The Easiest Way to Steal Faith (3): When in the Demon Realm
When it came to the demon realm, there was a method for stealing faith from the goddess: by having a being named Phoenix become a new object of faith, spreading hope to the masses.
"If we just leave Esdinas Academy alone, faith in the goddess will keep growing. So we need to change the academy's very constitution."
Chang Yeom and I had once passed judgment on Esdinas Academy itself—the continent's grand 'stage.'
"Esdinas Academy is a place where men and women meet purely for calculated reasons. Sure, there's a bare minimum of emotion involved at the baseline, but most of it boils down to shallow, materialistic calculations, right?"
"Everyone wants a near-perfect hexagon in the marriage market."
"Exactly. That's the reality of the human world."
Esdinas Academy lacked any real spark.
"There's no romance."
"...Even though it's basically a dating sim game?"
"What I'm saying is, there's zero tender, innocent love or those butterflies-in-your-stomach dating vibes between guys and girls. Even those feelings get filtered through future prospects before anyone picks a partner."
"I get the gist."
Esdinas Academy was all about people sticking to their own kind.
"No Cinderellas?"
"The opposite's even rarer. Well, Cinderellas at least exist somewhat. For girls, looks and figure count as specs, and for guys, having money seals the deal."
"Never thought I'd hear marriage agency talk from a demon realm archduke."
"It's a world built on those realities by the people living in them, so of course it's like that."
It was a bitter truth, but Chang Yeom wasn't wrong.
"Up until now, it was just 'that's how it is'—the accepted truth of the world. But meeting you made me realize something. All these 'twists' in the world exist to fuel the protagonist's exploits."
The angels were one thing, and the bizarre setup of Esdinas Academy—Breadcademy—was another.
"In the end, since the protagonist's main gig is 'clearing out the old rot,' humanity's just accepted the downsides as normal. No one questions it or sees the need for change."
"So we need love?"
"Not that system-game affection grind. Real love, in the truest sense."
Chang Yeom declared it firmly.
"Give a character their favorite gift, and their affection rises. That's true enough. Who wouldn't like getting a present in real life? But..."
"It's not about shoving 'strategy guide says she likes strawberry cake' items at them. It's about the process of learning what foods they crave, what items they need."
"Of course. This world isn't a game—it's stark reality. You think some random janitor dude hands a female student strawberry cake and her affection meter dings up? No way."
"Maybe 'cause he's not the protagonist?"
"So if the protagonist hands strawberry cake to a girl who's already coupled up, he can boost her affection and NTR her?"
"...That'd be a problem."
We couldn't shoehorn game logic straight into reality, but not a word from Chang Yeom was off-base.
"That's why we spread love. Pure love, harems, whatever—show everyone, 'This is what love between men and women looks like.'"
"Platonic love?"
"And once they're adults, mix in some Eros."
"......."
"Don't get any dangerous ideas."
If there were folks thinking the goody-two-shoes crowd would sneak peeks before adulthood anyway, I'd point out that while Esdinas Academy is a social hub for fine young men and women, it's no sleazy den of debauchery. The school rules are clear: get pregnant before graduation, and you're out. That's non-negotiable, and everyone knows it.
"You'll lead the charge. Become the so-called 'alpha male.'"
"Not really my vibe."
"Start now. With your face, body, and mana skin at peak alpha levels, what's to fear? Acting like a beta with this body I crafted? That'd make you a real beta."
"The phrasing's kinda off, but I get it."
In the end...
"You're saying spread 'dating cells' among Esdinas Academy students."
"When people unite through love, regardless of status, wealth, background, or magical talent—that's when the real fruits show. Something like that."
"......."
"Looks are what they are; can't change what you're born with."
The demon realm archduke laid out cold reality.
"But grooming can max it out. And you have the power, the methods for that."
Chang Yeom pointed downward.
"The more people buy into your 'love theory,' the harder they'll work on their looks and upkeep. Over time, they'll see a totally transformed self. You'll be a kind of charm totem."
"Just existing boosts everyone's charm stats?"
"The stat boost comes from their own mindset and effort. So base it on your face, body, confidence—act like you lack any standout combat talent."
Chang Yeom winked one eye and jabbed a finger at me.
"Hey. Fix your face and body like mine, and you can pull hot girls too."
"Ha...."
If I asked if it was that easy...
"Just emit your mana like embers at Esdinas Academy, and it'll work. Admiration for you will reshape their looks and bodies—guys gain confidence, girls swell with maternal instincts."
Possible. As long as I existed at Esdinas Academy, anyone nearby would, bluntly put...
"Turn into an idol-level looker, model physique, or AV-star build. Buff-human supreme—that's you."
"First two sounded plausible, but that last one killed the vibe."
"That's the power of Cumming Dream."
Or so she said.
"Testosterone for guys, estrogen for girls. Serotonin and oxytocin exploding between them! Happiness hormones everywhere!"
The most explosive dopamine burst between human men and women.
That was the power of Cumming Dream.
"Love. What emotion punches straighter into the goddess than that?"
Chang Yeom was definitely mocking the goddess.
"A being who's never known love from the opposite sex, only knowing rape and forced lust."
* * *
"...And with that, the freshman welcome assembly concludes."
While I was lost in thought, the welcome ended.
"Freshmen, make your way to morning classes starting tomorrow. Returning students, don't forget your afternoon lectures if scheduled."
One of the academy instructors stepped up to deliver the news.
Normally, events like this see people slipping out early, but everyone stayed seated, glancing around awkwardly.
The welcome was over, but lunchtime loomed.
Meals at the academy doubled as social rituals, so students were probably mulling over lunch partners.
Except...
'Most of the eyes are on me.'
Partly 'cause I'm the only special class student, but right now, I'm the sole male freshman here.
'Returning students have already scanned each other over meals and tea, so they wanna check me out.'
Even a plain freshman guy would've drawn interest.
But one oozing massive mana and vitality?
'They've got money to spare, but mana to drain is rare.'
They wanna strip me bare.
Thankfully, students started filing out one by one.
"A quick announcement from the student council."
Julius Keiar, student council president, took the podium and grabbed the mic.
"Clubs, as usual this year, please promote at the central plaza tents authorized by the student council. Like last year, but put extra effort in this time."
It was standard spiel, but no one seemed to care.
"Question."
So I raised my hand boldly.
"When can we join clubs?"
"...Student Phoenix, what's your goal with joining a club?"
Julius lowered his voice, wary.
WWE wrestlers do charity and volunteer off-ring, but in the ring, they're heel specialists. Same vibe.
"To make new connections, obviously. Isn't that what clubs and gatherings are for?"
I stood up.
Glanced briefly at the fidgeting male returnees, then strode up the central aisle.
One by one, others rose.
The guys would lag or slip out once interest waned.
Now, for my target—
"Hey."
Someone blocked my path.
"Special admit junior? Wanna chat?"
Blonde roll-bun hair. Quick scan: mana around C-rank. Familiar face? Nah.
"I'm—"
"Scram."
"......What?"
"Who blocks a guy's path?"
Pulling aggro.
"Only a girl I like gets to stand in my way."
"......Psycho?"
"You, hmm."
I eyed the flustered senior girl up and down, sidestepped, and continued up the aisle.
"Not my type. And..."
Not a heroine either.
"I don't vibe with girls who stare more at a guy's privates than his face."
No interest in dealing with a girl approaching through shattered magic lenses.