Reality Quest: Lookism

On Patreon I'm posting the initial drafts of the solo levelling fic, i might change them or not, but yeah.

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Dowan answered the phone. "Siyeon, what's going on?"

Siyeon's voice was sharp and laced with frustration. "You messed up big time."

Dowan frowned, looking at Jin. "What do you mean?"

Siyeon let out a long sigh. "The Bully Council allows its members to fight each other, sure, but annihilating an entire dong is crossing the line. Headquarters just sent out a notice to everyone. You and Se-hoon have been labeled as traitors for destroying Bongcheon-dong. And they've named Jin and some skinny guy as your accomplices."

Yu, leaning casually against the wall, glanced up at the mention of "skinny guy." He tilted his head slightly. "Me."

Siyeon's frustration turned into curiosity. "Who's that?"

Yu didn't answer, his expression indifferent as he turned his gaze elsewhere.

Siyeon groaned. "Fine, whatever. Your photos and updated profiles are now all over the Council's group chat. Everyone knows who you are and what you've done."

Dowan frowned. "What else?"

"They've updated your threat levels." Siyeon explained. "Jin is now classified as an Upper Executive. Dowan, you're Lower Executive, and Se-hoon is Associate Level. As for the skinny guy…"

She paused.

"He's not ranked due to a lack of information."

Yu, still silent, didn't react.

Jin, in a calm and low voice interrupted. "Where is Seowon-dong's base?"

Siyeon paused again, clearly taken aback. "Wait. Don't tell me… Are you planning to go after Kang In Kang?"

"No." Jin said in a colder tone than before. "I'm planning to cripple him."

The room fell into heavy silence. Jin's parents exchanged a worried glance, while Dowan and Se-hoon both looked at Jin in surprise.

Mrs. Lee stood abruptly, her voice trembling slightly. "Jin, this isn't the way. You're better than this."

Mr. Lee nodded, his tone firm. "Listen to your mother. Beating him is one thing, but crippling him? That's crossing a line you can't come back from."

Siyeon chimed in, her tone urgent. "Jin, think this through. You're already a high-level target. If you go too far, you'll put everyone, your friends, your family, in even more danger."

Jin stood still, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he let out a deep sigh. "You're right. I let my emotions get the better of me."

Everyone seemed to relax slightly at his words, but Jin's gaze remained cold. "That doesn't change the fact that Kang In Kang needs to be dealt with."

Dowan broke the tense silence. "So, what happens now?"

Siyeon sighed. "Dowan, Se-hoon… since the Council labeled you traitors, you're now fair game. Anyone can come after you, representatives, their men, even outsiders looking to earn favor."

Dowan clenched his fists, but he said nothing. Se-hoon, leaning against the wall, glanced at Jin, his usual defiance replaced with quiet contemplation.

"I'll keep you updated if I hear anything else." Siyeon continued. "But for now, you need to lay low. Don't draw any more attention to yourselves."

Jin, still focused, spoke again. "Where is Seowon-dong's base?"

Siyeon hesitated. "You're really going to do this, aren't you?"

"Yes."

She sighed heavily. "Fine. I'll send you the location. But Jin… don't do anything reckless. You've already stirred up enough trouble."

"Thank you." Jin replied calmly.

The call ended, leaving the room in an uneasy silence.

Dowan looked at Jin, concern clear in his eyes. "What's the plan now?"

Jin looked back at him, his expression cold and resolute. "We take down Seowon-dong and then we lay low untill the end of the holidays, we need to become stronger."

Se-hoon hearing this nodded, while Dowan looked at his quest system wondering what the rewards will be.

Yu instead, didn't have any care in the world.

Jin turned toward Jihan. "Can my parents stay here for the time being? Just until this mess dies down."

Jihan's face softened, and he nodded without hesitation. "Of course. They're welcome to stay as long as they need."

Mrs. Lee placed a hand on her chest, her voice trembling slightly. "Thank you, Jihan. This means so much to us."

Jihan smiled kindly. "It's the least I can do."

While the others began to settle, Dowan pulled Se-Hoon aside, his expression uneasy. "Se-Hoon." he began, hesitating for a moment. "I… I'm sorry. I dragged you into this mess. If I'd been more careful, maybe-"

Se-Hoon cut him off, his tone sharper and more serious than usual. "Stop." His eyes met Dowan's, a resolute fire burning in them. "I chose to fight with you, Dowan. You didn't drag me anywhere."

Dowan opened his mouth to respond, but Se-Hoon continued, his voice quieter now. "But this isn't enough for me. I need to get stronger. I've decided to go on a training journey."

Dowan blinked, the weight of Se-Hoon's words sinking in. The usual cocky smirk was gone, replaced by a calm seriousness that made Dowan realize just how determined his ally had become.

"Se-Hoon…" Dowan began, but the other simply nodded.

"I'll come back stronger." Se-Hoon said firmly. "You'll see."

....

Time passed, and the group eventually dispersed, returning to their respective homes. The night settled in, quiet but heavy with unspoken thoughts.

In the spacious living room of Jihan's mansion, Jin sat across from Jihan, the two bathed in the soft glow of the overhead lights. The atmosphere was calmer, but an unspoken intensity lingered.

"Have you thought about the offer?" Jin asked suddenly, his voice even.

Jihan tilted his head. "The sports and martial training?"

Jin nodded, leaning back slightly.

Jihan hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. I'm ready to teach you everything I know."

To Jihan's surprise, Jin shook his head. "That won't be necessary anymore."

Jihan blinked. "What do you mean?"

Jin leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he looked directly at Jihan. "I have another favor to ask. Se-Hoon needs guidance, and you're the perfect person to suggest a good place for him to train. Somewhere that'll push him to his limits."

Jihan nodded slowly. "And what about the other favor?"

Jin's gaze shifted slightly, focusing on the shadows cast across the room. "Yu needs someone to teach him. Not just about fighting, but about having a moral code. He needs to understand why we fight, not just how. And I think you're the right person for that."

Jihan's eyes widened slightly, the weight of Jin's request sinking in. He sat back, pondering it for a moment before giving a small nod. "I'll do it."

Jin stood up, his movements deliberate as he adjusted his coat with his ruined clothes under. "Thanks." he said simply.

As Jin turned to leave, Jihan spoke, his voice soft but carrying an edge of understanding. "You're going there immediately, aren't you?"

Jin stopped, his back still to Jihan. He remained silent for a moment before answering.

"Yes."

Without another word, Jin walked out of the room, his footsteps fading into the quiet night.

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1141 words.