Binding Mark and Rising Lust
Her wrist bore a translucent pattern. 'This must be the mark of the contract, right?'
Professor Kang Mina seemed intent on making the bet ironclad, pulling out a mana contract. It was a pact wagering their mana—if the conditions weren't met, intense pain would follow, along with the risk of their mana evaporating. I'd confirmed through the Deus Ex Machina System that it was fully binding. So if I won, Professor Kang Mina had no escape.
"What'd you say to the professor? You must've screwed up, huh?"
"Uh... I didn't say anything?"
"..."
The contract included a clause barring mention to others, so I couldn't tell Kang Minji a thing.
"That's why you should've done better like always."
"What'd I even do wrong?"
"Argh... Anyway, it's your fault, so that's why the professor did it!"
Her attitude—unwavering faith in Professor Kang Mina—only heightened the odds they were family. Minji wasn't great at lying. She could beat around the bush, but going straight for it and gauging her reaction didn't seem like a bad play.
"Is Professor Kang Mina maybe your sister?"
"Outta nowhere... what the hell? No way, absolutely not!"
She jumped, yelling like I'd hit the bullseye.
'Nice—her reaction confirms they're family.'
Kang Minji glanced around cautiously, then spoke in a calmer tone. "That... you just startled me with that weird crap. It's really not true, so don't go saying it anywhere."
"Hmmm~ Got it."
"I'm serious, don't. Consider this your warning."
"I said I got it."
With that, we walked silently toward the next class. She seemed aware her reaction had been off, holding back on purpose, so I didn't push conversation either.
The upcoming finals would be the turning point. My relationship with Minji had already shifted for sure, but others' views and my reputation hadn't budged. I was still at the bottom anyway. A little change, and I'd draw eyes fast. Then I'd leverage that rep to claim them all and grow stronger.
'And save this doomed world.'
A fine goal indeed.
To hit it now, I needed to spend my Fate Points wisely.
45p left. The surefire way to boost ability here was pumping stats. I'd verified it sparring Minji.
'Matching her physical specs means performance is solid.'
But dumping all 45p wouldn't yield dramatic change. Plus, from 20 up, each stat point cost more.
'Efficiency drops, so gacha instead?'
Gacha had netted skills and elixirs before. A big hit, and it'd max efficiency on those points.
'Can I level skills with Fate Points too?'
Yes, possible.
'Hmm... headache. Honestly, I'd love to dump it all into looks.'
For now, hold off spending. No rush, so I'd decide later.
"Whatcha doing, loser? Hurry up."
"Yeah, coming."
Lost in thought, I'd fallen behind Minji. Normally, she wouldn't call out— she'd just bolt ahead.
'Favorability System's the best.'
I grinned, admiring her as we went.
*
From the second semester of freshman year at Daehan Academy, classes specialized by type. But first semester covered basics for all.
This was PE.
"Instructor, do we have to do this?"
"Think rear lines are safe? Some monsters target them first. Master basic evasion—essential."
Rookie hunters had higher rear-line death rates. Frontliners stayed vigilant from constant danger. Supports grew complacent, thinking they were safe—accidents followed.
Hence the class: tumbling drills, dodging balls.
"Rolling."
"Hah, he's rolling like a game character, kekeke."
A boy in the transparent dodgebox mimicked a game roll. Kids laughed.
"No messing around."
Some students like me or Minji had gate experience. Dodging mid-monster fight? Tough to focus.
"Instructor, this is too lame."
"Fine, upping the level. Dodge this."
Training, of course. Balls sped up.
The boy, once casual, panicked at faster, harder shots—started getting hit.
"Ow! Ow! Time! Time!"
Slowed by hits, balls pelted him relentlessly.
"If the level's off, speak up. We'll adjust to your skill."
The instructor glared; chatter died. Class continued.
*
Training over, free practice. Some ran tracks for conditioning, others lounged in corners—like Yoon Seoa yawning in the shade.
'Kinda sluggish.'
Her dodgebox moves looked awkward. Slow balls missed; near-hits blocked with powers.
'Reaction speed's quick, though?'
Scolded for powers, but zero hits. Low level muddied judgment.
I moved average-like. Hiding full power would benefit finals.
'Let 'em underestimate me!'
Playing possum for sure wins? Smart.
'Man, she's really pushing.'
Minji lapped the track nonstop. Sweat poured; she looked maxed but kept going.
'Losing that spar hit hard, huh?'
Her bouncing chest drew every guy's stare. Jersey helped, but not ideal.
"Something feels off."
Exhausted, Minji slumped in a corner. Heat made her tug her jersey down—sweat-soaked shirt revealed her sports bra.
Nearby guys stole glances. I grabbed cold water, approached.
"Want some?"
"Hah... hah... Thanks."
She chugged, spilling down her neck in her daze.
'This view's mine alone.'
I pulled her jersey back up to her neckline.
"Wha... what're you doing? It's hot!"
"Other guys are looking."
"...Wh-what're you saying, idiot."
She grumbled but left it up.
*
Class ended, heading home. I walked with Minji. She looked off—amped, maybe? I checked via Favorability System.
Ah... maybe masturbate when I get home?
'Lust spiked higher?'
Minji's lust was up. Couldn't hold back anymore—masturbation on her mind. Favorability steady; normal stuff wouldn't shift it much at this level.
But key intel: Minji masturbates.
"Hey, Minji."
"...What."
"Remember our bet yesterday? You promised a wish."
"Th-that stupid bet—I never agreed!"
"Still a promise. Won't honor it?"
Her fidgeting, quickened breath—obvious what she was thinking.
"Let's head to my place first."
"Wh-what? No way!"
Yet she followed. Mouth said no, but she obeyed—adorable.
"So? Where is it?"
"Not far."
Land here's pricey. Vital facilities, crowds—peasants like me couldn't dream of it.
But I owned a one-room nearby. Low-income academy perk.
'Not really mine—return post-grad. Whatever.'
Never brought a girl alone before.
'Not the point.'
To secure future life, nail Minji down.
'To raise favorability... gotta be that, right?'
Her lust high—maybe she wanted it too?