Chapter 33: Dislike

“Wang Wei’s sister? And she’s offering to help me fight him?”

I’d never had parents or siblings, but I knew families were supposed to protect and love each other, to face challenges together.

But in my 137 years, I’d seen families betray each other for personal gain, shattering any illusions I’d had about familial bonds.

-Yes. If he’s out of the picture, I can take control of the family.

This was one of those moments. Her cheerful voice, as she plotted to cripple her own brother, made my stomach churn.

I didn’t know how much their family’s position meant to them, but I despised people like her.

This wasn’t the kind of family I’d imagined.

The Jin family, whom I’d visited the day before yesterday, was closer to my ideal.

A sister concerned about her brother’s social skills, a father willing to sacrifice for his son’s growth.

A son, though somewhat reserved, who cared deeply for his family.

Perhaps they were the exception, and the Wang family was the norm.

Still, this situation benefited me, so I had to use her.

“How far can I go? I plan to completely destroy his dantian. Can you cover that up?”

-I’d prefer if you crippled him, but that’s enough.

No one in the family would support a powerless Wang Wei. They might even silence him to prevent further embarrassment.

I knew then that we could never be close.

Our relationship would be purely transactional.

-But can you do it? He might have been eliminated early and ended up with a pathetic rank of 57, but he’s still a high-A-rank. Destroying his dantian without leaving any trace of foul play… I can handle any internal family issues, but I can’t protect you from the academy’s disciplinary action.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of that.”

-My, how reliable. How about we discuss this over tea? It’s a bit impersonal over the phone.

A quick search revealed that Wang Mei had also entered the academy through early admission. We could meet if I wanted to.

But I didn’t.

My wives and Seung-ah were right here, and she wasn’t someone I wanted to befriend.

“No. We’ve said all there is to say. Let’s just do our parts.”

-You’re the coldest man I’ve ever met… Fine. See you later, Yu-won oppa.

‘I don’t want to see you, kid.’

I ended the call and turned to my companions.

“It’s taken care of. There won’t be any repercussions for me, even if I cripple Wang Wei.”

They looked relieved, but Ha-yeon seemed annoyed.

“Tsk… How pathetic. That Wang Wei, dragging family matters into a personal fight. Just like the righteous sects.”

The righteous sects often used their sect or family names to intimidate their opponents, claiming, “If you touch me, you’re declaring war on my entire group.”

A dirty tactic, but standard practice in the martial world.

That’s why we called them hypocrites.

It was one thing for the demonic sects to act that way, but the righteous sects?

They were thugs in fancy robes.

“But judging by Yu-won’s expression, she wasn’t a very pleasant person, was she?”

“No, she’s the type I despise. But she’s useful, so we’re temporarily on the same side.”

I wouldn’t associate with her otherwise.

I discussed the situation with them, strategizing how to deal with Wang Wei, and soon it was evening.

I’d devised the perfect plan to humiliate and crush him.

We arrived at the academy cafeteria with Shin-woo and Baek-ryong, and were once again impressed.

“The food here is insane!”

Everyone agreed with Shin-woo. It was extravagant for a student cafeteria.

The meal tickets cost 30,000 won each, but it was a buffet with dishes comparable to those served in high-end restaurants.

And Class A students ate for free, simply by scanning their student IDs. Shin-woo, ranked 33rd, had to pay.

As we were enjoying our meal, I spotted Wang Wei eating with his followers. He glared at me.

I flipped him off and resumed eating.

A loud bang echoed from his table.

‘He must have slammed his fist on the table.’

He didn’t seem to be approaching, so I ignored him.

It felt cruel to provoke him further, considering this might be his last decent meal.

Then, a woman with pink hair approached me from behind. A softer shade than Liera’s fiery red.

The same voice as Wang Mei from the phone call.

“It’s nothing. By the way, are you here for dinner too?”

“I also wanted to see the person who offered to help me. I thought you were handsome during the exam, but you’re even more handsome up close.”

“Who are you?”

Liera growled, sensing her flirting.

“Oh my, it seems the top-ranked students are all gathered here. And you’re Han Shin-woo, the famous craftsman. Nice to meet you all. I’m Wang Mei, Wang Wei’s younger sister and ranked 20th. Please don’t glare at me like that; it’s a bit scary.”

Ranked 20th despite being a year younger than us was impressive. No wonder she was aiming for the head of the family, despite having an older brother who was a high-A-rank.

“I don’t care who you are. Just stop flirting with Yu-won.”

Liera glared at Wang Mei.

“May I ask what your relationship with Yu-won is?”

Wang Mei’s pointed question was dangerous. Liera couldn’t lose control here.

“Yu-won and I are…!”

I couldn’t say “husband and wife” or even “lovers” in a public place like this. Liera glanced at me and, with incredible restraint, said:

“Very, very close friends…”

I mentally applauded her self-control.

“Close friends… So you wouldn’t interfere if I became… closer to Yu-won? Since you’re just friends.”

Wang Mei leaned closer to me.

‘Stop provoking her, you.’

I was more worried about Wang Mei than Liera. If she pushed Liera too far, things would get messy. I gently pushed Wang Mei away.

“Enough with the flirting. We just met. And apologize to my friend.”

-Don’t you need my help?

She stood to gain the most from Wang Wei’s downfall. I needed her cooperation, but not as much as she needed mine.

The power dynamic had shifted.

-Fine. I was just teasing… It was fun seeing your reactions.

“I apologize. You two seemed so close, like a married couple, that I couldn’t resist teasing. I’m sorry if I offended you.”

Liera’s expression softened.

“Really…? We look like a married couple?”

Wang Mei’s excellent choice of words improved Liera’s mood.

And I’d clearly rejected Wang Mei’s advances, easing any suspicions.

“Yes.”

“Hmm… I was a bit harsh, considering we just met.”

Liera was in such a good mood she even apologized.

“Well, my friends are waiting, so I’ll be going now.”

“Sure. See you around.”

Wang Mei left. After appeasing Estelle and Ha-yeon, who seemed slightly displeased, we left the cafeteria.

Only 20 minutes remained until the duel.

We headed towards the designated arena.

“Are you sure you don’t need any artifacts? He’ll probably be decked out in them. I have some custom-made ones for you in your room. Want me to bring a few?”

Shin-woo asked before we entered the arena.

Wang Wei would likely flaunt his family’s wealth by wearing the maximum number of artifacts.

“It’s fine. Beating him without using any artifacts will crush his pride even more.”

I could already picture his enraged expression upon seeing me unarmed.

He would have researched me before challenging me, so he knew about Shin-woo, the crafting genius.

“Yu-won, be careful. Don’t get hurt.”

Seung-ah, worried about me facing a mere A-rank. My wives, knowing my true strength, weren’t concerned. I patted Seung-ah’s head.

“I won’t get hurt. Just relax and enjoy the show.”

I wasn’t worried, no matter what artifacts or hidden traits he possessed.

I wouldn’t lose.

We entered the arena. Like a coliseum, it was packed with spectators. Wang Wei stood in the center.

‘You’re dead.’

Tonight, he’d be humiliated and utterly destroyed.

I would make sure of it.