Chapter 90: It’s Training. Oh, I Said It’s Training!
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 90: It’s Training. Oh, I Said It’s Training!
“That brat is late again…”
Frey stared at the door, waiting for Yeon-woo to arrive.
Seeing her grinding her teeth, Turk let out a small chuckle and teased her.
“He doesn’t even know you’re waiting to congratulate him, does he, Sis?”
“I have no intention of congratulating him.”
Frey scowled and glared at him, but Turk simply turned his head, thinking she was being dishonest with herself.
No matter how much she feigned indifference or denied it, Yeon-woo was now a disciple Frey truly cherished.
It had started with an absurd request, but as time passed, Turk had watched from the sidelines as Frey’s attitude gradually shifted.
He possessed an overwhelming learning speed that could only be described as a supernatural ability.
His talent was undeniable, but it was his cheeky, slick personality that had managed to open the heart of Frey, a woman who usually built walls between herself and others.
Lately, every mercenary in Greyhound was whispering about how she had softened.
Only Turk, who had watched them from the beginning, knew that the reason was Yeon-woo.
Frey spent a significant amount of time meticulously planning Yeon-woo’s training and selecting spells that suited him.
One could see it as her being diligent and perfect in her duties, but she was a woman who commanded one of the world’s three greatest mercenary groups.
She was incredibly busy with countless things to worry about, yet she somehow carved out time to raise Yeon-woo into the best mage possible.
Is it like a son… no, is it a feeling a bit sweeter than that?
Though she denied it to the end, the way Frey treated Yeon-woo was intimate and close.
Since it was about time to start worrying about his sister’s marriage, Turk was enjoying watching their "lovey-dovey" interactions as if he were watching a romance movie.
I used to think guys who liked romance movies were gay, but this is more fun than I thought.
Though she hadn’t told Yeon-woo, she had made sure to visit Yggdrasil to observe every day he competed in the Tournament.
She made the excuse that she was just checking to see if he was properly using what he’d learned, but every time Turk saw Frey’s eyes sparkle while watching him excel, he had to struggle to hold back his laughter.
He had performed well in every match, but seeing him fight fiercely alongside a girl on his team in the final match was particularly impressive.
Yeon-woo had been active until then, but it had felt a bit lacking, perhaps?
Most of his successes had come from clever tricks, so Frey was satisfied to see him finally fighting intensely against multiple opponents at the end.
And that wasn't all.
This time, he had even resolved a Zone.
While the media was hyping up Akito, Frey was close friends with Yggdrasil’s principal, Erin, so she was able to learn the full story.
The primary contributor who saved the clueless brats who had entered the Zone and resolved the situation was, without a doubt, Yeon-woo.
Because of that, he had even received a temporary license. Turk saw the corners of Frey’s mouth twitch upward the moment she heard the news.
A temporary license was something any Yggdrasil student in the top 10% could get, but this was different because it was granted by the government regardless of grades.
A hero who resolved a Zone—a place known as a Mage’s Grave. While other students could get the same license, the one Yeon-woo received was more like a medal of honor.
His achievement in resolving the Zone was already on record, and the government was showing interest in him.
A young, handsome, and capable man.
On top of that, he had a good personality, even putting up with Frey’s prickly temperament.
Go for it, Sis. Make sure you catch him.
Noticing Turk’s gaze, Frey furrowed her brows and glared at him.
However, to Turk, who was already viewing everything through "romance-tinted glasses," Frey just looked as cute as a young girl embarrassed about her relationship with Yeon-woo.
“He did a great job. Shouldn't we give him some kind of reward?”
“It’s not like he helped me. It all goes toward his own achievements, so why should I give him anything?”
“Come on~ He’s worked so hard until now, hasn't he?”
Turk continued to coax Frey, hoping this romance movie would get even more interesting.
Despite her act, Frey seemed to find Yeon-woo admirable as well, as she listened to Turk’s words.
“Honestly, isn’t his training a bit harsh? Even though it’s only twice a week, from what I’ve seen, it looks like he keeps up that same intensity even when we’re not watching. Isn’t that impressive?”
“He should at least do that much. I can’t praise him for doing what’s expected.”
“Resolving a Zone at his age is definitely worth praising.”
“… …”
Frey had no rebuttal for that.
There were many mages who had resolved Zones while still students at Yggdrasil.
That was because Yggdrasil had no age limit, so mages with field experience often enrolled.
However, there was no record anywhere in the world of a mage who should be treated as a mere twenty-year-old rookie resolving a Zone without a single casualty.
Unfortunately, there was a boy who had been caught in a Zone and luckily managed to escape, so Yeon-woo didn't get the "youngest" title, but that boy had only escaped with the help of dozens of sacrifices; he hadn't resolved it.
“Even if it was luck, it’s still amazing.”
“A Zone isn't something so easy that it can be resolved by luck alone…”
Frey stopped mid-sentence, realizing Turk’s ploy, and scowled.
Turk knew better than anyone that a Zone—especially one where magic couldn't be used—was extremely dangerous.
Frey glared at Turk, who was grinning after successfully baiting her into defending Yeon-woo, and let out a sigh.
“I admit he’s doing well.”
“Then you should praise him. He even got his temporary license, so let’s have a celebration party. Let’s go out for a team dinner.”
“Did you just want to get a drink?”
Frey let out a short laugh.
Turk laughed back, swallowing the words that he wanted to see the two of them open up to each other over drinks rather than just wanting the alcohol itself.
Just as Turk’s efforts were creating an atmosphere to welcome Yeon-woo, loud music could be heard from a distance.
Bam- Bam! Bam-ba-bam! Ba-Bam!
The eardrum-piercingly loud music grew closer, and Frey and Turk naturally looked toward the door leading into the training ground.
Bam- Bam! Bam-ba-bam! Ba-Bam!
As soon as the door opened, the loud music filled the training ground, and Yeon-woo appeared, thrusting his temporary license forward as if to show it off.
The loud music was coming from his phone. With a smug smile, Yeon-woo approached Frey while holding the license out in front of him.
Ah, not today.
Seeing the vein throb on Frey’s forehead, Turk sighed, turned on his smartphone, and went back to reading the gossip he had been looking at earlier.
“I’m the super-elite genius ma— Gack! Why?! I didn't even do anything today?!”
“This brat gets arrogant the moment I go easy on him!”
“No, I’m allowed to be arrogant today!”
Yeon-woo had just kicked away the opportunity to get closer to Frey that Turk had so carefully planned.
Unable to stand his smug expression, Frey jumped up and began to pummel Yeon-woo, who took a beating for quite a while.
A moment later, Yeon-woo sat before a huffing Frey, looking like a mess, and grumbled.
“You complain even when I do well.”
“You did well.”
“If I did well, why did you hit me? I’m sulking. I’m really sulking, okay? I’m going to sulk.”
“That’s why I hit you. Can’t you be more serious now that your skills have improved?”
When Yeon-woo just pouted and didn't answer, Frey let out a sigh and continued.
“Fine, you did well. You did something truly amazing.”
“Is that the end of the praise? No reward or anything?”
“There you go again, pushing your luck. What do you want?”
“Intimate skinship… wait, no, uh—”
Seeing Frey’s gaze sharpen, Yeon-woo quickly changed his tune and thought for a moment.
“Only mention things related to training.”
“Then it’s not really a reward, is it?”
“It is a reward.”
Looking at the firm Frey, Yeon-woo’s grumbling expression suddenly changed.
It was a sly, greasy look that suggested he had just come up with a wicked idea.
Frey hated that look.
But Turk liked it, so he stole a glance.
It was fun to see Frey’s reaction to whatever Yeon-woo did after making that face.
“You said it has to be about training, right? Since it’s a reward, you absolutely have to do it.”
“… … There is no ‘absolutely.’”
“Aw— I’m just trying to review what I’ve learned so far. You have to do it. Please? It’s a reward.”
“… Spit it out.”
She really is weak to his whining, Turk thought as he watched the romance movie with excitement.
I should bring something to snack on next time.
He felt lucky to be the only one among his mercenary comrades who got to see something this entertaining.
As Turk’s heart fluttered with anticipation, Yeon-woo slunk closer to Frey and spoke.
“Uh— I tried using Soul Chain during the Tournament.”
“I know.”
“You know? How do you know?”
“I have my ways.”
Frey looked away, hiding the fact that she had gone to the Tournament. Yeon-woo tilted his head for a moment, then shrugged and continued.
“But there was something a bit ambiguous about it.”
“Ambiguous? Which part?”
As far as Frey could see, Yeon-woo had executed the Soul Chain perfectly.
Since the efficiency only increases with mutual rapport, it wasn't so much that Yeon-woo was good at it, but rather that Angelica had fallen deeply for his kiss—but at the very least, the spell itself had been cast without a single mistake.
Because he had shown an absurd efficiency close to 100 percent, Frey looked into Yeon-woo’s face, which had somehow gotten very close, with a questioning look.
Finding her serious face cute, Yeon-woo gave a sly grin.
“I think the problem is my proficiency. Please help me practice.”
“… …”
Soul Chain is a spell completed through physical rapport.
He was calling it "magic practice," but he was essentially asking for deep, intimate skinship.
As Yeon-woo spoke boldly, Turk let out a silent whistle, and Frey’s cheeks began to redden.
She had an image of being fierce, cold, and heartless, but in reality, she was a total novice who had never even been in a relationship.
“You said you’d do anything related to training, right?”
“I never said that.”
“Aw— going back on your word?”
“… Turk.”
“Yes?!”
“I absolutely hate this!!”
When Frey called out to escape the situation, Turk and Yeon-woo shouted at the same time.
Turk, who had jumped up in surprise, met Frey’s gaze telling him to come over, and he gave an awkward laugh.
“I’m sorry, Sis.”
After bowing in apology, Turk immediately jumped out the window.
He moved so fast that he vanished before Frey could stop him, and the sound of a car slamming on its brakes could be heard from outside.
Once the noisy car sound faded, a heavy silence settled over the training ground.
“Today’s training is—”
Grab.
Yeon-woo grabbed Frey’s wrist as she tried to stand up and gave a bright smile.
“Today’s training is Soul Chain.”
“Are you… crazy? Why with someone like me…”
“I love that line.”
“What?”
“You know. It’s cute when someone who is obviously beautiful talks as if they’re the only one who doesn't know it. It’s a cliché, but it’s a classic.”
“I’m… beautiful?”
Frey’s murmur seemed to hit Yeon-woo’s preferences perfectly, as he looked at her with adoration.
Meeting his soft eyes, Frey reflexively lowered her head slightly.
However, she couldn't lower it any further because of Yeon-woo’s finger on her chin, and she was led to lift her head back up.
Frey couldn't hear any surrounding sounds; only the loud thumping of her own heart filled her ears.
Yeon-woo had just been taking a shot in the dark, but seeing Frey act so unexpectedly shy was so lovely that he couldn't hide his excitement.
Chuup—
As their lips touched, Frey’s body flinched.
Even though it was just one part of their bodies touching, Frey was overwhelmed by the surging emotions.
The kiss, which began soft and light, became intense as Yeon-woo’s tongue pushed its way in.
Unable to do anything, Frey left her stiffened body to Yeon-woo. She kept her lips tightly shut, but his lewd tongue seemed to enjoy the tightness, wriggling and stroking her teeth.
“Haah… Mm, nngh?!”
As she let out a breath and unconsciously parted her lips slightly, Yeon-woo’s tongue invaded her mouth.
The tongue that entered her mouth did all the things she hated.
It was a tongue that didn't care about others, acting arrogant and wriggling however it pleased.
Yet, every time his tongue explored her mouth to its heart's content, a pleasure and excitement she had never felt before washed over her body.
As if she had been hit by a powerful attack and couldn't move, Frey remained frozen, surrendering her mouth to Yeon-woo.
The more intensely his tongue rubbed against hers, and the more his saliva flowed in, the more her spine tingled and her mind grew hazy.
Embarrassed by the dampness between her legs, she squeezed her thighs together and shifted her body, but each time, Yeon-woo held her firmly and toyed with her to his heart's content.
How much time had passed?
Frey’s eyes were unfocused as she tangled tongues with Yeon-woo, her body occasionally twitching.
Enjoying her reaction, Yeon-woo sucked on her tongue with all his might, and his hand naturally moved toward her luscious breast.
“… …!”
At the sensation of his hand softly squeezing her breast, the light returned to Frey’s eyes, and with a loud boom, Yeon-woo lost consciousness.
“Haah… haah…”
Having reflexively fired a Magnum, Frey panted, trying to calm the intense excitement she had felt until a moment ago.
If Yeon-woo’s mana barrier hadn't been more incredible than others, that attack would have surely taken his head off.
After checking to see if he was okay, Frey let out a sigh of relief and relaxed her body.
Gulp.
Frey stared at the unconscious Yeon-woo’s face—specifically his lips, which she had been rubbing against just moments ago—and swallowed hard.
Then, startled by her own actions, she jumped up and fled the training ground as if running away.