The Demon Infiltrator
Suhyun's chuunibyou play has a surprisingly serious side to it.
It's like... there's some kind of magic that draws you in if you listen long enough?
Probably because she overlays her delusions onto reality, making it sound plausible. Anyway, according to her, we have to save this world right now. And to restore the story of this 19+ NTR game to its original path, we need to fight hard.
No, what kind of ridiculously concise summary is this?
Your Korean teacher would applaud the succinctness, but the content is so tragic it just makes me sad. The world of chuunibyou is profound indeed.
Suhyun continued her explanation in the most earnest voice imaginable.
"The biggest problem right now is that Cheolsu hasn't come to school. I don't know why, but... maybe something happened to him?"
Yeah, that's because I accidentally got him thrown in jail as a date rapist, and now he has trauma. I couldn't exactly say that out loud.
A true outcast turns even more of a loser in situations where they have to admit their mistakes. Besides, in this girl's head, Cheolsu and I are apparently super tight.
Telling the truth would shatter her delusions from the root. A chuunibyou friend's dreams are delicate... gotta handle with care...
"Because of that, the things Cheolsu was supposed to handle are going unresolved."
"Handle?"
"I told you this world is a game, right? The villains aren't just Black Heaven. There are plenty of evil organizations targeting the shadows."
Whoa, now evil organizations are entering the chat. What's their name? Team Rocket? I hear they're sold out at convenience stores these days.
"With Cheolsu gone, the only ones who can stop them are us."
In Suhyun's mind, Cheolsu must be some heroic guardian of the school. And since the hero's AWOL, we have to step up! Come on, friends! We're the only ones who can save the world!
Something like that. I like Power Rangers, but I don't wanna save Earth in tight spandex.
Well, whatever. It'll kill some time at least.
There's nothing much to do at school anyway. I can play along with a friend's hobby as much as needed.
"What kind of guys are they?"
"It's that kid Minsu from our class. His true identity is a demon infiltrator who's snuck into the school."
"......Oh, I see."
Demon infiltrator, huh. Is that different from a regular demon? Well, in a world with monsters, that kinda stuff could exist... maybe?
A bunch of questions popped up, but I decided to shut my mouth. Digging too deep would just exhaust me—that gut feeling was strong.
But Suhyun interpreted my silence differently.
"Did you already know?"
"No, I... uh..."
How would I know? It's all just her delusions in the first place. But the girl whose head is somewhere between a flower garden and hell nodded on her own.
"There was no description like that in the game. To think you'd already figured it out... As expected of Black Heaven's heir."
At this point, her immersion level feels insanely high. Anything she didn't know just "wasn't in the game," huh? What a convenient brain structure. Kinda jealous.
"Then this'll be easy. We have to take out that demon infiltrator in Cheolsu's place."
Why? Do we just kill Minsu outright? No friendship route?
Unlike Cheolsu or me, he's not a main character, so it's fine to off him without a second thought?
Does that mean the kid has to die just for being a demon? What a sad society. I wish people valued their classmates more.
"A storm is approaching. What's the bastard's plan?"
I asked in full chuunibyou mode to match the setting. Suhyun smiled in satisfaction and nodded.
"He's planning to absorb the school's souls to strengthen his body. In the original story, we suffered because we couldn't stop it, but we can prevent it before it happens."
"Hmm... so Minsu really is set up as a total villain. If he's messing with our classmates' souls, killing him is unavoidable. Or is it? Well, we're not actually killing anyone, so no big deal."
"Of course, I wouldn't act without evidence."
"Then?"
"If my knowledge is correct, his plan is right around the corner. If we raid the scene then, he won't have any excuses. Timing is key."
Sure, that'd be great if it happens. But realistically, the odds of an ordinary classmate like Minsu pulling off something like that are slim to none.
So we just wait for this 'non-event' to somehow happen? Suhyun seems dead certain Minsu is some grand evil sorcerer, though.
"I'll let you know the exact date and time later. And don't tell anyone we met."
"Why?"
"I don't know how the butterfly effect might play out. Honestly, even meeting you is risky. But given the situation..."
Is that the setting? But then we can't even talk except when we're alone like this. Kinda feels like we're close after school but I get bullied in front of the class like a total loser. Don't ask why the example's so specific. It makes me sad.
"Then I'll head out. Take care."
"Yeah."
Yujin quietly watched Suhyun's retreating back.
She's not a bad kid, anyway.
Her delusions are a bit intense, but isn't that normal at her age? Plus, she's genuine about her 'setting.' Since she's a friend now, let's make it the coolest memory possible. No more regrets like with Cheolsu.
With that thought, Yujin resolved something deep inside.
****
And so Yujin went to find the student named Minsu.
Minsu trembled at the sudden summons from Yujin.
Damn, why is Black Heaven's heir calling for me?
His plan was reaching its final stages. The grand scheme to absorb the academy students' souls and gain immense power! With full backing from the organization, he'd been moving in secret.
And now, of all times, he catches the eye of Black Heaven's heir.
"D-Did you call for me?"
"Yeah, it's not a big deal, so relax."
But Yujin's face looked dead serious as he said it. Minsu swallowed hard.
Did he figure out the plan? But how? He was sure he hadn't left any evidence.
"Are you interested in playing the demon infiltrator role?"
His heart dropped. He's onto me! The guy in front of him had seen through his true identity completely.
At this point, 'how' didn't matter. This was Black Heaven's heir—power, money, he could bury him on the spot. No need for plans or organizations. Piss him off, and you're done.
But why bother talking to me like this?
If it were the Black Heaven he knew, his head would've been smashed ten times over already. Starting a conversation means there's a reason, right?
First, I need to read this guy's intentions.
Best to play along for now.
"C-Could I hear the intent behind the question?"
"Oh."
Yujin scratched his cheek after a pause, like he was pondering what to say.
"........."
"......"
"This is about my friend. Well, is she a friend? Anyway, it's from her delusions. Got it? All of this is just make-believe."
Minsu swallowed again. Emphasizing it's 'delusions' meant, 'It's all true, but in your head, treat it like mere fantasy.' Otherwise, he might really end up fish food in the Pacific.
He nodded vigorously.
"My friend wants you to play the demon infiltrator role. Specifically, the setting where you extract and absorb students' souls."
He even knows that much?! Minsu got chills down his spine.
The organization rated Black Heaven as a mere caution level.
Underestimating them was a mistake. If he's saying this, he must have evidence. Reporting it would vaporize the whole organization.
"And I'm the apostle of justice who stops you. That's it. I wanna be friends with you too. Understand?"
Minsu bit his lip and nodded.
He's saying he'll overlook this if I join his side.
The organization's darkness runs deep, but against Black Heaven? Different story. If he's got dirt on me, better to join up and save the org.
He's probably calculated that far.
As expected of the heir. Info network that sees all, overwhelming force, and the power everyone bows to.
Absorbing Minsu's organization would solidify his position in Black Heaven.
He approached after grasping everything perfectly to get exactly what he wants.
Strategic genius too. With an heir like this, Black Heaven's future is bright.
Joining them to build power wouldn't be bad.
After quick calculations, Minsu spoke.
"I see. I understand my role."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. You're asking me to cooperate with your plan, right?"
"I didn't come up with it, but sure, call it that."
"Understood. If I play along, you'll guarantee my safety?"
"I wasn't gonna touch you anyway."
A dry laugh escaped at the boldness. Makes sense—a guy like Yujin wouldn't dirty his hands personally.
"Got it. I accept the offer."
"Awesome, thanks a ton. I'll make it worth your while later."
Minsu sighed inwardly in relief. His original plan failed, but at least he didn't make an enemy.
…*
The next day, the homeroom teacher announced that Minsu had suddenly transferred.
Yujin sighed in disappointment.
Aw... I finally mustered the courage to convince him.
He'd found a friend to join Suhyun's chuunibyou delusions for once. Did something come up at home? Oh well, can't be helped.
Feeling a bit down, Yujin thought about passing the news to Suhyun.