Chapter 394: Side Story 9 - Jupiter

Chapter 394: Side Story 9 - Jupiter

Boom!

It was difficult to believe the clanking of two metallic training swords could be this deafening. It sounded like a missile had struck the area.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Several dozens of blasts rang afterward. A great blacksmith must have created the training swords because they didnt break despite creating such powerful explosions.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

After a few more explosions, one of the swords changed. Still average-looking and blunt, the sword now had electric arcs dancing around it. Also, the arcs didnt seem ordinary, as the arcs color alternated between blue and white.

...

...

The two fighters paused and stared at each other. If they continued, the electric arc-covered sword could cause some serious damage.

Isnt this against the rules? said the one holding the normal training sword.

What rules? Weve always sparred like this, havent we? His opponent sneered.

Fine. Then I wont go easy on you either, said the annoyed fighter. His average-looking metal sword also changed, evolving into something with a mysterious dark glow.

Hey, isnt that going too far? asked the fighter with the arc sword.

You started it.

Hmph.

The two growled at each other, preparing for another battle, but they were both smiling.

Fine, lets do this, said the fighter with the arc sword. They struggled to find sparring partners due to their immense power. They used to live on battlefields long ago, but now they just enjoyed reminiscing about their glorious past.

Lets do this.

The two darted toward each other. The arc sword clashed with the dark sword, creating a bright flash that engulfed the space around them.

***

Im dying here.

Stop lying, you jerk. I know you arent hurt at all.

The two fighters were flopping on the ground. They were inside a vast training hall. Before they had fought, it was in pristine condition; now, it looked like a battlefield.

He will be upset, said one fighter. This places owner had put a lot of effort into building this training hall; now, it was in ruins.

I mean We destroyed it cleanly. He could be happy about that, right? It will be easy to rebuild and Im sure he had been planning to remodel this place anyway.

Youre also a pretty good liar, huh?

The two smiled at each other. They hadnt always been close friends; a long time ago, they had experienced something similar.

I still remember those terrible times.

Yeah, Ive been having nightmares lately, too.

The two had fought enemies for so long that they now didnt have many they could rely on. They remembered the vicious battles and the tears they had shed. One time, they had hugged each other and cried their hearts out. They knew they would be teased mercilessly if anyone found out about it. After all, they were one of the most powerful figures in the world.

Both of them blushed, remembering the embarrassing memory.

Ugh.

You were also thinking about that time, werent you?

That jerk. Jupiter seethed every time he thought about Gi-Gyu. He had become friends with El and Lou, but things were still complicated with Gi-Gyu. There was no doubt Jupiter cared about Gi-Gyu, but he also hated him. Was it because they were one and the same?

Well, they do say that you die when you meet your doppelganger.

Jupiter knew this was just a myth, but he couldnt help but wonder. He didnt understand the mixed emotions he felt toward Gi-Gyu.

She should be here by now. Jupiter looked up. He was currently at the Incheon International Airport. Thanks to the Tower and the gates, traveling between countries was now easier and faster, but not everyone had access to these convenient transportation systems. And most people still preferred to fly.

I dont understand why she chooses to fly. The guest he was waiting for had access to the Tower and the gates whenever she wished. Or she could teleport if she wants.

She could even instantly travel to the opposite ends of Earth. She could hop between dimensions if she wished, yet she insisted on flying.

She said its because she never got to fly in airplanes much in the past. Jupiter grumbled and got up, as her plane was about to land. When he stood up, people around him began to whisper among themselves. He wore a hat and a mask, but he still couldnt hide his physique and aura.

The world had more players now, and they were all charming in some way, but Jupiters appearance was even more special. There was something mysterious about him, and he attracted peoples attention everywhere he went.

Ignoring them, Jupiter began walking. She would be here soon.

Hoo His heart pounded. He wasnt this nervous when he had battled Uranus; Jupiter wondered why. Nothing special was going on between them, and they werent even allies. However, one day, he just began to notice her.

I shouldnt have drank that day, Jupiter regretted his decision at that party. It was the day he had decided to live as Kim Gil-Gyu. He received a new identity and got most of his power sealed away. He could never get drunk before, but for the first time, he got intoxicated that day.

And unfortunately, she, too, was drunk that day.

Dammit. Jupiter blushed, and he looked around, worried she might see him looking ridiculous like this.

Hey!

...

Did you wait long? My flight got delayed a little, so Im a little late. By the way, your face Why are you so red? asked the woman.

Fuck. She saw me. Jupiter became even redder. He was wearing a hat and a large black mask, but it was no use. This woman had the Evil Eye, after all. More accurately, she now had the Divine Eye.

Yeah, I know. Im embarrassed, but I indeed have the Divine Eye now. She smiled. Jupiter watched the woman. She had long, straight hair, little to no makeup, and small glasses. Also, she was neither too tall nor too short.

What are you thinking? she asked.

Dont read my mind.

Its hard to read your mind anyway. Long time no see. She walked up to him and offered her hand. Hi, Jupi.

She smiled beautifully, and Jupiter stared for a moment before another voice chimed in.

It has been a long time, Great Being, Baal greeted.

Dammit, Jupiter swore, realizing that this stupid demon was still following Soo-Jung.

***

I heard Uranus appeared, Soo-Jung asked. Baal was driving, and Soo-Jung and Jupiter were in the back seat.

Yeah, he made all kinds of trouble.

Hmm Soo-Jung seemed worried.

Dont worry. Everything worked out, including that man.

When Jupiter reassured her, Soo-Jung smiled faintly. Suddenly, she pinched his cheek, and Jupiter yelled, Hey! What are you doing?!

Im just so proud of you.

...

They looked at each other awkwardly.

You have changed a lot, havent you? When Soo-Jung asked, Jupiter looked away silently. The warm sun shone on them as an uncomfortable silence fell.