Chapter 30: New Beginnings: The Sujol Triumph

Three wins, zero losses. Jia Lee’s scorecard after completing the afternoon matches.

She even beat the top research student, against whom she had a losing record.

Regardless of the other matches’ outcomes, her qualification is secured.

The moment she longed for.

It’s not as joyful as she expected.

Relief washes over her, dissolving a long-held burden, but there’s also an emptiness— was it really this simple?

Seoa Ryu’s advice to neither despair nor be overly optimistic now hits home.

In the end, it’s just a new starting point.

The weakest stepping into the Go world.

Leaving the protective fence, she enters a wild ruled by survival of the fittest.

But at least today, there’s no reason to hesitate going home.

Thinking of her parents’ relief and joy lightens her heart.

She can rest easy for just one day.

Her immediate concern is for her close junior, third in Group 1, whose qualification hopes were dashed, and the top research student who didn’t bear fruit.

Words of comfort might hurt more, so she couldn’t bring herself to speak.

Silently wishing them better results next time is the best she can do.

She’s still too overwhelmed with her own affairs to mind others’ misfortunes.

A brief interview and photos follow the confirmed qualification.

Holding the certification she’s dreamed of, more than any trophy, she steps out of the Go academy. No grand fireworks or wreaths await.

Just the usual quiet.

“Congratulations!”

But seeing the blonde girl’s radiant smile, genuinely happy for her, feels like enough.

“Thanks. It’s because of you.”

“No way. It’s all your achievement, Jia unnie. I just helped you tap into your potential.”

“Still, I wouldn’t have gotten here without you.”

Even if she qualified, her old Go style, before meeting Seoa, would have hit a wall quickly.

“By the way, weren’t you bored waiting? I owe you big, so I’ll treat you to something fancy!”

“I’m fine! Your parents must be eager for the good news, so go home today. You can treat me another time.”

So considerate, unlike most girls her age.

She’s right.

Her parents haven’t shown it, but they’re surely anxious.

“Okay, I’ll do that.”

“Maybe we’ll meet in a tournament someday. Take care of me then.”

The girl says with a bright smile.

But meeting her would mean elimination, so that’s the last thing Jia wants.

*

Last week, two new Sujol were confirmed.

The final tournament of four.

Jia Lee, second in Group 1, and Eunsol Park, seventh, among women research students.

Both have stellar records in youth and amateur tournaments.

No surprise there.

Suhyun Park 9-dan scrolls roughly through Go news.

Male and female qualifiers.

All promising talents, but none seem connected to ‘tlsckdah1021.’

The women qualifiers were playing matches when ‘tlsckdah1021’ was active, making it physically impossible.

55 wins, 0 losses.

25 of those against pros.

Suhyun Park 9-dan hasn’t faced ‘tlsckdah1021,’ but reviewing their games makes it clear they’re a formidable opponent.

Just last week, the boisterous Changhyun Seo 9-dan was utterly crushed.

Though past his prime, his experience is undeniable.

Why does such a remarkable talent hide in the shadows of the internet, content with racking up wins? Curiosity drives Suhyun Park 9-dan to dig into their trail.

This year, he’s coaching the national Go team.

Personal curiosity aside, as coach, he wants to bring ‘tlsckdah1021’ into the open.

So far, he’s found no male pro with a style like ‘tlsckdah1021.’

In Korean, ‘tlsckdah1021’ reads as ‘Changmo Shin,’ likely born on October 21.

He’s searched research students and amateur high-achievers, but no ‘Changmo Shin’ appears in articles.

‘World Go Empress Seoa Ryu. Entering the Women’s National Conference.’

Scrolling through news, one article catches his eye.

Seoa Ryu was once suspected to be ‘tlsckdah1021,’ but her link to ‘Changmo Shin’ is weak.

Her surname is Ryu, and her father’s a foreigner. No blood relation to ‘Changmo Shin.’

She also publicly stated she has no teacher in an interview.

Hard to believe, but if she says so, who can argue?

What if she’s hiding a teacher?

What if her teacher, shunning public attention, told her to deny their existence?

Seoa Ryu’s brilliance and her similarity to ‘tlsckdah1021’ in the Huaihe Cup finals.

If ‘Changmo Shin’ guided her Go, it would make sense.

Whether his theory is true or not, Seoa Ryu 2-dan is clearly key to the national team’s success this year.

Suhyun Park 9-dan hurriedly checks the Women’s National Conference schedule.

For publicity, she’s a must-invite.

With an organizer’s invitation seed, Seoa Ryu 2-dan skips qualifiers and goes straight to the main round.

He wants to see her play with his own eyes.

If her Huaihe Cup win wasn’t luck and she’s ready for the women’s national team, he’ll push for her inclusion in the selection matches. If she’s tied to ‘tlsckdah1021,’ it’s a bonus.

Suhyun Park 9-dan studies the blonde girl’s face in a photo, awkwardly holding a trophy in a cheongsam.