I Became a Childhood Friend of the Middle Boss

Chapter 37

) [Illustration]

It has been five years since I realized my past life.

In those five years, many changes occurred in my body.

I grew taller, my shoulders broadened, and my baby fat disappeared, defining my features.

The soft hairs around my lips grew thick enough to require shaving every few days, my Adam’s apple protruded, and my voice became deeper and more mature.

…I caught a whale.

There were various other changes as well.

“I look somewhat similar to the game’s Dogyunwoo. No, a bit different?”

I feel like I’m taller than Dogyunwoo.

Even my once soft face seems to have become more refined.

After working tirelessly for five years, I deserved to see some results.

I hoped I hadn’t grown exactly like the game’s Dogyunwoo due to some game mechanism, but rather better than his initial stats.

Standing in front of the mirror, getting dressed,

I once again observed my changes and felt a sense of pride.

Of course, there were regrets too.

“I wanted to have skin like burnt wood, and muscles all defined and sculpted…”

Although I had changed from the game’s Dogyunwoo, my physique remained unavoidable.

While I had aimed to build a body that would be popular among women as a man, my efforts did not bear fruit.

The saying that hard work pays off seemed to be a lie.

Exaggerating it, I might end up being seen as a man who needs protection by women.

After reincarnating, I came to realize the harsh and cruel reality for the first time.

“Should I burn my skin before entering the academy… Since I’m at it, to differentiate myself from the game’s Dogyunwoo, dyeing my hair blonde and getting a piercing wouldn’t be a bad idea…. Perhaps that way, I could give off a slightly more mature image. No, if I do that with this face, will I be called a parasite?”

It was truly a dilemma.

I found myself lost in contemplation as I stared intensely at the mirror.

It was then that a voice from downstairs reached my ears.

“Gyeonwoo! The sky has arrived! It’s time for you to come down now!”

“Oh, has it gotten this late already? Yes! Just a moment!”

Lost in gazing at the mirror, I hadn’t noticed time slipping away.

Before I knew it, the appointed time for Yeonha to come to our house had arrived.

I hastily buttoned up my shirt and grabbed the luggage I had packed the night before.

Of course, I didn’t forget to take the military blue sword.

“I’m coming down now!”

To take the entrance practical exam for the Geumgang Academy.

Today, we depart for the Academy City.

◈

Academy entrance exams are usually divided into a written and practical test.

The written test is not held at the academy itself in the Academy City, but rather at the level of special cities and metropolitan areas.

This was considered a gesture of consideration from the Academy City to prevent exam candidates from all over the country from having to come to the Academy City, wasting time and money.

Superficially, at least.

“In reality, it’s a message saying not to come to the Academy City if you can’t even pass the written exam.”

The Academy City was located in an area with unstable mana flow and dimensions.

As a result, the appearance of gates, dungeons, and monsters was frequent, and various mysterious phenomena occurred, making it an unsafe place.

In other words, it could be considered a suitable place for nurturing excellent hunters or conducting research on skills.

Therefore, the Academy City did not take kindly to external exposure in order to maintain security and prevent leaks of confidential information.

The reason for conducting the written exam outside the Academy City could be understood in that context.

Candidates who, caught up in the desire to become hunters, applied impulsively without any preparation.

And to reduce the number of incompetent applicants by eliminating those who lacked the basic knowledge and qualities required for hunters.

“After sieving out the incompetent ones, the practical test is held in the Academy City.”

Naturally, Yeonha and I were not among the incompetent ones.

We took the written exam last autumn and received notice of passing in the winter.

And now, as the year changed to January, it was time for us to take the practical exam.

That’s why we were leaving for the Academy City today.

“Did you pack everything? We’ll be spending two weeks in the Academy City, so make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.”

“I double-checked everything yesterday. Yeonha, you nag so much, I had to check multiple times.”

“When did I nag?”

“And if we did forget something, we can just buy it in the Academy City.”

“Sigh… Well, Gyeonwoo, don’t try to save money just because the cost of living in the Academy City is high. Make sure to use the card Mom gave you.”

“Actually, that card is mine…”

“It’s not like your dad can’t earn money, right? Yeonha, you’re the same. As the Seven-Color Witch said, don’t hesitate to use the sponsorship funds. Use them when you need to. It’s money that’s meant to be used.”

“Yes, I will! Thank you.”

Walking me to the front of the house, my mother solemnly entrusted me and Yeonha with the departure preparations for the academy city.

The worry in her eyes about us leaving to a distant place where her gaze had always reached was evident.

I tried to alleviate her concerns by smiling brightly.

“It’s okay. You don’t need to worry. Can’t you trust me? I can do well.”

“I’m worried because I can’t trust you.”

“…”

My mother cut in sharply.

I was at a loss for words due to the sense of betrayal.

“You should have shown me a trustworthy attitude all this time. Reflect on it with your hand on your heart.”

“Even if I reflect with my hand on my heart, I still believe I was a filial and good son…”

“That’s your perception.”

“…”

“I can’t feel reassured watching what you do. Sigh…”

Was my credibility really this low?

I shifted my gaze to Father standing behind Mother.

I had hope that Father would understand me.

Father forced a bitter smile.

“Yeah, you should have been a bit more careful with your actions.”

“When did I ever act carelessly?”

“Gyunwoo, you don’t realize it, which makes it even more frustrating.”

“…”

“Even though I say this, it seems like you won’t understand… Don’t cause any trouble in the academy city. Don’t make your dad cover for you.”

Surely Father wasn’t on my side either.

“Oppa! I’ll miss you! You have to buy something delicious from the academy city for me!?”

“Sure, Yeuni, you’re the best. Mom, Dad aren’t needed.”

Yet, there was no one but my younger sister Yeuni.

Leaving behind the tongue-tied parents, I embraced Yeuni in her pajamas.

Yeuni patted my back.

After bidding farewell to my family like that.

“Well, I’ll be going.”

“Yes, let us know once you arrive.”

“If you want anything specific to eat when you come back, tell us. Haneul too. We’ll prepare what you want to eat.”

“Yes, we will! Gyunwoo, trust me on that!”

“Oppa! Unni! Do well on your exams!”

The morning air was chilly.

Yeonha and I turned our backs on our family, facing the cold air.

“I’ll definitely come back after passing.”

“We’ll be waiting, Mom! Dad!”

Meeting her husband was destiny.

Han Jiae had no hesitation in thinking so.

―Are you okay? Oh…

―Yes, thank you for saving me…

In her youth, as Han Jiae walked down the street, she suddenly found herself engulfed in a dimensional distortion phenomenon, attacked by a monster.

The person who saved her at that moment was her husband, Do Sangjun.

The two fell in love at first sight during that encounter.

Their relationship quickly grew close, they longed for each other, and pledged eternity to one another without anyone taking the lead.

However, love was not smooth sailing.

―Where have you been? Before getting married.

―What? Oh… just as a company clerk…

―Oh my, really? Quite unexpected. I thought you were hanging out at bars or something.

―Sister-in-law, what is this about…

―So, how does it feel to catch a man and rise in status? Feeling proud? Exciting? I wouldn’t know, coming from a prestigious family.

―…

―Looks like you’ve settled for someone quite unimpressive. What was the youngest master thinking marrying you… Seems like they couldn’t see well.

Do Sangjun was from the Shingeom martial arts family.

One of the most influential Ten Gates in the country, known as the foremost martial arts family, Shingeom.

To Han Jiae, who was born into an ordinary family, it was a family too prestigious.

Despite her efforts to adapt to the atmosphere of the family and become a part of the Shingeom martial arts family, she struggled to fit in and faced disdain from the family members.

Nevertheless, in order to prevent Do Sangjun from being in a difficult situation, she had to belittle herself endlessly, endure, and tolerate.

That was her mistake.

―Got it, Gyunwoo? Don’t fight with your cousins, get along with them, okay?

―Yes, Mom!

Her mindset also affected Do Gyunwoo.

When facing the family members, Do Gyunwoo became more cautious in his actions, avoiding tarnishing his dignity even if it meant avoiding conflicts with them.

Just as there is a sense of hierarchy in the animal world, there is inevitably a sense of hierarchy among humans, who can be considered rational and social animals.

For a Shingeom martial arts family that seeks to produce outstanding martial artists through intergenerational competition, it was a given.

Therefore, Do Gyunwoo’s attitude towards the family members was a sight of lowering his own rank.

In a world where children are heavily influenced by emotions rather than rationality, it was extremely detrimental.

– Teaching one awakens ten, seems to know how to unfold the sense of royalty instinctively.

– Thank you!

Doyeongu seemed to possess a talent worthy of being called Shin Dong from the Jadoeik among the Jadoeik.

That talent made him walk a tightrope within the consciousness of his family’s hierarchy.

But then, he slipped off the tightrope as if misstepping, causing a commotion.

– S, Seungu!

During the first evaluation match.

Doyeongu, in the midst of a bout, ended up hurting his cousin, Doseungu.

– Oh, what should I do? There’s blood…

– This!

Doyeongu was greatly taken aback.

Doseungu did not miss the opportunity to strike back.

As a result, in front of all the members of the family, Doyeongu suffered the shame of being beaten by Doseungu.

At that moment, Han Ji-ae wanted to intervene to stop Doseungu.

But it was not her place to intervene in the evaluation match.

She had to fervently hope for the evaluation match to end.

And when the evaluation match finally concluded.

– Gyeongu!

– Mom…

– Look at yourself, what is this…

Seeing her son return covered in tears, Han Ji-ae didn’t know what to do.

As she watched her son cry bitterly, tears welled up in her eyes too.

Then, Doseungu’s mother arrived.

– Dongseo! Isn’t this too much!?

– What? Hyung, what’s…

– If Gyeongu had cut off your arm or gotten a scar on your face from swinging the sword wrongly, what would have happened? Be careful around kids from now on! Understood!?

An eye for an eye is not the solution.

While Doyeongu had cut Doseungu, the wounds Doseungu inflicted on Doyeongu were not insignificant.

Both had engaged in a fair match, so there was no need to dwell on right or wrong.

Even though the anger was still smoldering.

Do Seung-woo’s mother suddenly said those words.

Han Ji-ae was taken aback and couldn’t help but feel angry.

―Hyungnim, then what about Seung-woo and Gyun-woo….?

―Are you going to answer my question now?

However, Han Ji-ae couldn’t argue.

Do Seung-woo’s mother held a certain influence within the family, and she didn’t want to provoke any retaliation unnecessarily.

―…I apologize. I will control myself.

―Dong-seo, straighten up for real!

In the end, Han Ji-ae ended up apologizing.

Not only could she not voice her child’s injustice, but apologizing in front of that child felt utterly shameful and humiliating.

Above all, she felt terribly sorry towards her son.

―Gyun-woo, Mom is sorry….

―No, it’s okay. Mom, don’t cry.

Do Gyun-woo was incredibly kind-hearted.

Becoming the person he and Do Sang-jun wished for – kind, upright, considerate of others, willing to yield – Gyun-woo forgave and comforted his mother, who couldn’t forgive herself for her own ugliness.

Han Ji-ae ended up relying on her son’s kind heart.

That shouldn’t have happened back then.

Even if there was a fight, she shouldn’t have sided with Do Seung-woo’s mother.

―Why didn’t you tell me?

Because she showed her weakness.

Knowing that the gentle-hearted Do Gyun-woo would worry about her, Han Ji-ae endured the torment from her cousins without causing him distress.

Upon facing that truth.

As a mother, Han Ji-ae felt guilty.

It was her fault.

Hence….

―Your son is so disrespectful, isn’t he? Seems like he takes after you. I’ve wanted to slap him every time I see him. It’s okay, Gyun-woo! Good job hitting him!

When that child improved her situation alone and brought Do Seung-woo down.

Han Ji-ae faced a similar situation from the past and resolved not to make the same mistake this time.

A mother, a parent, is a shield and sword that must protect their child without expecting anything in return.

Even if the world doesn’t stand by their side, parents must stand by their children.

Believe, support, and cheer for me.

At that moment, Han Ji-ae praised Do Gyun-woo’s actions, regardless of right or wrong, to not crush his spirit.

She stood up to Do Seung-woo’s mother and confronted her.

Ironically, it was then that she truly seemed like a mother.

“I’m going to cut my hair.”

She decided not to forget that determination.

Even if the world turned against them, she would stand by Do Gyun-woo.

Of course, she believed he wouldn’t make a serious mistake.

Her son was a good person.

“But still… I feel really uneasy when I see that child.”

On the other hand, she couldn’t shake off that thought.

Looking at Do Gyun-woo’s actions, it was incredibly risky.

So far, things hadn’t gone terribly wrong.

Parents always worry about their children, but her son was especially worrisome.

In some ways, she worried more than about the troublemaker Do Yee-eun.

But when she heard that her son was entering a city academy beyond her reach, she couldn’t help but feel anxious.

“Thankfully, there’s Haneul. If I had sent that child to the city academy alone, I would have lived in constant worry.”

Do Gyun-woo’s childhood friend, Yeon Haneul.

Having her by his side brought relief.

“So, Haneul.”

Cheering for the children venturing out into the world in the distance.

Han Ji-ae smiled gently.

“Please take care of Gyun-woo by his side. I entrust him to you.”

—

“But, you know. I’ve been curious about something since earlier.”

“Yeah, what is it?”

“When did we start calling our mom and dad ‘mother’ and ‘father’?”

“…Oh, that? Last time, even after knowing my mom and dad for 5 years, they kept feeling uncomfortable when I called them ‘aunt’ and ‘uncle’.”

“So?”

“Although my mom and dad said I could call them like real parents and be comfortable, how could I be comfortable like that? So, we compromised and decided to call them ‘mother’ and ‘father’.”

“Hmm, that’s what it was.”

“There’s no other meaning, so don’t misunderstand.”

“Misunderstand what?”

“If you don’t know, it’s fine. But it’s getting late, let’s hurry. The twins will be waiting at the station.”

“It’s just being late, so what? Do we have to rush because we feel sorry for the little rascals waiting for us?”

“Well… then?”

“We have a lot of luggage, let’s take our time. They can wait. It’s okay to be late.”

“I’ve known you for five years, but you’re truly calm.”

“Oh, right.”

“Why’s that?”

“I was thinking of changing my appearance when I go to the High Academy, what do you think?”

“…Why? What’s all this sudden change for? Trying to impress girls in the academy city?”

“Why are you looking at me like that? People are scary…”

“Hmph, I don’t know! So, how are you planning to change?”

“First, dye my hair blonde…”

“Black hair suits you better.”

“I haven’t finished speaking yet, listen to the end.”

“Sigh… and?”

“Get piercings, do a suntan to darken my skin…”

“Kyungwoo.”

“Yes.”

“If I dye my hair yellow, wear revealing clothes that show my chest and legs, get piercings all over, weird tattoos, and tan my skin, do you think it’ll suit me?”

“No, it definitely won’t suit you. You’re not planning to do that, are you?”

“I’m telling you what I want to say to you.”

“….”

“I don’t know why, but you’re fine just the way you are now. And what will your mom think?”

“…Would she dislike it?”

“Would you get kicked out of the house?”

“….”

“Just stay as you are. Don’t try to change for no reason. You’re not good at decorating yourself, so just listen to me.”

“Sigh… alright, I’ll just live like this.”

“Good thinking.”

With such a back-and-forth conversation.

We moved forward into the world.