When he said it with a serious expression, I couldn't help but chuckle at the design of the bracelet. I had been concerned about its size, but it automatically adjusted to fit my wrist.
"Huh?"
Strangely, I felt a surge of energy. It wasn't just a sensation; it was a tangible feeling. It was as if I had consumed more caffeine than I could handle. My body felt lighter, and I even jumped in place for a moment, nearly hitting my head on the ceiling.
"Instructor Jang, my body suddenly feels so light. What's going on?"
Duchul paused for a moment, pondering my question, and then explained, "This bracelet reduces the power of passive skills to 95% when activated. However, if your physical abilities are actually increasing, it seems like your main skill has also affected you."
Wait, is he suggesting that I've been influenced by the main skill, Coercion, all this time?
This is the unsettling aspect of always active passive skills. They trigger without warning, and if you're not skilled at using them, it can lead to disastrous results.
Could it be because it wasn't limited to an "intended target" in the skill description? The skill allowed you to set a specific target, but the ability was always active.
"If you look at the bracelet, you can adjust the skill's output, but don't tamper with it because you're still not proficient in using the skill."
The bracelet had other functions, such as tracking its location if removed without authorization, and it could lead hunters to you.
It looks like a condom, but it has so many functions.
Gradually, I realized that everything here was different from my previous life. The status window, quests, skills, and now even an item of some sort. I truly felt like I had stepped into a novel. Could I ever go back?
"Now, let's go to your class."
Duchul's words shook me out of my thoughts.
I'll definitely go back.
There was no doubt in my mind.
———————————
[Name] Jang Duchul
[Physical] Height: 195cm / Weight: 132kg
[Description] The strongest instructor at Victory Academy, known as a giant, a man of steel, and many other titles.
His unwavering will, strong beliefs, and righteous actions embody the ideal hunter.
He has had a crush on Instructor Ryu Hyemi for 2 years.
Other information is unavailable.
———————————
Why is even that information available?
The scope of basic information was just bizarre. As I trailed Duchul, I decided to activate the newly acquired skill, more out of curiosity than necessity. It felt like peering into a cheesy romance novel for no apparent reason.
As we retraced our steps, he started providing unsolicited explanations. He mentioned that there were six passive skill users at Victory Academy, including me. They varied in grades but gathered once a month to assess their skill proficiency. Apart from that, the rest of the students followed the same mundane curriculum.
"By the way, our class is the cream of the crop among the 1st-year students."
Even when you take a step back and look at the big picture, we're not lagging behind in the rankings. Duchul wore a smug expression as he spoke.
He's suddenly bragging…
I get the hint, something like, "I hope you can blend in with this class," but really… I've never been a diligent student, and my reason for coming here wasn't to become a scholar.
"Still, it's a good thing that you joined at the right time."
I nodded in agreement. It's currently April, and since Victory Academy's school year starts in March, it shouldn't disrupt the classes too much.
"Here."
I spotted a class nameplate with [1-A] written on it. I glanced out the window and heard the cacophony of voices. As soon as Duchul swung open the door, the class fell silent instantaneously. It seems that the silence mode is a universal response whenever the homeroom teacher makes an entrance.
"As I mentioned yesterday, we have a new transfer student. Baek Taeyang, please come in."
As I entered the classroom, all eyes were fixed on me, which felt quite overwhelming. I had to confront each one of those stares as I made my way to the podium.
"Well, let's keep it simple and have a self-introduction."
With my striking white hair, tanned skin, and an immaculate school uniform, I could rival any fictional heartthrob, even those that don't exist! Time to invest in my appearance.
"I'm Baek Taeyang. Delighted to make your acquaintance."
It's incredible how even a straightforward sentence can dramatically alter the atmosphere based on who's saying it. If a guy in a pristine uniform with impeccably groomed hair had uttered those words, it might have left a good impression.
But what if it was a guy who just had a steamy sex in the guidance room strolled in, exuding testosterone like it was cologne?
From the first impression, I'm going full throttle with the delinquent image.
Even when told to take a seat, I casually strolled to the back.
Maintaining too many social relationships is a pain, after all.
The back seat by the window, where the protagonist sits!
In reality, there weren't many students, as the story Duchul had told earlier came to mind. Each year, classes are divided based on the potential of skills and the abilities of the students. But being the top class in the grade meant the cutoff was high. Usually, if there are not enough students for a class, they pull students from lower ranks, but Victory Academy was strictly skill-based.
After a brief introduction, Duchul left, and another instructor entered. It seemed like he was in charge of theoretical lessons, as the chalkboard began to fill up.
[The grades of the main skills are all marked as ???. I think this signifies that they won't limit human potential.]
[In the academic world, it's said that even seemingly a trivial skill, once it become main skill, is impossible to determine its true potential.]
"Therefore, all students must devote themselves to honing their skills…"
Gradually, my vision blurred. It shouldn't be like this on the first day, during the first class. My eyelids felt incredibly heavy. The chalk tapping on the blackboard was a sweet ASMR, and the tedious theory explanation was like a lullaby.
But I should at least pretend to pay attention…
And I was out. On the first day of transferring, during the first class, it happened within three minutes.
***
"—yang."
I could hear a sugary, cloying voice, like it had been laced with extra syrup.
"Taeyang!"
Raising my head, my immediate focus landed on her red hair, a brilliant sight akin to glistening rubies and as vibrant as freshly bloomed peonies. Her visage boasted a feline allure, brimming with mischievousness, yet her look projected an unmistakable tomboyish charm. She seemed to exude carefree energy…
"Who…"
Maybe it was because I was still groggy from sleep, but I couldn't quite fathom the situation. Just as I had roused from slumber, there was a pretty girl sitting in front of me, locking eyes. Standing beside her was a guy who seemed to be broadcasting discomfort through his expression.
"I'm the class representative, So Yoomin. Pleased to make your acquaintance!"
"Vice class representative, Kim Minsoo. Nice to meet you."
All of a sudden, the pieces fell into place. So Yoomin? Kim Minsoo? Those names had to be from somewhere.
They're the stars of this show, aren't they? The main characters of the Academy Pure Love Diary.
In the blink of an eye, a quest notification popped up.
———————————
[Main Quest]
Yoomin and Kim Minsoo have just embarked on their journey as a fresh new couple. And Baek Taeyang has been cast as the character destined to rock the boat in their budding relationship.
The course of action seems all but determined!
Clear Conditions: You're in the know, right? (0/1)
Deadline: D-30
Reward: ??? / Penalty: Death
———————————
This quest could be seen as the very reason and purpose behind Baek Taeyang's existence—the alpha and the omega.
I've just landed the mother lode of information!
When I took a dive into this novel, my mind couldn't help but wonder which chapter I'd landed in. There was no way to ascertain that until now.
If they've only just started dating, this must be right at the latest update. There shouldn't be much of a gap.
In the original narrative, the most recent update had Minsoo confessing to Yoomin while holding hands.
"I heard you woke up just the day before yesterday, right? If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask; I'll lend a hand."
"Sure, then…" I activated my skill with a people-pleasing smile.
[Enchanting Gaze activated! Penalty: Your gaze becomes sticky. Be careful not to create major misunderstandings!]
Minsoo seemed to pick up on that gaze, furrowing his brows as he glanced my way, while Yoomin just giggled.
A dense girl, an ever-anxious guy, and the virgin bomber stuck in between. Hasn't the outcome already been decided?
"…um, could I perhaps ask you for a tour of the academy after school today?"
"Sure! Don't go anywhere after school, and—"
"N-no, I'll do it. It's easier for two guys to go together, right?"
Before Yoomin could finish her sentence, Minsoo jumped in. He had an anxious expression, and it was quite evident how much he cared. The desire to avoid a scenario where it's just a guy and his girl, I got it. That's par for the course in first loves.
Well, considering they started dating around chapter 172, they must have gone through at least 100 episodes of just being friends. It's quite pathetic.
But why should I care? It's none of my business.
"I think, as the class representative, I'd be better at showing him around… Sorry."
Yoomin didn't seem to catch the look Minsoo was giving her.
"T-then, how about all three of us go together?"
"There are too many of us for a school introduction. I'll handle it and guide him."
After hearing Yoomin's response, Minsoo nervously bit his lower lip. The resentful look he shot me made me feel unfairly treated. I hadn't even done anything yet, and I was already getting this kind of treatment?
Your girlfriend told you not to come along…
I couldn't understand why he was taking out his frustration on me.
I haven't done anything… yet. Ahem, of course, I'm open to everything, from nibbling to sucking.
I need to complete this quest today.
It was time to begin the guide on how to easily devour another guy's virgin girlfriend, like a piece of cake.