Chapter 26

<Chapter 27> When you see the protagonist, brighten the future and view it from afar, away from common sense.

By now, meeting Soo-hyun with her “Chung-kyun” disease has become half of my daily routine.

Soo-hyun usually refused any conversation with me earnestly.

Thus, the only place we could have a chat was behind the school during lunchtime.

‘Every lunchtime I meet this girl alone, but we can’t even talk normally at other times. Is this being a loner or a socialite? I’m confused.’

Of course, in a school where only three students actually talk to each other, Yu-jin wasn’t in a position to be picky.

Even though our conversations are limited to “Chung-kyun” disease talk.

I’m just going along with Soo-hyun’s delusions, nothing more!

Anyway, Yu-jin was somewhat satisfied with this life.

As he approached the meeting spot, Soo-hyun was already waiting.

“Hello.”

Next to her were about five packs of strawberry milk stacked up.

Now that I think about it, she’s been drinking that every day, huh?

Does she like strawberry milk?

‘Could her pink hair be because of that?!’

When I get the chance, I should buy her some soy milk too.

Who knows, maybe it’ll turn her hair back to normal after all this nonsense.

While thinking such useless thoughts, Yu-jin slightly raised his hand.

It’s an easy greeting even a stuttering loner can do.

“I heard about this. You’re going to duel with Chul-soo, right?”

“How did you know?”

“Well, you’re kind of famous around here. Rumors reach me one way or another.”

What the—!

So they’ve been talking about me behind my back?

‘And they don’t even talk to me directly!’

If that’s the case, I’d appreciate it if they’d approach me next time.

Yu-jin is a kind villain who cherishes friends, after all.

“First of all, thank you for accepting my request.”

“Huh…?”

Of course, Yu-jin asked Chul-soo for a duel for Soo-hyun’s sake.

In her delusions, Chul-soo and Yu-jin are rivals.

So, he just went along with that setting, right?

But it’s not just for Soo-hyun.

‘This might be a chance to get close to Chul-soo again!’

Two guys who didn’t get along before playing sports together, sweating it out, and recognizing each other.

Isn’t that the golden rule of shonen sports manga?

Like Kang Baek-ho and Seo Tae-woong!

Yu-jin was dreaming such empty dreams.

Soo-hyun smiled faintly at the satisfying result.

“If Chul-soo gets stronger because of this, the story will progress without issues.”

In her delusion, Chul-soo is the hero of this world.

He has the duty to grow stronger and save the school from various dangers.

Yu-jin’s role is to awaken him.

Hmm? Now that I think about it, he really does sound like a cool protagonist rival character.

It’s a shame this is all part of Soo-hyun’s delusions.

“When do you plan to start the duel? Today?”

“Not today. I have other errands.”

“Is it related to Hwagcheon?”

Yu-jin shook his head.

Then he explained what had happened earlier.

The homeroom teacher recommending him as a hero disciple, agreeing to it, and becoming his disciple for a week.

After hearing this, Soo-hyun tilted her head.

“This is strange. In the future I know, something like this didn’t happen.”

That makes sense.

I didn’t expect the homeroom teacher to make such a proposal either.

“Tae-jin Kim is supposed to be one of Korea’s strongest heroes. Originally, he was even meant to be Chul-soo’s master.”

Soo-hyun looked like she was seriously pondering something.

She probably felt her carefully planned setup had gone awry.

Unfortunately, this was beyond her control, so hopefully she understands.

“Hmm, I don’t know. What butterfly effect caused this?”

“It can’t be refused now.”

“Yes, I also think this way is better.”

Surprisingly, Soo-hyun nodded.

Even though her own setup was breaking apart, she didn’t seem to care.

Soo-hyun truly is an enlightened person with “Chung-kyun” disease.

‘If it were me, I’d probably panic and get overwhelmed.’

Clearly, there’s a difference between me, just a lonely loser, and her.

Impressive, I respect her. She handles things easily that I couldn’t.

“As I said, the future is already somewhat distorted. There are two problems arising from this process.”

Soo-hyun held up two fingers.

“One is that the original character relationships have changed, and the second is that the protagonists’ growth is delayed.”

Her expression was extremely serious as she spoke.

To take a simple setup game so seriously…

Yu-jin became stimulated and started listening attentively.

“The first one… Honestly, there’s nothing we can do about it. You can’t force people’s feelings, but I don’t understand why Young-hee likes you.”

I |………

!…..

!…..

…

Huh? Is there such a setup?

Sure, Young-hee does cling to me a bit,

but that’s just part of the push-pull with Chul-soo.

I’m merely a totem to provoke jealousy.

‘Maybe it looks that way to someone who doesn’t know.’

Should I clear up this misunderstanding?

After pondering, Yu-jin decided to stay silent.

It’s ultimately someone else’s love life.

You can’t just talk about it with others.

‘It’ll get awkward later if their relationship falls apart!’

A seasoned loner doesn’t meddle in others’ relationships.

Avoiding unnecessary trouble is part of the survival strategy.

“Fortunately, the second problem is relatively easy to solve. If both Chul-soo and you get stronger, it’ll work out.”

“Hmm.”

“To be honest, I thought Chul-soo needed to get stronger. But… now that I think about it, you know this world’s situation. It might be more efficient if you grow stronger.”

Soo-hyun nodded as if convinced.

“I was too fixated on the original story. In this aspect, you, as a real-world character, have a more flexible mindset. Impressive.”

“…….. That’s right!”

Whatever it is, she’s complimenting me right now.

Then I’ll just shut up and take it.

You can’t be clueless and accept compliments without knowing why.

Being a loner is unavoidable, but I don’t want to be called stupid.

“In that sense, I also agree with your meeting Kim Tae-jin. Kim Tae-jin is truly one of the strongest heroes. With your current abilities, you’ll experience incredible growth.”

“……Really?”

Wow, now I understand why the homeroom teacher was hyping you up so much.

He’s apparently renowned enough that even students know how amazing he is.

I’m starting to dread meeting him.

‘He must be terrifying…’

Probably some gruff old man.

Maybe the type who says stuff like “I won’t give you food unless you cross this mountain!” like in martial arts novels.

Damn, I’ll have to genuinely try hard over the next week just to waste time.

“Anyway, since you’re putting in so much effort, I can’t just sit by and do nothing.”

Suddenly, Soo-hyun dramatically opened her chest.

But it wasn’t very impressive due to her somewhat underwhelming bust.

Compared to Young-hee, it’s honestly heartbreaking.

Could that be why she drinks strawberry milk…?

“Today, I’ve prepared some valuable information for you.”

“Hmm.”

“You know Biseo Park, the secretary serving you?”

Soo-hyun said with a serious tone.

“He’s actually a traitor.”

Huh?

What is this? Suddenly, the story feels like a web novel author throwing random twists.

“Of course, I understand your shock. You probably never imagined this.”

Never imagined it, indeed.

First off, there’s no relationship between me and Secretary Park that involves betrayal or anything.

If we must nitpick… hmm, maybe it’s a business relationship?

Or the relationship between equipment and supplies?

“Secretary Park doesn’t recognize you as the successor of Hwagcheon.”

Upon hearing this, Yu-jin recalled Secretary Park’s usual demeanor.

-Indeed, it’s you, Mr. Yu-jin!

-The true successor of Hwagcheon!

-Only Mr. Yu-jin can inherit Hwagcheon!

‘…If that’s acting, Secretary Park deserves a Best Actor Award.’

True, Soo-hyun doesn’t know Secretary Park, so any character in her setup would make sense.

Besides, it seems like an interesting plot twist.

“Secretary Park plans to betray you today and support someone else as the successor.”

“Hmm.”

The story is getting more interesting.

This isn’t the academy fantasy novel I thought it was.

It’s actually a noir, isn’t it?

“Secretary Park himself is strong, but he’s collaborating with someone who doubts your qualifications and wants to assassinate you.”

“…….So, am I going to die?”

“In the original storyline, Chul-soo would save you in such a situation. Unfortunately, the chances of Chul-soo doing that now are slim.”

Ah, so that’s how Chul-soo and I connect.

Soo-hyun is truly remarkable.

It’s hard enough for writers to weave stories this meticulously.

“According to the future I know, there should be someone else riding alongside Secretary Park today. He’ll introduce himself as a junior, but when you let your guard down, he’ll stab you with a knife coated in poison. Avoid it at all costs.”

“Secretary Park’s combat power is not to be underestimated. If possible, don’t fight and run away instead.”

After saying all this, Soo-hyun sighed deeply.

“I’m telling you purely out of concern for you. I hope you stay alive.”

“……Got it. I’ll try my best.”

Yu-jin nodded appropriately while listening to her delusions.

As I pay attention to the details, I’m starting to feel a little worried.

Could it really happen…? No, surely not.

‘Nah, impossible.’

I tried to convince myself, but I couldn’t shake off the unease.

What if everything Soo-hyun says is true?

If this isn’t just Soo-hyun’s delusion and she’s really some sort of medium, what then?

Yu-jin began to feel uneasy and worried.

****

At the same time.

Secretary Park’s hand pierced through the man’s chest.

“Kehk!”

The man stared at Secretary Park in disbelief.

He thought they were comrades. Why?!

“Aa, definitely in the past, I agreed with you.”

Certainly, his past self would have sided with the man, thinking Jin didn’t fit as Hwagcheon’s successor.

But now, it’s different.

“I acknowledge him as my true lord.”

The overwhelming power he displays.

The leadership that manipulates others from behind.

And the ruthless path without hesitation.

“Mr. Jin is undoubtedly the most suitable to succeed Hwagcheon. Those who block his path are my enemies.”

“Kehk!”

“Even if he was once a comrade, I cannot let someone who dares to stab my lord in the back go unpunished.”

The bleeding man fell to the ground.

He wore a look of resignation.

“Keuk… Who would’ve thought you’d be swayed by someone like Jin… Our mistake was misjudging the nature of a person named Jin…”

The man lost his strength and collapsed.

Secretary Park wiped the blood off casually.

Soon, he must go welcome Master Jin.

He cannot greet him in such a dirty state.

‘I need to hurry.’

After quickly tidying up, Secretary Park returned to escort Master Jin as usual.

“Have you arrived, young master?”

Jin, sitting in the car, slightly raised his head and looked toward the passenger seat.

“Is anyone else riding with us?”

“No, of course not. Escorting Master Jin is solely my responsibility.”

“Hmm, that’s right?”

Yu-jin internally sighed in relief.

‘Eh~ Of course. It’s just a delusion anyway.’

To begin with, there’s no way Secretary Park would betray me.

I got scared because Soo-hyun’s delusions were too detailed.

It was unnecessary worry.

‘To start with, the idea of her being a medium or this world being an 18+ adult game is ridiculous!’

The car smoothly departed.

Losing the only chance to uncover the truth.

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