Chapter 45

“Are you not tired?”

Doyugeon had been exercising non-stop in the living room since he arrived at his house, so I asked him.

“It’s less about being tired and more about not being tired that’s the problem.”

“Why?”

“Because of my level, I can’t seem to exert myself, so the exercise isn’t effective.”

“I don’t really feel any effect either, but maybe I’m just not perceiving it.”

On my side, my stamina seems to stay the same even after leveling up. Or maybe not? Come to think of it, lately, there have been fewer instances where I suddenly get tired while having fun and think about going home. Looking at it that way, I seem to have become more active recently, like coming over to Doyugeon’s house often.

For the time being, maybe I should reduce my activities to manage stress and stay at home. Stress accumulates regardless of your will, and sometimes you don’t even realize it’s piling up. I don’t want to suddenly burn out.

“You need to perceive it through activity first. You’re always at home.”

“I was just worrying about being too active lately, so what should I reply to that?”

“Something like, ‘Oh, I was wrong.'”

“What?”

He got up and started stretching.

“I can’t keep this up. I need to increase the intensity or this feels more like wasting time than exercising.”

“Do you not have any exercise equipment at home?”

“I checked but couldn’t find anything suitable. Even if I did, it probably wouldn’t be effective anyway.”

Maybe I should give him a gift, but I doubt he’d like it, so I’m not too inclined to do so.

Doyugeon got into a push-up position.

“Try sitting on my back.”

“Even if my weight increases, won’t the risk of injury rise?”

“It won’t reach that point.”

“How can you be so sure when you’re not an expert?”

Despite my words, it’s not really dangerous, so I gently sat on him.

“Whoa…”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

He did a single push-up, then came up. Keeping my balance is harder than it seems. Just sitting is a task.

“How is it? Manageable?”

“There’s no effect.”

I stood up. For this to feel light is impressive.

“Then give up and live like me.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“A life without exercise?”

“You sure do recommend things.”

“How would you even know the joy of leisure? By the way, how did you do on the academy test?”

Though this year’s system allows for a free grade without assessments, it seems the academy still holds tests.

Doyugeon sighed and sat down on the sofa.

“It was a complete disaster.”

“It sounds like it was bound to happen.”

He lamented about having arguments with his parents over his test scores and frequent outings. That makes sense. Though Doyugeon’s parents might be unaware of his strange activities like exploring Rifts, they surely know he often goes out.

He hasn’t really studied much. Good grades would be peculiar.

“I should study.”

“You’re thinking right.”

I praised him, but his expression didn’t improve. It’s easier to get into a habit and stick with it, but it seems like he’s inviting trouble.

Doyugeon’s phone rang.

“It’s Uncle.”

“Who’s that?”

“Uncle Nam Taehwan.”

“So, who is that?”

“The Fire Mage Uncle.”

Ah, him? Now that I think about it, I do recall the name, though I’ve never paid much attention.

I warned the Security Team Leader about the illegal employment of minors. But the timing is awkward. Doyugeon, unaware of the backstory, happily answered the phone, likely thinking about the next Rift run. Oh, I feel a bit sorry now.

“Hello.”

I couldn’t hear the conversation, but I was somehow relieved to be curious. Though this is something I set in motion, I feel apologetic watching it unfold.

While exchanging short replies, Doyugeon’s expression gradually hardened. Watching it was uncomfortable, so I quietly got up and went to the bathroom. Likely, I sent a text to the Security Team Leader waiting nearby.

[How was the situation handled with the Fire Mage?]

[As instructed, only a warning was issued.]

The reply was expected. Of course, if I asked for a warning, that’s what they would do. I put my phone back in my pocket. Why did I even send the text?

After washing my face and leaving the bathroom, Doyugeon seemed to have finished his call and was staring blankly at the wall. I sat down beside him on the sofa.

“Uncle said not to come out next time.”

Why are you saying that? I didn’t even ask.

“It’ll be troublesome once the business becomes more serious or something.”

“…I see.”

Time passed quietly. I should offer some comfort, but as someone partly responsible, I feel guilty, yet I also feel obliged to console him. But trying to comfort him seems awkward. It’s a complex situation.

The timing of the call was just bad luck.

[Open Beta Service is starting. Your participation is appreciated.]

[Closed Beta participants’ levels and skills will be maintained.]

[Levels will be updated according to experience history.]

[Level25 > 29]

The system popped up a notification as usual, right on cue.

“Wow. There’s an update. I’m curious.”

“Same here.”

“Should we log in and see if the same command works?”

“Rather, what’s the point of leveling up if we can’t use it for anything?”

“Huh?”

“Maybe I’ll just focus on studying.”

His comment surprised me. Why are you acting this way?

“…Won’t you go?”

“Yeah, I’ll go. But next time. If you’re curious, you go first.”

“No, there’s no need to now. When next?”

“It’s better to study first and then do it when you feel like it…”

Why are you like this all of a sudden?

[System is calling out! A new world is waiting.]

Stop popping up at inappropriate times, you oblivious system.

Time passed silently. I didn’t want to start a conversation, so I spent time thinking about random things.

Suddenly, Doyugeon suggested we eat dinner.

“Sure, sounds good.”

“Are you hungry? Should have said so.”

“No way. Would I not tell you if I were hungry? It’s just a good idea.”

“That’s true. We don’t have bento today, right? What should we order?”

“I’ll cook it today. I’m in the mood.”

I got up and headed to the kitchen. I didn’t really feel like cooking, but it seemed better than sitting there. Plus, if I can’t offer words of comfort, I can at least offer comfort through food.

Opening the rice cooker, there was enough rice for two people. Cooking seems like a bother, so maybe we should just grill some meat. I just said I’d cook, but life doesn’t go according to plans.

Honestly, grilling meat is tastier than most cooked dishes anyway. If I’m comforting someone, I should focus on providing good food rather than putting unnecessary effort into cooking for my own comfort. Stick to the essence. Yep, that’s right.

But when I opened the fridge, there was no meat or even main ingredients. Opening the freezer also revealed nothing. Even though his parents work, the fridge is looking pretty bad. What’s Doyugeon supposed to eat?

Hmm. I should probably teach him how to shop and cook in the future. Instead of relying on bentos, I should have started earlier. It’s better to teach fishing than give fish, after all.

Still, I need to cook something right now. Glancing through the fridge, I spotted tuna and tofu. Of course, there’s always kimchi. Glancing toward the balcony, there was an onion.

What can I make with these? Hmm. Since I don’t have much experience, the options coming to mind are tuna and kimchi fried rice or stew. Stewing once means we could eat tonight and tomorrow. Let’s go with tuna kimchi stew.

First, I peeled and chopped the onion. That’s done. Next, I grilled the kimchi. Once grilled, I added the onions and continued frying. Sniffing it, the oil smells good as always, but something feels lacking. Is it because the kimchi isn’t fresh enough? It doesn’t quite seem very appetizing. Oh well.

I added water, minced garlic, tuna, then tofu, completing the dish. Kimchi stew really is simple, convenient, and great.

After simmering briefly, I tasted it. Hmm. Oh, red pepper powder. I found the red pepper powder, added it, and tasted it again. Hmm. Where’s the seasoning sauce? I added a heap of MSG. Since it’s neither fresh kimchi nor meat, the flavor feels flat. I tasted it again. Salt might be insufficient. Still, it seems lacking. Let’s add some sugar. Hmm. Still not quite right.

I felt an emergency measure was needed. I checked around, spotting ramen seasoning in a corner. Glancing over at the living room, Doyugeon was still spaced out. I discreetly added some ramen seasoning to the stew.

I tasted it again with anticipation. Hmm. Not bad, but it tastes a bit fishy. To be honest, I’ve never tasted tuna kimchi stew in my current life, though I made it a few times in my previous one, not expecting it to taste this way now.

All because there’s no meat. Come to think of it, there’s no green onions too. How could everything be missing?

I watched the stew simmering for a bit, then took out my phone.

– Please bring kimchi stew here within 20 minutes.

This is basically the same as ordering delivery. Mmm. I didn’t expect our tastes to differ this much.

I turned off the heat and returned to the living room.

“Is it done?”

“No, I’m short on ingredients. The delivery will come and then I’ll add the ingredients and continue cooking.”

“There’s no food, huh? I checked but couldn’t find anything appropriate.”

We were chatting when the intercom rang.

“They must be here.”

I went to the kitchen, took the kimchi stew, and carefully passed through the living room without Doyugeon noticing, then opened the door. The Security Team Leader handed me the packaged kimchi stew.

“Here’s what you asked for.”

“Thanks. Please take this and discreetly bring the pot back without Doyugeon knowing.”

I handed over my stew, causing the Security Team Leader to look startled.

“You mean this?”

“Do you want to eat it instead?”

I discreetly took the delivery and went back through the living room to the kitchen. I poured the new kimchi stew into an extra pot and turned up the heat.

Kimchi stew completed.

Phew…

That was tough.

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