As Xue Yang disappeared into the distance, a lightness lingered in the air, buoyed by the young disciple's hopeful spirit. Min Hoo stood alone, contemplating the words he had just spoken. A twinge of pride flickered within him—had he truly managed to be somewhat supportive?
Then, without warning, a jolt of electricity surged through his body. The world around him flickered for a moment as he staggered back, gripping his arms tightly. Pain shot through him, sharp and insistent.
"OOC," the System chimed in its cheerful tone, amusement dancing in its voice.
Min Hoo scowled, shaking his head as if that could somehow dispel the intrusive voice. Out of character? Was caring about Xue Yang truly stepping out of bounds? He grimaced at the thought; it was a natural reaction. The boy needed guidance and support—how was that against Mo Chou's persona?
"System," he snapped, gritting his teeth against another wave of electricity. "I was simply trying to help him."
The blue translucent dialog box hovered before him, glowing brighter with each word it displayed. "Helping is not in Mo Chou's character! Adhere to the script or face consequences!"
"Consequences?" Min Hoo muttered bitterly as another shock coursed through him. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the involuntary spasms that coursed through his limbs.
The System seemed to revel in this moment, its voice dripping with mockery. "Follow your role as villain or risk becoming a lightning rod for punishment!"
Min Hoo took a deep breath and straightened himself, battling against the waves of discomfort that pulsed through him.
"Fine," he spat out defiantly. "But if I'm supposed to be this heartless villain who lets people get bullied..-"
The System cut in again before he could finish, "Exactly! That's the spirit! Now keep being Mo Chou!"
With a final zap that left him reeling slightly on his feet, Min Hoo felt the last remnants of warmth from Xue Yang's presence dissipate into an echo of regret and frustration.
Rubbing his arms to soothe away lingering tingles, Min Hoo glanced at the path where Xue Yang had vanished. A villain didn't need warmth or kindness; they thrived on power and manipulation.
Still… why did it feel so wrong?
Min Hoo waved his head, trying to push the unnecessary thoughts out of there. He could play the role of a villain, but bullying poor children was not his thing. He hadn't become that cruel yet.
But really, if this punishment was just an electric shock, he could tolerate it. This kind of electric shock is not fatal, so it's not necessary to respect Mo Chou's character so much. He could still treat Xue Yang well and gain his trust to avoid future death.
Min Hoo headed towards his hut. His white hanfu beautifully developed behind his back combined with his long white hair, making him look even more godlike. Min Hoo had originally planned to just go to bed since he had hardly slept last night due to the insomnia plaguing him, but the System told him that it wasn't really customary for someone like Mo Chou to sleep during dinner time. Eh...will he have no personal life at all? Although for the most part, Mo Chou's body didn't need sleep. For Min Hoo, sleeping was most likely a matter of habit and he didn't feel comfortable without it. Sleep was the very time that the former professor looked forward to every day to rest from the annoying students who didn't even appreciate his efforts.
Therefore, after returning to his residence, Min Hoo locked himself in his study, studying many books related to spells and such.
Min Hoo wiped his tired eyes as he hunched over the desk in his study, surrounded by many books. Mo Chou had a lot of interesting books in his collection that not everyone had, which was a huge plus.
But the robotic voice of the System sounded sharply, making the man flinch. "You'd better sit up straight. Your posture doesn't match the way Mo Chou would sit."
"…"
Is she serious?
"Fuck...can you get off my back at least for now...?"
"Host, you must do as I say, you can't know who might be watching you after all." said the System in a mocking tone.
Wait, seriously, someone is following him, why?
"I'm kidding." said the System again, now not hiding the fact that she was really messing with him. But after Min Hoo started cursing at her out of anger, she ignored him.
_______
Night had draped its cloak over the world, a shroud of darkness pierced only by the occasional flicker of moonlight through the paper-thin windows. The tranquility of the evening was a stark contrast to the turmoil within the walls of Mo Chou's residence.
Min Hoo lay sprawled across the vast expanse of his bed, the silk sheets cool against his skin. The lavish bedroom was a testament to Mo Chou's high status, adorned with exquisite tapestries and delicate ornaments. Yet, the splendor surrounding him did little to soothe his restless mind.
Insomnia, a constant companion in his previous life, had followed him into this new existence. It was like a parasite, feeding off his anxiety and the pressure of maintaining Mo Chou's facade. The silence of the night, once a sanctuary for Min Hoo's thoughts, now amplified the relentless chatter in his head.
He turned onto his side, the fabric of his sleepwear catching on the smooth surface of the bed. The moonlight painted his long white hair in shades of silver, a stark contrast to the darkness that enveloped him. His golden eyes, though devoid of their usual luster, remained open, staring into the void.
The System's words echoed in his mind, a taunting reminder of his predicament. 'Your posture doesn't match the way Mo Chou would sit.' He could almost hear the amusement in its voice, the digital entity taking pleasure in his discomfort.
Min Hoo clenched his jaw, frustration simmering beneath the surface. He had always been a creature of habit, finding solace in routine. But now, every action, every gesture had to be measured, calculated to fit the mold of a character he neither understood nor respected.
The stillness of the room was broken only by the soft rustle of pages as Min Hoo reached for one of Mo Chou's many books, seeking distraction in knowledge. The characters danced before his eyes, their meanings lost in a sea of thoughts that refused to be calmed.
Min Hoo put the book aside for a while and sighed. He got up from the bed and went outside to get some fresh and cool mountain air.
The rustle of leaves underfoot, the whisper of the wind through the trees—these were sounds Min Hoo had grown accustomed to since his transplantation into Mo Chou's body. But tonight, a different sound echoed through the forest. The crisp, metallic ring of a sword making contact.
Curiosity piqued, Min Hoo stepped forward, his white hanfu trailing behind him like a ghostly specter. The sound grew louder as he ventured deeper into the woods, the moonlight casting long shadows that danced with his every step.
The silhouette of a young disciple materialized through the darkness, the soft glow of moonlight reflecting off his drawn sword. Xue Yang, Min Hoo realized, his heart swelling with a peculiar mix of pride and concern. The boy, clad in his white hanfu, was lost in concentration, each strike of his sword echoing through the night.
Min Hoo watched him from a distance, his gaze never wavering. The slice of the sword through the air, the thud against the tree trunk—it was a scene he recognized all too well from the novel. Yet, witnessing it firsthand brought about a different sense of appreciation.
Cautiously, Min Hoo stepped forward, the twigs and leaves crunching beneath his feet. He meant to call out, to assure Xue Yang of his presence, but his voice caught in his throat. The fear in the boy's eyes as he whirled around, his sword poised for defense—it was a sight Min Hoo hadn't anticipated.
Before Min Hoo could say a word, Xue Yang stuttered, "Mm..E-elder..." His breathing was ragged, his gaze fixed on Mo Chou's lithe form, a blend of fear and disbelief etched across his face.
Min Hoo's heart clenched at the sight. He hadn't wanted to scare Xue Yang, especially not when he was all alone under the cover of night. "I apologize," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Xue Yang hesitated, his grip on the sword loosening ever so slightly. "I didn't expect to see...anyone out here," he finally managed, a hint of confusion in his voice.
Min Hoo nodded, stepping closer. "I couldn't sleep," he admitted, his gaze softening. "I often take walks when that happens. I hope I didn't interrupt your practice."
The boy's surprise turned into a look of relief, his shoulders visibly relaxing. "No, teacher," he replied, shaking his head. "I was just practicing."
Min Hoo let out a soft chuckle, a gesture far removed from Mo Chou's usual nature. "I see that," he said, gesturing towards Xue Yang's sword. "And it seems that you're quite dedicated to it."
Xue Yang blushed, averting his gaze. "Thank you, teacher," he murmured, pushing a stray lock of hair away from his face.
Min Hoo could see the exhaustion in the boy's eyes, the dark circles beneath them that hinted at his lack of sleep. The irony struck him then—two insomniacs meeting in the dead of night, both seeking solace in the silence only the forest could provide.
"Keep practicing," Min Hoo encouraged, his voice gentle. "Your dedication will bear fruit one day. But remember, Xue Yang, rest is just as vital as practice."
A small smile graced Xue Yang's lips as he nodded, the sword in his hand dropping to his side. The fear that had once clouded his eyes was replaced by a sense of relief and perhaps, a glimmer of gratitude.
"But teacher...maybe you want to practice with me too...?" the protagonist asked and his cheeks flushed even more and he looked away.
Min Hoo raised his eyebrows, and the corners of his lips pulled upwards. The protagonist was indeed sweet and kind until his demonic heritage was revealed. Min Hoo hoped that Xue Yang would remain as good, at least the former professor would try his best to do so. They still have plenty of time.
"Do you want to spar with the teacher?" Min Hoo asked with a playful smile, which was certainly unnatural for Mo Chou.
Min Hoo watched with an amused curiosity as Xue Yang's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of crimson, the boy's gaze flitting away like a timid deer caught in a predator's stare. The request to spar hung in the air, a playful invitation that Min Hoo could see had taken the young disciple by surprise.
"I...I mean, only if you're not too tired, teacher," Xue Yang stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. He seemed almost embarrassed by his own audacity, his eyes darting back to Min Hoo for a fleeting moment before they fixed themselves on the ground.
Min Hoo suppressed a chuckle, finding the boy's bashfulness endearing. It was clear that Xue Yang was still adjusting to the new dynamics of their relationship—a relationship that was slowly veering away from the original script that the System had laid out for him.
With a graceful motion, Min Hoo unsheathed his blade, the moonlight catching the golden patterns etched into the metal. The sword felt cool and familiar in his grasp, a testament to Mo Chou's martial prowess. "I think a little sparring could do us both some good," he said, his tone light and encouraging.
Xue Yang nodded, steeling himself as he raised his own weapon. The initial awkwardness between them seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a shared focus on the dance of blades that was about to unfold.
They circled each other, their movements fluid and measured. Xue Yang struck first, his sword slicing through the air with a determination that belied his youth. Min Hoo parried the attack effortlessly, his own blade singing as it met Xue Yang's with a resounding clash.
The sparring match continued, a silent ballet in the heart of the forest. Min Hoo found himself impressed by Xue Yang's progress; the boy's movements were more confident, his strikes more precise. It was evident that the training sessions were paying off.
As they sparred, Min Hoo couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in Xue Yang's demeanor. The boy was less guarded now, his focus solely on the duel. He was no longer the timid disciple who had stumbled upon Mo Chou's meditation; he was a fighter, a young man with a fire in his belly and a spirit that refused to be extinguished.
Eventually, Min Hoo decided to end the match, disarming Xue Yang with a deft flick of his wrist. The boy's sword clattered to the ground, and he stood there, panting and wide-eyed, as if he couldn't quite believe what had just happened.
"You're improving, Xue Yang," Min Hoo praised, sheathing his blade with a flourish. "Your dedication is commendable."
Xue Yang's eyes shone with a mixture of exhaustion and pride. "Thank you, teacher," he replied, his voice stronger now, the stutter all but gone.
While Xue Yang was slowly recovering from the sparring, Min Hoo had been panicking for a long time. Why doesn't the System tell him anything?!He even smiled at the main character recently!Isn't this an OOC?
The man swallowed, but his face remained as calm without a drop of sweat, unlike Xue Yang, who wiped his sweaty forehead with the back of his hand after sparring.
"I think you've trained enough for today. Go to sleep." Min Hoo said, crossing his arms behind his back, standing with his back straight like a string, while his snow-white hair gently swayed in time with the wind.
Xue Yang glanced at the teacher and nodded diligently, hanging the sword on his belt. In fact, the meeting with the teacher lifted his spirits and, unlike previous times, this time he wanted to return to his 'home'.
The old hut in which he lived was on the outskirts and the frequent wind that blew there sounded like the terrible screams of ghosts. Just like that..That Xue Yang was really scared.