episode_0146

146.

Jin Soyeon blinked her eyes rapidly between the swords.

Seeing Lee Jinhyuk easily block the lightning-fast strike, Jin Soyeon couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated inside.

“He blocked that? This?”

Was it a bit disappointing?

The attack just now was by no means an easy strike that an ordinary academy trainee could block.

Even a pro hero might not have been able to react properly.

But how did Lee Jinhyuk manage to block it? He did it so effortlessly. Not even blinking, just catching it with one hand.

“I knew Jinhyuk defeated Lee Siwoon, but I never thought he could block an attack of this level…”

Had he been hiding his strength all this time?

Pretending to be weak on purpose?

Why?

There’s no reason for that.

If he had this kind of power, it would have been better for Lee Jinhyuk to reveal it sooner.

According to Jinhyuk’s notebook, he didn’t have any power even in the future and was bullied by other kids in various ways.

Could it be that he was hiding his power even back then?

No way.

That’s impossible.

He struggled so much.

“Maybe he explosively grew like me in a short period of time.”

He could be the type who awakened hidden talents like Jin Soyeon and rapidly grew.

But it’s a bit strange to think that way.

After all, Lee Jinhyuk was practically dead until recently, wasn’t he?

Yet suddenly, he has this kind of power…

“What’s going on?”

“What do you mean?”

Jin Soyeon quickly took a step back.

After distancing herself slightly from Lee Jinhyuk, she looked at him and quietly threw out a question.

“You haven’t been hiding your strength all this time. What’s going on?”

Could it be Lee Jinhyuk’s abnormal ability?

If it was something like physical enhancement ability, he could have somehow blocked Jin Soyeon’s attack.

But he was a precognitive ability user.

He knew future information inside out, so it was hard to deny that he was a precognitive ability user.

So what could it be?

How could Lee Jinhyuk have this kind of physical strength?

“Well, actually… yeah.”

“What?”

“I’ve been pretending to be weak for a while.”

Lee Jinhyuk jokingly laughed and shrugged.

“It was a trend back then, being a ‘hidden powerhouse.’”

“Huh.”

At his ridiculous answer, Jin Soyeon chuckled lightly. What, is he joking? Making jokes in this situation, what can I say, that’s Lee Jinhyuk for you.

“Oh, really? Since when?”

“Sometime around middle school?”

“Oh, I see.”

Jin Soyeon, unsure if it was a joke or not, went along with it for now and smirked.

“So you’ve been watching me since middle school?”

Jin Soyeon, who had sparred with Lee Jinhyuk quite a lot, had never been defeated by the inferior Lee Jinhyuk who had never properly awakened his talent.

But if he had been hiding his talent since middle school, wouldn’t that mean he had been watching over her all this time?

“Well, of course. You didn’t know, but your confident expression saying, ‘Hah, you dare challenge me? It’s too early for you, still 10 years too soon,’ was quite amusing.”

Lee Jinhyuk smiled as he recalled the past Jin Soyeon who was full of herself and laughed and shouted. The sight was very cute to him, making Jin Soyeon blush slightly, but she quickly shook her head.

“Anyway… well, whatever, Jinhyuk. Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

It’s hard to tell if his words are true or false.

However, what was important now was not whether Lee Jinhyuk had hidden his strength or suddenly become stronger.

The only thing that mattered was the outcome of the match through the duel.

For now, let’s focus on the match with Jinhyuk, keeping our curiosity at bay.

“Alright, let’s give it a go, Jinhyuk.”

“Sure.”

As Jin Soyeon took a fighting stance again, Jinhyuk also took a serious stance with a determined look in his eyes.

The reason Jinhyuk was able to block Soyeon’s attack just now was undoubtedly due to his awakened supernatural ability after his near-death experience.

His supernatural ability was quite powerful, but at the same time, it was also quite fragile.

In simple terms, his ability could be described as absurd.

It was an ability that made him stronger or weaker depending on how strong the opponent perceived him to be.

It was truly an unbelievable ability.

The more convinced the opponent was of his strength, the stronger he could become.

In theory, he could become unbelievably strong.

However, there were several conditions for the ability to activate.

Merely thinking he was strong was not enough for the ability to work properly.

For his supernatural ability to activate, Jinhyuk needed a specific image, conviction, and belief in his strength.

In other words, having a concrete target that accurately estimated his level of strength was more effective than vaguely thinking he was strong.

For example, spreading rumors that he was a powerful figure like a top-ranking elite warrior, even though it was a lie.

“It’s a very good ability, but it’s not without its flaws.”

If the opponent underestimated Jinhyuk based on his appearance, the ability could actually be detrimental.

Furthermore, the ability would not activate without an opponent.

In other words, if he found himself alone in a trap or facing a monster, the ability would be useless.

And if the ability were to be leaked to others, he might never be able to use it again.

With this kind of ability, the opponent would likely treat Jinhyuk’s strength as a mere illusion.

Even if it wasn’t true, the moment the opponent developed strong doubts about Jinhyuk’s strength, the ability would not work properly.

Therefore, Jinhyuk needed to keep his supernatural ability hidden.

“Haap!”

With a short sound of pressure, Soyeon lunged forward.

She was fast.

It was almost in the blink of an eye.

As she took a step forward, she was right in front of him.

She clenched her fist and extended it straight.

It was a clean straight punch.

“Hmm.”

“Tsk!”

However, Jinhyuk easily dodged it.

He could see her movements clearly.

She was definitely fast, but not fast enough to be uncatchable.

So he could dodge it.

Why?

Because Jinhyuk had meticulously analyzed and reanalyzed Soyeon’s patterns of behavior in advance.

Her habits, skills, and so on.

Very meticulously.

“If it had been as usual, analyzing her wouldn’t have been of any use.”

Back in middle school, he had dueled with Soyeon, having accurately seen through her patterns of behavior, but he had been completely exposed.

No matter how well he memorized her habits and patterns of behavior, he was physically overwhelmed.

Just as a human could not defeat a bear no matter how hard they tried.

If the basic physical difference was overwhelmingly large, tactics and skills were of no use.

But now, it was different.

Certainly, Soyeon’s physical abilities were somewhat superior, but they were not overwhelmingly so.

Furthermore, Soyeon was currently watching Jinhyuk.

She was holding back quite a bit in the fight, as Jinhyuk could get hurt if she made a mistake.

So she was fighting with restraint.

That’s why Jinhyuk was able to withstand Soyeon’s attacks.

As they faced each other like this, I can clearly see it. Jinho definitely lacks physical ability compared to me. But why can’t he land a single hit?

Strength, agility, endurance, and so on. Jisoyeon instinctively realized that she was a step above Jinho in all these aspects. However, for some reason, she couldn’t land a single effective blow.

Even though it didn’t seem like he was using any exceptional skills. And moreover, if Jisoyeon showed even a small opening, Jinho…

“Ugh!”

With a swift movement, Jinho found a small opening and swiftly swung his sword without hesitation. Jisoyeon slightly bit her lip and stepped back.

“He managed to dodge that.”

Jisoyeon realized that he was not as easy to deal with as she thought. She was curious why he suggested a sparring match, but at this rate, Jinho seemed confident in himself.

But Jinho, do you know?

I’ve only been using my physical strength so far, and I haven’t even properly used my special ability. I thought I wouldn’t need to use my special ability, but if I want to defeat you within 10 minutes, I have no choice but to use it.

“Hoo…”

Jisoyeon slowly exhaled and began to use her special ability in earnest.

Seeing Jisoyeon’s unusual appearance, Jinho quickly approached and tried to swing his sword, but it was futile. Jisoyeon reached out and grabbed the sword in a flash, then activated her special ability.

– Clang, clang, clink!

“Sorry, Jinho, but it seems like time is running out.”

As Jisoyeon’s hand touched it, the steel practice sword split like plastic. The magical power surrounding the sword also dissipated. It was all thanks to her special ability.

Her special ability was the embodiment of concepts.

As a type of reality manipulation ability, she could interfere with abstract and concrete concepts and bring them into reality. In other words, Jisoyeon interfered with the concept of the sword’s durability.

She weakened the concept of the object’s lifespan, effectively shattering the sword into pieces.

The magical power surrounding the sword was also partially neutralized, minimizing the effectiveness of the sword.

“It’s a deceptive ability.”

“Well, I won’t deny that.”

Truly a versatile power.

As the protagonist of the Romance Hero Academy and the top-tier character in the world, she possessed a quite deceptive ability. If she wanted, she could interfere with and enhance or weaken concepts like special abilities, magic, and even physics.

In other words, she was almost invincible against almost all attacks.

“But that doesn’t mean she has no weaknesses.”

“…Huh?”

For a moment, Jisoyeon staggered.

The magical power that was enhancing her body was suddenly absorbed into Jinho.

What’s happening? How did the magical power…!

“Ugh? What, Jinho, you?”

As the magical power was absorbed, she felt a strong sense of loss.

Was it a special ability? Or an artifact?

Come to think of it, Jinho had publicly announced that he had the ability to absorb magical power, but he wasn’t wearing any artifacts right now.

Looking at the bewildered Jisoyeon, Jinho thought to himself.

He had deliberately manipulated her into activating her special ability by swinging his sword, setting a trap to absorb her magical power through the Tears of the Moon within him.

“You can’t interfere with more than three concepts at once.”

It was a trap to fully absorb Jisoyeon’s magical power, which she had let down her guard due to the Tears of the Moon within him.

“You can’t directly apply or interfere with the effects on any living being other than yourself.”

If she could directly use her ability on others, it would be considered cheating. Because if she interfered with the concept of death, she could kill the opponent just by touching them.

It was her, the one he couldn’t save when his stomach was pierced, due to the clear limitations of his very powerful ability.

Since he couldn’t directly influence or interfere with other organisms, enhancing the dying life force, increasing the effectiveness of healing potions, it was impossible.

“Isn’t that right?”

“Not at all!”

Jin Soyeon quickly moved away from Lee Jinhyuk and took a moment to catch her breath.

Unexpectedly, she had absorbed quite a bit of magic power, causing a drop of sweat to trickle down from her temple.

“Jinhyuk, you’re not hiding any relics, are you?”

“Huh? Because of absorbing magic power? That’s my superpower, why?”

“…You’re a precognitive, aren’t you?”

“Did I say I only have one superpower?”

“Are you really going to do this?”

Jin Soyeon made a grim expression.

Although she couldn’t stop Lee Jinhyuk from absorbing her magic and stamina just now, she could resist it now.

She wouldn’t go easy on him anymore, really.

‘I really don’t have time now, I have to finish this once and for all.’

Time had passed too much.

She couldn’t afford to be as lenient as before.

That’s why Jin Soyeon reluctantly decided to use her sword.

She was a swordsman from the start.

Starting to use a sword in earnest would show much greater ability than now.

‘I really didn’t want to use a sword for Jinhyuk.’

The dreadful memories of the past still lingered in her mind.

Jin Soyeon was reluctant to use the sword because of the memory of stabbing Jinhyuk deeply.

In fact, the reason Jin Soyeon hadn’t used the sword from the beginning was that the memory had become a shackle around her ankle.

But now, there was no choice.

If there was more time, who knows, but now she really had to make a decision.

If she made a mistake, she could hurt Jinhyuk again, but if she lost the bet, Jinhyuk would step into dangerous territory again.

She couldn’t let that happen, Jin Soyeon.

So, grab the sword.

For Jinhyuk.

“…”

For a moment.

Jin Soyeon’s demeanor changed.

Taking a stance with eyes devoid of emotion.

Her face seemed devoid of any emotion. A nonchalant expression and a dry face. It reminded him of the Jin Soyeon he first met.

‘Is she really going to do it properly?’

Lee Jinhyuk knew better than anyone that Jin Soyeon had been lenient with him.

If she had fought properly from the beginning, Lee Jinhyuk would have faced much more difficulties than he did now.

But Jin Soyeon, not wanting to hurt Lee Jinhyuk, had tried to be as lenient as possible, but now it seemed like she wanted to settle things in one go.

“…”

“…Soyeon, do you know that?”

Jin Soyeon immediately reached out towards her sword sheath.

But there was nothing in her hand.

Huh? That’s strange?

Jin Soyeon fumbled a bit more.

But she couldn’t find the sword handle.

She glanced down.

Looking at the sword sheath, it was empty.

My sword?

Where did it go?!

“Your sword, is it here?”

“…?”

Now that he looked, there was another sword stuck in Lee Jinhyuk’s scabbard.

One sword in his hand, half broken, and another sword stuck in the scabbard.

“I actually aimed for your sword from the beginning.”

Lee Jinhyuk had secretly stolen Jin Soyeon’s sword when there was a significant gap after absorbing her magic power.

“I was nervous that I might get caught, but luckily, what can I say?”

Everything, from deliberately swinging the sword, absorbing magic power, pretending to have weaknesses in Jin Soyeon’s abilities, was all a fake to grab Jin Soyeon’s sword.

“You…”

Jin Soyeon bit her lower lip slightly.

I never thought you would steal the sword like a thief in the night.

But it’s okay.

Even without the sword, I was confident enough to win.

…if only I had more time.

“You keep acting cowardly like this….”

“That’s enough.”

Yoo Seol-hyun’s words grabbed Jin So-yeon’s ankle.

“It’s been 10 minutes.”

“A-already?”

“Yeah. So, this match is….”

Yoo Seol-hyun glanced at Lee Jin-hyuk and said, “Lee Jin-hyuk’s victory.”

“Ah.”

If only I had one more minute, I could have won…!

Jin So-yeon, who had miserably lost, felt defeated.

***

“…sigh, really.”

Jin So-yeon sat in Yoo Seol-hyun’s mansion living room, looking out the window at the moonlight and letting out a deep sigh.

She never dreamed she would lose like this.

Did she underestimate Jin-hyuk too much?

If only there wasn’t a time limit, she could have definitely won.

Ah, really…

But it’s too late for regrets now.

Ugh. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have set a time limit.

“You said it was a bet? Hehe.”

“What’s up with you? You’ve been up until this hour?”

“Just taking a walk and getting some fresh air.”

Jin So-yeon furrowed her brows slightly at Yoo Seol-hyun, who approached her in adult-like pajamas.

What’s with the airy attire?

Does she know that Jin-hyuk is also staying in this mansion right now?

“Jin So-yeon.”

“What?”

“Shall we have a chat after a long time?”

In the dead of night, with everyone asleep, Yoo Seol-hyun was smiling slightly as she requested a conversation with Jin So-yeon.