Chapter 87
Chapter 87
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: Entry into Prynar Academy
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"What the hell is Geom-il doing?"
The irritated voice of the glasses-wearing woman holding the receiver echoed through the room.
The person on the other end of the line said something in response, and the woman flew into an even greater rage.
"What am I supposed to do if our biggest asset is just hanging out there? He won't even tell you his intentions? What? He said he's handling it himself?"
Grind.
Her delicate appearance clashed sharply with the way she was grinding her teeth in frustration.
She slammed the receiver down with a loud bang and pressed a button on the table.
Bzzz.
As the bell rang out, a woman who had been waiting outside entered.
She was a pretty woman with a neat bob haircut.
"What is it?"
"What is it, my ass..."
"Cut the annoying jokes."
She shot her a sharp glare, but the bob-cut woman just gave a what-can-you-do? look.
Sighing at her one subordinate who wasn't fazed by intimidation, the glasses-wearing woman let out a deep breath.
"Go bring Geom-il here."
"He's on a quest with the White Horse Master."
"That's exactly why I'm saying this—he ditched that quest and went to Sers instead."
"What if Sers is the quest location?"
"Maybe. But aren't you worried? We got intel that damn Almiraz is heading toward the Floating Island."
"Nah, he'll handle it."
Just like that.
Almiraz, the Outsider Killer, was so dangerous that even the top twelve users avoided him on sight.
This clan practically ran on Geom-il's fame alone.
In a situation where they couldn't afford even the slightest risk with him, they were supposed to just let a heavyweight like Almiraz handle himself?
"Want me to beat you or are you going voluntarily?"
"I'll go voluntarily..."
Intimidation didn't work, but threats did—that was some small comfort.
"If that bastard refuses to come, at least find out what the hell he's thinking, sticking around there."
"But Geom-il oppa's personality is just so... you know, he likes looking cool. Will he even tell me properly?"
Geom-il did have a habit of striking poses unnecessarily.
"Shove a knife to his throat and ask if you have to."
"To the strongest guy in our clan?"
"...You wanna keep talking back?"
"I'll be back!"
The bob-cut woman scurried out, and the glasses-wearing woman—Yoon Hye-mi—sank deep into her chair.
"Agh, my head..."
She glanced around the office once more.
Cubicles, office desks and chairs. A wall clock, TV. Computers, and so on.
It felt just like an ordinary Korean office.
The only difference was the swords and staves used as decorations or placed beside employees, creating a jarring sense of unease.
Yoon Hye-mi liked this interior.
It naturally evoked memories of home.
But it wasn't fully satisfying.
No matter how perfectly they replicated it, it was only surface-level in the end.
And even those appliances were mostly mock-ups for decoration.
They'd restored them years ago.
It had been years since she'd been inexplicably pulled into this world.
She didn't have a strong desire to return to her original world, but she couldn't help missing it sometimes.
'If we just win the Race...'
Once they achieved their ultimate goal, there'd be no need to soothe their nostalgia with these props.
'But what the hell is Kang Geom-il thinking...'
She acknowledged his skills and personality.
But as the clan's unrivaled powerhouse, he had a bad habit of doing whatever he pleased.
More precisely, he hadn't grown out of his childish ways.
An adult should face reality like one, but he was still like a kid dreaming of adventures.
At least it was a blessing that he still pretended to listen when she nagged him sternly.
'Why'd he go to Sers? He said it wasn't for the quest.'
Geom-il wasn't completely thoughtless; he kept Yoon Hye-mi updated on quest progress and his location.
That was fine, but the lack of details was the problem.
There had to be a reason he abandoned the quest for Sers—shouldn't he share it and brainstorm solutions together?
'If only it were that easy.'
Things had felt off lately.
Not long ago, the community had been buzzing about 'No Name' reaching second in public achievements.
And the accomplishments tied to Prothia, leader of the Eight Demon Kings.
The emergence of this unknown supernova was enough to rattle stagnant clans.
They— the Outsiders—knew it all too well.
Fall behind in trends or info, and you're obsolete. They'd learned that the hard way in this world.
In such uncertain times, with intel placing Outsider Killer Almiraz in Entiar Kingdom, why had that idiot gone there?
On top of that, the Murderer crew—evil users far weaker than Kang Geom-il—were acting suspiciously too.
Kang Geom-il was strong.
He'd laugh off most crises.
But Almiraz was someone Outsiders absolutely had to avoid.
And Geom-il knew that...
With all these minor issues piling up, Yoon Hye-mi was drowning in excessive workload and stress.
At that moment, the door burst open.
It was the bob-cut woman who'd just left.
"Hey, I told you to get permission before coming in after pressing the button. And shouldn't you be working?"
"I was working. Geom-il oppa contacted me."
"Really? What'd he say?"
She straightened up in her chair, eyes gleaming.
Kang Geom-il, that damn guy—what reason did he have for going all the way there?
"He said he has a way to get high-grade info."
"...High-grade info?"
It was their clan's slang.
High-grade info.
Information only the gods knew, restricted from sharing with their charges.
"How?"
"Dunno. He just said to pass that along."
"...Contact him again."
"He said not to."
"Contact him!"
"Ugh, fine."
As Yoon Hye-mi turned red-faced and yelled, the bob-cut woman grumbled and tried to close the door.
Right before shutting it, she added as if it had just occurred to her.
"Remember that thing you mentioned in passing before?"
"What now?"
"The first Outsider instructor at Prynar Academy."
"Oh, that."
Yoon Hye-mi smirked bitterly.
Prynar Academy.
'A bunch of frogs in a well.'
They ignored Outsiders and lived in their own bubble.
She acknowledged their high caliber.
But without a symbiotic mindset, they were just objects of contempt to Yoon Hye-mi.
Why had they, who never admitted Outsiders since founding, suddenly allowed enrollment? As a special exception, no less.
Were they finally recognizing Outsiders and shifting to active acceptance?
'So much for their pride—it was total bullshit.'
The moment she sneered inwardly, the bob-cut woman spoke up.
"They kept the enrollee's name hidden by the Ten Great Families, so we didn't know for sure. But it's... Dre or Dragon or something."
"Which one...?"
Well, not Dragon, so probably Dre.
What was the family name?
"...Huh? Wait, Dre?"
The name sounded strangely familiar.
Someone had mentioned it before; she'd heard it.
But she'd forgotten until now, so it probably wasn't important...
"...Check that out too, for now."
"Geom-il oppa's there."
"Argh, he said he's on another quest."
"Who knows? Maybe he went to meet that Dre."
Yoon Hye-mi snorted derisively.
"Yeah, right. Like Dre or Mr. Microwave would be worth that."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Achoo!!"
A sneeze after a long time.
Not from itchiness, and I didn't feel chilly.
Someone cursing me?
"......"
At the inn's entrance.
Repelt, arms linked with mine, head bowed low.
We'd just finished a wild round and were stepping out of the inn.
"D-Dre. Once we step outside, it's back to professional. Got it?"
"Understood."
"A-And... that attitude from earlier..."
She's talking about the Beastification skill.
We'd bickered all the way to the inn, and it ended with me beastifying and pouncing.
I expected disdain, but she loved it—so S-mode me went all out with the dirty talk.
No guilt or regret... just pride thinking of the sexy knightess writhing in pleasure.
"Did you hate it?"
"N-No... Y-You were so intense. It felt g-good... I mean, no!"
No what? Come on.
Aww, she's adorable.
Anyway, we'd agreed to keep this relationship going.
Repelt's days off: once a week. Then, if I want, we have sex.
I thought it was too infrequent, but Gold had originally offered three days—she'd refused.
Still, beggars can't be choosers.
Just two months ago, I was a virgin—now banging a blonde bombshell weekly.
"Dre, y-you're too good... If we met multiple times a week, I-I probably couldn't focus on daily duties..."
She added in a tiny voice that she'd try for more days off.
How could I complain when she said it so cutely?
I wanted to pin her against the wall and go at it, but it was really time for her to go.
She was here on Gold's orders to find me, and couldn't be away long.
Not without regrets.
This setup? Best case, friends with benefits.
Never thought a guy like me would land something this blissful.
But if possible, I'd prefer some lovey-dovey moments over pure pleasure-chasing...
No idea if we'll become lovers, but if she wants, I'll go for it.
Returned to the Hart residence and chatted with Gold.
"I was quite surprised."
"Really?"
"Of course! Who'd have thought you'd invite Queen Eniris..."
His gaze was intense. Full of respect, maybe...
"Anyway, brother, you left quite an impact. Half the guys were talking about Hero Kaits, the other half about Queen Eniris."
"......"
Wasn't it the queen who stole the spotlight...?
"In the upcoming instructor qualification exam, just showing average skill will shut up anyone looking down on you."
So Gold knew about my parachute treatment too.
Makes sense—if I knew, he certainly did.
He'd probably pulled strings behind the scenes.
"What's the schedule after this, brother? No word from the department?"
"No. They said detailed plans later—probably free until formal classes in a month."
"Who?"
"The headmaster."
"......"
Gold's face lit up with curiosity.
"What form did she take?"
Asking about her form meant he knew she had two appearances.
"Looked about Lena's age."
"Whoa. You must've made a good impression, brother."
"Really...?"
"Absolutely. That's a form only the faculty usually sees—among students, just me and near-graduate Clarit are exceptions. Revealing her true form to a first-timer? Headmaster rates you highly."
"Hmm..."
If Gold was right, she rarely showed that youthful side.
Might see the grim wizard from the setting book next time.
"Who else did you meet?"
I listed Yapuno, Alfred, and Burt; Gold added explanations.
Objective ones, to avoid bias.
First, Yapuno matched his first impression: lazy.
He taught martial arts, occasionally acted oddly, but was good people—decent reviews.
Alfred commanded awe from students: half respect, half fear.
Fair to commoners and nobles alike, yet extremely strict.
Burt got surprisingly good marks.
Stubborn and prickly, but excellent lessons; grumbled but cared for students.
He favored top performers, but not enough for bottom ranks to complain.
If any gripe, it was his inflexible personality.
"Alfred told you to join his class?"
"Yes."
"Hmph. Telling you to come under him...? Arrogant for a fellow instructor."
Didn't you just say he was revered?
Calling out a teacher for overstepping.
Well, who was a teacher to the Hart heir?
Hard to imagine charismatic Gold bowing to anyone.
Alfred vs. Gold.
Them clashing would hurt bystanders.
As teacher-student, Gold would yield a step.
"Oh, Gold—what's an Igella?"
"Hm? Mage rank."
"Mage rank?"
"Warlock, Jusft, Pleon, Igella, Emlepes. Five tiers."
Igella was second-highest; among active mages, practically the strongest, holding real power in the magic world.
Emlepes: only one or two, honorary retirees.
Plenty of Warlocks (not lowest) and unranked mages too.
Like our world's technician or industrial certifications?
So Alfred, Burt, the witch—way more impressive than thought.
What about chief or deputy instructors?
"Academy divides into general education professors and special course instructors. Technically separate groups, but instructors get preferential treatment—their skills are superior."
"I see."
"Instructors have ranks too: chief at top, then head, deputy, free instructors, plain instructors lowest."
"Hmm."
So Alfred's low rank but equals Burt?
Possible with talent, but pissed me off how that old fart was shitty to me but kind to others.
I'd screw him over in the exam for sure.
"Ranks are nominal; except one or two, skills are similar."
"One or two—the headmaster?"
Hoping Burt wasn't that elite, but Gold nodded.
"Headmaster, of course—and the vice principal. Wanted to ask: didn't you meet her?"
"No."
Come to think, vice principal skipped all major events.
"Watch out for him."
"Why? Eccentric hothead?"
"Opposite—excessively rational, a hardcore pragmatist. Judges solely by talent and skill."
Sounds praiseworthy, but Gold's expression said otherwise.
Rare for tolerant Gold to badmouth someone—time to be cautious.
After, I told Gold about Almiraz possibly infiltrating the Floating Island.
Academy could handle it, but better safe.
No harm alerting a giant like the Ten Great Families.
Gold listened gravely and said he'd handle it.
Then gossiped: Asita sulked, El sought you but I blocked, Clarit badmouthed you, etc.
Finally went to see Miss Lena.
But maids blocked me.
Wait a bit longer.
Planned to hit the witch's candy shop tomorrow together.
Fine, solo it is.
Witch's a revered instructor—would she be at the shop then?
If not, just grab dessert.
Next morning.
Took familiar carriage and warp gate to Floating Island, straight to witch's place.
Where to find her?
She won't be at the counter.
Not close enough to barge into staff room...
Classic loner dilemma—pet cats and leave?
Then the grumpy-faced cat from before approached—the one I'd petted.
"Aww, you again?"
Scratched its chin; it purred, rubbing its head.
Suddenly turned and walked off.
"Where you going?"
Followed dumbly.
Cat headed to staff room.
I stopped; it did too, looking back.
Tail swishing—no other movement.
...Leading me?
Stepped forward; it resumed.
Hesitantly followed to top floor.
One door; cat scratched it.
"Hey, you rascal."
Picked up cat—door flew open.
Lab-meets-bedroom vibe.
Witch's room, Halloween-ish decor fitting her image.
...Empty?
Moments later.
No warning—witch appeared inside.
How?
Ryunar twitched faintly... Her realm surpassed imagination. Real top mage, Igella.
"Come in."
"Hello."
"You came quickly."
Cat leaped from my arms to her feet, rubbing her leg.
I wanna rub too...
"Something I want to know."
"Something you want to know."
Consult about my body, seek advice.
Suddenly wondered: how much to tell her?
Body collapsing—must hide that weakness.
Sensing hesitation, witch smiled seductively.
"How about a trade?"
"A trade?"
"Yeah. I give what you want; you give what I want."
Let's hear it.
"What does Miss Emily want from me?"
"Experiment material."
"Experiment... material?"
Sudden ominous vibe.
"Blood or flesh?"
"Ufufu. Is that my image?"
She approached lightly laughing, extending slender finger.
Dodge? Nah, stay put.
Tickled my chest.
......What ritual? What's this?
Heart pounding—manipulating emotions?
"Blood and flesh—close to witches, I won't deny. But that's for deviant ones. I pursue truth."
"Hmm..."
Her faction? No clue.
"Truth ties to life itself."
"I see."
Tickling intensified.
Honestly, feels amazing. Ooh.
Finger sliding lower—hope it reaches my dick.
Keep poker face.
"!"
That instant, her finger grazed my crotch.
No accident—deliberate.
Stared at her face; she leaned in like for a kiss.
Sweet scent wafting as Witch Emily smiled.
"What I want... is your seed."
"......"
Don't know the situation, but I know how to respond.
Nice.