The Academy's Time Stop Player

Kim Hajoon didn't want to tire himself out.

Not to the extent of wasting his energy on a simple test like this.

Above all, he didn't want to push himself too hard when he hadn't even had a proper moment of enjoyment yet.

Therefore, his chosen strategy might seem regrettable for a man, but it was his only option.

'I apologize.'

Within the space where Time Stop (SSS) had been activated.

Hajoon thought about his opponent.

The tyrant, known for having the most aggressive nature among the great heroes.

There was indeed an option to merely disable his opponent using the release function, but that was not what he was aiming for.

Quietly apologizing in his heart to his opponent, Hajoon smacked him hard in the groin.

Though unsure how much of an impact his weak strike could inflict on someone who was a symbol of mighty strength in the past, wouldn't it at least make him flinch a little in that particular area?

After landing a single blow in that sensitive spot and deactivating the Time Stop (SSS),

"Hmm..."

"Wow..."

To be honest, no matter how unflappable Hajoon might be, he was slightly surprised by the situation.

What happened? Is he impotent?

How could he still be so unfazed after being hit there?

His expression remained as serene as it was before the blow.

He seemed utterly indifferent, looking down at me with an impassive expression, as if he hadn't felt even a hint of pain.

Then he spoke.

"Fascinating. When did you move?"

"You sensed that you've been hit?"

"You're fast, but you're far too weak. Truly hard to believe that this is the power of a superhuman."

"..."

Even a light hit in that area would still hurt, but he seems entirely undamaged...

Of course, Hajoon knew very well about his opponent's capabilities and strength.

Yet he held onto a small shred of hope, simply because his opponent was a man.

But considering his opponent's reaction, it seems like he made a mistake.

"Since you've played such a prank, I suppose I should give you a warning."

His mood seemed to have soured.

A red magical aura burst forth from his body, enveloping and intimidating Hajoon.

With fierce eyes and a deep, heavy voice, he issued a warning to Hajoon.

"I will give you three chances. If you still fail to move me, don't even think about passing this test. You've pranked me, of all people."

"Uh... sigh..."

At that, Hajoon let out a tired sigh.

Is this the only solution left to resolve this?

Crack, crack-

Hajoon stretched his neck, wrists, and shoulders, limbering up.

"Well, then..."

If he were to really let one rip, he could strike, but... he's not a villain, so that's not an option...

It will be tiring, but he had no choice but to use proper methods.

Hajoon activated the Time Stop (SSS) again.

"How peculiar..." mused Adrian Heights.

He had not intended to block the boy's attack, but it was surprising that he couldn't respond in time.

This piqued his curiosity.

What could this frail figure have possibly done to him?

Intrigued, he cast his gaze upon the boy.

As he did, he sensed something, and his eyes flickered.

Simultaneously, a small, calm smile curled up the corners of his mouth.

Something about the boy's casual relaxation reminded Adrian of sensations from his past. "Ho ho, interesting," he chuckled, realizing the initial strike was, in its way, a form of mercy from the boy.

'I may have retired from combat long ago...' His usually steady heart began to flutter and pound.

It was an exhilaration he hadn't felt in a long while.

His body, having long since surpassed the realm of superhuman, began to reveal the true essence of the boy.

That little hammer, that frail body, they all suddenly appeared as grand, as colossal as himself, if not more so.

The hammer even seemed large enough to envelop his massive physique.

With a snap, Adrian just tensed his entire body, an action as simple as flexing his muscles.

His superhuman body had transcended the ordinary, and this simple action of tensing could have easily morphed into an impenetrable shield.

"Well then..." Adrian's momentum ominously shifted. With his body still tensed, he addressed the boy. "Come on, kiddo."

In that instant, boom!!!

A potent impact flew straight at Adrian's chest.

Curling over, Adrian instinctively shielded his stomach.

The shock didn't cease, forcing him to slide backwards on the floor until, thud! His back hit the wall.

Still, the onslaught continued, reducing the wall to rubble.

Eventually, the wall burst apart with a deafening crash, and Adrian lay flat on the floor amid the rumble of the collapsing wall.

A few seconds of eerie silence passed after the incident.

[Sub Quest]

Eligible character for the quest: Kim Hajoon (Liber Laphilton Phil Ehrman)

Description: Make Adrian Heights move.

Reward: 3,000 Experience Points

[Success!]

[Rewards will be given.]

[Your level has increased!]

It seemed that the quest had passed, at least for now.

Hajoon turned his gaze back to Adrian. Isabella, who had quickly grasped the situation, ran towards Adrian. "Oh, Grandfather!" she cried out.

Simultaneously, the door of the dwelling burst open. Agents dressed in black suits rushed out, their faces filled with shock as they took in the situation and hurried towards Adrian. Some of them surrounded Hajoon – a minor detail.

He had been in a similar situation before...

Hajoon let out a tired sigh.

"Hmm..."

At that moment, Adrian slowly rose to his feet.

Immediately upon assessing the situation, Adrian began to vehemently order the agents.

"Everyone, out! There's nothing serious here."

"But, sir!"

"I'm perfectly fine. Leave at once."

At his command, the agents looked at each other and then promptly exited the dwelling. Adrian, completely unfazed, rose to his feet and locked eyes with Hajoon.

Slowly, Adrian dusted off the particles that had settled on his clothes and resumed his seat on the sofa.

Hajoon, silently watching him, let out a sigh and sank into the sofa facing Adrian.

Adrian questioned, his tone markedly softer than before, almost paternal.

"You've seen a lot of this old man, haven't you, lad?"

His manner of speaking resembled that of a grandfather addressing his grandchild.

"Truth be told, I already knew... but my curiosity got the better of me. I nearly died while testing it. Hahaha!"

Adrian laughed heartily at his own words, which caused Hajoon to furrow his brow.

"You already knew?"

"Of course. How could anyone with my magical prowess be a common man?"

Adrian's comment twisted Hajoon's expression. Seeing this, Adrian softened his smile and apologized to Hajoon.

"I'm sorry. You're the first of your kind I've met, and I guess my curiosity just got the best of me."

Adrian apologized, bowing his head slightly.

Hajoon just watched him with a blank expression and sank deeper into the sofa. He had only spent three days getting Adrian to move, but he regretted the time lost nonetheless.

"Well, a promise is a promise. I'll grant you a wish. Tell me what you want."

"Ah, well..."

Hajoon pondered quietly, his gaze drifting towards Isabella. He found that he didn't have a specific wish...

For now, Hajoon was just exhausted.

So tired, in fact, he wanted to collapse into bed right there.

"The two of you can talk first," Hajoon suggested.

With that, Hajoon slowly rose from the sofa and headed for the bedroom on the second floor of the dwelling. Upon hearing Hajoon's words, Adrian turned his gaze to Isabella.

"I see... Come, sit down here."

Bewildered, Isabella approached Adrian and took a seat on the sofa opposite him. Adrian, with a gentle expression, looked at Isabella and patted her head.

"Do you still stand by your decision?" Adrian asked.

"...Yes."

Upon hearing his question, Isabella nodded firmly.

And with clear, resolute eyes, she looked back at Adrian.

"Hmm..."

Adrian seemed to lose himself in thought for a moment.

Looking at Isabella with sorrowful eyes, he slowly closed them. When he opened his eyes again, there was a worried expression on his face.

"I can teach you. That will make you stronger than you are now. But, be aware, the gains may not match the effort."

"Are you sure about this?" Adrian was concerned.

Whatever influence the boy had on her, whether it was good or bad, it would be determined by her performance. If the results did not match her efforts, he knew his granddaughter would be heartbroken.

"Yes."

Despite this, his granddaughter answered resolutely, with a conviction to try irrespective of her innate talent.

Isabella recalls her grandfather's past words, that she didn't have the talent to become a hero. But rather than believing in that and staying idle, she wanted to try.

"I don't want to give up without even trying."

"Hmm... alright."

With those words, Adrian slowly rose from his seat.

He spoke again, "When you're finished in Korea, come to see me."

Upon hearing this, Isabella's face brightened.

Adrian, looking down at his granddaughter, thought of the boy.

Adrian asked, "So, when do you plan to return to Korea?"

"Oh, I'm thinking of going the day after tomorrow."

"Hmm... I see, that so."

Adrian stroked his chin beard lost in thought at her words.

With a smirk, he pondered internally, "Well, it's been a while since I've had a good time. I should return the favour."

"What?"

"Since you wasted time because of me, it's only fair that I make up for it with some enjoyment, isn't it?"

Late in the night.

When the time ticked past eight in the evening, Hajoon woke up from sleep with a crumpled expression.

Then, he sighed regretfully.

'I should have just used Time Stop and slept...'

However, it felt strange to sleep on a hardened bed...

Still, he couldn't help but feel vague regret.

Stretching, Hajoon climbed out of bed and headed down to the first floor.

And curiously enough, the broken wall had been restored.

Did someone fix it with magic?

Hajoon looked around and found Isabella sitting on the couch, smiling at him.

Hajoon asked,

"Where's the old man?"

"He went back."

"But why are you still here?"

Isabella pouted at his words.

Isabella responded,

"Grandfather asked me to."

"Asked?"

Isabella slowly rose from her seat.

She wore a smirk as she spoke,

"Take your time to think about your wish. And this is a reward for having fun."

"Huh?"

Immediately after, a knock-knock sound was heard. Hajoon quickly moved to the door and opened it.

In front of the door stood a woman who seemed to be an agent of the association, dressed in a suit.

Hajoon asked,

"Who are you?"

"Adrian Heights' Great Hero requested me. Where should I take you?"

At her words, a puzzled Hajoon turned his gaze back to Isabella.

Isabella smiled and said,

"You wanted to go on a food tour, didn't you?"

"Huh?"

"Tell me where you want to go. She'll take you there."

Only then did Hajoon understand the situation and let out a soft laugh.

"Can we use the gate for something like this?"

The gate is supposed to be used only in emergencies...

Isabella responded to his words with a confident smile,

"Our grandfather asked for it."

"Really? Then..."

Hajoon hadn't eaten dinner yet, and there were many things he wanted to eat.

"Then, recommend a good steak place."

At his words, Isabella nodded confidently.

"Leave it to me. I'll make sure you try everything you haven't eaten."