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The catastrophic event began with a massive rift forming over South Korea, leading to simultaneous disasters around the world.

The scale of the calamity surpassed that of the Great War, shaking the globe, but fortunately, the chaos caused by it settled down more quickly than expected.

The monsters that came through the rift were completely exterminated within a week, and recovery efforts were completed swiftly.

The biggest reason this was possible was that the rift was open for a short period.

The massive rift opened due to a dimensional collision caused by the Dark Mage’s descent ritual, but it was closed when Kim Il-shin pulled the Dark Mage into another dimension.

The rift remained open for only a few dozen minutes.

That alone caused incredible damage worldwide, but it could have been worse.

The second factor was the efforts of several heroes.

The disaster erupted suddenly. Those called heroes did their utmost to fulfill their duties.

Among them were a few who showed outstanding achievements, the foremost being, of course, the great hero of Korea, Baek Ho-san.

As soon as the rift opened, Baek Ho-san immediately stepped onto the battlefield.

He did not leave the front lines until confirming the complete extermination of the monsters a week later.

From start to finish, Baek Ho-san stood guard at the very front, right before the rift.

The number of monsters he took down during this crisis reached a staggering millions.

Of course, he didn’t do it alone.

Huge monsters suddenly appeared just as the rift was about to close.

Their power was comparable to the Seven Calamities from the Great War, making it appear challenging even for Baek Ho-san to handle them solo.

And at that moment, another great hero, the Sword Master, appeared.

Having come out of the barrier after several decades, the Sword Master fought valiantly despite his serious illness and together with Baek Ho-san, took down dozens of massive monsters.

Additionally, there were others who rescued lives in the surrounding areas, allowing them to focus only on the battle, engaging in fierce combats with monsters at a distance.

It was thanks to various helps around them that they could demonstrate such martial prowess.

In the process, the attention turned to the Namgoong brothers, Namgoong-min and Namgoong-hyeok, as well as Baek Ha-yeon.

Despite their young age and status as academy students, they took down monsters with astonishing skills.

Even veteran heroes found it difficult to step into the chaotic scene, yet they entered without hesitation and saved numerous lives.

Afterward, the Namgoong brothers and Baek Ha-yeon were recognized for their contributions and received various monetary rewards alongside formal hero qualifications.

Especially the Namgoong brothers have been growing rapidly since then, now being evaluated as strong enough to be compared to S-rank heroes, beyond A-rank.

Today, the Namgoong brothers visited Cosmo Academy.

“It’s been a few days since I’ve been here.”

“I think I’ve been away for about ten days since I was in the rift for a week.”

Though still students, their time spent outside for missions and commissions was longer.

However, the excellent facilities and teachers at Cosmo Academy made them realize there was still much to learn.

“Is that Namgoong-min-senpai? And, beside him is Namgoong-hyeok-senpai!”

“Just as expected, they radiate incredible energy…”

As the Namgoong brothers wandered around the shopping district, people began to gather, recognizing them everywhere.

“Oh, the Namgoongs are here! Why are you here after so long? I’ve been waiting so much! Here, I’ve packed some kiwis and cherries for you. Try them, they’re really sweet.”

“Every time we come here, you do this; it’s why we can’t come often.”

“Ah, hey! If you hadn’t saved me last time, I wouldn’t even be here! Don’t feel burdened and just take them!”

“Um, Namgoong-min, hello. My mom told me to bring this to you. She said thank you for saving her back then.”

“What’s your mother’s name?”

“I don’t know if you remember, but… Park Han-sook.”

“I remember. How’s your back these days?”

“…It’s improved a lot thanks to you. Thank you.”

The place that suffered the most damage from this incident was Cosmo Academy.

The massive rift formed directly over Cosmo Academy.

At that time, the Namgoong brothers fought hard to save the people of Cosmo Academy and indeed rescued many.

The people they saved were family, friends, or neighbors of someone.

Most of the individuals at Cosmo Academy owed their gratitude to the Namgoong brothers.

“You really didn’t need to do this much…”

“Right? We just did what needed to be done, so this is quite embarrassing.”

As Namgoong-min arranged the gifts into his spatial pocket, he sighed and muttered.

“There are others who should be receiving thank-you’s.”

“Yeah. We did what we had to, but that guy is different.”

Information about the Adversary Church and the Dark Mage, which were the causes of the rift opening, was not publicly known.

It was believed that even if they were completely eradicated, revealing that a gigantic enemy had existed would cause even greater chaos in society.

The Namgoong brothers agreed on that point, but it was still disappointing that Kim Il-shin’s merits were obscured because of it.

“Let’s not think too negatively. He strongly desired that too.”

“That’s true. Honestly, when I see how he lives these days, I’m envious.”

“A rich wife and a life of leisure? And that wife is beautiful, plus there are two of them? …Ha.”

“……I’m suddenly getting angry.”

Realizing there was no need to worry, Namgoong-min placed his spatial pocket in his embrace and stood up.

“Let’s go get some discounts.”

“Have you ever actually received a discount after saying that?”

“Ahem. Today, I swear I will!”

The reason the Namgoong brothers came to Cosmo Academy was to visit Hanarins’ shop.

Hanarins had become the most famous blacksmith in the world at this point.

The equipment she crafted was exquisite in every aspect, but particularly her gear’s craftsmanship and stability were unmatched by anyone else.

Moreover, she even integrated her sense of spatial magic obtained through special experiences into her equipment crafting, making extraordinary innovations.

Her gear didn’t just perform well; its design was splendid as well.

Her unique and well-coordinated design made her equipment stand out even more.

Thus, getting equipment made by Hanarins was akin to grasping at the stars.

Even offering billions in payment would not secure a commission if Hanarins didn’t feel inclined.

In that sense, the Namgoong brothers, who had the opportunity to gain favor from Kim Il-shin, were incredibly fortunate.

“Hey.”

The Namgoong brothers’ steps halted in front of the shop as they found someone unexpected.

“Baek Ha-yeon. It’s been a while.”

As Namgoong-min greeted her, Baek Ha-yeon slightly bowed her head and passed by.

It was appropriate since they had only a brief encounter during the previous incident.

Yet, it was surprising to see her around frequently these days.

Knock knock.

“Hello.”

“Welcome!”

Hanarins excitedly greeted the Namgoong brothers as they entered the store.

“Just a moment. Honey! Honey, we have guests!”

Not long after Hanarins called out to someone behind the stall, Kim Il-shin came out, shaking off his apron.

“Sorry. I had some things to tidy up. Long time no see.”

“It’s been a while. Is this the first time since two months ago?”

“It seems like you look better. Must be enjoying life.”

Kim Il-shin briefly greeted them and rummaged through a drawer beneath the stall.

“The repairs are all done. Hold on for a moment.”

While Kim Il-shin looked for the swords of the Namgoong brothers, Namgoong-hyeok leaned against the stall and spoke.

“I saw Baek Ha-yeon coming out of here on the way. It’s strange that we keep running into her, considering we wouldn’t normally see her unless missions overlap.”

“Maybe it’s because they are both regulars.”

Kim Il-shin replied nonchalantly. He had no lingering feelings for Baek Ha-yeon now.

However, it seemed the other party felt differently.

Baek Ha-yeon had been visiting the shop periodically since her first commission six months ago.

Every time, they only exchanged stories related to the commissions and left, but it was clear she had something she wanted to say to Kim Il-shin.

However, Baek Ha-yeon had never brought it up until now.

Kim Il-shin had an inkling of what she might want to say.

He was even considering how to respond.

Yet, it seemed like Baek Ha-yeon wasn’t yet ready for that.

Perhaps it wasn’t a lack of courage, but rather that she wasn’t ready to seek forgiveness.

Still, he had occasionally heard from Pan Hae-yul that she was doing well.

It was reported that her relationship with Baek Ho-san had smoothed over, and they had become friends who conversed regularly.

For those two, that alone must be significant progress.

‘They’ll handle it well on their own.’

Kim Il-shin thought as he handed the swords to the Namgoong brothers.

“Here, you came to get this, right?”

Without checking, the Namgoong brothers strapped the swords to their waists.

Even though they knew Hanarins’ great abilities, there was no need to confirm.

“I also came to see your face and talk. It would be great if we could have a meal together too.”

“Ah… I’m afraid I can’t manage a meal.”

“That’s too bad, but it can’t be helped. Hmm, you wouldn’t be busy with work, would you…?”

As Namgoong-hyeok hesitated for a bit and glanced towards Hanarins, her lively response came right back.

“We decided to go out together!”

Hanarins was beaming, linking arms with Kim Il-shin.

“……”

“……”

The facial muscles of the Namgoong brothers twitched at her bright expression.

A moment of silence ensued, and then Namgoong-min placed a hand on Kim Il-shin’s shoulder, wearing a dark expression.

“Brother… you’re probably paying taxes double, no, triple now, right?”

“…Sorry. I don’t pay taxes as a national merit recipient.”

“Please at least pay voluntarily….”

“Ah… okay.”

“That’s good enough. Thank you…”

Having navigated the crisis, Kim Il-shin led the Namgoong brothers to the second floor.

Since it had been a long time, he wanted to sit down and have a leisurely talk.

“To save the trouble, let’s settle the payment now.”

“Ah. That would be good.”

In the meantime, the payment was already completed.

Namgoong-min once again failed to secure a discount today.

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