Beyond The Control

Chapter 5

After the ‘Dungeon Outbreak Era’, superpowered awakened individuals, colloquially known as “awakened,” began to appear all over the world.

Awakened are broadly divided into Espers and Guides, and Espers are further divided into two categories.

Combat-type, who directly participate in battles using specialized powers and skills, and non-combat type, who use invisible powers like hypnosis, dungeon space perception skills, or teleportation abilities.

Though these abilities are completely different in nature, whether physical or mental, there’s one thing that’s absolutely required. And that is…

‘As expected, for an Esper, it’s all about physical strength.’

Absolutely.

“Huff- Huff-.”

Every time I gripped the barbell firmly with both hands and stood up from a squat, hot breath like steam puffed out of my mouth. Sweat dripping from my forehead down my chin was a bonus.

“Huff- Huff-.”

While breathing using the technique long ingrained in my body like a machine, I focused on my reflection in the mirror I was casually looking at.

The weight on each side of the curl bar was 120kg. The biceps, fully bearing that weight and gravity, bulged as if about to burst. As I stood up once more after squatting, Song Ji-hyeok’s figure finally appeared in the mirror.

Pretending not to notice, I continued to focus on my workout. The professional trainer who appeared with Song Ji-hyeok approached me.

“Working hard today as well, I see.”

“Of course.”

I paused my workout, briefly putting down the barbell. After roughly wiping away the pouring sweat, I gave a light greeting to Song Ji-hyeok. To avoid being caught in this staged scenario, it was important to act as naturally as possible.

Contrary to my inner thought that he might ignore me, Song Ji-hyeok did return the greeting, albeit halfheartedly. Soon, we both started upper body workouts about 3 meters apart. I continued on my own as before, while Song Ji-hyeok had the trainer with him.

It’s not discrimination based on rank. About a dozen professional trainers are responsible for managing each guild member individually, but veterans like me who enjoy working out tend to follow their routines on their own.

On the other hand, it was natural for Song Ji-hyeok, a fresh newbie, to have a trainer.

“Huff- Huff-.”

While focusing on my own workout, I glanced at Song Ji-hyeok from time to time. Though not bulky, his arm and thigh muscles looked quite developed. With such good hardware, he’d soon have a body like steel. Oh, how envious.

It was then. The trainer who was kindly explaining exercise methods to the newbie suddenly received a call and began an embarrassing act.

“Yes. They’ve arrived now? I understand. I’ll go up right away.”

Then the trainer explained the situation to Song Ji-hyeok.

“New equipment has arrived on the second floor, so I need to go check quickly. But if we stop now, the effect will decrease… Hey, Esper Lee!”

The “Esper Lee” he was calling was me. I turned my head with a completely innocent expression, pretending not to know anything.

“Yes?”

“Could you possibly watch over Esper Song for a moment? He’s just finished the first set of Plan A beginner stage, but I suddenly need to step out.”

“Sure. Go ahead.”

As if he’d been waiting for this, the trainer left, and I put down my barbell and approached Song Ji-hyeok. Before he could question anything, I took the initiative.

“Some idiots are causing a ruckus in the fitness room downstairs, fighting each other. I imagine the trainers will be busy with the new equipment coming in, so I’ll look after you today. Don’t worry, I actually have relevant certifications.”

It’s not a lie, it’s true. With my mediocre C-class abilities and not knowing when or how I might retire, I early on obtained various sports instructor and physical therapy certifications as insurance for the future. Moreover, I originally liked exercising, so the head trainer even jokingly offered to scout me, recognizing my potential.

In simple terms, I can properly guide others, not just pretend to.

“Keep going.”

Song Ji-hyeok looked slightly skeptical but didn’t challenge me. I watched him with eagle eyes as he picked up the barbell and resumed his posture.

“Spread your legs a bit more. No, that’s too wide.”

“Don’t let your hips go too far back.”

“Relax your shoulders. Your trapezius muscles are almost touching your ears.”

My excellent guidance continued even as we moved locations.

“Focus on your thighs, not your knees.”

“Engage your erector spinae muscles, straighten your back. That’s right.”

As a fitness club “member,” Song Ji-hyeok was truly a desirable raw gem. His body was naturally good, and he had a sense for exercise, so it seemed like it would be fun to watch him grow.

On the other hand, his expression wasn’t great at all. He was following instructions, but at some point, it became clear to anyone watching that he was gritting his teeth and enduring through sheer willpower. His whole body had been drenched in sweat for a while.

‘Still, I’ve been going easy on him since he’s a beginner.’

I swallowed these words quietly, feeling like I might get hit if I said them out loud. Instead, I went to the vending machine in the hallway and got a cool ion drink for Song Ji-hyeok.

It was an unplanned expense, which I rarely make, but I decided to be generous.

“Drink this.”

“…I’m fine.”

“It’s not poisoned. You need to replenish fluids after sweating so much, so drink up quickly.”

I even opened the cap and handed it to him, and only then did Song Ji-hyeok accept the bottle. Gulp gulp, he emptied half of it in one go, his Adam’s apple bobbing a few times, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. After staring blankly ahead for a moment, his gaze soon turned to me.

“Hey.”

“Yes?”

“I’ll say it again, I have absolutely no intention of pairing up with you. So stop wasting your energy like this.”

His expression was emotionless and calm. If he had sneered or been arrogant, it might have sparked some competitive spirit in me, but his calm delivery of facts hit harder.

After a moment of silence, I barely managed to move my lips.

“You heard what Director Park said. The higher the matching rate, the better the guiding efficiency…”

“I said I don’t want to.”

His blunt interjection made my mouth close automatically. Song Ji-hyeok sighed once, then looked straight into my eyes again.

“You look like you can’t understand, so I’ll be frank. For me, the guide’s rank is far more important than the matching rate. Bluntly speaking, how can a C-class be worthy of an S-class? Have some conscience.”

“……”

“I’ll fulfill the period the director mentioned, but that’s it. Persuasion won’t work, so you should give up.”

It was a perfect iron defense. I had a feeling it might be like this, but if his rejection was really because of rank, there was nothing I could do about it.

‘…Nothing. There’s nothing.’

But even so!

This opportunity came somehow, and I couldn’t just let it go without a fight. Throwing away unnecessary discouragement, I looked at Song Ji-hyeok with eyes full of determination.

“Since you’re my junior by both experience and age, I’ll speak casually. We can’t change our innate ranks, but I’ll do my best in my own way. I’ll make you unsatisfied with any guiding but mine, so be prepared.”

Despite my grand declaration of war, he didn’t flinch. Instead, he sneered as if I wasn’t even worth dealing with.

“Ah, yes. Do as you please.”

“One more thing.”

I unfolded my loosely crossed arms and held up my right index finger.

“You know there’s guiding time starting three days from now, right? It’s a mandatory process, so make sure to attend.”

“……”

“Say you will.”

“……”

“…Please.”

This isn’t me backing down now. After using the stick, it’s only right to offer a carrot. Ahem.

Anyway, just you wait until you come for guiding. I’ll make you cling to my legs and beg, just you watch!

***

Words travel faster than legs.

I don’t know who came up with it, but it was truly a terrifying saying. By the time I was about to leave work, I had unknowingly become the center of attention.

‘Oh, there he goes. That’s him.’

‘He looks totally ordinary.’

‘I told you. He’s a Dual C-class.’

At first, I didn’t even realize people were whispering about me. I’d never had people’s attention before. Especially not from high-ranking awakened.

That’s why I only found out the next morning when I came to work that what happened in the fitness room yesterday had spread like wildfire as gossip.

The first person to speak to me was Kim Young-joo. I was startled when she approached aggressively as soon as I opened the office door.

“Is it true that you got the highest matching rate with Esper Song Ji-hyeok?”

Look at those eyes. It’s overwhelming…

The huge dark green jewel earrings, like brooches, were equally overwhelming. She looked ready to grab my collar and shake me, so I answered while half averting my gaze.

“That’s right.”

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

Soon, other team members crowded around and bombarded me with questions. Have you seen him in person? He looked incredibly handsome in the photos, is he like that in real life? What about his skills? How’s the guiding compatibility?

“Um, excuse me…”

I was on the verge of dizziness from the barrage of questions. Thanks to the team leader, the situation seemed to calm down for a moment, but it didn’t last long.