Wrapping Up the Semester (3)
***
We headed to the sparring arena to watch Kang Minji's match. Sparring sessions varied—some dragged on, others ended quickly—so only the start times were fixed, and no one knew exactly when Kang Minji would appear. But since hers was scheduled early, we'd see her face soon enough.
"Follow me."
The academy's top student really was on another level. While regular students like me had to cram into the packed general stands, Yoon Seoa had her own reserved spot as the top ranker.
"Is it okay for me to come too?"
"Yeah."
Hey, isn't that Yoon Seoa?
Who's the guy next to her?
He's my type...
Was there a guy like that?
Walking behind Yoon Seoa naturally drew eyes. Unaccustomed to the attention, I followed with an awkward expression.
"Spar with me after the viewing."
"Don't you ever get tired of it?"
Following her led to a spacious area. Unlike the cramped stands, screens displayed the action from multiple angles. Comfortable chairs and snacks were laid out for munching and sipping.
"No one's here?"
"Not a match that draws much interest."
True enough—both fighters were solid mid-to-upper tier, but not household names like Yoon Seoa. Still, their looks gave them decent recognition.
"Kang Minji's pretty good level, though, right?"
"...Sorry, but Kang Juwon will win."
"..."
Seeing Yoon Seoa downplay Kang Minji irked me, but she wasn't wrong.
"His growth is steep, for sure."
Watching his progress was almost scary. Rumors said if he kept it up, he'd match Yoon Seoa's level.
But the stronger you get, the harder it is to grow!
Honestly, I wanted Minji to beat that guy.
"Were Hong Ryuseok and that guy from our class? Yun Eunju or something?"
The screen showed the two guys' names. Their gear and past evaluation scores popped up too.
"They show all this?"
Not interested in either, I didn't care much. Minji's turn was next after this, anyway. I grabbed some snacks casually.
"Hey, what do you like?"
It'd be nice to learn Yoon Seoa's favorite dessert. Everyone has their prefs. Kang Minji loved strawberry cream ones. Wonder what Yoon Seoa went for.
"I like mint choco."
"...Got it."
Mint choco fans here too, huh. Not my thing, but I'd try it once. For custom mint-choco-flavored special semen tailored to Yoon Seoa.
"Here."
Nothing much to say, so we watched the match. Hong Ryuseok took hits from Yun Eunju like it was nothing—ugly desperation. But Yun Eunju's attacks lacked punch, so the shield drained slowly. Hong lasted a while before it ended.
Glancing outside, some in the stands mocked Hong Ryuseok, but I didn't feel like laughing.
If I were my old self, that'd be me getting pummeled.
I turned to check if Yoon Seoa was sneering too—only to find her staring at my face, not the screen.
"...What? Something on my face?"
"If you hate watching... show me."
What was she suddenly asking for?
"Huh? Show what?"
"Mana."
"Huh?"
"That anti-magic mana. Show me that much."
"It's still rough."
Activating my anti-magic ability turned my eyes blue. Didn't even notice at first—saw it in a mirror. Mana gathered at my fingertips, igniting like blue flames. Pure, crystalline azure fire.
Yoon Seoa watched intently.
"A nostalgic... feeling..."
Her face softened with uncharacteristic emotion—nostalgia bringing a tear to her eye as she savored my mana.
Sorry, but my mana pool wasn't that deep.
"Ah..."
"Running low."
"Still... thanks."
Not sure it warranted thanks, but just then, Kang Minji's face appeared on screen.
"Let's watch Minji's match."
"Yeah..."
***
Kang Juwon, fighting!!
Beat him, Kang Minji!!
Kang Minji's entrance sparked cheers. Guys went wild for her usual battle suit. She swung punches in close combat, hating anything restrictive. The chest bandages felt tight, but they kept her ample bust from hindering movement.
Goddess Kang Minji, fighting!!
Her outfit hugged every curve—her killer S-line figure enough to stir any man's heart.
"Perverted bastards..."
She knew it wasn't her skills drawing the reaction, just her looks. Used to the stares, she'd built immunity.
Winning's what matters.
Stepping into the arena, Kang Minji eyed the guy opposite her. Same class as Kang Juwon, but not close. Among guys, only Kim Siu felt familiar.
"Why am I thinking of that jerk?"
Kim Siu popped into her head, body heating up. She fanned her face to cool off.
Maybe a bit pent up...
Before sex with him, she'd rarely masturbated—low sex drive. But his teasing pushed her to orgasm after orgasm, turning her body hooked on pleasure.
Haa... that damn guy...
She wanted to punch his face. Plus, his awakening changed it—handsomer now.
Not bad, maybe...
She didn't judge solely by looks, but handsome wasn't something she hated. She actually approved of his new face.
"Hey, Minji."
"Uh... hey."
Her beauty drew guys everywhere. Handsome ones too, building her resistance. Kang Juwon was good-looking, sure, but not that appealing. Easygoing Kim Siu felt comfier. Not a pushover anymore, but their time together erased the awkwardness unlike with Juwon.
"Good luck today."
Kang Minji just nodded silently. Guys besides Kim Siu still felt off.
"Both ready? You know the rules?"
"Haa..."
"Answer if confirmed."
"Confirmed!"
"Yes..."
The scoreboard showed their faces and shield levels. Kang Minji checked her gauntlets. Bigger than her face, they were her main weapon. Even seeing those steel fists—like a game character smashing a safe—Kang Juwon stayed calm, waving casually.
"Starts in 10 seconds."
I wanna win... he won his...
She couldn't forget that scene. Close to the arena, she'd glimpsed the smoke-shrouded upset. The always-weak Kim Siu—actually weak—toppling a complacent Yoon Seoa burned in her mind.
And... in the cave too...
His back fighting skeletons up front looked broader than usual. Even in mortal danger, worrying only for her—she treasured that.
He's grown that much... I can't fall behind.
"5."
"4."
Pre-awakening, Kim Siu was weaker. Someone to protect, help. Sometimes a burden, but his reliance and obedience made her proud.
Now, he felt ahead.
"Hoo... no way I'm losing."
She hated admitting it—the guy always behind her now strong enough for Yoon Seoa.
Still weaker than Seoa, though...
Clashing gauntlets to steel herself. The metallic clang vibrated her arms—hand feel to focus.
"2."
"1."
"Begin!"
Puncher Kang Minji had shorter range than sword-user Kang Juwon, so she closed in. Ducking low at the start, she swung. Not super fast, so he backed off. His follow-up thrust—she cupped hands to block. Size sacrificed speed but worked like a shield in a pinch.
She reached for his sword a few times, but he slipped away like an eel, using distance to poke.
Her big fists left few openings.
"Minji, getting serious now."
He ramped speed—no gaps for her attacks. Normal strikes, but blocking sword with both arms limited counters. Easier than with Kim Siu's smaller gloves, actually.
"No openings, huh."
"Hoo... hoo..."
Scoreboard shields dropping. No solid hits, but nicks added up. His skill kept distance—she'd lose without landing once.
At this rate, I'll lose...
No Kim Siu sharpness, but Juwon's physicals edged out. Faster, stronger—matching his rep.
Feels like he's holding back...
Kim Siu flustered Yoon Seoa. Juwon's casual demeanor grated.
From his view, he was being considerate—quick end might hurt her eval. But sensing it soured her mood.
"Fight for real."
"Ah... sorry, did that piss you off? I just thought good grades would help you too."
"Don't care. Fight properly."
"Sorry if I upset you... Convo's not audible outside, so no big worry."
Her mood tanked. Barely acquaintances treating her weak? Worse than Kim Siu's teasing. Her face darkened.
"Slacking? You'll regret it!!"
She unleashed hidden power. Recent second awakening—still clumsy, so she'd skipped sparring Kim Siu to avoid hurting him.
Juwon? Fair game.
Her unique ability: explosion. Mana pooled at feet—boom. Recoil launched her like a missile at stunned Juwon, fist extended.
"You annoying prick!!"
"!!"
Her fist detonated.
***
The victor's face flashed on the scoreboard screen. Instructor Han Ho-jin, watching their bout, grinned satisfied.
"Didn't expect both to be second awakeners. Heh heh, bright future for the academy."
"Our... Minji... Minji..."
"Professor Kang Mina?"
"Ah... nothing."
Winner: Kang Juwon.
Utterly against Kang Mina's wishes.
"Professor's cadets really are top-notch."
Kang Mina glared at the boy who'd beaten her sister.
Unaware of her gloom, Han Ho-jin bubbled on.
"Gotta revise Kang Juwon's eval. So composed against a sudden ambush—might be better than scores suggest."
"Yeah..."
"Kang Minji's second awakening too—huge growth ahead! Still awkward with it, though."
"Yes... such a shame... One more hit on that last attack, and our—no, student Kang Minji clearly would've won..."
"Heh heh."