I had so many questions I wanted to ask.
From the moment I opened my eyes… or rather, since I came to this world, my suspicions grew with each passing moment.
Yet, I didn’t want to meet with the vice president or the president to ask them about it.
Honestly, I was scared. I didn’t understand my situation, and theirs was a complete mystery.
What if I went to see them and ended up getting chewed out? I figured it would be better just to eat whatever’s thrown my way… that kind of thought.
But now, my mindset has changed.
Inside the Tower of Growth, I encountered something similar to ‘me.’
A character that could only exist in a game brutally chopped me down, taught me with a bitter expression, and apologetically offered me an apology.
I had a dream.
There was someone, lamenting their excess and enduring pain because of the power they wielded, wanting to fend off the tragedies and misfortunes within reach.
I came to ask about him.
‘…A key?’
I couldn’t immediately form my question.
The vice president’s words froze my mind for a moment.
I stared blankly at two keys presented to me.
One glimmered in golden brilliance, the other shone with a refined silver light. Both exuded an unusual aura. It wasn’t just the materials or decorations; even a commoner could sense their distinct energy.
Shio-ram possesses a variety of treasures.
Outstanding artifacts with exceptional performance.
Quality elixirs promising groundbreaking growth.
Rare materials so scarce that they scarcely appear, whether in light or darkness.
Whatever it may be, it’s treasure in the truest sense, difficult to obtain even with money, and most often left empty-handed even by factions that invest time and effort to find them.
Yet, Shio-ram actively provides such treasures to its students.
They can be exchanged with accumulated academic credits or offered as prizes during various events. There are numerous systems in place to hand them out to the students.
I, too, benefited from that system. Didn’t I manage to snag credits all at once during the first semester entrance exam and acquire a feather from the sky?
Of course, aside from peculiar cases like mine, it would generally take some time to gather credits, but in any case, there are many means to receive treasures.
Such treasures are stored in a place protected by stringent security known as the ‘Vigo.’
As the name implies, its location is kept secret… but I know where it is.
I entered there once before, and as I blankly observed my surroundings, I managed to pinpoint its location without even trying.
Of course, the safeguard is solid. Without utilizing my powers, I found there were defenses that were impossible to see or breach.
It truly is a place where the term ‘madness’ fits perfectly with layers of magical formations—just observing it was enough to make my head spin.
The golden key is said to grant access to this Vigo.
The very act of having given me the key meant granting me access.
I know the location. I have the key.
That means I can visit the Vigo anytime to gather what I desire.
I expected some offering, but this is exceedingly extravagant.
And the silver key is…
‘The Tower of Knowledge.’
A secluded tower sitting on a floating island. It’s hidden so well that most people in this world aren’t even aware of its existence.
Thus, the world widely knows the term ‘Four Towers’ excluding the Tower of Knowledge.
Even high-level superhumans with significant skills might know of its existence but have no idea what goes on there.
And yet, here was a key to such a tower.
In that moment, my expression turned blank without me realizing it.
‘I half-expected Vigo, but…’
I wasn’t anticipating a good response. Given that they hadn’t revealed much until now, it seemed there was some reason for it, and it didn’t appear they intended to share their secrets.
So I thought this could just be a way to hand something to me and send me away… but I never imagined they would give me a whole key, and on top of that, the key to the Tower of Knowledge.
‘Wait, did you always have that key?’
I had never known such a key existed.
In the original story, you could access both Vigo and the Tower of Knowledge through the spatial magic of the vice president.
If one didn’t go through the vice president, players had to carve their own path. That’s why I stormed in during the 11th turn, partially destroying Shio-ram and collapsing the floating island.
In fact, I couldn’t completely bring down the Tower of Growth, and I certainly didn’t find the tower master in the now-shattered Tower of Knowledge.
But I never expected there was a key for access…
“I cannot resolve the doubts you hold, student Lee Ha-yul.”
As I was dumbfounded by the unexpected appearance of the key, the vice president, as expressionless as ever, spoke up.
I shook off my confusion and hardened my expression.
[A satisfactory answer, huh?]
[Are you saying you know what I’m going to ask?]
“The president has not explained the circumstances, and I believe you must have many questions.”
[That’s precisely why I’m here, to seek answers.]
“As I mentioned a moment ago, it’s difficult to provide a satisfactory answer.”
[Why is that? Why can’t I hear the answers? Why does the president, the tower master, not…]
“It’s a situation similar to yours, student Lee Ha-yul.”
[A similar situation?]
Just as I was about to ask what that meant, a certain memory suddenly resurfaced.
It wasn’t a clear memory.
Once, when everyone gathered in my dormitory, they all suddenly turned their gaze towards my open eyes and my throat. Not wanting to expand the secrets any further, I tried to explain the truth…
Then my recollection was cut off.
For an unknown reason, I nearly died. Blood gushed from my head, and my body almost shattered.
“Your thoughts are likely correct.”
While I was frozen, the vice president tilted her tea cup from which steam was gently rising. With a strangely relaxed demeanor, she continued speaking.
“Similar measures have also been taken regarding me and the president. Thus, there are difficulties in carelessly revealing our circumstances.”
[What do you mean…?]
My mind became a whirlwind.
A headache struck, akin to a drill tapping against my skull. I squeezed my temples, frowning.
[I don’t understand.]
[You brought me here, did you not?]
[So why would such measures be in place on your end…?]
“I can’t provide answers to you.”
[No, initially, the constraints on me…?]
“But.”
The vice president cut me off mid-sentence. She placed one of the keys on the table in front of me.
The silver key… the key to the Tower of Knowledge.
“This one should be relatively easier to manage. I dare say it might help you resolve some of your doubts.”
[…The Tower of Knowledge.]
Round and round, it comes back to the Tower of Knowledge.
If they simply allow me to enter, I could search for the tower master; if not, I can study magic there, or at least gather part of the secrets.
“And this is the key to Vigo, as instructed by the president.”
This time, the vice president gently pushed the golden key towards me.
“It grants not only access but also the usage rights of items within Vigo. Please use this Vigo as you see fit.”
Before I knew it, the keys to Shio-ram’s Vigo and the Tower of Knowledge were placed in front of me.
A complex feeling settled on my face.
The key to the treasure trove stacked with valuables in Shio-ram.
The key to the Tower of Knowledge, where I could improve my magical skills and search for the tower master, while also receiving answers for my doubts.
It exceeded all my expectations.
Although I didn’t receive an immediate answer, I at least got the keys to the places where answers could be found.
As I chewed over the mixed feelings, I nodded my head.
[…]Thank you.
“I feel embarrassed to be thanked. I merely carried out tasks requested of me, and I apologize for not providing a satisfactory answer.”
The vice president, genuinely, did not seem to be in a position to accept my gratitude; she only nodded in return.
Seeing that, I swallowed my complicated emotions that felt ready to burst forth.
The vice president was truly hard to read. Even with my powers of observation, I couldn’t glean any meaningful information from her.
Knowing her body size would be of no use whatsoever. I’ve only met her a few times…
[Well, then, I’ll take my leave.]
Having finished my errand, I stood up.
I didn’t forget to gather the keys. Instead of placing them straight into my pocket, I first held them to my chest.
“Oh, and this…”
[Yes?]
Just as I was about to turn away, the vice president obstructed me, pulling out something from her pocket and presenting it.
‘What could this possibly be?’
I examined what the vice president was holding out.
It was yet another key. However, unlike the previous two, it didn’t have the same mystical aura. It just looked sleek and possessed intricate formations engraved on it, but nothing else particularly special stood out.
[What is this…?]
“It’s the key to a mansion located right next to the First-Year Dormitory where you reside.”
[…A mansion?]
[Why are you giving this to me…?]
I tilted my head, asking what this was about, and the vice president nonchalantly replied.
“Lately, it seems you’ve been short on rooms, haven’t you? While the basic dormitory is spacious overall, it tends to be lacking in the number of rooms for many to share.”
[Really? That’s true, but… wait a moment.]
My body froze in an instant.
[How do you know that?]
How does she know about my dorm situation?
I quickly stepped back, leaning against the wall, displaying my wariness. I was ready to escape at any moment.
At my reaction, a hint of incredulity flickered across the usually expressionless vice president’s face.
However, that emotion quickly melted away, disappearing back into her usual neutrality.
“…I recommend occasionally looking through the community. While it generally consists of uninteresting chatter, you might come across rumors or useful information.”
‘Ah.’
The tension in my body stumbled slightly.
The reason the vice president mentioned the community… Hmm… I see… so the word is out…
[…]Thank you.
“…Yes.”
I stood there, mouth agape for a moment, before gently taking the key.
.
.
.
So, that ended my business here.
I didn’t get immediate answers, but I gained quite a bit. Plus, knowing that I could obtain the answers later, I exceeded my original goal.
I came out of the Central Administration Office where the vice president’s office was located and checked the time.
‘It’s about time for lunch.’
Lunchtime was approaching. Observing the surroundings with my powers, I noticed the administrative staff wrapping up their morning tasks.
Restaurants in the Commercial District were also gearing up to welcome lunchtime guests.
And today was the day of my lecture with my master.
‘I can head straight to my master.’
I quickened my pace with a smile.
Soon, I arrived at the old-fashioned Training Ground.
The sun hung high in the sky, scorching the earth with its heat.
My master was leaning against a tree outside the Training Ground, trying to avoid the sunlight.
[Master!]
As I approached waving my hands, my master, who had been staring blankly at the sky, suddenly snapped back to reality, then responded to my greeting with an awkward demeanor.
Seeing that, I swallowed my anxiety deep within.
Ever since the last duel, my master’s demeanor had grown strangely odd. To be precise… she seemed to be awkward around me.
The timing started just after I managed to score a surprise victory against her during our last spar.
I didn’t know the reason. Even when I asked, she just dodged the question.
But I was sure of one thing; it was probably my fault, not hers.
Clearly, I made a mistake… or perhaps I committed some indiscretion.
‘Whatever it is, I need to apologize first.’
I had been waiting for the right moment to apologize since our last encounter, but after getting caught up in the trial of Gop-hwa, I missed my chance. Therefore, I absolutely needed to apologize this time.
‘Since I prepared a gift, she might soften up a bit…’
I recalled the picnic basket I had tucked away in my pocket.
From my last meal with her, I learned that my master had a fondness for sandwich-type foods.
So this morning, I hurriedly prepared several types of sandwiches and stored them neatly in my pocket.
It was a kind of offensive gift.
If I presented it while apologizing, perhaps it might ease the tension a little… or so I hoped.
Still, since she wouldn’t outright explode in anger or ignore me, it meant she must not be too upset.
Thinking so, I approached my master cautiously, keeping an eye out for her reactions.
And then,
“I’m starting to question whether this time is actually needed for you…”
‘…Huh?’
I heard words I shouldn’t have.
Are you questioning whether I need you…?
What does that mean, there’s no need…
– Fwump!
Suddenly, a wave of overwhelming despair washed over me, engulfing my consciousness in darkness.
*
“I’m starting to question whether this time is actually needed for you…”
The reason Artura spoke those words was purely a matter of efficiency.
In their last spar, Artura got completely overwhelmed by Ha-yul.
In an instant, Ha-yul had seized her wrist and tossed her to the ground.
The shock from that moment was monumental.
There were many excuses she could come up with.
Whenever fighting Ha-yul, she always limits her physical abilities.
She restricts her techniques and blocks her unique powers wholly.
Even in the midst of being subdued, Artura thought of many countermeasures.
She could boost her physical abilities, release her magical energy freely, unleash the white night and explode, or counterattack using her expanded abilities.
However, she refrained from doing so, fearing that Ha-yul might get hurt due to clumsy control of her strength.
However, no matter how many excuses she comes up with, Artura still lost.
This was possible only because of Ha-yul’s skill being raised to that level.
‘…It won’t be long before I’ll be caught up.’
The student surpassing the teacher. Such occurrences are common around her.
Artura never harbored the foolish thought that she would remain stronger forever.
But even so… she never anticipated that she’d be this much behind at the start of the second semester of the first year.
‘I hardly have anything left to teach.’
Surely there will be something if she looks carefully. Repeated sparring will surely yield something worthwhile.
But what if that time could be spent learning something else?
Magic, elemental arts, necromancy… Ha-yul possesses many talents.
It felt more efficient to invest time mastering other skills rather than having him learn combat techniques that are already high-level.
Of course, she didn’t plan to end lessons altogether.
Instead, she merely wanted to find a different way to approach instruction.
Thinking this way, she opened her mouth to seek Ha-yul’s opinion, but was intercepted by him suddenly rushing toward her.
Artura opened her eyes wide. Instinctively, she opened her arms for an embrace and…
– Thump!
“Ugh?”
The impact was quite significant. She staggered for a moment before collapsing onto the ground with a thud.
In the face of this unexpected situation, Artura blinked in confusion.
She never foresaw being barreled over by Ha-yul, causing her to tumble.
“Ugh…”
The ticklish sensation creeping through her bewilderment made Artura shudder.
The aroma of breath flooded inside her, while the air escaping was filled with a fragrance.
From below, a sweet smell faintly wafted up.
Tilting her head down, she found Ha-yul’s face buried deep into her ample bosom.
“Student? Why are you suddenly doing this?”
Artura asked, bewildered but gently patted his shoulder.
Ha-yul did not reply.
– Squeak…!
Instead, he only tightened his grip around her waist.
The bodies melded seamlessly together, a sticky sensation without a gap in between.
Artura’s cheeks flushed at the feeling of their bellies pushing against each other.
“Student…?”
What was this sudden behavior?
Is something wrong…? Does he have some issue he’s facing? The sudden concern began to swell within her.
“Is something wrong, student? Are you hurt? Just a moment, let me see your face…”
– Creak…!
[My apologies.]
Just as Artura attempted to peek at Ha-yul’s face, an unpleasant sound rang out.
It was grating, like metal scraping against metal, drowning out the surrounding noise.
Artura came to an abrupt halt.
‘Just now…?’
– Creeeak…!
[I was wrong! It’s all my fault! I’m so sorry!]
A strange sense of unease settled over her. At that moment, Artura sensed something was off. Her body trembled.
It wasn’t Artura’s shaking; it was Ha-yul quivering in her embrace.
His shoulders trembled, the sound of suppressing something filled with terror… it felt like he was about to cry. At that moment, Artura’s expression hardened.
“What are you saying? What did you do wrong—”
– Creak…!
[I don’t want to be abandoned! I messed up everything! Just don’t throw me away!]
The grip around her waist grew tighter. Ha-yul’s hands seemed to hang on desperately, trembling in fright, pulling her waist as if drawing upon every ounce of strength he possessed.
– Creak…!
The necklace that delivered confessions wailed in despair.
[I am at fault for everything! I will fix it all!]
[Please, don’t throw me away!]
[I don’t want to leave, Master.]
[I can’t lose you!]
[Everything is my fault!]
[Please, let me correct it!]
[Everything I’ll do, just don’t cast me away…!]
With the harsh noise, a frantic and emotional plea filled the air.
Artura’s expression turned to stone.
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