Chapter 81
Chapter 81
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: Time Shop
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Time Shop.
It's only Lv1, so there are no decent armaments worth using, and I can't resell them either.
I'd been too desperate just surviving all this time to remember it.
But maybe because my circumstances have improved a bit?
The shop I encountered after so long didn't seem as impressive as before.
[While using the shop, the time expenditure limit (3 days) is lifted.]
[The items available depend on the shop's level.]
[The shop's level rises automatically upon reaching a set number of purchases.]
I lightly swiped the messages away.
"Let's see...."
I leisurely scanned the bluish window.
I had enough weapons and armor, so I skipped those lightly and moved to the sundries category to look for needed items.
Before long, a decent item caught my eye.
[Pretty Big and Useful One-Touch Tent]
[Description: For 3-4 people. Press a button anytime, anywhere to set it up or take it down quickly. Comes equipped with simple furniture and cooking facilities.]
[Effects]
- Increased stamina recovery rate
- Deep sleep aid
- Basic camouflage (hard to spot unless you're looking closely)
[Price: 8 days]
The one-touch feature appealed to me, but more than that, the various side effects meshed perfectly with the tent's core purpose.
I added it to my cart without hesitation.
Midterms were a week-long marathon, after all.
A sort of survival game held near the forbidden zone, in high-altitude terrain.
I didn't care much about grades, but to successfully handle any events during midterms, I needed to manage my condition properly.
"Anything else good?"
I carefully checked the other items too.
Remembering them now could prove useful later, so I scrolled down casually.
But then.
"What's this?"
[Small Signal Jammer]
[Description: Disables CCTV within a 10m radius for about 10 minutes.]
[Price: 5 days]
Oh ho.
It was exactly what I needed, making my eyes light up.
Used in the right spot, I could deploy armaments without worry—its applications were incredibly appealing.
"Can't pass on this either."
[You have purchased the Pretty Big and Useful One-Touch Tent.]
[You have purchased the Small Signal Jammer.]
[13 days have been deducted from your remaining time.]
I bought a total of two items.
My time had decreased significantly, but it wasn't wasteful spending, so I didn't mind.
As I closed the shop, a flash of light appeared, materializing a fairly large box and a small rod.
I set the signal jammer on one corner of my desk.
The tent went straight into my subspace pocket.
No need to unfold it in my cramped room since it was just a button press.
That covered all the essentials I needed.
I mentally reviewed if there was anything else left, then suddenly remembered something I'd put off and opened my desk drawer.
Inside was Cheol-su's gift.
A headband with Reina's name emblazoned in large Hangul letters.
"Sheesh."
Even looking at it again, it was still an eyesore, furrowing my brow involuntarily.
But I couldn't ignore it just because of its appearance.
It had holy power detection magic, after all?
The enchantment inscribed within was genuine, at least in principle.
Even if basic, there was something to learn from it.
Rip—
I carefully split the headband in half.
Peering inside, sure enough.
Runes unlike any spell formula were engraved there.
The characters were different, and their combinations seemed quite complex even for voice-based magic.
However, I didn't need to understand them deliberately.
I'd comprehend them soon enough.
[Trait, Appraise, activated.]
I placed my hand on it lightly.
Pouring in as much mana as possible, I read it in one go.
Tszzt—
My head throbbed like I'd been pricked by a needle for a moment, but the results were good.
[Comprehension: 30%]
The scattered fragments of knowledge slotted into place like puzzle pieces.
Then, the mechanisms of enchantment magic began to emerge subtly.
A power similar to spells yet fundamentally different—I'd expected it to take time, but surprisingly, my first attempt yielded meaningful insights.
It wasn't compression.
Like a command. Separate modifiers handled the compression, enabling efficient operation.
"How ingenious."
I marveled, ruminating over the runes used as commands.
However, applying it directly to spells seemed impossible for now.
I couldn't use them as-is; I'd need to adapt them for compatibility or invent my own symbols.
For now, I pulled out a notebook and pen to jot down the emerging mental images.
Unlocking the spell archive deep in my subconscious, I scribbled away for quite a while.
Just as I'd filled the page densely.
My desk vibrated.
[Hey, you up?]
It was Cheon Seo-yun.
This was probably the first personal text from her.
Seemed like she had business, so I replied simply.
[What?]
[Nothing, just. The sword I bought today. Swinging it properly, it seems even better. Thanks.]
But that was it?
Not what I'd expected, so I asked first.
[Glad to hear. The breathing method?]
A pause, then a reply came.
[Oh, that. Yeah. It's good?]
[Good?]
[Um.... I'm trying it out, so I think I'll start proper training soon....... Anyway, yeah.]
What was that about.
I almost texted 'Really?' but stopped.
I'd simplified it as much as possible, but it was still tricky, so she was probably struggling.
It was only the first day anyway. She'd get the hang of it soon.
[Got it. Rest up.]
I replied briefly and lay down on my bed.
This wrapped up nicely according to plan. And the next step.
I recalled the time left until midterms.
About 4 days? Probably the last breather before some commotion.
I resolved to train hard.
Bzzz.
My phone buzzed again.
Why now.
I sighed lightly and picked it up.
But.
"What the hell."
I froze the instant I checked the text.
[Sender: Kim Cheol-su]
[Ha Yul-kun. Breaking news! Miss Reina's coming to Taehak next week right away.]
* * *
As time passed, Cheol-su's info became public knowledge.
[First Saintess from Taehak Academy.]
[Saintess Reina confirmed as exchange student at Taehak.]
[Will compete to the fullest without shaming the Vatican.]
.
.
Articles started popping up all over the internet, making Monday morning noisier than usual.
In a completely different sense from her last visit.
"But official enrollment? That's a bit much, isn't it? Fine if it's just observing for a few months."
"Vatican's pull is no joke. Bet they shelled out some cash."
This stemmed from pride in Taehak and the fact that Reina's public image was limited to 'Saintess.'
On the surface, she seemed gentle and compassionate.
Exceptional as a support, but no other info.
No clear data on her actual strength.
I remembered the original story following a similar path.
Half the students welcoming, half viewing her warily.
But it all resolved with one incident.
Like fire and ice clashing—Cheon Seo-yun, with her opposing nature, would face off properly.
"The Saintess title has its perks. Gets into Taehak whenever. I slaved away to get in."
Sure enough.
She was already showing her displeasure.
"But her support talents are top-notch. Like during the cathedral incident last time."
"That's exactly why she should've taken the proper exam. Why just waltz in?"
Anyway, watching the boiling sentiments, my own feelings were just as mixed.
Reina's quick insertion was an unignorable variable.
Midterms alone proved that.
No idea how events without her would change with her involvement.
"This is tricky...."
I rubbed my face, speculating on the cause.
Greed-related questions were already neatly resolved, so I ruled that out.
If there was a specific reason, it had to be her holy power.
"No way she's coming back for it?"
A chill ran down my spine.
My mind flashed to Reina's hand plunging into my chest to reclaim her holy power.
Or worse, killing to prevent holy fire leakage.
"Nah, no way."
That was too far.
She was an upright virtuous person, a pioneer of salvation. She'd even viewed me positively as saint material.
.
.
With the uneasy atmosphere, time flew by.
Huh? Before I knew it, it was Thursday morning—Reina's enrollment day.
At exactly 9, the door slid open—Professor Lee Tae-jin entered, followed by Reina in Taehak uniform instead of her white vestments.
The custom-fitted outfit accentuated her figure so strikingly.
The classroom buzzed with natural admiration mixed with belated complaints.
"Attention."
Professor Lee Tae-jin's word silenced it like a graveyard.
"Articles are everywhere, so most of you know."
He continued matter-of-factly.
After a lengthy explanation starting from the purpose of exchange students, came Reina's brief greeting.
"It's an honor. Please take care of me."
Clear and concise, just like her.
"From now on, set aside your social status. Everyone's equal at Taehak. That includes the Ten Great Families and the Vatican."
"I understand."
"Take a seat wherever you want."
Reina nodded slightly and stepped forward.
She crossed the classroom with steady steps that scattered light, her presence undeniable.
And kept going.
Kept going.
"......But why's she heading up here."
Reina's steps didn't stop at the empty front rows or the crowded center.
For me, monopolizing the back row, it was baffling.
Other students seemed the same, turning heads like baseball fans chasing a home run, faces full of doubt aimed our way.
Suddenly, the cliché popped into my head: 'New transfer girl sits next to the protagonist.'
...No way, right?
She stopped.
My worst fear didn't happen.
Reina halted in front of the second row from me.
Not too far, yet not too close.