Chapter 32
Getting a buff from Yujin in the Fluid Gate and becoming stronger because of it was probably, without a doubt, a fact. The problem was that I still couldn't gauge exactly how much stronger I'd gotten. Of course, I had a rough idea in my head of how strong Joo Hyowon was after her first training session in the game. She was such a high-performance character, after all. But I couldn't expect that exact performance boost to apply to me as-is. Both Yujin and I had clearly changed compared to the original story. And even if that weren't the case, unlike a game where strength could be quantified numerically, this was reality. It was hard to expect raw stats to translate directly.
So, what should I do? "Just fight for real and see," obviously.
With that in mind, I decided to apply for after-school activities through Instructor Sonya.
"What? You want to apply for Fluid Gate stabilization as an after-school activity?"
"Yes."
A Fluid Gate was a gate that engineers had discovered but hadn't yet grown large enough to fully devour reality. Of course, that didn't mean we could take it lightly. The word "yet" implied it would eventually try to swallow the real world. Engineers had a duty to eliminate even these Fluid Gates as quickly as possible.
...That was the lore explanation. In the game, they were just grind dungeons for character leveling, occasionally serving as stages for minor side quests.
"You... do you really understand what you're asking? The academy does encourage Fluid Gate stabilization as an after-school activity. But that's from third year onward. First years aren't allowed."
"Then make an exception for me."
"...Wow, it's been a while since I've seen a kid this bold."
Of course you'd say that. Honestly, even I thought it sounded like some crazy freshman spouting nonsense. But I had my reasons for being confident.
"The academy knows it's a waste to treat me like a regular first year."
Once you entered a Fluid Gate, the danger was no different from any other gate. The only upside was no civilian casualties. Yet the academy only allowed third years in. Why? They were short on manpower. Without throwing in cadets who were still green, they couldn't clear the gates. So they sent in cadets under the guise of "real combat experience." Of course, the academy had some conscience and logic, so they always paired cadets with active Hero Candidates and only sent them to relatively safer Fluid Gates.
And now here was a first year demanding to be let in? Demanding special treatment like it was obvious? I totally agreed that such a rule-breaking brat deserved a taste of strict discipline.
But every rule has exceptions, right?
Sonya wore a thoughtful expression, weighing various factors. She'd seen my achievements with her own eyes.
"...I don't like encouraging heroics."
Meaning she wanted to help but worried others might follow my lead.
"Honestly, everything I've done since enrolling has been like that. As long as it's within legal bounds, can't you see it as progress?"
"Your mouth is something else."
She looked thoroughly unimpressed but didn't outright refuse. She was probably balancing the downsides of hero worship if she let me in against the manpower and time savings I'd provide. By her values, she wouldn't approve of skipping steps, no matter how talented the cadet. But Sonya wasn't so rigid as to enforce rules blindly without reason.
"...I'll talk to the higher-ups first."
"Yes, that should be enough."
If it reached the top, they'd approve nine times out of ten. Unlike Sonya, they prioritized training cadets quickly for combat, even at some cost. It wasn't that one side was wrong; this harsh world left no choice but bloodshed either way.
"Not sure if I should be excited or worried."
"Why not do both generously?"
"...Anyway. Something happen to you?"
"What do you mean?"
I played innocent. No use; Sonya would notice. The quality of the qi rippling inside me had changed. Someone who knew me well and had sharp Sense Qi skills would pick up on it.
"...Fine if you don't wanna say. Man, I feel like I'm hitting a wall. And I was the genius everywhere I went."
"You've said your piece. I'll head out now."
"Wait. One thing to check. That house you're living in—is it under your name?"
"...? Why ask?"
"Nothing major. The academy's expanding mandatory dorms to better protect cadets. You're included."
Dorms. Right, that happened in the original too. After the last gate incident, too many cadets—especially first years—died. The academy, alarmed, centralized cadets in dorms for tighter control.
But in this world, cadet losses weren't that heavy?
"Your info checked out as real. Meaning there are scumbags out there brazenly targeting academy cadets. From our perspective, we want to safeguard you more aggressively."
Ah, got it. No law said only those gutter rats I saw were after cadets. Better safe than sorry for the academy.
"It's ridiculous. They know if we fall, they do too, but they can't rein in their greed. Like cancer cells, really."
"That's society's trash for you."
Seemed those bums might tie back to my possessed body, but whatever—not my problem!
"Anyway, you'll get orders to move to academy dorms soon. That okay?"
"...Sure, whatever."
No real attachment to the place. My first shelter in this world after possession. I could sentimentalize it if I tried, but I wasn't that type.
...Though that meant cutting ties with that Vivian woman completely? She didn't seem keen on sticking around anyway. She wasn't even in the original.
...Come to think of it.
"What happened to those gutter rats?"
"Caught all the ones nabbed red-handed; interrogating now. We have agents specialized in info-gathering unique abilities, so we'll uproot the organization soon."
Good to hear. Business done, I said goodbye and left Sonya behind.
Walking the hall, a fatal blind spot hit me.
"Wait, dorms might be a problem."
In the original, post-incident first-year deaths—especially guys—left dorms as single rooms. But now? Could be two or four per room.
"...Sigh, gotta think this over."
A solo guy's room or girl's room was perfect for grand schemes. Dorms would make motel trips tricky too.
"...No, change perspective."
Thriving in such restrictive conditions might amplify my unique ability even more. Sneaking thrilling training sessions past teachers and cadets? Classic premium cliché for training stories.
"...I hate that I'm even thinking this."
Ah, post-nut clarity.
My request sailed through instantly. Sonya said the higher-ups were thrilled— they'd wanted to work me hard but lacked an excuse. Perfect timing.
"The title of Hero Candidate suits those who sacrifice and brave danger. Binding such a mindset to first-year limits through armchair debates is a waste."
That was the board's decision. Sonya didn't love it but respected the logic from above.
Thus, at a record pace for a cadet, I was assigned to after-school Fluid Gate stabilization.
There, I ran into a welcome face.
"Ah!! You, you ignored death! Heard you were fine, but seeing you this unscathed—amazing!"
"We meet again from the gate, senior."
The third-year who'd teamed with me and Ayumi last time. Coincidentally, she was on Fluid Gate duty too. Name: Wilhelmine. No time for intros back then, but her affinity was already maxed. Shared crises build camaraderie naturally.
"You're definitely a first year, right? Stabilization starts in third year."
"Well, you're way stronger than me, so exceptions make sense. Anyway, glad you're here! With you, we can handle ten third years easy!"
Wilhelmine had sky-high expectations for me. Sigh, but senior—your bar's too low. Ten third years? I need to pull ten full Hero Candidates weight, or what's this belly tattoo for?
Rubbing my lower abdomen absentmindedly, a familiar voice came from behind.
"Oh my, who's this? Hyowon? Long time no see~"
"Eek!! S-Stu, student council president!"
Wilhelmine snapped to attention, showing respect. What is this, the army?
...Kinda is, actually. I just nodded politely.
"Didn't you say you wanted to stay a first year? Or did I misunderstand?"
Her mischievous smile held no malice, but the urge to tease was overflowing. She'd invited me to her squad, I bounced, and now we crossed paths a month later. Totally understandable wanting payback.
"I'm still a first year?"
"Exactly the problem. If you'd joined my squad and skipped grades like I suggested, no issue. Why insist on first-year exceptions, breaking rules?"
The president teared up like a tragic heroine.
"Don't tell me you hate me? Refusing my squad out of stubbornness?"
"No, not that..."
"Then why?"
...Ugh, hard to explain. Dodge?
"Wanted to stay with my friend."
"Friend? Oh, that kid from before? Hehe~ Youth~"
Just three years older, talking youth? Mentally, I'm way senior.
"Whatever, applying for Fluid Gate stabilization is commendable. A powerhouse volunteering talent like yours is great in itself. Right, Liz?"
Liz, standing by the president, adjusted her glasses and replied.
"Maybe? Strength's key, sure. But those who rely on it to upend the system? Can't respect that. They'll harm the whole if things go south."
Spot on. Even knowing it targeted me, I nodded. Sharp as ever—anal must be her weakness, matching her bite.
"Liz is too rigid. Special people need special treatment."
"Amber's too soft. Special deserves special pushback. But I haven't bought she's worth it yet."
Drawing the line, Liz stared me down.
"Listen up, newbie. Solo acts like before? Not allowed. One reckless move threatens teammates, civilians, even yourself. Got it?"
"Yes, understood."
I submitted meekly. No rebellion here—just wanted combat XP and self-check.
...Plus, my skills would shine without me bragging.
After, we prepped: positions, contingency plans. All set,
"Alright, let's go!"
Under Student Council President Amber's lead, we stepped into the Fluid Gate.