Chapter 44: This is Giving Me Cancer
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 44: This is Giving Me Cancer
“Good, you’re doing well. Like you’re pushing inward—”
The Boss was standing right next to me, giving me massage instructions.
He’d said that having a good face was half the battle, but what I really wanted was the Boss’s secret 'God Hand' technique. Even if I was just faking it for now, I needed to know the basics to actually massage the customers.
Sie… was that her name? The female employee had entrusted her body to me, and I was kneading her flesh to my heart's content.
If I kept learning and gaining experience like this, would I eventually obtain the God Hand?
Unlike the convenience store perks, there was no way to confirm I’d actually acquired this one. I had to gauge it based on the recipient's reaction.
Well, whether it was Sie or anyone else, if women started losing their minds over my massages, I’d know I had the God Hand.
“Boss, please turn around.”
“Right, understood.”
At Sie’s request, the Boss immediately turned his back and looked elsewhere.
It felt a bit harsh.
The Boss might look like a toad, but Sie—despite being an employee—had strictly emphasized that he was never to touch her body.
I was the only one allowed to touch her.
Even when she moved to flip over onto her back, she didn't want him seeing her body and told him to look away.
And then, she’d slyly pull back the towel covering her, flashing her breasts at me with a lewd smile.
I appreciated the view, but I felt so bad for the Boss that it didn't even feel erotic.
“You can look back now.”
Only after Sie, now naked, had meticulously covered her vital areas with the towel did she tell him to turn back around.
I know the Boss looks like a toad, but isn't this a bit much?
All the employees here acted horrified if the Boss even looked like he was going to touch them.
I didn't think looks alone could cause this kind of reaction… Sure, he resembled a toad, but he wasn't exactly revolting. Maybe he had some kind of trait that made women hate him?
Since the God Hand was a broken perk that made women swoon, the developers might have balanced it with a setting like that.
Just so Akito, the star pupil, could be the only one getting laid.
“Every person has different habits, postures, and physiques they’ve developed over their lives, so the areas you need to focus on vary accordingly.”
“Mmm… Yeon-woo, that feels good right there.”
The Boss gave a serious explanation, but Sie let out a seductive moan as I rubbed the area above her chest.
Seriously, either be professional or have sex; pick one.
The atmospheres were so clashing that it was hard to concentrate.
And it’s not like I’m great at controlling mana to begin with.
I hadn't expected to use magic for massages, but in this world, magic was so naturally integrated into daily life that I encountered it in the most unexpected places.
For example, power banks were usually charged with electricity, but they could also be charged with mana.
Next to the plug socket, there was a spot to place your thumb; if you channeled mana into it, it would automatically convert it into electricity.
Following the Boss’s instructions, I infused mana into my fingers and searched for the grain of the muscle.
Between Sie’s voice—shuddering under my touch as she tried to seduce me—and the Boss’s endless seriousness, I studied hard until it was finally time to head home.
“Next time, you’ll be massaging a customer alongside Ms. Sie.”
“Yes, sir. The real deal at last.”
“You’ll be Sie’s assistant for a while, but it won't be for long. You’ll be able to handle it on your own soon enough.”
“Yes, I’ll work hard.”
Being alone in a cramped room with a customer… that’s where all the erotic events would happen.
I hoped a lot of pretty customers would show up.
*
The next day, after chugging a training drink, I stepped out of the house and spotted Yume.
As always, her body was overflowing with that unique MILF sex appeal and maternal warmth.
“Good morning, Yume. It’s a beautiful day.”
“Oh, it’s still early. Are you leaving already?”
“Yes, I have some training to do and some studying to catch up on.”
The studying was a lie, but the training was real.
Since the Source was located at Yggdrasil, just training there multiplied my efficiency several times over. Combined with the training drink, the results were overwhelming.
Seeing my diligent and sincere attitude, Yume gave me a motherly smile.
“The exams just ended, and you’re already working so hard. It’s impressive. I wish our Sara would follow your lead.”
“I’m sure Sara has her own pace and methods.”
Actually, you’re right, she really needs to hit the books.
But in front of her mother, acting understanding made me look more mature and composed.
“You’re so grown-up. Your grades at Yggdrasil must be good, right?”
“Me? No, not really. I’m only in the top 7%...”
“Wow—that’s amazing! I heard that even being in the top 30% at Yggdrasil is a huge feat.”
It was a bit petty of me to specify 7% instead of just saying top 10%, but Yume’s eyes widened in surprise.
She clapped her hands together in delight, looking as pure and happy as if her own son had brought home a good report card.
Then, as if remembering something, Yume looked around and asked me in a low voice.
“By any chance… did a friend come looking for you last night?”
“A friend? No, no one came. Did something happen?”
“Well…”
Yume placed a hand against her cheek, her face clouded with worry.
“I went out last night to put something out, and I saw a few boys around your age.”
“In front of the house?”
“No, they didn't come into the yard, but they were leaning against that wall over there, talking. I was scared, so I went right back inside. Sara wasn't home either…”
“Did you report it to the police?”
“No, I didn't… They might have just been passing through or had business nearby.”
She said that, but her inner thoughts seemed different; she looked quite frightened.
Those bastards, they dared to come all the way to the house?
What if Yume gets scared and decides to move!
It took me forever to find a place this good.
To reassure her, I smiled and placed a hand on her trembling shoulder.
“Don’t worry, Yume. I’ll look into it.”
“Huh? Ah… oh, okay…”
“Oh, sorry. I did that without thinking—”
“I-it’s fine. Ah, uh… I should go make breakfast. H-have a good day!”
Yume looked flustered and hurried back into the house.
Uhh… was touching her shoulder going too far?
I decided to take things slower with her and focus on those sons of bitches first.
According to Turk, they seemed like local thugs.
And if they were around my age, were they from The Union?
The name sounded grand, but they had nothing to do with the government. They were just a Japanese biker gang? A group of delinquent youths? A pathetic organization like that.
The reason I knew about this so-called 'Union' was—
Takeo.
Because Takeo was a member. Or rather, he was close with their leader, like brothers, so they were heavily intertwined.
The Union was going to be a headache.
In the game, aside from the leader and the 'Four Heavenly Kings'—a cringe-worthy title even for a middle schooler—the rest were just fodder.
The problem was that while most criminal organizations at least kept an eye on the government and exercised some restraint, the members of The Union were brainless, ego-driven idiots who didn't care about consequences. And they were incredibly cruel to boot.
Furthermore, the developers had written them as irredeemable villains—a complete trash-tier group.
Gang rape was their bread and butter, and they didn't hesitate to commit murder or kidnapping as subcontractors for larger syndicates.
They were the kind of scum who would beat up a random passerby just because they were in a bad mood, force someone to eat shit, or take nude photos to blackmail people for money.
Want to hear something even more annoying?
You couldn't wipe them out all at once.
With the Geukryu Society, there were ledgers and documents—evidence that allowed Greyhound to crush them without worrying about the government. But The Union wasn't that kind of organization.
Documents? What’s that? Ledgers? How much cash you got on you?
You couldn't expect that kind of record-keeping from a group of delinquents running things on a whim.
Because of that, there was never enough evidence to take them all down at once.
Even if you caught them, only one or two people with direct evidence against them would get arrested, and that was it.
They were like cockroaches. You could kill the ones you saw, but they were nearly impossible to exterminate.
And yet, they acted like 'cool' edgy bikers in front of Takeo and others. It was laughable.
I had no desire to defend Takeo, but while he was an asshole, a punk, a poser, an ego-tripper, a moron, and a loser, he was practically a saint compared to The Union.
Takeo usually spent his time acting as a launchpad for Akito, but later, in the sub-stories for Shiori and Park Yu-jeong, he gets tangled up with The Union, and the game tries to 'wash' his character, acting like he was a good person with a tragic backstory all along. What a load of bullshit.
If you bastards lay a finger on Yume, I will hunt you down to the ends of the earth and kill every last one of you.
With a heavy heart, I finished my training, showered, and headed to the classroom, where I saw Takeo.
He was surrounded by the 'cool' kids, but it was obvious they were secretly afraid of him and walking on eggshells.
It looked like Emma had completely left the group now.
When our eyes met, Takeo scowled.
“What are you looking at, you piece of shit?”
“I’m looking at you, you piece of shit.”
When I, who usually let things slide or responded mildly, fired back with an insult, the other students in the classroom stared in shock.
Rio and Masayoshi stared at me blankly, and Takeo jumped to his feet, grabbing me by the collar.
“You little fucker, do you really want to die?”
“If you want to kill me, do it yourself. Stop running to your 'big brother' like a little bitch.”
“Big brother? What the fuck are you talking about, you retard?”
“And listen, you asshole. Emma didn't sleep with me. Why the hell are you taking it out on me just because she lied?”
As we traded unfiltered insults, the atmosphere turned explosive. Right on cue, the man loved by the game itself—the protagonist personified—Akito, walked into the classroom.
Wow—fuck me, what a grand entrance.
Chika, Shiori, and Samurai were already with him, so that was expected, but now he had Emma, Angelica, and even Ailee?
He must have done some serious affinity farming on that deserted island.
I’m getting unfairly blamed because of your dick-slinging, and here you are, having the time of your life.
… …
No, no. Don't get pissed.
Even if I’m mad at Takeo, I shouldn't take it out on Akito or get jealous.
It has nothing to do with him, and there’s no need to antagonize the protagonist.
But Emma, you’re a different story.
I hated seeing her standing there, naturally linking arms with Akito after causing all this chaos.
“Hey, you tell him. Did you sleep with me?”
“Wh-what are you talking about?! Why would I ever do it with someone as disgusting as you?!”
Thanks for the truth. But you could’ve left out the 'disgusting' part.
Hearing Emma’s answer, I smirked at Takeo, who was still clutching my collar.
“Hear that, you moron?”
“…Then who did you sleep with?”
At Takeo’s question, Emma froze and glanced at me for a moment.
I knew something had happened since she left his group and latched onto Akito, but had they seriously not talked about who she slept with?
I was dead certain Emma had lied and said it was me.
But looking at her reaction, something felt off…
“That’s none of your business.”
“Sigh… You really…”
Look, I don't care if you guys fall in love or kill each other.
Just stop dragging innocent people into it.
“You know it wasn't me now, right? Tell those Union bastards to go ho—”
“I might have slept with him. What does it matter who I sleep with?”
…?
Emma gestured toward me with her chin, giving a vague answer.
Why the hell are you dragging me back into this?
“Yeah, I knew it. But this piece of shit keeps trying to deny it?”
“Hey, is your brain okay? You’re not having a stroke, are you? She just called me disgusting; there’s no way we sle—”
“Shut the fuck up!”
This damn couple keeps cutting me off in tandem.
“You slept with me? Why the hell are you lying?”
“I don’t lie.”
“… …”
Wow—look at the nerve on this one.
She’s saying that while clinging to the arm of the guy who literally creampied her?
Even Chika is looking at her like she’s lost her mind.
Chika, Chika, please. Tell them what you saw.
“Stop it. You’re scaring Emma.”
“… …”
“Why don't you both stop fighting and talk it out? Solving things like this doesn't help anyone. I don't know if I can be of much help, but let’s just calm down and talk for a moment, okay?”
Oooooh—if I hadn't been inside that cabinet that day, I might have actually been moved by Akito’s words.
But… I saw you sucking face and banging Emma with my own two eyes.
And you’re taking her side here?
Akito, this guy is usually annoyingly kind, but why does he turn into such a 'sweet bastard' whenever a woman is involved?
I silently looked at Chika.
Meeting my gaze, Chika flinched and lowered her eyes like a guilty puppy.
This is seriously giving me cancer.
“There’s no point in friends fighting. So, both of you, let’s just leave it at—”
“Fuck off!”
Takeo shoved me aside and stormed out of the classroom.
Shiori and Samurai started whispering insults, while Akito, with his 'good guy' face, comforted the 'frightened' Emma.
“Akito.”
“Yeah?”
“I know who she slept with.”
“… …”
At my words, Akito fell silent, his mouth snapping shut.
What would happen if I exposed everything right here?
At the very least, it wouldn't result in a situation favorable to me.
Even if I hated Akito’s forced righteousness, there was a reason I didn't interfere with him, let him have the leftover heroines, and even helped him by getting item discounts through Rebecca.
If the game follows the story, only Akito can save the world.
Akito must stay alive, and he must gather heroines and grow stronger.
Even if I hit the level cap or become strong enough to take on the 12 Zodiacs alone, if Akito doesn't obtain his specific abilities later on, the world itself will vanish.
Because I know what’s coming, I can’t undermine Akito’s position here.
And honestly, given the flow of things so far, no matter what I say, it’ll probably end up favoring Akito while I get screwed over again.
Fate? The power of the scenario? The role of an extra? Whatever it is, it’s starting to get on my nerves.