3 Chapter 2: I'm skipping class today but hello taekwondo
Author's note: Now that I'm rereading Questism, I find that it's a more abnormal place than Lookism. I'm not saying they're stronger, just that there are too many paranormal things for my taste.
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Hajun Gu's POV
After waking up, I had to face the painful truth that I am indeed in Questism.
[AI: !!! Announcement !!!]
[AI: Completion of the task to improve the host's boxing style]
It seems it finished the task I gave it yesterday. This is excellent news since the flaws in my boxing style are now fixed.
[AI: Affirmative]
"Wait, can you read my thoughts?" I directed my thinking straight at the AI.
[AI: Affirmative, I can passively read your thoughts]
"I don't know how I should take that" I said bitterly at this news.
[AI: Should I initiate the transfer of the new information obtained?]
"Yes I confirm" I nodded.
After a few seconds, I was flooded with several bits of information concerning mistakes in my movements or posture. Even though some errors mentioned were minor, I couldn't doubt the impact it would bring to my fighting style.
"I even feel like I'm having an epiphany. It's like this whole time I wasn't boxing but playing at boxing" I mumbled, slightly dazed.
I got out of bed and I did Shadow-boxing to see if I really evolved .I have to say that even though nothing changed physically, the technique had greatly improved.
Now I can go see the taekwondo legend Hansu Seong. But before that, I need to stop by the local library.
.
.
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"Young man, do you really intend to read all that?" a man with an intellectual appearance accosted me, there was clear doubt on his face.
"Yes, and please don't disturb me if you can" I shot back at him, signaling him to leave me be.
Currently, I was using the AI to gather as much information as possible on all forms of boxing and taekwondo from these books.
"But it's really annoying all the looks people are giving me"
For ordinary people, I was just flipping through the pages of each book without reading them. But the AI only needed a few seconds to scan a page's info.
After a good while, I had amassed a huge amount of information on taekwondo and boxing. Now I can go see the taekwondo legend Hansu Seong.
"I just hope my savings accumulated as West Gangbuk's boss will be enough to pay him" I sighed on the way over.
En route, I had the AI use the new boxing data gathered to launch another analysis to try and further improve my style.
.
.
.
After a long taxi ride which, I'll admit, was rather pricey for my taste, I was able to reach the address I had found online.
Upon entering, I found children performing various exercises and a bespectacled man who looked calm and kind.
"Excuse me kids, I'll be right back" he said, coming over to me after a few moments.
"Hello young man, are you here to sign up for training?" he asked amiably.
If I didn't know this man took part in an attempted kidnapping of a head of state, I'd think he was just a regular taekwondo teacher.
"Hello sir" I said in a respectful tone.
"I'd like full training in taekwondo, specifically ITF taekwondo" I stated calmly.
As soon as I finished speaking, his squinty eyes and benevolent smile gave way to a serious gaze lacking any hint of a smile.
"Why do you want to learn that, young man?" he began.
"In competition, WTF taekwondo is used so learning ITF taekwondo would be a waste of time if you have professional ambitions. So, can you explain why you want to learn ITF taekwondo?" he finished, gazing seriously at me.
"Damn, I should have had the AI transfer me general knowledge about taekwondo" I thought bitterly.
[AI: Initiating transfer of basic historical knowledge about taekwondo]
What, it can take that kind of initiative on its own?
[AI: Transfer complete]
"Answer me young man" he said in a slightly demanding tone.
"I want... no I just like taekwondo and I want to study the most well-rounded version of it to my knowledge" I said, remembering Taehoon Seong's dream, this man's son.
I know it's a low blow to use this kind of trick against a father, but if I want to get a good teacher in this universe, all means are valid.
"You're saying you like taekwondo and that's why you're interested in learning its ITF version?" he asked doubtfully.
"Seeing you I can tell you're a boxer. Why this sudden interest in taekwondo?" he asked calmly, walking around me, examining me.
"Yes I'm a boxer but self-taught" I started.
"I learned boxing because I had no choice at the time and didn't have the financial means to learn anything else" I finished my explanation.
I don't know why I had to go through this interrogation, I thought I could just pay and get trained.
I'm starting to get an idea why this place only has kids and no teens or adults.
"I think you're not telling me everything but fine, as long as you pay the enrollment fee and your talent meets my standards you're welcome. For now at least" he said with a shrug.
Seeing his current demeanor, it was as if the interrogation I had just gone through was an illusion.
A short while later I received the training center's hours of operation and my personal schedule since I paid extra for private lessons.
"I need to earn money, and fast" I muttered while leaving the premises.
Author's POV
After leaving Hansu Seong's taekwondo club, Hajun Gu went into a small shop to buy a mask to conceal his identity for certain future activities.
"This could come in handy tonight" he thinks with a slight smile on his face that doesn't hide his grim thoughts.
Author's note: That's it for today and note that the protagonist won't participate in Lookism's plot yet since he'll just get destroyed over there.
