“Wha-wha-wha-wha!”
Park Goong was still just a teenager.
Caught off guard, his voice instinctively rose in shock, but before he could let it out fully, his mother appeared and clamped a hand over his mouth.
“Shhh!”
“Mmm, Mom?”
Wearing her rubber gloves, she pressed a finger to her lips in a gesture to keep quiet. Only when Park Goong nodded did she finally let go of him. She whispered softly, “Don’t go bothering our guest while he’s eating.”
“Ah...”
It was only then that Park Goong noticed Suho sitting at a table, eating.
Two kimbap rolls and a bowl of ramen.
Since it was a quiet time of day, Suho was the only customer. Realizing he had almost interrupted such a peaceful moment, Park Goong nodded apologetically.
“Got it. Sorry, Mom.”
“Good. Now, why are you here? Shouldn’t you still be at practice?”
“They let us off early since the competition is tomorrow.”
“Then you should be resting or hanging out with your friends. Why are you here at the shop?”
“Mom, I know you’re working here alone. How could I not come help?”
“Well...”
“It’s fine. I’ve never taken time off just because of a competition. Speaking of which, Mom—”
“Yes?”
“You haven’t taken that guest’s payment yet, right?”
“No, not yet.”
“Then can I handle it?”
At his request, his mother chuckled.
“Sure, go ahead.”
“Awesome.”
Grinning from ear to ear, Park Goong eagerly hovered near the counter, waiting.
Not long after, Suho finished his meal and approached the register.
“Time to pay.”
“Yes, that’ll be 10,000 won!”
“Here you go.”
“Would you like a receipt?”
“No, that’s fine. By the way...”
“Yes?”
“Are you, by any chance, Park Goong?”
“Huh? Wha—what?”
“If not, forget I said anything.”
“N-no! That’s me! I’m Park Goong.”
Just as Suho finished paying, he suddenly recognized Park Goong and addressed him, leaving the boy utterly stunned.
It was a natural reaction.
After all, this wasn’t just anyone—this was Ahn Suho, the Sword God, and he knew his name.
Suho smiled and asked, “Do you have a moment to talk? I’m Ahn Suho, from the Great Awakening Association, and I’d like to speak with you privately for a bit.”
“Ah, sure, of course... Wait, what? From where?”
“The Great Awakening Association.”
“...Ah?”
In that instant, Park Goong’s eyes shook as if an earthquake had hit.
He began to back away awkwardly, mumbling excuses.
“Ah... haha... I’m sorry, but I’m really busy right now...”
“It’ll only take a moment. Are you sure?”
“I-I’m sorry!”
With that, Park Goong turned and bolted.
His mother noticed the scene but by the time she approached Suho, her son was already far from the shop.
What appeared before him was none other than the job selection screen.
Specifically, an Unclassed Awakened who had deferred selecting a job.
“If anyone finds out I’m an Awakened, I’ll have to quit archery.”
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