Ch.157157. It’s Intentional.

The reason Eun Serin called me was for counseling.

“But don’t we already have regular class interviews? Am I the first one?”

“No. Those happen in May. This is mandatory for the two people who were promoted. Actually, it’s being done because of the people who were demoted.”

Ah, I see. Where there are promotions, there are also demotions.

Promotions are usually no big deal, but I’ve heard that demotions have caused incidents before.

“Wait, you’re saying you did this intentionally? Not randomly?”

“Yes. I thought it would be better for the three of you to be together. You’re friends, right? Plus, Yuhwa is very quiet in class and doesn’t really get along with others. But I heard she gets along well with you?”

“Doesn’t Yuhwa have other friends too?”

“She has an atmosphere that makes it hard for others to approach her. In a good way, she’s like a princess, but to put it negatively, she seems so aloof that she appears to have no friends. But she’s friendly with you. I thought being together would be good for both of you.”

It seems Eun Serin didn’t just put us together for fun. She actually thought about it… Wait, then why Ariel?

“Hold on. What about Ariel? She’s close with Yu Jia, right?”

“Yu Jia is tall, so I had to put her in the back, which is why I put Ariel with you. How are things going with Ariel these days?”

“We’re not dating.”

“You don’t have any feelings at all?”

I was momentarily speechless under Eun Serin’s curious gaze. I help Ariel and the others for the future—to help them grow into good resources and prevent humanity’s extinction.

But does that mean I have no feelings? No. We’ve been involved with each other, I’ve received a lot of help from them, and we’ve enjoyed each other’s company.

As I paused, Eun Serin looked at me with meaningful eyes.

“So you do have feelings? Why can’t you say it? I’m not telling you to date, just asking if you have feelings.”

“Well. A boy’s shyness… that’s too cliché, right? It’s just awkward to talk about. Honestly, who wouldn’t like them?”

“Good that you have feelings. But you need to make a clear decision. If you go back and forth between the two of them half-heartedly, it could lead to a disaster worse than you imagine.”

Eun Serin’s words resonated clearly in my mind.

Even if I tried to improve the relationship between the two, my very existence could make things worse.

Eun Serin’s expression became peculiar.

“So just go for both of them?”

“Of course, there are people with such abilities in foreign topics. But in my situation, I’d need that kind of ability.”

“I think you have it.”

Eun Serin winked at me.

“Really? Then please help me too. It’s hard on my own.”

“As your homeroom teacher, I’ll support you. Don’t worry. But which one do you prefer?”

This feels increasingly distant from an actual interview, but I guess it doesn’t matter.

If I had to choose, they’re both fine. And honestly, Eun Serin right in front of me is also…

“They’re completely different, so each has her own charm. They’re both interesting to look at.”

I see Eun Serin in her formal attire before me. The curves she can’t hide between her neatly buttoned top, her tight pants and thighs… Wait, what am I imagining?

“Jonghyun, I like how honest your gaze is. Including even the mother figure—that’s incredible confidence.”

“No, this is… um…”

Right, with Eun Serin’s personality, she’d point this out immediately.

“This is embarrassing. If I compliment you here, I’ll get scolded, right?”

“Compliment what specifically?”

Under her playful gaze, I swallowed the words that had risen to my throat.

“Sigh~ I’m just saying you’re pretty. Understand?”

“Because I understand, I’m acting like this. So focus on those two for now.”

“I know. There won’t be any disaster. Absolutely not!”

Right, I need to do something one way or another.

I can’t mess things up half-heartedly.

After asking about me, Eun Serin moved on to the actual interview.

“Usually, when lower-class students reach third year, they face D-rank opponents as standard. Middle-class faces C-rank, and upper-class faces B-rank as a basic principle. At least until second year, you’ll be fine. But in third year, when others are handling B-rank, you might not be able to keep up.”

“If I can’t handle B-rank, will I be demoted?”

“No, you can still attend classes. B-rank is the goal, so other students will also struggle with C-rank. But as more classmates become able to clear B-rank, you’ll fall behind.”

That’s assuming I don’t have a summoned spirit. But I do have one, and my magical power is intact.

“Are you telling me to quit before it gets difficult? Absolutely not. I won’t give up. Like I told you, I’ll go all the way. I’ll end this situation.”

“…”

Eun Serin just smiles instead of answering.

“Good. That concludes our interview. If that’s your resolve, I’m satisfied as your instructor. By the way, your guard duty has been lifted. There’s talk about how long we should focus on just one boy, so we need to discuss it further. Understand? For now, there’s no duty, so don’t get involved in dangerous situations.”

“Yes.”

The counseling was over. As I left the interview room, I immediately checked my phone.

-Ariel: When are you coming out?

Ariel’s message was calling me. Considering Eun Serin’s words, I needed to be careful not to cause a disaster.

I ran toward Ariel, who was waiting at the school gate.

*

Dating Ariel requires patience.

“Ah, I’ve been here before and it’s nothing special.”

“An arcade… so noisy… chaotic.”

“Clothes… honestly, I already have more than enough.”

Having grown up in a privileged family and with her arrogant personality, she’s rarely satisfied with anything.

No matter where I take her or where we eat.

I’ve experienced Ariel’s personality well over the past year.

That’s why I can let it slide.

“You’re so picky.”

“I’ve always told you I’m like this, haven’t I? Do you dislike it now, Doo Jonghyun?”

“If I disliked it, would I be here?”

“That’s the attitude, Doo Jonghyun. I really like that.”

She walks happily with a delighted expression.

Ariel prefers walking and talking like this over fancy places or other venues.

“What is there to see around here anyway? We’ve been walking for two hours and there’s nothing to do.”

“I heard they’ve made a new area nearby that’s like Seoul’s Garosu-gil. Want to check it out?”

“Sure. It’s bound to be better than other places. Finally, you have a good idea.”

What Ariel wants, strangely enough, is just conversation. Perhaps because she has so much already, she’s not interested in things others find appealing.

“Hotteok tastes good, but the honey flows too easily, which is inconvenient. Even in a paper cup.”

“But it’s still warm, which is nice since it’s cold outside.”

“Hmm. The taste is okay. It’s street food after all.”

Ariel munches away happily as she says this. I’m glad she at least likes it.

“What are you looking at?”

“Oh? You seem to be enjoying it.”

“Is that all?”

“You’re definitely charming.”

I already know Ariel well. Her self-esteem and how to handle her.

At my last comment, she smiled briefly before her expression hardened.

“Ha, it feels like flattery.”

“It’s a compliment.”

“Fine, fine. I just wish your compliments had a bit more sincerity.”

“How?”

Ariel’s expression hardens at my innocent question.

“As expected of Doo Jonghyun. Not conscious compliments, but…”

“I am being sincere!”

“You just don’t understand.”

My frustration grows alongside Ariel’s. I really don’t know what she means.

“No, forget it. Doo Jonghyun, what will you do after graduating from the academy? Join some mediocre guild?”

After graduation? I plan to join the fight against monsters after making sure you two are safe.

“I’ll probably just fight monsters, I guess? I don’t know how far I’ll go, but it’s not something that can be finished in a few years.”

“Doo Jonghyun, you’re unusual. Usually, when people talk about the future, it’s about which guild they’ll join and becoming famous.”

“My ultimate goal is just that. Everyone’s sick of suffering from monsters. I haven’t really thought about guilds yet.”

“Well, the three major guilds wouldn’t have much reason to take you, Doo Jonghyun. They deal with S-rank or SS-rank opponents, not just academy level.”

“That’s true.”

“So, would you like me to help you?”

Ariel’s red hair comes right up to my face.

Her intense eyes were directed at me.

“If you have nowhere to go, should I put in a word for you? Picking up someone like you wouldn’t be difficult.”

“I appreciate it, but it’s only the beginning of second year. I’d rather not make hasty decisions.”

“Did I make a hasty decision? Stupid Doo Jonghyun?”

Ariel seemed slightly upset.

“I’m ordinary, but you’re special. Your talent is why they recruited you.”

“Oh, did you put on some lipstick before coming out?”

“You should take compliments at face value. If you grow in the Magician Guild, you’ll be a great help to humanity.”

Yes, it’s clear. This is a divergence point from the future.

“Especially if you and Seol Yuhwa properly team up…”

“Doo Jonghyun. You know that Seol Yuhwa and I don’t get along, right? Stop it.”

“I know.”

This was a matter of Ariel’s pride, separate from any romantic issues.

Think back to the beginning of the semester. She always looked down on Seol Yuhwa, but that was suddenly reversed.

The romantic aspect isn’t even central. The bigger issue is her shattered pride about being superior.

Silence fell between us.

This is definitely a minefield topic. How can I reconcile these two?

No, there’s plenty of time. I won’t let them both die like before.

I’ll make an effort somehow.

“Not everyone in the world needs to be friends, but it would be good if you could cooperate when fighting together.”

“…”

Ariel doesn’t give a definitive answer here. I don’t push further, fearing it might ruin our date.

I quickly changed the subject.

Topics like what she did during the break. Ariel’s expression finally softened.

But I had one problem.

[Monster Break Information Updated]

Again. These creatures are coming with different patterns. And an alarm went off near us.

Ariel stood in front of me.

“Doo Jonghyun. Hide yourself.”

“Ah, right. Don’t overdo it.”

What should I do in this situation? Obviously, I should secretly hide and transform.

It’s convenient to earn points after a while. Now there are no guards, and I can just hide and fight.

Ariel has given me the perfect timing to transform.

Using the Monster Alert information, I identified the break point and transformed.

Into the dinosaur Sura, which is closely related to Ariel.

I immediately revealed myself and ran toward Ariel.

Surrounded by monsters… no, she was burning them.

Ariel shouted at me:

“Idiot! It’s enough! Stay hidden!”

Typical Ariel, trying to send me away.

Those are S-rank monsters? I’m a monster myself, but what about Ariel?

But I was mistaken. I hadn’t realized how much Ariel had improved since the Mahana incident and during the break.

As her magical power blazed like flames, a wide flower-shaped mark consumed everything.

The firepower was enough to instantly annihilate S-rank monsters.

She was always exceptional in firepower, but now even more so.

With Ariel’s level, she can handle the remaining monsters.

Plus, her gaze toward me is full of confidence.

Good. Then I can relax…

Thanks to her, I had no trouble handling other break points.

With this large body, being in an open park rather than a confined space makes a difference.

I could shoot and attack freely to clear them out.

However, during the cleanup, I saw something strange in my field of vision.

“Junhu?”

I saw what looked like Junhu.

Did he come to the park to play? Worried, I deliberately searched for other monsters and waited for him.

As soon as another Jaeger appeared in my sight, I set off a smoke screen.

After the situation ended, Ariel came back to me.

-Ariel: Come out now that everything’s been handled

“…’been handled’? Shouldn’t she say ‘I’ve handled everything’ at a time like this?”

She was speaking as if we had worked together.

Could it be?

A slight uneasiness crossed my mind.