Everyone is Young Except for Me - Chapter 280

Chapter 280
Ruined walls and collapsed stone—the sparse holes around the area gave people a sense of the fierce fighting, and the sharp knife marks on the rocks showed that it wasn’t easy. In the middle of the field, Zhen Sulong closed his eyes and recalled the fight at the Colosseum.

‘It isn’t going to be easy.’

At that time, Park Muyeol really appeared like a hero. The wooden sword wielded by the old man no one paid attention to didn’t forgive the enemies in front of it. They would either be beaten by the wooden sword or humiliated by having their hair shaved. There were some funny aspects, but it wasn’t enough to make fun of his swordsmanship.

‘...Stick Sage.’

Now he was called Stick Stage by the people. Park Muyeol grew stronger as he fought. The first time Zhen Sulong saw it, he felt that this person was really crazy. It was like watching a monster grow without limits. Now Park Muyeol was his opponent. Zhen Sulong felt his heart beating faster and he was extremely thrilled. This was the competitive feeling.

[The user ‘Park Muyeol’ has entered the stadium.]

A man appeared on the other side.

“Um, I think this is the first time I’ve seen you alone? It is nice to meet you. I am Park Muyeol.”

Zhen Sulong politely shook the hand that Park Muyeol extended. Thick and crude hands—the rough palms that contained the marks of the years made him realize this was a craftsman who had been practicing in his field for many years. Zhen Sulong admired it.

‘It is a well-deserved reputation!’

It felt like meeting another Choi Chuntaek and Zhen Sulong couldn’t help lowering his head. However, today he was a man with his country’s pride on his back. Zhen Sulong represented China and he introduced himself to Park Muyeol of South Korea, “I am Zhen Sulong. It is a pleasure. I really wanted to meet you once.” 

The countdown message appeared as the two of them shook hands. They slowly stepped back and moved away from each other. Park Muyeol swung the wooden sword through the air and spring came out of nowhere. In the midst of the fluttering petals, Park Muyeol was surprised.

‘Umm, he is truly deserving of Chuntaek’s praise.’

The Zhen Sulong he faced in front of him seemed to be a very powerful warrior, reminiscent of the Choi Chuntaek he faced 20 years ago. He realized it the moment they shook hands. Maybe it would be a difficult fight.

‘I have to do it right if I want to avoid being disgraced.’

Beeeeep—!

The match started and Park Muyeol swung his sword in front of him while using Stick’s Protection. Park Muyeol felt the surge of power and thrust his domineering sword forward. The sword energy created a fascinating illusion like a mirage as it aimed at Zhen Sulong’s stomach and lower body. It flew toward both areas indiscriminately.

The scattered dust swept through the grass and turned it a gray color. However, the thing that shone was the white lightning of Asura. Zhen Sulong’s eyes were sparkling in the midst of the lightning.

‘It won’t be easy.’

Behind him, the Twelve Zodiacs lightning stared at Park Muyeol.

* * *

At a hospital in Yangpyeong, in the Gyeonggi province... A luxury sedan was parked in a corner of the hospital parking lot. Yoo Minseok stepped out of his car and looked around the spacious yet stylish, secluded hospital. Perhaps it was because it was evening, but the surrounding area was very quiet. It would be a great place to live when older.

‘...This is Jaeseong Hospital.’

It was right after Yoo Minseok’s call with Joseph. This was the place where they had made an appointment to meet each other. Moreover, Yoo Minseok had special memories of this place. This hospital was established by Kang Jaeseong, who was the most important figure in the development of Arkstar. The hospital was named ‘Jaeseong’ after him and was now looking after the vegetative Kang Jaeseong.

‘I never thought I would come here again.’

Yoo Minseok sighed as he neatened his collar and stepped inside. At the opposite counter, he saw the nurse he had met a year old. “What brings you here?”

“I came to visit Kang Jaeseong in Room 802.”

“Did you contact us in advance?”

“Yes. Please confirm it. I am Yoo Minseok.”

“Wait a minute."

The nurse picked up the phone in an accustomed manner and called Room 802.

“Yes, yes. I understand. Yes—”

The call didn’t take long.

“The guardian has given me permission so I’ll direct you right away. Wait a moment.”

The nurse stood up and hung something like a pass around Yoo Minseok’s neck. The word ‘visitor’ was clearly on it.

“You can go up to the 8th floor.”

“Thank you.”

Yoo Minseok entered the elevator and pressed the button to the eighth floor. His body felt like it was floating and complex thoughts filled his mind.

‘Is it really true?’

He could ask Joseph in detail over the phone, but Yoo Minseok wanted to confirm it with his own eyes. According to the old man, Joseph had things to prove it. However, Yoo Minseok couldn’t believe it unless he saw, heard, and felt it. Perhaps it was natural since it would be denying his youth.

Dding-!

The elevator door opened and he found Room 802. It was the same place the staff of the company had come to visit as a group two years ago.

Knock knock.

Yoo Minseok knocked on the door without hesitation. A gentle voice was heard saying, “Come in.”

He stepped inside and immediately saw a familiar face.

“Hello. I heard from my husband that you are coming to visit. I am Kang Misung.”

Kang Misung—Kang Jaeseong’s sister and Joseph’s wife—was a talented woman who graduated from Harvard’s department of music.

“I came to the hospital, but I am empty-handed because I was in a hurry. I’m sorry.”

“There is no need. It’s fine. In fact, I’m not short of food.”

Kang Misung waved her hand like it was nothing. She was telling the truth. Dr Kang Jaeseong was the key person who made Arkstar and the money he received from Union, including stocks, was astronomical. In other words, she would never starve for the rest of her life.

Beep. Beep!

“......”

“......”

The eyes of Yoo Minseok and Kang Misung turned to Kang Jaeseong at the same time. He was still lying in the same manner that he did last year. The Kang Jaeseong he saw back then felt quite different from the Kang Jaeseong he saw now. At the time, he thought it was just a sudden accident. Now, hearing the elder’s words and Joseph’s evidence, he felt there was something wrong.

Just then, the door once again opened and a man appeared. It was a man Yoo Minseok hadn’t seen the previous year. Still, Yoo Minseok could tell he was Joseph at first glance. It was the same for Joseph. “Yoo Minseok-ssi?”

“Yes, I am Yoo Minseok. Joseph-ssi?”

“...That's right. Follow me. Honey, I will talk to him for a awhile.” 

“Yes. Take care.”

Yoo Minseok said goodbye to Kang Misung and left the room. Yoo Minseok felt an ominous feeling in his heart as he once again looked at Kang Jaeseong through the window. The falling moonlight streamed through the window and clearly illuminated Kang Jaeseong’s face.

* * *

At Union Square Stadium, in Seoul...

“Ah, no—!”

Mido cried out from where she was watching the screen on the South Korean team’s bench. The match was really heating up. Zhen Sulong showed the devastating power of lightning, while Park Muyeol blocked the lightning beasts with his wooden sword.

The massive clash of powers could be felt from beyond the screen. Those who were watching outside were gulping because they felt the tension. Then what about the two people fighting fiercely? Mido held her breath as she unknowingly clenched her fists.

“Is Grandfather Muyeol so strong?”

“Crazy. He is facing the lightning god head on.”

“I can't imagine what he would’ve been like when he was younger.”

These were the words of Kim Hyeonu, Eun Jeonghyeok, and Lim Changyong respectively. The three men had fought brilliantly with the Chinese players and were killed. Of course, it was the same for Mido. Some players won and some lost, but everyone here was cheering for Park Muyeol with one heart. The fierce support battle between the South Korean and Chinese audiences swept through the audience seats like waves.

-Amazing! I really didn’t know Player Park Muyeol’s skills were so high! I thought there was only Player Choi Chuntaek in South Korea, but this isn’t the case!

-That’s right. His name is Park Muyeol. I can’t believe he can match the lightning god of China. It is really amazing.

-He is a player whose name is truly worthy of the Stick Sage. I’m cheering for you, Player Park Muyeol! Please have just a bit more strength!

The commentators also cheered for Park Muyeol in loud voices while their hands were sweating. The confrontation between the two men was out of the ordinary. It was probably natural since the elderly Park Muyeol was fighting much better than young people. However, Mido knew—Park Muyeol might be fighting well, but he was gradually being pushed back.

‘Teacher-nim!’

Additionally, Park Muyeol had lost a life just now. He might’ve been revived and become stronger due to the skill he showed last time, but this wouldn’t last for long.

“Ah—!”

Just then, a short scream burst from Mido’s mouth. it was the same for those around her. Park Muyeol had just lost another life. One of the serpents behind his back disappeared. Seven of the eight heads were lost. It wasn’t just Mido. The commentators and audience members roughly guessed that this was the number of times he could be revived.

“Uhh. No!”

“Aack—! Grandfather!”

“Pleaaaaase!”

However, Zhen Sulong seemed to have anticipated it and was preparing for the next attack. A large mass made of white lightning fell on the head of the resurrected Park Muyeol. It was like a giant meteorite had fallen to the earth.

“......”

The screen was dyed white and a monster-like stillness settled in the stadium. The identity of the winner was clear. The name of the loser was shown on the screen.

[The user ‘Park Muyeol’ has been logged out.]

Wahhhhhhh!

The Chinese cheering team screamed. The winner of the fierce duel was Zhen Sulong. He raised his fists high in the sky like a demonstration to the audience members watching. A white lightning bolt emerged from his fist and soared into the sky as a single flash of light, piercing through the dark clouds and bringing bright sunlight.

The smile of Zhen Sulong was as bright as a child who had shaken off all the troubles of the world.