Professor Kang Mina
It felt like it had been ages since I'd last stepped into the classroom the next day. I'd lived through short loops repeatedly. It wasn't that long in real time, but I'd spent days inside those regressions. The life-or-death battles probably made it feel even longer.
Long time no see, everyone.
Kang Minji had attended class yesterday, so no one was unaware that we'd survived the gate. And now the guy who'd taken down the boss monster—the former practical skills dead last—was making his entrance. Everyone had to be curious about that.
"Heard he got badly hurt, but he looks fine."
"Honestly, I have no idea how he even survived."
"Kang Minji must've suffered alone carrying him. But... has his face changed a bit?"
Honestly, Kang Minji's help had been huge. But without me, she never would've made it out alive. Thanks to me, she fought better, and most importantly, I took down the boss, the Skeleton Knight. Yet the reactions treated me like some guy who'd just hidden behind Kang Minji the whole time.
Did Kang Minji say she beat it alone?
She wasn't the type to lie about that. Still, it seemed my face tweak was noticeable. If I kept refining it like this, I'd be a total hunk before I knew it. Then the girls would come flocking.
For now, better play the loser.
Kang Minji was looking at me with pity mixed into her disdain. Best to just stay quiet in times like this. Still, damn it, I fought too—treating me like I did nothing was too much.
Kang Minji wouldn't scam them over something like this. Or maybe no one believed her?
It pissed me off, but I could endure it. I was used to those looks anyway, and I had power those bastards couldn't even imagine. But the jerks in the corner kept grating on my nerves.
"He got in on the low-income quota, right?"
"Shouldn't we judge by ability? If we let in the poor just 'cause, who's gonna protect people?"
They were talking just loud enough for me to hear. These fuckers...
They were the ones who'd hated me partnering with Kang Minji. Probably jealousy. Every guy in class wanted to be her partner. Sorry, but Minji was already my girl.
"Minji! Hey!"
"Hey, Jihyun. You're early today."
I heard the voice of one of Kang Minji's close friends. Turning, I saw Kang Minji who'd just arrived, finishing greetings with her buddies before heading to the seat next to mine. Sitting with your partner was just common sense. I could see the envious stares watching us.
"Seriously, after months together, she's still so pretty."
"Kim Siu's one lucky bastard."
"Minji, you're here?"
I almost asked if she'd properly explained what happened in the dungeon, but held back. What did it matter? Screwing Kang Minji was way more important. I grinned at her.
"Dummy. I told you not to make that face..."
"Got it."
Kang Minji rummaged in her bag and handed me a notebook.
"Notes from yesterday's class. Copy 'em quick and give it back."
Only Kang Minji looked out for me like this.
"You were thinking something weird, weren't you!"
"Was not."
"Ugh... Do it before class starts."
After handing over the notebook, she went off to her usual friends. We talked a bit in the dungeon or alone, but in class, she spent more time with them than me.
Cute handwriting.
She swung her fists like a beast, but her writing was all dainty. I started snapping pics with my smartphone camera. Stuff teachers pointed out like this usually showed up on exams. Crucial for acing finals.
Kang Minji's favorability didn't drop, right?
Her arousal was up, probably from yesterday. But favorability was rising fine, so finals prep first. Study, reinforce stats with Fate Points...
Wait, wasn't Kang Minji's Fate Rank A?
Yes, that is correct.
Fate Ranks for the kids in class?
I started checking the class's Fate Ranks. Mostly E and D averages—no F like mine in sight.
Was I some early-game disposable extra?
Scanning from the corner, higher ranks meant more points from meddling. Vital work for saving the world.
Hope they're as pretty as Kang Minji.
Finished scanning, found two S-Ranks: top admit Yoon Seoa, and low-income like me but climbing fast, Kang Juwon. Handsome prick, parasite-bro vibes that put guys on guard, but his bold personality made him popular with dudes too.
This the gap from birth ranks?
Kang Juwon was an in-crowd type; Yoon Seoa wasn't—more outcast.
Well, self-imposed outcast.
Never seen her close with anyone. She ignored approaches, so no friends in class. Cute looks, top skills—tons wanted in, but she shut them down.
Yoon Seoa's top-tier looks too.
Cute face, petite but contrasting huge chest. Not massive, but big for her frame. Signature sleepy expression hid her thoughts. Overwhelming combat power spawned fan clubs.
But she ignores it all.
Barely spoke outside partner chats or class answers. Untouchable type now—level gap too wide.
Check her favorability?
Compared to Kang Minji's, it was rock bottom. Wanting to sleep right after school? Quirky.
Still, pretty's pretty.
*
"Among 10th-grade monsters, the one most familiar to you..."
Professor Kang Mina was lecturing. Classic office lady outfit. Staring at her felt like staring at Kang Minji.
They look kinda similar.
Different hair, glasses too. But sans glasses, probably near twins. Gave soft, intellectual Kang Minji vibes. Age showed, but looked mid-20s.
Can check prof's Fate Rank?
A-Rank.
Same as Kang Minji. Can get Fate Points from prof?
You can earn Fate Points if relationship level changes.
Got it. Favorability check?
Didn't do shit—why's her status like that? 5's worse than Yoon Seoa.
Then Kang Minji poked my arm, whispering panicked.
"Dummy, what're you doing? Not answering."
"Huh?"
"Student Kim Siu, I'll ask again. Where's a golem's weak point?"
"Uh..."
"You do know, right? Seems like you weren't paying attention."
Professor Kang Mina had spotted me zoning out. She hated anyone sleeping in her class.
Golem weak point? Head? Shoulder? Chest? Gut?
Golem's weak point?
Yeah... can you tell me?
Accessible info. For golems, typical weak points are joints. Destroy the core to stop it...
"For golems, typical weak points are the joints. But to stop it..."
I recited Machina's info verbatim.
"What about gargoyles, then?"
Gargoyle? Machina!
...Gargoyles vary by type. Usually stone types...
"Varies by type! Usually..."
She kept firing questions after, but Machina got me through all.
Why's the prof suddenly on me? Favorability?
...
Didn't wrong Professor Kang Mina much. But her attitude clicked—I was on her shitlist. Kang Minji realized too, asking:
"Did you do something?"
"No, I didn't do anything."
"You must've! Unn... I mean, Professor Mina wouldn't target you for no reason."
"Seriously, nothing..."
So unfair. Academy life was nonstop bullshit. Class ended. Professor Kang Mina approached.
"Student Kim Siu, a word?"
"Y... yes."
I followed her to her private lab, face sour.