Ch.8484. Love Triangle(?)

The second-year students stopped bothering me after the dinner gathering.

It wasn’t really an issue except for the third-years’ anger.

As for me, it seems like they’ve completely given up.

Just me, though.

“You first-year bastards. Again? What happened to everything we taught you? I told you to at least not cause trouble for your seniors.”

Suk-hyun Bang was breathing fire again after a while.

Along with his lackeys like Dong-guk Baek and Min-jung Shin. This situation was exactly the same as before, not a single thing different.

But this time, something was different.

“Seniors, why are you acting like this? Please be patient.”

Sang-heon Gu stepped up.

And so did Do-hyun Geum.

“Seniors, don’t be so scary. If you do this every time practice ends, it crushes our spirits.”

Even Do-hyun Geum, who was previously recruited by them, is speaking up? There might be hope after all.

The second-years looked confused seeing these two.

“Hey, are you defying your seniors right now?”

Dong-guk Baek tried to say something in his heated state, but Sang-heon maintained his usual slick smile.

“Defiance? Are you picking a fight with me?”

“Look at how he’s talking!”

It was Suk-cheon Bang who stopped Dong-guk from getting too excited. He’s always quick to read the situation.

If he had just knocked them down, this would have been over quickly.

Just as some first-years were blocking the second-years and things were going well,

Deok-min Yu intervened.

“Why are you doing this in front of the seniors? Sure, you guys are doing well, but honestly, many people make mistakes. They’re just trying to keep us on our toes.”

Deok-min was defending them.

“Honestly, the seniors are sacrificing their time to train us, so we should be able to take a bit of criticism.”

“Hmm, I don’t take their classes so I don’t know, but is it helpful?”

When Sang-heon asked, heads nodded here and there. As the atmosphere became strange, Suk-cheon stepped forward again.

“Haha, we got too excited. Sang-heon and Do-hyun are right.”

“Thank you, senior.”

“We were a bit sensitive.”

Suk-cheon quickly dispersed the strange atmosphere by backing down appropriately. Yes, that’s the best decision.

In fact, if they had pressed Sang-heon and Do-hyun in that strange atmosphere, it was obvious the two would resist more.

But fortunately, some first-years responded to Deok-min and backed down after establishing the premise that “the second-years’ bullying is for the first-years’ benefit.”

It won’t be easy to object next time.

As I was leaving, Ariel stood in front of me. Why does my head throb the moment I see her? Regardless of how pretty she is.

“What?”

“Aren’t the second-years annoying these days? Making a fuss because first-years arrived first? I want to blow them away despite their lack of skill. Why do you even participate in that?”

“It seems to be helpful. Besides, I can’t participate. They told me not to come.”

Ariel tilted her head at this.

“Shouldn’t you be the one who needs to learn the most?”

“Sorry, but if they tell me not to come, I have no choice.”

“Heh. The second-years really have no eye for talent. You’re the most urgent case.”

Ariel was using her usual way of talking. But I know it’s just talk.

“Haha, thanks for worrying about me.”

“It’s not worry. If those second-years want to improve, they’ll need your help. Wouldn’t it be more effective to recruit you and have you teach? It’s strange that they’re rejecting Du Jong-hyun. Are you disliked?”

“What do you mean, disliked?”

“At least your judgment and analytical skills are decent. I guarantee it. Better than those half-baked second and third-years.”

I brushed it off, but she’s surprisingly sharp. It wasn’t just a casual remark; she was speaking after assessing the situation.

“That’s that. So are you just going to hang around on Thursday?”

“No, I was planning to visit the department store anyway. They’re having a bomb sale.”

I need at least some excuse since I’d be suspected if incidents happen wherever I go.

Conveniently, a massive bomb sale starts at the department store and nearby streets from Wednesday. I’ll use this as an excuse to go to Sindorim.

“So you are going?”

“Why? Want to come too?”

“Maybe? Let me check my schedule first.”

“Let me know in advance if you’re coming.”

“I’m not going with you!”

Ariel shouted and walked away. She’s really doing whatever she wants.

Anyway, I was just waiting for Thursday to come.

*

I did one final check before going to Sindorim.

Monster Points: 6

DNA Points: 17,100

M Points: 8,400

With this, I can transform into any of them. Even if I consider a different evolution, I have enough.

All preparations are complete. I could catch it with my existing adult form if necessary, but since it’ll be causing trouble inside a building, I need something smaller.

Now on my way to Sindorim. I deliberately carried a bomb sale flyer.

“Yes, I’m going to Sindorim. They’re having a bomb sale there. Yes. Please stay around the area.”

To avoid suspicion, I’ll kill time shopping until it’s time.

When I arrived at the bargain sale site, I was shocked by the enormous crowd.

“As if the hell train wasn’t annoying enough.”

Sindorim was already an area with high foot traffic, but the department store street itself was a sale venue, so people were pouring in.

I barely made it through the wall of people to reach the bargain sale site.

The security team would have followed on their own. It’s still an hour before the monster appears. I should buy some things and get ready.

“For my parents’ clothes… I’ve bought enough, so I should get some for myself.”

Since I’m short on fall clothes anyway, I might as well look around.

“For a guy like me, something modern yet sophisticated…”

I started by looking at jackets. Not bad, right? This is when you search for “fall men’s look” on your phone.

Gotta keep up with the trends.

“Hmm, but the fashion world is tricky. Why are clothes so slim these days?”

Today’s clothes seem to be designed for fashion models; they’re too tight or small.

For someone like me with a decent build and muscles, it’s awkward. So I had to buy sizes larger than my exact fit.

While I was looking around for designs similar to what models wear, I spotted a familiar straight hair in the distance. I could see a bright trench coat, a blouse with fancy lace, and black cotton pants.

“That’s… Yu-hwa Seol!”

Surprisingly, Yu-hwa Seol, who should be busy learning from the White Dragon Guild, was here at this sale.

No, it’s not surprising. Considering her family situation, it would be strange if she wasn’t here.

“Yu-hwa.”

When I naturally called out to her, Yu-hwa hurriedly stood up.

“J-Jong-hyun?”

“What a coincidence to see you here. What are you looking for?”

I approached her because I was glad to see a familiar face, but she still looked surprised.

“Oh, just buying something for my siblings.”

“Ah, how are they doing? No trauma or anything?”

“None. They’re actually grateful to you.”

She smiled brightly, but Yu-hwa looked slightly different at this moment.

Somehow she seemed more dignified? Her aura was stronger, and her expression was more mature.

“Jun-hu insisted on coming here today. I didn’t know there was a sale going on. I don’t know how that child got such information.”

“I wonder if he’s awakened some magical power? He gives off that kind of vibe.”

“Jun-hu? Well, he does say inexplicable things sometimes. Magical awakening… I don’t think so. Actually, I took him for a check-up once.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Living with him, he talks about voices and such, so I wondered if he had a magical awakening, but the results said no.”

So they already checked. Then if it’s not magical awakening, what is it? I thought he might be a precognitive ability user.

But it’s clearly suspicious. Is he just possessed by a summoning spirit? I don’t know if such cases exist.

Anyway, since I met Yu-hwa, I should get some help.

“I need to buy some fall clothes. Could you take a look and give me your opinion?”

“Clothes? Sure, that’s fine.”

Fortunately, Yu-hwa didn’t seem to mind.

Last time I helped her, but this time it’s Yu-hwa’s turn.

I started with a light shirt.

“I’m not sure if it goes well with jeans.”

“Isn’t it too casual? I don’t think it’s bad though.”

Just as I was picking out a colorful outfit during our little fashion show, it happened.

“It’s colorful and has good color. Bright.”

“Really? Is this okay too? I’ll take this along with the previous one…”

As I was about to take out my card to pay,

“Such flashy clothes are terrible. You’ll look like a clown, Du Jong-hyun.”

The only woman who calls me Du Jong-hyun, Ariel, was right in front of me.

Why are you showing up here?

While I was wondering, Ariel was approaching.

*

Corner was exasperated by this stubborn young lady’s behavior.

“You received a date invitation from student Du Jong-hyun and rejected it. And the reason was merely ‘pride’?”

“Merely? Corner! I’m serious! Anyway, I rejected him, so I’m satisfied.”

“Then why are you going out on Thursday?”

In front of Corner was Ariel, preparing to go out.

Black shorts and shoes that came up to her calves. She was carefully styling herself with a cardigan.

“Are you going to see Du Jong-hyun?”

“No! I’m just going out. It just happens that Du Jong-hyun will be where I’m going.”

Ariel’s mindset was quite simple. She wanted Du Jong-hyun to pay attention to her, but her pride wouldn’t let her make the first move.

So she wanted him to ask her on a date, which she would reject.

This would satisfy her pride, but then she would still go to the rejected location on her own.

She rejected the date to maintain her pride, but then went there “of her own will” to insert herself.

It’s hard to call this being proactive.

Corner already knew the perfect expression for this.

‘She’s really like a child.’

Yes, it was like a child’s tantrum, just in a slightly more mature version.

However, Ariel’s concern was typical of someone going on a date with a boy.

‘She’s definitely interested. But what kind of nice boy would put up with our lady’s personality?’

Corner felt grateful towards this student named Du Jong-hyun.

“I’ll be going then. Ah, I’m looking forward to his face.”

Corner had no choice but to trust Ariel and let her go. Of course, he secretly followed her soon after.

*

It was truly like a bolt from the blue. Why is Ariel here?

With my head full of questions, Ariel handed the clothes back to the clerk.

“It’s terrible. I’ll pick something for you.”

“…”

“Oh? Are you happy? I have a good eye for these things.”

“Didn’t you say you weren’t coming?”

“It’s my choice.”

Continuing this conversation with Ariel would be futile.

“I’m surprised you suddenly showed up.”

“Why are you so surprised?”

Ariel’s gaze turned to Yu-hwa.

“So you brought Yu-hwa instead after I rejected you? As a replacement?”

“No, we just happened to meet here.”

I quickly intervened, worried that Yu-hwa might feel bad.

“Just happened to? Really?”

“I came to buy clothes for my kids.”

Yu-hwa calmly shook her shopping bag.

“Is that so? Then there’s no problem if I hang out with Du Jong-hyun, right?”

“No. I did happen to meet Jong-hyun, but isn’t it rude to suddenly intrude? Especially after rejecting his invitation?”

The atmosphere was becoming strange. These two definitely don’t get along.

“What’s it to you? I can come even if I rejected him. If I want to come, I’ll come.”

“How arrogant.”

“Thanks for the compliment. But your clothes selection is lacking. And what you’re wearing is cheap. Despite acting like nobility at school, your fashion sense is poor.”

Ariel looked around.

“You must be rich too, so why come to a bargain sale like this? Should I recommend some places?”

“Mind your own business!”

Yu-hwa’s voice grew louder. I stepped between them to calm them down, mindful of the onlookers.

“Let’s calm down.”

I came between the two and first moved away from that spot.

“Why do you two always fight? And there’s no need to fight in a place like this.”

“Someone seems to have an inferiority complex.”

Yu-hwa delivered another powerful blow, and Ariel’s face turned red.

“Inferiority complex? Aren’t your evaluations worse than mine?”

“That’s just initial evaluations. I’ve been stronger than you since before the break. No matter how hard you try, I don’t think you’ll win.”

“You’ve gotten cocky since joining the White Dragon Guild. Want to test it here?”

Ariel had somehow drawn out Gram. This is getting out of hand again.

“What are you doing, Ariel? Don’t you see people walking around here?”

“Du Jong-hyun! Are you always taking Yu-hwa’s side?”

“No, you said you weren’t coming, but you came. I just happened to meet Yu-hwa and we were picking out clothes together.”

“I said I’ll help you choose! As I said earlier, Yu-hwa’s sense is lacking.”

The conversation was taking a strange turn. Ariel confidently took me to a luxury store and told me to pick anything.

“This is better than those tacky clothes. It guarantees the basics.”

“You have no eye for fashion. Just throwing money around…”

I could hear Yu-hwa’s sarcasm. How did it come to this? Why did I come here today? My mind is suddenly blank.

It’s not like I really came to choose clothes.

“It’s good to have money. Yu-hwa, do you prefer cheap stuff? Aren’t you rich too?”

“I don’t like spending that much. I only spend when necessary.”

“You’re really strange.”

The words I heard while changing clothes were dangerously contentious.

From Yu-hwa pretending at school to what that willful Ariel might say next.

I quickly put on the clothes and showed everyone.

“Since you two are fighting, it’s better if we choose quickly and go our separate ways.”

“Separate ways? Du Jong-hyun, then you can definitely come with me. Yu-hwa, goodbye.”

But Ariel didn’t seem willing to give up.

“Originally, Du Jong-hyun and I were supposed to meet. Now the person who butted in should leave.”

Ariel looked at Yu-hwa.

“What does it matter? You’re the one who butted in. I have no reason to leave.”

It never ends. And neither of them backs down.

Going around with these two would be hell.

Just as I was trying to figure out how to disperse them quickly, an alarm sounded, making the situation even worse.

“Huh?”

“It’s a monster break!”

The alarm went off, and this place crowded with people turned into chaos.

“Aaaaah!”

Screams were heard shortly after the break. Wait a minute?

I suddenly remembered the monster report and checked the time. It’s exactly when the creature was supposed to appear.

Ariel picked up her phone.

“Corner, you’re nearby anyway, right? Help organize the people outside. What? You think I’ll die easily? Don’t worry and help the civilians first.”

As Gram began to emit magical power, Ariel and Yu-hwa looked at each other.

“Shall we stop wasting time?”

“Of course. It’s appearing and disappearing on the floor above us.”

I like how these two act like professionals at times like this. They both ran upstairs together.

I was also looking for a place to hide and prepare, but people were pouring in from all directions, creating chaos.

First, I called the security team to keep them from approaching me.

“Hyung! Where are you now? I’m fine. Ariel and Yu-hwa are protecting me. Yes! So please prioritize evacuating civilians.”

There’s no better excuse than prioritizing citizen rescue.

I needed to find a place to transform, but I was worried about the sounds of fighting already coming from above.

Those two will never catch it. Without the ability to manipulate space, it’s hard to damage it.

I moved as best I could through the chaos of people.