This kick was not a mere feint.
It carried a clear intent to strike, and the destructive force behind it was anything but ordinary.
Even without any magic infused, it was powerful enough that a solid hit could break bones.
Kim Seo Jun’s gaze followed the trajectory of Ju Gwangsik’s spinning kick.
At first glance, it looked like a kick aimed at the ribs.
But the place where Ju Gwangsik’s murderous intent was focused was the throat.
For anyone else, it might have been surprising, but for Kim Seo Jun, who had reached the pinnacle without any martial arts, this level of body movement was nothing but a joke.
Ignoring the ribs, Kim Seo Jun took a step forward.
His left hand protected his throat while his right palm rose to lift Ju Gwangsik’s chin.
At that moment, Ju Gwangsik’s kick suddenly changed direction unnaturally from the ribs and stabbed into the throat.
Thud.
But that spot was already being guarded by Kim Seo Jun’s left hand.
From Ju Gwangsik’s perspective, it must have felt like his Brazilian heel kick was anticipated and blocked in advance by Kim Seo Jun.
While Ju Gwangsik was marveling at that, a heavy blow landed on his chin.
Not only that, but Kim Seo Jun kicked Ju Gwangsik’s left leg, which he was using as an axis, from the inside.
The moment the blow struck his chin and his body’s balance collapsed, Ju Gwangsik’s body flipped and crashed down with a loud thud.
Ju Gwangsik landed hard on his butt.
He wore a dazed expression for a moment.
More surprising than the impact on his chin was Kim Seo Jun’s reaction—deflecting his unorthodox attack so precisely and counterattacking at the same time.
Ju Gwangsik furiously shook his head and jumped to his feet.
Then he stretched out his rough hand vigorously toward Kim Seo Jun.
Seeing that spectacle, the students’ eyes widened, expecting a fierce fight to erupt.
But Ju Gwangsik stopped abruptly, holding his palm wide open in front of Kim Seo Jun’s chest.
“Ha ha! You’re really tough, huh? Nice to meet you properly. I’m Ju Gwangsik, the troublemaker of Sangmundong.”
Suddenly changing his attitude, Ju Gwangsik extended his hand as if to shake.
Kim Seo Jun frowned at his action.
‘Ju Gwangsik, the troublemaker of Sangmundong.’
He thought that nickname was quite ridiculous and ignored Ju Gwangsik’s hand, turning away.
Seeing his handshake offer rejected, Ju Gwangsik rubbed his flushed chin with that hand.
Then he grinned and shouted loudly.
“Tonight’s on me! Hey, pretty lady student over there, can you send a group chat to everyone? Ju Gwangsik’s treating the whole class tonight!”
“N-No way. Why would I do that… Honestly, I don’t really want to go to your dinner!”
The female student said that and left with her friends in a group.
Lee Chansung, lost in thought, was dragged off by his friends’ shoulders like a limp rag and disappeared into the crowd.
Kim Seo Jun was about to leave as well, but Ju Gwangsik blocked his way again.
“Hey, what’s your name?”
“Kim Seo Jun.”
Although Ju Gwangsik had a rough image, he didn’t seem like a bad guy, so Kim Seo Jun gave his name.
“Kim Seo Jun, huh… your name’s pretty classy for how you look. Anyway, thanks. Because of you, I don’t have to drop out of the academy. I was originally planning to quit after just one day of classes today.”
“I don’t know why that’s my problem, but I don’t care. Quit or stay, do whatever you want.”
Kim Seo Jun spoke without hesitation, even though Ju Gwangsik was two years older.
Since they were in the same grade and class, showing respect just because of a two-year difference seemed more awkward.
Ju Gwangsik didn’t really care either.
“Let’s go. I’ll treat you to something delicious.”
Ju Gwangsik casually put his hand on Kim Seo Jun’s shoulder.
Kim Seo Jun could have dodged easily but didn’t. Instead, he said coldly,
“If you don’t take your hand away, I’ll make you taste blood.”
“Wow! Someone’s got a sharp tongue.”
Pretending to be surprised, Ju Gwangsik quickly withdrew his hand.
Kim Seo Jun turned his back, showing no interest in continuing.
But for some reason, Ju Gwangsik kept trailing behind Kim Seo Jun.
Without being asked, he started talking about his past, mixing hand gestures and lively expressions as if telling a fairy tale.
Ju Gwangsik said he had been abandoned by his parents since birth and spent his school years in an orphanage in Sangmundong.
However, there was an older brother figure four years his senior who took care of him warmly at the orphanage, and thanks to that brother, he hadn’t gone astray and had lived a decent life until now.
Hearing this, Kim Seo Jun, who still looked like a troublemaker, was dumbfounded at the thought that if Ju Gwangsik had truly gone astray, he might have become a ruthless criminal.
Ju Gwangsik also rode the subway with him.
Sticking close to Kim Seo Jun, he kept insisting on treating him, asking why he refused, and if he didn’t want to eat, he’d even buy a gift.
He even explained why he picked a fight with him from the very first day of transfer.
He claimed he was born with strong physical strength and excellent combat sense, so he never planned to awaken his Hunter abilities.
But then the brother from the orphanage became a Hunter academy instructor and forcibly pushed him toward awakening, an unbelievable story.
Though he had no choice but to awaken because of the brother who cared for him, Ju Gwangsik said he wanted to attend the 1st Hunter Academy since he was going to awaken anyway.
However, while preparing for transfer, Ju Gwangsik received a call from the 3rd Academy, and his brother urged him to attend as soon as possible.
At first, Ju Gwangsik strongly resisted, but his brother made an unexpected offer.
He said that Ju Gwangsik could attend the 3rd Hunter Academy for just one day, and if that day he didn’t meet a student who could physically overpower him, he could awaken freely and even gave him two million won.
Moreover, he promised to transfer him immediately to the 1st Academy.
The two million won reward and guaranteed transfer to the 1st Academy made Ju Gwangsik accept immediately.
He was confident that no student at the 3rd Academy could overpower him physically.
His brother made it clear that if such a student appeared and Ju Gwangsik failed to defeat him, he’d have to treat the entire class to a grand feast and attend the academy faithfully.
The deal was, of course, binding.
That’s why Ju Gwangsik was so restless, searching for a target the moment he arrived at school.
“…I originally planned to quit, transfer, or whatever and find freedom. But damn! I met you just in time. Is this fate or what? Ha ha ha.”
Though Ju Gwangsik looked like a bandit who could scare people just by glaring, he was surprisingly talkative.
“Do you know why I’m called the troublemaker of Sangmundong? That neighborhood was my territory. Anyone who dared to stand out got kicked so hard by me they lost their nerve. They called me ‘troublemaker’ because of those kicks. Pretty fierce, huh? Heh heh heh.”
Ju Gwangsik kept babbling even on the subway, so Kim Seo Jun’s mind was a mess.
He wasn’t sure if they were heading the same way home, but since he had to get off at this stop, he just took the subway as far as he needed.
“Hey, Kim Seo Jun. You’re smaller and weaker than me, but why are you so tough? I’ve never been knocked down physically before.”
Compared to Ju Gwangsik, Kim Seo Jun was smaller, but he was very well-built.
At about 188 cm, with a balanced physique—not a bodybuilder’s bulk, but well-defined muscles covering his body like a sculpture once he took off his shirt.
The Kim Seo Jun now was no longer the frail Kim Seo Jun from before.
Just then, near the exit, a female student standing close to the two overheard Ju Gwangsik’s words and glanced at him repeatedly.
She frowned when she looked at Ju Gwangsik’s fierce face, but her eyes sparkled as if she had met a superior when looking at Kim Seo Jun.
At that moment, the subway began to slow down.
Standing close to the door, Kim Seo Jun calmly said to Ju Gwangsik,
“I’m not planning to eat with you, so let’s part ways here. If you keep following me… you know what will happen.”
Did Kim Seo Jun’s words carry a hint of menace?
Ju Gwangsik flinched, avoided eye contact, then lifted his head and checked the train line.
He frowned and rubbed his chin.
“Ah, damn. It takes over an hour to get to Samseongdong Academy Street from here. I might starve on the way. Just close your eyes and eat with me. I’ll treat you to the best.”
Kim Seo Jun smirked and said,
“Aren’t you from Sangmundong? Why are you going to Samseongdong Academy Street?”
“I told you. My brother from the orphanage is a top instructor there. I grew up in Sangmundong, but now I live with him in Samseongdong, so that’s where I’m headed.”
“What’s the academy’s name?”
“That guy’s curious all of a sudden, huh? You weren’t listening before.”
Before, Ju Gwangsik wasn’t paying attention, but now he was.
Hearing “Samseongdong Academy Street” triggered a vague memory for Kim Seo Jun.
“So what’s the academy’s name?”
As Kim Seo Jun asked, the subway came to a stop, and the doors opened.
“‘Descendants of the Monarch.’ It’s pretty well known in the Academy Street…”
Before Ju Gwangsik could finish, Kim Seo Jun grabbed his arm firmly and pulled him out of the train.
The two were already outside the station.
“‘Descendants of the Monarch’? The top instructor brother’s name is…?”
Kim Seo Jun felt a strange intuition.
From the academy name and the fact that the top instructor was his brother, he had a feeling this person was someone he knew.
“It’s Yoo Hoseong. Hey, have you taken classes from him too?”
It was just as expected.
Yoo Hoseong.
The elder brother Kim Seo Jun trusted most in his previous life, a comrade who sacrificed himself for him.
If Ju Gwangsik was close to Yoo Hoseong, it would be better to get closer to him too.
It might even be more beneficial than meeting Park Daeman, the eldest comrade.
I should use this guy to my advantage.
Kim Seo Jun’s gaze softened as he looked at Ju Gwangsik.
“Come with me for a bit.”
Kim Seo Jun nodded toward the front, leading the way.
Ju Gwangsik hesitated briefly but then chuckled.
“You punk, should’ve said that earlier. You’re hungry too, right? I’ll take you to the most expensive restaurant in the neighborhood. I’m treating you right.”
Walking side by side, Ju Gwangsik started talking again.
At the escalator leading outside, Kim Seo Jun extended his hand and said,
“I’ll take you to a place where you can taste fantastic flavors you can’t find anywhere else, with all sorts of unique menu items. You just pay.”
“Right now?”
“Yeah, now.”
Ju Gwangsik thought for a moment, then took out twenty 50,000-won bills from his wallet and handed them over.
“My brother gave me 2 million.”
“Do you really need all that for the two of us? I want to have some left too.”
Ju Gwangsik acted as if he thought he had at least a million for himself.
“I’ll just buy more later with what’s left. Right?”
Feeling a bit guilty, Ju Gwangsik smiled awkwardly, and Kim Seo Jun smiled back.
“Fine, then.”
Kim Seo Jun put the money away and made a call somewhere.
“Hey, son. Are you coming home?”
“Yes. But what’s for dinner tonight?”
“I’m preparing galbi jjim and japchae. Why?”
“I’m bringing a friend over. Can we add some more dishes?”
“What? A friend? Our son’s bringing a friend home?”
Baek Yeon Ji was very surprised.
Kim Seo Jun had never brought a friend home before.
Although he had close friends in middle school, since high school, Kim Seo Jun had rarely mentioned the word ‘friend.’
“Tell me what you want to eat.”
Kim Seo Jun asked Ju Gwangsik, who was still bewildered and staring blankly.
“Um… mandu jeongol? Budae jjigae is good too… and dakbokkeumtang is also nice.”
“Did you hear that, Mom?”
“Yes, yes. I heard. I’ll make all that today. It’ll take some time to prepare the ingredients, so come home slowly. Maybe in about an hour, have a coffee or something first.”
“Yes. I’ll be there in an hour.”
Kim Seo Jun ended the call and went to a nearby department store with Ju Gwangsik, who still looked lost.
They browsed the luxury goods section, especially the women’s bags.
After about 40 minutes, Kim Seo Jun personally purchased a luxury bag worth around five million won.
He carefully put the one million won cash Ju Gwangsik gave him into an envelope inside the bag.
“What are you doing now?”
“Preparing a gift.”
“What gift? Who’s it for?”
“For my mom. The bag is secondhand, and the cash inside is your heartfelt token of appreciation. You understand, right?”
Hearing this, Ju Gwangsik nodded silently.
The “fantastic flavors” and “diverse menu” Kim Seo Jun had talked about meant the home-cooked meals made by Baek Yeon Ji.
The one million won was to be given to Baek Yeon Ji alongside the luxury bag, bearing Ju Gwangsik’s name.
Ju Gwangsik felt a sharp sting at Kim Seo Jun’s gesture.
For someone like him, who had lived as an orphan without parents from childhood, Kim Seo Jun’s kindness was both enviable and deeply touching.
“Thought you were just good at fighting, but turns out you’re a filial son too?”
“Hey, can you tone down that way of talking?”
“Ah, whatever. Lead the way now. On your first day after transfer, you’re already coming to a classmate’s house to eat homemade food.”
“Oh, just follow me.”
Kim Seo Jun decided to let Ju Gwangsik’s casual tone slide.
“Welcome home. Is it really cold outside?”
As soon as the door opened, Baek Yeon Ji greeted Ju Gwangsik with a bright smile.
The house was filled with a fragrant aroma.
Though many food smells mixed together, it didn’t feel unpleasant at all.
“Um… nice to meet you. I’m Ju Gwangsik, Kim Seo Jun’s friend starting today.”
“Oh, so you’re Gwangsik? What a charming name. Feels like a first love named Chun Sik or something. Hohoho. Come in quickly. Everything’s ready, so just dig in.”
To Baek Yeon Ji, her son’s friend was a rare treasure.
She was very happy that her introverted and unfriendly son had a friend who even came to visit the house.
So she prepared the meal with all her heart.
Ju Gwangsik couldn’t help but gape at the food laid out in the kitchen.
The eight-person dining table was packed with dishes.
Not a single dish was repeated; each was different.
The savory aroma and appetizing visuals made it a true feast.
“Mom, here’s something.”
Kim Seo Jun handed over the gift he had prepared to Baek Yeon Ji.
Inside the shopping bag, emitting the unmistakable scent of luxury, was a pristine bag from a famous brand.
Baek Yeon Ji was startled to see it.
“Gwangsik said he’s showing off today. Since it’s secondhand, it’s not too expensive, so don’t feel burdened.”
“Ah, no. Even if it’s secondhand, it must have cost a pretty penny. And it’s so clean, it looks brand new.”
Though she said that, Baek Yeon Ji turned the luxury bag over and over, admiring it with sparkling eyes.
Then she saw the envelope with the cash inside and gasped.
“This is a token of thanks for tonight’s dinner. Gwangsik apparently has an older brother who makes a lot of money. He was going to treat me with that money, but I just brought him home instead.”
“Is that really okay? Home-cooked food is the best, but it can’t compare to restaurant food…”
Baek Yeon Ji looked embarrassed, but Ju Gwangsik stepped up.
“No, Mother. For someone like me who grew up only with my brother, the home-cooked meals you prepare with such care are more precious than any food. I’ll eat well. Please accept it without feeling burdened.”
When Ju Gwangsik echoed Kim Seo Jun’s words, Baek Yeon Ji couldn’t refuse the gift any longer.
Kim Seo Jun added once more,
“Refusing a gift like this feels like disrespect. It’s not polite.”
“…Alright, then. Let’s eat first. And you said your name is Gwangsik, right?”
Baek Yeon Ji approached the awkward Ju Gwangsik and gently hugged his waist with her small frame.
“Whenever you miss home-cooked food, come by anytime. Think of this place as your own and make yourself comfortable. And take good care of Seo Jun.”
Baek Yeon Ji’s sincere words brought tears to Ju Gwangsik’s eyes.
“Thank you… And don’t worry. I’m a loyal guy who never leaves his friends lonely.”
From Baek Yeon Ji’s
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