#58 Coming of Age Ceremony
Pop pop pop.
Cheoldu and Jintae boarded the portal with the soldiers.
After a brief moment of disorientation, the scenery transformed into Paju's portal zone.
Though they'd spent over a month in Nova, only about a week had passed on Earth.
"Hmm, we're late."
The clock showed 3 PM on January 1st.
"I've neglected my filial duties."
"Hehe, you're quite the devoted grandson."
"Naturally. Junpil, you should treat your grandfather well too."
"My grandfather passed away long ago."
"Hmm. My condolences."
"Still, my parents remain healthy. How about yours?"
"Gone."
"Oh!"
Park Junpil had seen Cheoldu's records listing only a grandfather, but the conversation's natural flow led him to ask about parents.
"My... my sympathies."
"Hehe, it's fine. I'll just grow stronger and settle the score."
"Ah... right. Wishing you success."
"See you later then."
"Sure. Returning in a day?"
"Hmm, if things go smoothly."
"Understood. I'll ensure the mercenary group gets approved. I'll send separate personnel."
"Good."
Though Cheoldu considered moving his base to Cheongju, he'd already absorbed about 120 subordinates into his mercenary group.
All former mountain bandits, they'd been denied re-entry to Korea.
Effectively confined to Nova's limited space within Neo Seoul.
The portal remained their only path to Cheongju.
Park Junpil volunteered to handle the paperwork, having already secured approval for the previously rejected mercenary operations.
While he handled that, Cheoldu and Jintae changed in the locker room.
"Quite the commuter traffic."
Numerous people streamed from various portals—many treating Nova as their workplace.
As they exited, a familiar figure stood waiting.
"Boss!"
"Hm?"
"It's Lee Ho."
"Ah!"
After nearly forty days, he'd nearly forgotten.
"We've been expecting you. The team's on standby since you missed the scheduled time."
"How'd you know to come?"
"We maintained rotating shifts just in case."
"Good thinking."
Lee Ho escorted them to a car for a comfortable ride home.
"The team's waiting at the office. Where shall we visit first?"
"Office? Where's that?"
"We established it near your residence."
"Why am I the 'boss'?"
A vein pulsed on Cheoldu's forehead.
Had his authority as chieftain eroded so much?
"On Earth, 'boss' seems more appropriate, no? We've completed all corporate transfers cleanly."
"He's right, Cheoldu."
"Hmm."
Seeing Cheoldu's lingering displeasure, Lee Ho quickly added:
"The Vice President agrees, doesn't he?"
"Vice President? Me?"
"Yes, sir."
"Huh."
Kim Jintae's lips curled involuntarily.
So the moment he turned twenty on January 1st, he became VP?
He should post "How I Became VP the Day I Came of Age" online later.
"To the office then."
First, they needed to update Seo Jongdu and the others.
Vroom.
The car soon arrived at an office building near Cheoldu's home—a four-story structure visible after descending the shantytown alley.
"Here?"
"Correct."
"Wasn't this Giwon's second-floor place?"
"We negotiated favorable terms for the transfer."
"...?"
As they exited, well-dressed bruisers came thundering down the stairs.
Though Cheoldu had only six direct subordinates, over twenty now stood at attention.
"Welcome back, Boss."
"Jongdu."
"Please come inside."
"Right."
Unlike the slightly intimidated Jintae, Cheoldu strode in with natural authority that impressed Seo Jongdu.
'Truly born to lead.'
How could one not follow such a man?
"More recruits?"
"We expanded slightly. Anticipating needs both on Earth and in Nova."
The elevator carried them to the fourth floor.
"Did Nova go well?"
"Yeah. Gained more subordinates."
"...I see."
Seo Jongdu's eyes burned.
'Competitors!'
Daring to serve his liege?
He'd vet each one thoroughly.
"Most have years of mountain bandit experience. Similar backgrounds, so they'll fit right in."
"Bandits, you say?"
"Yeah."
Vetting could wait.
Seo Jongdu decided to be lenient.
"How many?"
"About 120."
"...Impressive."
His liege's scale never ceased to amaze.
Had he conquered an entire stronghold?
"Details from our VP."
"Understood."
The fourth-floor office featured quality furnishings—a commanding sofa set, executive desk, and windows overlooking Cheoldu's shantytown home.
"Nice view."
"Chose this location to assist your grandfather."
"You purchased it?"
"Correct."
"Yours personally?"
"Ironhead Corporation owns it. You hold 90% shares; I hold 10% for administrative purposes."
"Handle it yourself."
"Huh!"
Seo Jongdu's eyes grew moist.
"Your trust honors me."
Cheoldu stayed silent, guilty about his laziness.
"Oh Junhwan didn't come?"
"He arrived this morning claiming an appointment. We couldn't verify, leading to a standoff. Quite formidable..."
"He's one of ours."
"What?!"
Truly, heroes attracted mighty followers.
Where did his liege find such talents?
"We took his contact. Should we call?"
"Tell him to come to Paju tomorrow."
"Understood."
"I'll visit Grandpa now."
"One final matter."
"Yes?"
"New recruits must undergo the Apocalypse Trial. I understand you plan to take your grandfather to Nova?"
"Right."
"Our men will escort him."
"Perfect."
Since the recruits weren't Novices anyway, they could help Grandpa reclass during any Trial.
"That eases my mind."
Pat pat.
Cheoldu's shoulder pats made Seo Jongdu tremble.
"The honor is mine."
"Good work."
"My pleasure!"
Cheoldu departed grinning while Seo Jongdu's chest warmed.
Perhaps I've earned some recognition?
"You're here."
"Yeah."
"Grandpa, I've come too."
"Mm."
Kang Yongcheol greeted his grandson casually after the week-long absence.
"Home feels good."
Cheoldu sank into the sofa, savoring its comfort.
"Ahh, nothing beats your place."
"Never visiting home?"
"They treat me like a madman."
"Hmm. Pity. Help them when you're strong enough."
"...?"
"Your face shows concern. But strength comes first. Grow stronger, Jintae."
As they talked, Grandpa bustled in the kitchen.
"What're you doing, Grandpa?"
"What does it look like? Cooking!"
"Let's order delivery! I've earned plenty."
"Quiet, you!"
Clatter, sizzle, chop chop.
"Ungrateful brat."
Grandpa muttered.
"What was that? Need help?"
"I said quiet!"
As the stew simmered, Grandpa prepared banchan—stir-fried fish cakes, anchovies, shredded squid, and freshly cut kimchi.
"Set the table!"
"Yes!"
Quick-witted Jintae assisted immediately, joined by Cheoldu.
Three heaping rice bowls and side dishes surrounded a bubbling pot of soybean stew packed with tofu and meat—at least two pounds' worth.
"Meat soybean stew!"
"Grandpa's showing off."
His favorite dish, unexpectedly prepared today.
Seated, Cheoldu watched Grandpa's spoon like a hound awaiting the hunt's signal.
"Fetch soju."
"Okay."
"Two more glasses."
"Say everything at once."
"Sit."
Clink, thud.
Grandpa uncapped the bottle.
"Where're your manners? Both hands, boy."
Glug glug.
"Jintae, take one too."
"Yes."
Glug glug.
"Watch and learn. Both hands, kid."
"Tch."
Grandpa studied his swirling soju.
Life had its ups and downs, but his lows ran deep.
He'd met Cheoldu during his third homeless month—a fierce-eyed boy of six or seven eating live rats, now grown into this sturdy youth.
"Not drinking?"
Grandpa cleared his throat.
"...Turn slightly when drinking with elders."
"Understood."
"Now, a toast."
Clink.
Three glasses met as two came of age.
Gulp.
"Whew."
The sharp alcohol drew out bittersweet memories.
Grandpa's eyes reddened as he gazed at his grandson.
"You've grown well. I'm proud."
Cheoldu grinned.
What nonsense.
"Thanks for raising me right, Grandpa."
Amid their warmth, Jintae comforted himself.
"Jintae, you've worked hard."
"Congrats on adulthood."
"Yes, Grandpa."
"Let's eat."
Grandpa took the first bite, triggering Cheoldu's immediate tofu assault.
"Extra tofu for me?"
"It was expiring. Finish it."
"Playing tough but soft inside."
Despite gruff words, Grandpa's heart was tender.
"Stop fooling around and eat."
"Hahaha."
Kim Jintae, illegitimate third-generation chaebol, watched with genuine envy—this grandfather and grandson shared no blood, but so much love.
