The neighboring country, Japan. Despite being a neighboring country, those who studied Korea’s history often ended up disliking Japan.

Invasion. Colonization. That was the reason.

During the era when Korea was still called Joseon, there were invasions, colonization, and numerous wrongdoings committed by Japan. Even afterward, Japan never genuinely repented for its past actions toward Korea.

As a result, the emotional rift between the two countries' citizens grew deeper with time. Tourism and cultural exchanges, which were once frequent, dwindled to the point where they could be considered nearly nonexistent. It seemed as though the relationship was on the verge of erupting, like a volcano ready to blow at any moment.

Then, the Great Cataclysm began.

Gates. Dungeons. Monsters. The emergence of monsters, a shared enemy of humanity, redirected the focus of both nations to this common threat.

“I’m visiting Japan for the first time! I never thought I’d get to go to Japan.”

“Right? I want to visit Shinjuku in Tokyo and do some shopping this time!”

On the plane headed for Tokyo International Airport, the exchange scholarship students were all excitedly chatting about their visit to Japan after such a long time.

“Sungshik, have you been to Japan before?”

“Yeah, I’ve been there once before.”

Kim Subin’s tone was noticeably enthusiastic. She seemed thrilled about the trip to Japan.

Though Sungshik had visited Japan several times before his regression, this was, of course, his first visit since his return to the past.

“Wow, really? This is my first time. If we have some free time, let’s stop by Harajuku and buy some clothes!”

“Harajuku?”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s supposed to be the mecca of Japanese fashion!”

“Alright, if we have time, let’s go together.”

“Yay! It’s a promise!”

‘Harajuku, huh.’

A memory from the past suddenly crossed his mind. It was the origin point of a colossal monster that appeared during the second trial of the night.

‘The incomprehensible monster. Bulgasari.’

A colossal, evolving monster that consumed all metal and turned it into its strength. Before his regression, it had continued to grow, eventually becoming as powerful as the Lord of the Night.

‘And as a result, Japan was half-destroyed.’

Indeed, Japan was devastated not by the Lord of the Night but by a secondary monster known as “Bulgasari.” At the time, there were even emotional reactions from some quarters that took pleasure in Japan’s downfall.

However, with the massive catastrophe of the trials of the night looming over humanity, it was not appropriate to view Japan’s situation emotionally. Before his regression, Japan had fallen swiftly, receiving no aid from others.

But now, it was time for everyone to join forces.

‘This time, I must stop it.’

This time, he planned to prevent Bulgasari from undergoing its wild growth.

‘And if the source of that monster’s growth… is its unique trait.’

Perhaps Sungshik could “consume” that power for himself.

“Sungshik, I’m so excited for this trip!”

“Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it too.”

Looking at Kim Subin smiling brightly beside him, Sungshik smiled back warmly.

[Welcome to Tenri Academy.]

A large banner with a welcoming message hung over the main gate of Tenri Academy. Seeing it made the reality of visiting a Japanese academy as an exchange student sink in.

“Wow, the academy grounds are massive.”

The Korean students were amazed at the scenery visible through the windows of the shuttle bus. The grounds of Tenri Academy were far larger than they had imagined.

Before long, the students arrived at the dormitories within the academy and followed the directions to their respective rooms. Each student was assigned a single room.

‘Building B, Room 303.’

The room assigned to Sungshik was in Building B.

After unpacking his belongings in his room, he stepped out onto the terrace to enjoy the night view, only to frown slightly. He felt a prickly gaze coming from the terrace next door. Turning to confirm the source of the gaze, his frown deepened.

‘Everything’s great… but why is that guy in the next room?’

“You should consider yourself lucky for getting away with it last time.”

The owner of fiery red hair and eyes—an appearance that would draw attention anywhere—was none other than Kim Hoyun. His words were sharp as ever.

Just as Sungshik was about to grow irritated at the endless hostility, he sighed deeply and asked, “Look, let’s just get this straight. What exactly is your problem with me?”

He was genuinely curious. Before his regression, Kim Hoyun had never shown such animosity toward him. That made him even more curious.

From what Sungshik could guess, the only thing he might have done to upset Kim Hoyun after his regression was becoming closer to Kim Subin.

“Are you seriously telling me this is just because I’m friendly with Kim Subin?”

Flinch.

Sungshik’s pointed question struck a nerve. Kim Hoyun’s already red face flushed even darker. Grinding his teeth, he replied, “You… damn it. Fine. Yeah, I hate how close you are to Kim Subin.”

“Sigh. Whether I’m close to Kim Subin or not is something she decides, isn’t it?”

“Shut up. A guy who couldn’t even meet her eyes until recently, acting all cocky now…”

Unable to come up with a counterargument to Sungshik’s reasonable words, Kim Hoyun lashed out impulsively. His behavior was irrational, even considering his feelings for Kim Subin.

“Do you really like Kim Subin that much? Is that why you’re acting like this?”

“……”

Kim Hoyun suddenly recalled a memory from his past at Sungshik’s earnest question.

Chaebol. Kim Hoyun’s family was a prominent chaebol family with a long lineage even before the Great Cataclysm. The family had always valued pure bloodlines, emphasizing heritage. Marriages were conducted through arranged unions between prestigious families.

“No way! Over my dead body will I ever allow this marriage.”

A story straight out of a morning drama. His father, Kim Hojang, the youngest son of the family, fell in love with Shin Hyeon, a woman who had worked at a bar. Their relationship, as expected, was not approved by the family. Like the plot of a clichéd morning drama, they eloped, defying the vehement opposition of their household.

Carrying Shin Hyeon, who was pregnant with Kim Hoyun, Kim Hojang left his family. With the help of Hojang’s sister, who supported their love, they managed to make ends meet without much trouble.

But their eloped romance was short-lived.

Shin Hyeon was naturally frail. Her health deteriorated significantly during childbirth.

“Honey, I’m so sorry.”

“No, please don’t say that. I’ve never regretted meeting you, not even once.”

“I’m so, so sorry. If it hadn’t been for my selfishness…”

Shin Hyeon, with her weak constitution, gave birth to Kim Hoyun but passed away before he even entered elementary school. Kim Hojang was consumed by regret, always lamenting that if only he hadn’t dreamt of an impossible love, she might still be alive today.

After Shin Hyeon’s death, Kim Hojang and Kim Hoyun returned to the family home. However, Kim Hojang, weighed down by guilt and sorrow, couldn’t show proper love and affection to his son.

Thus, Kim Hoyun grew up neglected, treated as an unworthy member of the family due to his “lowly” bloodline. He was always starved for love and affection, which made him rash in his interactions with others. After the Great Cataclysm, the fiery energy within him only amplified his impulsive nature.

Then came his enrollment in the superhuman academy and his encounter with Kim Subin.

When Kim Hoyun first saw Kim Subin, he felt a faint attraction. It was because she vaguely reminded him of his late mother.

“This fell. Here, take care of your things better~”

One day, when his jacket slipped off the back of his chair without him noticing, Kim Subin kindly picked it up for him.

“Oh… uh, thanks.”

Was it a boyish crush during adolescence? That single act of kindness left a deep impression on Kim Hoyun.

From that moment, his feelings for Kim Subin began to grow. That small spark of affection had now turned into a flame that consumed his heart entirely.

It was no wonder that an ugly jealousy toward Sungshik, who had suddenly grown close to Kim Subin, arose. This was why Kim Hoyun was especially hostile toward him.

“Damn it, that irritating bastard.”

Kim Hoyun glared at Sungshik before turning and retreating into his room. As Sungshik watched him leave, he reflected on the emotions he had sensed in Hoyun’s gaze moments earlier.

“Longing. Envy. Jealousy. Bitterness.”

He wasn’t entirely sure, but he felt those emotions might have been present. Hoyun had been an annoying figure from the start, but today, just for a moment…

“Ugh, still annoying though.”

No matter how you looked at it, once a nuisance, always a nuisance.

“将来の韓国の英雄たちの訪問を心から歓迎します。”

In Tenri Academy’s auditorium, the academy’s director gave a brief welcoming speech from the podium before stepping down.

“Hey, what did he say?”

“Hmm, roughly something like ‘We sincerely welcome the visit of Korea’s future heroes.’”

“Oh, you know Japanese too?”

“Forgot already? I’m a Rank 2, so I bought a translation skill from the shop.”

“Oh, right. You’re Rank 2. For once, you’re actually living up to it.”

“What did you just say? Want to die?”

The welcome ceremony at Tenri Academy was quite grand. It was evident they wished to foster friendly relations with Korea.

It made sense. Japan was currently overwhelmed by the increasing frequency of gate appearances. Simply stabilizing the existing gates was already a challenge, and a gate break would likely lead to catastrophic consequences.

“So, in the end, they’re ready to ask for help from Korea, the country they hated so much.”

That was what had happened in the previous timeline as well.

Before Japan was completely devastated by the Night’s Trials and Bulgasari, the country had already reached a breaking point due to gate breaks. Unable to sustain itself, Japan had desperately turned to neighboring countries, especially Korea, begging for help and pleading to be saved just once.

“But back then, Korea was too overwhelmed dealing with its own gate breaks to help.”

At the time, Korea and other nearby countries were too preoccupied ensuring their own safety. By the time they could turn their attention to Japan, it was already in ruins. Thus, Japan began its decline.

“Hey, Sungshik.”

A sweet scent accompanied the voice calling Sungshik’s name. Turning toward the source, he saw Kim Subin and a boy who appeared to be their age standing beside her.

“Yeah. Hi.”

“Sungshik, there’s a friend who wanted me to introduce them to you, so I brought him along. This is Choi Moonguk, who was also selected as a scholarship student this time. He’s the same age as us!”

At Kim Subin’s words, Sungshik glanced at the boy called Choi Moonguk. He had a short buzz cut, sharp eyes, and a slim build, giving off a sleek impression.

“Hi? I’m Choi Moonguk. Nice to meet you.”

The boy, contrary to his sharp appearance, extended his hand and greeted with a surprisingly deep voice.

“Yeah. Nice to meet you. I’m Heo Sungshik.”

“I found your hearing in the Assembly so impressive.”

Choi Moonguk looked at Sungshik with sparkling eyes, as if gazing at a celebrity he admired.

‘Hmm, this is a bit overwhelming.’

“Uh… yeah. Thanks.”

“You’re the first person I’ve seen with both intelligence and strength like you. Is it true you took Kim Hoyun down in one blow?”

“Uh… well, yeah, but that was just luck.”

Perhaps feeling burdened by Moonguk’s intense gaze, Sungshik tried to remain humble.

“Ah, Moonguk, you’re making Sungshik uncomfortable,” interjected Kim Subin, unable to watch any longer.

“It’s okay. It happens.”

“Haha, sorry. I guess I came on too strong. But actually, there’s something I wanted to ask… The skill you used against Kim Hoyun—was it related to martial arts traits?”

Choi Moonguk suddenly hit him with a direct question.

“Oh… well, it’s something similar. Why do you ask?”

“I have a martial arts-related trait, so I was just curious.”

Hearing this, Sungshik was inwardly surprised. Those with martial arts traits were rare, and they typically had growth potential that was above average at the very least.

“Oh, really? Should we talk about it sometime later?”

“What? Why? What’s it about? Let me join too!”

Listening in, Kim Subin clung to the conversation, insisting on being included.

“Uh, well… that might be difficult, Subin. Sometimes men need to have private conversations.”

“What?! But I’ve gained weight lately… my weight is like a man’s!”

Where on her slender frame was she claiming to have gained weight? Pretending to pinch non-existent belly fat, she acted as though she was heavier, looking quite adorable.

At that moment, a young Japanese instructor appeared on the podium and began giving directions.

“Good day, everyone. We’ve prepared a welcome event for the heroes of Korea. Please proceed to the designated area under the guidance of the staff at the exit.”

“Oh, I guess we’re moving now?”

The process was swift. Tenri Academy had organized a grand event to welcome the Korean scholarship students. Many professors and student council members were involved in preparing the reception.

It was an occasion that drew the attention of many within the academy. Tonight was the opportunity.

‘There’s no need to delay. I’ll move tonight.’

This was the first step in Sungshik’s post-regression plan: obtaining his first additional trait. The journey to fastening the first button of this plan would begin tonight.