Episode 285
“Oh my, has it been this big?”
“I know. It really is huge.”
Incheon International Airport Terminal 2.
Entering the entrance, Hanbit and his mother looked around blankly.
People bustled about beneath a glass ceiling that seemed to stretch endlessly.
Since they had never had a reason to visit an airport before, everything seemed fascinating.
“Good morning.”
Just then, a woman in a suit approached from the front.
Stopping a few steps away, she smiled kindly and said,
“I am Yuka Ishikawa from the Nio Group, and I will be guiding you two to Tokyo.”
The Nio Group logo engraved on the badge on her chest was clear.
Seeing that she didn’t have a translation device in her ear, she appeared to be fluent in Korean.
“Good morning. I am Kang Hanbit.”
“Good morning. To think you would go to such lengths to look after me… I am so grateful.” It was
the protocol-like treatment they had heard about through Yeonwoo.
Kenji had a firm resolve not to accept any refusal.
“You don’t need to feel too much pressure. We are just providing a brief explanation of what is necessary. Please hand over your passports and luggage, and we will assist you with the check-in process first.”
Other staff members standing behind quickly approached and took Hanbit and his mother’s suitcases and passports.
Following Ishikawa’s guidance, the two headed to the exclusive First Class check-in counter.
The space, as luxurious as a hotel lobby, was truly fascinating.
“Check-in is complete, so I will escort you to the lounge.”
They had simply stood there, yet a boarding pass was placed in their hands.
The feeling of everything proceeding so smoothly felt both awkward and pleasant.
“The texture is fascinating,”
his mother marveled as she touched the surface of the boarding pass.
For a first-time traveler, everything was bound to be fascinating.
“This way.”
Ishikawa led the two to the lounge.
Passing through an even more luxurious hallway, they were greeted by a space.
Through the naturally opened door, warm lighting and the beautiful melodies of jazz touched their senses.
“It’s so beautiful here,”
his surprised mother whispered, tapping Hanbit’s arm.
In the center of the luxurious interior lay a high-end buffet and a spread of food and beverages.
The luxurious sofas and wooden tables placed at ample distance from each other made one forget they were at an airport.
“Meals, snacks, and desserts are available, and a relaxation area is also provided. You are free to use them, but since in-flight meals will also be served, I recommend enjoying a light snack.”
After delivering the explanation, Ishikawa naturally stepped back.
It was a thoughtful gesture to ensure they could relax.
“Mom, what should I do first…?”
“Since some things are too expensive to waste, shall we just have a little taste?”
Without needing to say anything further, Mother pulled her hand with an excited voice.
That joy continued right up until boarding.
Even though there wasn't much time left, they were able to experience as much as possible.
“We will now escort you to the gate.”
Following Ishikawa’s guidance, the two left the lounge and entered the plane via the dedicated boarding line.
Ishikawa and the staff moved to the business class area, while Hanbit and Mother were escorted by a dedicated flight attendant. It was
the first-class section of the aircraft heading to Tokyo Haneda Airport.
It was the very seat they had only ever seen in photos.
“How can it be so spacious?”
Sitting in the luxurious seat, Hanbit’s Mother whispered as she looked around.
“It’s set up like a private room.”
The space, precisely divided by partitions, felt like a small room.
It reeked of capitalism.
Even now, when I lack nothing, I haven’t gotten used to this.
I probably wouldn’t have even thought to book it myself.
(Ladies and gentlemen, our flight will be taking off soon. Please check if your seatbelts are fastened…)
After a short while, the takeoff began with an announcement.
The plane gradually picked up speed and taxied down the runway.
Mother’s expression was stiff with tension.
“Mom, are you okay?”
“…Why am I so nervous?”
The trembling or fear of a first flight grew stronger.
Of course, it was Hanbit’s first time too.
“They say it’ll be fine once we take off. Just close your eyes for a moment.”
“That would be a waste. You should take it all in.”
For some reason, Mother firmly refused and looked out the window.
In the meantime, the plane took off.
“…!” Mother
opened her eyes wide at the sensation of floating that enveloped her body.
But that was only for a moment; she gazed with sparkling eyes at the scenery outside the window as it gradually grew smaller.
Watching that, Hanbit let out a sigh of relief.
'It's probably best not to use the gear.'
A Level 4 gear installed on one side.
Originally, I had thought about going for a light hunt, but I didn't want to miss out on the time I spent with my mother.
“Today’s in-flight meals include Korean, Japanese, and Western options.”
A flight attendant announced the meal options a short while after takeoff.
My mother had already placed her order after a delightful dilemma.
“I’ll have the salmon rice bowl.”
“Understood.”
The flight attendant, who had disappeared after hearing the order, returned quickly.
The food served was far better than expected, both in appearance and taste.
“I’m living such a life thanks to you, my son,”
my mother said with a smile as she sipped the tea served for dessert.
Her days had been a repetition of a routine covered in black and white.
Hanbit hoped that color would be painted into that life.
“I’ll do a lot for you in the future. Your son’s abilities aren’t bad.”
“Just hearing that makes me grateful, my son.”
Along with their playful conversation, Hanbit looked out the window.
The clouds spread out below and the pouring sunlight.
It was the beginning of the journey to Japan, where many things were about to happen.
***
Two hours later.
Hanbit and his mother arrived at Tokyo Haneda Airport.
It was quick to exit the arrival hall under Ishikawa's guidance.
"The Chairman is here to greet you personally."
I had somewhat anticipated her words as we headed toward the gate.
After all, there was no way Kenji wouldn't come out in person after treating us with such great hospitality.
And meeting him happened in no time.
"Good morning."
As we stepped out the exit, a large, middle-aged man approached.
It was Kenji, the Chairman of the Nio Group.
He was wearing a translation device in his ear.
"Good morning. Since we both look similar to our characters, it doesn't feel awkward."
"I think so too. Madam, let me introduce myself. I am Kenji, Chairman of the Nio Group."
"Good morning. Thank you for inviting me. You have no idea how much fun I had just taking the plane."
My mother was still in a state of excitement.
Normally, she would have just kept expressing her gratitude, so this was much better.
"I am glad to hear you were fine. I will now drive you."
Kenji led us to a luxury sedan parked in the back.
It had a structure similar to a limousine, unlike an ordinary car.
“Son, I didn’t know a car like this really existed. I’ve only ever seen that in dramas.”
Mother surveyed the interior with a look of wonder as vast as that of an airplane.
With a monitor on one side, a mini-refrigerator, and touch-sensitive lighting,
it was quite different from a standard vehicle. “Since I’m also handling work, I ended up adding various features. Please feel free to let me know if you need anything.”
“…I was being too silly. I’m perfectly happy with it as it is.”
Suddenly regaining her composure, Mother replied with an embarrassed smile.
Meanwhile, the vehicle began to move.
“It is an honor to meet you like this. It has always weighed on my mind that I couldn’t greet you in person.”
Sitting opposite Hanbit, Kenji conveyed his heartfelt words.
Then, he suddenly bowed his head in greeting.
“Thank you for saving my daughter. If I had met my demise in the RP and something had gone wrong, I… probably wouldn’t have been able to maintain my sanity.”
Momo’s rescue had followed a chance encounter.
However, for Kenji, the father, intentions and the process were of no concern.
The only thing that mattered was the fact that he had safely rescued his daughter.
“No, not at all. I have received a lot of help myself, too. I will do my utmost to help until Momo is rescued in the truest sense.”
“Thank you… so much.”
At the sincere words, Kenji clenched his fist tightly to express his gratitude.
Hanbit’s mother, who had been listening to the conversation, simply gazed quietly out the window.
It was her way of saying she would not add any unnecessary comments regarding her son’s work or relationship.
“You said you are meeting the CEO of Mirai Tech, right?”
Changing the subject, Hanbit asked about the purpose of his visit to Japan.
Kenji nodded in response.
“Yes. The meeting itself is scheduled for the afternoon, so we plan to head to the hotel we have arranged for you first. Since there is also a travel purpose involved, how about we look around a few tourist attractions before the meeting?”
Kenji continued to emphasize that it was part of a trip, not work.
After a moment of contemplation, Hanbit looked at his mother sitting beside him and asked,
“Mom, is it okay without me? I have some work to do.”
“Of course it’s fine. I’ve even organized a list of things I want to see separately. You just do your work.”
His mother said, pointing to her smartphone.
There were indeed a ton of saved locations.
“Do you have any other plans?”
Kenji asked, looking puzzled, as he had expected sightseeing.
Meeting his gaze, Hanbit voiced his thoughts.
“If you allow it, I would like to meet Momo.
”
A five-star hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
After unpacking at the accommodation Kenji had arranged, Hanbit left immediately.
His mother had already departed for a sightseeing destination with Nio Group employees.
“I heard you have a deep interest in art, so I’ve booked a few exhibitions for you. I’ve also hired a guide from a travel agency affiliated with our group, so you won’t be short on things to see.”
Kenji had arranged an itinerary with surprising meticulousness.
The only way to express his gratitude was to focus his energy on his own problem.
“Thank you. Seeing you happy makes me feel relieved as well.”
“…I was going to ask you to take care of Momo as well, but it wasn’t a race against time. It would be fine if you could come back after you’ve spent enough time with your mother, but…”
“It is too important a matter to put off. I will make up for the time I spend with my mother after the capsule case is finished. For now, let’s focus on Momo.”
“Yes, thank you.”
They arrived at the Nio Group headquarters after that conversation.
Looking up at the towering building, Hanbit stepped inside with Kenji.
The two boarded the elevator held by the staff and headed to the top floor.
“This way.”
Upon arriving at the chairman’s office, Kenji walked toward the wall on the left.
There stood a small elevator.
*Swoosh*—the
doors opened quietly as they recognized his pupils.
Kenji, having boarded with Hanbit, pressed the single floor button.
*Clunk*—the
elevator slowly ascended. *
Swoosh*
—upon reaching the top floor, the doors opened without a sound.
And a large, colorfully designed room appeared.
“Huh? You’re already here?”
Lee Min-ho, standing in front of six monitors, widened his eyes as he looked at Hanbit.
“Hello. I wanted to stop by here first.”
Responding with a greeting, Hanbit turned his gaze toward the large floor-to-ceiling glass window directly in front of him.
There, a uniquely shaped capsule gear was placed.
'…It’s exactly like RP, after all.'
Inside the capsule gear was a girl with long black hair.
It was Matsumoto Momo, Kenji’s only daughter.
“Well, were there any special requests?”
“Momo’s condition is the same. There have been some changes to the Gear system since the second update. We are currently at the stage of taking it apart to examine it.”
Lee Min-ho focused on the Gear, striving to find the answer.
He appeared to be conducting research alongside a woman in a lab coat standing beside him.
“I am Hoshi Kazuki. I was hired as both a doctor and a scientist. It is nice to see the Black Dragon, which I’ve only heard about, in person.” Kazuki extended his hand for a handshake
following a brief introduction
. Shaking hands, Hanbit looked at Momo and asked,
“How is her health?”
“It’s good. In fact, she is so peaceful that it’s almost worrying.” Kazuki said, tapping the monitor checking vital signs. Still, it was a relief that her health was being maintained. “May I come in for a moment?” “Yes. You can disinfect and change clothes over there.” Following the instructions, Hanbit entered the room prepared in the annex on the right. Disinfection devices to prepare for various infections and medical work clothes were ready. *Swoosh* —Having finished preparing, Hanbit approached where the capsule was. Momo was breathing with her eyes closed. The reason he had personally come here was not merely to check the condition. It was due to the hypothesis that if he, an experienced being of another world, were to make contact, some kind of reaction might occur. 'It’s not impossible.' Hanbit had been most influenced by the Goddess of Silence. On the other hand, Momo was a being harmed by the Goddess of Turmoil. What would happen if these two, standing at complete opposite ends, were to come into contact in reality? Swoosh— Hanbit slowly reached out his hand toward Momo. And the moment his fingertips touched the child's hair. Crack—! An intense spark engulfed the capsule.
