Chapter 44 : Leona's Secret Hobby #4 - No Kidding, I’m an Extra

I couldn't help but shout out loud in joy. I was really worried about her, but seeing she was physically intact, I felt relieved. "Over here." I followed her as she started walking. "Anyway, how did you vanish that time? I was carrying you." "Hmm, that's because..." She trailed off, touching her lips with her finger. I've already figured it all out. This girl is definitely an Awakened. I get the feeling she might want to hide her powers a bit, but it's too late for that with me. "No point in hiding it." "...What?" The girl was visibly startled. "I've already figured everything out." "...You did." "Haha, yes. I've got it all." At my words, the girl lowered her head. Seems she didn't want to be discovered? "You're an Awakened, aren't you?" "Yeah... I guess there's no use hiding it. But what? What did Geun-cheol oppa just say?" "You tricky little thing, trying to evade the topic in front of Geun-cheol oppa? You're an Awakened, aren't you?" I've caught you, pal. "Huh? But you're an Awakener." "Oh... Awakened. Phew. That's what you meant." What's this? She seemed relieved about something. Well, it's not like it's crucial information. "Yeah, that's exactly what I meant. The way you disappeared without a trace that time, how you were just strolling around the battlefield... You're definitely an Awakened. Be honest with me." My deductions are flawless. "Aren't you, oppa?" But she squinted her eyes and said, "Why are you suddenly interrogating me? It makes me uncomfortable." And she had an expression of visible discomfort. What?! "What? No! How is this an interrogation?" I was too hasty! I bombarded her with questions right from the start! "You're prying into everything. If this isn't an interrogation, then what is it?" "Ah, geez. Is that how it's coming across? Hey. I'm sorry. But you vanished suddenly without a word back then. I was out late with a friend trying to find you. Do you know how worried we were? That's why I've been asking all these questions." I don't treat strangers this way. I was genuinely worried and happy to see her because I looked so hard that time. "Really?" I conveyed those feelings. "Geun-cheol oppa was looking for me until late?" "Yeah. You suddenly disappeared in a war zone. Of course we had to look. Do you know how worried we were?" "W-Worried? About me?" The mention of concern made her blush. At least she still has a conscience. "Yes, of course. But how old are you anyway? Is it okay for a little kid to be wandering around alone in a battlefield? Actions like that worry people." "Hmm... true. Geun-cheol oppa, I'm sorry for making you worry. That's how it came across, huh?" "What are you talking about? Of course we worry." "Fufu, it's nothing." Does she not grasp the concept of people worrying about her? She does have an exotic appearance, but fundamentally, humans share basic common sense. Worrying about an abandoned child is just common sense. "Anyway, apologize to me too. I worked tirelessly looking for you till late at night. What kind of person vanishes without a word?" "Hahaha, okay. I'm sorry for disappearing and making you worry. But to think you looked for me so diligently... Geun-cheol oppa, you're really kind." "It's just common sense. A kid vanishes, after all." "Is that so?" Does she enjoy being worried about? The girl seemed strangely pleased. This isn't a good personality trait... She mentioned having no parents before. It might be a form of emotional deprivation. I've heard that most children who enjoy being worried over have such tendencies. "So you're definitely an Awakened, right?" "Well, sort of, but Geun-cheol oppa, if you knew I was an Awakened, wouldn't you have worried?" "No. I'd still worry. Awakening and all that aside, a kid is still a kid, you know? Being in a battlefield is dangerous regardless of your abilities. Age is a serious factor. Of course I'd be concerned." This is only natural. There is no one who doesn't worry about a child. "No matter how much you've awakened, you're still a child. And you need to be scolded. Walking around when there's an emergency alert going off?" "Th-That's..." "You think you're safe because you're Awakened, but that's not the case. Being Awakened doesn't make you invincible. You can die if you get hit by a monster." "That's true, but..." ㅡFlash. This flash, quick as that, explained everything. She probably awakened too young, causing her to stray from general common sense. Even the most advanced custodians find it difficult to control super children, so it’s no wonder she roams around freely even during an emergency. Yet, a guardian is still a guardian. It's their duty to fulfill their responsibility. "This won't do. Kids shouldn't wander into dangerous areas. Your guardian... was it your sister? Give me her phone number. I need to have a word about your education." I can't let this slide. I know her situation too well to just walk away. "What?! My sister's phone number?! Geun-cheol oppa, aren't you afraid?!" "Afraid? You should be afraid, young lady." "Do you even know who... what kind of person my sister is...?!" This is entirely the sister's fault. Leaving such an abandoned child without proper education... It infuriates me. If an educator fails to fulfill their duty, the child will suffer horribly. I've had a friend who went through something similar when I was young. It's a trauma that lives within me. When I think of a friend who ended up in a bad place, I believe children should never be neglected. "But when you think about it, Geun-cheol oppa, you're a child yourself!" "Am I the same as you? I'm a cadet, you know? I'm destined to be a hero. Isn't it only natural for someone like me to protect a child? Enough talk, just let me talk to your sister once. Otherwise, you'll keep wandering around without a care and end up in big trouble." "It's fine! Geun-cheol oppa, I'm fine! What call? Don't do this!" "Should we not?" "And my sister takes great care of me. I'll be more careful in the future, so you can stop worrying so much, Geun-cheol oppa." "So, you're going to run to a safe place when the emergency alarm goes off from now on?" "Yes, I'll do that." "Great, now I can relax. Oh, right. I need to eat." The warning seemed to have successfully resonated with her. With everything I said, she should have gotten a grip by now. She won't be wandering around alone when the emergency alarm sounds in the future. "Listen, if I catch you doing it again next time, expect a scolding. I'm heading out." Just as I turned to leave. "Ah... um, Geun-cheol oppa. Wait a moment." The girl called out to me. "Yeah?" When I turned back, she said, "Kitty." "Hmm?" "Call me Kitty." "Your name is Kitty?" Is she Hello Kitty? If she's not a foreigner, it must be a nickname. "More or less." "Okay. Then, Kitty, take care. Don't forget what I taught you, okay?" "Hold on, Geun-cheol oppa. Can I see your phone?" "Hmm? Why?" "I can't give you my sister's number, but I can give you mine." "Oh, sure." I handed her my phone, and Kitty quickly entered her number. She saved it under the name Kitty. "Hehe, done. Well then, Geun-cheol oppa. I'll see you next time. I've got things to do now." "Yeah, okay. As I've said countless times, if the emergency alarm goes off, run to a safe place." "So much nagging. But I think it's nice. Goodbye, oppa." "Take care." After finishing our conversation, I returned to the Schweinachsen house. As I realized, I had walked quite a bit without noticing. * * * "Hey Geun-cheol? Where have you been?" "Did you go to the convenience store, Geun-cheol?" When I entered, the side dishes were already laid out. The meat hadn't been served yet. I didn't talk for that long anyway. "Oops, sorry. I ran into someone I know." "Someone you know?" "Yeah. I think I mentioned it to Leona before? Sihoo, you know, the time when a gate appeared, and I said we should look for that kid." "Hmm? Ah! You mean you met that kid again? That's good! Were they not hurt?" "Seems like they were fine. Turns out, she's an Awakened." "I thought that might be the case. That's a relief." I sat down beside Sihoo, who seemed visibly relieved. "Oh, you mean the story about when a gate appeared while you were out? You mentioned a girl, right?" "Exactly. I ran into her and chatted for a bit." This place isn’t too far from where it all happened. "That's a relief. So she must live nearby? But a young Awakened girl... No matter how awakened, if she wanders around when a gate appears, it could be dangerous." "That's why I gave her a good talking to. That little rascal, acting like she's invincible." That truly was the case. A child untrained in combat could end up in serious trouble. Even though it's just as dangerous for me, as a cadet, I couldn't just ignore a child. "You did well. That kind of thing needs firm guidance." "Haha, of course. But man, how does a kid awaken so early? I'm envious." "It's actually quite common for people to awaken when they're young. Aren't you a bit late to the game, Geun-cheol?" "Is that so." I've heard most awaken in their early teens or around that age. "Regardless, minors shouldn't be getting involved in combat." "Right. But Leona, do children who awaken early go to separate schools or something?" "No, they still attend regular schools." "Really?" "Even if they're Awakened, for the sake of children's rights, those under 17 can't enter the cadet academy. They have to go to regular schools." For the sake of rights, huh. But I have some doubts. "Can they really attend normal schools with such powers?" "What are you implying, Geun-cheol? We shouldn't discriminate against kids." "It's not that kind of issue." It's not about that. "Kids aren’t used to superhuman strength, are they? What if they accidentally hurt or kill a friend by misusing their strength?" "Oh." "Even a trivial scuffle could lead to disaster. Kids often fight among themselves, especially in middle school. If Awakened Children engage in such fights, the results could be catastrophic. This seems problematic. Just because a kid is awakened doesn’t mean they've suddenly matured. They have a child's mind, but only with enhanced strength." While waiting for the food, I broached the topic. "Wow... Geun-cheol, you've really thought about this seriously, huh?" "Really? Geun-cheol? You seem really invested in children's issues." Sihoo and Leona spoke with surprise. "I’ve always cared about children's rights." "Heh, you were adamant about finding that girl, and now this talk too. Geun-cheol is always so kind to kids." "Haha. Geun-cheol is perfect. Absolutely perfect. Such a kind heart." Sihoo gave me a thumbs up. "Hehe, you guys are just the same." "True enough. That's what’s normal. Anyway, Geun-cheol, you have the qualities of an angel. Angel Kim Geun-cheol?" "Haha, what’s with the angel? But it’s a fair assessment." As we were chatting, the Schweinachsen finally arrived. "Oh wow! It's here! It's here!" Why does it look so delicious? It's like the original grandma version, approved! "Original Grandma Schweinachsen!" "Stop with the nonsense and just eat quietly." As I picked up the chopsticks, Suddenly, —Boom!!! "Ahhh?!" "Whoa, whoa?!" A loud noise came from outside?! "Ah, damn! What's going on?!" Has the Taliban invaded?! The moment I thought that, Leona and Sihoo, wearing serious expressions, stood up sharply with their swords drawn. "Sihoo, Kim Geun-cheol! It's a gate! A real gate!" "No way...! Just like last time! Another sudden gate!" No way, damn it! "What is it with gates appearing every weekend?!" I haven't even had a taste of the Schweinachsen yet! Just then! —Ding! I heard that familiar notification sound! [Main Quest Triggered] Again with the occurrence!