The Genius Decided To Live An Ordinary Life [EN]: Chapter 292

Karma (2)

It was a day when even the dawn stars had frozen and extinguished their light.

A bleak wind tore at the skin, and the drizzling rain chilled the heart to its core.

Even amidst the cacophony of clashing weapons, chaotic footsteps, and the grating of metal fragments, he held his breath and hid in a pile of trash. He didn’t cry even when hunger gnawed at him, and he didn’t struggle even when his tears froze from the biting cold.

He learned to speak from a ragged beggar woman who offered him a smile, and he learned how to scavenge for edible scraps in the refuse.

Growing up, he rummaged through foul-smelling piles of trash and fled from thugs who tried to exploit him. He couldn’t always escape, so there were many days when he was caught and beaten. Since he lacked the strength to fight back, running away was his only recourse.

To survive, he was always on high alert, and with no shelter from the rain, he spent the nights huddled up, shivering.

This was the content of the dreams that had been plaguing him for the past few days.

The dreams soon morphed into vivid memories that he couldn’t shake off.

‘The dreams are getting longer each day. Sometimes, even when I’m awake, I can see the rest of the story unfolding.’

【Hoo…】

It was like a sigh born from the depths of emptiness.

It sounded like a wounded beast growling at the end of an endless, dark cave.

【You’ve found the key.】

‘Key? What do you mean?’

【You were Prang⬛en Rap⬛ there, when Ed⬛zhwe, you were Are⬛p Nehtl⬛laja. Do you understand?】

‘I can only make out bits and pieces.’

【Interesting.】

The shadow clicked its tongue.

【You’re seeking memories you erased yourself because you didn’t want to remember them. They say a human’s heart is like a reed, and you’ve become completely human.】

‘I erased them? Is that even possible?’

【Shock, fear, wounds, fatigue, and even love-hate. Humans, and other creatures, erase memories on their own if they need to. Some even overlay fabricated memories.】

He had once read an article citing a doctor’s opinion that the brains of people who had been assaulted or robbed seemed to erase the memories of the event. However, it was said that this wasn’t a conscious choice but rather the brain’s instinctive defense mechanism to protect itself.

Anyway, if it was possible to erase memories at will, it was an extraordinary thing. If so, it should also be possible to restore them with will.

‘There can’t be a present without a past. If it’s a trace of where I lived, it’s right to remember it.’

【I respect your will and intentions. You are one of the only two beings I’ve given up trying to predict.】

The other one must be that Tulosso or rhinoceros or whatever it was.

The shadow seemed to be holding its chin and nodding.

Just as the sunset on the horizon eventually paints the entire sky, the actions of the invisible shadow could be felt, which was also a strange phenomenon.

【To break the seal yourself is amazing… The human will is that strong.】

‘Enough with the praise. I’m the type of person who has to do things myself to be satisfied.’

Some people would ask.

Why go through so much trouble when you have everything you could want?

They said this while watching Jin-hyuk dig up shepherd’s purse [a common edible weed] for his mother, catch silkworms, catch mudskippers [small amphibious fish] for his father, and build a boat for Yu-jin.

‘That’s what humans, those foolish creatures, are like. They find meaning in every drop of sweat and find as much reward in the process as in the result.’

【I know. They don’t give up even if they ultimately fail and become frustrated.】

The shadow’s voice, which had lost much of its former power, sounded almost gentle. Like a friend.

Was it a delusion? The shadow’s force was not what it used to be, and the place where dignity had resided was now filled with a sense of familiarity.

It could also be because the connection had weakened.

‘I still have a lot of questions.’

【Speak. I will tell you everything. It seems you are ready to listen. However, you will not understand everything.】

‘I’ll have to find the rest in my memories.’

The shadow seemed to smile.

Jin-hyuk and the shadow took a moment of respite in the silence.

As the tension that had been unknowingly binding them was released, the tautness that had been there completely vanished.

‘When I came back to being a child, I almost cried because I couldn’t remember anything.’

He couldn’t even remember his parents’ death anniversaries, and when he realized it was the day they had passed away, he didn’t know the cause and was at a loss. He couldn’t think of a way to prevent the accident, so he ended up saying he would go with them.

Thinking about it again, it was a dizzying moment. He never wanted to go back to that.

【Let me tell you an interesting story.】

You’re not good at talking, so you’re boring. Even in the midst of this, Jin-hyuk suppressed the urge to hit him.

【In the language of the world you live in, it’s called a temporal backdraft.】

It was an unfamiliar expression.

As he pondered what the words meant, the shadow elaborated.

【It’s easiest to think of it as the price a soul pays for crossing worlds through the cracks in space-time.】

‘Is the price paying with memories? Because memories are all I have?’

【Think of it as you wish. There are many things in the laws of the universe that cannot be understood with reason. Just accept it. The cracks in space-time randomly erase the memories of travelers. They even twist them.】

Unfamiliar expressions, unfamiliar concepts.

Jin-hyuk pondered them one by one.

‘Is it that I can’t remember because they were burned away, and the past and present are different because they were twisted?’

He pointed out that Kim Eung-nyeo’s family was different from the past.

【There is no right answer to that. It’s the same principle as not being able to clearly explain the cause and effect of all things. Just remember the truth that even if you repeat the same era thousands of times, the same history will not occur. Haven’t you witnessed how many changes you have brought about by saving lives?】

It sounded like he was saying that it was entirely possible for people and history to be different from the past that Jin-hyuk had experienced. Whether the memories were wrong or someone had returned and changed history.

【One more thing. The old man knew that you had returned to the past with the memories of this world. I told him myself.】

‘He said he didn’t know?’

【The old man also paid a price. A price for crossing time and space. I should have intervened with both you and the old man. I didn’t think of it. I apologize.】

What a terribly lacking guy.

So, he’s saying that he could have prevented the temporal backdraft or aftereffects by intervening? He almost repeated that terrible past, you idiot!

As Jin-hyuk tensed his jaw, the shadow continued the story.

【It wouldn’t have been easy for the old man to find the memories of this world. That’s how memories are. They disappear faster and stronger than they are reproduced. Humans even leave records because their lifespans are short.】

It sounded like he was defending Hong Ki-jun.

‘It seems like it took a while for the old man, the Chairman, to regain his memories.’

【It must be the difference in desperation. You had people to save, and the old man probably only had a vague desire to succeed.】

‘That makes some sense.’

For several years after their reunion, Hong Ki-jun only focused on helping Jin-hyuk and making sure he lived comfortably, and he didn’t delve into Jin-hyuk’s past. He just treated him like a friend’s son.

【He must have been acting according to the contract that dominated the old man’s subconscious, the oath. The blind pursuit to find you.】

‘It’s difficult, but I think I understand.’

【Humans are that imperfect.】

Haah-.

A sigh escaped him.

‘If you were going to do me a favor, you should have taken better care of me. I’ve lost a lot of hair worrying about whether you’re on my side or not.’

【I will definitely do so next time.】

‘Don’t say such dangerous things!’

Next time, my foot.

*

The time for questions and answers continued.

The difference from before was that there were more things he understood than things he didn’t.

【The old man stayed with me and watched over you.】

【Of course, I also showed him your memories. I could see them from when you were ten years old. The memories before that were so precious that your ego didn’t reveal them to anyone, so I couldn’t see them.】

【You were P⬛reuk, and you did Ar⬛pishi Snera⬛girke.】

Jin-hyuk, who had been listening quietly, pulled out a point that was unclear whether it was a conversation with Hong Ki-jun or with the shadow.

‘You said one was right and one was wrong.’

【What are you talking about?】

‘When I asked if I had died in an accident and was dragged somewhere. You said one was right and one was wrong. That means the part about dying was wrong, and the part about being dragged was right.’

Hmm-.

The shadow narrowed its eyes.

【It will soon come to mind. I assure you.】

‘Why can’t I remember?’

【That too will come to mind when the time is right… Now it is entirely up to you.】

The shadow subtly withdrew.

【May the one who can exist alone, the one who has endured the power of space-time, resolve the remaining grudges and complete the task…】

‘Well… okay.’

There was still some fog, but he felt relieved.

He had asked everything he wanted to ask right away, and he had heard all the answers he wanted to hear.

He also seemed to know what the key to regaining his memories was.

It was the day he had finished the 200m final race and had an event race. Jin-hyuk, who had pushed his limits without pacing himself as he did during training, witnessed another point beyond the limit.

That night, after having a dream where he suffered a lot, he suffered from muscle pain in reality.

The key was there.

Realm.

Breaking through the limits of the body and awakening the brain.

The event that was held for a different purpose had brought about an unexpected result.

The thing he did for his sister gave joy to others, and in the end, he also gained enlightenment.

【If you want, I can release the seal on your memories-.】

‘I’ll find my own memories. I think I’ll gain a lot in the process. It’s also fun to look forward to the next story. I’ve been helped enough.’

【Good luck. ‘Die or realize.’ That was the determination that some human used to say like a mantra.】

He finally understood.

That the ‘some human’ that the shadow kept mentioning was Jin-hyuk himself.

‘Is this also something I said? That a person who asks for help when they need it and can receive it is more human than a person who tries to overcome all hardships alone?’

【Ding-dong-ding.】

Hey, don’t do weird things with that solemn cave sound.

Did he learn all that from TV after leaving the shadow and traveling around the Earth?

Anyway, it was unexpected that Jin-hyuk would say such a thing.

He believed that the world was a place to live alone, and he actually lived that way.

【The Olympics were worth watching. We’ll be arriving soon. Now go back.】

‘Already?’

【You must have always thought I was running away. Open your eyes and look around.】

As the shadow said, Jin-hyuk raised his head and looked around, his eyes widening.

The surroundings were flowing quickly, like a video playing at eight times the speed.

What was even more surprising was that his body was lying down with a sleep mask on.

‘Was it an out-of-body experience? Can’t you stop time?’

【The connection is weak, so it’s dangerous. And it’s not natural.】

What are you talking about? Is time flowing fast natural!

【Cool down. It’s suicidal to resonate with another world for a long time while conscious. Even with the help of divine power.】

‘Stop!’

Jin-hyuk urgently called out to the shadow.

‘Before you go, can you do one thing for me? You said the connection could be cut off at any time, right? That ability to look back at the past. Help me with that. There’s something I need to confirm.’

【Is it a contract?】

‘Stop talking about contracts and just help me, can’t you?’

Is this a capitalist shadow?

Regardless of Jin-hyuk’s annoyance, the shadow sighed.

Humans are trying to get everything for free. It muttered.

【Speak.】

‘I have two requests.’

【Didn’t you say one?】

‘You were the one who said that human greed is endless.’

【…If you’re imitating my tone, it doesn’t sound anything like it.】

Fuu-, damn it. The shadow sighed again.

Did I just hear a curse?

While the two souls were bickering like childhood friends, the private jet carrying Jin-hyuk entered South Korean airspace.

***

Oooooh-!

Like everyone else, Son Gwang-yeon’s mouth was wide open.

It was special to have stepped onto the connecting passage with a view of the runway with the welcoming party thanks to his family’s connections, but the feeling of watching an air show with an unobstructed view was also extraordinary.

Pak- Pak- Pak-. Pururururuk-. Pajajajajak-.

It was so far away that the sounds couldn’t be heard, but if they could be heard, wouldn’t it feel like this?

A show that those on the plane couldn’t see.

As if a giant angel had spread its wings, the mist and flames spewed from the large passenger plane showed off a dazzling display.

The sparkling light was reminiscent of the flashes that were going off all over the Olympic stadium.

‘It’s a good thing Jin-hyuk didn’t see that scene. But it is cool.’

He would find out later if he watched the recorded broadcast, but it was a relief that he wouldn’t be looking for a hole to hide in right now.

Son Gwang-yeon, who had fixed his gaze on the private jet circling in the sky, let out a soft sigh through his nose.

‘Is Se-ra turning forty this year?’

Unwavering… It was something that those who were thirsty for attention, not those who were not swayed by anything, would do at an age that didn’t suit them.

However, Son Gwang-yeon understood Yu Se-ra. He was probably the only person besides her family who understood Yu Se-ra’s obsession with fireworks.

Yu Se-ra had loved fireworks since she was a child.

– “My dad said that our mom smiled when she saw fireworks, no matter how sad or tired she was. She would clap and jump around like a child when the fireworks went off. That’s why we have fireworks during the day and at night. So that our mom can smile in heaven. Ehehehehe-.”

She was a bit of a silly troublemaker, but she had a kind heart.

Once, she was scolded by her older brothers for putting sparklers instead of incense at her mother’s grave.

When she was learning to dance, she held fountain fireworks in both hands and spun around, saying she would show them to her mother, and ended up burning her hair.

Yu Se-ra was always setting off fireworks in the garden, causing fires here and there on the lawn. Her older brothers clicked their tongues, but Yu Myung-sun just laughed and didn’t scold her.

Considering Yu Se-ra’s obsession, the fact that she set off expensive fireworks every time Jin-hyuk set a new record was not just for celebration.

‘She must be showing it to her mother. Saying, ‘Mom, I’m living well and bravely.’

Kiiiiii- Kiiiiiiii-!

Finally.

With a roar that tore through the earth, the huge wheels touched the runway.

The stairs that had been waiting met the boarding gate, and as the passenger plane’s entrance opened, the drumsticks and drums began to play in unison.

Kurururururu-.

Thudthudthudthudthudthudthud-.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Bbam- Bbabambam-! Bbabbababa-!

A performance that was only seen on TV during the President’s overseas trips, no, it was a grander orchestra than that.

‘Ki-jun said he called the band?’

How many people are there with instruments?

The couple was throwing money around.

He couldn’t bring himself to use the expression ‘throwing money around’ for Chairman Yu Myung-sun, so he only included the couple, but in the training center yard…

Ah, geez-. Son Gwang-yeon rubbed his forehead.

Even Son Gwang-yeon, who liked parties, had given up.

Out of 272 gold medals, they only got two, so why were they making such a fuss?

At this point, it was confusing whose son he was.

“Jin-hyukaaaa! Oppa! Over there, over there!”

Seeing Han Yu-young jumping up and down, he was not someone else’s son.

“Ooooh! My son!”

The son, bathed in the brilliant sunlight, was waving his hand high.

***

Wowww-.

Clap clap clap-.

As the flight attendant opened the exit, the welcoming crowd came into view.

He stepped outside and waved his hand high.

Bbambba- Bbambbambbambam-! Kurururururu-. Thudthak-! Bbambbambam-!

What the heck was that strange song?

His soul, which he had barely managed to hold onto, was about to escape at the boisterous march that was a remix of the national anthem.

“Oppa will go down first.”

“Okay-, ehehe-.”

His sister might stumble and fall down the stairs.

Jin-hyuk, who was the first to step down the stairs, helped Yu-jin and Hong Su-jeong onto the ground.

“Iiiiii-.”

“…Please be careful.”

He also took Yu Se-ra’s hand and escorted her.

Jin Seon-gyu, who was terrified by the welcoming crowd, whispered something into Jin-hyuk’s ear while standing on tiptoes.

“Jin-hyuk, I was caught up in the moment and drunk, and I didn’t want to ask because I was afraid it would distract you, but I’m saying this now because it might be too late if I don’t. I was going to ask on the plane, but you were sleeping so soundly that I didn’t want to wake you-.”

Jin-hyuk, who had been walking slowly, chuckled.

It was when he saw Yu-jin running towards her mother over there.

“Why are you acting like a pushover?”

“No, well, it’s not exactly that- not that, but it’s kind of similar-.”

Jin Seon-gyu, who had maintained a high tension during the competition, seemed to have found his true self after stepping on his home soil.

He must be talking about the time he gave up the spikes.

He must also have had in mind the fact that he donated a plaque of appreciation to the hotel.

The rumor that Son Jin-hyuk was a pushover had already circled the globe.

The fact that he had taken out a loan to buy 6,000 keychains was also making the human world laugh.

“That’s what my dad taught me.”

“Dad?”

“Yes. Dad. He said that if I’m not the one who’s being harmed, it’s good to share. Even if I’m called a pushover, if I end up with more in the end, then I’m the one who’s earning. People remain. I gain allies.”

He probably said that when they were catching loaches [small freshwater fish] in the winter.

Jin-hyuk was just acting as he had learned from his father.

‘Was the song he sang back then Mechaander?’

This winter, he would have to dig up the winter rice paddies with Yu-jin and Jeong-won.

He would have to sing songs to his siblings with actions.

What songs do kids like these days?

His father probably didn’t say those words to guide his child’s actions or thoughts. It was probably just his usual thoughts that came out naturally. Still, his sincere words remained in Jin-hyuk’s heart and were still influencing him after a long time.

Like father, like son.

A pushover son comes from a pushover father.

What if he was a pushover? When he lived alone, he had no one to learn from, so he couldn’t even imitate it. If it wasn’t an evil act, Jin-hyuk was happy just by the fact that there was someone to imitate.

Jin Seon-gyu’s muttering entered Jin-hyuk’s ears as he smiled, lost in memories.

“He’s a respectable person.”

“He is respectable.”

Jin-hyuk pointed to someone with a small nod.

There, there was a man crying in his wife’s arms. As if he didn’t care about his daughter Yu-jin, who was squeezing between her parents.

“He’s consistent.”

A man who was more kind than anyone else in the world.

Jin-hyuk came from him.