Chapter 736
Chapter 736
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 736
Chapter Title: Savior of the Academy
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I pressed down on her shoulders with both hands as she sat in the chair. I leaned my head forward until our eyes met. We were close enough to feel each other's breath.
"...What the hell do you think you're doing? Move aside."
Yoon Hee-jeong's tone sharpened.
"Last night, I met the Jewel of the Back Alleys. She was about the same height as you, Teacher."
She flinched.
Yoon Hee-jeong kept her composure.
"You... You're suspecting me of being the Jewel of the Back Alleys? Let me make this clear. I'm not her or whatever she is. Academy teachers aren't allowed side jobs, and last night, I was in the teachers' dorm."
"Do you know your eyes are shaking right now, Teacher?"
"It's because you're too close. Could you back off a bit?"
"The Jewel of the Back Alleys was the only one who showed her eyes. Yours look just like hers. Exactly like them."
The Jewel of the Back Alleys had heavy makeup around her eyes to hide their shape. But Yoon Hee-jeong couldn't point that out. She was insisting she'd never met the Jewel.
"Lots of people have similar eyes. To think I'm her just because of that... You've got quite the imagination."
"I called last night... but you didn't pick up. Or rather, maybe you couldn't."
"......Sung Yu-jin. Don't cross the line. I'm your teacher."
"Are you really not the Jewel of the Back Alleys, Teacher?"
"How many times do I have to say it? I'm not."
"Then you wouldn't mind if I reported her?"
"......Reported?"
"She's famous, but she's still illegal in the end. I don't know how she's dodged it so far, but if I report her through Mom to the Association, they could take her down right away."
I squeezed her shoulders harder. Even through her blouse, they felt soft and warm under my fingers. She was frozen stiff, not even thinking of shoving my hands away. I let my gaze drop lower.
Yoon Hee-jeong's massive peaks came into view. Up close, the white blouse revealed a glimpse of apricot-colored bra. Her chest was so huge it completely blocked any view of her lower body.
"...Do whatever you want. It has nothing to do with me."
I naturally lifted my hands from her shoulders and stepped back.
I observed her face slowly. She was pretending it really didn't matter, pulling off a perfect poker face. Her pupils weren't shaking anymore. But she couldn't control all her body's reactions. With my mana-enhanced hearing, I picked up her irregular breathing and racing heartbeat.
"Kidding. I wouldn't actually report her. I've even hired the Jewel myself."
Yoon Hee-jeong's breathing started to steady.
"So?"
"Why haven't you reported her, Teacher?"
"The city streets are under the Academy's influence, but it's a market that formed naturally. The Academy has no reason to interfere with them. Even if it's illegal, it doesn't harm the Academy. Besides, the Academy gets help from them knowingly or not. The streets are a great stress reliever for the students."
The Academy's grueling schedule and cutthroat competition piled insane stress on the students. To them, the city streets were like an oasis in the desert.
"I see. But Teacher, have you heard the nasty rumors floating around the city lately?"
"......No, I haven't. What rumors?"
She didn't take the bait.
"Nothing big."
Knock knock.
Someone knocked on the office door.
"Teacher Yoon? You in there?"
It was a man's voice.
"Yes. Come in."
The door opened, and a man entered. Tall with a sturdy build, he looked to be in his early thirties. Short brown hair topped with bear ears.
I gave him a casual nod and headed out.
"Oh, were you counseling a student?"
"Yes, but we're done. What brings you here, Teacher Oh?"
"Some honey came in from my family home, so I brought some to share with you, Teacher Yoon."
Oh Sung-woong.
He was the homeroom teacher for Class 3 of the first-years.
Oh Sung-woong had a thing for Yoon Hee-jeong. In the original story, there was a route where they ended up together depending on choices. But with me here, that route wouldn't happen.
Being famous had its perks. Admiration and respect from others. But the downside was the hassle.
"Sung Yu-jin! Wanna join the spear arts club? As Sung Ha-ri's son, you have to!"
"No interest in the newspaper club? We interview active heroes sometimes. I'd love to interview Sung Ha-ri... Could you help?"
"Heard you're a spirit user! Join our Spirit Society! Sung Yu-jin!"
During breaks, people swarmed me.
"Not interested in any of that. Beat it."
I planned to start my own club.
The Sex Club.
No other guys allowed. Advisor would be homeroom teacher Yoon Hee-jeong.
'Of course, officially it'd have a different name. Something like a self-reflection club studying essence or whatever.'
To start a club, you needed five students total. Lee Si-eun would follow me, so three more.
Walking the hall during break, I ran into Ryu Hana. I deliberately ignored her to pass by. With her personality, forcing it would push her away. Best to bump into her naturally with an unavoidable excuse.
"Sung Yu-jin."
Ryu Hana called me. Turning back, her face was set with resolve.
"What?"
"I've got a favor. Spar with me once?"
Why was Ryu Hana suddenly like this?
My brain spun and hit the answer.
My strength had stroked her pride and craving for power. Perfect. Spar unofficially, bond over it. Now that she acknowledged me, getting close wouldn't be hard.
"......Sorry, but no sparring with you."
After pretending to think, my answer went against my real feelings. I wanted to tease her more. Hoping she wouldn't give up easily.
"Why? Am I not even worth your time?"
"Let me flip it. What's in it for me sparring you?"
"We both get stronger."
"Doesn't look like you need a spar to hit your goals."
"Sparring makes it faster. It's not a total loss for you."
"It is for me. Want to spar? Bring more merit than that."
"......Money?"
"You kidding? Who do you think I am, some beggar?"
I turned and headed out of the Academy building. To the back, a slightly secluded spot. There, out of place, Choi Da-yeon stood with arms crossed, leaning against the wall.
"Ran into someone I know mid-way and chatted. Sorry for being late."
"Wasn't waiting long, so whatever. What do you want?"
"Wanted to tell you to manage your lackey better."
"......Lackey?"
"Lee Kang-hu. Know how annoying that guy's being? Sending me messages like a dog in heat."
"D-Dog in h-heat...?"
Choi Da-yeon's lips quivered. Not mad at the rude words—quite the opposite. She was desperately holding back laughter.
'Like in the original. Looks classy, but loves sex jokes and dirty talk.'
As long as it wasn't aimed at her.
"Ahem. Yeah, Lee Kang-hu's one of my minions. But... what exactly did he do?"
"What did he do?"
"......Why're you getting closer?"
"Message from Lee Kang-hu this morning. See for yourself."
Choi Da-yeon's eyes flicked to my smartphone. I pressed right up against her. She smelled amazing. Tempting enough to take her right there.
Sung Yu-jin-nim! Please forgive my rudeness!
I'll do anything you order!
Please keep this from the young lady... I beg you....
Found a spear perfect for you, Sung Yu-jin-nim. I'll gift it. Please reply.
Sung Yu-jin-nim? You're late to school today. Everything okay?
Hungry? Tell me. I'll grab bread from the vending machine. What drink do you like?
Fuck off.
Lee Kang-hu → Sung Yu-jin-nim. Please give me a chance...!
"See? These annoying messages."
"......Sorry. Didn't know he was this stupid."
Choi Da-yeon frowned.
"Choi Da-yeon, I'm disappointed. Someone like you can't even handle one punk."
"......Sorry. It's my fault for not managing him."
She apologized readily.
She didn't really need to, but the logic of "the dog's fault is the owner's" worked on her.
"That bastard caused me mental distress. Know what he said to me on the first day?"
Pretending to be pissed, I slammed my palm next to her head. We were so close now, from afar it might look like we were kissing.
"......"
Choi Da-yeon didn't dodge or flinch. Arms still crossed, she stared haughtily. Her eyes lingered on my chest and throat.
Probably imagining piercing my heart or slitting my throat. No killing intent, though.
"Told me a nobody like me shouldn't even look at you."
"......He said that to you? Called you a nobody?"
"Even said don't look at your shadow."
"......I'll make it up to you. You called me for something you want. What is it?"
"He said don't grope, so I wanna grope once."
"Be specific."
"See Lee Kang-hu back there?"
"......Yeah."
Lee Kang-hu's job was her bodyguard. Obviously nearby.
"Wanna flip that bastard's skirt. Just one hug."
With her personality, she'd never allow it. But I had the excuse, so why not poke for the impossible peach?
"Fine."
Her answer was the total opposite of expected. I instinctively checked her favorability.
『Choi Da-yeon's Favorability: 42』
It had risen somehow. Friendly level now.
"If it makes up for my minion's screw-up, sure."
"......For real?"
"Just a hug. Isn't that what you wanted? Hurry up."
"You're serious?"
"Yeah."
Before she could back out, I pulled her into a hug. She fit snugly in my arms. Her long black hair to her thighs tickled my nerves, her scent filled me. The softness against my torso was definitely her chest.
My hands moved on their own. Left stroked her lower back, right slid to her ass.
She flinched.
My hand touched her ass, but she only twitched—no push away. I barely restrained from slipping under her skirt.
"Y-You crazy bastard! Hands off the young lady!"
Lee Kang-hu yelled from behind, charging with killing intent. Regretfully letting go of Choi Da-yeon, I dodged his fist, tripped him, and kicked his side.
"Gahk!"
He rolled a few times, then sprang up.
"Lee Kang-hu. Know your place. Don't move."
Choi Da-yeon's icy voice halted him. Sensing her fury, Lee Kang-hu glanced nervously between us.
"Heh. Charging in without knowing the shame you put your master through."
"M-Me...?!"
No need to say more. I ignored them and headed to class.
Slap.
Choi Da-yeon slapped Lee Kang-hu's cheek. Mana-infused, it made him stagger. He desperately steadied his stance.
Slap!
A tooth flew out, rolling on the ground. Blood streamed from nose and mouth.
"You fucked things up. You know that?"
"...I'm sorry. Leave it to me. I'll fix it."
"How?"
"......"
Lee Kang-hu thought of assassination. Sung Yu-jin wouldn't accept an apology? Better to kill him.
Slap!
Another slap erased the thought.
"I handled the cleanup, so don't touch Sung Yu-jin and crawl off."
"......Yes."
Choi Da-yeon walked past him. Her elegant stride already erased him from her mind. Her head replayed the hug.
'Sung Yu-jin likes me.'