Chapter 260
Chapter 260
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 260
Chapter Title: The End of a Long Wait
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***
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*[Resistance]*
You possess 'resistance' to physical damage as well as unique energies like mana. You can mitigate a portion of all incoming damage, and this resistance applies equally to mental interference.
[Current Total Resistance: 8%]
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*
The detailed information for the Resistance stat.
“Is this for real?”
After reading it several times, my only reaction was sheer astonishment.
Because... it was just too good to be true.
It seemed like an overwhelmingly powerful stat, far better than what I had initially imagined 'resistance' would be.
*Clench.* I clenched my fist, intrigued by this new stat, but I couldn't feel any tangible difference.
“...I feel like I've gotten stronger, but at the same time, I don't.”
Even as I patted myself down, I couldn't feel any noticeable changes.
And yet, it meant I was wearing a kind of armor—an invisible one.
To think it resists physical damage, special energies like mana, and even mental interference.
“This is totally broken...”
What was even more surprising was that with a Resistance stat of just 1, I already had 8% total resistance.
Just thinking about how useful this stat would become as it grew... made my heart pound with excitement.
And though a spearman has the advantage of reach, it's still a close-range class. I always had to face great danger up close with the Apostles, suffering severe injuries in every crisis.
"...Because as I am now, I'm not enough."
No matter how fast I grew, the crises I faced became even more threatening.
But now, I had gained something else that would surely help me.
—Resistance.
A stat that might one day save my life, and a powerful ability that I could say with certainty would be a great help.
“...”
As I stared blankly at the Resistance description in my vision, a foolish laugh suddenly escaped me.
"This is great...."
At times like this, I felt so childish, but I couldn't contain the welling joy. The corners of my mouth crept up on their own as my heart filled with happiness.
Naturally, I also felt a sense of gratitude toward Ariya, who had ultimately made it possible for me to unlock this stat.
"Come to think of it...."
The image of Ariya's face flickered in my mind—how she'd stroked my hair today, and how she'd treated me with warmth despite her cold voice.
Ironically, in terms of appearance, Ariya looked similar to me, or perhaps even younger. As I recalled the mischievous and curious glint in her eyes, framed by her lustrous silver hair, she seemed strangely more beautiful.
“I should thank her properly the next time I see her.”
To be honest, I still hadn't figured out my approach to seducing her.
...But, foolishly enough.
Having gained such a great stat, I suddenly found myself feeling a fondness for Ariya.
She seemed more beautiful, and even the time I spent with her today felt pleasant to me now.
Well... that's how important my life is to me.
“And now I have people who like me.”
I was also aware that my body was no longer 'mine alone'.
Because I know what it feels like to have someone in your heart, to fall for them.
Kalli, Adelia... and Glacia. Their faces naturally came to mind.
Knowing they cared for me, I had no choice but to cherish my own body more.
That was probably why Ariya, who had helped me so much, seemed better in many ways.
"I'll have to get a little closer next time."
Since Ariya had given me a slight opening today, I felt I had a good chance to approach her.
***
The next day, Friday.
Friday, the day before the weekend, was perceived differently by everyone.
Some saw it as the end of the week and felt lighthearted, while others felt a tinge of regret that the weekend hadn't quite arrived.
In that sense, one young woman was feeling a peculiar mix of emotions.
Class C2.
*Click-clack.*
With the sound of careful footsteps, her light, sky-blue hair swayed gently.
It was Karite, whose impression had changed 180 degrees from the beginning of the academy.
As she passed by.
“......”
Some swallowed the words they were about to say, while others gulped in surprise, staring blankly at Karite as she walked past.
*Rustle.*
Karite's beauty, now enough to naturally capture the gazes of the other cadets in her class, was like a flower blooming more brilliantly with each passing day.
Karite walked past the cadets staring blankly at her and sat in her seat. With brilliantly shining eyes, she waited for the last lecture of the week to begin.
‘Hurry.’
I hope today's lecture passes by even faster.
*Thump. Thump.*
Even as she took out the necessary textbooks to prepare, her heart felt as if it were floating.
Finally, yesterday... I reached it.
—Trait Level 4.
I had longed for it so desperately, put in so much effort, and dedicated all my time outside of lectures to training.
Furthermore, I endured and suppressed my tender feelings, forcing myself to focus solely on my Trait.
Because I was truly that determined.
And as a result.
I could now approach him with confidence.
I had reached a position where I could stand beside Han Cheon-seong, the one who was advancing at an unbelievable speed amidst all sorts of rumors.
Including the cadets in Class A, there were fewer than ten who had reached Trait Level 4.
And now, I had attained that position.
*Click.*
“Alright. Everyone, please take your seats.”
As the instructor entered and the chaotic atmosphere in the classroom settled, she calmed her heart and focused on the lecture.
The lecture time passed by quite quickly.
Now, even the lectures no longer felt overwhelming or difficult to follow as they had at first. On the contrary, I absorbed the content with ease, and it felt downright simple.
To get good grades too... I had no idea just how hard I'd worked.
Because I had done everything I possibly could for my Trait and my grades.
It was all so I could be proud of myself.
So that even if I stood by Han Cheon-seong's side, he wouldn't think it strange, and so that anyone could see we were in a relationship where that was possible.
"......."
Looking back, there were so many moments of regret.
I had ended my conversations with Han Cheon-seong, who had occasionally come to see me, quickly, cutting our time short.
I was afraid that if I stayed with him any longer, my resolve would weaken.
And that I would end up just relying on him, like the powerless me of the past.
‘I couldn't let that happen.’
I didn't want to just wish to be by his side.
I wanted to be worthy.
“The most fearsome feature of the Blue Salamander would be its tail. Unlike a regular salamander that breathes fire from its mouth, the Blue Salamander has the peculiar trait of releasing flames by swinging its tail....”
As the instructor's lecture continued.
Unconsciously, emotions welled up in her heart.
‘It's been a long time.’
Even as the memories of her efforts over the past few weeks flickered in her mind.
*Scribble, scribble!*
Ironically, her hand was diligently taking notes on the monster's characteristics she was hearing about.
.......
“Good work today. Everyone have a good weekend. I hope to see you all with more energetic faces next week.”
A smile naturally formed at the instructor's refreshing closing words.
“Yes, sir!”
“Thank you!”
Along with the other cadets, I also expressed my thanks and immediately stood up.
‘Today.’
I planned to go find Han Cheon-seong first.
*Snap!*
Just as she was organizing her textbooks and about to leave the classroom.
*Thud.*
Suddenly, a young man blocked her path.
Light brown hair. He was a fellow cadet from her class whose face was familiar, but since she'd never paid him any mind, she couldn't even recall his name.
“Um, Karite.”
“What is it?”
“Well, it's nothing major, but... do you have some time today? I heard the cafe is getting a new dessert, and I was wondering if you'd like to try it with me.”
Surprised by the unexpected offer, she immediately shook her head.
“Sorry, but I don't think I can.”
“Oh...? Then when are you free next time? I can make time for you.”
“Sorry. I have something urgent to do today.”
She said curtly and walked past him.
"Karite...?"
Despite his voice, her mind had already left this place.
There was no time for this now. All this time, she had held back, suppressing her feelings.
Now... even she felt she had reached her limit.
Her heart had been swelling with anticipation even before the lecture ended.
Because she could finally meet Han Cheon-seong.
At this moment, she had no desire to spend time with anyone else.
…
Even after leaving the classroom, her footsteps only quickened.
***
At the same time.
Cheon-seong, who had been staring at his textbook, furrowed his brow.
“...How can these be combined?”
The lecture had ended a short while ago.
But he couldn't bring himself to get up from his seat. He hadn't understood part of the lecture.
He was pondering one of the theories of magitech engineering, but no matter how many times he looked at it, it felt like something from a completely different world.
*Scribble, scribble.*
He moved his quill, twisting the formula this way and that, on the verge of a breakthrough but not quite there. Just as he was at that delicate crossroads.
“Han Cheon-seong.”
Hearing my name called, I frowned blankly.
“David, just a moment.”
“Not just a moment. You'll have to do that later.”
“What... why?”
I wasn't in a good mood as I lifted my head from the textbook. I felt like David had interrupted me just as I was about to grasp the concept I couldn't understand.
“Karite is waiting for you outside the classroom right now.”
But at his words, I paused and immediately closed my textbook.
“Thanks, David.”
“Yeah. Handle it well.”
I gave an awkward nod at his words and immediately stood up.
‘Karite.’
I had visited Karite periodically over the last while, but she always said she didn't have time, so we had barely spent any time together.
So I thought I might have done something wrong to her.
If not that, I was worried the influence of Leteia was still lingering. But for her to come looking for me.
“......”
I fiddled with my face for no reason and composed myself.
*Click.*
When I opened the door and stepped out of the classroom, I saw Karite for what felt like the first time in a long while.
Her light sky-blue hair, her neat cadet uniform—her beauty seemed so radiant.
“...Han Cheon-seong.”
The moment our eyes met, she gave me a gentle smile. Just seeing her smile seemed to put my own heart at ease.
‘That's a relief.’
Karite seemed perfectly fine.
And I could clearly see that she had become even more beautiful.
“Karite. It's been a really long time.”
“Yes, it has. First, are you free today? I was hoping you could spend the day with me.”
At her bright tone, I nodded without hesitation.
“I should be free until dinner.”
“Really? That's a relief. I've been turning you down all this time, so I'll make it up to you today."
*Grasp.*
As she said that, she naturally took my hand, and I froze for a moment.
”...!“
Karite was so... forward.
It was as if all those times she'd rejected me when I went to see her had been a lie.
It felt like she was trying to close the distance between us in an instant.