The Club Promo Goes Viral
Fortunately, taking classes in person was a whole different world from just reading text in the game. There were parts I'd skimmed over easily back then, since it all felt like dry info dumps...
But Park Yunho's explanations were on another level entirely.
"Villains who take hostages and demand negotiations fall into two categories. The ones who can actually kill to escape the situation, and the ones holding them as a desperate bluff without the guts to follow through. The best way to tell them apart—and keep the hostage safest—is to attack the hostage yourself."
"Wouldn't that hurt the hostage?"
"Of course you'd control your strength. Make it flashy but weak—like pure showmanship. That'll spook the villain or make them realize the deal's off, and they'll bolt."
He taught practical, real-world tips like that, tailored for actual hero work. The students were fired up too, realizing this wasn't some rote subject like math or history—it was genuine hero intel.
Just as Park Yunho, pouring his passion into the lesson, suddenly paused.
"Oh, look at the time."
The bell rang through the classroom, signaling the end of morning classes and the start of lunch.
"We'll wrap here today. No homework for the first lesson."
"Thank you!"
He nodded to the class and left. The kids jumped up, chattering as they headed to the cafeteria.
"Boss, lunch time. You eating?"
Jinwoo tapped my shoulder like always, ready to head out together.
"Yeah. But I've got a separate lunch date."
"Huh?"
His eyes widened.
"Boss has friends besides us?"
Was he asking to get hit?
"...It's club-related. Meeting the International Trade Club. Sorry, you'll have to eat without me today."
"Whoa, working through lunch? Is that how you score a 10 billion allowance? Fine, whatever."
"I'm off."
"Work hard~"
I left Jinwoo and his nonsense behind, heading to the International Trade Club sub-room.
After yesterday's chaos, the staff spotted me and ushered me straight to Inomiya Haru's office.
I opened the door and locked eyes with her—she'd just set out a spread of lunchboxes on the table.
"Ah, you've arrived, young master."
"...Sorry for scheduling during lunch."
"No issue. Lunch is just a quick bite and a nap anyway."
She set down the last container and gestured to the seat across from her.
"I prepped this in the sub-room kitchen after hearing this morning. It's modest, but please, sit."
"You made this?"
The bentos were pro-chef level—diverse, elaborate. And Haru made them?
"Is... something wrong?"
She tilted her head, puzzled by my reaction.
"No, just... your skills are beyond expectations."
She nodded, finally getting it.
"I've had family training since childhood. Cooking's one I actually enjoy."
Haru likes cooking? That sparked my gamer curiosity—new lore always hit that satisfaction spot.
Codex updated.
Character Codex (N)
It even showed in her codex, so it must be a defining trait. Even her usual blank expression cracked—she gripped her pants nervously. Yeah, she was that into it.
"Calling this 'modest' is underselling it. It's impressive."
"R-Really...?"
She bowed her head. I nodded and sat.
"May I?"
"Please."
I took her chopsticks and went for the standout dish.
"Hm...?"
The meat vanished in my mouth.
"...Better than the family chefs. Impressive."
Sincere praise. I looked up to her flustered face.
"......"
ThatHaru was blushing. But she glanced at me, and her composure snapped back like magic.
"You're too kind. Eat before it cools."
She sat opposite and started eating. Conversation flowed naturally, so I cut to the chase.
"Speaking of meals, time to pay up."
"Pay?"
She tilted her head, confused.
I pulled the USB from my pocket and set it before her.
"Samheung Society overseas accounts from recent ops."
She eyed it, then me. I continued.
"Roughly 1.3 billion credits inside. Planning to invest in International Trade Club and my club. 1 billion to mine, 300 million to yours. Thoughts?"
She set down her chopsticks, pondered for ten seconds.
"Feasible. Inomiya Group uses us often."
She pocketed the USB.
"Investor name? Even anonymous, this sum will draw snoopers."
"Use my mother's old group name—no issues. I'll handle Grandpa."
She nodded.
"Hanwol Group. Perfect. Should take three days total."
"Plenty. Sorry to bring business to lunch."
She shook her head.
"Investing 300 million in us is a huge favor. We'll give our all, especially since you're looking out for us."
With her on it, laundering Samheung funds cleanly was no sweat. Business done, we chatted casually—recent events, club stuff. Then juicy news from her.
"By the way, rumors about you are spreading among second- and third-years."
"About me?"
"Yes. Forming a club in one day is unprecedented—drew attention."
Not unexpected. Hell, it was the goal. Visibility was a plus for club ops.
But why tell me...?
"Worried I'll be targeted?"
"Exactly. Students will test your strength."
This damn academy crawled with ego freaks desperate for validation. I had to prove I wasn't their punching bag freshman.
That's why I crushed Fund Investment Club as an example... but that was in the arena. With the whole academy as stage, ambushes anywhere were likely.
Her worry, probably.
But.
"No need. Handling it today."
"...Today?"
"Yeah. Getting our sub-room today."
"Ah, the sub-room. Saw your community post hit hot yesterday."
That was Jinwoo's task last night—brainstormed in group chat for best promo.
"Missed it amid family stuff. Went hot?"
"You didn't check? Here..."
She pulled up her phone, showed me the screen. Jaw-dropping.
"......Ha."
That madman—what the actual hell.