Chapter 55
Chapter 55
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 055
Chapter Title: Can I Call You Oppa?
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Slow Starter (Unique, S). And Cherry Blossom of Deep Affection (Legendary, S).
Staring at those bizarre skill names, I couldn't hide my bewilderment.
All the skills I'd seen listed in status windows so far had straightforward names like martial arts techniques or specific fighting styles that reflected the person's abilities.
But Slow Starter? Cherry Blossom of Deep Affection? What the hell kind of skills were those?
On top of that, both were S-Rank, and one of them was the Legendary grade I'd never even seen before. Even Ryu Tae-hyun, the protagonist himself, only had A-Rank and Unique-grade skills at this point.
If a major character from the original story or a villain who shines in the late game had skills like these, I could understand it.
But the one possessing these mysterious skills was Kang Ha-neul. In the original, she was just a background extra who barely got a mention.
'So why her?'
The thought had just crossed my mind when a memory suddenly flashed through my head.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ [Prevent Kang Ha-neul from dropping out. Build friendship with Kang Ha-neul. Keep Kang Ha-neul by your side. Her presence will surely be helpful to you.] The system message for that Extra Quest, phrased in an unusually formal tone.
'Kang Ha-neul will definitely be helpful to me.'
After my conversation with Min Chae-ryeong, I'd vaguely assumed it meant something tied to her weakness. But could Ha-neul have even greater value than that?
-Stop!!
At that moment, the referee's shout echoed through the arena.
Distracted by the status window, I belatedly checked the match. In the corner of the arena, Kang Ha-neul had collapsed to the ground, her body sprawled beyond the line.
-Kang Ha-neul is out of bounds! Ryu Jin is the winner of this ranking match!
-Swoosh.
With those words, Han Gyeo-ul, who had been sitting beside me, stood up.
"No need to stick around after all. Let's go."
She turned away primly and headed for the exit. Not just her—spectators throughout the stands began filing out one by one.
There were no cheers or applause for the victor. Aside from a few acquaintances and people jotting down notes, the rest left without a second glance.
'Guess I should head out too.'
As I descended the passage toward the arena, Kang Ha-neul emerged, wiping sweat from her forehead after finishing her match.
"Ah, Su-ho."
Spotting me, her face lit up for a moment. She hurried over with quick steps.
"You really came to watch."
"Good work out there. Tough loss."
"No need for empty words. She was way out of my league. I never even planned to win, but now I know exactly where I stand. I'll just fulfill the minimum matches and forfeit the rest."
There wasn't a hint of frustration in her casual shrug. I'd thought she was giving it her all early on, but she still seemed utterly indifferent to her ranking.
"Kang Ha-neul."
Just then, Ryu Jin—the one she'd fought—followed her out through the same exit.
"Oh, Jin-ah. What's up? Something to say?"
"A-Are you hurt anywhere? That last hit looked pretty hard."
"I'm fine. Wounds from avatar state disappear when I release the ability."
Sure enough, the slash marks on her body had vanished cleanly.
"I see. Still, sorry. I got anxious about winning and pushed too hard. I usually avoid blade forms in spars."
"That was a bit much. Why get worked up against someone like me?"
"Because you're strong, Ha-neul."
"Huh?"
Ha-neul tilted her head, puzzled. I was just as confused.
'Kang Ha-neul is strong?'
She was a superhuman, so stronger than a normal person, sure—but not something Ryu Jin from Class 1-B would say. Hadn't he just dominated her completely?
"I saw you fight at the entrance exam. You took down five D-Rank monsters in one go. My overall score was higher, but your combat practicals were way above mine. How could I not be nervous?"
"Huh? That was..."
"Off day today, huh?"
"Ah..."
Glancing cautiously between me and Ryu Jin, Ha-neul gave a small nod.
"Y-Yeah. Bad condition today? Or maybe I was just in top form for the entrance exam...?"
"Knew it. Honestly, I didn't think I could beat you. Losing would've been my third straight defeat—this win saves my points."
"Yeah. Ahaha, hahaha..."
"Anyway, hope you recover soon. See you tomorrow."
Ryu Jin bowed politely to me and left. Left alone, Ha-neul stared at her retreating back with a complicated expression.
"...Come to think of it, those bounty hunters who attacked said I seemed weaker, right?"
She'd been strong before but had gotten weaker. Yeah, that's how they'd put it.
I'd been too busy to dwell on it then, but it was time to address it. Maybe it tied into her 'Slow Starter' skill.
"What happened to make you weaker? An injury?"
"Well..."
Ha-neul fidgeted, twisting a strand of hair awkwardly.
"Something awkward to talk about?"
"...Yeah, a bit."
"............Then no need to force it."
It bugged me, but I couldn't pry. Building a deeper bond would reveal it eventually.
"Sorry. It's just hard to explain to others..."
"It's fine. So, what's next? Heading to class?"
"Ah, no. No classes today. Just need to pick up re-enrollee gear from supply. It was issued first week, but I was on leave then."
"Ah."
The Green House provides free gear for labs. Weapons like guns or cold arms are loaned as needed, but basics like armor and dungeon tools are given at semester start.
'Dungeon exploration, huh. Speaking of which...'
"Dungeon exploration practical coming up soon, right?"
"Yes. Next Monday. How'd you know? We just heard yesterday."
I'd read it in the original. Couldn't say that, so I just smiled vaguely.
'Already next week for that episode.'
The C-Rank dungeon near the academy. A short side episode early in the original.
Sounded grand, but it was just light field training. The dungeon's boss was long cleared, set to vanish soon, with only stray mobs left from the guild's oversight. No real danger for students.
The original played out uneventfully: characters teaming up for the experience. The 'event' was heroine Na Eun-sol clinging to the protagonist over bug fears.
No big deal.
Or so I wanted to believe...
'No guarantee it'll follow the original.'
With all the divergences so far, I couldn't trust the plot anymore.
This dungeon could see Dawn Corps targeting students, Na Ju-yong kidnapping Ha-neul again during the outing, or a boss monster bursting from a 'safe' dungeon.
'Why's everything so twisted?'
Not even two months in, and predictability was gone. All because of that damn Blissful Heavenly Demon. Recalling the name soured my mood; I clicked my tongue.
Standard possession trope: author stays out till the end. But this hack meddled in everything.
...Petty bastard.
"...Ho? Su-ho?"
Ha-neul's call snapped me back.
"You okay? Your face looks bad..."
She peered up anxiously. Guess my irritation showed.
"...Nothing. Dungeon practical next week—lots to prepare."
"Tell me about it! Tomorrow's four hours of theory 'pre-training,' and weekend to plan with my exploration team. Empty dungeon and they want prep...?"
"Busy right after reinstatement."
"You said you're on leave till tomorrow?"
I nodded, and she eyed me carefully before asking timidly.
"Th-Then... could you spare time tomorrow evening?"
"What's up?"
"Just... dinner together?"
My eyes widened at the sudden invite; she rushed to explain.
"N-No special meaning! Just, I still owe you for saving me last time. And you're off till Friday! Thought I'd treat you as thanks!"
"Appreciate it, but no need. Gotta save face as a working adult—can't let a student buy my meal—"
"I-I'm loaded!"
"Pardon?"
"St-Streaming! I make bank! Haven't withdrawn yet, but ads are low—tons of donations though...!"
Her streaming flashed in my mind.
"Hawa wa Novel-chan nim, thanks for 2 months sub! Subby meow? Of course! Nyaang! Nyaaaang~! Thanks for subbing, nyaang! Nyaaaang!" Ha-neul on screen, meowing cutely at the camera with adorable gestures.
The image overlapped with the real her, heating my face. I averted my gaze; she asked anxiously.
"D-Do you not want dinner with me...?"
"No! I-It's not that. Just feels bad mooching off a student."
"No need to feel bad! I told you, I make good money."
The how she earned it was the issue. Being treated with cash from her viewer pandering felt morally off.
'Not my fault, no real reason to refuse.'
It'd build our bond anyway. The source was a minor quibble.
"...Then I'll gladly accept."
"Really? For real?!"
She bounced with bizarre joy. Must really want to thank me. Then she added suddenly.
"Oh, and drop the formal speech! You're four years older! Just call me Ha-neul casually! I-I'll call you O-Oppa too...!"
Random, but I nodded readily. If I bro-hugged Ryu Tae-hyun, why not this?
"Sure. Or rather, let's do that. Ha-neul."
"Yes. Oppa!"
She chirped brightly, then flushed crimson and bowed her head. She'd suggested it first. Blushing over 'oppa' was unexpected.
...She said it fine on stream.
"Th-Then, tomorrow evening! Any cravings? Or foods you avoid...?"
"Nothing specific. Pick wherever you want."
"How about the new family restaurant by Sokcho Station? Classmates say the steaks are great, sides generous."
"Sounds good. Wait at dorms; I'll pick you up. Investigation's ongoing—no attack likely, but better safe."
Min Chae-ryeong said Ye-il and Na Ju-yong would lay low. Still, no letting Ha-neul wander off-site alone.
'Wait, family restaurant by the station?'
A strange sense of déjà vu. Felt familiar, but couldn't place it.
'...Whatever. If it's important, it'll come to me.'
I shrugged it off, set the exact time with Ha-neul, and left the arena.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ And the next day.
"......Why are you here?"
The moment I entered the restaurant, I realized what that déjà vu from yesterday was.