Chapter 84

<Episode 85> Running Away is Embarrassing, But it Helps

“Haa! Haa!”

In the training room at Hwagcheon.

The class president was there practicing magic alone.

Her body had long since hit its limit.

Her face, thighs, shoulders, stomach –

She was drenched in sweat to the point of being soaked.

But the class president didn’t stop casting spells.

“Just a little more…!”

A wave of magical power gathered in one spot.

The maximum amount of magic she could muster.

She kept rotating it while maintaining concentration.

This was a classic method for improving control and magical capacity.

But few people could keep this up for so long.

It was clearly an absurd strain on her body.

“Ugh, ugh!”

Had she overworked herself too much?

Eventually, the class president couldn’t handle the dizziness and threw up.

Her body refused any more labor.

Finally, her body collapsed onto the floor.

“I’ve made a mess…”

She didn’t even have the strength to clean it up with magic.

The class president just lay down flat.

She stared blankly at the white ceiling.

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“Am I really doing the right thing?”

Ever since deciding to win Yu-jin’s approval,

the class president hadn’t rested a moment.

She practiced magic every day, studied theory,

and exercised to build stamina.

She even started caring about her looks to impress Yu-jin.

But she still couldn’t reach him.

Yu-jin was way too far ahead of her.

“I used to be called a genius too…”

The class president who fought for top rankings at the academy.

Her theories were among the best in the academy.

Her practical magic skills were also exceptional.

Still, it wasn’t enough.

There were too many outstanding people around Yu-jin.

“I know comparing myself won’t do any good…”

Rime and Young-hee…

They weren’t just pretty; they were incredibly talented women.

That’s probably what it takes to catch Yu-jin’s attention, right?

She didn’t measure up.

That was all.

“…Should I try seducing him with my body or something?”

The class president thought as she pulled at her shirt.

Through the sweat-soaked white t-shirt, her bra showed through.

She wasn’t small compared to other girls her age.

No, she was actually quite large.

If she took off her clothes, only wore her underwear, and openly fondled herself…

Would Yu-jin take notice of her then?

“Yu-jin-ya, don’t you want to spend tonight together passionately?”

As she imagined this scenario, her face turned red,

but then a sudden wave of depression hit her.

“What an idiot.”

The class president buried her face in her knees.

If Yu-jin wanted to make a move, he would have done so already.

His lack of action meant he wasn’t interested in her.

She shouldn’t even be thinking these thoughts.

It only showed how psychologically pressured she was.

“…Maybe I should practice a bit more.”

The class president shakily stood up.

She couldn’t compete with Rime in anything.

Even her once-confident magic skills were being caught up by Young-hee.

Then how was she supposed to prove herself?

Lost in thought, the class president summoned more magic power…

Slowly, the group of four was starting to get used to spending time together.

Their activity range never left Yu-jin’s room.

Because of that, they felt their distance closing rather quickly.

“Let’s go play downtown today.”

Lime said this during breakfast.

She shoved forkfuls of cream pasta into her mouth without even twirling it properly.

The class president, who was absentmindedly munching on salad, nodded.

“That’s to help Young-hee recover her memories, right?”

“Yeah. We’ve already been to the dungeon.”

Lime suggested two ways to help Young-hee regain her memories:

Induce stress and stimulation, or

Create a relaxing environment.

Since they’d already tried the first option, it was time for the second.

“Playing in a familiar environment will help her feel at ease.”

“True. How about we visit the park lightly?”

“What did you usually do with Young-hee?”

“She liked visiting doll shops and looking at clothes. If we had time, we’d go to coin karaoke or cafes.”

“So girly.”

Neither Yu-jin nor Lime had ever hung out like that.

They’d better rely on the class president here.

“Um… I have something to say.”

At that moment, Young-hee cautiously raised her hand.

“Will I only be staying here until I regain my memories?”

When she said this, everyone looked at her.

The peaceful dining table fell silent.

Finally, Lime broke the silence.

“Why this sudden question?”

“I… I understand now. That all of you are wonderful people.”

Young-hee had no memory when she met them.

Yet they treated her kindly despite that.

Everyone was capable and had their own beliefs.

The days she spent with them were truly enjoyable.

“Of course, in this state, I’m only causing trouble for you. But during this time, my heart has been very at peace.”

“Hmm…”

“Every conversation and mealtime with you all has become so precious to me. I wish this time wouldn’t end.”

“So if our relationship ends when I regain my memories…!”

“That’s just running away.”

Suddenly, Yu-jin spoke up.

Uncharacteristically serious and heavy tone.

Startled by his words, everyone unconsciously looked at him.

Unlike usual, Yu-jin remained calm under their gaze and continued speaking.

“It’s scary to distance yourself from others. It takes a lot of courage to get close to someone. But hiding yourself isn’t the answer.”

Being Yu-jin, he understood well

how terrifying it was when human relationships and meetings crumbled.

But there were things that shouldn’t be given up because of that fear.

No matter how much you want friends.

No matter how lonely being alone feels.

Forced relationships built on such desires are bound to collapse eventually.

“Young-hee, is this really what you truly want? Or are you doing this because you’re scared of our relationship breaking?”

“That…”

“If you don’t want to regain your memories, you don’t have to. The people who cherish you will understand that.”

Hard work and sincere relationships don’t disappear easily.

Even if misunderstandings creep in,

even if there are big and small arguments.

If you keep trying and hope, there will come a day when your sincerity reaches the other person.

The world isn’t cruel enough to not allow that.

“Do what you want to do. But it shouldn’t be a forced choice out of fear.”

“…Yes.”

Young-hee nodded.

Yu-jin let out a puff of breath.

“…Well, I’m not sure I’m in any position to say that.”

“That’s true. Felt like a con artist reading moral lessons.”

“Isn’t that evaluation a bit harsh?”

Yu-jin nodded as he spoke.

“Anyway, don’t think too hard. With a trigger, you can regain your memories. There’s plenty of time, so it’s fine to think slowly.”

“Yes, thank you. I feel relieved thanks to you.”

Young-hee said with a bright smile.

The four started eating again in a harmonious atmosphere.

None of them knew.

That today was the last day of this lifestyle…

‘Goddamn useless black heaven bastards.’

Jekyll clenched his head and gritted his teeth.

Originally, research and experiments require a lot of support.

He only joined Black Heaven for that reason.

However, lately, communications have been gradually cutting off.

‘I can guess who it is. Probably that Chul-soo guy. His senior must be supporting him.’

Still, losing to just one academy student is embarrassing.

Stupid people always show their limits eventually.

Well, they were helpful until now, so maybe they’ve done their part.

“Does Master Yujin still not realize?”

Just thinking about it makes his teeth grind.

Jekyll never doubted that Yujin was the true successor of Black Heaven.

But he’s still lacking.

He needs to reveal more of his desires,

and learn about the ugliness of humans.

That’s why he put Young-hee under hypnosis and made her go berserk.

Yet he’s still stuck in that childish game.

“Damn it! Why don’t you know! About the rotten feelings of humans! You evolve when you face and accept them!”

“Kim Yujin, you can become stronger! More evil! You can become a human more suited to Black Heaven!”

“For that purpose! Just one more step forward, if you embrace that greed and madness, you can become a real monster!”

While muttering madly with fervor,

Jekyll shook his head.

If he hasn’t realized yet, he’ll prepare even more.

That’s the role of a true servant.

Besides, with this brain, he can start over anywhere.

“In this important situation, I can’t be bitten by a mad dog. I should retreat for now.”

“Where to?”

-Sky Piercing Sword!

An unexpected voice made Jekyll turn around.

A quick surprise attack too fast to react to.

Automatic defenses prepared in advance activate.

But it’s not enough.

-Pfft!

The sword strike breaks through the semi-transparent shield.

And slices off Jekyll’s arm in one stroke.

If there was no shield, his whole shoulder would have been gone.

Jekyll smiled as he staunched the wound with his remaining arm.

“Wow, you came sooner than expected.”

Clomp, clomp – the opponent approached.

A man in a black cloak holding a black sword.

“Kim Chul-soo. Should’ve killed you earlier.”

“Agreed.”

Chul-soo adjusted his sword grip expressionlessly.

He knew he was being pursued,

but didn’t expect to actually be caught.

He underestimated Chul-soo’s abilities.

He thought he was just some kid who could wield a sword,

but he was truly talent cultivated directly by Master Yujin.

“I heard Young-hee lost her memory. Since we’re here, how about you forget everything and live normally?”

“Could do that. After I kill you.”

There was no need for pointless talk.

Since this fight would only end with one of them dead,

Chul-soo and Jekyll simultaneously pushed off with their feet.

---