episode_0088

088

Dilemma.

I am currently caught in a dilemma.

No matter what choice I make, it seems like various problems will arise.

“What should I do about my relationship with Soyeon?”

Jin Soyeon, the female lead of Romance Hero Academy.

She, who was supposed to have a sweet romance with the male leads, confessed to me in an unexpected manner.

The image of Soyeon, blushing and hesitantly revealing her feelings, is still vivid in my mind.

She subtly expressed her rejection, but with an anxious look, she clung to me affectionately, indicating that she wouldn’t give up.

Such a sight of Soyeon was quite unfamiliar and awkward.

She had never clung to a man in such a way, with memories from past lives and the present combined.

It seems like my mistaken death gave her a bigger shock than I imagined.

“When considering the relationships with Ishiwoon and Kang Daehan… it might be better to maintain some distance, but…”

Some say that it would be better to clearly draw the line with Soyeon if the jealousy of the male leads bothers me.

But in the current situation, it’s quite difficult.

Because maintaining a positive relationship with Soyeon is essential.

“If I distance myself too much, it might cause complications when conquering dungeons or fighting villains with Soyeon.”

If I were to bluntly say, “Hey, Soyeon? I’m not interested in you, so please stop bothering me,” or “Let’s just be friends, okay?” How would Soyeon react?

Judging by her appearance, she wouldn’t just nod obediently.

Instead, she might react more strongly or completely withdraw and distance herself.

So, that’s not an option.

Especially when facing powerful villains, especially Yoo Dahee, Soyeon’s help is crucial.

Therefore, measuring the appropriate distance with Soyeon was quite important.

But due to Soyeon already realizing her feelings for me and showing kindness, things have become complicated in many ways.

“At this point, everyone must have some idea of who Soyeon likes, right? Sigh.”

The jealousy of the male leads in the game is not to be taken lightly.

Of course, I know that reality and the game are different, but it’s necessary to be cautious and prepare for any situation.

Because in the game, I met an unpleasant end due to the jealousy and envy of clingy men.

While it can’t be said that the male leads in the game directly caused my death, they certainly had a significant influence.

“If I hadn’t realized my memories from past lives, would I have met such an unpleasant fate like in the game?”

Childhood friend NPC Lee Jinhyuk.

If things had progressed as in the original story, my mental state would have been completely shattered by the male leads and followers.

Of course, as mentioned earlier, the NPC’s torment did not directly lead to my death.

But it’s undeniable that the NPC’s torment indirectly affected me.

Because after enduring torment for a long time, my mind became exhausted, and I started to think about wanting peace, eventually choosing to fight villains and meet my end.

Basically, my fate is divided into several routes.

Among them, the most official route is being directly killed by a Rebellion member.

In other words, not being able to overcome the torment and eventually choosing to fight the villains with a half-hearted determination, leading to a near-death experience.

But whether it’s good luck or bad luck, the current situation is very different from the original.

It’s not just about Soyeon, but also about the relationship with the male protagonist, Lee Siwoon.

Just like this.

“Lee Jinhyuk.”

“Yeah?”

“…Through the incidents that have occurred so far, I’ve realized that I’m lacking a lot in being by Soyeon’s side.”

Next to the bench.

Lee Siwoon, who was quietly sitting, tightly gripping a can of coffee, raised his eyebrows subtly.

“When the villains attacked the Union and when Soyeon was kidnapped, I couldn’t do anything.”

He muttered with a hint of self-deprecation, looking up at the sky.

“You weren’t there, but…”

Lee Siwoon’s eyes turned towards me. It was a gaze that was difficult to read, with a hint of embarrassment.

“Compared to what you’ve achieved, I fall short.”

“Siwoon.”

“Soyeon also sees you as…”

Lee Siwoon trailed off with a hint of bitterness, then tightly sealed his lips.

And slowly let out a sigh.

“…I don’t know why you’re hiding your skills, but admit it, Lee Jinhyuk. Right now, I’m not as good as you. And you suit her better.”

After sipping his can of coffee, he continued.

“Still, I won’t give up.”

“You.”

Lee Siwoon, who had thrown the empty can into the trash can, looked thoughtful.

In the game, Lee Siwoon was treated as a baggage to Soyeon, but now it was different.

He seemed to acknowledge me as a kind of rival, admitting that he was lacking in being by Soyeon’s side.

‘…I didn’t expect our relationship to improve like this.’

Honestly, the current relationship wasn’t bad.

It was a vague situation, but wasn’t I being acknowledged in my own way?

Even if I spent time with Soyeon, I didn’t feel like I would immediately do something strange out of jealousy like in the original.

So it would be easier to work with Soyeon.

‘…The original, the original. Huh. Was I too focused on one side?’

I smirked inwardly.

I knew that the game and reality were different, but I unintentionally thought that it would be similar to the game.

Almost to the point of obsession.

As seen, depending on how I acted, Soyeon and Lee Siwoon changed.

‘Yeah, anyway, the original story has changed a lot now. It would be foolish to worry about the story line now.’

I had finally made a decision after talking to Lee Siwoon and having a brief contemplation.

I decided not to follow the story line and fight the villains one by one to level up the main characters slowly.

The original plan was to follow the story line sequentially and let the main characters accumulate experience by fighting the villains.

It was the safest and most reliable plan.

But not anymore.

Now that I could rely on Lee Siwoon, Yuseolhyun, and Roksanu, there was no need to act timidly.

‘Should I try to take down the villains like the thief, necrophiliac, and animal lover when I have the chance?’

These three were more than capable of being challenged unlike Seong Yura.

The thief was one of the main events I would encounter at the auction house during this summer vacation, the necrophiliac was a character that would appear in the early days of the second year as a serial killer, and the animal lover was scheduled to meet during the second year math trip.

Originally, they were enemies that were somewhat difficult to deal with at the moment, but with the help of others, it was possible.

For example, with the help of the Roksanu faction, would it be enough?

Currently, Roksanu was rapidly expanding its influence and was punishing corrupt priests through the confidential information I provided.

Therefore, the Rocksan faction was expected to grow in size rapidly.

Given Rocksan’s personality, if informed that the evil organization members associated with Sung Yura were causing trouble, there was a high likelihood she would take action.

As she would be quite uncomfortable with the organization Sung Yura was a part of.

If I were to intervene directly, I might attract the attention of Rebellion for no reason, but if I used Rocksan’s power to hide myself, it would be somewhat acceptable.

Of course, villains could target Rocksan, but currently, Cynthia Gwyn was by Rocksan’s side.

Cynthia Gwyn, a former high-ranking member of the British Church.

She had been active as the Church’s sword, but after learning about the Sung Yura incident, she was impressed by Rocksan’s footsteps and personally joined as a bodyguard.

As long as Cynthia was by his side, there were hardly any villains in Korea who would dare to threaten Rocksan.

At least for a while.

“The Rebellion members are all strong, but these three, the villain, the necrophiliac, and the animal lover, are quite manageable.”

I knew their weaknesses very well.

Moreover, they did not have as many subordinates as Sung Yura did.

Although their individual abilities and strengths would eventually surpass those of most heroes, at present, they were just powerful villains with many flaws.

They were still in the process of growing.

Just like the protagonist and his group.

“…Are you Lee Jinhyuk?”

At that moment.

A cold voice of a girl was heard in the distance.

It was a somewhat unfamiliar voice.

I had a memory of hearing it somewhere before.

“…Interesting. You’re not reacting to this kind of life?”

Life? I furrowed my brows and confirmed the source of the voice, only to realize that a girl with crimson hair was staring at me intently.

Did that guy sprinkle life like this at the Academy?

Life that could suffocate the trainees?

“…Hello?”

“Baek Yurin, it’s you.”

Baek Yurin, the granddaughter of the famous swordsman Baek Yeonghyun.

With her casual expression and sharp gaze, she resembled a well-tempered sword.

Baek Yurin had received direct training from the best swordsman on the peninsula since she was young, so her swordsmanship was unparalleled.

She had no interest in external achievements, often taking naps during class or casually participating in practical exams, so her grades were not that great.

But those in the know were well aware.

If the Union Academy were to choose the strongest trainee, it would undoubtedly be Baek Yurin.

Of course, someday she would be surpassed by figures like Lee Siwoon and Kang Daehan, but for now, Baek Yurin could be considered the strongest.

…Except for Soyeon.

“Long time…no see, I guess?”

Baek Yurin placed her hand on the hilt of her sword with a nonchalant expression.

“Isn’t that right?”

Baek Yurin gave me a slightly challenging look and then tossed a sword she had tied to her waist towards me.

I caught the sword unexpectedly.

It was quite hefty.

Upon closer inspection, it was a real sword.

“It’s a pretty good sword. You shouldn’t have any trouble using it.”

“Wait, Baek Yurin, what are you doing?”

“Draw your sword. Let’s have a match.”

“Huh?”

This doesn’t make sense.

Why is Baek Yurin suddenly acting like this?

Doesn’t she know what it means to swing a sword recklessly in a crowded place like this?

“If you don’t plan on drawing your sword, I’ll make sure you have no choice but to draw it…”

Swish!

A swift sword strike aimed at Baek Yurin’s body.

Baek Yurin quickly laid the sword down at an angle and deflected the strike.

“What is this…?”

“I’m the one who should be asking that, Baek Yurin.”

It was Lee Siwoon who had stepped in.

“I have…no business with you, Lee Siwoon.”

“Trying to swing a sword while living in a public place.”

Ishiwoon glared at Baek Yurin with a calm gaze.

“If you plan on causing any more trouble, you’ll have to deal with me first.”