Chapter 11 — Gyeoul & Min-su.
Pitter-patter…
Whoosh…
Pitter-patter…
It was raining heavily.
Holding his umbrella, Kim Do-Hyun made his way to the apartment complex.
Today wasn't really special except for the heavy rain; he attended classes, ate lunch with his friends, played basketball during the break, and then attended a few more classes until school ended.
"That girl…?"
As Kim Do-Hyun arrived outside the apartment complex, he saw a young girl crouching near the bushes while looking at a wet carton box.
If he recalled correctly, she was the only daughter of a neighbor he knew.
Kim Do-Hyun hurriedly went to share his umbrella to cover her from the rain.
After the rain stopped drenching her, the girl raised her head and saw an older guy sharing his umbrella.
"Ah, hello..!"
"Why are you outside in the rain without an umbrella? You'll get sick."
He reprimanded seriously, but then heard a sickly whimper coming from the carton box shielded by a pink umbrella.
"Isn't that your umbrella?"
He curiously lifted it up, but was soon surprised to see a small white puppy curled up.
"A husky."
"He's so pitiful."
The girl tugged at his shirt with sorrowful eyes.
Kim Do-hyun immediately knew this silly girl was protecting the puppy.
"Do you know this puppy?"
"I found him abandoned near the apartment a few days ago. I wanted to take care of him, but I can't bring him inside my house…"
"Why?"
"My mom has a bad allergic reaction. I can't blame her for that, so I decided to take care of Little Gyeoul (겨울) outside the apartment."
The girl explained before looking at him with hopeful eyes.
"Oppa, please take care of Gyeoul in your place!"
She pleaded tearfully.
"It's okay if you don't have time! I'll help you take care of Gyeoul! I just don't want him to suffer here…"
"Okay."
Kim Do-hyun warmly smiled before patting her round head that was covered by long silky black hair.
"A pet isn't that bad. Don't worry. I'll take full responsibility for Gyeoul."
Kim Do-hyun remembered his past life as Kimber — he was extremely envious of pet owners and desperately wished to have a pet back then.
"Thank you!"
The girl smiled brightly before hugging him gratefully.
"It's okay."
He unconsciously smiled before reaching out for the puppy.
"Hi, Gyeoul. Let me carry you somewhere warm and safe."
"Oppa, be careful! He's quite aggressive to strangers."
But unexpectedly, Gyeoul didn't try to bark or bite his hand despite him trying to carry the puppy.
This was the result of his nature affinity — the power of touching grass!
Animals were more friendly and less hostile to him.
The girl was surprised to witness Gyeoul acting docile to Kim Do-hyun.
"Hey, what's your name?"
Kim Do-hyun asked curiously while holding Gyeoul.
The girl quickly snapped out from her surprise.
"Go Min-su! Please call me Min-su!"
"Min-su. A pretty name."
Kim Do-hyun nodded.
Min-su grinned happily at that.
"Let's go back inside now. You'll get sick if you stay wet from the rain."
"Okay!"
Kim Do-hyun, Min-su, and Gyeoul returned inside the apartment.
"Min-su, how old are you?"
"I'm 12 years old! Why?"
"I just thought the name you gave to Gyeoul was quite clever and nice."
Min-su delightfully nodded.
"Hehe, really? The name Gyeoul means winter! Just like Gyeoul's completely white fur that resembles snow!"
"I see. You're really clever."
"I know, right!?"
Min-su felt proud.
Kim Do-Hyun chuckled at her pure and innocent reaction. He then accompanied her back to her apartment unit.
"I live in apartment ### on the same floor. I'll tell you my passcode, so visit Gyeoul anytime whenever you like."
"Okay!"
"Then go inside your home now. Wash yourself and make sure not to get a cold."
"Thank you, Oppa!"
"Bye now."
"Mnn, bye!"
Kim Do-Hyun waved his hand with a smile before returning to his own unit.
—But now with a little white husky called Gyeoul.
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After recognizing Gyeoul as his own pet, Kim Do-hyun gained a new achievement after swearing to take full responsibility over Gyeoul.
["Hero has adopted a sacred beast companion"]
["+Life Achievement, +100 AP"]
"Oh, a life achievement? That's new."
Kim Do-hyun grew curious about this new achievement.
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[Hall Of Achievement]
[Pet Owner (Life)]
-Grants a special bond between the pet owner and their pet.
(Remarks: They say your pet reflects who you are. And vice versa.)
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"Is this the so-called special bond?"
Kim Do-hyun was able to vaguely feel a metaphysical thread forming between him and Gyeoul.
And he soon realized something…
First, he was now able to distinctly feel Gyeoul's emotions and somewhat guess his animalistic thoughts.
Currently, he was able to understand that Gyeoul was feeling overwhelmed and afraid right now.
Kim Do-hyun could also vaguely guess Gyeoul's thoughts of wanting to seek warmth to erase his own cold and uncomfort.
He quickly placed Gyeoul on the soft sofa and opened the heater to warm the entire room. He then started to rub Gyeoul with an unused towel to dry him. Lastly, he took a few hot compresses and placed it on a thick blanket before wrapping it around Gyeoul to warm him up.
"It's okay, buddy. You don't have to feel afraid and anxious anymore. I'm here now to take care of you."
He gently communicated with Gyeoul who started started to rub him affectionately.
"You're an albino?"
As Kim Do-hyun observed the clean Gyeoul, he noticed his entire fluffy coat was completely white and his two sharp eyes were pale light blue.
"Weird. You're definitely a good-looking husky, so why were you abandoned by your previous owner?"
Kim Do-hyun already thought Gyeoul's previous owner was utterly dumb and blind.
Although he didn't know the history behind Gyeoul, he resolutely swore to take great care of Gyeoul.
Kim Do-hyun slowly caressed the fluffy white furs of Gyeoul, but then raised his brow after noticing black air slowly leaking out from Gyeoul.
"The cleansing effect from Cleansed Physique…?"
Kim Do-hyun wore a surprised expression, but Gyeoul was scared nervously from the leaking black air.
"Why is it also happening to Gyeoul?"
Kim Do-Hyun pondered while gently calming down Gyeoul.
"Maybe this is the real effect of the new life achievement?"
—Maybe this was what it really meant to form a special bond; Gyeoul inheriting a slight portion of the effects from his collected achievements.
If so, would he obtain some animalistic traits from Gyeoul?
Kim Do-hyun didn't know as there was nothing occuring to him.
But he didn't mind those things. Instead, he felt extremely happy as this meant Gyeoul would also live a long and healthy life similar to him.
As Gyeoul got familiar with the leaking black air, he slowly started to grow sleepy and exhausted.
"I'll leave you for now."
Kim Do-hyun decided to leave Gyeoul alone to sleep. He hoped the small puppy would get used to its new environment quickly.
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Next day.
Early morning.
"Wow! You've changed a lot, Gyeoul!"
Kim Do-hyun was amazed to see the truly cleansed state of Gyeoul.
Gyeoul was now the truest epitome of doggish allure — showcasing a fluffy coat that shimmered silverish-white like the cool moonlight, a mesmerizing blend of the palette of artic snow and moonlight; each fine and smooth strand lacking any blemish. Its snow-white fur, dense and luxurious, concealed a clean and firm body that released a wonderful sweet scent.
His facial featues were also composed of a well-proportioned snout leading to a set of keen, royal blue eyes that radiated a clear clarity of intelligence — resembling the vast blue ocean and the shimmering stars they reflect at night. Lastly, his triangular ears that were erect and finely pointed, as well as his plume-like white tail granted Gyeoul an overall handsome and cool appearance.
"A white wolf…"
Kim Do-Hyun thought Gyeoul transformed into a baby white wolf, but he was still fundamentally and innately a dog.
He then released a few chuckles before rubbing Gyeoul whose smooth and soft white coat became even more addicting to touch.
Ding! Dong!
Kim Do-hyun heard his intercom bell ringing to notify him about a guest. After he looked at the intercome, he saw Min-su on the screen.
"Min-su, you're very early."
"I have school later, so I want to play with Gyeoul before that!"
"Okay. But have you ate breakfast yet?"
"..."
Min-su glanced away while whistling innocently.
Kim Do-hyun sighed.
"Get inside. I'll make you a breakfast. You're still a growing lady, so you need to eat plenty."
"Okay! You're like my mom."
Min-su softly laughed before excitedly going inside to play with Gyeoul.
"My goodness, Gyeoul! You've changed so much overnight!"
The silly girl was astounded to see Gyeoul looking much handsome compared to yesterday.
She then turned to look at Kim Do-hyun approvingly.
"Oppa, you took care of Gyeoul extremely well!"
Kim Do-hyun let out a few wry chuckles before starting to make their breakfast.
After a while, he managed to make a classic Korean breakfast — A delicious fried rice with scrambled eggs that Gordon Ramsay and Uncle Roger themselves would praise heavily.
As for Gyeoul, Min-su fortunately brought some dog foods for him.
However, Kim Do-hyun decided to buy some high-quality dog foods for Gyeoul.
Kim Do-hyun and Min-su started to eat together on the table.
"Woah, it taste so good. Oppa, you're a really good cook! Totally a husband material!"
Min-su ate the breakfast very energetically while savoring the rich taste.
"Is that so? Thank you."
"I'll eat here everyday now. And once I become older, I'll definitely marry you!"
After eating until full and satisfied, Min-su patted her bloated stomach.
"Then study hard."
Kim Do-hyun replied with a few laugh before going to clean the dishes.
After eating and washing the dishes, Kim Do-hyun changed into his exercise clothes as usual.
"I'll got out. Have fun, you two!"
"Okay!"
"Bark!"
Kim Do-hyun went to the nearby park to work on his daily workout program.
And after finishing his last jogging session, he returned home while being full of scentless sweat.
"I'm back!"
He saw the Min-su and Gyeoul currently watching the TV.
"Oppa, did you exercise outside?"
Min-su grew curious when she saw him full of sweat.
"Yes. Why?"
"We want to join you, too! Right, Gyeoul?"
"Bark! Barl!"
Gyeoul barked excitedly as if wanting to exercise, too.
"Sure."
Kim Do-hyun agreed as Gyeoul also needed to taken by him to take a walk or run outside to keep being a healthy and strong dog.
"But you two can only join my jogging session, okay?"
"Yey!"
Min-su happily clapped her hands with Gyeoul's paws.
Kim Do-hyun was stunned to see Gyeoul learning his first trick with Min-su.
He quickly took a photo with his black phone to document this special joyful moment.
And the end shot was great.
The happy Min-su and Gyeoul looked really good in the picture.
"Gyeoul really looks good. I guess I'll take a selfie of him for my profile picture."
Kim Do-hyun couldn't help but feel proud for Gyeoul.
Was this how it felt to be a parent?
To know your kid inherited your excellent
features…
It felt great.
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"School is the same… I like this peaceful times…"
Kim Do-hyun was experiencing a peaceful life with his friends after the bullies no longer bothered him.
He had even started working a part-time delivery job at Cheongsan Restaurant.
At first, Cheong-san's parents didn't accept his application for the delivery job as they thought it would affect his studies.
However, they soon learned from Cheong-san that Kim Do-hyun was extremely smart.
And that he had already mastered the entire lessons for high school level.
In the end, as they were amazed by such a prodigy, they eventually allowed him to work the delivery job after school ended.
Kim Do-hyun delivered their chicken by using a bicycle which was a form of aerobic exercise itself.
He also helped to advertise the shop by posting unique and catchy flyers on the streets. And with his good looks, he was able to attract a lot of female customers to the restaurant.
As a result, the restaurant grew popular and busy as their tasty chicken became more known. The returning customers were now coming back for the taste and not only for his face.
The happy Mrs. Lee and Mr. Lee gave a raise to Kim Do-hyun's wage to appreciate his major contribution to the success of the restaurant.
After his today's delivery shift ended, he returned home and was greeted by his new house guards — Min-su and Gyeoul.
"Oh, you're doing your homework? How rare."
Min-su was currently working on her homeworks and she looked to be having hard time.
"Want me to help you?"
Kim Do-hyun sat down next to her.
"Please…"
Min-su nodded tearfully.
Kim Do-hyun started to gently help with her homework by carefully explaining how to solve it so she could understand how to answer her homeworks with her own abilities.
After she managed to answered them with his careful guidance and her own efforts, Min-su exclaimed happily and satisfiedly.
"You teach better than my teachers. Thank you for helping me!"
"This is just my appreciation for you taking care of Gyeoul when I'm not around."
Kim Do-hyun sincerely meant those words, but then suddenly felt his phone vibrating inside his pocket.
[The wise Hero has excellently taught his first disciple]
[+Uncommon Achievement, +20AP]
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[Hall Of Achievement]
[Home Tutor (Uncommon)]
-Grants Teaching Talent.
(Remarks: You can become the Best Teacher in the World!)
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After seeing the new achievement related to teaching others, Kim Do-hyun decided to continue helping Min-su.
"In the future, I'll try to help with your homeworks and lessons. Don't be afraid to ask me."
"Okay!"
Min-su gratefully accepted.
Kim Do-hyun then glanced at the clock before inviting Min-su.
"Do you want to accompany Gyeoul and I to the vet?"
"Why?"
"Gyeoul needs a health checkup and a rabies vaccination. These are needed so we can register him as my legal pet. Also, the apartment allows residents to own a pet, but only if we have the documents to confirm they don't have health issues."
"Ohhh."
Min-su nodded in understanding.
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Kim Do-hyun and Min-su brought Gyeoul to the vet with Min-su.
After undergoing a series of health check-ups…
The result finally came out.
"There is no problem. Your husky is very healthy without any complications. In fact, I believed you have taken care of him perfectly to the point I'm surprised."
The veterinarian explained while looking at them with a warm smile.
"That's a relief…"
Min-su smiled happily.
Then it was finally time for Gyeoul to get injected with his vaccination.
"Arff…"
Gyeoul was shivering afraidly from the sharp needle.
"It's okay…"
Min-su tightly held his paw while Kim Do-hyun gently comforted. They managed to somewhat easen the nervousness and fear of Gyeoul.
The vaccination soon ended with Gyeoul enduring the pain nicely.
"You've endured well. Great job."
Kim Do-Hyun caressed Gyeoul's soft white coat.
After everything ended, Kim Do-hyun received the certificates for the health check-up and vaccination of Gyeoul.
"Are we done?"
"Not yet. But the vet office is our last stop."
They then went to the city vet office to register Gyeoul, so there won't be complications in the future.
There was now official document about the identity, history, and medical informations of Gyeoul.
"All done. Let's go home since it's quite late now."
"Okay."
Min-su nodded tiredly.
Kim Do-hyun decided to buy the essential dog products for Gyeoul tomorrow.
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Next day.
It was weekend.
After his culinary academy ended, Kim Do-hyun went to the best pet store to buy things for Gyeoul.
He had already researched intensively beforehand on what he should buy for Gyeoul.
Not caring for the price, Kim Do-hyun bought the best quality — from dog toys, the most comfortable bedding, a cozy plastic crate, an automatic food and water dispenser, a set of stainless food bowls and water bowls, and an exercise pen.
He also bought some grooming supplies along with other equipment like dog attires to wear when the climate was cold or hot.
There was also a black collar with metal plate for name that perfectly matched the white coat of Gyeoul. He would also add an identification tag that had his personal information to the collar.
The last dog product he bought was dog food, but he decided to order foreign branded products using the internet. He also wanted to add real meat and vegetables suitable for dogs to create a balanced diet. According to the internet, it was best to mix dry and wet foods for the food diet of dogs.
The goods he bought were delivered to his apartment the next day.
And after setting up everything inside his apartment unit, Gyeoul started to enjoy playing with the new things.
Min-su also found new ways to play with Gyeoul using the newly bought dog toys and exercise pen.
"We should also start to consider training Gyeoul."
Kim Do-hyun read from the internet that it was important to train a puppy to build its discipline and healthy habits early on.
And sure enough, Kim Do-hyun and Min-su started to take turns to train Gyeoul.
Strangely enough, Gyeoul's potty training ended up weird!
He was strangely insisting on peeing and shitting on the toilet bowl. In the end, he was now capable of using and flushing the toilet.
"Gyeoul is really smart…"
"Yes…"
The two of them were really amazed to witness such a weird thing, so they decided to test the exact limits of Gyeoul's intelligence.
After the potty training, they started to train basic manners to Gyeoul in order for him to not bite or bark unless necessary. He also learned manners easily. The next thing they taught Gyeoul were simple tricks like sitting, standing, doing complicated circles, and other more dog tricks.
"Should I also make Gyeoul learn how to dance?"
Min-su had a new strange idea.
Meanwhile, Kim Do-hyun documented everything by using his alien quality camera.
He took various pictures of Gyeoul alone, Gyeoul with Min-su, and Gyeoul with Kim Do-hyun using selfies. He would sometimes picture the three of themselves together.
Moreover, there were also videos of Gyeoul performing tricks, playing with his dog toys, sleeping with Min-su, and other mores.
Kim Do-hyun felt his life was growing more busy yet fulfilling and warm with the addition of those two.
Such happy times…
He wished it last forever.
Kim Do-hyun decided to share the most beautiful pictures and videos to his SNS.
And instantly—
The photos he shared quickly received many hearts and likes.
Most of them were from his friends who were amazed by the outstanding clear quality of his posts — especially the contents they showed.
His friends were curious about the handsome Gyeoul who they wanted to meet at all costs! T
hey also asked if the pretty Min-su was his younger sister.
However, the majority of them were angry at him for not sharing the handsome and cute Gyeoul to them.
They also wanted to pet the little cute fluff ball!
Kim Do-hyun could only promise to invite them to his apartment unit.
And shortly after, he heard knocking sounds from his door.
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"FBI OPEN UP!"
Just kidding. Min-su is not an og, she's an actual character but I changed her name and background to suit the crossover world.
Please give me powerstones! Those supply me with motivation to keep writing!
Read Advanced Chapters on my p@treon.com/LordIshya
Update speed will slow down because school starts again...