Ch.1919. Gear Advantage

For Yuhwa Seol, good grades were essential.

“Did you hear? They say the White Dragon Guild has already reached out to Ariel?”

“As expected, the talented ones are different.”

“I heard the Magician Guild contacted Sangheon Gu.”

Scouting. It’s like a medal given to those who achieve good results.

After graduating as an aptitude holder, your path is set.

Either create your own guild or join one.

If neither, then work as a stable, state-guaranteed aptitude holder.

Private sector naturally pays more than government positions, and most world-famous individuals go private.

Talented people go to the government for two reasons: either they’re patriotic like Dangsu Ko, or they’ve lost competitiveness in the private sector.

Yuhwa needed the scouts’ attention. Payday was still far off, but her sibling’s birthday was coming up, and she needed a small gift.

‘If a scout comes, I could receive some support.’

As the head of her household, she was full of desire to do something for her siblings.

The reason she applied for the combat team was solely to stand out.

Given Brisingamen’s characteristics, she was more suited for a sidekick role, but sidekicks earn less than combat teams.

It’s not that sidekicks are paid less, it depends on ability.

With Yuhwa’s Brisingamen, she could receive top treatment. The problem is that this top treatment is only mid-level for combat teams.

But the spotlight and fame belong to combat teams.

Scouts also look for sidekicks last.

Given these circumstances, Yuhwa wanted to receive support quickly.

But it wasn’t easy.

While people like Ariel and Sangheon Gu easily received offers, she wasn’t at that level yet.

‘Ariel….’

Among them, Ariel particularly irritated her.

She disliked her willful personality, and they were complete opposites.

From hairstyle to family background.

‘She’s definitely good. Skill-wise too….’

She more than deserves the public attention.

For Yuhwa, Ariel was someone she wanted to beat. That’s why she was heading to join her for the mission like last time.

But what she saw was Jonghyun Do attached to Ariel.

‘No way.’

Yuhwa felt betrayal, an emotion she shouldn’t have.

While Jonghyun wasn’t on anyone’s side specifically, he had actively appealed to her and won first place.

She believed they would work together this time too. But Yuhwa faced reality once again.

Jonghyun had no particular reason to go with her. They didn’t have any special relationship.

‘It has nothing to do with me.’

That’s right. Theoretically, she shouldn’t feel anything if he teams up with Ariel.

But the world doesn’t run on theory alone.

‘I feel bad.’

Literally, Yuhwa just felt bad. After working with her, seeing him with Ariel didn’t sit well.

The moment their eyes met, Yuhwa turned away with an unpleasant expression.

Jonghyun approached her, looking troubled.

“Perhaps…”

“Forget it.”

With that, Yuhwa left.

*

[M-points acquired]

-1,500 points

Yuhwa handled things very calmly. She responded well to my instructions, allowing us to achieve a new record.

Someone with Ariel’s skill might have been able to break Yuhwa’s record.

Even now, her performance was hard to compare with Yuhwa, who belongs to non-combat personnel.

That is, until I witnessed Ariel’s willful personality firsthand.

“Wait! Those goblins scatter when suddenly attacked! It takes time. I’ll lure them…”

“I can do it!”

Even when I explained the strategy and weaknesses, Ariel only followed half and did the rest her way.

She had the skill to break through, but there was always wasted time.

“Who knew a goblin would hide like that? It’s a simulation, but isn’t it too faithfully reproduced?”

Ariel finished the training, huffing. Sorry, but if you hadn’t rushed in recklessly, we could have rounded them all up!

As I glared at her, Ariel returned the sharp gaze.

Enough. Is this the time for a staring contest with a kid?

So what place did we get? A tie for first.

Just like the previous team. Ariel grumbled.

“I couldn’t win.”

“I think it’s because of you.”

“What?”

Ariel glared at me lazily. It’s the truth.

I stood my ground confidently.

“Anyway, since we got first place, you can give me a reward, right?”

“I should have been ahead of Yuhwa Seol’s team.”

“That’s your problem. Keep your word. A tie for first isn’t bad, right?”

“Hah… I’m exhausted.”

Ariel looked at me reproachfully. What am I supposed to do?

But I’m quite shameless. I’ve experienced enough pressure before my regression.

“What I want is an enhancement suit, you know? The one that boosts physical abilities. That’s all.”

“Enhancement suit? Well… with your physique, you do need that assistance.”

“A good one costs over ten million won, but a decent one will do.”

“You’re really shameless. It’s just one of many practice records.”

“First place remains forever.”

For reference, Ariel is the child of a renowned wealthy family. In Korean terms, she’s like a second-generation chaebol.

“If it’s expensive, you don’t have to give it. Just buy me a meal instead.”

“What?”

Ariel glared at me, then turned away.

“Then I’ll be going.”

Was the enhancement suit too much to ask for? Well, fine. I managed to exchange contacts with two other sidekicks because of this.

“Let’s work together next time if possible.”

Creating allies like this will make practice so much easier.

Amidst all this, a figure approached.

“You’re quite popular these days, aren’t you?”

Sangheon Gu, who rivals Ariel as the top male student, approached me.

“Popular? I’m just desperate.”

“I see. You don’t have a summoned spirit, right?”

I do, but I’d die if I said so. Sangheon Gu showing interest means he might become my next bus driver.

“So, how do you manage?”

“Who knows? Maybe the monster is my summoned spirit?”

Sangheon Gu smirks. Though it wasn’t an intentional comment, my heart tightens. I’ve observed Sangheon’s personality occasionally over three years.

With a decent personality and good reputation, by the third year, he completely overshadows Dohyun Geum in both connections and skill.

“Yeah, if the monster really is your summoned spirit, would you transform into a monster? Hahaha.”

“Then I’d have to kill you.”

“…”

His attitude was different from the gentle one just moments ago.

“Of course, I’m joking. That wouldn’t happen. Transforming into a monster means becoming one. A talking human-monster. We’d have to deal with it before it threatens humanity.”

Sangheon pats my back.

The person right in front of you will transform like that.

“Want to team up with me next time? You seem to be a great support.”

“I don’t mind. Just give me a good ride.”

“Sure.”

Sangheon walks away with a pleased smile. That’s another driver secured.

That wasn’t all.

Perhaps because I’d proven myself twice, several intermediate class students approached me.

Even I never dreamed things would change this much just by knowing the future.

Was that why? When the lower class gathered in the afternoon, Gangsu Min came to pick a fight.

“Without a summoned spirit, you have to be good at sucking up, right?”

I already understand why he’s picking on me.

It’s likely on Dohyun Geum’s orders. If I was the primary errand boy before my regression, Gangsu Min was the one who bullied lower class students that Dohyun disliked.

That’s why he keeps picking fights.

“Is that all you have to say?”

“This bastard’s attitude…”

“Well, what kind of fool would just take your provocation? Don’t you even realize how you’re speaking?”

“All talk and no action.”

Gangsu grabbed my collar.

“You know about the one-on-one duel next week? Let’s fight.”

“With me, who doesn’t even have a summoned spirit? You’ll obviously win. I lose. What are you going to do?”

Whatever. What can you, a lackey, do? I thoroughly mocked this guy who couldn’t do anything either way.

“Is that how you act when you’ve lost?”

“Then why don’t you hit me right here?”

“Then you’ll run to Juhwan Oh like a little girl and tell on me!”

“No? I’ll run like a 100-meter sprinter?”

“You bastard! Playing with words?”

But formal assault is only allowed in duels. If I refuse, that’s the end of it.

From the start, there’s a huge power difference between those who have contracted with summoned spirits and those who haven’t.

And you want a one-on-one? Nonsense. If I fall for the provocation, I’ll definitely get beaten to a pulp in the duel.

“Then stop talking shit!”

“I don’t recall talking shit.”

“I heard you’ve been sucking up to the upper class students lately? Do you think you’re one of them?”

“They forced me.”

Gangsu Min, who would normally pick a fight and back off, keeps pressing.

He’s considered strong among the lower class.

With the mark of being in Dohyun Geum’s family, few dare to go against him.

And now he’s targeting me.

Isn’t this too much? We barely had any interaction.

Just as I was considering calling the instructor out of annoyance, the classroom stirred again.

Gangsu Min, who had been glaring at me, turned his gaze to the door. Did Juhwan Oh really appear?

When I turned my head, I saw the academy’s distinctive blue female blouse.

Additionally, a red ribbon tied around her neck indicated she was from the upper class.

Ariel.

This future powerhouse had suddenly appeared.

“Interesting situation. Can I borrow him for a moment?”

As Ariel spoke to Gangsu Min, my collar was naturally released.

“Yes… uh…”

Gangsu Min backed away, speaking formally like an idiot.

Facing Ariel after this unexpected help, I offered a handshake.

“Thanks. You’re quite persistent.”

“Don’t act like we’re close.”

Ariel looked me up and down, then sighed.

“So what brings you here?”

“Here!”

She threw a pamphlet at me. Catching it, I saw it was full of enhancement suit listings.

“This…”

“Mama was happy when I told her I got first place. Since she’s in a good mood, I’ll grant your ridiculous request. Choose any one.”

“Really? I can choose any?”

“You asked for it, and now you’re backing out? Choose any. They’re all around the same price anyway…”

These cost ten million won each? Her concept of money is definitely different from us commoners.

I can’t refuse this. I boldly chose a mid-high grade enhancement suit.

“I’ll take this one.”

“7 million won… you’re choosing a cheap one. Is it because you’re from the lower class, so you’re choosing something that suits your level?”

“I like it, so that’s the one.”

It’s a free enhancement suit. Ariel took the pamphlet back.

Wait, getting an enhancement suit means…

I rushed back to the classroom. There, Gangsu Min was watching me nervously.

He’s probably afraid Ariel might take my side. He’s so easy to read.

I approached Gangsu Min.

“Gangsu Min. You mentioned a one-on-one duel on Friday? Let’s do it.”

“Why suddenly?”

Yes, with an enhancement suit, I have a chance. Seeing my confidence, Gangsu Min tries to back out.

“What’s with you suddenly?”

“You said you wanted to fight and would do it. Are you scared? Then back out.”

This time, I provoked him. Gangsu Min stood up abruptly.

“Fine. You’re crazy. Think I can’t do it? And it’s strictly one-on-one. No interference from others.”

“It’s a class for lower ranks anyway, who would interfere? Gangsu Min, so we’ve agreed on the one-on-one?”

Gangsu Min still looks dumbfounded. He’s bewildered that I, without a summoned spirit, am challenging him.

But I’m confident I can win. At least with the enhancement suit. I’ll exploit the gap that’s only possible in these early days with my future knowledge. I felt more at ease as I returned to class.