Did You Think It Was Lupcoin? Regret and Despair Buildup
Honestly speaking, the class president couldn't believe the scene unfolding before her eyes. There was a sense of relief and gratitude, sure. But her opponent had been a monster that tore through mid-level magic like paper. And he'd killed it in one hit.
Cheolsu was fighting against something like that?
What kind of battles had he been through? Did he really think he could take down Kim Yujin? No, if it was the Kim Cheolsu she knew, he absolutely would.
Above all, he had a reason he had to fight.
But it was just too overwhelming. She couldn't picture Cheolsu beating Kim Yujin at all.
"You okay, class president?"
Kim Yujin approached her like that. He extended a hand. Without thinking, she took it and stood up.
"......Is the monster really dead?"
"Probably. No idea where a thing like that came from, though."
At those words, the class president explained what had happened earlier. Of course, she didn't know much herself. Some pervert had jumped her, jabbed her with a syringe, and turned into a monster. After that, it was pretty much what Yujin had seen.
"What kind of shot turns a person into a monster?"
"Beats me. Probably some illegal drug."
This world's medicine had its irregular side. In a world where magic and monsters coexisted, scientists had applied that research to biology and produced absurd results. But she'd never heard of anything creating monsters like this. Side effects alone could've killed him on the spot, results aside.
Where the hell did he get it? How?
To make a drug that powerful... it couldn't have come from some run-of-the-mill organization.
Pondering it herself wouldn't yield answers.
"Anyway, we called the cops, so it should be fine."
The class president fidgeted, stealing glances at Yujin. She knew what she had to say. But for some reason, the words stuck in her throat.
Guilt... is that it?
She'd abandoned Yujin and chosen Cheolsu. Friendship or whatever, that fact didn't change. But Yujin had saved her without a second thought, even getting hurt in the process. That act was pure sincerity, free of any selfish motives.
Did she even have the right to speak to him first now?
Still, I have to say it.
As the class president steeled herself, Yujin—who'd been glaring at the monster for a moment—turned back to her.
"Class president."
"Y-Yeah?"
"Anywhere hurt?"
"Oh—"
Belatedly, she checked her body. No pain anywhere. The monster had been planning to toy with her using its own body, so it probably took care not to injure her too badly.
"Yeah, seems fine."
"Good, that's what matters."
Suddenly, Yujin shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her startled shoulders. When she looked up, he averted his eyes, looking embarrassed.
"Not thinking anything weird or anything. But people might see."
Only then did she remember her clothes were torn. She'd probably been exposing her chest this whole time. Her face heated up as she clutched the jacket.
It felt different from the usual embarrassment.
Warm. On one hand, the jacket itself was cozy. But more than that, his consideration warmed her heart. Protecting her from a monster like that, and now this care. If this wasn't the mark of a hero, what was?
No matter their past, the class president couldn't deny Kim Yujin anymore.
"Um, listen... I..."
"Anyway, glad you're safe. Must've been scary, huh? You can relax now."
Yujin reached out and patted her head.
Ah...
She was losing it. This was that Kim Yujin. In a situation that dangerous. Yet her heart wouldn't stop pounding. Her face burned. If she looked in a mirror, she'd probably see the face of a girl in love.
This isn't right...
She knew it. Having feelings for Kim Yujin would be a betrayal of Cheolsu and Younghee. But she couldn't control her heart.
Why does he have to be so cool...
Feeling defeated, the class president hung her head.
She didn't think she could hide these feelings anymore.
****
A few kilometers from where Kim Yujin and the class president stood, atop a building's rooftop, a man watched from afar.
He wore a doctor's coat and had a decadent, weary air about him. Anyone from Heukcheon would call him "Trainer Dr. Jekyll."
"Hmm."
Dr. Jekyll stood still, eyes closed in meditation, as if savoring something.
"No, Dr. Jekyll! What the hell happened?!"
His reverie was broken by an unwelcome intruder. It was the man who'd approached the class president earlier and turned into a monster.
He'd barely escaped the monster's shed husk and fled in a hurry. He glared at Jekyll with aggrieved eyes.
"You said that drug would make me stronger than anyone!"
"Quiet."
"But some kid shows up out of nowhere and one-shots me! How's that the strongest?! This is a total scam!"
"......"
If the man had his usual street smarts, he'd have shut up. But right now, half-mad from losing his chance with that girl, he missed the shift in Jekyll's mood entirely.
"You know using that stuff shaves ten years off my life! I endured it for a cute girl, but...!"
"Hey."
A chilling voice sliced the air. Jekyll's yellow eyes pierced him. Killer intent like a blade about to fall. Sweat soaked the man's back.
"I said shut up."
"Eek!"
The man stumbled back. He'd never seen Jekyll this furious for real.
I'm dead.
Pure terror of death stabbed through him. He tried to beg forgiveness for his mistake, but it was too late.
"S-Sorry—"
"Split in half and die."
Splurt!!!
The man's body literally cleaved in two. Red blood and chunks of flesh splattered everywhere. Jekyll didn't spare it a glance and turned away.
His mind held only the scene with Yujin from moments ago.
Useless trash like society's dregs.
Did that garbage have any idea how moved he was right now? That ecstasy, this lingering aftertaste—ruined by such refuse. It soured his mood.
Jekyll closed his eyes again, relishing the memory like fine wine.
......To think Kim Yujin was hiding such beautiful power.
His fist, his mana, that vessel he possessed. Each was a work of art, and then some.
Sure, some masters could produce those "results." But none matched the beauty Yujin displayed.
How did he reach that realm at such a young age?
He'd heard the rumors but figured the heir wasn't qualified yet. Just someone to toy with a bit.
But today's Kim Yujin? Were the executives really grooming him as successor? If they saw properly, they should gouge out their eyes for ping-pong. That way, they'd see the world more clearly.
I've faced countless people and talents. But never a vessel like that.
Not even in mighty Heukcheon. As a trainer, scientist, and doctor, he'd seen his fill of the strong. To his eyes, Kim Yujin's potential shone bright.
Ah, how beautiful!
Humans with potential were beautiful. Worth watching!
Overjoyed, Jekyll spread his arms wide. Laughter wouldn't stop. A mad smile bloomed endlessly.
Yujin's display had been that stimulating.
"Kuhahaha! Ahahaha!"
The executives were fools. The academy teachers, all idiots. Leaving a talent like that alone? A genius? Did they lack desire?
"Fun! So much fun, Kim Yujin! In this boring life, you're the perfect thrill! The best, heir of Heukcheon!"
He'd joined just to kill time. Never dreamed he'd find such talent here.
Someone like that must become Heukcheon's heir, no matter what!
His body itched to serve under him right now. But there were shortcomings. For one, Yujin letting personal feelings guide him.
Saving that class president girl, not asking for anything in return.
He'd even fussed over her. Normal human reaction, sure. But not for Heukcheon. Its leader must always be cold and ruthless. He couldn't abide a man above him swayed by emotion.
Come to think of it, he was already close with that Younghee girl.
Jekyll had extracted info from Younghee via hypnosis. To her, Yujin was basically her boyfriend. She'd give her life for him. And Yujin treasured her.
Not good.
Heukcheon dominated. Coddling or cherishing women didn't fit. Subjugate them boldly—even excessively. That was the path for leading a ruthless group like Heukcheon.
But I'm lucky.
......!
..........
Younghee was under his suggestion. And he'd confirmed her past closeness with Cheolsu.
Group classes are coming up, right?
Academy practicals were in teams of four. And the ones on his list? Exactly four: Kim Cheolsu, Lee Younghee, the class president, and Kim Yujin.
Pair them up, use hypnosis judiciously, and interesting results would follow. As instructor, he had the right to assign teams.
Kim Yujin, I'll mold you into someone fit for Heukcheon.
Savoring his plan and resolve, Jekyll burst into mad laughter once more.