Experience Points and Minseo's Resolve
“Experience points? Same as Vital Energy?”
Just in case, I pressed my thumb down hard on the word "experience points" displayed on my smartphone screen. Sure enough, information about experience points popped up.
Experience points can be used to increase the target's personal stats, just like Vital Energy.
“……Indeed.”
As I thought, it seemed usable like Vital Energy. The one difference was that experience points could only be used to boost the target's personal stats. Vital Energy, on the other hand, could raise personal stats and be spent in the shop or on my own level-ups.
Still, beggars can't be choosers.
I stuck out my tongue in amazement and immediately launched the Manager App.
“Oh, a skill box this time?”
I claimed the Random Skill Box from the check-in and used it right away.
Goblin Summon
Effect: Summons 1 goblin.
If forcibly unsummoned, can be resummoned after 1 hour.
“……What the hell.”
I'd hoped for something like High-Speed Movement—a skill usable in reality without issues—but the Random Skill Box shattered my expectations by handing me Goblin Summon.
Now I have two of the same damn skill.
I clicked confirm with a sigh of disappointment, but suddenly a new notification appeared.
You already possess the skill Goblin Summon.
Duplicate skills can be strengthened or exchanged for Vital Energy (Vital Energy gained will be halved).
[Strengthen / Exchange for Vital Energy]
“A real chicken rib.”
Take the loss and exchange for Vital Energy, or strengthen a skill I didn't need right now? It was the perfect pickle—too good to waste, too useless to keep.
Well, it's just from check-in anyway...
After agonizing over it, I chose to strengthen the skill. No point taking a Vital Energy hit over something worthless.
Goblin Summon → Goblin Summon (+1)
Effect: Summons 3 goblins.
If forcibly unsummoned, can be resummoned after 1 hour.
“Generous upgrade.”
Not that it made the skill any less useless.
“……Should I test the summon?”
The thought crossed my mind for a split second, but I shook my head. No need to risk summoning goblins in an uncertain situation. I'd only use it when my life was on the line or when I could crush three goblins easily with something like High-Speed Movement.
“For now... let's meet up with Minseo.”
Putting goblin thoughts aside, I pulled up the saved list and selected Kim Minseo.
Proceed directly to the Training Room?
Warning: Cannot return until training is complete.
[Yes / No]
The prompt asked if I wanted to head to the Training Room. I hit yes and moved.
My vision went dark for a moment, then brightened into the decadent atmosphere of the room.
“Let's see.”
I glanced around and spotted my usual mask, slipping it on. Then I entered Room 1, where Minseo sat strapped to the chair.
“Hello, Kim Minseo.”
“Hello, Master!”
Her voice rang out brighter than usual in response.
“You seem in high spirits.”
“We won the practice match today! And...”
“And?”
I prodded for more, and after hesitating, she continued.
“I saw something weird today. Experience points.”
“You saw them too, Kim Minseo?”
“Yes, yes! Did you make it, Master?”
She peeked up at me cutely. I nearly leaned down to kiss her before remembering the mask. Calming my excitement, I replied.
“Yes. I made it. For your brilliant pro debut.”
“I-I knew it!”
She practically yelled, eyes full of admiration.
Ouch, that stings a bit.
Maybe because it was a lie—my conscience twinged.
“Anyway, I called you today because I have one question.”
“A question?”
I chuckled softly at her curiosity and pulled out my phone to check her personal stats.
“What do you think is your biggest weakness right now, Kim Minseo?”
“Huh?”
She tilted her head, not quite getting it.
“Like personal skills or endurance, for example.”
“Ah...! So you can develop my body for me, Master?”
“You could say that.”
I nodded, and she pondered seriously, lips pursed tight. That suppressed pink pout glistened alluringly—stunningly beautiful.
“I...”
As I admired her, she spoke up.
“...I want to keep things as they are.”
“What?”
Her unexpected answer left me dumbfounded.
“For tomorrow's match, I want to do it with my own strength.”
She showed her resolve confidently.
“You sure that's okay?”
“Yes. I know I'm lacking... but just this once, I want to debut on my own!”
“You could get demoted again if you fail.”
She flinched but met my eyes firmly.
“I know. And...”
Her gaze darted before continuing.
“...I even told the coach I'd quit if I don't impress tomorrow.”
“Then all the more...”
“That's why I want to earn it myself!”
She cut me off, shouting with desperate eyes. Her earnestness tickled my chest, sending chills down my spine.
“...Please, I'm begging you.”
She bowed her head. I fiddled with my mask and relented.
“Alright. We'll do it your way.”
“Ah!”
“If that's truly what you want.”
“Thank you!”
She beamed gratefully, but I raised a hand to stop her.
“But if I judge you're in danger tomorrow, I'll step in immediately.”
“That's...”
“I won't budge on that.”
I drew the line, and she nodded obediently.
“Yes.”
“Good.”
I smiled faintly, stepping closer.
“Shall we start today's session?”
As I caressed her cheek, she shivered and looked up.
“A-Are we doing it?”
“We have to.”
No training, no leaving. With a wry smile, I trailed my fingers down her shoulder and toned arm—firm from training. Not satisfied, I slid lower.
“Ah!”
My hand touched her smooth, light-brown thigh, and she let out a gasp she couldn't hold back.