This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 347

Since the party from three years ago, Yoonseo has turned colder, almost chillingly so. I honestly can’t fathom what she’s thinking by joining our side now.

Even if I wanted to speculate, since that argument three years ago, I’ve barely exchanged more than a few words with her, making any meaningful conversation a tall order.

What could I possibly say?

For me, Yoonseo is no longer the childhood friend I’ve known for ten years; she’s become someone who nags at my thoughts, turning uncomfortable.

To be honest, it couldn’t have been any other way.

It had to be this way because, in the span of three years, the way Yoonseo has acted turned me into this.

“Seriously, if you’re angry, can’t you just tell me why…?”

No matter how many times I asked, she wouldn’t answer. And yet, when she’s near, she keeps sulking around, making me anxious…

When such a situation drags on for months or even years?

Even I would grow weary and lose my patience.

And so… the result of our coexistence on parallel paths led to this very moment.

Who could have guessed?

That I would ever feel uncomfortable around Yoonseo of all people.

“Well… at least it’s a relief to see her doing well on her own…”

Despite the current situation, the fact that I keep worrying about Yoonseo might just be from the bond that has built up over those ten years.

Well, anyway, I would mark Yoonseo joining us as the most significant change in three years, but it wasn’t the only event during that time.

Aside from moving to a new place, many other things occurred.

The Association Chairman and his Secretary returned from a long business trip, and nearly simultaneously, the resignation of the Vice Chairman occurred, with Chae-rim claiming that vacant position.

And this, I learned later, was all part of Chae-rim’s original plan to take out the Chairman in one fell swoop.

However, despite having been away from the main base for so long, somehow the Chairman’s side got wind of it first and swooped in for a preemptive strike, leaving Chae-rim to settle for being just the Vice Chairman.

The key point is that finally, Chae-rim, who had held no official position and was merely an acting Chairman, was granted a proper title.

And not just any title… but that of Vice Chairman.

Maybe that’s why.

Ever since Chae-rim rose to the role of Vice Chairman, the opposition between her and the Chairman has gradually intensified.

Behind her stance against the Chairman stand the ‘Lightning Lady’s Children’, senior and Yoonseo.

Though both senior and Yoonseo don’t seem particularly fond of being called that.

Even so, the reason they’ve earned such titles is due to their incredible exploits.

People say that whenever they see them, it reminds them of the time Lightning Lady first debuted as a hero, right?

Especially senior, whose feats have been particularly striking.

In these three years, she focused on output and control and has truly become a specialist in direct combat, just as I used to boast.

There are things that you can’t really grasp unless you see them with your own eyes.

A single casual finger snap from senior takes down nearby villains one by one, instilling awe in everyone.

While senior impressively displays tremendous prowess against villains, her recognition has oddly lagged for various reasons…

“Just came back from a business trip to Japan, and suddenly she’s blown up.”

What was it again?

A kunoichi from Korea, right?

That was definitely the name.

With her stealth approach, taking down enemies, that’s exactly how it goes, right?

The Japanese even bestowed such names as compliments for her impressive feats, leading to a sweeping popularity, which resulted in videos of her exploits flooding back to Korea.

And those who caught a whiff of her strong national pride began clamoring for her.

Consequently, her previously lacking recognition was easily resolved.

Once her recognition improved, what followed was nothing short of a rapid ascent.

It’s only been three years since she debuted as a hero, yet she’s already reached the rank of Second-Class Hero, eyeing First-Class from a distance.

By the way, it’s said that Chae-rim is the only one in the Association’s history to advance ranks this quickly.

So, everyone’s excitement whenever they see senior isn’t surprising at all.

And hot on the heels of senior is… Yoonseo.

After passing the special exam, she spent nearly a year honing her skills under Chae-rim, showcasing feats comparable to seniors in the last two years.

Of course, due to the difference in the time spent actively as heroes, she hasn’t quite reached the level of senior’s accomplishments yet…

“Recognition wise, it’s kind of similar…”

Given her relentless training over the year, the dazzling display she puts on is something that grabs anyone’s attention.

In a scene that feels like time itself has frozen, anyone witnessing Yoonseo standing noble would undoubtedly feel that way.

Moreover, Yoonseo’s way of subduing enemies is incredibly destructive.

Especially against the Another Ones, her prowess seems to multiply.

Since being first discovered three years ago, the frequency of these undetected rifts has surged, accumulating public hatred towards the Another Ones. People watching Yoonseo in action can only erupt in admiration… but in my eyes, it feels downright alarming.

Naturally, it’s bound to look that way to me since I can’t shake the feeling that Yoonseo is pushing herself too hard.

So… perhaps in recent years, to catch up with senior, she might be overexerting herself, but I’m concerned.

“At this rate, the Talent Organ is bound to suffer…”

What about senior and Chae-rim?

They could handle it for a while.

At least that much, I could resolve for them.

But Yoonseo was a different case.

For me to use my strength to help restore the Talent Organ, we need to be in close proximity, which hasn’t been feasible since our strained relationship began after that incident three years ago.

Given current reality, I can’t help but worry about Yoonseo.

It’s not just me—she finds me uncomfortable too, so it would be great if I could just turn off my concerns…

Unlike a switch, which you can easily flip, the human heart is intricate and complicated, making it tough to disregard, even knowing it’s mine.

Yet, in this situation, if I were to find a small silver lining…

“Given how she seems to be pushing herself, she still looks quite alright…”

Somehow, that stood out.

Although she appears to be charging ahead recklessly, there might be some semblance of pace control going on, or perhaps she’s been picking up something beneficial on the side, considering she seems relatively fine given the worry I have for her.

Of course, that doesn’t guarantee anything for the future, as things may suddenly take a turn for the worse at any moment… either way, for now, she appears to be doing alright.

“Ugh… seriously…”

As Dogun sighed inwardly, worrying about Yoonseo, at the very moment, ironically, Yoonseo was also thinking about Dogun.