Breathing Life into Real Dolls

1.

The day after the festival, the representatives of the D-Mart survivors were suddenly summoned for a meeting after lunch.

The entrance was closed, and everyone took their seats.

I scanned the room once and then began.

“Is there anyone here who hasn’t read the post about the B-grade rift that was uploaded to the community?”

“……”

“I see you are all aware then. You’re also familiar with the comment I wrote.”

Everyone nodded.

I continued, nodding as well.

“Only Serena, Ciel, and I will be going from D-Mart. The rest of the ability users, please focus on guarding the vicinity of D-Mart.”

As I finished, Mr. Sangdeok raised his hand.

“When do you plan to leave?”

“We will prepare what’s necessary today and fly out tomorrow morning.”

“In that case, I’ll pack about three days’ worth of non-perishable meals. You can store the meals in a refrigerator and heat them up when you want.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you? It’s something we should obviously do. We should be the ones thanking you for sealing the rift.”

Without responding, I just smiled.

The meeting then proceeded to check the next farming schedule and crop list before concluding.

Originally, the meeting was held just to inform them about my brief departure to the Haneul Nuclear Power Plant, so it ended swiftly.

As everyone started to leave the meeting room, I headed towards the exit. A voice called out from behind me.

“Hyung-nim!”

It was Baek Jihun.

“Do you have a moment?”

2.

“What did you want to discuss that you had to bring me all the way here?”

The place Baek Jihun brought me to was the rooftop.

In response to my question, he showed an awkward smile and pointed upwards.

“I wanted to talk while looking at the sky. It feels suffocating staying inside a room.”

“……”

I also looked up at the sky, following Baek Jihun’s gaze.

White clouds floated in the blue sky. The protective shield of the Land of Hope seemed to wrap around it, making it appear as though it had a faint golden filter.

“Hyung-nim.”

“Hm?”

When I looked back down, Baek Jihun was looking at me.

“You’ve been busy lately, right?”

“Yeah, kinda.”

“I think it’s important to take a break once in a while.”

“…Is that what you wanted to talk about?”

“Geez, you’re so impatient.”

Baek Jihun continued with a serious look.

“I’m worried about you. Judging by your complexion at the start of the meeting earlier, you looked like someone carrying a bag of cement on each shoulder.”

“……Did I?”

It seemed I had inadvertently let my exhaustion show.

The pressure I felt after reading the community comments…

But then, Baek Jihun, like a ghost, pointed it out.

“Is it because of online opinions?”

I replied, a bit taken aback.

“…How did you know?”

Was I that easy to read?

Baek Jihun replied with a sly smile.

“Hyung-nim. I was a pro gamer. Getting bashed online was my expertise.”

“You, Jihun? How? You always won.”

“That’s why. If I didn’t carry even one match, immediately I’d become ‘washed up,’ ‘trash,’ and ‘someone to be gotten rid of.’ I’ve really heard all sorts of things.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, really.”

I was genuinely surprised.

When Baek Jihun was active, I only watched major big matches and only visited the community when my favorite team won.

So, from what I saw, posts were always praising Baek Jihun.

“Occasionally, when I had a poor game and was carried by my team members, the community’s popular posts would be flooded with comments like ‘Isn’t Baek Jihun’s form dropping?’ or ‘Isn’t he washed up and just getting carried by his team now?’”

“But in the end, you proved them wrong.”

“Yes, I did. But still, it’s the same. If I make a mistake next time, the same comments will appear again. Aren’t you also afraid, Hyung-nim? Thinking, ‘Even if I handle this B-grade rift well now, can I consistently do so in the future? Can I always meet expectations?’ That’s what you’re thinking, right?”

“…Yes.”

Baek Jihun had precisely discerned my emotional state.

Because he had already experienced it in the past.

So then…

“Is there a solution?”

“Of course.”

He said as if it were very simple.

“Just don’t pay attention.”

“…?”

“No matter what people say or expect from you online, don’t pay it any mind.”

“…Is that it?”

I was a bit incredulous.

Of course, I, too, want to not care.

But if it were that easy, I wouldn’t be worrying.

Seeing my dubious expression, Baek Jihun replied with a laugh.

“Hyung-nim, the first time I encountered thousands of people bashing me in the community was 2 years ago when I was only 18. My mental strength was much weaker than it is now. After seeing those derogatory posts about me, I was so shocked that I couldn’t eat properly for days. I just didn’t have the appetite.”

“…”

“So I called my sister for advice. People say siblings often fight, but I’ve always been pretty close with my sister. Do you know what she told me?”

Beaming, Baek Jihun asked me.

Seeing his infectious grin, I replied half-jokingly,

“Don’t tell me… she said ‘just don’t pay attention’?”

“Oh, correct. Yes, she did. She told me, ‘No matter what they say, just don’t pay it any mind.’”

“…And you were able to not care after that?”

“Of course not. I had the same look as you just now, dubious. I told her I wouldn’t have sought advice if it was that easy. But then she said, ‘Instead of worrying about those people, think of the ones who love you. Even if you rank last in the league, even if the whole world criticizes you, I’ll always be on your side.’”

“…”

With a slightly embarrassed look, Baek Jihun scratched the corner of his eye as he continued.

“After hearing that, it was almost like magic – I didn’t care anymore. So… even though the thought of getting bashed by many was terrifying to me before, suddenly, it felt okay. Knowing that there’s someone always on my side made me feel at ease.”

“…”

Hearing this, the first people who came to my mind were Serena and Ciel.

Thinking about it, I had already felt the meaning of those words in my life.

Whenever I teased Serena and Ciel with various mischievous pranks, I would think:

‘Ah, no matter what I do, these kids will always be on my side. They will always look only at me.’

Every time I had this thought, I felt an overwhelming warmth.

At the same time, I also felt the need to treat them even better.

Noticing my silent contemplation, Baek Jihun gave an awkward smile and said,

“…Was that too cliché?”

“No, it was really helpful. Truly.”

At my earnest response, the young man smiled brightly.

“That’s good to hear. You have me, right? And there’s also Serena and Ciel. Plus, even my sister. Regardless of what the world says, always remember that at least I will always be on your side.”

“… You’re not gay, are you?”

“Come on, Hyung-nim. Right now, after such a heartfelt conversation…”

“Just kidding, just kidding.”

Baek Jihun burst out with a slightly incredulous laugh.

Seeing him like this suddenly reminded me.

Of the time when he had bravely announced he would act as a decoy, dubbing himself the “Land of Hope ability user”.

The desperate expression on his face, wanting to find his place no matter what.

I patted Baek Jihun’s shoulder. In response, he looked a bit puzzled.

“Ah, Hyung-nim. I like women, too.”

“Jihun.”

“…Yes?”

“Never forget that there are people who will always be on your side. You don’t need to take on dangerous roles willingly. Don’t rush things.”

“…”

Realizing the meaning behind my words, Baek Jihun stared at me with a flustered look for a long time.

Then, the young man responded with a smirk.

“I was trying to play a cool role today. Well, I got served there, Hyung-nim. I’ll never forget this. Thank you.”

“It’s me who should be thankful.”

We lightly bumped fists.

It was a manly gesture of friendship.

Although Baek Jihun and I were always close, to be honest, that closeness initially stemmed from a certain degree of fanboy admiration on my part.

Because he was a famous pro gamer.

Because I had been cheering for that unparalleled genius of a pro gamer.

However, putting aside that fanboy sentiment today, I felt genuinely close to him as a person.

In short… Baek Jihun was genuinely a great guy.

3.

After various preparations, a new day dawned.

In front of me, as I was preparing to depart from the rooftop, several people came to say goodbye.

Given that I was heading to seal the first-ever B-grade rift, the atmosphere felt like sending off someone embarking on a long journey.

First, Mr. Sangdeok handed me a bundle.

“Here, I’ve prepared a lunchbox and preserved food. Eat well, and take care on your journey. A full stomach will help you fight better.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll enjoy the lunchbox.”

Next, Lee Jinah greeted me.

“Please, Captain, don’t get hurt and return safely.”

“Yeah. It’s just a B-grade. It shouldn’t be a problem.”

The next one was Han Miin.

“I wish I could go to film it as well…”

“It’s dangerous. Plus, with three of us hanging on, it’ll be too burdensome for Ciel..”

“Ugh. I know. Be careful. Don’t let your guard down.”

“Okay, thanks.”

Next was Baek Jihun.

“Hyung-nim, don’t forget what I told you.”

“You too.”

Baek Jihun nodded.

Men didn’t need many words between them.

Lastly, Baek Seona stepped forward.

“You looked pretty down during the meeting yesterday. You seem better now. Something good happened?”

“Well… something like that.”

Trying to brush it off vaguely, Baek Seona tilted her head and then said with a smile,

“I’m relieved. I was worried you might be feeling pressured after reading the community comments.”

“…”

… She was spot on.

Did Baek Jihun tell her?

When I widened my eyes and sneaked a glance at Baek Jihun, he shook his head in a similar expression as mine.

Then, Baek Seona continued,

“But… if ever you feel burdened, think of me. Even if the community suddenly turns against you or the whole world dislikes you, I’ll always be on Doha Oppa’s side.”

“…”

“…Pff. Hehehe…”

After a brief silence, Baek Jihun couldn’t hold back his laughter.

Baek Seona glared at him with a piercing look.

“What’s so funny?”

“No, hehe… it’s not that…”

“Hey! I’m saying something nice here. Why are you laughing at me?”

I, too, chuckled.

These siblings, really… are cut from the same cloth.

And then, it struck me anew.

Indeed, Baek Seona was truly a wonderful woman.

4.

Eventually, after exchanging goodbyes and leaving D-Mart in the middle of the flight, Serena, who had been quiet for a while, spoke up.

“…Master!”

“Hmm?”

“I’m on your side too! Me too…!”

… I wondered what she had been thinking about. Did she fret just to say this?

Serena, hanging onto Ciel, her shining golden hair fluttering in the air, spoke with determination.

She seemed to be struggling to articulate some deep emotion, her brows furrowing.

“Whenever you’re feeling down, just look beside you! You don’t even need to remember; I’ll always be right there with you!”

“…”

I was momentarily lost for words.

In her direct gaze and green eyes, I felt Serena’s sincerity.

While searching for words, I heard Ciel’s voice from above.

“Me too. I feel the same as my sister, Master.”

“That’s right!”

Serena quickly chimed in agreement with her younger sibling’s words.

When I looked up, I saw Ciel’s golden eyes watching me even while flying.

“…Serena, Ciel. Thank you, really.”

My throat was too tight to say anything other than thanks.

Why was I becoming so sentimental? Was I hitting middle age already…?

Suddenly, I felt truly fortunate.

The burden that had settled in a corner of my heart seemed to have melted away like snow.

Thus, we flew in this warm atmosphere.

Heading towards Haneul Nuclear Power Plant, where the B-Class Rift awaited.