Awakening (2)

Shin Eunah, dressed only in a gray suit and a neat skirt, was still beautiful today. However, the chilly aura emanating from her didnt give one much room to appreciate it.

Uh, isnt that the Empress?

Shh, dont let her hear you.

Stay quiet. Dont even breathe. The veteran superhumans had gone through enough battles to sense the moon emanating from Shin Eunah, and it silenced them. It was common knowledge that she was a close friend of the Alchemist, so it wasnt unusual for her to show up at the bar she opened. But the uncomfortable look she had made it seem more like a matter of life and death rather than a friendly visit.

Eunah, youre here.

Why didnt you call me for the opening day?

Because you were working today too It was a lie. Claire had been delaying telling her about her relationship with Kang Shin-hyuk, so she didnt want to call her to the bar today.

Whichwith him. Shin Eunahs glanced at the stiff Shin-hyuk before turning back to Claire. He had guessed this might happen, but it seemed like he got caught right away.

How do you know him?

Ah, hes my friend. Like you and I, we have something in common, right?

Hmm, right. ActuallyI knew.

What? The blood drained from Claires face. Her head shook as she desperately looked back and forth between Shin Eunah and Kang Shin-hyuk. Shin-hyuks own expression below the mask was very similar.

What? The Alchemist and the Empress have a man in-between them

I shouldve brought popcornoutside snacks are allowed, right?

You fool, youll be kicked out! The gallery began to grow louder at the unusual air current flowing around the trio. However, they immediately became silent once more as Shin Eunah turned towards them with a look of disdain. They knew what they had to do.

Drink quickly and go

Leave a tip.

Have a good timehiick! Claire let out a sigh as people began to filter out, commemorating the opening of the Frontline Bar. Shin Eunah sat down at the counter only after confirming no one else was left except for the three of them.

Grandpa sits here.

Yeah. Kang Shin-hyuk followed along with Shin Eunah without complaint as she tapped the seat next to her. Shin Eunah made an expression like she was still dissatisfied with his reply, however.

Hm?

You still have your sister Claire no, I see.

Cocktail. Nonalcoholic. With sweets.

Huh Claire was neatly ignored. Shin Eunah gently closed her eyes and waited for her cocktail as Kang Shin-hyuk and Claire exchanged sharp glances at each other. It didnt matter, however, as, in the end, it was both their fault for not confessing to her.

Here. Virgin Pina Colada, a Claire arrangement using dungeon fruit.

Are you making fun of me for still being a virgin at my age?

Ah! No, nonalcoholic cocktails usually have the word virgin in their names. Eunah? That look is too scary! Claires greatest mistake was to laugh at her unexpected remark. Kang Shin-hyuk wanted to flee on the spot, but Shin Eunah was holding his arm so tight that he couldnt. Claire silently asked him for help but was only met by Shin-hyuks only silent request for saving. Shin Eunahs gaze hardened upon noticing the looks they were sharing.

What sort of sign are you two exchanging like that? Are you that close? Are you dating?

Eh, Eunah. So how did you know we knew each other?

Hm. Shin Eunah responded to Claires overt topic change by clicking her tongue.

When grandpa was isolated in the gate, I was told he lived thanks to a potion sent by an angel. I was thinking about who it was, then I remembered I told you about grandpa. At the time, I was half-crazed and had no time to think, but later I recalled that it would be impossible to send a gift if they werent registered as a friend.

An angel Shin-hyuk was a bit impressed at how coldly Shin Eunah could calculate such childish things. Her eyes narrowed as she regarded Claire.

Are you trying to flirt with grandpa? Why did you try to hide it from me?

No, no, no. Theres no such relationship. How about taking a drink to calm down a little? I was excited, too. Shin Eunah pouted at her words but finally took a sip of her cocktail.

Delicious. Claire looked a bit relieved as Shin Eunahs face began to relax slightly.

My relationship with Shin-hyuk was a bit of an accident. I didnt know he was Anvil at first, but I learned that he was familiar with spiritual power. We became friends as he taught me a little about itin the end, I decided to leave that other stuff between you two. I just needed a little help today.

Yes, thats right.

I see Strangely, Shin Eunah seemed even more displeased at Claires explanation. It scared Shin-hyuk that he couldnt figure out what she was thinking. Claire continued to make excuses.

Besides, you know my taste is for those older than me. Shin-hyuk is handsome, but hes eight years younger than me. Honestly, its out of the question.

I am only in high-school, after all He didnt feel great about Claires words, but now wasnt a good time to complain.

In other words, you werent interested in grandpa.

Of course not! Ill never take him away from you, so be relieved.

Yes, I will remember that. Only after listening to that did Shin Eunah finally relax her grip on Kang Shin-hyuks arm. She didnt completely let him go, however.

Claire, its like this because you tried to hide it from me. Im not selfish enough to say grandpa cant have friends.

What about romantic partners?

Thats not allowed. She naturally made a selfish remark.

He will live with Eunah forever, so dont do anything like marrying someone else.

Claire wanted to ask, Then what about you?, but the words stuck in her throat. She endured it silently, afraid that the answer would be that Eunah would marry grandpa.

Heyis it always like this when hes with you?

Yeah Claire was, for the first time, witnessing the child-like nature of the Thunder Empress around her grandpa. Meanwhile, Shin Eunah began to hang onto Shin-hyuk after being satisfied by Claires false response.

Grandpa, its so nice to see you today. It was a difficult day for Eunah.

YesI bet you had a hard time.

Please stroke my hair.

Alright. Kang Shin-hyuk tried not to be too conscious of her as he gently patted her head. Claire stared blankly at the two.

Dont look at me with those eyes, sister. Youll be fine if you meet a good person.

No, I dont think Eunah has any relationships with anyone else. How about you just accept it? The moment Shin-hyuk heard that, he couldnt control the expression that popped up on his face. Claire unconsciously stepped back, aware of the mistake she had made.

Goodness

Shin-hyuk had nothing more he could say to her.

Grandpa, your status came out.

Oh, the association?

Uh-huh. I took care of it and raised the security level. Hey, lets take a picture later for your card. Shin Eunah fiddled with her stick a little, and a message was sent to Kang Shin-hyuk. It had a file with information on his disguised identity and an electronic ID card.

The superhuman level was set to B rank, and you will be assigned to Group 1 of the Special Task Force. If possible, I would like you to continue even after graduation.

Didnt you say receiving support from the association didnt mean I had to stay with them after I graduate?

That doesnt count because I didnt know you were grandpa.

I see. The status was at B-rank, which was lower than his current ability, but it was still rather good.

Then, I can enter the gate with this?

Normally, youll have to apply in advance, but its not illegal to enter undiscovered gates if you get lucky. You should avoid ones with higher ratings, though. Shin Eunah added that in most cases since it would be fine because she would be there. Claire, who had remained silent, suddenly shook her head.

Lets choose a name for his disguise. How about Black Soul Eater?

Sister, that can be your name. Who the hell would give me that name?

Its a pseudonym, so lets make it cool.

Why do I need a pseudonym?!

Ive already decided on a name. Shin Eunhyuk. As Claire and Kang Shin-hyuk argued back and forth, Shin Eunah piped up. Shin-hyuk looked over at the document and confirmed she was telling the truth.

Isnt that name too similar to yours?

You just need to say its a coincidence. I just wanted to make our names similar.

Your desire is leaking out. For reference, Shin Eunah was still rubbing her body against Kang Shin-hyuk like a cat. He desperately tried his best to ignore her.

Okay, I see. Then lets use a code name. His name is Shin Eunhyuk, but he needs a code name. Just like Im the Alchemist, or youre the Thunder Empress.

You two are high-rankers, my cover identity shouldnt stand out so much.

The most important part is to stand out as much as possible!

Well, thats not possible! In the first place, a code name was like a symbol of honor attached only to those who stood out above others. For that reason, Shin-hyuk rejected it, but Claire ignored him and said she would think of one. He was scared of what kind of codename she would come up with, but he hoped it would remain only in her mind.

You can use that status when working at the bar. You wont need to identify yourself in the first place, but maybe itll help.

Wait, Claire. Are you going to keep grandpa working?

We promised it in the first place. Were both production workers, so we have a lot of work we can help each other with. Besides, were both spiritual power users.

Even though Claire explaining the relationship between them was normal, Shin Eunah didnt seem to like the idea of them spending a lot of time together. Shin Eunah barely managed to calm her anger by pushing herself closer to Shin-hyuk.

Okay, whenever grandpa works at the bar, Ill come too. Ill get to see grandpa working in uniform.

You work too, work.

Its okay because Ill come after work. And on holidays well enter the dungeon in earnest.

Dungeon?

Grandpa wants to be strong. To be strong, its best to deal with monsters. Shin Eunahs voice softened a little bit as she laid her head down on Shin-hyuks knee and looked up at him.

Only

It was impossible when grandpa was away before, but now I can help. I will make you the strongest in the world.

Huh? You Shin Eunah grabbed his hand tightly and stuck her tongue out at Claire.

Because its only us two, I wont teach you anything.

You Claire tried to retaliate, but Shin Eunah ignored her. Kang Shin-hyuk let out a bitter laugh as she grabbed his hand with more strength. Maybe she knew about Anvils past; it was a past that Kang Shin-hyuk himself only knew fragments of. Maybe Janus or his other friends would know something as well, but he decided not to say that out loud.

So lets work hard together starting tomorrow.

Well, sorry. I cant because I have something to do this weekend.

The grip on his hand became tighter, but he couldnt help it. That night, Kang Shin-hyuk returned home with the reward promised by Claire.

Of course, he didnt return home on Claires bike but in Shin Eunahs arms.