episode_0022

The place where Suhyun and Yujin met was behind the former’s school.

Even to reduce story interference, their relationship is a secret to others.

Fortunately, this place was deserted, making it suitable for their meeting.

Suhyun barely held back his surprise while sipping strawberry milk and listening to Yujin’s explanation.

“So, Minsoo transferred schools just like that?”

“Yeah, that’s what happened.”

It was his own words, but so quickly?

No, no matter what, this is too fast.

“…Where did he go?”

He asked, just in case.

Yujin blinked for a moment.

As if saying, “How would I know?”

“Just somewhere, you know?”

A casual response as if it were nothing.

Suhyun shuddered at the nonchalant tone.

“Even if he’s relatively nice, he’s ruthless. To kill someone so easily…”

He knows well the power of ruthlessness.

Burying one person wouldn’t be a big deal.

“Is Minsoo at the beach now? Or in the mountains? Or maybe melted and disposed of down the sewer?”

Either way, it was chilling.

He had warned Minsoo about his danger just yesterday.

To decide to kill someone, execute it, and hide the body in less than half a day means…

“A terrifying decision and execution. Unconverted early Kim Yujin is indeed a bit dangerous.”

Suhyun swallowed hard and cautiously asked, “What did you do with Minsoo?”

“We just talked.”

“And then?”

“He said he’d cooperate, but things turned out this way.”

Did he kill him for not listening to his words?

He knew Kim Yujin wasn’t to be trifled with, but to handle it this quickly…

In other words, couldn’t he also make such a mistake?

For a moment, that fear crept in, but Suhyun forcefully ignored that possibility.

“If it doesn’t benefit him, Hukcheon won’t act.”

If they gain no advantage from killing him, it’s fine.

If providing information about the future helps, that’s good enough.

He would continue to stand by Yujin as long as he remained cooperative.

“Well, it’s better this way. This should make them trust me completely.”

Even if he’s Hukcheon, he wouldn’t kill someone based solely on a student’s word.

Something must have come up as evidence for him to act.

That means his words have proven true.

Kim Yujin will have to acknowledge that.

That alone is a significant gain.

“So, can you trust me now?”

“Hmm?”

“You didn’t take that action without believing my words, did you?”

“Well… yes.”

Yujin nodded slightly.

It was a small gesture, but it was enough to reassure him.

“Anyway, we’ve finished the risky first episode. It’s time to prepare for the next episode.”

“There’s a second one?”

“Of course, there’s still time for that. More precisely, it’s thanks to you that it happened.”

While speaking, Suhyun observed Yujin’s reaction.

The upcoming story could potentially upset him.

“Remember when I told you before? This world is a game, and Cheolsu is the protagonist.”

“That’s right.”

“In the next event, Cheolsu’s abilities are crucial.”

More precisely, Cheolsu’s swordsmanship is needed.

Their opponent is immune to ordinary magic or mana, requiring Cheolsu’s awakened swordsmanship to defeat them.

This marks the point where the protagonist truly shines, an important episode that will showcase his strength to the Academy.

In other words, without his swordsmanship, he cannot face the enemy.

“Of course, unless there’s an overwhelming power that ignores all mana. But it’s unlikely.”

If failure occurs here, Yeonghee will soon become food for the tentacles, her mind destroyed and addicted to them, resulting in a game over. Tentacle NTR, as they call it. The creators of this game are undoubtedly devils.

“But Yeonghee’s growth hasn’t really taken place yet. In fact, in the game, he becomes stronger by sparring with you.”

“With me?”

“Yes, originally you and Yeonghee sparred many times. Through that process, you naturally improved each other’s skills. But now that event has disappeared.”

In truth, that is the biggest issue. Yeonghee’s performance in future episodes is crucial. If Yeonghee were weak, the story would inevitably become tangled.

“So?”

“…I hope you can spar with Yeonghee.”

“Yeonghee probably won’t like that.”

“Well, we have no choice but to do something about that part.”

“Hmm.”

Unconsciously tense, Suhyun clenched her fist due to the suspense. Will proud Yeongjin accept this proposal? Unlike last time, there is no direct benefit for him this time.

“But it’s absolutely necessary for the story going forward.”

Currently, Yeongjin and Suhyun have minimal interaction. Since their stories must intertwine somehow, they must become close.

“Well, I’ll give it a try.”

“…Thank you.”

Suhyun breathed a sigh of relief internally. She received a positive response. Now, she can only hope that things will work out well.

****

“Wow, they really detailed the settings.”

These days, middle schoolers are seriously into fandom. By this point, their fantasies are quite impressive. In that fantasy, it seems like she and Yeonghee have a rivalry similar to those in boys’ comics.

Then, is she in the position of Sasuke or Vegeta?

“Hmm, that role might be too much for an otaku.”

Anyway, Suhyun seems to want to become friends with Yeonghee. The problem is that Yeonghee doesn’t even come to school.

“I wonder if I should go and apologize properly?”

Even if he dislikes her, it would be good if he attended school properly. Even as a true otaku, she diligently attended school, hoping to make friends!

Adults are all liars!

While pondering various worries, she was walking across the school when suddenly:

“Yujin!”

Suddenly, a cheerful voice and something soft wrapped around her arm. Realizing someone had linked arms with her, she tightly embraced the arm, fearing it might slip away.

“I didn’t see you much today. Are you feeling okay?”

“Uh, yeah.”

Lately, Yeonghee had been unusually proactive. More precisely, ever since the incident on their last date, she had started clinging to her.

“Please stop this, Yeonghee! I have no idea how to react to an otaku at times like this!”

Honestly, she didn’t understand what kind of nerve change this was. Above all, it was too stimulating for an otaku loner.

When a girl gets this close, it’s hard to know what to say. It’s a relief if your head doesn’t turn white from stress.

“Oh, I missed you so much, Yujin! You didn’t even think of me, did you?”

“No, not really.”

“Haha! Just kidding! Even if you don’t look at me, I really, really like you!”

Saying this, she playfully pats her cheek. There’s quite a height difference between Yujin and Yeonghee. As a result, Yeonghee naturally looks up at herself while she looks down at her.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going home.”

“Hehe, I see. If it’s okay, would you like to walk with me to the school gate? Actually, my dream was to go home together like this with the guy I like. Ehe.”

Saying that, she giggled softly, making it hard to refuse.

Nodding her head, Yeonghee naturally adjusted her steps.

Moving in sync with Yeonghee’s stride.

In the meantime, Yeonghee clung even closer to Yujin.

“Other people are staring.”

Indeed, the combination of Yujin and Yeonghee stood out quite a bit.

Of course, no one was openly staring.

Because Yujin is intimidating.

But the sight of the innocent high school girl Yujin had his eyes on clinging to his arm until recently… honestly felt somewhat criminal.

Yet Yeonghee, without a care, smiled broadly.

“It’s okay! You’re much stronger than those people, Yujin. No matter what others say, you’re the best, and you’re my top priority.”

Though her words were cheerful, the feeling was peculiar.

There was a hint of madness or obsession in her demeanor.

Smiling broadly, Yeonghee said, “I’ve realized. Ultimately, the world revolves around power, and there’s no one who can surpass Yujin. It’s only natural for women to belong to strong males, right?”

“…”

“Yujin chose me. I’ve decided to be your woman from now on. Oh, don’t worry, I’m not aiming for the main seat. I’m content being just a snack that crosses your mind occasionally.”

Hearing this, Yujin inwardly groaned.

‘Where did our innocent Yeonghee go?!’

The Yeonghee he knew was a kind child, lacking in words but always listening attentively, lacking in strength but always trying her best and smiling.

But now, she seemed… quite assertive.

Even her words reflected that,

It couldn’t be anything but a rather extreme ideology.

It made him doubt if she was the same person.

“Hmm, was that date really that shocking? Well, even if it was Cheolsu, Yeonghee shouldn’t have a reason to act like this.”

Honestly, he didn’t understand what had happened.

But he didn’t have the courage to ask why she was behaving like this.

Damn it, the current Yeonghee is difficult to approach.

As they endured the hellish journey back home together.

Yujin encountered the person he least wanted to see.

“Oh.”

A handsome man with distinctive short black hair.

Cheolsu looked at them with vacant eyes.

No vitality could be sensed in his black eyes.

Dark circles under his eyes indicated a lack of sleep.

“Uh…”

A heavy silence fell between the three momentarily.

Yeonghee was the first to act.

Suddenly, it felt like Yeonghee was making a firm decision as she tightly clenched her own arm.

Then, with a villainous smile, she said, “Oh my~ someone seems to have suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Yujin, right?”

Cheolsu’s face, already lifeless, became even more emotionless.