episode_0021

There is a very serious side to Suhyun’s eighth-grade syndrome play.

“Is there some kind of magic that draws you in when you hear about it?”

Perhaps it sounds convincing because it overlays delusions onto reality.

Anyway, according to her words, we need to save this world right now.

And we must fight hard to restore the original story of the 19+ NTR adult game.

“No, what kind of apocalyptic summary is this?”

Even the Korean teacher applauded for the impressive summary, but the content was just too pitiful.

The world of eighth-grade syndrome is profound indeed.

Suhyun explained with utmost seriousness, “The biggest problem right now is that Chulsoo hasn’t come to school. We don’t know why. Could there have been an accident?”

Yeah, I accidentally mistook him for a date rapist and got him locked up at the police station, causing trauma.

But I couldn’t bring myself to say that.

In situations where nerds like us should admit our mistakes, confessing only makes you more of a loner.

Above all, in this friend’s mind, it seems like he and Chulsoo are very close.

Telling the truth would have shattered Suhyun’s delusions from the ground up.

The dreams of an eighth-grader are delicate… they need to be cherished…

“Because of that, Chulsoo couldn’t fulfill his duties.”

“Fulfill?”

“He said this world is a game, right? The villain of this world isn’t just the Black Cheonman. There could be evil organizations plotting.”

Wow, now even evil organizations are coming into play.

What are their names? Maybe Team Rocket?

Lately, they’ve been out of stock whenever I go to the convenience store.

“With Chulsoo absent, we’re the only ones who can stop them.”

It seems like in Suhyun’s mind, Chulsoo was like a heroic defender of this school.

But since there’s no hero, we’ll have to step in!

Alright, let’s go, buddy! We’re the only ones who can save the world! That kind of feeling.

I like Power Rangers, but I don’t want to risk my life to save the Earth.

“Well, it’s probably suitable for killing time anyway.”

There’s nothing much to do at school anyway.

I can always indulge in my friend’s hobbies to some extent.

“Who are these guys?”

“There’s a kid named Minsu in our class. In reality, he’s a spy infiltrating the school.”

“…Oh, I see.”

A spy, huh?

Is this spy different from a demon?

Well, in a world with monsters, such things could exist… right?

Many questions arose, but I decided to keep quiet.

I had a strong feeling that delving deeper would just exhaust me.

However, Suhyun interpreted that silence differently.

“Did you happen to know?”

“No, I mean…”

I have no idea.

Wasn’t it all just a figment of Suhyun’s imagination to begin with?

But the girl in his mind, somewhere between a flower garden and hell, casually nodded her head.

“There was no such description in the game. You must have already known. You truly are a successor to the Black Cheon.”

At this point, I’m genuinely impressed by the level of immersion.

The fact that what she didn’t know wasn’t included in the game is quite convenient.

It’s almost enviable.

“Well, then the story should be easy. Instead of Chulsoo, we have to deal with that spy.”

Why?

Do we have to just kill Minsu?

Isn’t there a route to reconcile and become friends?

“Since he’s not the main character like Chulsoo or me, is it okay to just kill him off?”

Does being a spy mean he has to die?

If so, what a sad society it must be.

I wish people valued their classmates a bit more.

“A storm is approaching. What’s his plan?”

I asked in a way that suited the setting of eighth-grade syndrome.

Suhyun smiled satisfactorily and nodded her head.

“The plan is to enhance the body by absorbing the spirits of the school. It was tough in the original work because they couldn’t stop it. But we can prevent it before things escalate.”

“Hmm.”

Indeed, Minsoo, my friend, is set up as a real villain. If he messes with the spirits of classmates, there’s no choice but to take him out.

Or is there? Well, since we’re not really going to kill him, it doesn’t matter.

“Of course, I have no intention of acting without any evidence.”

“Then?”

“If my information is correct, his plan is about to unfold. If we strike at that moment, he won’t have any excuses. The key is timing.”

It would be great if that could happen.

Realistically, the chances of Minsoo, an ordinary classmate, doing something drastic were very low.

So, should I just wait until the ‘unlikely event’ happens?

Although Suhyun seems to wholeheartedly believe that Minsoo is an evil archmage.

“I’ll let you know the exact date and time later. And don’t mention to anyone that you’ve met me.”

“Why?”

We don’t know how the butterfly effect might play out. To be honest, meeting you is risky for me too. But given the circumstances.

Is that really the setup?

But then, apart from when we’re alone like this, we can’t even talk to each other. It’s a bit sad how we act friendly in private but coldly in front of our school friends, feeling like outcasts.

Don’t ask why the example is so specific.

Because it’s sad.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave now. Take care.”

“Sure.”

Yujin silently watched Suhyun walk away.

“At least he doesn’t seem like a bad guy.”

Even though her fantasies were a bit excessive, isn’t that common at that age?

Moreover, Suhyun seemed genuinely committed to the setup.

Since he’s a newfound friend, let’s try to make some great memories together, just like Chulsoo, without any regrets.

With that thought in mind, Yujin made a silent resolution.

****

And Yujin went to find the student named Minsoo.

Minsoo seemed nervous at Yujin’s sudden call.

“Darn, why would the successor of Hukcheon be looking for me?”

The grand plan was reaching its final stages.

Absorbing the spirits of academy students to gain more power, what an ambitious plan!

Receiving full support from the organization, they had been moving discreetly.

But why did the successor of Hukcheon notice them at this crucial moment?

“Y-You called me?”

“Yeah, don’t be too tense; it’s not a serious matter.”

Yujin’s face looked somewhat serious as she spoke.

Minsoo swallowed nervously.

Did the plan get exposed? But how?

He was confident he hadn’t left any evidence.

“Are you interested in the role of a Mine?”

His heart skipped a beat.

Exposed!

The person in front of him seemed to have seen through everything, including his identity.

At this point, ‘how’ didn’t matter anymore.

The opponent was none other than the successor of Hukcheon, a person with the power and money to bury him instantly.

Upsetting such a person would be disastrous.

“But why bother with this conversation?”

If it were the Hukcheon he knew, he would have already smashed his head ten times over.

There must be a reason for bringing up this conversation.

“Reading this man’s intentions comes first.”

He needed to align himself as much as possible right now.

“Could I know the intention behind your question?”

“Ah.”

Yujin spoke softly and scratched her cheek.

As if pondering what to say.

“This is a story from my friend’s imagination. Or, is he a friend? Anyway, it’s something that happened in his fantasy. Got it? It’s all just a fantasy.”

Minsoo swallowed nervously once again.

Emphasizing that it was just a delusion meant, “Everything is true, but in your mind, it must be considered a mere delusion.”

Otherwise, you might end up as fish food in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

He vigorously nodded his head up and down.

“My friend hopes you can play the role of the mine. The specific role involves extracting and absorbing the soul of a student.”

Could he have grasped it to that extent!

Minsoo was so chilled that his back shivered.

“The organization probably regarded Heukcheon as a threat level grade.”

Underestimating Heukcheon was a mistake.

Judging by what he was saying, he likely already had the evidence in hand.

If one were to report this, the entire organization would evaporate.

“And I am here to play the role of the apostle of justice to prevent that. That’s all I need to do. I want to be friends with you too. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Minsoo nodded his head while biting his lip.

“Does this mean turning a blind eye to this matter and coming under his wing?”

The darkness within the organization is never shallow.

However, if the opponent is Heukcheon, the story changes.

If weaknesses are exposed, entering below and even saving the organization itself might be advantageous.

“He must have calculated it to that extent with his proposal.”

Indeed, the opponent was the successor of Heukcheon.

With an information-gathering ability that sees through everything and overwhelming power that makes everyone bow their heads.

By absorbing the organization Minsoo belonged to, he solidifies his position within Heukcheon.

“He approached us when he could grasp everything and perfectly obtain what he wanted.”

It means he is skilled even in strategy.

If such a person is the successor, the future of Heukcheon will be bright.

“If it’s that kind of organization, it wouldn’t be bad to enter below and build strength.”

After swiftly calculating internally, Minsoo spoke up.

“I see. I understand my role now.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, cooperate with Eugene’s plan, right?”

“I didn’t come up with it, but let’s leave it at that.”

“Understood. If I follow through, can you guarantee my safety?”

“I never had any intention of touching you in the first place.”

A nervous laugh escaped at his audacity.

Well, at Eugene’s level, he probably doesn’t need to get his hands dirty.

“Alright, I’ll accept that proposal.”

“Oh, thanks a lot. I’ll make sure to repay you so you won’t regret it later.”

Minsoo felt relieved inwardly.

Even though the original plan had failed, at least he wouldn’t have to turn someone like this into an enemy.

****

The next day, the homeroom teacher announced that Minsoo had suddenly transferred schools.

Eugene sighed with regret.

“Ah… After mustering up the courage to persuade him.”

He had finally found a friend to participate in Suhyun’s delusional fantasy.

If something happened at home, there was nothing they could do about it.

Feeling sorrowful, Eugene decided to inform Suhyun about this news.