Chapter 84
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 84
Chapter Title: 29. Midterms
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The trigger was trivial.
That woman pretending to be a man.
The subtle atmosphere drifting between her and Master.
It was a conversation so minor she'd normally brush it off, but her instincts picked up on the discordant vibe hidden beneath.
"…"
She couldn't grasp the complicated details.
Overthinking was something she despised.
But a beast's senses never lied.
One thing was certain.
Something had happened between those two that night.
Even she, who knew nothing, could tell that much.
Frostfang Imir, they called her.
Strip away the shell of being a mountain warrior and chieftain of the Frost Giant Tribe, and underneath it all…
She was still a woman at her core.
And her instincts as a female were blaring sharp warnings.
The moment she realized that, a sharp pang twisted in her chest, igniting a scorching blaze.
…What the hell is this feeling?
It was a strange, unpleasant emotion she'd never felt before in her life.
Irritation, anger, and an inexplicable anxiety all tangled together, clawing at her heart.
That's why she'd come.
To confirm it for herself.
And to uncover the source of this foul sensation.
"…Hngh."
Leaning against his shoulder, she drew in a quiet breath.
The faint scent wafting to her nose.
Evan's unique aroma, mingled with the smell of sweat, oddly scrambled her senses.
Nice smell.
Crude and rough, yet an irresistible, addictive fragrance.
An urge welled up to keep inhaling it, sending a dizzying vertigo washing her mind white.
"…"
Then she felt Evan scratch his head awkwardly.
Was he annoyed? Or flustered?
After a brief silence, his hand tentatively slid to her back, patting her gently.
Tap. Tap.
It was clumsy and rough.
But that warmth… it was surprisingly tender.
"…Eut."
Even that simple touch sent a jolt through her like an electric shock, prickling her entire body.
Every nerve from head to toe stood on end, her heart pounding wildly.
She couldn't define what emotion this was.
But her instincts gave a clear answer.
…More.
She wanted more contact.
To burrow deeper.
For his hands to roam greedier.
Roughly caressing her whole body.
Her throat burned with a searing thirst.
A primal thirst that no amount of water could quench.
She didn't know how to handle this unfamiliar heat.
This uncontrollable craving.
Grip.
Instinctively, she clutched his clothes tight.
Her knuckles whitening with force, teeth gritted.
But she couldn't stifle the escaping moan.
"Eung…"
It wasn't intentional.
But the heat surging from deep in her gut seemed to melt her reason away.
Before she knew it, she was burrowing into his embrace, into that solid chest.
As if his body heat was the only salvation to cool this blaze.
This is weird.
Her breath came short, her head spun.
Her heart raced like it might burst, her fingertips trembled uncontrollably.
Even crossing countless battlefields, dancing on the edge of life and death…
She'd never felt anything like this.
The terror of possible death, the thrill of severing an enemy commander's head…
None of it compared to this intense shock.
…Annoying.
She was furious at her incomprehensible state.
Pitiful for losing her cool and being tossed about.
But what angered her more was…
"…"
Tap. Tap.
This man, silently patting her back with utter nonchalance.
It was all because of this damn master of hers.
Why are you so calm?
I'm going insane here.
My insides are churning, my heart about to explode.
Why do you look so unfazed?
Why am I the only one freaking out?
…Fuck.
In a surge of frustration, she lifted her head.
His lips were right there, inches away.
Back when they first met in the mountains.
Seeing those lips then had sparked nothing.
But now was different.
She wanted to bite them. Hard.
No, a fierce impulse surged to devour them.
After fidgeting in his arms for a long while, she finally squeezed out words.
"Master."
Her voice came out trembling pathetically, startling even herself.
"…Why."
His indifferent reply was reassuring in one way.
Yet that still-calm voice felt somehow infuriating.
"…Look at me."
Grabbing and shaking his chest, he finally lowered his head to meet her gaze.
His master's eyes, seemingly impassive yet fathomless.
Her reflection stared back perfectly in them.
Flushed face, disheveled hair, and…
Eyes soaked in desire.
…Ah.
Like a mirror, confronting herself in his eyes, she realized it in that instant.
The true nature of this unfamiliar emotion.
Why she'd been so anxious.
Why her heart raced at the sight of him, why she couldn't stand seeing him with another woman.
A vicious, sticky obsession.
Even more primal, even more intense instinct.
I want him.
This man.
Master.
To make him entirely hers.
So no one else could touch him.
Bound solely to her side.
That revelation flashed through her mind like lightning.
"…Ha."
A hollow laugh escaped her.
Her, reduced to this over one man.
Frostfang Imir.
The warrior who shook the mountains.
This is ridiculous, really.
But…
I don't hate it.
It wasn't bad.
No, honestly, it was good.
His body heat, his scent, his indifferent touch.
Drives me crazy good.
She wished time would freeze right here.
"…Master."
She called him again.
This time more honestly, more earnestly.
"Yeah?"
"I'm hungry."
"…Huh?"
His face flushed with bewilderment.
Building the mood, then suddenly talking food—naturally absurd.
But what could she do?
This was her.
Overcomplicating things was the last thing she wanted.
Fill the stomach first, think later.
"So let's go eat."
She boldly demanded, pulling away from his arms.
Regret lingered, but staying longer might make her pounce for real.
"Haa. What were you gonna say."
"Let's eat out today. Okay?"
"…You're unbelievable."
Evan let out a disbelieving chuckle, ruffling her hair.
"Fine. Let's go. What do you wanna eat?"
Stealing a glance at his oddly relieved face as he started walking, she called out to him.
"Oh, almost forgot."
"What now…"
His words cut off.
Because she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his without hesitation.
"…?!"
She saw his eyes widen in shock.
He stiffened in surprise, but she ignored it, delving deeper.
Roughly, yet greedily.
As if claiming every breath, every bit of his warmth as her own.
A clumsy but fervent kiss.
His lips were far softer and warmer than expected.
…Tasty.
Sweet yet bittersweet, strangely addictive.
Her mind went blank white.
Moments later, breathless, she pulled away.
He stared at her, dazed.
"W-Wait, you…"
His flustered fumbling was utterly adorable.
That dopey look contrasted so sharply with his usual self, stirring a twisted pleasure.
Made her want to devour him whole.
"Advance payment. For you, Master."
She licked the lingering warmth from her lips, grinning shamelessly.
"…What?"
"Payment for the meal. So buy me something good."
Not waiting for his reply, she hooked her arm in his and tugged.
Lingering longer might bring a wave of embarrassment.
Even for her, who'd lived without knowing shame.
Giving her first kiss to the man she liked—and wanted—was an act requiring immense courage.
+ + +
Early morning, academy central square.
This place, usually quiet, was packed from S-Class down to D-Class.
First-years in full gear filled the space.
Hands busily checked weapons and equipment, faces etched with grim resolve—like soldiers heading to war.
"Hoo…"
I took a light deep breath, surveying the area.
At the academy.
Even among them, S-Class—the elite of the elite—stood firm at the front.
"Ooh! I can feel the warriors' fighting spirit!"
Vulcan was warming up like he might bolt any second.
The heat radiating from his massive frame seemed to warm the air around him.
"Ready, comrade?!"
"Stay still. Hasn't even started yet."
I replied casually while loosening up.
Vulcan's boundless energy was exhausting just to watch.
And especially after that incident not long ago with someone.
"…"
Even now, closing my eyes brought back Imir's kiss, vivid as ever.
…Focus on the practical for now.
Staying distracted throughout would ruin everything.
"Uuu… S-So nervous…"
Beside me, Hye-ra adjusted her glasses, mumbling with a teary face.
She clutched a bag stuffed with potions.
Her trembling hands made the vials clink noisily.
Seeing Hye-ra so scared made me worry if she'd manage.
But…
She'd be fine.
Just timid, but her skills were solid.
Plus, for survival, Vulcan was the best among us.
No need for major concerns.
As my comrades stretched, I did the same—crack—a satisfying pop echoed in my ears.
Condition's… not bad.
And just in case, the potions and tools Hye-ra had whipped up over the past week under duress were reassuring.
M-More's impossible! I'll die, Evan!
"…"
After the practical, I'd reward her hard work with rarer materials.
"Evan!"
A bright voice approached.
Turning, it was Elisicia.
In comfortable hunting gear, hair neatly tied up, she exuded a wild allure different from her usual elegance.
"O-Oh…"
"Glad you're alive…"
Especially her tight outfit highlighting unreal curves—enough to steal every guy's gaze.
Including mine, of course.
"…Ahem. All prepared?"
"Of course! I won't be dead weight."
She confidently raised her bow.
"Brought this just in case. Not great with it, but…"
Arden Family's famed bow, made from World Tree branch.
One draw of that string, and most monsters would vanish without trace.
Handles spirits, exceptional mana, and now archery?
A true prodigy elf.
"Reliable."
"Expect great things from me?"
"Attention, all!"
Professor Zig Kail's booming voice rang from the platform.
The noisy square fell silent instantly, like ice water poured over it.
All eyes turned to the stage, where professors stood in a row—Zig Kail front and center, Ingrid and others flanking.
Even the academy's big names all gathered.
Proof of this practical's gravity.
Zig Kail scanned the students, hands behind back.
His piercing gaze made students gulp involuntarily wherever it landed.
"All prepared?"
"Yes!"
His gravelly voice boomed again.
"This practical will test your limits."
"Prove your true strength—how well you apply theory in the field."
He paused dramatically.
Tension blanketed the square.
"Then, Professor Ingrid. If you please."
"Yes. Thank you."
Zig Kail stepped aside; Ingrid advanced.
Her face was far more haggard than before.
Nonstop busyness, naturally.
"We're starting the practical exam now."