Chapter 10. Hero Couple
A week flew by like a beam of sunlight. In that time, Ji-hyuk trained with Yael every single day. Her exceptional talent, combined with relentless effort, had her improving by leaps and bounds. Still, double casting remained out of reach.
...Well, if it were that easy to pull off, every tom, dick, and harry would be slinging spells left and right.
She was putting in the work, though, so Ji-hyuk decided to reward her. No cock-sucking since she hadn't hit her goal yet—instead, he returned the favor by sucking on her tits. Yael lost her mind at the flick of his tongue.
This morning started no differently for the drug-addicted teaching assistant. Ji-hyuk's crew scarfed down a hearty breakfast at the tavern before heading back to the inn. Yael still looked fine up to that point, though she kept stealing glances at the boss. Nothing too out of the ordinary.
But the moment they stepped into the room, the rational, sharp-minded assistant flipped a switch. She yanked up her top, thrusting out her rock-hard nipples—standing at attention like erect cocks—and melted into a puddle of desperation as she begged Ji-hyuk.
"Boss... my tits... could you suck them, please...?"
The signs had been there last night when she'd secretly groped her chest and crotch beside him in bed. Now it had all boiled over.
But Ji-hyuk didn't budge easily. Spoil her every time she came begging, and she'd turn into a brat.
"Why?"
His voice was ice-cold.
Yael's gaze dropped. "I... I worked hard yesterday, and I'll work hard today too, and I'll keep practicing all afternoon..."
She stammered out excuses like a lovestruck fool fumbling for words in front of their crush. All traces of her logical, composed self had vanished.
"Already hooked, huh? I told you last time it was a one-off special. Can't reward every little thing. You know that's not sustainable, right?"
Ji-hyuk meant it. Attach a prize to every tiny effort, and there'd be no end to it. Bad habits were inevitable.
"Y-yes, you're right, Boss. Totally right... but just... just this once today...?"
She was struggling hard. Yael cupped her tits from below, lifting them toward him in supplication.
"Next time, I won't even ask. Promise? ...Please, just today. I... I can't hold back anymore...!"
Ji-hyuk let out a long sigh through his nose. His voice dropped back to its deep, gravelly timbre.
"I'm not saying never ask. If you really can't take it, speak up—that's fine. But if you can hold out, then do it. ...You get what I mean?"
"...Yes, I do."
"You know your own state better than anyone. The cravings are getting worse. That's why you need to build up your endurance. No other reason."
"I know you're looking out for me, Boss. I'm always grateful."
"Alright then. ...I'll suck 'em."
Aaah— Yael's face lit up like fireworks. She stuck out her tongue without realizing it. Her needy expression was a sight to behold.
"Here, right here...!"
"You'll work even harder from now on, yeah?"
"Yes, yes—! I'll work so hard. Super hard, Boss."
Ji-hyuk grabbed both her breasts in his hands. Hah—! That single squeeze shattered her focus. Her eyes glazed over as she gazed at him dreamily.
He squeezed harder, her soft flesh bulging through the circles he'd made with his thumbs and fingers. Her plump, deep-pink nipples vanished straight into his mouth.
Aaah—! The sticky, squishy dance of his tongue on her sensitive nerves sent her mind reeling into the void. She staggered back step by step, and he advanced to match her.
Soon her back hit the door. Waves of intense pleasure had her rising onto her tiptoes.
"Ngh, ahp, ahk, ah, ahng."
Ji-hyuk toyed with her nipples in his mouth—sucking, nibbling, chewing—while his hands kneaded her tits softly. The tremors of her ecstasy vibrated straight through his palms.
"Ahng, ahngh, ahk, aaah, trhup—."
Lewd moans spilled from her lips. After a good long while sucking both sides, he finally pulled away. Her glistening, spit-slick nipples were ringed red from his mouth, like fresh hickeys.
"There. That's your reward for today. Time to train."
"...Th-thank you...!"
Yael looked wistful but didn't push for more. She straightened her clothes, and they headed out to the backyard.
...But once again, Yael failed at double casting.
Tournament day dawned. Ji-hyuk rose before the crack of dawn, washed up clean, and got dressed. Yael stirred at the sound, propping herself up to watch her boss prepare.
"Come back safe."
Ji-hyuk, boots laced tight, looked over at her. Her eyes were misty with worry.
He chuckled and patted her shoulder. "Nothing to worry about. We'll head out early tomorrow morning, so get everything ready today. Practice some magic if you have time. ...Did I nag too much?"
"...No."
Her tense expression finally softened into a smile.
"Alright, I'm off."
"Take care."
Ji-hyuk left the room. Downstairs, lizardman Kayak leaned against the entrance wall, waiting for the boss.
"You're here."
"What's up?"
"It's the tournament. Couldn't miss it. I'll tag along."
"No need."
"You'll get lonely alone. Let me be your walking buddy."
"...Fine. Let's go."
Ji-hyuk grinned and nodded ahead. They strolled leisurely down the dim predawn streets. Despite the talk of company, they walked in silence. Only the crunch of sand underfoot broke the quiet.
Soon, a blood-red sun began peeking over the horizon. Ji-hyuk paused to watch the sunrise. The blazing orb devoured the white palace spires first, liberating the world from darkness bit by bit. It was a magnificent sight.
He turned forward again. The dawn light on his back felt impossibly warm and tender. Head bowed like a pilgrim, he watched his feet plod one step at a time.
Before long, they neared the west gate. Crowds streamed toward the massive arena outside the city. They merged into the flow and passed through.
The arena was colossal. Ji-hyuk wondered how many years it must have taken to build. Everyone headed straight there.
Near the entrance, Ji-hyuk and Kayak faced each other.
"Thanks for coming along. ...Go watch if you want."
"Nah. Gotta prep for tomorrow's departure. Need to buy supplies anyway. ...See you later, Boss."
"Yeah."
They parted. Ji-hyuk approached the participants' entrance. Security was tighter here—not so much to keep people out, but to keep them in.
...Once you're inside, no coming back out.
Ji-hyuk showed no fear, flashing his participant number and mercenary tag. The staff verified and handed him a numbered badge, gesturing politely inside. They were awfully nice to this tournament's naive lambs.
He trudged down the pitch-black tunnel, like the maw of hell. Torches flickered ominously at intervals.
Deeper in, a fork appeared with more guards and a staffer. The pretty female attendant pointed left for him.
"This way, sir."
Ji-hyuk glanced at the right path before following her direction. Crunch, crunch. Tiny sand grains crushed under his boots on the stone floor, echoing through the passage.
After a long walk, a massive iron door loomed, flanked by dozens of guards. This had to be the participants' waiting area.
He flashed his badge: 311. The guard checked and swung the door open with a heavy groan.
The room inside wasn't as dim as the tunnel—designed with slits for light. It was enormous; thousands could pack in if crammed tight. Heavily armed soldiers filled the space, alongside plenty of participants. An invisible tension hung in the air, like a pissing contest.
It brushed Ji-hyuk too, but he ignored it, slumping against a corner wall.
Occasional knife fights broke out among participants, only for soldiers to swarm and shut them down. The atmosphere was brutal.
Then a rat-faced creep slunk toward Ji-hyuk, eyes darting slyly, grin oily.
"Hey."
Ji-hyuk eyed his ugly mug.
"Got a proposition for ya."
Ji-hyuk stared silently.
The rat bared yellow teeth in a hiss of laughter. "Our situations look about the same. Wanna team up temporary-like?"
"...Team up?"
"There's this unspoken rule. Gang up first, thin the herd early. Otherwise, you're the one fucked."
Ji-hyuk wasn't interested. No real upside, and why invite a backstabber behind you? Winner take all anyway—they'd just scheme betrayal.
"See those guys? Our crew."
The rat thumbed behind him. Ji-hyuk looked: two humans, one orc. Obvious backstabbers.
"Whaddya say?"
"Fuck off."
"Asshole prick."
The rat's face hardened; he glared and spat thick phlegm on the floor, unleashing a torrent of curses.
"Dumb shits like you die first."
He bulged his eyes, then slunk off for easier prey.
What a moron. Ji-hyuk smirked. Plenty of these opportunists here, eager to shank for a quick win. All mid-tier trash.
More participants trickled in. Ji-hyuk watched the door, waiting for his mark.
How long passed? The door creaked open. In walked a handsome blond youth—clearly some pampered young master.
There he is. Ji-hyuk's lips curled wide.
He knew him instantly: Hero Gunda. Future husband of the mixed-blood suin, Mahushu.
Of course, the moment Ji-hyuk entered the picture, all that went out the window.
C-rank now, probably? ...Overkill for this kiddie pool. On the continent scale, C-rank wasn't top-tier, but here? Prime contender for the win. The juicy prizes drew some real talent too, as that drunk had said—scattered heavy hitters.
But this wasn't a straight tournament bracket. It was survival: last one standing amid endless hazards.
In that, a battle-hardened hero had the edge.
Ji-hyuk watched the rat creep up to Gunda with the same pitch. The hero joined their "alliance."
Ji-hyuk's grin deepened. This could be fun to watch.