Kwon Noya (1)

Around the time Seo Jun-ho was on a flight back to Korea, one man was walking to his house in the Frontier, the 2nd floor.

Huh?

He picked up a box that was on his doorstep.

A teleport delivery from the 1st floor? Teleport deliveries were expensive, but they arrived only in a few hours.

But who sent it? He tilted his head. Deliveries across floors, especially teleport deliveries, were expensive enough to make the average person nervous.

I dont remember ordering anything He picked up the mysterious package and wrinkled his nose. Is it a trap from those fiend bastards?

It was likely enough. He was currently tracking fiends in secret. He slowly prepared his magic for an explosion and started to open the package. But contrary to his expectations, there was a luxurious box beneath the packaging.

This is His eyes widened as he recognized the seal carved onto the box.

There was no way he wouldnt know. News of the biggest auction had reached even the 2nd floor.

It was the mark of The Auction.

He carefully opened the box, only to find a refined necklace sitting inside.

Item info. He only got more confused when he saw it was a Rare-grade necklace. Stamina Regeneration Necklace Just who sent it to me?

He pondered for a while, but he couldnt find the answer. No one from his family, team, or even guild would send him this sort of present.

Huh? Its a note. He picked up a note in the corner of the box and quickly read over it.

I hope youre healthy. Ill come up within half a year. Your uncle.

He read over it several times and looked up silently at the starry night sky. His eyes were starting to sparkle like the stars.

Half a year So hes starting to move. He was filled with both anticipation and worry. The 2nd floor was a completely different world than the one his uncle knew.

But he simply shrugged his shoulders and let out a chuckle.

Geez, just who am I worrying about.

His name was Arthur Green. He was Gilbert Greens son and regarded as the Five Heroes son.

* * *

Seo Jun-ho blinked as he emerged from the Incheon Airport gate. Someone he didnt expect was waiting for him.

Wh-why are you staring at me like that? Cha Si-eun muttered as she avoided his gaze. She was wearing a clean suit as always.

Oh, sorry. I didnt know that youd come all the way to the airport.

Escorting you when you come back to your home country is also the duty of a secretary. She casually led him to a car.

Do you have anywhere else youd like to stop by? Or shall we head straight to the Association? She asked as he took a seat.

Go to the Association. And, Seo Jun-ho rummaged around his bag, pulling out a well-wrapped book. This is a gift. I didnt know what to buy, so I just got a book I dont know if youll like it though.

Well, Id be grateful for any gift at all Cha Si-eun smiled softly, but her expression quickly changed as she turned around. Once she saw the book that Seo Jun-ho was holding, a ripple formed in her eyes.

W-wait. Did you buy me the fantasy novel thats getting adapted into a movie in Hollywood, The Youngest Son of the Gates? The hardcover edition?!

Oh, you know this book? It was the last copy in the bestseller section.

Of course I know it! Cha Si-euns mouth was wide as she held out her hands politely, as if she was receiving New Years money. She stared at it for a second and cradled it in her arms like it was treasure, bowing her head. I tried so hard to get a copy, but I couldnt.

Really? Im glad, then. Seo Jun-ho looked at Cha Si-eun and her bright face. You can read it right now, if you want.

Th-thats Im working right now. Her words were admirable, but her eyes betrayed her.

Do you have any documents to finish up?

I finished them all on the way to the airport

So whats the problem? Seo Jun-ho smiled and buried himself into the seat. Have fun reading, and wake me up when we arrive.

Cha Si-eun hesitated before responding in a soft voice. G-good night

A few minutes passed. Seo Jun-ho fell into a deep sleep, listening to the sound of pages turning.

Yo~ Is that Mr. Sherlock? As he entered the office, Deok-gu gave his warm, signature smile and waved his hand. Seo Jun-hos face soured.

Sherlock? What are you talking about?

Wherever he goes, things happen and terror arises. Much like you.

The hell are you saying Seo Jun-ho grinned as he sat down and pulled out the liquor he bought from the Duty Free store.

Here, Balvenie 1975. Its a present.

You got me something expensive? What to do; Im abstaining right now.

Just drink it later, then. Deok-gu looked happy as he held the bottle worth millions of won.

(TN: Thousands of dollars.)

I contacted Arthur on the way here. I told him Im going up within half a year.

Good. That kid mustve had it really hard, but he grew up nicely.

Has it been a while since you saw him?

He hasnt come down since going up to the 2nd floor. He said the 1st floor keeps reminding him of his dad

Tsk. Seo Jun-hos mouth tasted bitter. He changed the topic. Oh, and I heard from Gong Juha She said the invitation you gave me wasnt a normal one.

So you heard? Shim Deok-gu nodded, seemingly unaffected. It was a warning to show the world how much I care for you.

Ew, gross.

Hehe, that grossness will save you at some point. Seo Jun-ho was a little embarrassed by the love his friend was showing him. He was all grown up.

Anyways, I have a favor to ask you.

What favor?

Im looking for an orphanage.

Why an orphanage? Shim Deok-gu tilted his head. He didnt understand.

Listen carefully to what Im about to say. Its pretty heavy. Seo Jun-hos face was serious as he started to tell the story.

How hed come to get the ability to see the memories of the dead. How hed been the one to take care of the Watchdogs at the Las Vegas auction. And lastly, about the place where the fiends trained orphans into one of them.

When he finished, Shim Deok-gus face crumbled like plaster.

What you said, is that all true?

Yeah. But I dont know the specific location of the orphanage. The only thing Im sure of is that its not in Korea.

Dammit, those bastards dont know where to draw the line! Shim Deok-gus breath was rough as he banged his fist on the handle of his chair. That was how shocking the news of the orphanage was. Hoo, I promise. Ill find out everything I can.

Im counting on you.

After trying to catch his breath, Deok-gu uncorked the Balvenie 1975. Seo Jun-ho looked at him blankly.

I thought you were abstaining?

Shit, whatever! How could I just sit still after hearing all that?

Wait. Seo Jun-ho quickly activated his Frost skill, and several ice cubes formed in his glass. The two downed their glasses.

Keuh Deok-gus face wrinkled at the taste of the strong whiskey. He wiped his lips.

Kwon Noya wants to see you.

Noya?

(TN: Noya also means old man, but they use it like a name/nickname.)

Yeah. You know the sword you asked for before you went to the States? He said itll be finished tomorrow and that he wants to give it to you in person. It wont be suspicious anymore if you guys meet.

I see. Seo Jun-ho placed his glass down and nodded. There was a simple reason he hadnt been able to meet with Kwon Noya immediately after he awakened from the ice.

I didnt have anything to my name back then. On the other hand, Kwon Noya was far above him like a city wall. But now, things were different.

What do you think? Do you think Im big enough to meet him?

Well, you have a lot to go compared to 2nd floor rankers But when we look at the 1st floor, youre doing amazing. Your progress is shocking.

The other countries knew that he was over level 15, but there was another reason why he was so famous.

So the Uncleared Gates are a big factor.

Your plan worked. He was a rookie player that only went into Uncleared Gates and made Korea into a special safe zone. Hed accomplished things that others never dreamed of.

You said its tomorrow, right?

Yeah, go in the morning.

Alright. Im going to rest, then. Shim Deok-gu grinned as he watched his friend leave.

Bastard, hes all excited to meet Noya since its been a while.

He rolled his shoulders and drank another glass. He stopped smiling as he called his secretary.

Get me a list of every Player Orphanage in the world.

There was no way hed do a sloppy job on this.

* * *

As soon as it was light out, Seo Jun-ho headed toward the Insa-dong Player Market. Deep within the street of workshops was Kwon Noyas forge. Seo Jun-ho looked at the workshop with fondness. It hadnt changed in the last 25 years.

Now that I think about it, Kwon Noyas grandson mustve grown a lot. He smiled as he thought of him. He was always being scolded by old man Kwon, so Seo Jun-ho always bought him ice cream. He was so cute, following him around like a puppy and calling him Hero-nim.

He was so timid. Im curious to see how hes grown up. From what hed heard from Deok-gu, the crybaby had inherited the workshop from Kwon Noya and was now the owner.

As he got closer to the workshop, he heard a rhythmic sound.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The ringing sounds of the hammer were very sharp and clean.

That kid learned properly from the old man. As he knocked on the door, full of anticipation, the sounds stopped.

Who is it? As the front door opened, hot air billowed out. A 191cm muscular giant answered the door. He was dressed in work clothes and holding a hammer as if to prove that he was indeed a blacksmith.

Wait. So this is Seo Jun-ho blinked as he looked up at him. This is Kwon Noyas grandson?

Hed been cute like a puppy in the past, but in 25 years, hed transformed into a hellhound.

Only

He recognized Seo Jun-ho and quickly welcomed him inside. Oh, youre player Seo Jun-ho. The Association told me. Come on in.

The workshop was neat and tidy as he went inside. The family had been smiths for generations, and their skill was obvious.

Noyas probably upstairs. Seo Jun-ho looked at the stairs.

You rascal, its so hard to see your face. A strong, familiar voice came from behind him. As Seo Jun-ho slowly turned around, he smiled as he saw the old man with an overgrown beard and white hair.

Its been a while, Noya. It was the first time hed seen him in 25 years.