Ep523 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

A peace that seemed never-ending had descended, yet the world was still unstable. At least, that's how Baek Woo-jin viewed it. The issue wasn't within this world, but rather outside its bounds. A presence that crafted a series of flows within this world. NovelGod. A deity actively engaged under an overtly revealing pseudonym. He had twisted the world he created several times, orchestrating crises with artificial flows. In response, Baek Woo-jin saved the world once and chose to continue living here. Therefore, he couldn't feel entirely secure. Who knew what kind of crisis that cursed third-rate author might impose upon the world next? Rising lightly from his spot, he found himself gazing at his wives, whose bellies had begun to swell. "Sister, there's trouble! It seems our lord intends to seduce me. What should I do? It's still far from being stable…!" "Don't worry, I'll handle it!" "No, this is something I should…!" "I can take care of it too, hmm." "......." No. He had merely been watching them. They say that in the bloom of newlywed bliss, even a glance can ignite passion. Observing them whisper amongst themselves to decide who would share his bed only made his resolve firmer. It was a matter of will, not anything else. ‘I can't let things continue like this.’ He now had a home to return to and wives to spend his life with. And soon, children who would become further sources of joy would be born. This meant there were more beings whose existence could warrant the trade of his own life. For this reason, Baek Woo-jin needed to meet with him, the deity. So that his soon-to-be-born children could spread their dreams in peace. Finally resolute, Baek Woo-jin addressed his wives, who were still abuzz about the night's arrangements. "Regrettably, there will be no bed-sharing tonight, my dear wives." "What…!" "What did you say?!" Of course. They only seemed to agree at times like this. Slightly subdued by their fervor, he continued with an awkward smile. "I plan to spend the night in the office. I've come upon a realization." "Oh…." Though their faces brimmed with dissatisfaction, they had no choice but to accept. Such is the nature of enlightenment for a warrior. Always just out of reach, yet closer in the pursuit, leading to a precious moment of ascension. "Is he really about to become the greatest of all time?" "Indeed…, despite his strength, he seeks yet more enlightenment." "It might not be a bad thing. As his level rises, so might his vigor…." Gulp! Why did the sound of swallowing echo louder than thunder? Ignoring their blatant gazes, Baek Woo-jin opened his mouth to speak. "Anyway…, it might take a few days, so don't worry too much and focus on your prenatal schooling." In turn, the wives responded, "Don't worry about us. Make sure to secure that enlightenment." "Y-yes." "Oh…, I too dreamed of becoming the best in the world when I was a man, but now that it's come to this, maybe it's not so bad for my husband to achieve it in my stead?" "Hehe, I hope you return with even more vitality." "Yes, vitality is good, hmhm." It's amusing. Each word he throws elicits a different response, leaving no room for boredom. And with the addition of children, how much more enjoyable would it become? A life shared with them would surely be filled with endless happiness, without a single dull moment. For their sake. "I'll be back." Baek Woo-jin had to go. He opened the door to the office and entered, pulling out a worn and shabby book nestled among the neatly shelved volumes for decorum. The Heroic Chronicle. A legendary book meticulously chronicling his journey from warrior to hero. The third-rate author had said. He had left a path leading to him within. His hand on the book, Baek Woo-jin hesitated before turning a single thin page. "Phew…." His heart raced. Wildly, uncontrollably. Though he had experienced countless trials and regained composure whenever he chose, it was impossible now. For this matter now lay entirely beyond his experience. Gaining experience wasn’t possible. This was a chance granted only once. Dozens, hundreds, thousands. Conjuring every possible scenario in his mind, Baek Woo-jin halted his thoughts. Because suddenly, all of them seemed meaningless. What he needed to send through this book was neither the power gathered nor the experience, not even the knowledge accumulated thus far. ‘Will.’ The only useful thing was will. The family he had longed for and finally gained over decades. His exceedingly beautiful and wise wives. And the soon-to-be-born children from them. For a world where they can live without worry. "Let's go!" He flipped the pages of the book without hesitation. --- Faint voices faded in beyond the far removed sensations. "Yes, sir… the next chapter… day after tomorrow… I'm sorry…." A voice filled with sorrow and frustration. "Revisions… that's… too sudden…!" A voice brimming with anger. "Sigh, I want to… turn in my resignation…." A voice full of regret and contemplation, among others. A whirlpool of negativity devoid of dreams or hope. These slowly nudged Baek Woo-jin's dormant mind. At the end of it all. Baek Woo-jin opened his eyes. Flash! "Ugh." And immediately shut them again. The amount of light pouring through his open eyelids was overwhelming. After enduring the pain, he gradually opened his eyes, taking his time to adjust. Even still, the voices around him incessantly bombarded his ears. "We sincerely apologize for the delay in this serial. But we're also waiting for the manuscript…!" "You firmly stated that revising that part was absolutely impossible, so there's nothing we could do…." "Ugh, I'm so tired of this." Hearing this, Baek Woo-jin doubted his ears. 'What is this?' Voices you might expect from a publishing company harassed daily by a perpetually tardy author. Feeling perplexed, he slowly sat up and took in his surroundings. A sky so beautifully painted it seemed unreal. Beneath it stood structures of pure white marble. And moving among them… "Should I call those… angels?" At least they had wings. Snow-white, pristine wings, either a single pair or two. Yet each face bore stains. Stains of fatigue, borne from every conceivable negative emotion and exhaustion. "…Is this what corporate slaves look like, or angels?" Finding the scene difficult to comprehend, Baek Woo-jin recalled when he had boldly opened the Heroic Chronicle. After flipping through the dense record of his journey, he reached the final page. A brilliant white light had erupted, swallowing him whole. Now, gathering his senses and opening his eyes, he found himself here. That meant unless some anomaly sent him astray to a bizarre place, the deity was present here. Selecting one individual among the busy others, who seemed slightly less burdened, he inquired. "Can I ask for directions?" "Huh? Directions to where…?" The man, whose eyes were blackened by fatigue, looked at Baek Woo-jin, surprise flitting across his face. "Whoa… are you Baek Woo-jin?" "Indeed." At his answer, the man who had seemed one with his desk just moments ago, lit up and rose from his seat excitedly. "Wow…! It's really him! It's Baek Woo-jin!" It felt as though the man had encountered a favorite celebrity by chance. Curious, Baek Woo-jin asked in return. "You know me?" "How could I not? You're the protagonist of 'Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel,' which we publish!" "Uh, right." Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel. It seemed to be the title of the world he decided to live in. "That title…." "Hahaha! It's something, huh? But please understand. Titles like this are necessary these days." "Hmm…." He quickly understood. When he returned to Earth after saving another world, the novels he saw had titles like these. Titles that were a little long, but immediately gave away the plot or the protagonist's traits. 'A drunkard… well, that's not wrong.' With that name, he finally understood. Why he formed a connection with a wine sage instead of a sword sage. It was a predetermined outcome from the moment he possessed 'Baek Woo-jin's' body. From a novelist's perspective, they likely wanted to give the protagonist an unusual and distinctive growth manner and personality. While he pondered, the man babbled on his own accord. "I really enjoyed your story! When you defeated the Heavenly Demon at the end, it was just…, wow…!" This caused Baek Woo-jin's mood to sour a little. The Heavenly Demon. His last moment with her was a personal taboo for him. Realizing this too late, the man hastily closed his mouth and watched Baek Woo-jin's expression. "Oh no…, sorry! I was too caught up in my own thoughts. It must not have been a good experience for you." Seeing the man hurriedly bowing in apology, Baek Woo-jin's mood lifted. Too pleased, he merely spoke out of turn, proving he wasn't rude… or rather, not a rude angel. Noticing the change, the man cautiously offered. "You came to see the author… or should I say the deity, right?" When Baek Woo-jin nodded, the man pointed to a building visible outside the window. Like the rest of the place, the temple was constructed of pristine white marble. "That's the deity's workshop… or rather, the temple." "Thank you." As Baek Woo-jin expressed his gratitude and was about to leave, the man called out. "Ah, wait a moment!" Baek Woo-jin turned back, a look of curiosity on his face, as the man sheepishly offered him a piece of white paper. "Before you go, could I perhaps get an autograph?" "……." Overwhelmed by the unexpected enthusiasm, Baek Woo-jin nodded and accepted the paper and pen. It had been a while since he last held an Earthly pen. With it, he elegantly wrote the name Baek Woo-jin on the white paper and handed it back. The man accepted it with a beaming smile. "Thank you so much…! I'll treasure this like an heirloom!" "An heirloom, really…." It was starting to feel a bit overwhelming. Why someone would exhibit such affectionate fervor, he couldn't quite understand. Clutching the paper tightly, the man continued speaking. "You came to meet the author… or deity, right? I hope your wish comes true!" Baek Woo-jin replied with a bittersweet smile to the man wishing him well for his future. "Thank you." With that, Baek Woo-jin departed, slowly making his way toward the building the man had indicated. Though the angels seemed somewhat world-weary, the scenery was undeniably mystical. Even the ground beneath his feet. "…Walking on clouds." A cushy texture. Yet, when he pressed down deeper, a firm sensation accompanied it. Immersed in this strange tactile experience, he walked on. Finally, before him, stood a temple, towering skyward. "……." As he approached the massive closed doors, they began to open, as if anticipating his arrival. Creak…! Beyond the heavy door, a completely unforeseen scene unfolded. Scattered papers in disarray. Feather quills floating mid-air among them. Amid a chaotic panorama of countless brushes and papers, a man sat on a chair. Tangled curly hair, thick glasses, and scruff indicating days without shaving. The man whose appearance screamed dishevelment muttered to himself. "Ah…, what should I write for my next work? Should I bring that guy back again? He's been a hero and a warrior…, maybe this time, matching the current trends, he could be an extra?" "……." This, Baek Woo-jin judged, was a source of malevolence that should not exist. --- Author's Note Greetings, dear readers. I apologize for being a day late in returning. Thankfully, now that things have resolved positively, I’d like to briefly explain my circumstances... I received an urgent message about my cousin. He's more like an older brother to me, having lived in the same apartment since we were young and taking care of me as if I were his real sibling. He collapsed suddenly at night, and when he was taken to the hospital, we were told there was less than a 50% chance he would survive, throwing our family into chaos. Amidst the tears and distress gathered at a relative's house near the hospital, thankfully, by Monday night, we received news that his condition had improved, stating he had passed the critical phase. Although he’ll need to completely overhaul his diet and lifestyle, they say there will be no issues with living a normal life if recovery goes well. Reassured by this good news, my mother and relatives celebrated with some drinks, which delayed my return by a day. From that point, I diligently worked on my writing and managed to complete it in time for the scheduled release. Now that the heavy burden on my mind has eased, I'll continue to work eagerly toward finishing the story. To those who waited, I offer my apologies and gratitude. I look forward to seeing you in the next installment. Thank you for reading, as always. Have a restful night. (_ _)