It was none other than Evelyn Sheriden.
For a moment, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, but as she drew nearer, my smile faded. Was this the Evelyn Sheriden I knew?
Her presence was incredibly intimidating.
Everyone watched her regal stride, swallowing their dry saliva. With a black coat draped over her shoulders, she made a grand entrance like a superstar, accompanied by large men who were presumed to be officials from the Hunter Association, Stardust Corporation, and managers.
"I've never seen her in person before. A Master Hunter."
Yuuna couldn't even close her mouth.
"She's stunning."
Admiration erupted from all around.
"Why is the 'Empress' participating in the second-year exchange match?"
"Isn't she supposed to be in a ranking ceremony today?"
"This is a big deal... I just wanted to rest at home."
Standing tall in the center of the training ground, Evelyn surveyed her surroundings for a moment before her eyes met mine. From that point on, the system messages kept coming.
Evelyn Sheriden already has a very deep fondness for you.
Evelyn Sheriden already harbors a deep affection for you.
[First Encounter with Evelyn Sheriden (Cancelled)]
[A Devilish Woman (Cancelled)]
…?
A series of ominous preceding quests are being canceled one after another.
Is it due to the affection built up early on because of my character?
Evelyn Sheriden waved her hand gently in my direction. I hadn't been mistaken after all.
She's looking at me.
"Whoosh!"
"It's Professor Evelyn Sheriden!"
"Master Sheriden! Please give me your autograph!"
The men in my direction simultaneously raised their hands and cheered.
Then Evelyn offered a wry smile.
"She waved her hand at me, right? What should I do?"
Yuuna is also deeply moved.
This isn't the kind of atmosphere to welcome an ordinary professor.
Is this the same Evelyn Sheriden who was snuggling in my arms?
"Is she really that incredible?"
Yuuna asked, her excitement bubbling over.
"Evelyn Sheriden is a legendary figure! Among the seven Master Hunters in the world, she's the only one of Korean nationality."
"Only seven individuals worldwide?"
The scale was so immense that it was difficult to comprehend.
Was she the only Korean hunter among the seven?
"If an SS-rank Hunter is at that level, how much more powerful would an SSS-rank Hunter be?"
Upon hearing my question, Yuuna tilted her head.
"What are you talking about? There's no such thing as an SSS-rank hunter."
"…Huh?"
"Seridwen Evelyn is the strongest hunter in Korea... There isn't even an SS-rank hunter who can hold a candle to her! Her market value is 23.4 billion.
What? 23.4 billion?
Not in currency, but in coins?
I recalled what Seridwen had mentioned when we met before.
"Joining in now would be far too unfair to the others."
…Indeed.
Her words rang truer than I had initially realized.
Seridwen had achieved so much that she was incomparable to other heroines.
She was not only my sister but also someone who could effortlessly provide for me for the rest of my life.
How many men would yearn to live as her loyal servant, or even as her pet?
If one were to become her pet,?
Wouldn't she be at a level where she could easily afford a luxurious mansion, complete with a sprawling garden in Seoul, as a mere doghouse?
'Wait, wait a moment.'
Did I climax with someone like that right after the game started?
Defeated by an excretion of personality... Turned into jelly and forcibly subjected to a perverted fetish...
Wow…
If Seridwen had tried to retaliate, by now, I would...
That's not the issue.
The most recent encounter flashes through my mind.
What was that intimate contact with a D-class academy student in the alley?
I knew it was a dangerous bridge.
But I didn't realize that it meant crossing a chasm on a fragile glass bridge.
The fact that the scandalous photo of Seridwen and me almost made the news headlines makes me feel dizzy.
"Sang-hyuk? What's wrong? Your face has become pale."
"I'm remembering past memories."
"I will violate you, Teacher."
"With such a base, power... Have I been... wrapped in your clutches?"
"What if you were?"
"Yes, oh, oh, oh, oh, ♡"
This isn't a delusion.
These were all real conversations. I felt a cold sweat trickling down my spine.
Since the goddess had removed the difficulty of the attack, the order of the attack had been meaningless from the start.
"Today, Evelyn Sheriden is in charge of the exchange match. Please take good care of me."
Cheers erupted from the academy students.
I swallowed my dry saliva and clapped.
"First, since some people are new to exchanging matches, I should explain."
Gravitational waves appeared at the center of the training ground.
Evelyn approached and lightly touched the gravitational waves.
As the shape of the gravitational waves distorted, they assumed a slightly more complex pattern.
'She's directly interfering with the gravitational waves.'
Is such a feat possible?
Judging by everyone's astonishment, it didn't seem like something just anyone could do.
"I should begin by explaining the concept. What you refer to as a dungeon, I perceive as a form of 'discipline.'"
I had never attended a lecture like this before. I could hardly breathe.
I could tell everyone was incredibly focused.
Each word, every statement...
These were the words of an influential person with the potential to be worth billions.
With that in mind, it was immensely nerve-wracking.
What kind of expression should I wear when I see her next?
Seridwen, who had once implored me to caress her, now seemed like a character from a completely different world.
Amidst this growing distance, the Master Hunter's lecture continued.
"In this space, we are subjected to 'rules different from those of the real world.' Understanding this is crucial to becoming a hunter capable of reaching higher levels."
One realizes this quickly when using a gun.
Yuuna had mentioned it when I faced an absurdly powerful foe. The more complex the mechanical device, the less likely it is to function.
Is it because the air within the dungeon is harmful to machinery? Or is it because magic and mechanical devices are incompatible?
That alone cannot explain why bullets are easily deflected by magical creatures that even swords cannot fend off.
Ah, there are rules like this here.
Seridwen clarified the dissonance that I had instinctively grasped yet couldn't articulate.
It isn't that most dungeons are environments where mechanical devices frequently malfunction,
rather, they are subjected to a "principle that makes it difficult to conveniently utilize mechanical devices."
Seridwen was imparting to us the notion that dungeons are the embodiment of discipline.
"First- and second-year students, you must have experienced certain weapon groups being nerfed. Such restrictions become much more severe in high-ranking dungeons. That's why the academy recommends basic cold weapons like swords, bows, and spears."
It seems there are fewer rules against such weapons.
They hold a steadfast presence, like a bowl of black rice soup. I couldn't even see the struggle they faced.
If they were to be compared to guns, there should be occasions when knives are easily dislodged or broken, but that never happened.
This is evidence that swords are utilized as high-value weapons within dungeons.
"Through this exchange battle, I want to help you all develop the strength to survive in the realm of an external god that imposes all kinds of discipline."
Seridwen grinned.
"To be able to effortlessly navigate even slightly challenging situations."
Yuuna flinched.
"Sang-hyuk, we might not be able to go on a date today."
"Why?"
"Now that I think about it, I've heard that Evelyn Sheriden's classes are notoriously difficult, even among the third-year students... We might have to spend several days inside the dungeon."
… A shiver ran down my spine.
"From now on..."
Evelyn touched the gravitational wave.
An unimaginably violent air current erupted around her.
"Ah!"
"Ugh, ack!"
"You will all create a composite gravitational wave that each of you can dive into."
… Are we really going to make it?
"This is a true abnormal gravitational wave. To all the students at Ethol Academy."
Kwajijijijik…!!
I thought the very fabric of space had cracked.
In the indoor training ground, where up to 30 gravitational waves usually form, a single colossal wave appeared, dominating the surrounding space.
Just watching the rippling air currents was enough to leave me breathless.
[「Perception·Red」Activation]
[A-Class Dungeon]
[Number Zero: Artificial Data] [Rarity D] [Reward S] [Anomaly D]
[Interferer: Evelyn Sheriden]
[Maximum Participant Limit: None]
This is my first time encountering an A-class.
Moreover, there was no restriction on the number of participants.
Considering the low rarity and the minimal anomalies, it was evident that Seridwen had firm control over the dungeon's irregularities.
What could possibly emerge from within? What dangers might we encounter?
"More eyes are upon you than usual. It's an excellent opportunity to prove your worth. However, if you're truly terrified and unable to proceed, you may withdraw.
Those who wish to leave should exit to the left, while the participating teams should gather to the right and register."
Clap!
Seridwen's applause shifted the atmosphere.
"Let's go! Move!"
The academy students began to bustle about.
'There are more withdrawals than I anticipated.'
I would have given up if my stats were still at level 5.
But now, I believe I am prepared.
"There were indeed many cameras."
"Yuuna, are you going?"
"Of course! Missing an event like an exchange battle led by Teacher Seridwen is a rare opportunity."
"What about Henna?"
"…"
Henna appeared to be frightened.
In all honesty, I cannot guarantee complete protection in an A-class dungeon.
Henna had to steel herself for what was to come.
"Honestly, I'm scared. I don't want to do it."
"Henna, it's okay! We'll protect you. I'm here, and so is Sang-hyuk."
"Yuuna, shh."
Yuuna clamped her mouth shut.
It was time to listen to Henna.
"Can't we just avoid dungeons that are too dangerous? We could make money in safer places and be content with that. That's what I think."
Henna and Yuuna had different personalities.
If there were a place more perilous but with incredible rewards,
Yuuna would already be at the entrance, waving her hand, waiting for me to join her. The epitome of a lovely dungeon wife!
However, Henna didn't desire to take on such nightmarish risks.
She wasn't a professional hunter; she was just a timid academy student.
There was also a future where she could give up being a hunter, become a mother, and protect her family.
There was nothing wrong with that path.
Even in a prestigious academy like theirs, there weren't many people who worked as hard as Yuuna did.
Only a few would always run toward success, even if it meant putting their own lives in danger.
But even so,
I've done all this for this very moment.
"But I know the reason why Sang-hyuk spent so many precious coins to buy my stats... I understand their significance."
Yes, I know.
We only get to experience the academy life once, and I want to share it with everyone.
I brought us together, knowing that a day like this would come.
"I… I'll try to reach places I could never have reached without Sang-hyuk's guidance."
It feels truly wonderful.
I firmly grasped Henna's hand.
This is why it's never a waste to spend money on you all.
They understood so well the reason for using those precious coins.
"Let's go together, Henna."
"Okay!"
"Even if you can't become a hunter and have to retire, I'll take care of you."
Henna blushed from her cheeks to her ears.
"Is that a proposal?"
Yuuna tugged firmly on my sleeve.
The second girlfriend's mouth twitched in response.
"Do I get nothing? Is it over when you two are together?"
"My dear princess, we have a date planned, so don't worry."
Unable to contain herself, Yuuna's lips curled into a smile.
She was clearly pleased.
"Doesn't the princess sound lovely? Do it some more."
"Let's change the name of the masterpiece too; how about 'Onahime' instead of 'Yukihime (Seolhee)'?"
"So cute!"
See? Henna is cute, too.
"What are you trying to do to our Yukihime? No way!"
Yuuna hugged her sword and turned her back.
Onahime sounds nice.
Anyway, our Onahole Squad...
We lined up to apply for participation in an A-class dungeon as a squad.
Stella and Serena were visible at the reception desk.
There were friends next to Serena. Each one was someone I had seen before.
One had pink hair and large breasts and was a YouTuber. Was it Isolde?
She noticed us and bowed her head with her friend.
Was the other one Sarika?
She was a cute girl with brown hair that suited a ponytail well.
She saw me and greeted me with a 90-degree bow.
'So cute…'
I could feel the freshness and cuteness of a first-year student.
The most adorable ones were our younger sisters.
Stella coldly turned her head as if questioning what she was looking at, but...
[Stella]
Big Brother
[Stella]
"Come to me if you're in danger. I'll protect you, no matter what."
[Stella]
"You mustn't get hurt, brother."
[Stella]
(emoji of a muscular cat glaring with its arms crossed)
The KakaoTalk messages seem to be all about my older brother.
[Serena]
"We decided to start as a squad of three: me, Sarika, and Isolde. Brother."
[Kim Sang-hyuk]
"I just made eye contact with your friends."
[Serena]
"Ah!"
It seemed like Serena was chatting with her friends, and then she noticed us. Although the atmosphere made it difficult for first-year and second-year students to suddenly approach each other's territory, it was possible to give a signal that we recognized each other from this distance.
"Oh! Who do we have here? The handsome Kim Sang-hyuk?"
Huh?
There was a student council member at the reception desk.
Had I seen her before?
When I was being utterly bested by the student council president, she made a big fuss about my looks.
"Evangeline?"
"Oh my, you remembered my name?"
Evangeline's hair was a rich brown with elegant waves, reminiscent of a graceful aristocrat.
She was a gentle-looking woman with ample breasts.
Her chest rivaled the size of a student council president's. Incredible.
"Go ahead and register your squad. Write down the squad name here and its members below.
With a whoosh, Evangeline placed her hand atop mine, which was resting on the sheet of paper.
So soft…
"Senior, I apologize, but why are you holding my hand during the registration process?"
Yuuna guarded me from behind.
"Ah, you have a girlfriend? I'm sorry~~."
It was an awkward moment that left us with no choice but to laugh sheepishly.
No matter how brazen Sang-hyuk might be, in a place with so many watchful gazes,
He couldn't just blurt out things like, "If you're interested, give me your number."
"Isn't the president here?"
"The president went out for hero activities. We can't let villains run amok on a day like today!"
"…I see."
The realization that he wouldn't see Isabella left Sang-hyuk feeling rather sullen.
"Oh dear. If you make that face, your girlfriend will feel hurt, you know?"
With a suppressed chuckle, Sang-hyuk hastily composed his expression and firmly grasped Yuuna's hand.
He shrugged it off.
"Guys, what should we name our squad?"
"Sang-hyuk makes the decision. The leader is Sang-hyuk."
Yuuna suddenly uttered something bizarre.
"You're not doing it?"
"If you lack confidence, I'll change it."
Having heard that, there was no way to back down now.
Leader Kim Sang-hyuk, squad name Onahole.
"Please join the Onahole Squad."
Yuuna was taken aback.
"Are you really going to name it like that?"
"The squad of the Onahole Collector is merely Onahole; is there a problem?"
"But…"
I am aware of the unfavorable rumors circulating behind my back.
Because I am a D-class, it's described as Yuuna sponsoring me and playing with me.
But what of it? Regardless of whether I am the leader or not, those who want to twist things will continue to do so.
"Don't concern yourself with others' opinions. Let's just focus on what we do."
This is how the reputation of Kim Sang-hyuk, the "Onahole Collector" known to all former academy students, is utilized.
No matter how much they belittle, Onahole Collector Kim Sang-hyuk will carry on, getting along with his girlfriend,
Like a form of defiance.
"Anyone can tell it's the Onahole Collector Kim Sang-hyuk's squad. Heh heh."
Yuuna laughs.
At that moment, I see Seridwen walking in the direction where the participants have gathered.
… No, she's coming straight towards me.
Yuuna and Henna are momentarily at a loss.
I'm overwhelmed by the aura radiating from the "Empress of the Crimson Eyes."
Her demeanor in business mode is no joke. Truly.
"Do even D-rank individuals participate?"
Seridwen speaks as if she's seeing me for the first time.
"I may be D-rank, but I've trained diligently."
"I appreciate that kind of effort. What's your name?"
"I'm Kim Sang-hyuk."
Seridwen rolls her eyes around.
Suddenly, she awkwardly clears her throat a few times.
"…Well then… How about a handshake? It's been a while since I've met such a spirited academy student... As a memento?"
… It's incredibly awkward.
This hand-fetish patient!
No matter how I think about it, the connection is too unnatural!
She might as well call me to the restroom and ask me to stroke it!
No, that's not right.
"This is really awkward."
"Come on, a handshake... Don't hold back, and give it a firm grip."
Seridwen extended her hand.
I grasped it firmly.
"...Ah, um♡"
"Please don't make strange noises. Professor…"
If I hadn't worn sunglasses, I would have been in quite a predicament.
Seridwen's melting expression in front of me might have been captured and followed me around.
You must have missed me.
Dale, whom I met at the gun shop, also mentioned that Seridwen was coming to see me.
Yet, it seems I hadn't properly prepared my heart for seeing her.
With a determined grip, I said,
"It's an honor to have your favor, Master Seridwen."
"Uh, um, yes. Do your best."
*Squish*♡
*Squish-squish-squish-squish*♡
After a suspiciously lengthy handshake, Seridwen left without giving any attention to the other students.
...….
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