didn't want to tire himself out.

Not to the extent of wasting his energy on a simple test like this.

Above all, he didn't want to push himself too hard when he hadn't even had a proper moment of enjoyment yet.

Therefore, his chosen strategy might seem regrettable for a man, but it was his only option.

'I apologize.'

Within the space where Time Stop (SSS) had been activated.

Hajoon thought about his opponent.

The tyrant, known for having the most aggressive nature among the great heroes.

There was indeed an option to merely disable his opponent using the release function, but that was not what he was aiming for.

Quietly apologizing in his heart to his opponent, Hajoon smacked him hard in the groin.

Though unsure how much of an impact his weak strike could inflict on someone who was a symbol of mighty strength in the past, wouldn't it at least make him flinch a little in that particular area?

After landing a single blow in that sensitive spot and deactivating the Time Stop (SSS),

"Hmm..."

"Wow..."

To be honest, no matter how unflappable Hajoon might be, he was slightly surprised by the situation.

What happened? Is he impotent?

How could he still be so unfazed after being hit there?

His expression remained as serene as it was before the blow.

He seemed utterly indifferent, looking down at me with an impassive expression, as if he hadn't felt even a hint of pain.

Then he spoke.

"Fascinating. When did you move?"

"You sensed that you've been hit?"

"You're fast, but you're far too weak. Truly hard to believe that this is the power of a superhuman."

"..."

Even a light hit in that area would still hurt, but he seems entirely undamaged...

Of course, Hajoon knew very well about his opponent's capabilities and strength.

Yet he held onto a small shred of hope, simply because his opponent was a man.

But considering his opponent's reaction, it seems like he made a mistake.

"Since you've played such a prank, I suppose I should give you a warning."

His mood seemed to have soured.

A red magical aura burst forth from his body, enveloping and intimidating Hajoon.

With fierce eyes and a deep, heavy voice, he issued a warning to Hajoon.

"I will give you three chances. If you still fail to move me, don't even think about passing this test. You've pranked me, of all people."

"Uh... sigh..."

At that, Hajoon let out a tired sigh.

Is this the only solution left to resolve this?

Crack, crack-

Hajoon stretched his neck, wrists, and shoulders, limbering up.

"Well, then..."

If he were to really let one rip, he could strike, but... he's not a villain, so that's not an option...

It will be tiring, but he had no choice but to use proper methods.

Hajoon activated the Time Stop (SSS) again.

"How peculiar..." mused Adrian Heights.

He had not intended to block the boy's attack, but it was surprising that he couldn't respond in time. for new novels

This piqued his curiosity.

What could this frail figure have possibly done to him?

Intrigued, he cast his gaze upon the boy.

As he did, he sensed something, and his eyes flickered.

Simultaneously, a small, calm smile curled up the corners of his mouth.

Something about the boy's casual relaxation reminded Adrian of sensations from his past. "Ho ho, interesting," he chuckled, realizing the initial strike was, in its way, a form of mercy from the boy.

'I may have retired from combat long ago...' His usually steady heart began to flutter and pound.

It was an exhilaration he hadn't felt in a long while.

His body, having long since surpassed the realm of superhuman, began to reveal the true essence of the boy.

That little hammer, that frail body, they all suddenly appeared as grand, as colossal as himself, if not more so.

The hammer even seemed large enough to envelop his massive physique.

With a snap, Adrian just tensed his entire body, an action as simple as flexing his muscles.

His superhuman body had transcended the ordinary, and this simple action of tensing could have easily morphed into an impenetrable shield.

"Well then..." Adrian's momentum ominously shifted. With his body still tensed, he addressed the boy. "Come on, kiddo."

"Yes."

Despite this, his granddaughter answered resolutely, with a conviction to try irrespective of her innate talent.

Isabella recalls her grandfather's past words, that she didn't have the talent to become a hero. But rather than believing in that and staying idle, she wanted to try.

"I don't want to give up without even trying."

"Hmm... alright."

With those words, Adrian slowly rose from his seat.

He spoke again, "When you're finished in Korea, come to see me."

Upon hearing this, Isabella's face brightened.

Adrian, looking down at his granddaughter, thought of the boy.

Adrian asked, "So, when do you plan to return to Korea?"

"Oh, I'm thinking of going the day after tomorrow."

"Hmm... I see, that so."

Adrian stroked his chin beard lost in thought at her words.

With a smirk, he pondered internally, "Well, it's been a while since I've had a good time. I should return the favour."

"What?"

"Since you wasted time because of me, it's only fair that I make up for it with some enjoyment, isn't it?"

Late in the night.

When the time ticked past eight in the evening, Hajoon woke up from sleep with a crumpled expression.

Then, he sighed regretfully.

'I should have just used Time Stop and slept...'

However, it felt strange to sleep on a hardened bed...

Still, he couldn't help but feel vague regret.

Stretching, Hajoon climbed out of bed and headed down to the first floor.

And curiously enough, the broken wall had been restored.

Did someone fix it with magic?

Hajoon looked around and found Isabella sitting on the couch, smiling at him.

Hajoon asked,

"Where's the old man?"

"He went back."

"But why are you still here?"

Isabella pouted at his words.

Isabella responded,

"Grandfather asked me to."

"Asked?"

Isabella slowly rose from her seat.

She wore a smirk as she spoke,

"Take your time to think about your wish. And this is a reward for having fun."

"Huh?"

Immediately after, a knock-knock sound was heard. Hajoon quickly moved to the door and opened it.

In front of the door stood a woman who seemed to be an agent of the association, dressed in a suit.

Hajoon asked,

"Who are you?"

"Adrian Heights' Great Hero requested me. Where should I take you?"

At her words, a puzzled Hajoon turned his gaze back to Isabella.

Isabella smiled and said,

"You wanted to go on a food tour, didn't you?"

"Huh?"

"Tell me where you want to go. She'll take you there."

Only then did Hajoon understand the situation and let out a soft laugh.

"Can we use the gate for something like this?"

The gate is supposed to be used only in emergencies...

Isabella responded to his words with a confident smile,

"Our grandfather asked for it."

"Really? Then..."

Hajoon hadn't eaten dinner yet, and there were many things he wanted to eat.

"Then, recommend a good steak place."

At his words, Isabella nodded confidently.

"Leave it to me. I'll make sure you try everything you haven't eaten."