Chapter 22

<Episode 23> I think the appeal of an NTR story lies in the heroine’s change before and after.

The place where Soo-hyun and Yu-jin met was at the back of their old school.

Their relationship is a secret from others to minimize interference with the story.

Plus, this spot had no people around, making it perfect for meeting.

Soo-hyun was drinking strawberry milk while listening to Yu-jin explain, barely stopping herself from choking.

“S-so, does that mean Min-soo transferred already?”

“Yeah, that’s how it went.”

Though he said it himself, this was way too fast…

No, even if that’s true, this is ridiculously quick.

“……Where did he go?”

She asked just in case.

Yu-jin blinked for a moment.

As if saying “How would I know that?”

“I don’t care.”

A casual response like it’s no big deal.

At his light-hearted tone, Soo-hyun felt chills run down her spine.

‘Even if he’s relatively nice…he’s still Hwagcheon. To kill someone so easily…’

She knows well the power of Hwagcheon.

Burying someone must’ve been nothing to them.

‘Is Min-soo in the ocean now? Or maybe the mountains? Or perhaps they melted him and disposed of him through the sewer?’

Whichever it is, it’s equally creepy.

She had only warned Min-soo about the danger yesterday.

This means they decided to kill him, executed it, and hid the body all within half a day.

‘Terrifying decisiveness and execution. As expected, early Kim Yu-jin who hasn’t been reformed by Chul-soo is somewhat dangerous.’

Soo-hyun carefully swallowed and cautiously asked:

“What did you do with Min-soo?”

“Just talked.”

“And?”

“He clearly agreed to cooperate, but things turned out this way.”

So…he killed him for not listening?

She knew Yu-jin wasn’t someone to mess with, but didn’t expect such swift handling.

Could this mean the same could happen to me if things go wrong?

She briefly felt fear but tried to ignore that possibility.

‘Hwagcheon doesn’t move unless there’s benefit.’

They have no gain in killing me.

If anything, my future information could be helpful.

As long as I remain cooperative to Yu-jin, they’ll keep me around.

‘Rather, this is good. This proves they fully trust me now.’

Even Hwagcheon wouldn’t kill someone based solely on a random student’s words.

There must’ve been some evidence leading to this action.

Meaning my words were proven true.

With this, Kim Yu-jin has no choice but to acknowledge me.

That alone is a great achievement.

“So, can you trust me now?”

“Huh?”

“You took action because you trusted me, right?”

“Well…yeah.”

Yu-jin slightly nodded.

That small gesture was enough to reassure her.

“Anyway, with this the dangerous first episode is over. Time to prepare for the next one.”

“Is there a second one?”

“Of course, though we still have time. Actually, it’s thanks to your help resolving this.”

While talking, Soo-hyun observed Yu-jin’s reaction.

The story she’s about to tell might upset him.

“I mentioned this before, right? This world is a game, and the main character of that game is Chul-soo.”

“That’s right.”

“We’ll need Chul-soo’s abilities for the next event.”

Specifically, his sword skills are required.

The opponent isn’t affected by regular magic or magical power.

The awakened sword technique Chul-soo obtained is what’s needed to defeat this special enemy.

This is the point where the protagonist truly shines, showcasing his strength important to the academy.

In other words, without that sword technique, we can’t defeat the enemy.

‘Unless there’s overwhelming power that nullifies magical resistance…but there’s no one capable of that.’

If we fail here, the humiliation route opens immediately and Young-hee becomes prey to tentacles.

Her mind will be destroyed, becoming addicted to the tentacles leading to game over.

Tentacle NTR…the creators of this game must be demons!

“But currently, Chul-soo hasn’t grown much yet. In the game, he grows stronger through duels with you.”

“With me?”

“Yes, originally you and Chul-soo continuously duel multiple times. Through that process, both naturally improve your skills. However, that event is missing now.”

Actually, that’s the biggest issue.

Chul-soo’s role in upcoming events is essential.

If he’s weak, the story won’t progress properly.

“So?”

“I’d like you to duel with Chul-soo.”

“Chul-soo would probably hate that.”

“That part…we just have to somehow make it work.”

“Hmm…”

Soo-hyun unconsciously clenched her fists in tension.

Will this prideful Yu-jin accept this plan?

Unlike last time, there’s no direct benefit to Hwagcheon here.

‘But this is absolutely necessary for the story going forward.’

Currently, Chul-soo and Yu-jin have almost zero interaction.

Since there are stories requiring them to connect, they must become friends.

“Alright, I’ll try.”

“…Thank you.”

Soo-hyun internally sighed in relief.

She received a positive response.

Now, things should proceed smoothly.

…

‘Wow, they really planned out the settings in detail.’

These days, those with ‘chuulbyung’ (a term used by Soo-hyun) are seriously into their hobbies.

It’s impressive when delusions reach this level.

From what I understand, myself and Chul-soo have a rival-like relationship in this delusion.

So am I Sasuke or Vegeta then?

‘Hmm, that’s quite an overambitious role for an average guy.’

Anyway, Soo-hyun seems to want me and Chul-soo to get along.

The problem is that Chul-soo doesn’t even show up at school.

That’s undesirable not just for me, but also for Yu-jin.

‘Hmm, maybe I should visit him and properly apologize?’

I can’t help that he dislikes me, but I’d prefer he attends school regularly.

Even as an awkward loner, I always attended school diligently.

Because I thought I’d make friends if I did!

Adults are all liars!

Anyways, while pondering these thoughts and walking across the school…

“Yu-jin-sama!”

Suddenly, a bright voice called out and something soft touched my arm.

Realizing someone had linked arms with me…

It was Young-hee clinging to my right arm tightly, afraid to let go.

“I haven’t seen you much today. Are you feeling okay?”

“Uuuh…”

Recently, Young-hee has been extremely proactive.

Specifically, since that dating incident.

She keeps initiating physical contact and speaks openly about embarrassing topics.

‘Please stop this, Young-hee-san! An awkward loner like me doesn’t know how to respond in situations like this!’

Honestly, I have no idea what caused this personality shift.

It’s too much stimulation for an awkward loner.

When girls cling this closely, I have no idea what to say.

I’m lucky if my brain doesn’t go completely blank from the tension.

“Hmph, I’ve missed you so much, Yu-jin-sama. Did you not think of me at all?”

“Not really…”

“Ehehehe! Just kidding! Even if Yu-jin-sama doesn’t think of me, I absolutely adore you!”

She then rubbed her cheek against mine.

There’s quite a height difference between us.

Naturally, Young-hee looks up at me while I look down at her.

“Where are you going?”

“I need to go home.”

“Hmm~ I see. Would you mind walking with me to the school gate? Actually…walking home with my crush has always been my dream. Ehehe.”

Seeing her smile cheerfully like that, I couldn’t refuse.

Nodding, Young-hee naturally started walking.

I adjusted my pace to match hers.

During this time, she clung to me even tighter.

“Other students are staring…”

Indeed, the combination of Yu-jin and Young-hee draws quite a bit of attention.

No one stares openly though.

They’re scared of Yu-jin.

However, seeing the formerly pure high school girl clinging to Yu-jin’s arm recently…honestly feels kind of criminal.

But Young-hee paid no mind and smiled brightly.

“It’s fine! Yu-jin-sama is much stronger than those people. No matter what anyone says, Yu-jin-sama is the best and my top priority.”

Though it’s a happy statement, it gives a strange feeling.

There’s a slight sense of madness and obsession.

Young-hee smiled faintly and said:

“I realized something. The world ultimately revolves around power, and there’s no one who can beat Yu-jin-sama. It’s only natural for women to belong to strong males, right?”

“…”

“That’s why Yu-jin-sama chose me. From now on, I’ve decided to become Yu-jin-sama’s woman. Ah, I’m not aiming for the main position, so don’t worry. Being occasional snack-like presence is enough for me.”

Hearing those words, Yu-jin inwardly groaned.

‘What happened to our innocent Young-hee?!’

The Young-hee I knew was a good kid.

Quiet but listened properly to what I said, not particularly strong but always trying her best with a smile.

But now…it’s quite different.

Her words alone indicate this.

It’s quite an extreme ideology.

I’m questioning if this is really the same person.

‘Ugh, was that date really that shocking? Though it makes sense for Chul-soo, why would Young-hee change like this?’

Honestly, I have no idea what’s going on.

And I lack the courage to ask why.

To an awkward loner, the current Young-hee is difficult to approach.

Just as she’s experiencing this hellish walk home…

Yu-jin encounters the person he least wanted to see.

“Ah.”

A handsome guy with short black hair.

…

!…

…..

Chul-soo looked at him with vacant eyes.

His dark eyes showed no vitality.

He has prominent dark circles, probably from lack of sleep.

“Uh…”

For a moment, an oppressive silence fell between the three of them.

The first to move was Young-hee.

Suddenly gripping his arm tightly as if making a decision,

she smiled wickedly and said:

“My goodness~isn’t this the loser who got humiliated by Yu-jin-sama?”

The lifeless face of Chul-soo became even more emotionless.

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