The important schedules of the first semester, including the Tower of Growth, mid-term evaluations, and tournaments, are all behind us.
Since we’ve wrapped up the syllabus for both general and major lectures of the first semester, there’s a bit of spare time on our hands now.
As the break approaches, students tend to let loose during this brief downtime.
Friends that one hadn’t met due to the busy schedule are finally reunited, and some indulge in the Commercial District’s offerings that they had been avoiding for the sake of studies.
“Ow… This is way too sweet. The previous one was just right.”
“The last one was sweet enough to make your taste buds cry. How on earth do people buy this stuff?”
Shin Seo-yul squinted as he took a sip of his drink. The sweetness was almost dizzying.
At that moment, Yang Yoon-ha chimed in with a snarky remark.
“Don’t you know about respecting preferences? People need to acknowledge diversity, you know? Especially someone as unique as a superhuman acting like that… tsk tsk.”
“Really? Just because of a single word you’re making a big deal?”
“Hey! Who do you think you are, talking back to someone with such limited perspective?”
“And what about you, who just got schooled by that “someone”? What are you doing?”
“Guh…”
After clashing back and forth, Shin Seo-yul ended up putting down his drink on the table, having consumed barely a few sips.
The cool air was refreshing as it caressed the skin, and the sweet taste lingered on the palate… All the friends gathered around the table, including the sharp-tongued Yang Yoon-ha.
It was a rare gathering of friends after a long time.
Until now, they had been too busy and hadn’t met since the dungeon practice at the beginning of the semester.
They didn’t want to waste time just goofing around, either.
The Shio-ram has an irregular educational system that extends up to the 4th year.
While students with the identity of Shio-ram get blessed with growth for four years, after that, even if they join the faculty, they won’t receive any special blessings.
After graduation, they return to their normal growth rate.
Furthermore, superhumans generally have a long lifespan.
So dedicating the unique and invaluable time of just those four years to idleness is quite a waste in many ways.
It’s considered right to devote those four years entirely to training to maximize efficiency. Both outsiders and those inside the Shio-ram share this sentiment.
In theory, filling those four years with training could yield optimal results.
Who doesn’t know that? But theory and reality are different.
Humans are not machines.
Just polishing something won’t erase rust. Even with lubrication, a squeaky machine won’t run smoothly.
Pumping oil doesn’t guarantee that it will run perfectly or consistently perform the same.
It’s not possible to just change parts as if they were detachable.
And even for superhumans, that aspect remains the same.
Despite being tougher than humans, their foundation is still human.
Thus, humans require more finesse in tuning than machines.
The body needs periodic rest. The mind controlling that body does as well.
Especially mental aspects need more generous breaks.
While the body can be slightly fixed up, the mind can become irretrievably broken once damaged.
Hence, for relaxation, Shin Seo-yul and his friends have gathered for a long-awaited reunion.
To call it a gathering is stretching it; they’re just hanging out in a cafe, chatting about their lives and complaints.
It’s been a long time, and there are plenty of stories to share. They weren’t awkward with each other, so there was plenty to say.
“……”
“……”
But after the previous conversation, silence fell. They were pretending to be nonchalant while sneaking peeks at each other and sealing their lips.
In fact, they hadn’t said much before either.
It was the atmosphere created by two out of the six people.
Hong Yeon-hwa and Baek Ahrin.
Two people who usually bicker and create a ruckus were now silent.
Normally, Baek Ahrin would’ve been teasing Hong Yeon-hwa, spilling out all kinds of topics.
Likewise, Hong Yeon-hwa, who would have been reactively laughing at Baek Ahrin’s antics, while still grumbling playfully.
They both cultivated a starkly static aura. Thanks to that, their friends, who finally had the chance to meet, were shifting their gazes and trying to assess the situation.
Shin Seo-yul began rolling his eyes around, then tapped on a hologram projected beneath the table.
[Group chat: The Hong-Baek War (4)]
▶Shin Seo-yul: What’s up with them?
▶Yi Si-eun: No idea, they’ve been acting weird since we met.
▶Shin Seo-yul: Are they crazy?
▶Yang Yoon-ha: Ask them what’s wrong.
▶Shin Seo-yul: If I ask now, they’ll kill me, right?
▶Yang Yoon-ha: Then go for it.
▶Shin Seo-yul: ?
Hong Yeon-hwa and Baek Ahrin often have spats. Hence, the humorous nickname “Hong-Baek War” comes up regularly among their friends.
Shin Seo-yul can sense that this isn’t a rehearsal for the usual “war,” but for an apocalypse.
While it’s not like they’d whip out swords and rush at each other, there was an ominous feeling lurking beneath the surface…
‘What on earth is going on with them?’
As expected, Hong Yeon-hwa wasn’t ready to jump into battle yet, but the atmosphere was thick with discontent.
Hong Yeon-hwa stared intently at the cup of coffee with ice cubes floating in it.
She knew all too well that Baek Ahrin had a craving for talented individuals.
Baek Ahrin, who had entered the social scene at a young age, has been building connections here and there.
So it’s understandable why Baek Ahrin would show interest in Lee Ha-yul.
Hong Yeon-hwa was aware of Lee Ha-yul’s capabilities outside of her own whims.
Certainly, Baek Ahrin wouldn’t be unaware of his potential either; she had warmly treated him at the beginning of the semester.
Hong Yeon-hwa understood that Baek Ahrin had lofty aspirations and valued connections. She figured that forming a friendship with Lee Ha-yul was a strategic move for future gains.
‘……’
However, Baek Ahrin’s recent behavior seemed a bit over the top. Was she overdoing it with her ambition…?
What on earth was her goal?
Hong Yeon-hwa looked up and zeroed in on Baek Ahrin.
“What’s everyone planning to do during the break?”
At that moment, Baek Ahrin, who had been quietly drinking her beverage while staring at the hologram, finally broke her silence.
“I’ll be training mana at the Main House.”
“Uh… I’ll probably head back home for some rest and hit up some dungeons.”
“I plan to tour the magic deterrent borderlands with the hunting party…”
“Oh, that sounds tough. I’ll offer my prayers for your safe return.”
“Damn girl.”
With both of them alternating their glares, Shin Seo-yul hesitantly continued speaking, and the other friends followed suit.
“What about you, Yeon-hwa?”
Finally, all eyes turned to Hong Yeon-hwa. Aware of the attention, she paused briefly before gulping down her coffee and spoke.
“I’ll be heading straight to the Main House.”
“Right. There’s the clan’s regular meeting. You have to attend that.”
“Yeah. The heir can’t skip it.”
The upcoming regular meeting of the Gop-hwa Clan is a significant gathering where even distant relatives attend. As the heir, it would be unthinkable for Hong Yeon-hwa to miss it.
“……”
And.
Aside from Baek Ahrin and Elia, who were present at the moment, Hong Yeon-hwa hadn’t revealed that she would be bringing Lee Ha-yul to the Main House for a check concerning Gop-hwa.
If that happens, there’s a chance that Lee Ha-yul’s visit coincides with the regular meeting.
It would be highly disrespectful to dismiss a valuable guest just because the schedules overlap; it’s a monumental courtesy violation.
It’s quite possible that, under unavoidable circumstances, Lee Ha-yul might end up attending the meeting himself—at least as a guest…
Even if it wasn’t intended, it could turn out that way amidst the circumstances.
As she listened to the conversation gradually opening thanks to Baek Ahrin’s prompting, Hong Yeon-hwa lifted her cup of coffee once again to savor a few more sips.
She felt a lot better than earlier.
*
Although there’s some downtime, I have no intention of slacking off.
During the mid-term examination period, I’ve already rested enough, and having some free time means I could dive into other things as well.
Even though it’s a short period, it’s enough time to settle what I’ve learned so far.
I also have plans for intensive training in spirit magic with Professor Riana.
Besides that, I plan to sneak around the production major’s vicinity and dabble a bit in crafting techniques.
“Pwooow…”
However, my schedule was abruptly interrupted by a newborn baby.
To put it simply, a newly hatched fairy baby isn’t exactly something one can just leave alone while gallivanting about.
I skipped the morning lectures.
For some reason, it was easier to do so than expected.
I spent the morning taking care of the baby concentratedly in the dormitory.
And while doing that, I couldn’t help but mull over things.
‘…There’s no solution.’
A disheartening conclusion bubbled up instantly.
Overall, I simply lack the time to care for a child.
After all, I’m a student juggling academic responsibilities; it’s not like I have an abundance of nurturing time.
While the second semester might ease my schedule a bit…
I desperately racked my brain. The result of this mental gymnastics ruled me a poor guardian, making it impossible to retort against any criticisms thrown my way.
Monday afternoon.
In the laboratory where I came to take spirit magic lessons from Professor Riana instead of my mentor’s lectures.
“That baby is so cute! If we take away the wings, they look just like a human…”
“Pwooow!”
“Right, right… Aren’t you a good one?”
Elia, holding the baby, beamed at it, the maternal affection evident in her careful support and stroking of its tiny head.
That posture seemed natural. Apparently, she’s familiar with taking care of a younger sibling.
However, the infant cradled in her arms looked rather displeased. With its cheeks puffed up, it whimpered.
Anyone could see it was protesting. It had acted that way from the very start. When Elia reached out, it had sulked like a pufferfish.
Then, it turned its gaze towards me.
“……”
Those eyes, filled with longing, threatened to crush me with guilt.
But I couldn’t help it.
I could pass all lectures during this break. It would be tough on me, but that was manageable.
During the vacation… I had things to do.
I had to visit Hong Yeon-hwa’s clan for the Gop-hwa examination. So far, so good. I could manage to take the baby along by being clever about it.
‘…But not after that.’
The next place I’d visit wouldn’t allow me to take the baby.
It’s too dangerous. I wouldn’t have dared to go there without a life insurance policy.
Yet I couldn’t afford to skip my schedule.
I need to get stronger. I have to lift this curse; I must become stronger to ensure the safety of my loved ones.
If I were to settle for comfort right now to take care of the baby… I would perish under this curse soon and bring calamity upon the world.
…In simpler terms, that was just an excuse.
With that excuse in hand, I asked Elia and her family if they could take care of the baby solely during the break.
The reason I approached Elia’s family had some backing.
Elia’s family had once mentioned they’d help if I ever needed anything since I owed them.
Besides, Elia’s parents had loads of childcare experience, didn’t they?
Even though the baby was a fairy, my discussion with Professor Riana concluded that the parenting methods might be somewhat alike.
“After all, it’s Hae-yul’s request. I can’t refuse the request of my benefactor.”
[Thank you so much]
[You saved my life]
“Since I can’t just watch you raise a baby by yourself, if Hae-yul hadn’t asked for my help, I would’ve definitely come knocking on your door asking if you needed any assistance.”
[But I’m not a little kid…]
In between were strange phrases, but the positive response was thankfully returned.
Elia soothingly held the irritable baby, displaying a seasoned approach to cradle it into her arms with a swift, flowing motion.
“By the way, this is fascinating. A fairy being born from that egg…”
Elia, who had been with us when we acquired the Origin Egg, found the fairy’s birth to be tremendously intriguing.
‘Come to think of it, didn’t Elia tease about frying that egg?’
…Now imagining a baby born from the egg she joked about, snugly resting in Elia’s embrace, left a bitter taste in my mouth.
For some reason, I felt like I knew why the baby was sulking…
“What’s its name? Have you decided yet?”
Just then, through her exasperated gaze at the fussy baby, Elia asked me.
After pondering for a moment, I nodded.
Since I couldn’t simply refer to it as “baby” all the time, I went through the trouble of coming up with a name during the sleepless nights.
[Lee Seo-yul]
[It’s Lee Seo-yul]
Lee Seo-yul.
Unsurprisingly, I named the baby.
*
[Player Compensation System: Affection Level]
Lee Ha-yul → Elia Slade
●●●●●●●○○○(73▷75/100)
‘Affection’ ‘Gratitude’ ‘Chick’ ‘Guilt’
…
Lee Ha-yul → Lee Seo-yul
●●●●●●●●○○(89/100)
‘?’ ‘Guilt’ ‘Sense of Responsibility’ ‘Self-reproach’ ‘Embarrassment’ ‘Anxiety’ ‘Worry’ ‘Anguish’ ‘Bitterness’
…
[The conditions to satisfy the breaking of the “Curse of Silence” have not been met.]
[The conditions to satisfy the breaking of the “Curse of Loneliness” have not been met.]
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