Chapter 6 – It Must Be a Dream

“Keuuuuuu!”

Se-min lifted the bench press. His chest muscles bulged ruggedly.

Rehabilitation was showing its effects. His jawline was defined, and the sharp facial contours from before had returned. Now, rather than burning body fat, he was focusing on improving strength through various weights.

“Cool young man. I will stop here. Gain some muscle today too.”

“Yes, hyung! Have a safe trip back!”

The gym ahjussi, Ryu Gwan-cheol, who had exuded majesty alone when Se-min first came to the gym, nodded and went into the locker room.

He had always sent Se-min a pleased smile, which at one point had given Se-min a creepy premonition, causing him to avoid him. However, after witnessing the beautiful wife who came to pick him up, Se-min changed his mind and treated him with polite respect.

Once Ryu Gwan-cheol left, the gym felt empty.

“Hup, hup!”

As Se-min squeezed his muscles to fill the lacking heat, he suddenly felt a commotion at the entrance of the gym.

They were two boys who looked to be about middle or high school age.

They looked around and, upon discovering Se-min, froze stiffly. Their expressions were as if they had found something strange.

No, it wasn’t like he had done anything wrong, so why were they looking at a person like that?

Se-min pouted his lips and repeated high-weight squats with a sulky face.

“Wow, it’s that person.”

“Should we go ask?”

“His expression is no joke. I don’t think we should talk to him.”

“You said he was a fraud earlier.”

“He probably faked it. Does this even make sense?”

A flyer fluttered in their hands.

A memory from not long ago flashed through Se-min’s mind.

A few days ago, the gym director, Kim Deok-bae, called Se-min, who was absorbed in deadlifts.

“Mr. Se-min. Come over here for a bit.”

“Yes?”

“It’s nothing much, just something to do.”

“Yes. I’ll head over after finishing this.”

“Take your time. You’ll get hurt.”

Kim Deok-bae soon corralled him against the gym wall.

“Stand here, okay? Pose, okay? Show off your physique once. Now, smile. I’ll take a good picture.”

“…!”

Se-min realized what he was trying to do.

Something that cannot be omitted when it comes to gyms.

Before, and After!

When Se-min had been a massive obese figure, Kim Deok-bae had taken a photo of his body and held it right in front of his face. He remembered turning away from the photo, unable to face his own ugly appearance.

And now, he stood in front of Kim Deok-bae’s camera lens as the reborn Lee Se-min Mk2.

Se-min did not avoid the flashing camera lens. He immediately threw off his gym uniform top, revealing his robust physique.

It was a healthy muscular body that would not hear comments about being unsightly anywhere.

Se-min proudly flared his lats.

“Wow, you’ve got it, you’ve got it. You’re completely our gym’s billboard.”

He clicked the camera. Se-min struck various poses.

“If we put Se-min’s photo on the flyers and distribute them, members will line up. A person cannot change like this in just two months. Huh? It’s absolutely outstanding.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Director.”

“Haha, such empty words won’t work on me. I absolutely hate talk for no reason, huh? Spiritless words.”

Kim Deok-bae pointed to the gym’s title posted on the wall.

Five characters were proudly displayed.

A Man Should Strengthen Himself!

The title of Once Upon a Time in China II, stating that a man must naturally strengthen himself!

“A man strengthens himself. Whose help, whose help, whatever, huh? There is no such nonsense. Got it!”

“Understood!”

“Still, though I say that, don’t forget me completely. Hahaha!”

“Of course. Hahaha!”

Thus, Se-min became the flyer model for the Self-Strengthening Gym and was exempted from gym fees for three months.

His before-and-after photos showed such a difference that one might wonder if they were manipulated. Had it not been for Dokgo Cheonma’s divine art, Tai Chi Wisdom, he would not have changed that much.

He had completely forgotten about the matter since then, but perhaps the flyer was effective because members began to increase one by one, and today, young students seemed to have visited the gym.

Se-min grinned and put down the squat barbell. A heavy thud echoed.

Since an audience had arrived, it was time to show off.

“Ah, it’s hot.”

Showcasing his physique!

“Hot, so hot.”

Se-min muttered to himself and stripped off his shirt.

Though not perfectly muscular like a bodybuilder, it was a great physique that would not hear comments about being out of shape anywhere. It was a form even more developed than the ‘after’ in the photo.

He boasted of his body, which was renewing itself day by day.

The students stared at him in shock. One of them, who looked timid, walked over stealthily.

“Excuse me, mister.”

Se-min’s eyes turned vicious.

“What? Mister?”

“Ah, no. Hyung.”

Se-min smiled benevolently again.

“Right. What is the matter, student?”

“Hyung, did your body really change like this in just two months?”

“Of course.”

He began using the ‘-randa’ style of speech, a symbol of authority.

“There is nothing that cannot be done if anyone acts with will.”

Overwhelmed by the aura of a master that Se-min exuded, the boy nodded. His eyes looked as if he had found a ray of light in the darkness.

“I want to become strong like you, hyung.”

Se-min looked at the boy’s body.

While he had been fat in the past, this student had an extremely thin build. It was a weak frame that looked like it would snap if force were applied.

Se-min shook his head.

“You guys are not ready yet.”

“Pardon?”

“What…”

What kind of preparation was needed?

Se-min said solemnly.

“Pay respects to the boss of this place.”

At that moment, the boys felt an illusion as if the entire gym grew dark, as if the sun had been submerged in clouds.

“New members.”

At the gym entrance, Kim Deok-bae, who had just returned from the convenience store, was standing.

“Nice to meet you.”

The students realized that this man was the master of the gym.

Kim Deok-bae put his arms around the two students’ shoulders and led them to the director’s office. He was like a hunter returning with prey tucked under his arms.

The director’s office door closed, and soon after, an incomprehensible sound like a low groan was heard.

What kind of process was underway?

Se-min swung dumbbells and awaited the result.

Soon, when the door opened, the two boys stood there wearing the uniform of the Self-Strengthening Gym. It looked like clothing from a sauna at first glance, but looking closely, the neck area was worn out due to repeated squats.

“They say they want to become like Se-min.”

At Kim Deok-bae’s words, Se-min grinned.

“So they decided to follow the exact course that Se-min took. I am greatly looking forward to it. Is that not so?”

“Hehehe, will these kids endure it?”

“A man has no cancellations, and they even stamped their thumbs. What remains is only execution. The young friends have grit.”

“They are talents fitting for our gym.”

“They are rough stones, rough stones. If you cut a rough stone, it becomes a gem.”

“Like me? Hahaha!”

“Mr. Se-min is thick-skinned indeed. Hahaha!”

In this way, the students entered special training.

Though he said that, it was plain to see that Kim Deok-bae was adjusting the intensity.

An experienced coach and passionate rookies. It was a beautiful sight.

Se-min smiled contentedly and turned on his phone. Having finished his strength training, it was now time to practice Tai Chi Wisdom and martial arts.

The Transcendent Network appeared on his phone screen. Surprisingly, the Transcendent Network was accessible via mobile phone, and a mobile version was even supported.

What on earth was the identity of this community?

Resolving to uncover it someday, Se-min searched his post list.

The tip posts Se-min could view had increased to two.

He diligently accumulated points and purchased one more new martial art.

Of course, it was Dokgo Cheonma hyung’s martial art.

The beginning of entry into martial arts, Form-Intention Fist.

Se-min declared on the General Board that he would serve Dokgo Cheonma hyung as his master and asked about his path ahead.

Dokgo Cheonma advised him to learn Form-Intention Fist. The basis of any martial art is the technique of fists and kicks.

They were golden words stating that the qualification to hold a weapon is granted only after understanding fists and kicks first.

Since such a master conversely emphasized the basics, Se-min felt confident.

Thus, he was training in Form-Intention Fist along with Tai Chi Wisdom.

“…?”

The students, who were having a break, opened their eyes wide as Se-min suddenly took a strange stance and twisted his body in the free weight area.

Form-Intention Fist is the essence of internal martial arts. It is a profound martial art where the mystery of aura operation is alive in every single small movement.

Consequently, without an opponent, it looks like aerobics where one flutters and twists their body alone in the empty air.

“Is he a crazy person…?”

“He looks like a mentally ill person…”

The students who were resting looked at him and began to regret coming here.

However, one of them, Park In-jae, who had a thin build but burned only with motivation, opened his eyes wide.

A faint halo-like glow had risen like a haze from Se-min’s body and then vanished.

“No, it’s not that, I think that person is a Raider?”

Park In-jae knew the characteristics of Raiders well.

He had heard that as Raiders capable of operating aura rise in level, they gradually train in deep movements, and that sight looks ridiculous at first glance.

“Really? Then he’s a senior to you?”

Park In-jae nodded.

“Indeed.”

That was so.

Park In-jae was also an aura-compatible.

***

Se-min finished at the gym, practiced his martial arts in a park near his home, and then returned home.

No traces of his former laziness remained in his room. The room was neatly organized, as if revealing his state of mind.

His mind was occupied solely by the upcoming Raider qualification exam.

“I should write a diary entry today after a long time.”

No, to add one more thing, Transcendent Network activity.

Ever since he was reborn after studying Tai Chi Wisdom under Dokgo Cheonma, he had started serializing on the General Board.

Title: Lee Se-min’s Human Reconstruction Diary -5-

Author: Unemployed Jobless Lee Se-min

He kept detailed records of how he was changing, what martial arts he was learning, and in which areas he felt lacking.

He planned to gather these and publish them as an autobiography after succeeding in the future.

It might even be made into a movie.

Perhaps he could even play himself?

Today I practiced the basics of Form-Intention Fist again.

Dokgo Cheonma hyung’s Form-Intention Fist is profound, so I ran into obstacles. During the forms, my internal energy cut off and the flow got blocked. Today, I held onto it all day long.

I am merely ashamed that my comprehension does not reach the level of the transcendent hyungs and nunas. It must all be my share to overcome. Sniff sniff TT

My weight also decreased. It seems I am entering the ranks of fitness models now. The six-pack on my abdomen is clear.

(Omitted)

This is all thanks to my hyungs and nunas. Loyalty, loyalty! ^^7

Hyungs and nunas, have a pleasant day today too!

Shadowless Killer Dam Woo-gwang: It is good to see you making diligent efforts. (smile) I also know a bit about Form-Intention Fist. It is a basic martial art, yet also more profound than anything else. (green tea)

If you have points left over, it would be good to get help by looking at the Explanations of Fists and Kicks on the Tip Board.

Sword Demon Ferzen: Se-min is doing great~ lol Kid~ lol This hyung is busy dating lately lol Are you jealous~~? lol

Grand Wizard Iana: Tsk tsk. Martial arts with that body, really. If you think it’s not working, learn magic instead.

The Transcendent Network’s system was mysterious, elaborately screening contents that should belong to the General Board and the Tip Board.

If content that could be helpful to an individual’s boundary was written on the General Board, it was blocked with an error message. Therefore, instead of informing him directly, the transcendents recommended useful tip posts to Se-min.

Se-min took notes.

“Explanations of Fists and Kicks… A title that gets me excited just hearing it. Hup, hup.”

Explanations, meaning it was written in an easy-to-understand way, right?

Since Dokgo Cheonma hyung’s writings tended to be abstruse and unfriendly, it was a necessary post for Se-min.

Having finished writing his diary, Se-min grasped the activities of the members.

“Everyone is doing fine…”

At most, they were routine stories about crushing an army single-handedly, hunting a magic dragon, or thwarting the rise of a demon king.

“The dimensions are peaceful today too.”

Se-min accessed MangoNet.

He had quit posting malicious comments now. He only checked news related to the Raider industry occasionally.

Content regarding the upcoming Raider qualification exam was hot.

Raider qualification exam! What on earth is this year’s subject?

Summary of past advanced course patterns

Raider qualification exam records of past rankers

The in-depth test, which could be called the flower of the Raider qualification exam, differed in content every year.

While the basic written exam, aura measurement, and combat ability evaluation were identical, the final subject, called the advanced course, was always conducted in a unique manner, so no one knew the content in advance.

There were times when individual presentations were conducted, and times when debate forums were held. They also stacked dominoes in groups or conducted in-depth interviews.

But what on earth was the use of such things to a Raider?

Isn’t it enough to fight well and kill monsters well?

Even so, the Raider qualification exam became more bizarre day by day, and each Raider academy even sold predicted exam questions at high prices.

Se-min lamented the state of affairs.

“Foolish humans.”

Only mediocre fellows worry about such things; a truly prepared person is bound to shine regardless of the subject.

Despite this, Se-min could not ease his anxious mind either. So he searched around the internet.

“Excuse me. How much is the predicted exam? Is that solid information? You really have an acquaintance in the association? It’s not a lie, right? Yes, if you send the account number, I’ll transfer the money immediately. Let’s make a quick deal.”

Putting down his phone, Se-min wore a satisfied smile.

He was lucky to obtain the secret information of a retired industry insider, supposedly passed to only a few on a first-come, first-served basis, at an exceptional special price.

He checked the date.

Less than a month remained until the Raider exam.

Soon, the name Lee Se-min would resound in the world.

“Hehehehe…”

Wealth.

Honor.

Sweet life!

***

Se-min was conscious of a strange gaze lately.

It was one of the boys who had appeared at the gym not long ago.

The skinny kid named Park In-jae.

Every time he worked out, the fellow’s gaze followed him tenaciously.

It was creepy.

It was also different from the case of the gym ahjussi, Ryu Gwan-cheol. Ryu Gwan-cheol focused on his own workout and only sent a warm smile when occasionally starting a conversation, but that kid kept staring only at Se-min whether working out or resting.

“Ahem, hum.”

Se-min cleared his throat.

He did not want unnecessary misunderstandings to accumulate.

Pretending to read an internet article on his phone, he deliberately talked to himself.

“Oh wow, Aoi Hamasaki’s photobook is being officially released? I should buy it immediately. Hahaha!”

Se-min glanced at Park In-jae while showing off his sexual orientation. However, the boy’s gaze was not withdrawn; rather, it shone even more brightly.

Despairing, Se-min dropped the weights to the floor.

A heavy thud shook the floor.

Se-min felt a light footstep being added on top of that vibration.

Cold sweat ran down.

Park In-jae had started to approach. He wanted to believe it was an illusion, but the presence transmitted to his ears belonged precisely to a human male of height 173 cm and weight 52 kg, and there was only one holder of such a light weight in the gym.

“Excuse me.”

“Ah, yes, y-yes!”

Reflexively, Se-min replied in polite speech.

When the boy’s expression grew strange, Se-min immediately feigned composure and excused himself with a solemn face.

“Oh, it was you. You startled me. If you talk to me during exercise, there is a risk of qi deviation.”

“Qi deviation?”

“The path of muscle gains is long and rugged, so you must always be careful.”

Despite his nonsense, Park In-jae nodded seriously. He was like an ancient scholar listening to the words of a sage.

“Hyung, I realized something while watching you.”

Se-min took a step backward.

“Wh-what?”

“About your true identity, hyung.”

“My orientation!?”

“Pardon? Ah, yes. Identity…”

“I-I’m not the kind of person you think I am, punk!”

“You don’t have to hide it. I know everything.”

Se-min was bewildered.

Facing Park In-jae’s unwavering eyes, the fellow’s words felt like they might be right. His conviction began to waver.

Could it be that the fellow possessed an animalistic instinct to recognize his own kind? Was he actually into that kind of taste?

Looking closely, although Park In-jae wore glasses, his skin was fair, his eyes had large double eyelids, and his lips were vivid pink, making it feel as if some unknown, strange feeling was rising in his chest…

“Give me a moment to think…”

“You’re a Raider, right?”

The moment he understood Park In-jae’s words, Se-min returned to reality.

“Ha, hahaha. You rascal, hahaha! Yes. I’m a Raider. You saw right! Hahaha!”

“I knew it!”

Se-min placed his hands on his waist and forced a broad laugh. It was because the feeling akin to regret rippling in his chest was too terrifying.

To promote testosterone secretion, he expanded his chest wide and burst into laughter.

Se-min desperately imagined Aoi Hamasaki and placed his hand on Park In-jae’s shoulder.

“Not yet, but I will take the exam soon.”

“Wow! The exam is in a month!”

“Of course.”

“I’m envious. I want to take it too.”

“You?”

“Yes.”

Park In-jae reached out his hand and made a concentrated expression.

Se-min’s eyes widened. Although it was a minute difference that an ordinary person would not notice, traces of aura were clearly burning in Park In-jae’s hand.

“I am also an aura-compatible.”

Aura manifests with a very rare probability. Piercing through that probability, the two men chosen by aura met here at the Self-Strengthening Gym.

“Kid. So that was it.”

“I think coming here is destiny.”

“But why didn’t you go to a Raider academy…?”

Aura-compatibles register and train at Raider academies. Although the tuition fees are incomparably expensive, they could be covered with loans.

“That is…”

In Park In-jae’s case, it was because of his parents’ opposition.

Being a Raider is a promising career, but it carries that much risk. Since it was said that a few died in every battle in the early days, his parents’ hearts were understandable.

“Since they told me to focus on my studies until I become an adult, I’m trying to build up my body for now.”

“Good idea. That might actually be better.”

Starting training earlier did not guarantee great success.

While advantageous at first, Raiders who reached their limits needed something more than time to leap over the wall. Perhaps because of that, there were actually many latecomers who started late among the top-tier Raiders.

Some said it was thanks to their understanding of life.

Like in martial arts novels, one must gain realizations about life to reach the highest realm.

“No matter what my parents say, I will definitely become a Raider.”

“Why?”

“Isn’t it obvious? If I become a Raider… hehehe…”

“Right. Hehehe…”

The two stared at each other and laughed deviously.

The occupation that proudly rose to the top spot in elementary, middle, and high school career hope surveys, surpassing building owners and civil servants: Raider!

Park In-jae was also a boy who knew how to go with the flow of the times.

“Do you know how to operate aura?”

“Yes. I roughly know from looking on the internet.”

“Try it.”

Se-min sat Park In-jae down. Park In-jae took a deep breath and circulated his aura.

Se-min placed his hand on Park In-jae’s back and quietly felt the flow of the aura.

Although masters are said to be able to resonate their own aura to grasp the opponent’s potential or problems, Se-min was merely able to guess whether he was walking the right path.

Park In-jae’s energy was minuscule. However, it circulated smoothly throughout his body. Se-min nodded.

“You learned properly. The internet is great, hey. Did you watch it on Wetube?”

“Yes. The basic method in Ahn Seong-jun’s lectures.”

That name again.

Se-min smiled bitterly. His skills seemed to be the real deal.

“Keep practicing that. Since you can learn other things later. Aura control is what’s important.”

“Yes.”

Because Se-min’s aura had not increased, he had done all sorts of training to utilize what he had. Thanks to that, his control was second to none, and now it had become a great asset.

His master, eldest hyung Dokgo Cheonma, had also emphasized the importance of control.

Se-min laughed heartily.

“Kid, you were a comrade walking the same path. Let’s meet at the summit, In-jae.”

“Yes, hyung!”

“I should finish up now. Gain muscle.”

“Gain muscle too, hyung.”

Se-min patted Park In-jae’s shoulder and turned away. The fellow went to his friend running on the treadmill and chattered eagerly about something.

It was a good sight.

There are things that can only be enjoyed in school during one’s student days.

Se-min had lost those kinds of relationships when he dropped out of high school and entered the Raider training facility. Park In-jae’s parents might be wise.

“It’s a good time for them.”

Se-min shook off the sentiments welling up in him and turned away.

It was time to focus on the Raider qualification exam.