Episode 471. Practical Sparring (2)

“… It’s later than I thought.”

Lee Hoyeon checked his smartwatch as he came out of Alice’s house.

As I recalled old memories and massaged Alice’s body, I ended up enjoying myself without even realizing it.

It was already dark outside.

It was only natural that time had gotten late, having stopped by the club room after the academy and then meeting Alice.

Of course, time wasn’t an issue since I could reach home in just a few steps.

‘I should start getting ready soon.’

However, Lee Hoyeon headed somewhere else instead of home.

Victoria Park, located near the academy.

Victoria Park, which had reopened as the break ended, was closed the moment the black pillar was discovered.

Lee Hoyeon confidently walked up to the Iris Guild members guarding the park.

“Good evening.”

“Cadet Lee Hoyeon-nim. You’re working hard this late at night.”

“Yes. I just need to check something quickly.”

Since Lee Hoyeon was collaborating with Irene, he had free access.

Of course, it wasn’t normally allowed, but rules aren’t always perfectly followed on site.

‘It pays off that I hang out with Irene every day.’

Once inside, Lee Hoyeon looked up at the black pillar.

The black pillar, which had finished growing at some point, was enormous enough to compare with black pillars in other regions.

At this size, it would be easy to block the academy’s entire mana.

“Hmm…”

Lee Hoyeon began preparing the magic circle, channeling mana little by little.

Since the magic circle was mostly composed of mana from the Underworld, I decided to install its core here for security and stability.

A magic circle to summon a fake dungeon.

I had agonized over the plan itself, but honestly, it felt strange to back out now.

The magic circle was complete, and I had even acquired the ‘Emotion Amplification’ skill.

The preparation… was perfect.

‘I won’t be able to finish it all at once, so I need to prepare slowly.’

Installing a large-scale magic circle originally requires extensive preparation.

Especially for a fake dungeon spell enveloping the entire academy, catalysts would need to be created throughout the academy grounds.

“Today, I’ll just lay the groundwork.”

Lee Hoyeon set up the framework of the magic circle around the pillar.

I was careful about security to avoid detection, so the Iris Guild members shouldn’t catch me.

After finishing the magic circle setup for a few minutes, Lee Hoyeon nonchalantly greeted the Iris Guild members and left the park.

Exiting the park, Lee Hoyeon returned straight home.

Seeing the lights still on outside the window, it seemed they hadn’t gone to sleep yet.

‘I hope they aren’t waiting for me, right?’

I hadn’t mentioned I’d be back late.

Feeling needlessly anxious, Lee Hoyeon quickly entered the house.

“I’m home.”

As I opened the front door, the heroines were there.

Scarlet sipping coffee, Liliana watching TV. And Rebecca reading a book.

It was the usual atmosphere at home, but something felt off.

… Why are they up and about in the middle of the night?

“You’re all still awake? What were you doing?”

“Uh, umm… Nothing much. Didn’t do anything special…”

“…”

Lee Hoyeon felt puzzled seeing Nam Daeun avoid his gaze.

Had Nam Daeun ever given off such an awkward vibe before?

But just before Lee Hoyeon’s question could escape his lips, Scarlet spoke up.

“Hoyeon-nim, you’re late too. I saw you leaving Alice-yang’s place.”

“I had something to check for tomorrow’s combat training, so I went to the academy briefly.”

“I see. Tomorrow is an important combat training session.”

How did she know I came from Alice’s house?

They must have been waiting for me. I feel bad for no reason.

“What’s happening tomorrow? Tell me too.”

“There’s a practical combat training session at Victoria Academy. You and Daeun-yang are participating, Hoyeon-nim.”

“Ah, I think I saw something about that. Isn’t it a big event where all cadets participate?”

“Yes, that’s right. Hoyeon-nim is in the final match.”

“Ehhng… If all the cadets are participating, I won’t be able to broadcast.”

Liliana’s broadcast concept is pretending to be an academy cadet.

Since she became famous from her broadcasts in the dormitory from the start, most people still think she’s a cadet.

“Liliana, should we go watch too then?”

“Ooh… Watching fights sounds fun.”

“Wait a minute. You’re planning to come to the academy?”

Lee Hoyeon, who had been listening to the women’s conversation, was taken aback by the sudden turn of events.

Why are you guys suddenly coming?

“Why not? It’ll be fun to see the baby daddy fight. I’m curious about the academy events too.”

“First off, it’s not really an ‘event,’ and spectators are usually limited to staff anyway. While Scarlet-ssi is fine since acquaintances of cadets are allowed… Rebecca-ssi and Liliana don’t have official status.”

“I have a fake ID. I can bring Liliana along with my necklace.”

“…”

Come to think of it, Rebecca had numerous forged identities.

“The necklace isn’t very visible. I’ll just walk in casually.”

“Then let’s just sneak in.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll judge your skills.”

“… Hmm. Well, it should be fine.”

I was a little worried, but it would probably be okay.

We’re not planning to cause trouble, just come to have fun. Even if Rebecca and Liliana are nervous, Scarlet can manage them.

Besides, with Rebecca’s barrier, we won’t get caught. Professor Im Sol might notice, but… Professor Im Sol knows Rebecca’s face.

Honestly, she probably wouldn’t care much anyway.

“There will be plenty of chicken skewers, which Liliana-nim likes, at the stalls around the area.”

“Ooh… I like chicken skewers.”

Lee Hoyeon nodded, seeing Liliana’s delight.

Yeah. Have fun.

What could possibly go wrong?

*

Wednesday.

Today was the day for the Professor’s Practical Combat Training.

Nam Daeun joined Liliana’s group, planning to play with Nam Dahee, while Lee Hoyeon headed to the main hall alone.

“Wow… Why is it so complicated?”

They said they were significantly increasing the practical combat portion in classes, and it looked like they really prepared thoroughly.

Lee Hoyeon navigated through the immense crowd and entered the main hall.

The main hall was packed with combat training sessions scheduled from the morning.

Since it was practical training replacing regular classes, cadets not participating in the training also had to gather in the hall to watch.

“I didn’t expect the combat training to be this grand.”

Lee Hoyeon looked at the large notice board posted in the main hall.

The notice board listed the names of the cadets participating in the combat training today.

As it was the first day, promising talents and aces were scheduled for the matches.

Among the first-years, besides Lee Hoyeon, there were Lucy, Alice, and Nam Daeun.

‘The kids are indeed strong.’

Although not quite on my level, the heroines are also central figures and promising talents at the academy.

It wasn’t strange for them to be anticipated in the practical combat training.

Just then, Lee Hoyeon spotted a familiar face putting up flyers on the wall.

“Ah, 先輩 (sunbae-nim).”

“Huh? Hoyeon junior. It’s been a while.”

Lee Hoyeon greeted the senior from the student council.

I wondered why he was putting up posters, but they had said the student council was leading today’s combat training.

They seemed to have prepared really hard.

“You’re working hard.”

“Ah, it’s nothing. The Student Council President is working the hardest.”

Lee Hoyeon looked at the senior’s embarrassed smile and suddenly thought.

‘… Come to think of it, I’m in the student council’s PR department too.’

I worked hard as a model for the first few times, but after that, I didn’t do any work at all.

Of course, from Lee Hoyeon’s perspective, it felt unfair.

You have to be called to work. How can I work if they don’t give work to the model?

Still… seeing everyone working so hard like this makes me feel a bit guilty.

“Maybe I should go help out a bit.”

Despite appearances, I’m a student council member with my own room in the student council office.

Lee Hoyeon headed towards the center of the main hall where preparations for the combat training were underway.

Pushing through reporters interviewing cadets and family members who had come to visit, I spotted the face I was looking for.

“Yes. Put that over there. No, make sure the cadets’ names are more visible.”

“Understood!”

Lee Hoyeon found Moon Surin directing students and organizing the combat training area.

… She’s pretty.

As expected, people are most attractive when they’re engrossed in their work.

• Isn’t the President really pretty?

• Of course. So many reporters came and took pictures.

While I was watching Moon Surin for a moment, I heard people around praising her appearance.

It was true. Speaking of which, reporters taking pictures.

In the past, that would have stressed me out, but it’s fortunate that I don’t seem to get stressed about it these days.

Click.

“Huh?”

Just then, a shutter sound came from right in front of Lee Hoyeon’s nose.

Turning my head, I saw Moon Surin, who had approached right beside me, taking a picture of my face with her smartwatch.

“Whoa, you startled me. Surin noona?”

“What were you thinking about? You were completely zoned out.”

“I was looking at you, noona. I was surprised by how pretty you looked, and you came up so suddenly.”

“Ah, come on. That’s a lie.”

“It’s true. Ah, have this while you work.”

Lee Hoyeon offered the coffee he bought on the way, smiling.

★ Heroine Status Window

[Moon Surin]

• [Affection: 100] (+1.0)

• [Lust: 80]

• [Appetite: 55]

• [Fatigue: 70]

Current Status: She came all the way here intentionally… Was she really looking at me?

[Upon reaching 100 Affection, dependence on Lee Hoyeon intensifies.]

“Thanks. You’re the best, Hoyeon.”

“Yes. It looks like you have a lot to prepare?”

“Mhm. There’s still a lot left.”

“Actually, I thought it was just a light training session… I didn’t realize so many people would be here.”

“We’re preparing it on a grand scale. The Chairman asked us repeatedly to make it look like an event rather than just training. It seems they want to make it a regular academy event.”

“Ah…”

“She seemed happy that the academy was getting attention after so long.”

It felt like more than just a simple combat training session; there must be some adult reasons behind it.

I didn’t want the combat training with Professor Im Sol to spread worldwide… but I guess it can’t be helped.

“How is your father?”

“He’s the same as when I last saw him. He’s recovering.”

Lee Hoyeon recalled visiting the hospital a few days ago.

Moon Sungmin’s condition had improved significantly thanks to Baek Ahyoung.

Of course, even Baek Ahyoung couldn’t fully restore Moon Sungmin to being human, but he had recovered enough to hold a conversation.

And as soon as Moon Sungmin regained consciousness, he asked to speak with me.

• Please take good care of my Surin.

• Yes.

• I intend to pay for all my sins. You must protect Surin in my stead… I’m sorry.

• I know. Please don’t worry.

• I regret my past, but I hope you two won’t. Don’t look at other women; love only Surin.

• ………… Yes.

Lee Hoyeon shook his head, recalling the conversation from that day.

I feel guilty all over again for no reason.

To think I heard such words from Moon Sungmin, who had become a demon for revenge, only looking out for his wife.

It’s only natural that I feel weird about having a harem.

Lee Hoyeon shook his head again and looked at Moon Surin.

“Noona, is there anything I can help you with?”

“Huh? No, it’s okay. Hoyeon, you have combat training today too.”

“That’s true, but I’m in the student council too. I feel a bit guilty just playing around every day.”

“Ah… Right. Hoyeon is in the student council too, isn’t he?”

… Did Surin noona forget I was in the student council too?

Maybe I really have been slacking off too much.

“Then, could you deliver these documents to the medical team?”

“What are these?”

“They’re documents containing cadets’ personal information. We compiled them because they were needed for treatment.”

“Okay. I’ll deliver them.”

“Yep, yep. Good luck with your combat training. And if you lose, don’t be too sad. I’ll comfort you!”

“Okay. I’ll definitely come find you if I lose. You shouldn’t overwork yourself either, noona.”

Lee Hoyeon smiled as he watched Moon Surin return to the stage.

If I lose, I guess I can just get comforted by Surin noona.

“By the way, if it’s the medical team, Baek Ahyoung-ssi should be there too, right?”

Since I’m going anyway, I might as well say hello.

Lee Hoyeon took the documents and headed towards the medical team area located in one corner of the main hall.