Whooosh! Boom!
Baron soared through the sky.
More precisely, he had transformed to lighten his body, propelling himself forward with the power of his strengthened legs.
Mid-flight, a thought crossed his mind.
"He's a monster."
Initially, he just wanted to see the face of the man who claimed to have defeated Lain.
But the strength of the man he encountered far exceeded his expectations.
"A creature surpassing superhuman abilities."
While Baron himself did not possess any magic, this absence had finely tuned his senses. This allowed him to detect the subtle, unusual power of the Irregular, a force beyond mere speed.
Such a being was not to be trifled with.
This was Baron's assessment of the Irregular.
"Perhaps declining that offer is for the best."
Before Lain had been defeated by the Irregular, there had been a proposal to join forces with the Korean Villain Alliance.
The recent encounter made Baron rethink.
Facing him now, the power disparity was glaringly evident.
Even if hundreds of superhumans assembled, they might not stand a chance against him.
Nevertheless, there was something about him that Baron appreciated.
Despite being a hero, he had the flexibility to spare Baron, a known villain. In other words, he was a hero Baron could communicate with.
"Hehe! He was quite the amusing character."
Casually eating instant noodles in Baron's presence.
Such unconventional behavior endeared him further to Baron.
"I hope our paths cross again."
Baron was 125 years old.
He had endured great chaos, awakened as a superhuman at 25, and spent decades wandering the world seeking someone who could defeat him. While he showed little interest in worldly affairs, focusing only on potential threats, he now found himself deeply intrigued by Hajoon.
On the other side, Hajoon, watching Baron disappear into the distance, pondered,
"Why did he come?"
Such ancient beings were enigmatic.
If one had to guess, that guy had to be well over 100 years old.
"Hmm..."
With the situation seemingly resolved, Hajoon took out his smartphone and dialed the Association's president, requesting the gateway be reopened so he could return home.
As time passed, Hajoon was comfortably resting at home. With only three weeks left of summer vacation, he intended to spend that time peacefully savoring the remaining moments at home.
"Now, say it. Kim Hajoon."
"Kim Hwaa-joon~"
"No, it's Kim Hajoon."
"Kim Hwaa-joon~!"
For context, Elaine was learning Korean from Irian. She had been using a translation tool to communicate, but she wanted to learn the language properly. She had thought about attending classes, but when she expressed a desire to learn from Irian, he took it upon himself to teach her diligently.
"Now, cheese."
"Cheeese~."
"No, listen closely. Chee-ze."
"Cheeese?"
Hajoon looked at Irian with a mixture of pity and exasperation.
In his frustration, he said, "What's the point of teaching English words with just Korean pronunciation?"
"Ah, you're right."
"Huh?"
Seeing Irian's response, Hajoon sighed deeply. Irian, taking offense, retorted sharply, "If you're so frustrated, why don't you help? Stop lying on the sofa watching TV all day."
Hajoon nonchalantly scratched his back and resumed watching TV. He might have responded, but teaching was another matter altogether. Irian heaved a long sigh at Hajoon's indifferent reaction.
Switching to a gentler tone, Irian asked Elaine, "Elaine, do you know someone competent, other than this pathetic brother of mine and my lacking self?"
"Who are you calling a pathetic brother?"
"Hmm... Yes, I do know someone."
So, Hajoon's pathetic title wasn't refuted?
Of course, Hajoon was aware and chose not to respond.
Elaine spoke up, "Princess Anna."
"Huh? Oh! That sounds promising."
Hearing Elaine's suggestion, Irian nodded with a hopeful expression.
On the other hand, while watching TV, Hajoon casually mentioned to Elaine, "That might not work."
"Why?"
"She's probably busy right now."
As he spoke, Hajoon yawned and continued watching TV.
[The global superhuman exchange event of 2232 is about to start soon. We're looking forward to seeing which superhumans will emerge this year.]
Hearing the news anchor, Hajoon was reminded of an episode from his memories. It was the upcoming global hero exchange event, following the end of the vacation. Heroes from countries like the USA, UK, China, Japan, and Korea, among others, would be meeting in one place for this event, which was set to take place in Korea this year.
In simple terms, after the great chaos and the disappearance of the Olympics, this was considered the most prestigious sports competition in the world.
'Maybe it was the Haruna Ruel episode?'
Watching the exchange event reminded him of an episode. He was sure it was the 'Oblivion' episode of Haruna Ruel.
"Oh! The exchange event is starting soon."
While Elaine was focused in her Korean studies, she quickly put on her translation earphones upon hearing about the event and tuned into the TV.
To clarify, the exchange event wasn't exclusively for adult heroes. Students from specialized high schools for the gifted across various countries, not even close to graduating, also participated in a category labeled the 'student division'.
"Will Princess Anna be participating?"
Elaine's eyes lit up with anticipation as she posed the question.
Given that this exchange event is a national competition, regardless of attending the Korean Academy, both Anna and Liam would represent their own countries.
It's worth mentioning that Elaine's anticipation stemmed from a specific reason. Historically, the UK always fell outside the top ranks in the student division during these events. However, with promising talent like Anna this year, things might change.
"But you're not participating, right?"
Upon hearing this, Hajoon looked genuinely perplexed and casually scratched his waist, "Me?"
"..."
"..."
Both remained silent, pondering Hajoon's response. It seemed a bit of a pointless question in hindsight. Considering his personality, Hajoon participating would be unlikely. And judging by his expression, he probably wasn't.
"Because of the exchange event, Princess Anna must be quite busy?"
"She's likely deep into training right now."
"Hmm..."
Elaine seemed lost in thought at that comment. Considering what her sister said, relying on her lazy brother to learn Korean might not be the best idea.
Noticing her contemplation, her laid-back brother offered, "I know someone who can help. Want me to introduce you?"
"Who?"
"Haruna."
"Wait, Senior Haruna?"
It's highly probable that Haruna Ruel won't be participating in this year's exchange event. She's not one to bother, and fundamentally, she lacks interest in such matters.
"Yes! That'd be great!"
With Elaine's approval, Hajoon dug into his pockets and retrieved his smartphone. Realizing he didn't have Haruna's number, he decided to ask around. He sent a text to Liam, who likely had the number. Promptly receiving a response, Hajoon acquired Haruna's contact and immediately sent her a message.
A few minutes later, Haruna Ruel with a weary expression arrived at Hajoon's house.
She let out a big yawn and sank into the sofa, then turned to Hajoon. "So, when are we eating?"
"······?"
"Bro?"
Immediately upon her arrival, Haruna's odd statement had Liam and Elaine giving Hajoon incredulous looks.
Elaine, looking at Hajoon, addressed Haruna first.
"Um... senior?"
"Huh? Want another autograph?"
"No, not that. Could you teach me some Korean?"
At this, Haruna gave a puzzled look.
Her attention shifted from Elaine to Hajoon. Hajoon then said, "Can you teach her Korean?"
"······Hmm? What about our meal?"
"I'll treat you if you teach her."
Haruna looked at Hajoon with disbelief.
She frowned, murmuring with a hesitant tone, "I'm not great at teaching..."
In response, Hajoon discreetly handed Haruna an A4 paper. The paper had handwritten terms that seemed to appeal to her.
"······?!"
Haruna's eyes widened in surprise. She crossed her arms, appearing deep in thought.
"Hmm... Ah!"
Seeming to have an idea, Haruna looked at Hajoon and replied, "Okay, but on one condition."
"What's the condition?"
Hearing the condition, Hajoon's expression became uncertain. But the condition seemed minor, so he agreed.
A week later.
Although it was a straightforward contract that promised a stipend and meals just for teaching, it was enough to reignite Haruna's passion.
Honestly, her personality is a lot like mine, which can be an issue, but she's genuinely smart.
Her method of teaching was surprisingly structured, contrary to her often absent-minded behavior.
For a week, instead of jumping straight into words like Liam did, Haruna patiently taught individual letters in the order of "가," "나," and "다."
She might seem a certain way, but she's sharp-minded. She's clearly dedicated and motivated to teach.
"Not bad at all."
Hajoon watched Haruna teaching Korean to Elaine and nodded in satisfaction.
His contentment went beyond just the teaching aspect.
It wasn't merely about having her teach Elaine some Korean.
Hajoon reflected on the recent episode involving Haruna Ruel.
The student exchange event would likely happen during the next two weeks of the holiday.
During that time, Hajoon intended to keep Haruna close by, ensuring the villains from the Altar couldn't contact her.
"Teaching is indeed fulfilling."
"Hehe, it's because you taught me well, senior."
"Alright, let's wrap it up for today and get ready to leave."
Haruna said, throwing Hajoon a sly glance.
He sighed and responded, "Okay."
"Planning on heading to the training grounds? I want to join!"
"Sure."
For context, Haruna had requested Hajoon to accompany her to the training grounds where students from various countries gather for practice, ahead of the student exchange event. Haruna, who typically doesn't participate, wanted to go because other students had asked for her assistance.
She had managed to rope me into this as well.
But now that it's time to leave, it feels like a hassle.
Hajoon voiced out, "Do we really need to go?"
"We must. Liam promised an allowance, and there's plenty of tasty stuff at the training grounds."
Surprisingly, Liam was Haruna's closest friend.
And he was the one who knew how to handle her the best.
Without any fuss, Hajoon stood up from the sofa.
On a Monday morning with just two weeks of vacation left, Hajoon, alongside Elaine, followed Haruna to the training grounds.
