Chapter 101 – Seo Hyun-ji's Vlog (2)

Seo Hyun-ji turned off her vlog exactly one hour later.

Exhausted, she shut off her phone without a proper closing statement.

“Oh my, you should have told me. You were filming.”

“I was about to, but…”

Seo Hyun-ji mumbled weakly, slumped in her chair.

“Well, I’m sure the viewers will have a good reaction, seeing you train so hard. Very professional.”

“Ah, you think so?”

Seo Hyun-ji’s ears perked up at Lee Hyunbin’s words.

“Now, in that spirit, shall we do some more?”

“What?”

“Training.”

“We, we already did.”

At Seo Hyun-ji’s words, Lee Hyunbin’s mouth and eyes smiled in unison.

“That was just the warm-up.”

“Warm-up? You call that a warm-up?”

“Come on, let’s go.”

“Uh, I’m not going.”

“Come on, now. Get in the ring. Once you get a taste of this, you’ll never forget it.”

Seo Hyun-ji was forced to put on gloves and headgear.

Lee Hyunbin handed her a mouthpiece and said.

“Alright, open wide. You need to bite down on this properly. If you don’t, you might lose some teeth.”

“Are, are you saying you’re going to hit an actress in the face? My face, a national treasure?”

“National treasure? Ah… it looks a little worse for wear. Have you been eating a lot before bed lately?”

“What did you say?”

“It’s not like enemies will spare you just because you’re an actress. Now, let’s check your mana control first. You were casting while running earlier, right? We’re going to work on that. I’m going to start attacking now. You need the concentration to keep casting your skill without breaking it, even while getting hit. Got it?”

Seo Hyun-ji was about to ask if she had heard him correctly.

“We’ll start with this, and later you’ll have to cast skills while dodging attacks. Alright, I’m coming in, so tense your stomach. Tense!”

“Agh!”

“Not ‘agh,’ ‘tense’!”

The man was insane.

Seo Hyun-ji began to understand, just a little, how Kim Tae-yang felt.

She looked at Kim Tae-yang.

Kim Tae-yang averted his gaze.

She looked at Kim In-ho. Kim In-ho suddenly rushed out to get a drink of water.

She looked at the foreigners.

The foreigners were already collapsed outside the ring, unable to get up.

“Ig, Igni…”

“Hey, you can’t just say it with your mouth. See, you’re getting hit, thinking about the pain, and your focus shifts, breaking the cast. Just think: a mountain is a mountain, water is water. What do you need to do right now? Summon. Now, summon. Tense. Summon. Tense.”

That day, for the first time, Seo Hyun-ji received treatment from Lee Seo-yeon.

Looking at the sprawled-out Seo Hyun-ji, Lee Hyunbin gave a wry smile.

“Oh dear, did I push her too hard today?”

Of course he did.

Of course, she knew he had gone easy on her compared to Tae-yang or In-ho.

Seo Hyun-ji lay on the mat, saying nothing.

“I’m only training you like this because I’m worried about you, Hyun-ji. You must have felt it during the fight with the Villains. If you don’t have real strength, you can’t protect your comrades.”

“…”

Lee Hyunbin’s words felt like a dagger flying toward her.

Kim Yeo-jin, one of the three great hardliner Awakeners.

She was someone Seo Hyun-ji had seen at gatherings before.

For some reason, she had always hated and been wary of Seo Hyun-ji.

As far as Seo Hyun-ji knew, Kim Yeo-jin possessed power comparable to an S-rank.

When Kim Yeo-jin was running rampant, she should have been the one to stop her.

Because she was also an S-rank Awakener. But at the critical moment, she couldn’t do anything.

Instead, she was overwhelmed by the enemy.

If Team Leader Lee Hyunbin hadn’t prepared safety measures in advance, they all would have surely been killed.

“You couldn’t protect your comrades either.”

“…”

Ah. That was a mistake.

She was in a foul mood after being pushed so hard today.

And because of that, she had blurted out those words without thinking.

Seo Hyun-ji glanced at Lee Hyunbin.

“…”

She saw his face stiffen for a moment.

That wicked man, who always wore a smiling face so you could never tell what he was thinking.

This was the first time she realized he could make such an expression.

“That’s why I became stronger.”

As if nothing had happened, Team Leader Lee Hyunbin smiled playfully.

She had heard stories from the people of her clan.

The Hero, Lee Hyunbin.

The master of the Holy Sword Laevatein, wreathed in the Flame of Covenant, who defeated the Demon King and brought an end to the continent’s war.

She had felt it before, but he didn’t seem like such an amazing person.

But whenever the Hero’s story came up, everyone in her clan would talk excitedly, without exception.

For Seo Hyun-ji, it was a very unfamiliar experience.

The Hero had more enemies than allies.

Many of his comrades died because of the conviction he chose.

As the number of knights who always fought alongside him dwindled one by one, it became even more impossible to stop the war.

So as not to let the lives of the comrades who had died so far be in vain.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say it like that…”

Seo Hyun-ji apologized sincerely.

She had seen his hurt expression for the first time.

“You’re right. It seems you’ve heard about my past from your clan.”

“Well, that’s…”

“Many people died for my conviction. If I had to make that choice again, I would do the same thing.”

Seo Hyun-ji fell silent.

“The training might be a bit tough because I’m trying to forge you all so you don’t die.”

“Um…”

“I’m sorry. I suppose I was afraid. If things had gone wrong this time, I might have lost my comrades again. You were in danger too, Hyun-ji…”

“Ah, I…”

Seo Hyun-ji didn’t know what to do.

“To protect my people, I don’t care if I’m called a devil.”

“F-Fine, I’ll do it! I just have to do it, right?”

In the end, Seo Hyun-ji got to her feet.

She felt a muscle ache so intense it felt like her body would break, but she bit her lip hard.

Her heart was troubled, feeling as though she had needlessly touched a raw nerve.

As Seo Hyun-ji went back to training, Lee Hyunbin showed a hideous smile that reached his ears.

Lee Seo-yeon, who was watching the scene, sighed and shook her head.

Another victim had been created.

***

After finishing her training and heading home, Seo Hyun-ji was completely drained.

The training had been hard, but she also felt guilty for seemingly digging into her team leader’s trauma with her careless words.

“You worked hard.”

Despite that, her team leader was treating her with a smile, as if nothing had happened.

Seo Hyun-ji was ashamed of herself for having thought of Lee Hyunbin as a devil.

In reality, he was such a magnanimous person.

“Um, Team Leader-nim…”

“Yes?”

Seo Hyun-ji opened her mouth awkwardly.

“What I said earlier… I didn’t mean it.”

“It’s alright.”

“Actually, the viewers today kept calling me a fashion terrorist… I think I got a little sharp without realizing it.”

“A fashion terrorist?”

Lee Hyunbin scanned Seo Hyun-ji’s outfit.

A batwing V-neck. And baggy pants.

“Team Leader-nim, does it look weird?”

At Seo Hyun-ji’s words, Lee Hyunbin stroked his chin.

“Hmm, how should I put it? It’s very… unbalanced, isn’t it?”

Just as she thought.

Seo Hyun-ji let out a low sigh.

“Those pants… you didn’t actually take a crap in them, did you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s just my way of saying they look bad. I thought you were wearing them today as some kind of penalty.”

“Actually, my stylist usually picks out my clothes, but she went on her honeymoon…”

“Ah, I see.”

It seemed the misunderstanding had been cleared up.

Seo Hyun-ji said her goodbyes and was about to head home when Lee Hyunbin stopped her.

“If you don’t mind, shall I help you with that?”

“What?”

Surprised by Lee Hyunbin’s offer, Seo Hyun-ji blinked.

“I can help you coordinate your outfits over chat. We’re on the same team, and you’re struggling. It’s the least I can do.”

“Ah, that’s okay.”

“Contact me anytime you’re having trouble.”

She didn’t really want to bother her team leader with something like this.

After returning home, Seo Hyun-ji began to worry about what to wear tomorrow.

‘I have to do another vlog tomorrow.’

Vlogging was more fun than she had expected.

But she didn’t want to earn the infamous title of ‘fashion terrorist’.

‘The team leader seems to dress well.’

She entered her walk-in closet.

Lined with outfits befitting a celebrity. Each piece was beautiful on its own, but when she tried to combine them, they became strange.

“Ugh.”

After agonizing over it, Seo Hyun-ji reluctantly sent a message to Lee Hyunbin.

-Lee Hyunbin: I’ll help you so you don’t have to hear anyone call you a fashion disaster again. Alright, let’s see…

She was doubtful he could choose women’s clothes well.

But seeing her team leader’s confidence, it didn’t seem like he was just talking nonsense.

-Lee Hyunbin: That outfit looks good. You can combine it with the one at the end of the second row.

Seo Hyun-ji held up the clothes Lee Hyunbin had selected against her body.

-Lee Hyunbin: There you go. Much better. Since you have a great figure, even a little styling makes a huge difference. An actress is an actress, after all.

Feeling pleased, Seo Hyun-ji snorted with a small laugh.

Hearing him say it, it seemed like it might be okay.

-Lee Hyunbin: The oversized fit has a way of stimulating one’s protective instincts, you know? Best of all, it makes you look slimmer, so it’s great. It’s the perfect girlfriend look.

It did sound plausible.

-Lee Hyunbin: The power shoulders add an edge by projecting your inner maturity outwards. And the high boots create synergy with their elegance, delivering a revolutionary feel.

-Lee Hyunbin: The attire of the Wodaabe tribe is perfect for expressing a wild beauty that dominates the plains. It’s extremely flamboyant, extremely proactive, and its fantastic quality is perfect for evoking a girlish sensibility.

Something seemed to be getting slightly off-point, but Seo Hyun-ji decided to trust Lee Hyunbin’s confidence.

So far, his help had never led to a bad outcome.

“Thank you.”

-Don’t mention it. Well then, from tomorrow on, break free from your fashion disaster status.

After ending the chat with Lee Hyunbin, Seo Hyun-ji found herself smiling faintly.

She remembered when she first met him.

Back then, she had thought he was a fan and asked if he wanted an autograph. It was just awkward between them.

Now, she was comfortable around him.

It felt natural to have him around.

“Alright.”

Seo Hyun-ji decided to trust him and stride the streets in her new fashion.

And once again, her name rose to the top of the portal site search rankings.

***

“Hyun-ji…”

“Mmm…”

“You’re not a Namekian, Hyun-ji. These power shoulders are…”

“…”

Her stylist, having just returned from her honeymoon, saw the news on a portal site and stormed into her house in shock.

“Doing the vlog was a really good idea, but…”

“Yeah…”

“This isn’t it…”

“It’s not like that…”

Seo Hyun-ji felt wronged.

“Hyun-ji, everything else is fine. But you actually believed in this caveman outfit?”

“That one was a bit much, I admit…”

“Then why did you wear it?”

The portal site news featured articles about Seo Hyun-ji doing a model walk while wearing a primitive tribal outfit and a power-shoulder jacket.

“That team leader guy is really weird, isn’t he? I mean, it’s like he’s deliberately trying to mess with you.”

The stylist said, full of anger.

A celebrity’s image is important, and it was rude to embarrass someone like this.

“He probably didn’t do it on purpose. He’s not that kind of person…”

“…?”

The stylist looked rather bewildered by Seo Hyun-ji’s words.

This was Seo Hyun-ji, of all people. For her, who was known to be quite prickly, not to be angry after being humiliated like this was unbelievable.

“That man seemed completely crazy. How could he just hit a woman like that? I was so shocked watching the vlog.”

“But he did go easy on me. And if I don’t do that kind of training, it’ll be dangerous in a real fight…”

“Hyun-ji…”

Hearing the strange, defensive tone in Seo Hyun-ji’s voice, the stylist adjusted her glasses, her eyes twinkling.

“Do you… perhaps… like him?”

“What?”

Seo Hyun-ji was momentarily flustered by her stylist’s words.

Then, realizing what she’d just heard, she let out a disbelieving chuckle.

“Me?”

“Well, it’s just strange how you keep defending him. That’s not like you at all.”

Was that true?

For a moment, Seo Hyun-ji was at a loss for words.

As a result, she had become a fashion terrorist.

“Well, if not, then fine. Starting tomorrow, I’ll turn you into a fashionista, so don’t worry. I’ve brought materials on all the hottest overseas trends…”

The stylist stopped mid-sentence, seeing something strange.

-Fashion Queen Miss Calanin’s Latest Unconventional Fashion Move.

Miss Calanin, a world-famous fashion model.

She was known as a person who led global fashion trends.

And now, she had unveiled an unconventional new style.

“What is this…”

Bold power shoulders. And long boots that came up to the knee.

On top of that, a primitive tribal outfit, complete with a spear held like a cane for a unique flair.

Renowned international experts were showering her groundbreaking fashion with praise.

-A Revolution with Reason

-In the historic home of fashion, true fashion has appeared.

-I never knew fashion until now. Only today have I finally understood.

Seo Hyun-ji and her stylist stared at the article, blinking.

“Uh, how should I put this… He seems to be someone who’s very ahead of his time.”

“I guess so…?”

To think people were wearing such ridiculous fashion.

Once again, Seo Hyun-ji’s name began to climb the portal site rankings.

This time, it wasn’t in articles mocking her, but in articles praising her as a trendsetting fashion leader.

***

“Ajeossi.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re going to work dressed like that?”

At Karin’s words, I tilted my head.

Why? What’s wrong with it?

“Ajeossi, you’re a true fashion disaster.”

“Me? That’s ridiculous. Hey, hey, I’m the guy who styles celebrities. What’s with this attitude?”

Seo Hyun-ji is a pretty famous celebrity, right? Even someone like her was happy when I styled her.

But there’s only one person.

Only Karin calls me a fashion disaster.

“Ajeossi.”

Karin stood firmly, blocking the doorway. As if she had no intention of letting me leave like this.

“Sigh…”

She’s really stubborn when it comes to this.

Even though I’ve tried to correct her a few times.

Having no choice, I took off my blue dress shirt and blue capri jeans.

“That, too.”

Give me a break.

Resigned, I placed what’s commonly called a “loan shark bag”—a clutch—on the floor.

“Ajeossi, I’m throwing these Ugg boots away.”

“But I have to wear them today…”

“I’m throwing them away.”

This kid really doesn’t know fashion.

What could I do?

This was the one thing Karin was most stubborn about, second only to eating.

She wouldn’t back down on this even if a knife were at her throat.

I put on the white slacks and shirt that Karin had prepared.

Only then did Karin smile, folding up the sleeves of my shirt.

“Have a good day at work, Ajeossi.”

Later, I’ll need to give this kid a lecture about fashion.