Origin story protagonist.
If someone were to possess the protagonist in a novel or game, there wouldn’t be a more grateful being than the original protagonist.
Dramatic music plays
We’ve already reached the latter part of the story, yet this original protagonist, what’s with all that weakness?!
Facepalm
I’m not much of a protagonist…
Aha!
Ah! I see! It’s a lack of effort on my part. Truly, a hopeless original protagonist!
Question marks abound
What does that even mean?
Rant mode activated
Every morning at 11, I get up despite my struggles, swallow a Dragon Heart as soon as I start, eat barely dozens of Hidden Pieces, and only had the small fortune of connecting with someone who should’ve been your master! Clearly, it’s the talent-sucking original protagonist!
Cringe
Ugh. I have no words. My bad.
Exasperated shuffle
Well, whatever. I guess I can’t help it. It’s annoying, so just step aside! There’s an army of slimes that melt clothes just by touching them from the Demon King’s forces coming! Take that! Kamehameha!
Epic background music plays
If there was a giving tree in the 20th-century literary world, surely, in 21st-century web novels, it would be the original protagonist.
“The problem is that it isn’t my story.”
Eye roll
Original protagonist.
A red-haired disciple of the Volcano Sect. After the death of his master, he leaves the Volcano Sect to become a hero and will play a significant role in facing the Demonic Cult.
“Thanks to me, the original plot got twisted, but I didn’t even get to savor the honey in it.”
Shrug
Heavenly Killing Star. Poison. The Shadowless Thief. The characters the protagonist was supposed to meet as enemies have vanished.
Some struggled and toiled to resolve things. If anyone thinks that something the original protagonist was supposed to enjoy was lost because of me, it’s really just fame at this point.
Philosophical again?
If I think a bit more, it seems Murong Sang-a has resolved her financial issues thanks to me, so the main heroine route is practically on a path to being scrapped.
Wink wink
When considering the scenarios in which a bad ending appears based on the original choices, I should be getting some rewards instead.
“It’s important for the protagonist to grow correctly; fame is secondary, so it doesn’t matter.”
Whew
But there was one good thing.
The protagonist’s main storyline blocking the rise of the Demonic Cult. Even if the protagonist fails to meet the stats necessary for heroine routes in martial arts dating sims, as long as the main story is diligently completed, a conclusion can still be achieved.
An ending where he defeats the Demonic Cult but fails to capture the heroine.
Facepalm again
“I initiated the tall uncle operation to avoid seeing the Demon Cult wielding their swords in front of the bookstore.”
Sigh
Things got a bit twisted.
_Dramatic pause_
The tall uncle operation.
I still don’t plan on refusing the help-seeking heroine. But I also don’t plan on blocking the protagonist’s storyline. So, what to do?
“I’ll financially support the original protagonist so that I can be the one guiding his actions.”
If all goes according to my plan, I can ensure the protagonist follows the original plotline. That was my conclusion.
Of course, there was a problem.
I don’t live near the Volcano Sect. Shaanxi Province, where the Volcano Sect is located, and Hubei Province, where I live, are a two-month round trip away.
If I send a letter, I’ll only get a response in two months!
Facepalm of doom
It’s awkward for consistent support, and it’s hard to act immediately if something happens to the protagonist.
Lightbulb moment
But I had a plan.
I left multiple letters with the Seocheon Post Office beforehand, instructing them to send support periodically.
Cue dramatic twist
But there was a glaring blind spot.
“No way I’d forgotten while the letters reached Yichang.”
Originally, I planned to act based on the responses, but alas, here I was, sitting alone in my mansion’s office, my head drooped down.
Dramatic head drop
What could I do?
Right after sending a letter from my umbrella, I met Im Ha-yeon. A busy week filled with the reopening of Yichang, writing, moving to Wuhan, and countless issues that preceded me.
It felt like I left my mobile game’s auto-hunting on too long while doing something else!
“I didn’t give specific orders, so they probably just sent a greeting letter and cash to the original protagonist… I hope my plan hasn’t gone haywire.”
Curious ruminating
[First Letter.]
Perhaps due to the misunderstanding, the letters arrived neatly arranged in order. What could the contents be?
I cautiously opened the first letter from the original protagonist.
—
[To Jiwoo.]
[Are you sure this isn’t sent by mistake? There seems to be some misunderstanding.]
[Disciple of Master Jinmu.]
Phew
“Good! The original protagonist is alive.”
I was worried about the worst-case scenario where the original protagonist didn’t exist in this world. I placed my hand over my heart and exhaled a sigh of relief.
“The protagonist being confused is kind of inevitable.”
Before the protagonist set foot in the martial world, he had only lived alone with his master deep in the Volcano Sect.
Aside from the Volcano Sect, no one else would know him so suddenly and would be surprised to receive money from a stranger.
“Regular financial therapy should resolve things.”
I won’t even apply for tax deductions for the donations specifically. Please, just stop the Demonic Cult.
“By the way, for a martial artist, his handwriting is surprisingly elegant.”
Thinking it was a letter from the protagonist, I stared carefully at the handwriting.
Martial artists wielding swords are said to have their swordsmanship reflected in their handwriting, usually sharp, but the protagonist’s notes were graceful.
Being from the Volcano Sect, maybe that’s why it had a feeling of plum blossoms.
More staring
After staring for a while, I opened the next letter.
[Second Letter.]
The next contents had a tone of urgency. Even in the handwriting, the hasty heart was palpable.
[To Jiwoo.]
[I apologize. Master has coughed up blood. We need medicine urgently. We can’t afford the expensive herbal medicines.]
Passionate plea
[I’ve pondered a lot. Master said not to use the money sent by mistake. But as his disciple, I must save him. If you truly sent it by mistake, I’ll accept my punishment. I’m very sorry.]
“Thank goodness. He used the money.”
The protagonist is an orphan, and with an ailing master being someone from the Volcano Sect, he can hardly receive external support. Of course, faced with a sick master, he has no choice but to spend.
Money decisions
Now that the money has been spent, rejecting my help will be tough.
[Third Letter.]
I opened the next letter.
[To Jiwoo.]
[Master’s complexion has improved. It’s all thanks to you, Jiwoo. I’m profoundly grateful.]
[P.S. Master has no blame in this. He still doesn’t know the source of the medicine. If you happen to come to punish me, please just take me.]
Chuckles
“Who would’ve thought he’s dreaming of becoming a hero?”
I involuntarily chuckled.
[Fourth Letter.]
[I have received the second letter.]
“Huh? A second letter? Oh?!”
What was the second letter I sent again? While rummaging through my memory, it suddenly came back.
Sudden realization
“Master is ill,” I said. “It’s a small amount, but I’m sending some herbs. If there’s leftover money, buy something delicious to eat.”
Dramatic suspense
“Did you really mull over it that much after receiving just the first letter?”
Did he seriously fret over the sudden cash and the health of his master? I told the Seocheon Post Office to space out the sends but did I mistakenly lead him to ponder more than anticipated?
[Preparing for a goodbye with Master in my heart was a bit joyful. But I got scolded for telling the truth to Master.]
Laughter
“Haha.”
The letter communicated his despondency vividly. It felt like seeing a child getting caught after using the extra money for snacks without telling their mom.
“Keep writing diligently. Write so much that I’ll never be able to have my request rejected later.”
[On the day the dispatch office carried three letters from outside, I heard this letter arrived too. If that’s the case, then it means someone knows about Master’s state, so why is it that they’re sending me money?]
[Unknown entity contemplating]
[Master says he doesn’t know you either. I have no family or relatives. Could you let me know who you are?]
Concealing my identity
“Nope. Who do you think you are?”
I’m a Joseon person named Kang. Though I’ve never seen you, I know you better than anyone. So, grow up and start thwarting the Demonic Cult’s schemes, understood?
Vague guidance
How do I even say that?
“Just remain anonymous friends with the protagonist. That’ll do.”
Not planning to foster any deep connections with a “real heroine candidate” or anything.
[The Fifth Letter.]
Still plenty remaining. Opening it felt like unboxing gifts in a gacha game after a long time.
[To the respected Jiwoo.]
[Thanks again for the greeting letter.]
[After discussing with Master, I realized it was definitely a letter meant for me. It’s rare for a disciple to receive external support.]
Relieved face
I appreciate him understanding on his own.
[The only way I can repay you is through a letter of gratitude, so Master told me to write diligently. Henceforth, I’ll try to write letters consistently. Though I haven’t slacked off on that before.]
Comedic relief
Imagining the protagonist awkwardly justifying the obvious brought me some amusement.
[You’re someone who supports me. Have you seen me somewhere? Generally, I don’t hang around the main hall, so where could it be? Or do you perhaps know me?]
Genuine curiosity
[To know there’s someone supporting me is new to me, so I’m both excited and strangely nervous about it.]
Reassuring him about finances
[If a disciple in the sect is secretly helping me, I’ll be at the dispatch office on the full moon. I’d appreciate it if you would drop by.]
[P.S. Is “respected” an inappropriate term? I’ve heard “dear” can also be used, but that sounds a bit rude. I would be grateful if you could let me know appropriate greetings in the next letter.]
Smiling
“Well, gaining some affection is nice.”
His initial trepidation transitioned into affection and curiosity. With this level of connection, I wouldn’t have to worry about my support being refused.
Excited mood
After all, cash is king! Just shout that you’ve got your life together! If I give you a million won, you really would become an admirable adult. All I did was exchange cash and casual checks, so boosting the fondness seems much easier moving ahead.
[The Sixth Letter.]
[To the respected Jiwoo.]
[On the night of the full moon, I tried going out twice but you didn’t come. Passing elders scolded me for loitering at night.]
[Is there a chance my letters aren’t reaching you? In fact, I’ve heard the first one arrived in winter. I came down from the mountain during springtime. If you were angry at the late reply to your first letter, I truly apologize.]
Concerns for misunderstanding
[Please don’t misunderstand. Thanks to you, Master has been coughing less lately. I am truly grateful.]
Sound of realization
“Spring? Wait what?!”
I exclaimed in surprise.
If I sent the letter at New Year and the original protagonist received it in spring, it hasn’t been six months since!
Mouth agape
I looked at the pile of letters on my desk with bewilderment. I specifically instructed to send a greeting and cash once a month.
Why did so many responses arrive in half a year? Could something have happened that required his letters suddenly? I desperately wanted to read the last one but refrained and opened the next letter instead.
[The Seventh Letter.]
[To the respected Jiwoo.]
[Master scolded me again.]
“Huh?!”
It became a problem that I stayed out with your letters for the night not once but twice. Moreover, I think several elders from the sect saw me and scolded Master over it.
[Honestly, I just wanted to know your true identity. But admitting it only resulted in getting scolded by him. I was only worried if the money gets cut off, would I not be able to buy Master’s medicine? I guess this is all my fault.]
Chuckling at his misfortune
“Is he sulking?”.
It seems he didn’t feel appreciated for his good intentions. The handwriting hinting at his admission of wrongdoing looked different; you could clearly see the turmoil in his heart.
Smirk at the situation
I couldn’t help but lift one corner of my mouth.
[Have you ever seen the snow-covered Volcano Sect? While the plum blossoms on a volcanic peak are beautiful, the stunning snowflakes blanket the quiet, heavy winter on it are equally enchanting.]
Melancholic musing
[As Master is in his sickbed and I look out from this secluded hermitage to gaze at the Volcano, sometimes I feel utterly alone in the world.]
[Jiwoo (紙友).]
[Who is this paper friend? I have no friends, after all. Reading this word gives me an oddly special feeling nowadays.]
Moment of introspection
[Even though there’s still no answer, you’ve called me a friend. They say friends should share their innermost thoughts, after all.]
“Oh?”
Could it be that he was feeling particularly lonely after getting scolded by the only person he relied on? I could feel unexpected loneliness pouring through the letter.
Inner monologue about support
[May I write to you about my feelings in this quiet hermitage?]
Confident grin
“I’m all for it.”
Having only sent greeting letters and donations unexpectedly dug into the protagonist’s loneliness.
Awkward satisfaction
A pen name matters. Jiwoo (紙友) is solidly trustworthy. It seems plausible that this name would make him keep his integrity until the very end.
I initially imagined it would take years to earn the protagonist’s favor but perhaps it wouldn’t take long after all.
Curious anticipation
“I just hope he’ll reveal his name soon.”
I rushed to open the next letter.
