episode_0011

I haven’t been able to sleep properly for the past few days, but I fell into a deep sleep yesterday after a long time.

Hong Yeon-hwa fainted after being hit directly by Katsuki Yusei’s attack. After waking up, she fell asleep again under Hong Yeon-hwa’s gaze.

After that, I woke up the next day with great difficulty.

It had been a long time since my mind felt clear. It felt refreshing as if impurities had disappeared. I bought necessities outside and returned to the dormitory.

And then I had a time to experiment with spatial perception.

I comfortably settled in the middle of the living room and sat down. By expanding my spatial perception as much as possible in that state, the upper and lower five floors came into view amusingly.

…As I looked around, I was amazed, but then privacy issues came to mind, and I quickly leaked the information.

“It’s gotten quite better.”

There were two major changes in spatial perception.

The first was the ability to expand the range to about 100 meters in diameter. At the welcoming party, it was about 30 meters. The range had increased more than threefold in just a few days.

It was a welcome achievement. Even without eyes, this level should now be superior to others.

The second and biggest change was, as expected, a change in perspective.

Previously, the perspective was like night vision goggles or radar. It was a strange perspective where only the faint green outlines of objects could be seen in a black world.

There was no problem in seeing simple movements, but there were many difficulties in seeing people’s expressions or holograms.

But now, spatial perception is similar to a normal person’s vision. Colors are visible, and shades are well recognized.

On the first day, it wasn’t like seeing everything as if through the eyes of a god, but it was at a level where it could sense quite a bit.

However, what came with the improvement in performance was an increase in cost.

When I switched to spatial perception (color), the headache intensified. It seemed certain that using resources for spatial perception (color) required more than spatial perception (radar).

I wasn’t particularly worried about this part. Since I had gradually become accustomed to spatial perception (radar), I would get used to the color mode by continuing to use it.

“Spatial perception.”

One of the three unique abilities obtained by attaching three constraints to Ability 1… That is, the effect of reading the information of space directly without using the information organ attached to the body.

I haven’t had a proper battle or training yet, but I could feel how good this ability is by watching the friendly match.

There’s no such thing as a blind spot. The field of view doesn’t matter. It’s about reading the space itself. The perspective doesn’t matter either. Since everything can be read anyway.

But the problem is that it’s a bit… inadequate somewhere?

Omnidirectional perception. It’s being used well. I can feel that various physical movements are changing in my daily life.

Magic affinity. No big deal. I can feel the magic moving within spatial perception very well. I think I could try something if I set my mind to it, but for now, I’ll leave it. I plan to try it properly when I receive proper guidance.

Spatial perception… I almost died the day I received this.

“I feel so unfairly treated.”

Even now, thinking back to that time, a sense of unfairness suddenly rose inside me.

No, it’s one of the abilities I received in exchange for my eyes, nose, mouth, lifespan, and speech. To almost die from overload right after receiving it. It’s not even funny.

The reason for coming to this world? I don’t know. Who sent me here? I don’t know either. What exactly is this world for? I have no idea at all.

I just want to release the constraints and live. I have no intention of uncovering some secret of the world.

One thing for sure, it seems like the way they gave me the ability was rather haphazard.

Otherwise, it doesn’t explain why I almost died.

As I lamented my fate and adjusted my spatial perception, the past appearance captured by spatial perception came to mind vividly.

… Especially when I recall what happened in the infirmary, my face sometimes gets hot. It’s because my actions at that time were so embarrassing.

Waking up from a nightmare with difficulty breathing. And being hugged and comforted by Hong Yeon-hwa.

Even up to this point, it seems like I might go crazy, but at that time, I completely lost it and hugged Hong Yeon-hwa tightly from my side…

In addition, at that time, I didn’t know, but upon recollection, I buried my face, mumbled, and did very, very… disgraceful things.

And then, apologizing to Hong Yeon-hwa, I confidently blurted out nonsense like “Why apologize?” or “With your social status, there’s no need to apologize, right?”

After being refuted with the obvious argument, touching and stroking the ball…

“Ugh.”

Anyway, it was a day when I had accumulated an absurd black history.

Even when dealing with spatial perception, it was to the extent that I could roll on the floor whenever I recalled that memory. Now, I could end it by tightly clenching it with a little resistance.

There is an excuse that I have not been in my right mind due to receiving more stress than imagination these days… but the embarrassing fact of the black history did not change.

Anyway. The change in spatial perception was a benefit to be welcomed with open arms.

When spatial perception broke on the first day, I thought it was ruined, but it was very good that it was unexpectedly restored quickly.

Previously, I heard it through the ‘read-aloud’ function, but now, thanks to the spatial perception that can be used with normal vision, I can also see holograms.

▶ Hong Yeon-hwa: Did you get in well? (Yesterday 10:28)

▶ Hong Yeon-hwa: Check the half-assignment schedule and academic schedule that came up at 12 o’clock yesterday (Yesterday 10:29)

▶ Hong Yeon-hwa: There’s no schedule today, so rest well (Yesterday 10:29)

▶ Hong Yeon-hwa: Do you remember what we talked about yesterday? If you have any trouble, contact me anytime (Yesterday 10:33)

“Be, kind…”

Looking at the messages sent by Hong Yeon-hwa since yesterday, I was feeling uneasy. Exactly, should I say confused?

The nature of Hong Yeon-hwa from the original work that I couldn’t understand no matter how many times I forced it.

Fiery temperament. Once the lid is opened, she’s a crazy dog who bites without hesitation. She’s more action-oriented than I thought.

Also, after properly meeting her in the 11th round, my perception of Hong Yeon-hwa in my head was in such a state.

So, I was even more prepared. For me, Hong Yeon-hwa was nothing more than someone to bleed if touched.

However, in the messages… the reality of Hong Yeon-hwa was different.

Although at first she pushed me over and said, “Can’t you see?” or threw a challenge at me, she later offered sincere apologies and promised to compensate several times.

She helped me, such as throwing herself to hug me when I had difficulty breathing.

It didn’t feel like empty words. Apologies were sincere, and she kept asking if there was anything I needed.

By this point, I had to admit it. My perception of Hong Yeon-hwa was nothing but foolish prejudice.

Thinking of people in the game world as NPCs.

Even though I knew it was reality when I walked outside.

I felt guilty for treating a perfectly fine person as a character destroyer.

This was no different from those who judge and curse people based on rumors they hear.

I need to change my thinking. It’s good to keep the original setting in mind, but being stubborn will lead to mistakes like this one.

With that, I made up my mind. Even though I couldn’t see, I stood in front of the mirror to lift my spirits at least.

Dressed neatly, ready to conquer. It’s a design similar to the formal wear seen on the internet.

Overall, it gives a clean feeling without excessive decoration.

The fit is also good. I thought it would be uncomfortable, but it’s incredibly comfortable with several convenience spells built in.

Running my fingers over it, it’s as soft and stretchy as a blanket, and it stretches well.

Time passes, and today is the first day of class.

“Phew…”

First day of class.

If you’re extroverted, your heart will flutter with anticipation of making new friends, and if you’re introverted, your heart will flutter at the thought of facing strangers.

I belonged to the latter. The fact that my heart is pounding in real time is evidence of that.

After checking my outfit once again just in case, I went outside.

I took the elevator down to the 1st floor lobby. The current time is 6:30. Classes start at 8. I came out early, so there weren’t many people in the lobby.

There were only a few students who seemed to have come down early to have breakfast.

I had a simple breakfast with a few nutrition bars.

I went outside the dorm and took the bus. It was very strange that there was still no one in the driver’s seat.

Seeing the colorful spaces whizzing by quickly, I felt better.

Regaining color. It was a symbol of progress for the first time since coming to this world.

The dormitory was near the study area, so it didn’t take long to get there.

I stood in front of the classroom door.

[ Spring Equinox Room ]

The grade and class divisions are based on the 24 solar terms.

First grade consists of six classes representing spring: Beginning of Spring, Rain Water, Awakening of Insects, Vernal Equinox, Clear and Bright, Grain Rain.

The upper grades follow a similar pattern, divided into summer, autumn, and winter.

With an average of 400 to 500 new students, each class has around 80 students.

Think of the Beginning of Spring as the first half of the first grade.

It’s a familiar class. It’s a place where significant incidents occur, involving prominent students.

As the first of the four seasons, it’s a fitting yet peculiar name for the place where the stories of prominent students begin.

After taking a deep breath, I cautiously opened the door.

Inside is a typical lecture hall with tiered seating commonly found in universities. As it was still early, there were few people.

Some were too busy with their own tasks to even glance at me.

After briefly surveying the surroundings, I settled into a corner seat at the back.

The farthest from the door, near the window—a coveted spot. Just as the early bird catches the worm, if you want that spot, you need to arrive early.

There was a small worry about what might happen if I were late.

There was still time before the lecture began. I continued watching the online lecture I had started yesterday on my smartwatch.

As time passed, more and more students filled the lecture hall, and the bustling noise confirmed their presence.

– Sigh

“?”

Amidst the commotion, while I was trying to concentrate on the online lecture, a woman who had quietly approached from behind tapped my shoulder.

When I turned to her, she lightly pressed her finger against my cheek.

“It’s been a while, Ha Yul.”

The girl wearing the Siyolam uniform was the one who pressed my cheek. She looked at the spot where her finger had touched, then smiled gently.

Her straight, yellow hair reminiscent of chick down. Her overall demeanor exuded a softness, which made her smile seem natural.

‘Who?’

Pretending to know someone is a friendly gesture appropriate for close relationships. However, I didn’t recall building such a close relationship with anyone in this world.

I tilted my head in confusion.

The woman covered her mouth as if shocked.

“Could it be that you forgot…? It’s been a few days already!”

‘A few days?’

I’ve only been in the dorm for a few days, haven’t I?

As I started to turn my head, I sensed the woman and felt a strange sense of discomfort.

Her voice seems familiar.

I don’t know about the person’s ‘aura,’ but their figure is from somewhere…

“Hello? Do you need any help by any chance?”

Ah.

[Elia?]

Quickly, the hologram appeared in my memory.

I hadn’t seen Elia’s overall color, so I was slow to recognize her.

But not being able to recall immediately and tilting my head was either shocking or awkward.

“Yes. It’s Elia, who almost got forgotten after helping Hayul for a few days.”

[I’m sorry. I realized it late.]

“Hehe, of course, it’s just a joke. I was just teasing. Did it work well at that time?”

[Thanks to you, it worked well.]

Thankfully, saying it was a joke, she waved her hand and soon put on a mischievous expression.

“But I couldn’t help but play a prank. Hayul’s reaction was just too funny.”

[Reaction?]

“Yes, the reaction. The expression was so awkward, I didn’t know what to do… Hehe.”

Covering her mouth with her hand, she chuckled.

I was indeed at a loss for what to say, but it didn’t seem like that big of a deal.

Whether I thought so or not.

Elia, who had been pulling out sweet stories as if her mouth were a motor, sighed.

“Oh, it’s already time.”

Looking at the time, it was almost time for class. Similarly, Elia checked the time and waved her hand.

“Well then, let’s get along well since we’re in the same class!”

With that, Elia finished speaking and hummed a tune as she headed to the front row. There, her friends seemed to have taken their seats.

Not long after, seeing them laughing and playing pranks, it seemed they had become quite close in that short time.

I had expected her to be talkative and considerate, and indeed, she seemed to have good social skills.

– Rustle

It was time to start, so I turned off the online lecture. At that moment, the back door opened.

The one who entered the classroom was Hong Yeon-hwa. Instead of the outerwear included in the Siyolam conquest, she was wearing a red jacket that could be considered her trademark.

“Hong Yeon-hwa is also in the Ipchun class.”

Ipchun, Ipha, Ipchu, Ipdong.

Each represents the first to fourth grade classes, and if you think of the classes with ‘Ip (立)’ in them, there is a high probability that Ju-yeon will be included.

At the welcome party, Katsuki Yusei, who played the role of a baseball, and Baek Ah-rin are also in the Ipchun class.

After exchanging brief greetings with me a while ago, Baek Ah-rin took a seat in the front row. Hong Yeon-hwa also took a seat next to Baek Ah-rin.

Hong Yeon-hwa and Baek Ah-rin have been inseparable childhood friends since they were young, mostly paired together as a set.

As I expected, Hong Yeon-hwa did not take the front seat where Baek Ah-rin had settled.

After giving Baek Ah-rin a quick glance, she walked over towards me.

– Thud

She put down the bag she had been carrying on one shoulder onto the desk and looked in my direction.

Swallowing quietly, it occurred to me how tense she seemed.