Chapter 273

The act of emptying one’s mind begins with letting go of desires.

The disease of desire born from a “what if” mindset.

It’s not just athletes who are crushed and consumed by illness, unable to showcase their true abilities.

A young, brash rookie, who during training would boss around his seniors like a dictator and sometimes act like a sage, blinking his eyes and giving mental training, once said:

“Such a cocky brat.”

To think he dared to teach Jin Seon-kyu, a true genius who had been praised for his innate talent since childhood.

A fierce glint briefly flashed in Jin Seon-kyu’s eyes.

“…But it’s cool.”

Hanging out with Americans and then finishing first like them? That’s just too awesome.

Hehe-. Though his eyes were hidden behind sunglasses, the corners of Jin Seon-kyu’s mouth curled into a sly smile.

As soon as one race ends, the next group of athletes takes to the track.

The race itself lasts only 10 to 11 seconds.

Including preparation time, a single heat takes less than 5 minutes.

Sweat, sweat- huff-.

Son Jin-hyeok once asked:

“What on earth are you muttering at the starting block?”

Jin Seon-kyu brushed it off, saying it was nothing.

“Shiva shiva shiva, sva sva sva, pfa pfa pfa, shupa shupa shupa, the sound of the engine roaring-.”

It really was nothing.

[Sun-kyu Jin-]

Ah, seriously.

This guy, that guy, they all butcher my name. And they do it on a mic that broadcasts worldwide!

That’s the name my grandfather gave me to live a good and exemplary life, you fools!

In lane 3, Sun-kyu Jin raised his fist with more confidence than ever before.

The most important thing from the conversation he had with Jin-hyuk before today’s race:

– “The heats will probably be cut at around ten seconds.”

It was a statement with no basis or logic.

Who would believe that the reason he met so many athletes was to gauge their energy and measure their combat power?

‘Is he a Saiyan or something?’

Well, whatever Jin-hyuk said, the fact remains that I have to do my best.

‘He must have been hinting that I can pass with my usual performance, right?’

A country that once placed 4th overall in the Olympics, a country that controls the world economy and even manipulates it from behind the scenes, or so the rumors say. Yet, in athletics, aside from the marathon, it hasn’t produced any standout stars.

‘Not even an Olympic sprint bronze medal. It’s the most basic of sports.’

Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East—how many countries have I secretly looked down on? Most of them, I don’t even know their names. Does Virgin Island only have virgins? Then who gives birth to the babies? Where on earth is Guinea?

Even those countries consistently participate in the Olympics and even win medals.

‘Ah, here we go again.’

All sorts of random thoughts began to plague Jin Seon-kyu.

“Shiva shiva sva sva shupa shupa pfa pfa-.”

If you can’t empty your mind, focus on one thing.

‘My feet! My royal feet!’

The pressure on my toes feels different today.

After spending a considerable amount of time integrating my feet with the spikes.

Blue on the left, red on the right.

‘Today, my feet are different.’

They’re not just royal feet.

They are the holy Taeguk Royal Feet.

[On your mark.]

Taeguk Royal Feet Sun-kyu Jin decided to focus on his feet.

‘Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes-.’

Here we go again, ten toes.

Forget ten, just toes, toes, toes.

[Get set.]

Huuup-.

With his buttocks raised, he held his breath for one second.

If anyone false starts, I’ll stamp them with my Taeguk Royal Feet.

Stop it, you crazy bastard!

[BANG-!]

Tick-!

There are two types of athletes who fail to perform due to being conscious of false starts.

Those who hesitate and either lift their feet too early from the starting block, committing a foul, or start too late.

And those who, fearing a false start, fail to sprint at the beginning.

Both cases are side effects of overthinking.

‘Great start!’

Once, Jin Seon-kyu was an athlete who fell into both categories.

Because he overthought too much.

‘Toes, toes, toes, toes, toes, toes, toes-.’

But this might be his first and last Olympic stage.

Taeguk Royal Feet Jin Seon-kyu started running like a madman.

Dduru ruru ruk-!

Jin Seon-kyu’s uniquely powerful royal feet, combined with the Taeguk spikes, created a sound effect reminiscent of a combat helicopter’s machine gun fire.

‘Hya-, sounds good.’

I don’t know what material it’s made of, but after running in them for over ten days, I’ve fallen in love with their bounce and sound.

The first day I wore them, I almost passed out after running 60 meters back and forth. It was tough, but anyway.

According to the new-gen Son Jin-hyeok, “passing out” means being awesome. And “awesome” means…

‘Awesome!’

Dduru ruru-.

He ran and ran with a shorter stride than Michael Johnson.

Feeling the strength in his knees, corrected by Son Jin-hyeok.

Enjoying the firm ankles that supported his weight without any discomfort.

And then.

‘What’s this? Something feels off.’

Ah, let’s not think about it.

‘Toes, toes, toes, toes-.’

Even though he tried not to think, he couldn’t help it.

Wait, why is there no one in front of me?

The start was good, and up to the 30-meter mark, he was just looking at the ground and accelerating, so all he heard was the crowd’s cheers, so he thought it was fine.

Up to the 60-meter mark, he thought maybe these savage and ruthless athletes were conserving energy since it’s just the heats.

But after passing the 70-meter mark, when no other athletes came into view, he started to feel uneasy.

Ah, damn it!

Did I not hear the foul signal and just run like an idiot?

The remaining 20 meters flew by without time to think.

And then.

[BANG-!]

Baba bak-.

The sound of the gun signaling the finish and the footsteps of the trailing athletes brought Jin Seon-kyu back to his senses.

‘Ah, damn it.’

I should have tried to pace myself.

Who knew I’d come in first…

“Ah, that was exhausting-.”

After the straightaway ended and he ran 30 meters into the curve, Jin Seon-kyu finally hit the brakes and placed his hands on the ground.

With only a 1.25-meter-wide track, you could see the situation in the next lane just by rolling your eyes, but he had been so focused on running straight ahead that his eyes were frozen and couldn’t move.

Korean athletes are always criticized for being impatient.

At least until Son Jin-hyeok came along, no one could escape this nagging.

The ease that comes from experience.

The confidence that only those who take standing alone on the podium for granted can enjoy.

‘Damn seniors-. They couldn’t do it themselves when they were athletes, yet they tell us juniors to take it easy.’

Ugh, it’s exhausting.

Brazil’s Andre Silva and Cyprus’s Chishimides approached and patted the crouching Jin Seon-kyu on the back.

“Wow, amazing.”

“Incredible, wow.”

Holding back the churning in his stomach, Jin Seon-kyu looked up at the scoreboard and his eyes widened.

「9.99s」

Oh my god.

…These shoes are too good.

Even if one of us died while running, we wouldn’t notice.

The unusually dark-skinned athlete, Linford Christie, approached with a smile and sat down in front of Jin Seon-kyu.

“Haha, I guess we need to monitor if Koreans are properly tested for drugs-.”

What is this guy talking about?

“Sure, sure. Of course. Ugh-.”

The best time in the heats.

The first time breaking into the 9-second range in his personal history.

It was the moment Jin Seon-kyu’s name became known to the world.

And that’s not all.

Ugh-!

“Ah, I’m dying-! Ugh!”

“Hey! Oh my god!”

Linford frowned at the strong smell of mixed coffee emanating from Jin Seon-kyu’s mouth.

Jin Seon-kyu became the first Korean athlete to defeat Linford Christie, the Barcelona Olympic gold medalist, and even made him gag.

***

After finishing all the heats, he went to find Coach Kim Hyeong-tak and Coach Seo Pil-gu in the stands.

While Jin-hyuk had separate care from foundation staff, as part of the coaching staff, there was no reason to distance himself from them, considering the foundation, juniors, and the association.

Since they often interacted, there was no discomfort.

Congratulations, encouragement, and words of gratitude were exchanged.

“Hahaha! I was so overwhelmed I couldn’t control my speed.”

Jin Seon-kyu, who had been managing his expression the whole time, revealed his naturally bright personality when meeting the coaching staff.

The sorrow of an unpopular sport?

They say that, but the top athlete in the country doesn’t have much to feel sorrowful about.

It’s the same in any field.

The top dog gets both scrutiny and respect.

At this moment, Jin Seon-kyu was the top athlete in South Korea, no, in the world.

As Jin Seon-kyu’s trapezius muscles seemed uncomfortable, Jin-hyuk subtly suggested:

“Get a pair of shoes made when you return to Korea. I’ll talk to Dad-, I mean, my father.”

“Would that be okay?”

Taeguk Royal Feet Jin Seon-kyu, who had fully experienced the power of the Taeguk spikes, was delighted.

“You should also run in the Asian Games.”

Jin Seon-kyu’s eyes widened.

Because of Jin-hyuk’s burning gaze.

That thought quickly turned into certainty with Jin-hyuk’s next words.

“The 400-meter relay. We have to win the gold medal. We just need to train two more athletes. Someone like the seniors from Jeonnam Provincial Office and Chuncheon City Hall could handle the second and third legs, right?”

Jin Seon-kyu blinked and turned his head.

Coach Kim Hyeong-tak and Coach Seo Pil-gu, with proud expressions, nodded simultaneously.

‘Asian Games gold medal.’

…Damn, the military.

If two athletes who have experienced the Olympic stage run the first and fourth legs, winning against China, Japan, Iran, and Bahrain no longer seems like a dream.

That dream was one step closer to reality with Jin-hyuk’s words.

“These shoes… are unfinished.”

Oh my god.

***

While riding in the black van sent by Yoo Se-ra, Seo Pil-gu still seemed to be dreaming.

Two athletes had passed the heats.

And with the top two times.

‘How great would it be if the competition ended like this.’

Just give out medals based on the heats and call it a day…

Isn’t that the honest wish of every Korean?

‘Seon-kyu caused a stir.’

He was a lazy genius.

And he lacked courage.

But today, from the moment he showed up at the starting block, he was completely different from usual. The guy who would look dazed like a lion facing an African warrior even at Asian competitions finally awakened like Tarzan.

‘It’s the first time I’ve seen him smiling like he’s high before a race.’

Old man sprinter, monster Christie.

A nickname any track and field athlete would know.

And Jin Seon-kyu, who finished first against him, roared at Linford as if to claim, “I’m the real monster,” which was just too cool.

Though the crouching position looked weird.

‘Seon-kyu probably roared, “Hey, I’m the best! Hahaha!”‘

As a senior and a coach, it was a satisfying scene.

When asked what he shouted, Jin Seon-kyu didn’t say a word, so I just assumed.

Squeak-.

The van entered the mansion and began to slow down.

Coach Kim Hyeong-tak, sitting in the second row, tapped the back of the passenger seat.

“We-.”

“Since you’ve come this far, why not join us for a meal? The chairman insisted on inviting you.”

“Huh-.”

At the suggestion of the foundation staff sitting in the passenger seat, Kim Hyeong-tak glanced at Seo Pil-gu. They had planned to just say hello and leave, but this is…

“Old man. Don’t overcomplicate things. Since we’re here, let’s just eat.”

Seo Pil-gu’s words brushed past his ears.

It was just the heats, but the extraordinary excitement had taken over.

After arriving in the U.S., he had observed the athletes’ training several times and shared his opinions. The only thing that could be called coaching was advice on strengthening mental fortitude and maintaining condition. Beyond that, it’s the athletes’ domain.

Still, the media would probably say this: The combination of leadership and athlete capability produced the best results. This is so good, so good.

‘Ah! The spikes!’

You can’t ignore the variables of technology and capital. Who would have thought we’d be amazed by a Korean athlete’s shoes, not an American’s.

“Ah, this old man! I’m not eating!”

“Wait a minute-. Let’s think about it. Why are you yelling and causing a scene?”

Seo Pil-gu, who had burst out yelling, had no choice but to nod.

With the help of a tailwind, Jin Seon-kyu, who used to clock 10.20, had now stepped into the 9-second range.

He must have gone through heart-stopping training, but what more could this genius have done? With his natural talent, he could handle less training than other athletes and still remain the top in the country.

“If you’ve decided, then get out. Why aren’t you getting out?”

Seo Pil-gu, annoyed, turned his body sharply.

The one who greeted Seo Pil-gu as he opened the door and stepped out was the very small Son Jin-hyeok.

“Hello-?”

“Ah, yes. You are-.”

The younger brother Son Jin-hyeok, who had been featured prominently in the newspapers.

Even if he held a knife to his throat and insisted he wasn’t his brother, no one would believe him, they looked so alike.

Though the protruding belly wasn’t the same.

‘What kind of girl has a belly that sticks out like this?’

Meanwhile, inside the car, the foundation staff was soothing the dissatisfied expression of Kim Hyeong-tak.

“The chairman, as a citizen of the nation, wishes to express his gratitude and encouragement for your efforts.”

“Ahem-.”

With training schedules, equipment, and health management handled by the association, foundation staff, and team doctors, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say this was the most comfortable coaching staff in history. All they had to focus on was coaching.

But who would have imagined being invited to a meal by Yoo Se-ra?

And using the term “encouragement” for seniors.

‘What a presumptuous woman. Young women are too presumptuous. Do you think I don’t know what you’re up to?’

During the Olympic stage, a festival of unity, behind the scenes, political, economic, and social diplomatic maneuvers take place. Though a naive sportsman by nature, Kim Hyeong-tak, with his thick skin in this field, could see right through Yoo Se-ra’s dark intentions.

‘Former President Won of the association might have succumbed to power, but not me.’

Would the proud sports leader of South Korea bow to a foundation set up by a chaebol’s daughter with money? A South Korean sports leader may break, but they will not bend.

As Kim Hyeong-tak nodded with determination, someone opened the door from the outside before he could.

‘Is it Seon-kyu?’

This brat, trying to save face for the coach!

This is why I raised him well.

As Kim Hyeong-tak stepped out with one foot on the ground, he hunched over and rolled his eyes to find the doorman.

“Welcome-.”

Yoo Se-ra, flanked by Jin Seon-kyu and Son Jin-hyeok like bodyguards, smiled so brightly her eyes were barely visible, her hand on the door handle.

“Ah, my dear chairman-!”

Kim Hyeong-tak’s back bent very easily.

Damn it-.

Seo Pil-gu, watching from the other side, turned his head as if he had seen something he shouldn’t have, covering Son Yoo-jin’s eyes.

***

Even though he had made a call right after the race to advertise the latest mobile phone, Jin-hyuk called his parents again upon returning to the mansion. When he called from the stadium, he couldn’t hear his parents’ voices properly. All he heard was sobbing, and at first, he thought something had happened to Jeong-won or that there had been a death in the family.

Having seen parents crying at the first junior competition, he quickly figured out the situation.

“It’s just the heats, why are you crying? They said the broadcasting station is coming tomorrow.”

– No, Dad was crying next to me, so Jeong-won started crying too. Mom didn’t make a sound.

She was sobbing.

“Yes, I’ll have lunch, eat once more in between, and then go back to the stadium. I’ll run again in the evening. It’ll probably be around 8 a.m. Korean time.”

– Chairman Yoo said to come to the training center.

“Ah, the training center? They’re keeping it open all night?”

Chairman Yoo Myung-sun, who had watched the heats, called late at night.

The village hall is small, so they’ll open the training center auditorium for the residents to gather and watch on a big screen.

When he told Jo Il-hun about it, he said it sounded like they were going to throw a party at the training center all night.

‘Grandpa’s generosity is something else.’

With such a broad mind, he must have gifted the gym.

Hong Ki-jun’s achievements also can’t be ignored.

“OHP is not efficient. To use it, you need to create inverted film, and it has serious mechanical flaws, leading to high power consumption and heat. So we phased it out early and quickly released a high-performance beam projector. You probably know better than me how useful it is.”

‘I don’t.’

Unless it’s for company presentations, when would I have used a beam projector?

Anyway, thanks to Yoo Myung-sun and Hong Ki-jun, the villagers can enjoy watching the Olympics on a big screen in the comfortable training center auditorium.

After showering, he headed to the