Chapter 15: The Food of Gods
“I just had a feast. I’m alive.”
It would be the truth to say that the word ‘blessing’ perfectly describes her right now.
I never imagined she could devour the meal Yoori prepared so quickly. Sure, Yoori’s cooking is delicious, but her speed was something else entirely.
“It seems like you’ve been starving for quite some time.”
Anyone would think she hadn’t eaten in three days.
“Ah, right. Coming back, it’s like my status, home, and money all got reset. I’ve just been a beggar for the past few days.”
I chuckled lightly at A-jin’s bewildered comment.
The hero known as Lee Jihye… somehow seemed unrelated to any curse.
I’d find out more once my sister returns, but after she washed up, ate, and caught her breath, she seemed relaxed compared to Yoori’s time.
Look at her. Just eating a meal had her spirits soaring.
“Ah, do you smoke? I currently have none.”
Everyone blinked at the unexpected question. Ah, now that I think of it, we are all non-smokers?
“I don’t have any cigs on me. I’ll see if I can find some later.”
“Thanks! I’ve been craving a cigarette in this world. Haha. I came from a place that’s pretty disconnected from modern society… If you find some, I’d gladly accept.”
Gone was the image of a lost puppy outside the door, now her cheerful demeanor left us all in awe.
“By the way, when will Lady Friede arrive?”
“My sister? I’ve contacted her, and I think she’ll be here soon. It shouldn’t be late. She’s pretty free-spirited…”
“Heh… I was really curious about how amazing she must be to send such absurd messages via smartphone. I can’t wait to meet her!”
Her eyes sparkled with interest, and she seemed to shine in some way. She looked like she had a tough past, yet her energy was contagious.
A little… envious, maybe.
“What? Jealous?”
“Geeek!?”
Da-young screamed at the voice that suddenly breathed into her ear.
As everyone’s gaze locked onto one point, there stood Jisehee, intertwining her gorgeous golden hair, crossing her arms with a smile.
“I’m back.”
When did she even arrive?
*
*
*
“My name is Jisehee.”
Jihye blinked in surprise as she looked at the woman in front of her.
Ah. This was Friede. I totally understand now why people were so excited earlier on the street.
I’ve never seen someone with such convincing beauty before. Among those with beautiful appearances in this world, none could compare to the woman before me.
Moreover…
“Ah, I’m Lee Jihye. I rushed here after receiving your message, and indeed… you’re remarkable.”
Jihye’s keen eyes could sense the overwhelming aura radiating from Jisehee.
Her presence was as intense as the sun, shining right in front of me.
Even as a fellow hero, I felt a sense of reverence for the kind of power she possessed. It made sense now why she could leave such bizarre messages on a smartphone.
Well, with abilities like hers, it would be possible to think of unconventional approaches.
“Uh, my name is Lee Jihye. I’m 22 years old.”
Jisehee casually read through Jihye’s profile materials.
The new hero, Lee Jihye, returned just as she was finishing her time of washing, eating, and resting.
Oh, she’s the same age as my sister. I mistakenly assumed she was older because she was dressed formally. Da-young had a moment of self-reflection on how quick she was to judge.
“If you don’t mind me asking, do you have any family…?”
“Only my mother was around… but she passed away from an illness before I was summoned to this world… So I’m all alone.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention.”
“It’s okay.”
She brushed it off casually without any signs of discomfort.
“I’m from the law school at S University… but I got expelled.”
Whoa, that’s a bit harsh.
Da-young fell silent, observing the atmosphere. It seemed even Yoori and A-jin were momentarily speechless, glancing around.
“S University? What’s that again? Uh, where’s it located?”
“The top university in Korea.”
“Yeah. That’s impressive!”
My thoughts drifted a bit when her tone made me feel a little strange. I furrowed my brows but decided to focus on the present instead.
“Hmm, it’s been a while so my memory is fuzzy. Considering your age, you haven’t been in this world for long, right? A year or two in limbo should allow for an easy return to school?”
“Ah, well… the story’s a bit complicated.”
Jihye scratched the back of her head with an awkward smile.
“I’m from the 28th batch.”
“Wait, huh?”
“Uh?”
“Excuse me?”
The 28th batch? It’s 2035 now, right?
“Don’t tell me you were young when…?”
“Not quite. I’ve only spent a little over a year in this world, but it appears about eight years have passed back home because of a curse by the Demon King. It was supposed to be… something about the Taeguk and the curse of time. I know it sounds cringe, but I realized this effect these past few days. I had no clue we’d have virtual reality upon my return!”
Wow, that’s really malicious.
Da-young remained speechless as she absorbed Jihye’s tale. A-jin and Yoori seemed similarly stunned.
So she lost all her assets, status, and education because over eight years passed?
“Ah… I understand.”
Is Jisehee oddly calm about all this?
Thankfully, the person directly affected seemed to take it all in stride.
With a sigh of relief, I felt for her. Life’s got twisted for her.
Expelled from a prestigious university and turned into a hero?! What’s the twist of fate?
If only she had graduated before being summoned… how nice would that have been?
At least if the Demon King’s curse narrowed it down to being resentful towards him, wouldn’t she feel angry toward the world instead?
“Oh? Wait, if that’s the case, upon restoration of her identity, wouldn’t her age be recorded as 30?”
Suddenly, Da-young mentally expressed her gratitude toward the Demon King of the world she had returned from, shaking her head to regain her focus.
No, don’t get flustered here.
Beside me, Jisehee didn’t seem particularly interested in all this.
She looked quite confident, believing she could resolve many things with whatever assets she currently has.
“As a hobby, I’m into band activities. I can write lyrics and compose as well?”
“Ah, I’ve done that since middle school. That was when I really got into music. Even so, I’m not good at it… it’s quite abysmal. Haha!”
“And yet you got accepted to S University. That’s impressive.”
The admiration from Jisehee made Da-young, A-jin, and Yoori nod in agreement. Isn’t she basically the most intellectual one in this hero party?
It’s not like they weren’t studious, but S University is no joke. To have the actual student sitting right in front of us, who even played in a band back in middle school? It made us all feel a little prick in our hearts.
No, no, let’s not get sidetracked.
‘Could this actually be a good thing?’
Regardless of her music skills, the ability to write and compose could be a valuable asset.
What if I asked her to create new BGM for my sister’s broadcasting? If it were music only available on Friede’s broadcast… it could really stand out!
“Accepted!”
“Huh? Just like that?!”
At A-jin’s inquiry, Jisehee’s expression suggested she was asking why it was such a surprise.
“Yep. Shouldn’t be an issue. But what about you, Jihye? Do you want to stay here until you get settled?”
“That sounds good. I’ll be burying my bones in this place.”
“That’s a little too quick to agree?!”
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*
And just like that, Room 503 found its owner.
Room 503 needed some organizing or a good inspection, so currently, we gathered temporarily in Room 501 with Yoori.
Before us lay a table stacked with various drinks and snacks.
If we’re welcoming a new member, isn’t it customary to share some drinks and mingle?
After all, we would soon be living together in the same house.
“Then I guess I should start?”
As I said that, Jihye’s eyes sparkled with keen anticipation.
It seemed she hadn’t expected to gather all the heroes like this and was bubbling with excitement.
Raising her hand, Jihye proposed a different opinion.
“Since all the heroes gathered, let’s take this time to introduce ourselves and share our stories!”
“Hmm, that sounds good.”
Yoori nodded in agreement as well.
Well, with this many heroes present, organizing things seemed like a great idea.
As the gaze shifted toward me, it looked like I’d be the one to kick things off.
With my drink just about to touch my lips, I calmly opened my hero profile.
“My name is Jisehee. I’m 22 years old. My background is that I’m a hero in a dark fantasy setting.”
“Oh, dark fantasy. Ooh.”
“…….”
The reactions felt exaggerated, but hey, it’s fascinating, right?
I savored the dry, sparkling wine while nodding towards Da-young.
“I’m Park Da-young. I’m 21, and I was a magical girl from an organization.”
“Oh, you’re a magical girl at that age. You must transform then, right?”
“Ugh! N-No, I wouldn’t know anything about that.”
At that age… well, considering how Da-young appears, yeah, she looks really cute despite it not matching her age.
While Da-young fumbled at Jihye’s comment, A-jin, also glancing around, introduced herself.
“I’m Ryu A-jin. 20 years old. I’m a psychic from the academy. Nice to meet you.”
“Oh, a student from the academy? Do you wear some sort of uniform?”
“Yeah, well. I did bring it but….”
Wait, there was such a thing?
“I’m Lee Yoori. I’m 17 and was a hero from the fantasy world.”
“Cute! You’re the youngest here. And since you’re good at cooking, I envy the guy who’ll marry you.”
“…….”
“Yea, I’m Ppaek Ppae. If I were to describe myself, it’s patriotic… ugh!”
Once the round of introductions finished, our attention shifted to Jihye.
Excitedly munching on snacks, she cleared her throat, composing herself before boldly declaring.
“I’m Lee Jihye. I’m 22 years old. I was a hero in a world of monsters and martial arts.”
“……?”
“…….”
“……!”
“…….”
“Ah, it’s fine since I just got familiar with you all? Let’s be informal with each other.”
With a grin and a V-sign, Jihye naturally let her guard down, leaving us all staring in astonishment.
“Then, let’s get along well.”
This friend… her effortless way of dropping formality was quite remarkable.
