Chapter 269: Honestly, You’re the One Who Flirted First!
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 269: Honestly, You’re the One Who Flirted First!
Now that I’ve decided to grow Black Shadow, let’s think about what’s most important.
In truth, among growth-type artifacts, Black Shadow’s conditions for growth are quite simple, yet simultaneously among the most difficult.
The method itself isn’t hard: I just need to feed it “prey” that it deems high quality.
The problem is that it eats so much—and so mindlessly—that most people wouldn’t be able to handle the cost.
It doesn’t just eat anything, either. It only consumes expensive treasures, powerful creatures, or other artifacts.
It’s a simple method, but one that most people wouldn’t even dare to attempt.
But I’m different.
Will I borrow the power of the Yuseong Group? That’s certainly an option, but even the Yuseong Group doesn’t have infinite funds. We spent quite a bit on the Holy Water recently, and since my sister has finally jumped into the Hero Drink business, I need to be a bit frugal for a while.
So, what do I have left besides my allowance? Can I get treasures or artifacts to use as feed without money?
I can.
I have those precious points the Academy gave me.
Being the top-ranked first-year student with the highest scores in history means I also have more points than any first-year student in history.
I’d only been using them to exchange for medicine since I had nowhere else to spend them, but the time has finally come to use them properly.
Well, it’s not like the Academy shop will have legendary-grade artifacts, so my goal isn’t full Awakening, but just a decent amount of growth.
And I’ve called in a reliable helper, too.
“…No, wait. Is this why you called me?”
“If you’re sorry for the fuss you made with me yesterday, please just tag along.”
As I’ve mentioned before, the Academy shop has a system where a Secret Room is unlocked if you go with a professor.
With Professor Cathy, you can access health products and various potions; with Professor Park A-ram, you can buy magic books and rare mana stones.
While they might not be as good as artifacts, mana stones aren’t a bad snack for Black Shadow.
I actually thought about calling the Chairperson at first, but she looked very tired.
“Well, I would have come with you even if you’d just asked normally.”
“Oh, then should I save what happened yesterday and use it for a favor later?”
“Not a chance in hell. Haven’t you heard the saying ‘no take-backs’? Haha, you could have asked for something much bigger. You’re the one losing out here.”
“It’s not that big of a deal. Anyway, I’m counting on you today.”
“Haha, just leave it to me!”
* * *
After slowly opening the Secret Room for him, Park A-ram naturally distanced herself.
Calm down. Stay calm, Park A-ram. You’re not out here to play, so don’t get all excited.
It’s perfectly normal for a professor to help a cadet pick out items.
I told Cathy, and she said that since I’m helping anyway, I should keep an eye on Kang So-hyun to see if there’s anything suspicious about him. I have nothing to feel guilty about.
…Besides, this isn’t my fault in the first place.
I don’t care if it was an emergency. How could Kang So-hyun use that kind of hypnosis and make things so awkward?
Fortunately, she had calmed down quickly after hearing that nothing had actually happened, but the aftereffects of the hypnosis he had used were stronger than expected. Even now, when she looked at him, her gaze would occasionally drift toward his lips.
This is too much. If Cathy knew, she’d feel so betrayed.
But the human brain is a fickle thing; the more you think you should forget, and the more you deny wanting to remember, the more actively it recalls the event.
…Even if it wasn’t real, the sensation was so vivid. His lips were soft.
No, I said stop thinking about it! Are you crazy, Park A-ram?
“Sigh, I really can’t do this.”
The culprit who had thrown her into this dilemma was leisurely shopping, while she was… wait?
“Wait, hold it right there. Kang So-hyun, what are you doing?”
“Yes? I’m picking out items.”
“No, I mean, why are you buying such inefficient, useless-looking artifacts? And why are you buying so many mana stones? Do you have that many points? Ah, I guess you do.”
Still, even if he has a lot, isn’t this a bit much?
“Those artifacts are just junk that ended up at the Academy because they’re high-rank but nobody knows how to use them. Can you even unseal all of those?”
“No?”
“Fine. Then why are you splurging on all these gems that mages use as catalysts?”
“Because they’re pretty.”
…He had a hobby like that? Hmm, I think I have some research gems tucked away at home that Leilan doesn’t know about.
Oh, and some imitations I was researching to see if they could replace the Philosopher’s Stone.
Wait, why am I even thinking about that? Am I really going crazy? Have I lost it?
“Fine, let’s say all that is fine. Then finally, why did you buy so many mana stones from high-tier species and above? Are you planning to research a large-scale ritual?”
“Actually, I’m researching a new ultimate move.”
“Haha, you’re lying through your teeth. Fine, I can’t interfere in a cadet’s private life. I just hope it’s not for some anti-human purpose. I’d hate to imagine Kang So-hyun becoming a villain.”
Wait? What is this feeling? Am I… am I actually feeling slighted because Kang So-hyun is dodging the question? Me, Park A-ram? The monster who was infamous as the Platinum Witch, and who can now briefly face a Calamity-class threat alone after regaining my true form!?
“Ha! As if! Kang So-hyun! Don’t even dream about it!”
“Huh? About what?”
“…No, sorry. It’s nothing.”
That was a total outburst. This won’t do. I need to go back as soon as possible. At this rate, I’m going to start talking nonsense.
“Anyway, thank you for today, Professor!”
“Haha, as long as you know. Well, I don’t know what you’re planning to do, but shall we head out? Good work, Kang So-hyun.”
“Then I’ll be off! You worked hard too, Professor! Thank you so much!”
…He’s not stopping me? I’m actually offended. He could at least offer to buy me a meal. Or, if he’s short on cash, I could buy it and he could just ask.
“Um, Professor?”
“What, why? Why haven’t you left yet? You said you were going.”
“You have to let go for me to leave.”
“Eh? What are you talking about? Why would I be holding…? Oh, shit…! What!? I really am holding on?!”
You crazy woman.
Why did you suddenly grab a perfectly fine cadet’s sleeve…! Argh…! Aaaaagh!!!!! I’m really not this kind of woman! I’ve totally lost my cool! What is Kang So-hyun going to think of me?
No, seriously, why have I been such a nuisance since yesterday…!
The one being held was just tilting his head blankly, seemingly still processing the situation, but Park A-ram decided to half-give up at this point.
The fact that such a small gesture looked cute and his lips looked moist was a clear sign that she was in a very dangerous state.
That was why she had to stop here.
The right answer was to coolly go their separate ways.
“Is there something else you wanted to say…”
And yet.
“Kang So-hyun.”
“Yes?”
“I’m buying, so let’s go grab a bite.”
I don’t want to, but what the hell am I supposed to do? Huh? Fuck.
“…I’m not going to drink, though?”
“I know! Ah! Seriously! Just think of it as me buying because I feel bad!”
I don’t even know anymore.
* * *
And naturally, as is always the case, Kang So-hyun was not oblivious.
Therefore, he was well aware that Park A-ram’s current state was far from normal, and he had narrowed down the causes almost accurately.
First, it was likely due to the faint hypnosis he had used.
He had set it to wear off quickly, so he thought it would be fine, but he hadn’t expected it to turn out like this.
Second, it was probably because the professor herself felt quite lonely.
The reason she had been subtly friendly toward him since the beginning followed a similar vein.
They were alike in how they handled mana—using dangerous methods—and they both had pasts marked by intense loss.
The fact that they both had slightly twisted personalities was another commonality.
“The food here is delicious. Most things on the menu are great, so eat up. I’m famous for not buying food for people, you know? This isn’t a common opportunity.”
She seemed to be enjoying herself, but honestly, it was a bit awkward.
The fact that she was friends with Professor Cathy was one thing, and the fact that the starting point of these emotions was hypnosis also weighed on him.
Was it better to give a firm rejection, even if it hurt her, rather than being lukewarm?
But what if she thought he was being a narcissist?
“…Why are you looking at me like that?”
“It’s just a more expensive restaurant than I expected.”
“Haha, it’s called adult composure. I have nowhere else to spend money except for research and hobbies.”
“Professor Cathy invited me to her house and cooked for me when we’d barely met. It reminds me of that.”
“Hah, I heard. Thinking about it now, maybe our Cathy already had feelings for you back then.”
While they were having a pleasant conversation, a scene from the past suddenly flashed through his mind.
Tsk.
There was a woman who lived like a doll, her emotions sealed away.
— Kill me…? You think you can kill me? Haha, what a load of bullshit. How are you going to break this goddamn curse, this immortality? Just because the Twelve Zodiacs are all dead, you think you’re something special?
There was a madwoman whose sealed emotions had all exploded at once, driving her insane.
— Ah…? What. It’s true? It’s really true. Haha, hahahaha! Heehee! Good! More, do it more! I’m sick of this! Take it, take it all! I don’t care what happens as long as you can kill me.
There was a witch who had screamed as her power was stripped away by him, telling him to do it if he could.
“You know, Kang So-hyun.”
“Yes.”
“I know it’s not going to happen, so just wipe that look off your face and eat.”
“…Pardon?”
“I know all about you and Cathy, and I know you have many other precious people besides her. I’m not an idiot. I have no intention of asking to be included in that. And I don’t want to make you worry, either.”
…Was it that obvious on my face?
“Let’s just stay as a pleasant cadet and professor, like we’ve been so far. Okay?”
“That…”
“In the first place, it’s because you used such strong brainwashing. Seriously. These feelings aren’t even my own.”
…I used the weakest brainwashing possible, and there shouldn’t even be a trace left. But now wasn’t the time to say that.
“I told you before, right? I don’t really like men with faces that are too pretty. Just live happily with Cathy. I’ll go and catch the bouquet at your wedding or something.”
She said that as she cut her steak.
“Ah, now I feel like I’ve been dumped. Even though I didn’t even confess. I’m in a bad mood, so just finish your food.”
I really am a pathetic guy. Even though he thought he shouldn’t, he had ended up being the one receiving consideration again.
The professor’s face as she ate and drank with a peaceful expression showed not a hint of wavering, making him realize how much she was looking out for him.
“But the more I think about it, the more it pisses me off. Why do I have to give up?”
“…Excuse me?”
Wait, what’s wrong with this woman all of a sudden?
“No, I mean—it’s unfair.”
With a sudden suspicion, he sniffed the aroma of her drink. A familiar scent wafted up.
“…Why is there a Hero Drink here?”
“Huh? Ah, I’m so sorry, sir! It seems a prototype we received from a supplier was mixed into the set menu drinks by mistake! The bottle looks just like a regular juice bottle…!”
When he asked for confirmation, the waiter who hurried over checked the drink and bowed repeatedly in apology.
…Wow. Should I say I’m lucky I didn’t drink it, or is this just forced bad luck?
“Kang So-hyun! Honestly, even you have to admit this is too much! I was just going to buy you a meal and like you on my own! Why are you putting up a steel wall! Are you impotent!?”
“Uh, Professor. You realize we’re in a restaurant, right? If you act like this, you’re the one who’s going to be in trouble, not me!”
“Do I look like a joke to you? Even if I’m drunk, setting up a soundproofing barrier is child’s play! So don’t change the subject! Honestly, did I start it? You’re the one who flirted first! And what, it’s not a crime to have a lot of lovers! If Kang So-hyun just makes up his mind and eats me too, the problem is solved! Both of the Academy’s popular blonde duo like you! Don’t you know what a set menu is?! Huh?!”
“It’s not that, just calm down for a second.”
“Ah! And now that I think about it, you keep calling me a kid! And teasing me about my body—seriously, knock it off! My original form is actually incredible, you know!?”
“Ah, don’t start acting like a drunk two days in a row!”
“…Drunk? You really don’t know what being drunk is, do you? Should I show you!?”
“No, I think I was in the wrong. I’m really sorry.”
“Too late! Get ready, Kang So-hyun! Face me for a kiss! Where do you think you’re going! Get over here right now!”
Afterward, Professor Park A-ram, who had truly shown the peak of drunken behavior by lying on the floor and demanding a piggyback ride, soon claimed the alcohol had worn off—perhaps because she’d only had a small amount—and immediately slammed her head against the floor in apology.
We were able to wrap up the incident in a state of extreme exhaustion and awkwardness.
But… did I just get a confession? A drunken confession is a bit of a letdown, though.