Denying Emotions is the First Step of NTR
Hospitalized in the hospital, Cheolsu stared blankly at the ceiling. Maybe because it wasn't his first defeat, the shock wasn't as bad as he'd expected. What really bothered him was how that guy had learned Master's martial arts.
As far as I know, that person was supposed to be enemies with Black Heaven.
Was his knowledge wrong somehow? Or had Black Heaven pulled some trick? No amount of pondering would reveal the answer.
Cheolsu shook his head in the end.
The important thing right now isn't that.
His goal was to take down Kim Yujin. And to save Younghee. He didn't have enough time in the day even focusing solely on those two things.
At least I got some results.
Of course, Yujin had been overwhelmingly strong. To the point where winning seemed utterly impossible. But he'd achieved tremendous growth himself. Thanks to the class president's help, his skills had jumped several levels.
And on top of that, he'd inflicted the first wound on that guy.
His original technique, Blue Lightning—pure mana-formed lightning that even Kim Yujin couldn't dodge. Sure, the bastard had tanked it and kept attacking multiple times after. But he'd definitely landed a solid hit.
If I have a weapon that works, all I need to do is strengthen it.
There were endless ways to utilize it. Pump in more mana to start with lightning right from the get-go. Or wrap his sword in lightning for attacks. Of course, that would require growth on his end too.
If only I had better gear, at the very least.
It was a shame, but there weren't any spots where money just flowed in. He could raid dungeons to earn cash, but hero-grade equipment was insanely expensive. At his level, settling for mediocre weapons wasn't an option.
No, even mediocre gear wouldn't faze that Kim Yujin anyway.
At minimum, he'd need B-rank or higher for it to mean anything. But how could he even get his hands on that?
Balancing school and training left no room. Saving up scraps of money here and there would take forever.
That was when Cheolsu was lost in those worries.
"Excuse me."
The door opened, and a woman in a suit entered. Probably an Association administrator.
"You're Kim Cheolsu, the Academy student, right?"
"Ah, yeah. That's me."
Cheolsu eyed her warily. There wasn't anyone who should be visiting him now.
"Oh my, we heard you were badly hurt, but you've recovered so quickly?"
"......Yeah, I know a good healer."
It had to be Younghee's handiwork. Talking a big game about hating it, but extending a hand at the end. She was still that clumsy girl somewhere deep down.
"That's great. You should be able to return to school soon."
"Yes, probably in a few days."
The Academy was still the best place for training, after all. He couldn't ignore attendance scores either. Cheolsu tried not to miss classes whenever possible.
Above all, the class president is there.
The one friend who wasn't afraid of Kim Yujin's tyranny and helped him out. Her abilities and advice had been huge for his growth. Sure, he'd poured his soul into it, but would he have grown this much without her? In such a short time? At least half the credit went to her, he figured.
"Hehe, your determination is really something. You'll make a fine hero."
"Thank you."
It was sincere praise. The woman looked at Cheolsu with admiring eyes before getting to the main point.
"Actually, there's an anonymous donor who wants to give a scholarship to a student just like you."
"A donor?"
Now it was Cheolsu's turn to widen his eyes. No one or no company had sponsored him up to now. Precisely because Kim Yujin had cut them all off. Who would support him with that terrifying Black Heaven looming?
"Isn't there some mistake?"
"No! It's definitely Kim Cheolsu. They hid their identity perfectly, so we don't know who, but they specifically said they're supporting you."
"I see......"
Cheolsu felt a warmth spread in his chest. He'd thought he was fighting alone all this time. But someone had been watching over him. It felt like a little boost from above.
"That's not all—the orphanage you live at got a donation too. Double the usual amount!"
"D-Double?!"
Cheolsu jumped in surprise. The orphanage had all donations cut off by Yujin except from Black Heaven. And even that wasn't chump change. Double that in one go?
Some ridiculously rich person?
Scholarship plus donation. He couldn't even imagine how much money that was.
"Why go anonymous and do so much......?"
"They must truly believe in your future as a hero. They even sponsored hero gear."
The staffer smiled and handed over a box. Cheolsu opened it and gaped in awe.
"Whoa."
Inside was a sword and protective gear. The rest were top-tier items, but the sword especially caught the eye. Its sharply gleaming blade and the mana sensitivity radiating at a glance.
This was at least Scorpion-rank gear. In cash value, it'd be worth a fortune.
How could they sponsor something like this......
Honestly, Cheolsu couldn't believe it. Even top guilds wouldn't hand out support like this. If they did, they'd demand he join them later to recoup the investment. But anonymously, just like that?
Who the hell......?
At this scale, the suspects narrowed easily. Someone who could see his skills up close. Someone interested in him. Someone with this kind of wealth and connections.
One name flashed in Cheolsu's mind.
No way, the class president?!
As far as he knew, her parents were top-tier heroes. A top hero would have the funds and connections to snag gear like this. Above all, the one watching over him, knowing his situation, and willing to help—only the class president fit.
She was the only student unafraid of Kim Yujin too.
I haven't even thanked her properly for the training help yet...
Tears suddenly welled up. He'd thought he was fighting alone. Lost his parents, his backers, his friends, even the woman he loved. Now even his heart's master was taken. He hadn't shown it, pretending with all his might, but honestly, Cheolsu had been drowning in loneliness.
I'm... not alone...
But he still had this friend helping him. That alone was a massive comfort. He felt his resolve hardening.
Mistaking Yujin's anonymous aid for the class president's, Cheolsu shed tears of gratitude.
Yujin met with the class president again today. For training, of course.
For several days now, he and the class president had kept up these regular sessions. But today, something was off about her.
"New outfit?"
The class president usually wore her neat uniform. Today, though, she had on a white crop top exposing her navel and black dolphin pants baring her thighs. He had no right to complain about her clothes, but...
Isn't it a bit too revealing when it's just the two of us?
Her ample chest and smooth thighs were emphasized way too much. He stared, thinking that.
The class president blushed faintly and turned her face away.
"W-What! It's just 'cause sweat's a hassle, so I changed! Washing the uniform every day is work too, y'know?"
"Ah, got it."
Come to think of it, she always ended up soaked in sweat after helping with training. Not just damp—her white uniform clung so much her underwear showed through. It was embarrassing as hell when training wrapped up. If this prevented that, it might even be a good thing.
Still, sorry about that.
Her ability apparently came with big risks. She always panted heavily after sessions, legs trembling from the strain. And she was washing her uniform daily because of sweat. He hadn't considered that far.
"......Thanks."
Yujin murmured softly. Even as a total loner, after seeing her face for days, he could manage this much communication. And he meant it sincerely.
"Uh......"
So surprised, the class president rounded her eyes. She blanked out for a moment, then flushed and whipped her head away.
"I-It's fine! I'm just doing it 'cause the homeroom teacher asked."
"Yeah, sure."
He'd heard she got scholarships for using her ability to boost students' growth. Up till now, that student was originally Cheolsu. He was just a temporary sub until Cheolsu came back.
"So it'll end once Cheolsu returns, huh."
"Huh?"
"You'll have to help with his training again then."
"......Yeah."
The class president startled. Regret had slipped into her voice without her realizing. She shook her head vigorously, denying the feeling.
"I-It's fine, so hurry up and turn around already. I wanna finish quick."
"Okay."
As usual, Yujin offered his back. Placing her hand on it, the class president unconsciously swallowed hard.