episode_0027

“…Huh. That changes things a bit.”

The chilly atmosphere instantly warms.

The sharp-edged hostility that once radiated from Karen is nowhere to be found.

In a way, it’s an obvious outcome.

For Karen, who’s been skipping meals to pay off her debts, 10 million Mirhan is nothing short of a godsend.

The saying, “If money can’t solve your problem, maybe you just don’t have enough of it,” comes to mind.

And to some extent, I agree.

Money can’t buy everything—but it can buy most things.

Of course, 10 million Mirhan isn’t a trivial sum for me either, but I consider it a worthwhile investment.

‘After all, entering a dungeon comes with significant risks.’

If I’m dragging her into a situation where she could lose her life, it’s only right to compensate her properly.

And, if this helps ease her struggles even a little, then all the better.

At the very least, I want her to eat three square meals a day.

It’s pitiful otherwise.

‘With how much my stocks have risen, I can afford this and more.’

The funds I currently have on hand amount to roughly 150 million Mirhan.

More than enough.

“Are you free next weekend?”

“I have a part-time job, but I can reschedule it if needed.”

There’s a liveliness in Karen’s voice as she answers my question.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this animated before.

“So, what exactly do you need me to do?”

“Nothing much. Just come with me to clear a dungeon.”

“…A dungeon?”

For a brief moment, Karen’s tone drops back to its usual coldness.

“Are you joking, or are you serious? Cut the crap and tell me straight.”

“The latter. I’ll handle all the prep—info, supplies, whatever’s needed. You just bring yourself and your weapon.”

“I haven’t heard any rumors about a newly discovered dungeon. Where the hell did you even hear about this?”

“I’ve got sharp ears. No comment on the source. So, in or out?”

Karen closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and exhales.

By now, sharp as she is, she’s probably realized—

I’m not just some clueless rich kid.

“What’s the difficulty level?”

“You and I can handle it without issue.”

It’d be suspicious for a freshman at Providence to know the location and level of an undiscovered dungeon.

Then, as if something about my answer rubs her the wrong way—

“…Tch.”

Karen’s expression twists before she speaks.

“Did you dig into me? You sound awfully confident about my capabilities.”

The atmosphere freezes over in an instant.

Her pink eyes bore into me with a chilling glare.

“Let me give you a heads-up, since we’ll probably be seeing each other a lot from now on.”

The air turns icy.

“Don’t talk like you know everything about me.”

Karen hates having her pain—her past—invaded.

She despises it when others trivialize her suffering, when they act like they understand the hell still fresh in her mind.

It’s a natural reaction.

Who would want their deepest wounds treated lightly?

The difference is, Karen’s reaction borders on trauma.

Had I not brought up the 10 million Mirhan, she might’ve punched me right then and there.

“You have no idea what kind of life I’ve lived, what kind of pain I’ve been through.”

Karen is still a young girl.

Buried under suffering that came too soon, her world has become defined by it.

Overwhelmed by the weight of it all, she hasn’t had the chance to look around.

If she just paused to breathe, to take in her surroundings, she’d realize—

The world is far more beautiful than she thinks.

And just as much, it’s full of people writhing in pain.

Tragically, you and I are just part of that.

But wanting Karen to realize this now is just my own selfish wish.

It’s her journey to rise above her pain and broaden her horizons.

So, I’ll be her “Daddy Long Legs.”

“What would a sheltered rich kid like you know about hardship?”

“……”

I can’t keep playing the clueless, naive classmate forever.

Karen is sharp—too sharp at reading people.

For now, this act might help bridge the gap between us.

But even if I get close to her by pretending, the fragile trust we build could shatter in an instant.

As someone who wants to be the hand that lifts her up each time she falls, that’s the last thing I want.

So maybe it’s better to drop the mask now.

A relationship built on dark truths will always be stronger than one propped up by bright lies.

Yeah.

Before trust can grow, I’ll show her my true face.

“Half right, half wrong.”

Having made up my mind, I speak.

“Even I don’t know everything about you. But—”

In the freezing air between us, I meet her gaze.

“I know most of it.”

Her expression hardens instantly.

Then, biting her lip slightly—

“…Tch. There you go, finally showing your true colors.”

She lets out a dry laugh.

“And what, you just want to be friends? Don’t make me laugh.”

“Ouch. Say what you will, but that part is genuine.”

“…Cut the crap. What reason would someone like you have to get close to trash like me? You just want a useful tool, don’t you?”

Though she likely meant it as an insult—

Somehow, it sounds more like self-deprecation.

“Anyway, I’ll take the job. Hand me your phone. I’ll put my number in. Contact me if you have anything to say.”

After quickly inputting her number, she shoves the phone back at me and turns to leave.

“Aren’t you taking this?”

I gesture to the plastic bag full of snacks. Karen pauses, then glances back.

“…Don’t need it.”

With that curt reply, she walks away.

Our relationship has reset—no, regressed further. It stings, but I’ll consider it growing pains.

A sturdy building needs a solid foundation.

So even if it’s painful now, this groundwork is necessary.

I watch silently as Karen’s figure disappears into the distance.

“……”

After finishing my grueling training at the gym, I shower and step out of the main building.

Maybe it’s finally spring, but the night air doesn’t feel as cold as before.

Or maybe it’s just the bitter aftertaste of today’s events.

“…Did she at least eat dinner?”

The image of Karen trudging alone, skipping even lunch, lingers in my mind.

‘…Should I have kept hiding it?’

The thought crosses my mind, but I quickly shake my head.

This was inevitable.

Better to be the first to strike, as they say.

I’d rather lance the wound of betrayal before it festers.

But no matter how I justify it, my heart remains uneasy.

Because the truth remains—I did pry into her life.

Swallowing the bitter guilt, I quicken my pace.

Just as I’ve put some distance between myself and the main building—

“Hey, bitch. What’s with that fucking attitude?”

A voice that makes my face twist in disgust reaches my ears.

I stop and listen.

“You borrowed money, so pay it back. Did we steal from you or something?”

The sound comes from the right—a narrow alleyway.

Something ugly is happening there.

From the bits of conversation, it sounds like loan sharks harassing a debtor.

“…….”

Even without seeing it firsthand, I already have a guess who that debtor is.

Quietly, I mute my footsteps and press my back against the alley’s entrance, peering inside.

“…I’m saving up. It won’t be the full amount, but I can pay back half soon—”

“Ha, you fucking bitch! You think I came here to listen to excuses? I want results, not bullshit. Ugh, this is why I hate humans. Too stupid to understand basic words.”

There, surrounded by rough-looking men, is Karen—her collar gripped and shaken by a lion Beastman.

Karen grits her teeth, fists clenched, but the lion just sneers.

A burning sensation rushes through my veins.

This bastard.

It’s been a while since my head’s felt this hot.

“What, gonna hit me? Go ahead. More money for us.”

“…You fucking piece of shit.”

I pull out my phone.

“You’re the bitch who can’t even pay back what she owes. I told you, didn’t I? I don’t give a shit if you’re ‘saving up.’ Borrow from another lender or—” The lion’s eyes rake over Karen’s body. “Sell that body of yours. Not a bad deal, honestly.”

The lion leers openly.

“That face and body of yours have always been top-tier. I’d even buy you myself if you’re interested.”

“…Go fuck yourself, you ugly bastard. I’d rather die than sell myself to trash like you.”

Karen glares, teeth bared.

The lion’s expression darkens.

“…Tch. You just don’t learn, do you? Boys, hold her down.”

He raises his empty hand—

Click!

—And the shutter sound of my phone echoes through the alley.

“Huh?”

The lion frowns and turns toward me.

Ignoring him, I slip my phone back into my pocket and step into the alley.

“The hell are you doing, kid?”

“Me?”

I answer flatly.

“I’m her friend.”