Chapter 68 - 08. Hero Academy Amusements
Having informed his party members of the plan and secured their trust, Siu was now turning his attention to the three promising heroes.
The sword genius with the potential to become an SS-grade hero in the future, Baek Hye-yeon.
The merchant prodigy with the makings of the continent's greatest tycoon, Hwang Sa-yeon.
The loner girl harboring incredible talents she herself didn't yet know about, Ash.
Of course, in practical terms, it was just two of them.
For Hwang Sa-yeon, the Cheonan Empire—where she had been summoned and was currently affiliated—was a far better springboard than the Palania Kingdom. The standard support given to hero candidates, combined with Siu's assistance, would play a major role.
"You think so too, right?"
"Of course, darling."
The two met in Siu's room.
Hwang Sa-yeon couldn't hide her smile, grinning from ear to ear.
"...That happy about it?"
"Of course! Our darling's killing it like this♡"
She didn't bother hiding her materialistic side, but that's exactly why Siu liked Sa-yeon.
A woman this honest about her desires was a must-have, at least one in the mix.
That didn't mean she was incompetent or only chased after others' things.
"But if you're this thrilled already, that could be a problem."
"Huh? Why?"
"It's just the starting line. To hit SS-grade within five years, you'll need to keep charging ahead. Imagine how excited you'll be then... Well, the first year or so might be quiet."
Siu trailed off, mumbling the last part.
He'd said the same to his party members, but for the next year, he planned to focus on growing the Palania Kingdom and his hero clan rather than purely building his own strength.
Occasionally taking on missions to recruit talent or snag hidden gem info ahead of time—that was the goal for year one. An A-grade hero like him wouldn't get any cushy gigs right away anyway, and climbing to S-grade without stacking achievements and skills would be tough.
"Eh, I'll just get even more excited then. And after graduation, we won't see each other for a while, right? So think of this as me letting you enjoy my happy face in advance."
Sa-yeon stuck out the tip of her scarlet tongue playfully, flashing a grin.
It was an expression that perfectly played up her haughty yet cute looks.
Her mandu-style hair, common in the Cheonan Empire, paired with a Chinese-inspired outfit featuring prominent side slits reminiscent of a cheongsam, suited her origins beautifully. Even opting for pantyhose over bare legs with low-cut panties was a deliberate choice.
She knew it all too well and dressed to highlight her assets.
"Hmm, Sa-yeon."
"Yes, darling♡"
"Now that you mention it, yeah. After graduation, we'll be at opposite ends of the continent... At least a few months without seeing each other."
"Right? It's already kinda bumming me out..."
She brought her right fist to her eye, pretending to sob dramatically.
It looked genuine enough, but her voice carried a hint of anticipation too.
The hero academy was a comfy, laid-back spot for Siu, but for her, it was a place where she was half-ignored and couldn't really shine. The gap in mana awakening and talent was that vast.
So for Sa-yeon, she was itching to return to the Cheonan Empire and dive into business proper. Starting from the bottom, sure, but the plan they'd hashed out using the info Siu provided had her buzzing with excitement every day.
"That's why."
"Uh... darling?"
As Siu's lips curled into a sly grin, unease spread across Sa-yeon's face.
"Second down payment. Time to collect, yeah?"
"D-Down... payment..."
Those words flushed the mandu-haired virgin's cheeks bright red.
Down payment.
A few months back, when they'd joined hands, she'd given a light kiss under the guise of an initial payment. She'd forgotten about it for a while, but now Siu was bringing it up.
She wasn't unprepared, but that didn't make it any less embarrassing. She could use her body to get what she wanted, sure—but that didn't change the fact that she was a virgin whose first kiss had been with him.
Calm down. Calm. I've chosen to join hands with this man. If I back down here, I'll lose in every way.
Meeting Siu's smirking gaze, she pressed a hand to her chest, took a deep breath, and steadied her nerves.
Over these five months at the academy, she'd firmly learned just how precious heroes were in this world—especially male ones.
So Sa-yeon was convinced that even if she became the continent's top merchant, she couldn't surpass his status.
After all, he was her backer, and he was destined to be the continent's greatest hero.
That's why she harbored a wild dream.
Daytime pushover, nighttime top.
A term some other Earth-born female candidate had taught her.
Her homeland had similar concepts, so it wasn't hard to grasp. Act sweet and obedient to your man or husband by day, but dominate him in bed at night.
Being a virgin didn't mean she hadn't learned bedroom arts from the maids in her family.
No matter how much of a darling he is, even this...
"You're overthinking it."
As Sa-yeon's thoughts dragged on, Siu grabbed the nape of her neck without hesitation and pulled her in.
"Mmph?!"
"Smack... smack. Mmm, your lips are as delicious as ever, Miss Hwang. Or is that how I should call you?"
"Ah..."
A sudden ambush kiss.
Sa-yeon couldn't wipe the dazed look off her face.
A bit longer than their first peck, but still short. Siu had just pressed his lips to hers, given a couple light smacks. Yet that simple act set her barely calmed heart racing again.
"Y-Yeah, th-that's... right..."
"Cool. I'll call you Miss Hwang from now on."
"Y-Yes... dar-darling..."
Her head drooped automatically.
Her voice was a whisper, but Siu caught it and chuckled.
Always so sly and seductive, charming men with her sultry expressions—yet when it came to the real deal, she turned adorably cute. He wanted to toss her on the bed right then, but that might earn him a slap.
Just let her ripen a bit more.
"Miss Hwang?"
"Y-Yes..."
"No need to hide that pretty face."
"W-Wait... just a little more time..."
"Nope."
He tightened his grip on her nape just a touch. Sa-yeon let out a cute "Nngh, ahn," and lifted her head.
The moment their lips and eyes met, Siu kissed her again. This one lasted longer. He skillfully sucked and nibbled her lips, licked them lightly with his tongue, then pulled back.
Her bewildered expression was hilarious.
"Good?"
"Uh, y-yeah... good..."
"Then why the face?"
"It's just... too good already... Ah! N-No, I mean...!"
Recalling the kiss, she'd accidentally blurted her true feelings and flailed in panic.
Somehow, her plan was going off the rails from the start. But her plan had been doomed from the outset.
Siu could pin her down and make her scream in ecstasy right now if he wanted, but he was holding back for their relationship. She just didn't realize it.
"That makes me happy. One more?"
"Hah, wai—!"
But it wasn't a question seeking permission. Grinning, Siu yanked her nape again and kissed her. This time, it was a much more intimate, skinship-heavy deep kiss.
"Smack. Smooch... slurp, slurrp... smooch."
"Mm... ahn... smooch. Smack... slurrp...♡"
An awkward kiss at first.
But as their lips met and explored longer, Sa-yeon grew bolder.
Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. She couldn't fathom why these plump, ordinary lips—mere flesh—tasted so divine.
Haa, more... more...♡
Sa-yeon sucked and licked Siu's lips hungrily.
Their exploring lips met tongues in the middle.
Tap.
"......"
"......"
"Haah, mm...♡ smooch. Smooch, smack, smooch..."
"Slurrp, slurp. ...Smooch. Smack."
Their momentarily paused tongues tangled fiercely, diving into each other's mouths, repeating lewd dances hidden between their pressing lips.
Then, Sa-yeon felt a sudden surge of inexplicable confidence.
Maybe I've got talent at this...
She didn't consider that Siu was just matching her pace. Emboldened, she boldly flicked her tongue, kissing him aggressively.
Daring to thrust her tongue into his mouth, Hwang Sa-yeon attacked.
Oh yeah?
Catching her cheeky intent, Siu smirked.
Time to put her in her place.
After regressing to this reversed world and stacking his gains, Siu had developed a peculiar pride. No, it was natural. As a stud destined to claim the top spot with his dick, he couldn't lose at kissing—or anything bedroom-related.
"Slurrp, slurp, smooch... mm...♡ mm, wha—?!"
"Heh heh heh..."
"Mmph, mmph, mmm...!"
"Smooch. Smooch. Smack. Smack. Sluuurp...! Slurp, slurrp...!"
Sa-yeon panicked under Siu's fierce assault.
Wait, this isn't... mmph...♡
With just three kisses under her belt, the novice couldn't beat Siu, who'd tangled tongues with countless women. His overwhelming oral onslaught left her mind reeling.
He's... too good...♥
Siu kept pushing, laying her back on the bed.
It wasn't planned—just habit from focusing on the kiss.
Sa-yeon felt the soft mattress against her back, kicking her legs in the air, but couldn't resist strongly. His violent, merciless kiss paralyzed her reason masterfully.
"Smooch...! ...Mmm, fwaah."
"Haaah, huuuh, haaah...!"
"Gonna act up again?"
"Hee... haaah, n-no, I... wooon't..."
Recalling his dizzying, mind-melting kiss skills, she stomped her feet and shook her head wildly.
"It's fine. Act up all you want."
"...?"
"I'll give you plenty more."
"A-Act... up... heeeut...♡"
Maybe charging in was the better play.
Her head still fuzzy, Sa-yeon mulled various thoughts.
One month until graduation. She'd practice kissing Siu relentlessly and beat him for sure. She might be weak at foreplay, but she'd use the bedroom arts from her family's maids to conquer him.
T-To do that... I need more practice...♥
She didn't notice.
Siu subtly groping her breasts while she grinned obliviously.
Thighs are killer, but the chest is a bit small...