Chapter 10: School Life is Sick! (5)

“Hahahaha!”

With excitement, I spotted the school store while heading to the training field.

What could be more thrilling than this? My stomach is growling, so let’s enjoy some snacks before training!

I was looking for it and I’m glad I found it.

My mood instantly elevated. Ah, the school store. It brings back memories of my school days.

It’s just past 5 PM. That warm breeze that you get only after school and the beautiful sky at dusk, a perfect moment that stimulates the senses.

At this time, my friends and I would always make a mad dash to the internet cafe. We had to get there before the punks from the other school took up all the seats.

We were always so competitive, even during exam periods. Damn it. If we slacked off even a little, all five internet cafes under the school would be completely filled.

But after growing up, all but one of the internet cafes were out of business. I guess the low birth rate is a real problem.

Anyway, reminiscing about old memories, I made a big jump into the large and fancy school store.

“What the?”

Is this an unmanned store?

The unwritten rule is that a school store is managed by the lady who owns the store, but this large, clean store only had vending machines in it.

And there were no students using it.

“Tsk.”

A school store should be bustling with people. It doesn’t smell like people. Is this the downside of modernization?

I felt a bit of disappointment, but quickly took my wallet out and stood in front of the vending machine.

You all are screwed.

You shouldn’t underestimate the disguise of a superhuman high school student. We are beings that consume more calories than ordinary humans. I’m going to destroy everything. Just like Soon-wook destroying his lunchbox.

Well, let’s see. Do they have a Pork Cutlet Sandwich… Yes, they do!

The cheap burger, my partner during school days! I can seriously say that a school life without this is not a true school life! Without it, it would just be dull and depressing.

Ah! Eating a Pork Cutlet Sandwich in the school store.

“Hehehe!”

Unable to control my excitement, I…

Beep.
Beep.
Beep.

I picked out two Pork Cutlet Sandwiches, a Yukgaejang (spicy beef soup), and a Picnic (chocolate snack). Not only did I scream in excitement, but I also skipped lunch. I’m starving right now.

Sizzle.

I opened the Yukgaejang, put in the soup base, and filled it with hot water from the store’s purified water dispenser for hot water, and warmed up the Pork Cutlet Sandwich slightly in the microwave.

After setting everything up, I sat down.

“This is what being a high school student is.”

Snap.

I split the wooden chopsticks, dunked them into the Yukgaejang from which the seaweed was wafting, and mixed it vigorously. Not to mention, I also put a straw into the Picnic.

Sizzle!

I even unwrapped the Pork Cutlet Sandwich!

“This is what being a high school student is…!”

Young body rejuvenated!

A voracious appetite exploding!

—Hwaak!

Immediately with chopsticks, I scooped up a hearty amount of Yukgaejang noodles, soaked them thoroughly in the soup, and shoved them into my mouth before the broth could drip off.

“Kuhah!”

Insanely delicious!

After chewing the noodles, I took a swig of Picnic, grabbed a Donkatsu burger in the same manner, and took a huge bite.

A sensation beyond words.

The unique greasiness of the cheap burger embraced my tongue. This taste must be mellowed down with the Yukgaejang soup.

Reminiscing about my high school days as I eat. Running to the snack bar with friends after the second class to eat Donkatsu burgers was a part of the daily routine. Was Picnic only 500 won? I survived well on this diet. As I remember, it wasn’t a particularly tasty drink, but it was better than Narang Cider.

“Ah, but I haven’t had the chance to try the school meals yet.”

Ares Academy.

Despite being a superhuman training institution, it’s still a high school where teenagers go. Naturally, they would provide school meals, but I haven’t eaten them yet. I must try them tomorrow. Since it’s a superhuman school, they should serve decent meals.

My old high school was shitty. They served spaghetti and soybean paste soup together. Surely, it will be better than that.

“Huh.”

Regaining my senses, I found the Yukgaejang and two Donkatsu burgers, along with the Picnic, all consumed. I should come again tomorrow.

—Slurp.

I cleaned up what I had eaten and stood up from my seat. And well, as the quest directed, I found the freshman training ground.

“It’s pretty vast.”

The school grounds are very wide.

Almost like an apartment complex. Not only is it wide, but there are also many large buildings. Places like this usually have a sign… Found it.

“Hmm.”

So, it’s towards the east.

Headed straight east, and…

“Whoa.”

[Freshman Training Ground]

A huge training ground building appeared. So this is it. But is it a building-type fitness center? It’s incredibly wide and large.

“Ah.”

“Hey, shall we wreck it once and go to the PC café?”

“Cool.”

It seems there were also many students using it. Students carrying weapons gathered in groups, exchanging small talk while entering and exiting the training ground building.

Good. I should also go. Even though I only exercise lightly, the training ground makes me enthusiastic. Men are creatures that love to hold weapons and do something, aren’t they?

I entered, avoiding the other students. Looking around, there were people with different colored name tags. They must be divided by grade.

“Let’s see.”

A very modern space.

Transparent doors are arranged at regular intervals along the wide corridors on either side. And above the door, a [In Use] sign is displayed. I looked around for a vacant spot, and there was just one left.

I’m lucky.

“Good.”

I went right in.

“It’s spacious, huh?”

The inside was much wider and higher than I expected. But what kind of training do they do here? There was a sophisticated kiosk-like machine placed next to the door.

Is this some kind of pachinko machine? It sort of looks like a Japanese rhythm game device.

From what I can see on the screen, it appears I can set up training conditions with some kind of hologram.

This stuff is hard for an old guy like me.

Please install a more user-friendly machine.

“But what about the quest?”

I entered the training area as instructed, but it’s not marking as completed. Do I have to use the facilities for it to register? Alright. Might as well give it a try.

It seems like something I’ll have to do often, so it would be good to master how to use the training grounds before moving on.

Fortunately, I’ve just won two rounds of a money-flipping game.

Right now, I’m invincible.

Nobody can beat me.

Even if Instructor Kawar orders another horror experience training, I’m confident I can withstand it. To a high schooler, winning money flips holds a meaning beyond an awakening – it’s a dangerous drug, like a dose of pure adrenaline.

“Let’s see.”

Just as I was about to operate the kiosk-like machine,

-Creak-

The door suddenly opened and a group of older students walked in.

“Huh? What’s this? Hey, there’s a freshman in here.”

The blonde guy with a red earring who entered first looked back outside as he said this. As soon as he entered, the others quickly followed.

Their name tags show that they are upperclassmen.

“What? It’s not in use.”

“He must have just started.”

“So what? Isn’t this the only room left?”

“Damn, it’s crowded because it’s the new semester.”

“Freshmen are no help.”

Who do these guys think they are?

I was here first, and they just come in and start complaining. These brats have no manners… There are four of them in total. Three guys who came in first are grumbling, and there seems to be a girl at the back.

Anyway, I should kick them out. I’m busy too.

“Excuse me? Seniors? Since I was here first, I’ll use it. I’m about to start, so could you please leave?”

“What?”

As soon as I spoke politely, the one with green permed hair responded sensitively.

“Huh? No. I need to use this training room.”

“What, you little… How can this freshman…?”

Little?

“What did you say?”

“What?”

“What did you say about a freshman? What about a freshman, you assh*le. What did you just say?”

“What, what? Hey, damn. Haha. This guy is crazy, isn’t he?”

He pointed at me and laughed as if to show off. I’ve already drawn the aggro. The upperclassmen are looking at me with interest.

“Oh. What’s with this guy? Acting all tough?”

“Exactly, damn. Suddenly acting all cocky? Is this kid insane?”

“This guy’s scared of a freshman.”

“Who’s scared, you moron.”

They’re giggling as if this is some kind of fun event. Do they think they can pick a fight with me just because I’m in a good mood after winning the money flips?

“You started swearing first and now you’re making a fuss. Hey. Just get lost, jerk.”

“You little sh*t!”

-Whoosh!

As I protested with frantic gestures, the green-haired punk grabbed me by the scruff of my neck.

“You’re grabbing a person by the neck, punk?”

“Do you really want to die? On what grounds are you acting so bold?”

“Ah, f*ck. What do you want me to do? So, you want me to start a fight here in school? If you want a fight, then let’s do it, you damned punk. How were you educated as a child, to swear at me at our first meeting? Don’t you know if you start swearing, you’ll get cursed at too? You were fine when you started cursing, but now you’re whining like a baby when it comes back to you, you guy with the stupid haircut.”

“No, f*ck…!”

“Am I right or not? Answer me, you idiot.”

What the f*ck should I do? Just this morning I had trouble with Ryu Chun-hwi too. I memorized these guys’ names. Tomorrow, I’ll either head straight to the dean’s office and wreak havoc, or barge into the chairman’s office and scream. If a guy armed with a weapon is beaten by a group, it’s aggravated assault.

“You’re really f*cked-“

Just as I was about to take a beating.

“Guys, how about calming down a bit?”

A tall blonde girl who had been quietly watching from behind spoke.

“Minsu, do you think it’s right to fight with a first-year student?”

“No! I had no intention of fighting, but this guy suddenly-“

“Minsu, you were the one who started swearing. Apologize.”

Was this girl the leader?

The green-haired punk, seeming displeased after hearing her, let go of my neck and spoke.

“Hu, hoo…! Hey. Sorry. I’m a bit hot-tempered.”

Wow, this punk bowed down in one shot.

“Good job, Minsu. So you’re… Geunchul, a first-year, right? Can you also apologize? We should end this nicely.”

If that’s the case.

“Yes. I also lost my temper for a moment. I’m not usually hot-tempered, but I have a tendency to react impulsively. I’m sorry.”

“But still, he…”

“That’s it. Minsu, be quiet.”

“It ended well. Seniors, I want to use the training ground, could you please leave?”

Just as I said that, the leader, smiling, grabbed my shoulder.

“Well, Geunchul, we’re a bit busy today.”

“Yes?”

“Could you please step aside just once? We have essential training to do, and this is the only room left.”

These guys were planning this all along, weren’t they?

Just then.

ㅡDing!

I absolutely have to do this one!!!

“Um, Geunchul?”

“Would it be okay if I cried a little?”

“Huh?”

“Ah! Ah! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Agh! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Agh! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Agh!!!

“Ahh, Ahhh?!”

“What’s with this guy!”

“He’s insane! He’s insane!”

“Hey, fuck! Everyone’s watching!”

“Let’s get out of here!”

ㅡWhoosh!

Stirred by my cries, those damned puppet thugs ran away like a tide ebbing away.

I’ve successfully driven them off, you bastards.

ㅡDing.

“The rewards are damn sweet.”

Finally, I can start my damn training.

—