Chapter 25
Chapter 25
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: Delicious
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"You haven't been smoking lately?"
A female student casually asked May, who was unwrapping a lollipop.
May stayed silent for a moment before biting down on the candy with a crunch and mumbling.
"They say smokers have this unique stench."
"Huh? Really? I don't smell it."
"Of course you don't. You smoke too."
"Is that how it works?"
May recalled Daniel's disgusted expression as he nagged her to quit smoking.
Honestly, the reason she'd stopped was simple.
She didn't want to see that disgusted look again.
The reason was straightforward, but it just scared her.
Whenever he frowned or seemed uncomfortable, she automatically became wary, like a small animal.
'Annoying.'
She hated how timid she became around him, but at least now nothing else frightened her except Daniel.
"Sigh, I should quit too. These things are expensive and terrible for your health. Heard about Demalico? He bought some cheap bootleg stuff because he was broke, and it gave him hallucinations. He holed up in the dorm for three days."
"What an idiot. I told him not to smoke if he can't afford the good stuff—it's dangerous."
Technically, students shouldn't smoke anyway, but cigarettes were originally a luxury for nobles.
Of course, they were nobles too, but still students. Not flush enough to buy proper ones, so they smoked homemade cigarettes from thugs in the city alleys.
Problem was, those were risky—laced with drugs for addiction or loaded with harmful junk to cut costs.
Stories of women going infertile after a few cheap smokes weren't just rumors; they were true.
May at least bought from a decent place, even if pricey, but now she'd switched to lollipops.
'These taste better anyway, and they're healthier.'
She rationalized it as she slung her baton over her shoulder and walked on.
Aios Academy was so vast that delinquent students had plenty of hideouts, and this was one.
An unused classroom for mobile classes. As she opened the door, about a dozen students were gathered inside.
"Hey, it's May."
"What are they doing here?"
"Heard she got beat by Senior Penil, heh."
"Yeah, serves her right for acting tough."
May's followers scowled and opened their mouths to retort, but she raised a hand to stop them. She slowly pointed her baton at the male student in the center.
Bedelment from Class D.
A third-year leader of another delinquent gang. His family was nothing special, but he was a damn good fighter, so students followed him.
And he was May's first weapon.
"I'm going after Penil. Join me."
Her tone left no room for negotiation. Bedelment flipped her the bird in response.
"Bullshit. I ignored that senior telling me to beat you up if I saw you because it was a hassle. Who the hell are you to—"
"Ignore my ass. You were just cowering in fear."
May snorted, cutting him off. Bedelment's face twisted in rage as he leaped forward, landing right in front of her.
"You crazy bitch, strutting around with the Dean backing you!"
Her gang flinched as Bedelment charged from the back of the room, but May didn't panic.
Thwack!
She kicked up, nailing him square in the groin. Bedelment doubled over, clutching himself.
Crack!
She swung her baton precisely into his temple, and he crumpled in an undignified heap, out cold.
"Think I'm helpless in a fight just because I'm a main magic user?"
She was already breathing hard, but May stepped on the fallen Bedelment and barked at her gang.
"Go grab all those bastards!"
Three days after getting beaten by Penil Leiros's crew.
May had declared war.
"She's doing better than I expected."
I watched from the window outside, turning away with a satisfied smile as May subdued the rival gang.
I'd casually mentioned vital points and easy win tactics before she left, just in case—and she used them perfectly.
It even hurt a bit to watch as a fellow guy.
When she told me about Penil, I offered to help, but she flat-out refused.
Even told me to get lost and handle it herself, so I trusted her and stepped back.
"She'll manage."
Lunch had just started, so I headed to the cafeteria. Tana and Eve said they'd save a seat. As I ordered food and walked over, Ares passed by with his fish crew.
Like ducklings trailing their mama, single file.
Ares ignored me completely, but his followers shot quick smiles or nods.
Sen especially pulled a funny face to mess with me.
Last was Hayun, who took a deep breath when she saw me.
Wink.
She smiled.
I responded as they passed.
"30 points."
"......Too harsh."
"Your smile's so salty, my throat's dry."
She glared daggers and stormed off.
For the past three days since then, Hayun had been practicing smiling whenever she saw me, but progress was zilch.
Confession D-Day was today, but with that smile, her plan to flip her usual icy vibe was doomed.
Late night.
I sipped my warm tea while waiting, bored enough for another cup.
I'd bought leaves from the city and brewed them for the first time in ages. Surprisingly soothing and tasty.
'Could set up a stall next to the cafe.'
I chuckled to myself when the fourth-floor dorm window opened. A black-haired girl slowly perched on the sill.
"What the hell is she—?!"
I bolted toward it in panic, but she'd already jumped.
She drew the sword at her waist, whipping up a strange wind, and landed safely.
"......"
"Oh, you're already out here?"
Hayun gave my stunned face a knowing look.
"Impressive, right?"
"Swordsmanship is wild."
No mana at all. How does it work? I patted myself on the back for scoring lessons in exchange for helping.
"Let's go confess. You can start teaching me swordsmanship tomorrow?"
"I can, but you won't pull this off right away."
"Depends on how hard I try."
I'd only promised basics, but everything starts there. Once she got the frame, I could tweak it for my style.
I handed her the tea. She took a sip and lit up.
"Whoa, this is good!"
"Right? I brewed it."
"For real?"
Hayun, a tea fanatic, leaned in for more, but I cut her off.
"Hurry. Guards patrol outside."
"......Okay."
She pouted a bit, but we moved out to cap off the confession op.
Hayun moved awkwardly in her unique outfit.
Made of soft, luxurious fabric, it was nothing like our uniforms. I'd read in a book once that eastern countries dressed like this.
Near the tree, I stopped and looked at her. She met my gaze.
"Smile?"
Wink.
"Okay, 20 points."
"It dropped?"
"Tana dolled you up nice, so 20."
Her smile was worse than at lunch—nerves. But smiles didn't matter anymore.
Just like that outfit suited her perfectly.
She had expressions that fit her better. No point forcing it.
"I look too stiff, huh?"
"......That's your charm."
I smiled reassuringly. She looked shocked I'd say that.
"Sorry for pushing the smile. Seeing you in that, I get it now. You've got looks and expressions that suit you."
"......"
Ares stood under the massive tree, our rendezvous. He'd come even this late at Hayun's request.
I gripped her shoulders for encouragement.
"If he rejects you, it's not because you're lacking. That guy's just blind."
"......"
"You're the prettiest right now. Make this last first-love memory beautiful, not bitter."
First loves end in tears and regret.
Self-blame, then time wears even the fond memories thin. That was my only advice.
"So one day far off, all you'll remember is how stunning you were."
"......Got it. I'll go."
She steeled herself, handed me her sword, nodded, and turned.
I watched her back as she went.
'Is this the appeal of raising a daughter?'
Felt like watching my grown girl head out.
This wasn't just confessing to Ares and closing a chapter. It was her declaration of breaking free from her family's chains.
Smashing her own walls—truly cool.
'Time to go.'
No need to watch the confession. I turned, but sensed something off.
I nearly drew Hayun's sword instinctively. From the shadows emerged a familiar face.
"Rin?"
I sheathed the half-drawn blade with a click. The vibe was weird. Like seeing the old Army of Death leader...
"......!"
I went for the sword, but too slow. Rin grabbed my wrist.
I could shake her off with force.
Or so I thought.
"Gah!"
Her strength was more than expected, but that wasn't all.
I could've broken free, but she closed in—noses almost touching. Dizziness hit, then sharp chest pain.
I couldn't draw, got pushed back, and fell. Rin straddled me.
'Damn... it!'
Didn't see this coming.
I knew seeing Rin triggered phantom pains, headaches, dizziness—but figured it was minor.
But her charging seriously? Symptoms were brutal.
My strength far outmatched hers, yet my hands shook, power failing. She pinned both wrists to the ground.
Perfectly restrained.
'Die like this? This lame?'
Struggling only worsened the heart pain, breathing ragged.
My chest denied it, but my head admitted I'd slacked with ten years left. Then Rin's eerie voice.
"I'm not holding back anymore."
"Huff! Huff!"
"Itadakimasu."
Her mouth opened wide, slowly descending.