Peaceful Days and the Grand Prix Beckons
Peaceful days. Creak. Stepping into the classroom that felt like I hadn't seen in ages, my classmates were huddled in little groups, chatting away.
They glanced over at the sound of the door, waving casually, but there was Park Jisu amid them, putting on an uncharacteristically demure act with a fresh-faced expression. The bizarre sight instinctively opened my mouth.
"Wifey! No hello for your hubby?"
The noisy classroom fell dead silent in an instant. My classmates frantically rolled their eyes, trying to figure out who I was looking at.
"You, you fucking bastard!"
Park Jisu shot toward me like lightning, but it was just cute. "Yeah, yeah. I'm a dog bastard and you're a bitch pup. Heh heh."
"Shut up!"
Even after seeing us back to our usual carefree dynamic, my classmates were too busy with their own stuff.
"Finally dating?"
"Oh, Jae-kyung... why the lukewarm reaction?"
"Think about how we were in our first and second years."
Apparently, I'd been too chummy with Park Jisu all this time. Somehow, she already seemed like my main wife. My mind drifted to the women from other worlds, each with their unique charms, but hey, what's a local wife for? I could just treat them all like main wives in their respective worlds. Still, if they ever found out about each other, it'd be hilarious.
If Big Sis catches me, will she really put me on a boat?
Honestly, right after returning to reality, I'd planned to head straight back to the wuxia world. But just before diving in, Dokgo Hwaryeon's face popped into my head. The image of her endlessly sniffing my training uniform with a junkie-like expression made my feet refuse to move. Some ominous feeling that she'd pick up on the scent clinging to my body, even if not as sharply as Tier. That nagging chill down my spine had me throw on my cadet uniform and head to class.
Lost in those thoughts for a moment, I wore a vacant smile as I approached Jeong Jae-kyung, sticking to my original goal. Park Jisu, who'd been yapping at me, had already been dragged off by her friends and vanished into the crowd. Now was my chance.
"Hey, my buddy Jeong Jae-kyung."
"You take your meds?"
He stared at me like I was crazy, but today was all for Jeong Jae-kyung. Ignoring him, I pulled out my smartphone and started scrolling.
"What is it?"
Thinking I had something fun to show, he sidled up to me. "Uh, took this badass pic and was gonna show you."
Sensing some guys-only vibe, he blocked the surroundings with his body, pretending otherwise. Shady fucker.
"She's hot?"
"Yeah, about as hot as your wife?"
"Nah, that's bullshit. No one measures up to our Tier-chan. Heh heh."
Tier-chan, you son of a bitch.
You're dead.
"Anyway, just..."
Glancing around and confirming Park Jisu was far off, I showed him the photo. It was none other than a two-shot of Tier and me. The only difference was Tier's disheveled face from too much sex, unlike her usual poised self, and my smug grin beside her.
"W-who the hell is this?"
Seeing Tier—a game character—fully realized in flesh and blood, Jeong Jae-kyung's voice started trembling. But this wasn't enough. I quickly pulled up a shot of me pounding her from behind, looking down at her. I could endure a bit of rage for revenge.
Of course, no sharing.
"Kya~ Met her on the street and had her cosplay your wife. Whaddya think?"
Jeong Jae-kyung stared blankly at the photos like he'd forgotten how to speak. But even for revenge, I couldn't show more. I snatched my phone back and gave him a heavy look.
"Tier-chan loves getting pounded like a dog. Heh heh."
I patted his shoulder and headed to my seat. Jeong Jae-kyung, stunned and spaced out—would he keep playing the game now? My lips curled up at the endless curiosity.
The instructor had returned and started lecturing or whatever, but who cares?
"Scum, finally lost it?"
"Crazy bitch calling him hubby... lost it?"
"What're you on about."
As class began, Park Jisu plopped into the seat next to me and started acting cocky again. After living with Tier and getting steeped in patriarchy, this was an unimaginable situation that even sparked shame in me.
"Feminist bitch itching for another aerial launch?"
Only then did Park Jisu freeze, turning her head away.
"Keep acting up and see what happens. Who the hell calls me feminist, tsk."
I clicked my tongue, glaring disapprovingly, and she started trembling. Her personality couldn't take it, but neither could I.
How dare a bitch mouth off to the sky-like captain...
I kept tsking like I was deeply displeased, and after shuddering for a bit, Park Jisu finally grabbed a hand axe and bolted from her seat.
"F-fuck! Trying to wreck me again! D-do it! I'll wring out your cum and turn you into a mummy!!! Come at me, you scum!!!"
"Aaaah!!! Crazy bitch! Put the axe down, fuck!"
The classroom, filled only with the instructor's voice, echoed with our shouts. Tae-gun, watching from his seat, nodded at the spaced-out Jeong Jae-kyung and the rampaging couple.
"Birds of a feather."
+++
"You know this is your fault, right?"
"..."
"So shouldn't you write my reflection essay too?"
Park Jisu glared at me sharply. Still pissed, it seemed. After her public non-virgin declaration, she'd been grumpy all day. Classmates and the instructor had looked at us like trash, but what'd I do wrong?
Ding. Ding. Ding.
My smartphone blared nonstop in my ear. Pulling it out, spam texts were flooding in. Starting from her non-virgin reveal, greetings from Park Jisu's fan club. Struggling with the unresponsive screen, I groaned, and Park Jisu started peeking at me.
"Sorry..."
"For what?"
"My fan club... that."
She mumbled adorably.
"Nah, my wife's pussy, I'll write it myself—but they're all freaking out."
Her shoulders slumped as my blunt words eased her mood.
Scribble. Scribble.
In the quiet classroom, how long had we spent writing our essays? The door opened, and Instructor Park Jongcheol entered.
"Both essays done?"
"Yes."
"Yep."
We nodded and handed over the papers. He watched us for a moment, then dragged a chair over with a creak and sat in front.
"Anything else?"
Park Jisu asked hesitantly, and he waved it off.
"Nah, that's the full punishment. Just have something to tell you two."
We eyed him curiously, and he pulled out some pamphlets.
"Ever thought about entering the Cadet Grand Prix? Or rather, I'd like you to."
"Uh... isn't that for fourth-years?"
"Strictly speaking, it's for B-rank hunters, not just fourth-years."
Instructor Park Jongcheol smiled, persuading us. He explained at length, but it was common knowledge for any cadet. The Grand Prix: promising stars from academies worldwide duke it out. In this era where hunters are national power, it's part international rivalry, part networking. Qualification: B-rank certified cadets only. Anyone meeting that can join.
"Anyone," my ass—it's national reps...
Park Jisu was the association's pushed national rep hunter. Me getting this invite was the real surprise. She voiced it too.
"San's still C-rank, though?"
"Just take the promotion test. No way the cadet who beat Cha Eun-woo can't make B-rank."
"What about Cha Eun-woo?"
Asking about that smug prick's face, the instructor gave a wry smile.
"Word in the industry is he's getting squeezed dry."
Glancing at me, it clicked. His sponsor weapon shattered in our duel, the ass-kicking video still circulating online. Injured by the Ilwonki fragment I used to troll him—his sword hands probably weren't fully healed.
Nodding at the predictable situation, he continued.
"Anyway, with things like that, you're the only two cadets Korea can send. Honestly, it's more mandate than request."
"I'll go!"
Park Jisu declared before he finished.
No surprise—money.
National rep gig. Nail it for prizes and boosted sponsorships. Flop, and you're still ad gold back home. Annoying, but if wifey's going, hubby can't sit out.
"I'm fine with it too."
Our quick yes lit up his face. Pressure from above, no doubt.
"Great! I'll report you both. I'll handle the rest—just keep your conditions peak."
He got our signatures on prepped forms and left. A reflection essay fluttered, forgotten.
"Fucking annoying..."
"Asshole prick..."
+++
"Um... sunbae, could you sign this?"
"Sure thing..."
Heading into class, a first-year girl blushed and asked for my autograph. I scribbled it quick; her squealing with friends was cute. If not for reality, I'd drag her to the bathroom?
Thud. Thud.
Walking the hall, jealous, envious stares from juniors and seniors alike pelted me. What to say? After our Grand Prix entry announcement, the Academy hyped it big-time. Me eclipsing Cha Eun-woo like a comet? Predictable spotlight.
Entering class, Park Jisu was already swarmed by classmates in "advice" doll play. Outclassed, they'd pinned hopes on us for 24th class promo trickle-down. If we shone in the Grand Prix, their rise was inevitable.
"Kang pro, get over here."
Turning at the shitty voice, Jeong Jae-kyung—over his heartbreak, sporting ill-fitting black sunglasses—waved his tablet.
"What the hell's with the look?"
"Know thyself, hundred battles undefeated? Gotta scout ahead."
"Fair, but..."
Hated agreeing, but he was right. Know their powers to counter without panic. Remembering Cha Eun-woo's sword slice, I nodded.
"Anyway, Grand Prix has tournament and gate raid, right?"
"I'm awakened too, asshole."
"Point is, you're tournament, Jisu's gate raid—obvious."
"Yeah."
Park Jisu sucked in direct fights like tournaments. Gate raids let her snipe from afar for top ranks. Me tournament rep? Inevitable.
Hand-to-hand's my jam anyway...
Flashy one-shots trolling foes beats B-rank mana control gate clears. More hype too.
"Figure five matches for you?"
I nodded. Ten academy nations worldwide: US, China, Japan, Germany, Russia, France, India, Italy, UK, Korea. More B-ranks our age exist, but cadet reps? National prospects. Predictable lineup.
"Dug up expected participant list—check it."
"O, thanks."
The neatly organized messenger file scrolled profiles. All national reps, stacked abilities.
"Lightning, wind, fire DPS, even a healer?"
"Immortal demon kings or whatever."
"Bullshit..."
All manifesting mana elites. Confident in martial arts, but slip and lose? Internet lynching.
Can't even browse communities thanks to Park Jisu...
Sighing, I steeled myself. For national pride flip, one job: grind points. Reality days aired out my scent, perfect. Dokgo Hwaryeon's empty eyes gave me goosebumps, but that's sis's charm.
Excitement built through class.
Once I dive in, wedding with sis first...?