Debuting by Riding the Returnee’s Bus Chapter 1

Prologue

The era of dreaming is over.

These days, it’s hard to find people pursuing something that has nothing to do with material gain.

I often wonder if I am viewing the world too pessimistically or cynically, but so what? People naturally judge the world based on the life they’ve lived and the experiences they’ve had.

Besides, I didn’t bring this up to criticize the trends of the times. To be honest…

‘Because it’s a world where it’s hard to survive.’

It’s only natural that more and more people long for a stable life. After all, we live in an era where making a living is simply that difficult.

Though this sounds ironic, while there are plenty of fools obsessed with things like stocks or crypto, I believe even they are probably taking those risks in hopes of achieving stability someday. They’ve simply realized that they cannot achieve the life they want through conventional means.

Through the process of crashing against society and being exploited, they have learned that dreaming is a futile endeavor.

Or perhaps I’ve developed this prejudice because more and more people now think it’s uncool to talk about their dreams.

At some point, speaking the words hidden deep in your heart with complete sincerity became something embarrassing or an act of showing off.

And yet, despite all that,

“Next, Trainee Number 111, please step forward.”

There are still those who dream.

“Yes.”

There are still those who sincerely speak the words held deep in their hearts, who proudly voice things so earnestly that they might make people blush, and who chase dreams that aren’t about wealth but seem worthless, meaningless, and impossible.

“Please introduce yourself.”

“Trainee Number 111, my name is Joo Wooyoung! My dream is to become Korea’s best—no, the world’s best K-pop star!”

“…….”

“I look forward to working with you!”

And it is always the dreamers who change the world.

“…….”

“Next… Trainee Number 112, please get ready. Let’s see… Mr. Lee Unha? Where is Mr. Lee Unha?”

“Yes! I’m right here! I’m sorry!”

Of course, I, Lee Unha, am not a dreamer.

‘I have to stick to Joo Wooyoung, no matter what.’

More accurately, I’m the kind of person who wants to pick up the scraps that fall from someone like him.

‘It’s Joo Wooyoung. It really is Joo Wooyoung.’

I, Lee Unha, must cling to Joo Wooyoung.

Sure, he’s someone who pursues his dreams…

[Joo Wooyoung – Special Notes: Returnee, Savior of the Eberis Continent, Demon King Slayer, Hero Chosen by the Holy Spear, Idol Trainee]

But if my memory serves me right, he is a ‘returnee’ who came back after defeating the Demon King in a world where dragons flew through the skies and magic was real.