* * *
Doyoung’s eyebrows furrowed, though he was oblivious to how the expression itself mirrored Beom Sinje’s mannerisms.
It made sense, though.
Of all people, Beom Sinje had spent the most time observing Doyoung, getting to know the sides of him he rarely revealed.
Of course, Beom Sinje was also keenly aware that he still wasn’t at a level where he could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Doyoung.
“Not that I particularly want to.”
In fact, showing vulnerability might even be to his advantage—keeping Doyoung’s attention tethered to him just a bit longer.
As their conversation continued, the plane reached cruising altitude.
Taking the tablet from Beom Sinje, Doyoung began reviewing the list of guild members.
“Since they want strengthening drugs, we’ll probably focus on hunters skilled in close combat…”
As he thought, he glanced at his own arm.
“I haven’t had time to check my condition properly since Beom Sinje’s been around so much.”
Between spending most nights in Beom Sinje’s arms and catching up on sleep or recovering during the day, Doyoung hadn’t had a moment to assess the state of his hidden abilities.
“Beom Sinje.”
The man, who had been mid-conversation with another guild member, turned to him instantly.
“Yes, hyung.”
The tenderness in his response was something Doyoung hadn’t fully grasped before.
But now, as their eyes met, certain realizations began to click into place.
‘So that’s how he looked at me.’
Clearing his throat to push back an unfamiliar tightness in his chest, Doyoung spoke again.
“I have something to ask. If you’re not busy, can I ask now?”
“Of course, go ahead.”
Even as Park Chanoh, who was discussing work with him, waited nearby, Beom Sinje’s attitude of prioritizing him made Doyoung’s palms itch uncomfortably again.
“You took it too back then, didn’t you? Did you notice any significant effects?”
Beom Sinje paused, seemingly recalling the incident, before narrowing his eyes slightly as he looked at Doyoung.
“There was definitely a sense of explosive strength enhancement.”
“Really? How did it compare to the abilities you usually use?”
“It felt like it increased by about 1.5 times, but I can’t be sure. I didn’t measure it precisely. Still, I could definitely tell I was stronger than usual.”
No, it was more than that.
Beom Sinje flexed his arm, making his muscles swell, as he added further explanation.
“Especially here, this muscle seems to have been enhanced. I wonder if it’s even possible for a drug to target specific areas like this.”
Doyoung’s gaze was naturally drawn to the taut, sturdy arm.
“With muscles like that, it’s no wonder he lifted me up so effortlessly.”
Without realizing it, Doyoung had already linked it to his own experience with Beom Sinje.
Unaware of the connection he was making, he asked another question.
“So you’re saying your right arm became stronger?”
“Yes.”
“How long did the effect last?”
“Let’s see. I think it lasted for about an hour…”
“And after that?”
When Doyoung pressed further out of curiosity, Beom Sinje didn’t answer right away.
Instead, he stared at him for a moment, then smiled awkwardly, as if troubled.
“After that, something else came up, so I didn’t have the chance to check further.”
What could that “something else” have been?
Doyoung was about to ask but stopped himself as a thought occurred to him.
“Well, that makes sense.”
Beom Sinje observed him as Doyoung, feeling slightly embarrassed, rubbed the back of his neck.
Then Beom Sinje spoke seriously.
“I’m not saying it was your fault.”
Doyoung, not wanting to dwell on the embarrassing and intimate moment they’d shared back then, quickly changed the subject.
“Anyway, the drug worked, right?”
Still, he couldn’t help but glance at Beom Sinje’s expression for confirmation.
“Yes, but why are you asking about it?”
He worried that Beom Sinje might bring up their shared incident from a few days ago, but fortunately, he didn’t.
Why was he asking?
“To confirm whether the enhancement ability I tried specifically on you worked properly or not.”
Publicly, the leader of Antithesis was known for his telekinesis.
The terrifying power to lift several buildings or dozens of airplanes had earned him the title of S-Class.
Even those who worked closely with him had no idea that Doyoung possessed an ability to strengthen the body.
He had carefully hidden this ability, knowing it was relatively limited in scope and not wanting to draw additional attention to himself.
“I just wanted to use it to help Beom Sinje.”
Yet, deep down, when Doyoung met Beom Sinje again, he found himself hoping his enhancement ability would work more than his telekinesis.
He figured that since he no longer intended to take the lead in the future, it might as well benefit someone he cherished.
“At least it seems like the ability has partially returned.”
Thinking that he could continue supporting Beom Sinje this way, Doyoung spoke nonchalantly.
“Why do you think? I’m organizing data to compare how much stronger you and other guild members became. You and Hyekiyun are the only elites in the guild, so you two must participate.”
“For Hyekiyun and me, it’s fine as long as it’s not a major dungeon.”
“Is that because your abilities are exceptional compared to others?”
“Of course not. Since it’s a rare drug, I’d prefer if other guild members could benefit more from it.”
Such unnecessary modesty.
“That’s something to consider after it’s officially released. The guild leader needs to set an example and participate in the trial so the others feel reassured, don’t you think?”
“Well…”
Seeing Beom Sinje hesitate, Doyoung pressed further.
“Besides, the product launch is just around the corner. Promoting it by highlighting participation from high-ranking hunters like you will be even more effective.”
Of course, even without such promotions, the reaction would be explosive once it was officially introduced.
ATE Pharmaceuticals already had a strong reputation overseas.
Domestically, many guilds had been hoping to officially import it for years, though that hadn’t materialized yet.
Given that the endorsement came from Chunho Guild, there was no chance the product wouldn’t sell.
“Alright, fine.”
Although Beom Sinje was aware of these points, he agreed, thinking there must be a reason behind Doyoung’s insistence.
They had known each other for quite a long time now—long enough for Beom Sinje to understand that Doyoung never acted without purpose.
“I’ll figure out his true intentions eventually.”
Lost in their own thoughts, Doyoung smirked crookedly, while Beom Sinje gazed at him with calm yet warm eyes.
After a long flight, the plane landed in Johannesburg, the capital of South Africa, late in the afternoon.
Blending in with the guild members, Doyoung squinted and scanned his surroundings.
O.R. Tambo International Airport buzzed with activity, making it palpable that they’d arrived on the other side of the globe.
“Weren’t we supposed to have someone meet us here?”
The issue was that their local guide and interpreter, who were supposed to assist them, were nowhere to be found.
When Doyoung glanced around and asked, Beom Sinje, also surveying the area, nodded.
“We arrived later than expected, so they might be waiting elsewhere.”
The flight had been delayed by three hours due to bad weather.
Still, the fact that no one was present to meet them seemed strange.
Doyoung once again scanned the vast and chaotic airport interior.
While there were plenty of bustling travelers, people holding signs, and airport security or police officers, there was no sign of those who were supposed to meet them.
“Hunter Park Chanoh, give me their contact information. I’ll try reaching out as well.”
Park Chanoh, who had been glued to his overheated phone, glanced at the guild leader for approval.
* * *
