WHO: yuwon kim & everyone! WHAT: adding another catch-all into the mix & quests! WHERE: all over neo-tokyo, will update accordingly. WHEN: will include in the headers if relevant! WARNINGS: none for now, maybe just general violence?
naturally, he has a lot of questions, but none of them actually end up making their way out of his mouth. he supposed when it was time to fight, they'd all find out, anyway. there wasn't any real reason to focus in on it now, especially now that they're both just on their beds.
their beds, like it always belonged to him. ]
Am I supposed to guess that it's unsafe? Who else is here, but us and your buddy?
[ saying it like he's blaming jinwoo.... ]
It was too noisy. They played music the whole way here. [ gave him strange nicknames like "grumpy," and... can a hedgehog drive a van? yuwon isn't sure, but he doesn't want to think of that now. ]
Luckily for Yuwon, that bed wasn't taken by anyone. It's his for as long as he wants it, and Jinwoo doesn't have the energy to make a fuss over it after a long day of driving and testing out his limits. It's a relief to finally sit still for a moment, but he doesn't quite relax completely. Even now, his body hums with lingering energy, always prepared for something unexpected.
He eyes Yuwon sprawled out on the bed, looking far too comfortable despite the fact that just minutes ago, Jinwoo had nearly attacked him. ]
You never know. Someone could be trying to pull a fast one on us.
[ Spoken like someone who's used to getting hunted down... Anyway. ]
Noisy, huh? I didn't think you were part of that van. [ rip ] You should've just told them to shut up.
[ he can't be the only one to enjoy the jinwoo thirst traps... he needs to become worldwide
even if it was taken, he'd probably still feel pretty comfortable taking it up. it wouldn't be the first time he's stolen someone's choice napping spot. but maybe it is a relief that jinwoo isn't trying to fight him for it at least. the thought does get a small exhale of humor out of him, even if it comes with zero context.
still, he does think about jinwoo's reaction and he concludes that maybe the enemies his profile spoke of were viciously persistent. they must be. ]
On us, or you? [ lol. ]
Do you think all the people here are good at listening?
When Yuwon is trying to point out the semantics, Jinwoo can only shake his head. ]
Does it matter? You know what I meant.
[ Maybe he's warning the wrong guy. After all, that flame looked intriguing enough to make him wary. It's probably a good thing a fight didn't break out between the two of them, because he's not sure the camper van would've been able to withstand it. Same goes for the surrounding area. ]
That bad, huh? Then, you can stay here if you want. Nanami-ssi and I aren't that into parties.
he also shakes his head, even if he may be angled in a way that's not easy for jinwoo to see it. ] Doesn't it? If they're after you, what do I have to worry about? [ he says like this van isn't small enough where he'd be involved, whether he liked it or not. ]
I wasn't exactly asking for permission. But, thanks. [ there's no actual ill will to his words, however. just a touch of ironic humor, before he seems to move on easily enough. ] Really? Are amusement parks different?
[ HELLO??? i'm crying, the anime truly made that scene so much thirstier
Anyway, Jinwoo can only exhale a soft sigh. ]
You shouldn't have to worry about anything. I'll handle it myself, if they manage to find me here.
[ Honestly, he wouldn't put it past Antares to figure out where he's been whisked away, but until that happens, it'll probably be fine. Not that he'll stop ever being just a tiny bit paranoid.
Also, wow?? This guy?? ]
Funny you should say that, but the rides barely did anything to me. Guess they kinda lose their thrill when you're an S-Rank hunter.
[ now the ppl of syn just need their fix π₯Ί ( jinwoo voice ) just a little poke
the statement does get a curious sort of hum. he isn't sure if he finds jinwoo's confidence more entertaining, or the idea that he has enemies that must just be that persistent. he'd feel sorry for him if he were the type to, or so he thinks. ]
From what you said, they seem like a lot of trouble. So is that possible? [ for him not to involve anyone? either way, it's clear from yuwon's tone, he's not going to push the point. ]
Then what's thrilling for an S-rank hunter? [ he wonders if that was on par to being a high ranker in the tower, or if it's a power that exceeded that. looks like people really enjoyed their rankings... ]
That question gives him pause, making Jinwoo consider what to say. ]
... Who knows. But too many people have died already, so I won't let that happen again.
[ If that means he has to shoulder that burden on his own, then that's fine. He was already heading down that path regardless. ]
As for what's thrilling— a good fight? I haven't really thought about it. I didn't have a lot of free time once I was reassessed as one to figure that out.
Edited (it was just that one date...) 2025-02-10 02:47 (UTC)
he seems like a decent perso, maybe. not that yuwon passes such judgment easily, but he gets the feeling the words are sincere. perhaps, because they're too much the result of a sudden spur of conversation that he can't see it as anything else. ] I didn't realize people dying is your responsibility.
[ he says with a shrug, but he means more of himself.
still— he does smile when he hears the s-rank hunter's answer.
a good fight. ] Are you the kind of guy where that's all you think about? I'm surprised. [ but, it's not unfamiliar in some ways, and maybe that's why he likes it. jinwoo's answer, that is. ] Well, you'll have plenty of time to see if that's still what you find fun.
That earns a small huff, and then Jinwoo is settling into an even more comfortable position in bed. He remains facing the other man since sleep hasn't quite shaken off the lingering excess of tension in his body. It feels like he's revealed a lot of himself in so few words, but it's fine. At least what he's been saying is the truth. ]
If you want me to look away if something happens to you, I can do that.
[ It's a joke, but also? That'll be one less person to worry about if Yuwon says so!! ]
And what's the point of having all this strength if I can't put it to good use, right? [ Fighting someone stronger is always more interesting than the alternative, after all. ] But that's what people keep telling me. I'm curious how strong this imugi really is.
he can see jinwoo getting settled into bed from the corner of his eye, and he thinks he can relate somehow. that feeling of never truly allowing your mind to rest. even if the source of their worries were likely known only to themselves. it's also true that he trusts more in what he sees, and from that, maybe he feels like it's not like he has absolutely zero trust in jinwoo. ]
Do it. But, I'll do the same right back.
[ not that yuwon typically worries about other people to begin with, and it probably shows in the almost disinterest tone in which he says it. ]
Good, because I also don't leaving my hands idle. [ meaning, he'd ideally like to see him in action. but, more importantly: ] You mentioned leveling up. [ or his profile did. ] Have you done that here at all? [ ... and was the imugi a means to that? yuwon isn't sure if his own stats have really changed at all. ]
[ At least the two of them are the same page when it comes to that. Jinwoo also has an inkling that Yuwon can stand his ground on his own, but then again— the last time he thought very similarly, things unraveled faster than he realized. Well. Maybe it'll just be something he'll keep at the back of his mind.
He glances at the other man once he asks about the whole deal with leveling up. It takes him a moment to think of how he should answer this. ]
... It's hard to say. The system that allowed me to level up is already gone, so I might not be able to anymore. But who knows? The imugi just might give me enough points.
[ He sounds like a nerd, but leveling up has always been fun to him. Anyway. ]
You asked about titles before. Did you experience something similar?
[ from the beginning until this point. of course, it's based purely off speculation. the system also didn't apply here for him, either, and so he couldn't ascertain if that was the truth. if he had only one single thing to go by, it was the simple fact that he simply didn't feel any stronger. ]
But, don't you know it's rude to ask someone about their titles, levels, or stats? [ says yuwon who literally started it with his question on leveling up. but, it was also a fact that it was typically considered overly invasive in the tower. ]
Though, if I had to say, I might have come from somewhere where we had similar conventions. [ ... and while he's acting relatively composed about it, it is surprising to hear more about jinwoo's experiences, if just because... oddly enough, he could relate. as opposed to most people who compared such things to video games.
but, listen if jinwoo wants to maplestory, he'll meet him in kerning city. ]
[ calling out both your characters like this i'm so sorry
But either way, Jinwoo doesn't know how to feel about what he just heard. That this guy's stats haven't changed. He'd suspected that will be the case, but it doesn't mean he has to be happy hearing it practically confirmed. Maybe it'll be a different story once he fights against the imugi, but who knows? He might be better off expecting nothing will change at this point. ]
Does that mean there were others who also had stats that can change in your world? Because in mine, I was the only one who can level up.
[ They might as well compare notes since neither of them are attempting to get any sleep. Plus, this is a first for him. To meet someone who can understand what he'd been through. ]
[ in theory, is this his fault? probably, but he is refusing to take responsibility for it, even if he was the one who sparked this line of conversation. though, maybe it was worth it, if just because he feels like they did stumble upon some parallels. minus— ]
Yeah, anyone could do it. Some were more successful at it than others. I would also say a lot of people die... from the start, or simply give up and remain whatever level they were when they enter the tower. [ which is why floor 1 was so... occupied. ]
How does it feel being the only one who can level? [ he can't envision it would be very good. but, also: ] Does that mean some people just start off with higher stats? [ did that make them like like the purebreds of the tower? ]
[ Jinwoo wonders what that must have been like. To have many others be capable of becoming stronger just like him, because he knows a few who would've loved to have that chance. Maybe it would have tipped the scales, but he doubts things would change that much for him. He's only ever had one goal in mind. ]
... Some people don't want to fight, so I can't blame them for keeping the same level.
[ It makes him think of people like Lee Joohee or Min Byung-gu. Not everyone thinks like him. ]
But how it works in my world is that your mana levels are assessed when you awaken, and whatever rank you're given is what you get. It's probably a good thing that I was the only one who can level because I know a few people who would've taken advantage of it, and not in a good way.
[ ... ]
Where do you fall? Are you the strongest where you're from?
Yeah, I figure. There are guys who amass power for all kinds of reason.
[ some did it just to increase their rank, or show off their stength. others did it to poison the tower and extend their influence all throughout. some even had connections with the outer gods themselves and acted as no more than their vessels, but yuwon doesn't want to think about that now.
he can't say one way is better than another. though, as someone who regressed and felt entirely alone in his venture, he could probably say with some level of conviction that he wouldn't envy jinwoo being the only one could level up. regardless, he shakes his head. ]
Being the only one... [ well, jinwoo should be powerful. yuwon can't help but have the same question on the tip of his tongue, but jinwoo beats him to the punch.
yuwon pauses, before he says matter-of-factly: ] I don't even rank. I'm just a player. [ as opposed to a "ranker." it's not a lie, but it probably didn't encompass the full truth, either. which is why he follows it up with: ] But, I can hold my own when I need to.
[ The look on Jinwoo's face says it all. He doesn't entirely believe it when Yuwon says that he's merely a player, because Jinwoo himself is one too, and look at what that meant in his world. Not that he'll pry any further, because he doesn't care all that much in the end.
He's sure the fight against the imugi will bring out the truth one way or another. ]
That's funny. I'm a player too, or I used to be. [ Well. He's sure his profile from before made that clear, but since they're playing let's give the least amount of information possible... It's only fair, isn't it? ]
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stop....
naturally, he has a lot of questions, but none of them actually end up making their way out of his mouth. he supposed when it was time to fight, they'd all find out, anyway. there wasn't any real reason to focus in on it now, especially now that they're both just on their beds.
their beds, like it always belonged to him. ]
Am I supposed to guess that it's unsafe? Who else is here, but us and your buddy?
[ saying it like he's blaming jinwoo.... ]
It was too noisy. They played music the whole way here. [ gave him strange nicknames like "grumpy," and... can a hedgehog drive a van? yuwon isn't sure, but he doesn't want to think of that now. ]
but it's true...
Luckily for Yuwon, that bed wasn't taken by anyone. It's his for as long as he wants it, and Jinwoo doesn't have the energy to make a fuss over it after a long day of driving and testing out his limits. It's a relief to finally sit still for a moment, but he doesn't quite relax completely. Even now, his body hums with lingering energy, always prepared for something unexpected.
He eyes Yuwon sprawled out on the bed, looking far too comfortable despite the fact that just minutes ago, Jinwoo had nearly attacked him. ]
You never know. Someone could be trying to pull a fast one on us.
[ Spoken like someone who's used to getting hunted down... Anyway. ]
Noisy, huh? I didn't think you were part of that van. [ rip ] You should've just told them to shut up.
no subject
even if it was taken, he'd probably still feel pretty comfortable taking it up. it wouldn't be the first time he's stolen someone's choice napping spot. but maybe it is a relief that jinwoo isn't trying to fight him for it at least. the thought does get a small exhale of humor out of him, even if it comes with zero context.
still, he does think about jinwoo's reaction and he concludes that maybe the enemies his profile spoke of were viciously persistent. they must be. ]
On us, or you? [ lol. ]
Do you think all the people here are good at listening?
no subject
When Yuwon is trying to point out the semantics, Jinwoo can only shake his head. ]
Does it matter? You know what I meant.
[ Maybe he's warning the wrong guy. After all, that flame looked intriguing enough to make him wary. It's probably a good thing a fight didn't break out between the two of them, because he's not sure the camper van would've been able to withstand it. Same goes for the surrounding area. ]
That bad, huh? Then, you can stay here if you want. Nanami-ssi and I aren't that into parties.
[ So it'll be quieter. ]
no subject
he also shakes his head, even if he may be angled in a way that's not easy for jinwoo to see it. ] Doesn't it? If they're after you, what do I have to worry about? [ he says like this van isn't small enough where he'd be involved, whether he liked it or not. ]
I wasn't exactly asking for permission. But, thanks. [ there's no actual ill will to his words, however. just a touch of ironic humor, before he seems to move on easily enough. ] Really? Are amusement parks different?
no subject
Anyway, Jinwoo can only exhale a soft sigh. ]
You shouldn't have to worry about anything. I'll handle it myself, if they manage to find me here.
[ Honestly, he wouldn't put it past Antares to figure out where he's been whisked away, but until that happens, it'll probably be fine. Not that he'll stop ever being just a tiny bit paranoid.
Also, wow?? This guy?? ]
Funny you should say that, but the rides barely did anything to me. Guess they kinda lose their thrill when you're an S-Rank hunter.
no subject
the statement does get a curious sort of hum. he isn't sure if he finds jinwoo's confidence more entertaining, or the idea that he has enemies that must just be that persistent. he'd feel sorry for him if he were the type to, or so he thinks. ]
From what you said, they seem like a lot of trouble. So is that possible? [ for him not to involve anyone? either way, it's clear from yuwon's tone, he's not going to push the point. ]
Then what's thrilling for an S-rank hunter? [ he wonders if that was on par to being a high ranker in the tower, or if it's a power that exceeded that. looks like people really enjoyed their rankings... ]
no subject
That question gives him pause, making Jinwoo consider what to say. ]
... Who knows. But too many people have died already, so I won't let that happen again.
[ If that means he has to shoulder that burden on his own, then that's fine. He was already heading down that path regardless. ]
As for what's thrilling— a good fight? I haven't really thought about it. I didn't have a lot of free time once I was reassessed as one to figure that out.
no subject
he seems like a decent perso, maybe. not that yuwon passes such judgment easily, but he gets the feeling the words are sincere. perhaps, because they're too much the result of a sudden spur of conversation that he can't see it as anything else. ] I didn't realize people dying is your responsibility.
[ he says with a shrug, but he means more of himself.
still— he does smile when he hears the s-rank hunter's answer.
a good fight. ] Are you the kind of guy where that's all you think about? I'm surprised. [ but, it's not unfamiliar in some ways, and maybe that's why he likes it. jinwoo's answer, that is. ] Well, you'll have plenty of time to see if that's still what you find fun.
no subject
That earns a small huff, and then Jinwoo is settling into an even more comfortable position in bed. He remains facing the other man since sleep hasn't quite shaken off the lingering excess of tension in his body. It feels like he's revealed a lot of himself in so few words, but it's fine. At least what he's been saying is the truth. ]
If you want me to look away if something happens to you, I can do that.
[ It's a joke, but also? That'll be one less person to worry about if Yuwon says so!! ]
And what's the point of having all this strength if I can't put it to good use, right? [ Fighting someone stronger is always more interesting than the alternative, after all. ] But that's what people keep telling me. I'm curious how strong this imugi really is.
no subject
he can see jinwoo getting settled into bed from the corner of his eye, and he thinks he can relate somehow. that feeling of never truly allowing your mind to rest. even if the source of their worries were likely known only to themselves. it's also true that he trusts more in what he sees, and from that, maybe he feels like it's not like he has absolutely zero trust in jinwoo. ]
Do it. But, I'll do the same right back.
[ not that yuwon typically worries about other people to begin with, and it probably shows in the almost disinterest tone in which he says it. ]
Good, because I also don't leaving my hands idle. [ meaning, he'd ideally like to see him in action. but, more importantly: ] You mentioned leveling up. [ or his profile did. ] Have you done that here at all? [ ... and was the imugi a means to that? yuwon isn't sure if his own stats have really changed at all. ]
no subject
He glances at the other man once he asks about the whole deal with leveling up. It takes him a moment to think of how he should answer this. ]
... It's hard to say. The system that allowed me to level up is already gone, so I might not be able to anymore. But who knows? The imugi just might give me enough points.
[ He sounds like a nerd, but leveling up has always been fun to him. Anyway. ]
You asked about titles before. Did you experience something similar?
[ Or was Yuwon a True Gamer? ]
no subject
[ from the beginning until this point. of course, it's based purely off speculation. the system also didn't apply here for him, either, and so he couldn't ascertain if that was the truth. if he had only one single thing to go by, it was the simple fact that he simply didn't feel any stronger. ]
But, don't you know it's rude to ask someone about their titles, levels, or stats? [ says yuwon who literally started it with his question on leveling up. but, it was also a fact that it was typically considered overly invasive in the tower. ]
Though, if I had to say, I might have come from somewhere where we had similar conventions. [ ... and while he's acting relatively composed about it, it is surprising to hear more about jinwoo's experiences, if just because... oddly enough, he could relate. as opposed to most people who compared such things to video games.
but, listen if jinwoo wants to maplestory, he'll meet him in kerning city. ]
no subject
[ calling out both your characters like this i'm so sorry
But either way, Jinwoo doesn't know how to feel about what he just heard. That this guy's stats haven't changed. He'd suspected that will be the case, but it doesn't mean he has to be happy hearing it practically confirmed. Maybe it'll be a different story once he fights against the imugi, but who knows? He might be better off expecting nothing will change at this point. ]
Does that mean there were others who also had stats that can change in your world? Because in mine, I was the only one who can level up.
[ They might as well compare notes since neither of them are attempting to get any sleep. Plus, this is a first for him. To meet someone who can understand what he'd been through. ]
no subject
[ in theory, is this his fault? probably, but he is refusing to take responsibility for it, even if he was the one who sparked this line of conversation. though, maybe it was worth it, if just because he feels like they did stumble upon some parallels. minus— ]
Yeah, anyone could do it. Some were more successful at it than others. I would also say a lot of people die... from the start, or simply give up and remain whatever level they were when they enter the tower. [ which is why floor 1 was so... occupied. ]
How does it feel being the only one who can level? [ he can't envision it would be very good. but, also: ] Does that mean some people just start off with higher stats? [ did that make them like like the purebreds of the tower? ]
no subject
... Some people don't want to fight, so I can't blame them for keeping the same level.
[ It makes him think of people like Lee Joohee or Min Byung-gu. Not everyone thinks like him. ]
But how it works in my world is that your mana levels are assessed when you awaken, and whatever rank you're given is what you get. It's probably a good thing that I was the only one who can level because I know a few people who would've taken advantage of it, and not in a good way.
[ ... ]
Where do you fall? Are you the strongest where you're from?
no subject
[ some did it just to increase their rank, or show off their stength. others did it to poison the tower and extend their influence all throughout. some even had connections with the outer gods themselves and acted as no more than their vessels, but yuwon doesn't want to think about that now.
he can't say one way is better than another. though, as someone who regressed and felt entirely alone in his venture, he could probably say with some level of conviction that he wouldn't envy jinwoo being the only one could level up. regardless, he shakes his head. ]
Being the only one... [ well, jinwoo should be powerful. yuwon can't help but have the same question on the tip of his tongue, but jinwoo beats him to the punch.
yuwon pauses, before he says matter-of-factly: ] I don't even rank. I'm just a player. [ as opposed to a "ranker." it's not a lie, but it probably didn't encompass the full truth, either. which is why he follows it up with: ] But, I can hold my own when I need to.
What about you?
no subject
He's sure the fight against the imugi will bring out the truth one way or another. ]
That's funny. I'm a player too, or I used to be. [ Well. He's sure his profile from before made that clear, but since they're playing let's give the least amount of information possible... It's only fair, isn't it? ]
Are you giving up on sleep?