Wow, Misunderstanding It Like This Again?
"Delicious."
"Hehe! Really? I'm so glad it suits your taste, Yujin."
"Yeah! It's seriously good, Younghee."
"Uh, sure."
Younghee's reactions were polar opposites. Cheolsu forced a bitter smile at her dry response and scraped up the last of his soup.
He knew it was an act, but he couldn't help feeling bothered. Or rather... lately, he'd started thinking it might not be an act anymore...
No way, what the hell am I thinking?
Younghee was just putting on a show to stay in Yujin's good graces, right? He knew that, yet here he was having these thoughts. He really was narrow-minded.
"Hey, class pres. Try some of this. Mages need focus, so you should have something sweet."
Cheolsu handed a wild strawberry to the class president, who was staring off blankly. She snapped to attention and took it.
"Oh, uh, th-thanks, Cheolsu."
Lately, the class president seemed burdened by worries. It had gotten worse since they arrived on the island.
Is this Yujin's doing too?
It was clear Kim Yujin had worked some scheme on her. Why else would the class president help a guy like him? Even if it was repaying a favor, it wouldn't extend to training assistance without Yujin's influence.
What exactly is that guy after? She says she's fine, but that expression and her recent attitude scream trouble.
Whatever it was, he needed to stay vigilant.
I should keep an eye on the class pres for a while.
Yujin had a personality where he didn't pay much attention once someone was under him. Even now, he was ignoring Younghee and just eating.
At least while they were on the island, he should figure out her worries.
"Ah, I'll eat this."
"Y-Yes? That one—"
Yujin suddenly grabbed and ate a fruit, making Younghee look flustered. She fidgeted like something had gone terribly wrong.
"Hmm, maybe because it's island fruit? It's super sour."
Younghee's face seemed to drain of color for a moment. She glanced back and forth between Cheolsu and Yujin, then hung her head low, as if she'd made a grave mistake.
Cheolsu eyed the scene curiously but lost interest. As long as it didn't harm Younghee or the class pres, it wasn't his business.
The meal on the island ended like that, with everyone ignorant of each other's intentions.
…*
Survival test, day two.
"Kieeeek!"
The last lizardman collapsed, pierced by the class president's ice spear. Cheolsu confirmed no more monsters and sheathed his sword.
Unlike day one, from day two they got serious about hunting. But contrary to his fears, no issues arose.
Cheolsu wiped the blood from his cheek and scanned the surroundings.
I hate to admit it, but...
Over 30 lizardmen lay defeated around them. Even a decent B-rank hero party would struggle with that number. Yet they'd handled it effortlessly. And no one even looked tired.
This team... it's the most perfect one I've ever seen.
Cheolsu took a fresh look at each member.
Kim Yujin, who could solo top-tier monsters. The class president with academy-top-tier magic skill and knowledge. Younghee with her outstanding healing, buffs, and whip-based combat prowess.
…………….
And himself, master of Cheon-gong Geom.
Their synergy was top-class even by academy standards.
With this party, we might even take down the island boss.
Their hunting method was straightforward. Spot monsters, and melee fighters Yujin and Cheolsu charge in. Class pres provides rear support with magic control and firepower. Younghee blocks incoming threats with her whip, heals, and buffs allies.
Excluding Yujin's freakish strength, it was a textbook setup.
That's why it's so solid and strong.
Everyone excelled in their roles, so no variables cropped up. They had the skill and confidence to handle any surprises. The result? This overwhelming score.
Current Scorpion Team points: 25,000 – 1st place
An overwhelming lead even compared to 2nd place. Cheolsu had projected around 10,000-20,000 points for day two, assuming Yujin's cooperation. But they'd exceeded that wildly. Insane pace.
And yet, no one's showing fatigue.
At this rate, 100,000 points before the test ends was feasible. That could shatter academy records and secure 1st. They might even claim the island boss, the "Twin-Headed Serpent"...
"Hey, Cheolsu, you have a cut on your arm."
At the class president's words, Cheolsu checked his arm. A small scrape indeed. Not from a monster—Younghee's whip had grazed it accidentally while chasing a retreating foe. Her fault? No, his for missing it.
"It's fine. It'll heal on its own."
"Still, better safe than sorry. Heal him, Younghee."
Her heals could fix that in a second. But Younghee's reaction was off.
"Cheolsu... wound... mission... protect..."
"Younghee!"
"Eek!"
The class president called sharply, and Younghee jumped. Suppressing a laugh at the cute reaction, she eyed Younghee.
"What're you doing?"
"N-Nothing. Just... I need to do better... I keep messing up."
"Nah, you're doing great. How many healers contribute this much in combat?"
Yujin nodded too.
"Yeah, class pres—er, Younghee's a big help to the team."
At that, the other three flinched simultaneously. Yujin panicked at their overly sensitive reactions.
...Did I say something wrong? Wait, did almost calling her class pres in front of her hit that hard?!
It was just a normal slip-up! Losers like me should just shut up. Yujin's timid heart shriveled further.
"A-Anyway, about the healing... maybe after we move to a safe spot?"
"Yeah, good idea. Other monsters might smell the blood."
All four agreed and moved out. But each harbored complex thoughts.
Kim Yujin... targeting Younghee and the class pres?
Why start to call me, then correct to Younghee? Does Yujin think she's more... useful than me?
Cheolsu... wound... ugh, my head's been hurting weirdly... memories all spotty...
Whoa, awkward. Was messing up a name that big a deal? Shoulda just stayed quiet like a loser?
Bearing their worries, the four wrapped up their first hunt flawlessly.
Night fell, and Scorpion Team took turns on watch. Yujin drew first shift, thanks to the class pres's "melee drains more stamina" consideration.
Honestly, it felt awkward to Yujin.
Hmm, even if we're closer now, can't compare to their real bonds.
Cheolsu, Younghee, and the class pres had been tight forever. Sure, he'd gotten friendly with them too, but time was an insurmountable wall. They shared some common topic of worry; he was the clueless one.
Sigh~ Stars are pretty, air's fresh... feels like only I'm at ease.
Did they hunt too casually? Points fell short of expectations despite his effort. Might've disappointed the top-spot chasers. He'd push harder tomorrow.
"Maybe grilled meat for breakfast tomorrow?"
As Yujin muttered, a voice cut in.
—Wow, zero situational awareness. Living the dream, huh?
Lime popped out. Yujin blinked wide-eyed.
"What's up with you coming out here?"
"...What? I can't come out?"
Materialized Lime puffed her cheeks indignantly. Her cuteness drew a smile; Yujin poked one.
"Pfft, what're you doing?!"
"Dunno. They looked so puffy, had to poke."
"...I'm mad right now, y'know?"
A tiny girl in a no-pants outfit raging? Zero impact. More like, is she cold?
"So, why'd you come out? You don't unless there's a reason."
Yujin draped his jacket over her and patted the spot beside him.
"Feels good seeing your face. Night's long—wanna chat?"
Lime sat primly... right on his lap.
"...Miss Lime? I meant beside me."
"This spot's the warmest. You weren't gonna make a lady sit on cold wood, right?"
She grinned triumphantly. Fair point; she was light anyway.
"Be grateful I'm letting this slide."
"Letting what slide?"
"No time to talk with this dumb test dragging on. I'm a slime with strong possessiveness, y'know?"
"Knew from that sadist face. Don't pull my cheeks!"
Lime tugged his cheeks angrily, then sighed deeply. Her expression turned truly annoyed.
"I came out to warn you."
"Warn me?"
No dangers around—what warning?
Lime spoke gravely, cautiously.
"That girl Younghee... seems like she's targeting you."
Yujin's face grew more puzzled.
Huh? Who targeting who?