Chapter 109
Chapter 109
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: Floating Island: The Calm Before the Storm
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"Hello."
I offered a greeting to lighten the chilled atmosphere from the abrupt tension.
"Who the hell are you?!"
But he ignored me.
Can't beat up Clarit's boyfriend, though.
Of course, this frail-looking guy is Clarit's fiancé, so he's probably from a respectable household befitting one of the Ten Great Families. Gotta treat him properly.
"I'm Yedre."
"What? Y-Yedre...?"
The fury in his eyes faded, replaced by timidness as he started gauging my reaction.
"C-Clarit. Who's this guy?"
"Don't you know, Hamart?"
"N-No idea. Clarit, don't tell me..."
"Don't tell you what? You about to spout more nonsense?"
"N-No, Clarit! It's really not like that!"
Clarit shot him a sharp glare, and Hamart frantically waved his hands, denying it outright.
That guy's definitely gotten properly chewed out in the past for acting like this.
"Sigh... Remember the instructor certification exam? You were there too."
"...That guy? The new instructor?"
"Yes. That's Yedre."
His face was already pale, but now it turned downright ashen.
"T-That guy from back then? But his vibe's totally different..."
"It is a bit different. Instead of talking to me, why not speak to him directly?"
Even with Clarit's nudge, he just glanced my way, lacking the guts to say anything like before.
What a spineless dude.
"He looks like a normal guy now... though his hobbies seem kinda weird..."
...?
Why the hell is this bastard talking about Lena?
I didn't make her wear the maid outfit, okay?
Though it is cute.
This prick's misunderstanding my tastes.
If I had to say, I prefer big-chested women. So even if they're young, as long as the chest is big... Huh? He is a dangerous one.
Spineless or not, the guy's got good eyes.
"Still, he looks normal now... He was like a psycho back then."
"Hey."
"Eek!!"
I just spoke up, and he jolted back, hiding behind Clarit.
Why's he so damn jumpy? If he's from a top-tier family, he'd strut around with confidence. Can a noble kid even have a personality like that?
Plus, since he was at the instructor exam, high chance he's a Prynar Academy student.
Sure, outsiders came to watch too, but his outfit screams academy kid.
Means even with that wimpy attitude, he's got some acknowledged talent.
"That's rude to the instructor, Hamart."
Seeing Clarit say the right thing sparked a question.
"If we're talking rude, Clarit's usually way..."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
No, you damn bitch.
Calling it rude to the instructor while scaring the almighty instructor yourself?
Maybe I should spank that ass.
Honestly, Clarit's figure is killer, so spanking her butt would feel amazing.
She's glaring at me again, but humans adapt. Now even that icy stare feels routine.
Clarit can probably read minds to some extent.
She knows if I'm cursing her or not, but not the exact thoughts.
Still, mind reading, huh.
Reminds me of that bitch from before.
Though unlike her, Clarit's fundamentally good-hearted.
"Teacher."
Lena tugged my hand.
Meaning let's go.
I agreed.
No good would come from sticking around.
"Well then, we'll be..."
"And the girl?"
Clarit asked, looking at Lena.
But she's seen Lena before—why pretend otherwise?
No way she forgot Lena's cute face?
"My..."
"Girlfriend? Hmm... Legally adult in the kingdom, but isn't it a bit risky?"
"...You really think she looks like my girlfriend?"
"No."
"......"
Teasing the instructor, huh.
This insolent student needs some education...
"She's too good for a girlfriend."
"Hamart looks way too good for you."
"...Huh?"
"What."
Nice. Rebelled today.
Give me a clap.
Hamart was flustered at my praise, not knowing where to put himself.
Handsome guy's acting like that? Bullshit, it doesn't suit him.
Makes my eyes hurt.
"I'm the teacher's servant in charge of all housework. Long time no see since last time. Lady Clarit."
"Again...? Ah. Servant? From that time?"
So she really just didn't recognize her.
This bitch can't remember Lena's cuteness?
Then.
"Hahahahaha!"
A booming laugh echoed like thunder.
Clarit pinched her brow like she had a headache, and Hamart yelped in fear.
And as expected, Gold appeared.
"Brother! You weren't coming, so I came to find you!"
"I-I'm here too."
Happy coincidence.
The blonde knight girl blushing and avoiding my eyes was adorable.
Repelt.
She's wearing her usual helmet-mask today, hiding that pretty face—such a shame, but this really feels like a date?
Plus, Gold's presence parted the crowd like the Red Sea, making walking easy.
"Oh? On a date? Clarit. Hamart."
"...Yes."
What?
Clarit sounded super annoyed.
"Y-Yes!"
Hamart, on the other hand, grinned ear to ear. Kinda pisses me off.
"I see. We're busy, so we'll head out! Let's go, brother! Lots to show you!"
"Then..."
"Ah. Hold on."
Clarit reached out then stopped.
First time seeing her like that.
That moment.
"Yoo-hoo! Dre! There you are!"
Mayal's voice rang out—she was supposed to join later.
Perfect timing, coincidentally.
Gold caught my glance and explained.
"She came with me, but we split up to find you. Figured joining now saves time."
"Good call."
I praised Gold, and Mayal sidled up beside me, giggling cutely...
But her eyes drifted down to my side—to Lena.
One second later.
"So cuuuute!"
"Eek?!"
Mayal hugged Lena tight.
See? Cute, right?
Clarit's the weirdo.
.....
Glanced at Clarit just in case—yep, glaring daggers. Scary as hell.
"Ahem."
I cleared my throat and, to escape Clarit's stare, made a proposal.
"Wouldn't it be more fun to go together? Lady Clarit, Hamart. Join us?"
"Oh? You want that, brother?"
I nodded eagerly at Gold's question.
"Yes."
"If brother says so!"
Gold's so straightforward.
Clarit looked at me, surprised.
Nice. Seems I cleared the negative vibes.
"Brother. Pick one. Square 1 has dancers, Square 2 has..."
"Square 1."
Instant reply—Gold laughed heartily, Repelt cutely glared at me.
Yep. That's the reaction I wanted.
But why're you looking at me pitifully, Clarit? Gonna flick your forehead.
Mayal giggled beside me then.
"Dre's first Floating Island festival, huh!"
"Yeah."
Most of this world's new to me.
"I'll guide you!"
Mayal linked arms enthusiastically...
"W-Wait. Aren't you dating Love Yarte?"
She yanked back at Hamart's words, cheeks flushing.
"N-No! We're super close friends!"
"Hamart. Don't say useless crap."
Hamart sulked at Mayal's denial and Clarit's snap. Serves him right.
You punk. I almost felt Mayal's soft, ample touch—how dare you ruin it?
Gold, stroking his chin thoughtfully, spoke up.
"Alright. Square 1's a ways off—shall we take the sky cars?"
"Sky cars...?"
The question cleared up fast.
Sky cars were exactly that—cars flying through the sky.
Carriage-like, but still cars.
No clue on the propulsion, but the novel sensation of gliding through the air and the stunning cityscape below drew endless gasps.
Ride quality was top-notch.
Lena's eyes sparkled too.
"How does it fly? Wheel runes? But that doesn't explain the auto-path... Ah! Maybe a massive magic circle in the sky..."
...
I'm proud of you, Lena.
Smiling bittersweetly, the bitch beside me sniped.
"Better than the teacher."
"Enjoy."
"? What does that mean?"
"Doesn't matter if you don't get it."
I snickered inwardly at Clarit's confusion.
How's that, you Prynar snob.
This is a Korean's affectionate curse.
"Ah! I know that one! 'What can ya do?' Asita said something like that?"
"......"
Mayal, you little shit.
Her mischievous grin confirmed she did it on purpose.
Cold aura swirled around Clarit predictably.
"You..."
"C-Clarit. Look below!"
Quiet Hamart suddenly grabbed her sleeve, pointing out the window.
Looked like he was blocking her from talking to me.
Misunderstanding much?
I find this ice queen annoying too—wanna say it straight.
"Hahaha! Brother! See the spots we're hitting today! Memorize 'em!"
"Got it."
Chatting with Gold, and Repelt fidgeting her hands while peeking at me—that was the real healing.
Hart Clan rules.
Square 1 evoked a circus: tents, bizarre animals jumping out immediately.
Fireworks popped nonstop as performers showed off honed skills.
Eye candy galore.
Fantasy world's movements outshone my old one.
The central dancer was the star.
Half wanting Repelt's jealousy, half just craving skilled beauty—that was it.
But seeing the dancer up close, I was hooked.
Taut abs, toned limbs, bronzed skin.
Healthy, bouncy, sexy, magnetic body.
Carnival mask hid her face, but she radiated beauty.
Didn't matter.
Compared to her talent and effort in every move.
Her eerie, dreamlike dance birthed illusions.
I forgot the crowd, fixated on her.
She moves like that? Oh, that way?
Less dance, more combat form.
Someone grabbed my wrist—Gold.
I let him pull me to the stage front.
W-Wow... cool!
Heart pounding, stage-edge reached. Hart prestige? Nah, Repelt tossing money behind.
Gold's nuts.
Intimidating too.
But soon, my gaze melted into the dancer's moves.
First dance ended.
She wordlessly placed left hand on chest, right arm wide to sky, bowing to crowd.
Ooooooh.
Huge cheers rained down.
A sweat drop trailed her alluring cleavage amid bronzed skin—titillating sight.
That intense, barely a sweat.
No heavy breathing either.
Stamina monster.
Fantasy standards? Easily.
As she bowed lightly, troupe members groveled, scattering something.
Black pebble-like. Dangerous? It fluttered feather-light to ground.
Neat substance.
Then. The dancer looked at me.
No loner delusion. Our eyes met through her mask.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ [Static...] ...?
What was that?
Puzzlement brief.
She sauntered over seductively, knelt on one knee.
Offered her hand.
...Join her?
I can't dance?
But her reassuring nod eased me.
Grabbed her hand, stepped onstage.
Whoosh—three fire rings flared.
Small hoops, straight-line pass only.
Circus animal trick?
Emcee grabbed a megaphone, shouted.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Our troupe's star dancer and her keen eye pick an audience member for a dangerous show!"
Dangerous?
"She'll toss rings at different timings!! You'll pass through them!"
Waaaaaaah.
Excited roars.
Am I the circus lion? Customer too—ridiculous!
...But fire's tempting.
"Prizes too!"
Prizes? Even more tempted.
...
No. Stay cool.
Fail or succeed, looks bad—better decline than cool off amid criticism...
"Prize is a tight hug from the dancer!"
Let's do it.
Shrugged ready—crowd cheered.
Ringleader yelled.
[Start! Whenever she likes the timing...]
Before he finished, fire ring arced at me.
Hopped forward, slipped through easy.
Waaaaaah.
Just the start—she boomeranged another.
Horizontal.
Fuck.
...No rule for vertical only.
Plus near-simultaneous toss—jump alone won't cut it.
Not hard.
Spun in place through second, punched air.
Bang!
Fist pressure delayed third—twisted through, landed light.
Brief silence. Then.
WAAAAAAAAAH!
Unexpected awe dripping from cheers.
Feels good.
Circus my calling?
"Next: Catch her thrown knives barehanded!"
"......"
Customer events this risky?
Fantasy norms higher...?
She grabbed eight knives.
Tossed skyward, caught blade-first with left/right, circling.
Classic circus trick.
Impressive: blade catches.
Masked smile visible—'ready?' vibe egged me on.
Alright.
I'll do it.
She threw four.
Four first—intense.
Deflected casually—knives clattered harmless.
Next three flew straight.
Stronger throw.
Gotta effort.
Arms out, snatched two—third suddenly accelerated midair.
No panic.
Not lethal, trajectory clear.
Spun, grabbed, hurled.
Clang!
Hit her last knife—disarmed her.
Expected? She smiled unfazed.
"Amazing! Incredible!"
Thunderous cheers, applause.
But I saw only her approaching straight.
Up close, she pulled a glossy black stone from her cleavage—palm-sized.
Whoa, fuck.
Giving me that? For real? Awesome.
She offered—I took.
This sexy dancer's cleavage-sweat stone...?!
Wanna lick it somewhere private... filthy thought popped up.
"Now!! Prize time!!"
Emcee's words thrilled me.
She hugged tight—whistles pierced the crowd.
Heavenly feel...!
"Thanks for helping."
"No prob."
Brief three-second embrace.
Left intense scent, she left.
"Thanks for the show! Next, second dance!"
Crowd's cue to leave—I stepped down.
Still felt stares pinning me.
Trick was entertaining, huh.
I watched her from front, not rejoining group.
...Great moves.
After second, third dances, her show ended.
Then joined group.
Their charisma shone; easy spot in crowd, folks edged away.
"Poo."
"...?"
Back, Mayal puffed cheeks.
"So Dre likes that type? Poo poo. We're total fails! Forget us~"
"Nah. Just her body was..."
"Hot, you mean? Vulgar."
"......."
Why snap, Clarit.
Her boyfriend's glaring too.
Look close—everyone but Gold, Lena sulking.
"...Hmph."
Oh no. Repelt's mad too.
"Awesome, brother!"
"Incredible skills, teacher...! As expected!"
Praise only from Gold, Lena.
Gotta soothe the group.
Food fixes most moods.
Nearby scents wafted deliciously.
Food'll calm the ki...
"......!"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Something thundered from above.
I yanked Mayal, Clarit close, leaped back.
Amazingly, both noticed, looking up just before.
Boom!
Someone landed ground.
Tiles shattered; hooded man glanced me, stomped earth exploding.
Eye contact brief—felt raw power.
...Whatever, strong.
I stayed put.
Another dropping from above.
Thud.
Feather-light landing, unbelievable height.
Brown-haired woman in sleeveless tee, hood, mouth-veil.
No average joe.
She shouted.
"Kaitz. Almiraj's heading your way. Drive it!"
Almiraj?
Glanced far—fleeing hooded man.
Hood had rabbit-ear ornaments, horns.
That's Almiraj?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Ugh, umm..."
Third hour.
Mirror-front, Asita swapped outfits, did rare makeup, wiped, redid—repeat.
What was she expecting?
Never like this for dates.
Frustrated, decided casual, lay bed—up in a minute, back to mirror.
"Annoying."
Yet Asita kept primping.
"...Ah."
Wait, shouldn't she meet her annoying boyfriend first?
Asita stopped.
Fix up before Dre.
"N-No. Not for Dre, for me..."
Mumbling unclear excuse, Asita groaned.