I Teleported Into the Academy of a S*xy Game-Chapter 189: Weekend (1)

Weekend (1)

Talented young women often find themselves the targets of envy and jealousy, especially within the peculiar lineage of mages, where many are elderly. Among this group, the most prominent figures are undoubtedly the young women.

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Im Sol, despite her exceptional abilities, found it challenging to make friends. The same could be said for Baek Ahyeong, renowned as the best healer, and Min Yeji, who stood out in the hunter society. As a result, the three of them began meeting frequently after forming a close bond.

"Ahyeong, you've been looking pretty chipper lately."

"Eh, just the usual me."

"Ah, could it be 'cause you've been hanging out a lot with Hoyeon, doing those one-on-one treatments or something?"

"No, it's not like that…"

Today's hangout spot was Im Sol's research lab. With her paper almost done, finding a free moment was tough, so the two dropped by her lab instead.

"Is that so~? Anyway, Sol, are you still engrossed in your research? Have you ever dedicated this much time to a single topic before?"

Im Sol was once hailed as a genius mage before Hoyeon's rise to prominence. Her status was earned through a combination of unparalleled magical prowess across various attributes and a quick-thinking mind adept at solving complex issues that stumped fellow mages.

When combined, these qualities enabled her to complete any research project within a month, solidifying her reputation as a genius mage.

"This particular paper has been the most complex endeavor so far, and I'm collaborating with Hoyeon on it."

"Really? If two genius mages are collaborating and it's still taking this long, it must be groundbreaking."

"Expect something extraordinary. It truly is remarkable."

Im Sol was confident that this research would revolutionize the magic society. Introducing the concept of imbuing will into magical practices was unprecedented; thus, much of the existing magical knowledge would become outdated.

Who else but Hoyeon could have conceived such a groundbreaking concept…

Each advancement in her research filled Im Sol with exhilaration, pondering Hoyeon's solitary discovery. This elation was accompanied by a deep-seated joy that dispelled her fears of enduring loneliness.

A prodigy like Hoyeon will never emerge again. A genius that graces us once in a millennium. At the very least, mages of his caliber won't appear for generations to come.

Throughout her life, Im Sol had often heard such praises. Yet, she felt genuine gratitude for having a mage like Hoyeon in her generation.

Listening intently, Min Yeji became curious about the research's extraordinary nature, while Baek Ahyeong, lost in thought as she sipped her tea, held a different perspective.

Researching with Hoyeon…?

In that moment, Im Sol morphed into a potential rival in Ahyeong's mind. After swallowing her saliva like a detective on a case, she scrutinized Im Sol's expression but found no trace of her true feelings.

Surely a professor wouldn't touch a student.

Not being a professor herself, Ahyeong felt somewhat reassured, knowing Im Sol's role as an educator. However, she quickly regained her alertness, feeling the need to question everything.

After all, my darling can be quite predatory.

"Ahem, Hoyeon is hospitalized. It might be difficult for you two to continue your collaborative research. I check on him every day, and it seems he needs more time to recover." Drawing upon her well-honed acting chops as a healer, Ahyeong subtly probed Im Sol.

"Is that so?" Im Sol responded, tilting her head slightly. Ahyeong's words triggered an unexpected reaction within her. The phrase was simple, yet it irked her. While Ahyeong seemed genuinely concerned, Im Sol's feelings were anything but settled.

"Whatever, once he's out of the hospital, we have a laundry list of commitments. No worries."

"Commitments…?" Ahyeong raised an eyebrow. News to her that Im Sol and Hoyeon were so entangled in obligations.

"Yes, we have research to conduct, a magic fair to attend, and upon completing our paper, we need to present it."

"I, I see…"

"H-Hey, I'm bored. Let's hit a café or something." Min Yeji, sensing the barbed wire tension, clumsily interjected.

"No can do. I've got a backlog of research. I aim to make some headway before Hoyeon's return."

"I need to check on Hoyeon as well."

With a faux air of nonchalance, Im Sol immersed herself in her papers, while Baek Ahyeong hastily gathered her belongings.

"Ahaha… Alright then. Ahyeong, let's go. Sol, we're outta here! Catch you on the flip side!" With that, Min Yeji pulled Baek Ahyeong away, finally dispelling the underlying tension between the two.

***

Saturday morning.

After wasting Friday in the dormitory, Liliana and Nam Dahee couldn't settle on weekend plans. They'd left the decision for the weekend and I returned to the hospital.

"Actually, we can't just go out."

The information guild might be investigating Nam Daeun and Dahee. My magic hasn't returned, so I can't cast Rune Barrier. But I should be recovered by next week.

I'd instructed Scarlett to wait for my signal. My aim is to move once I'm healed, but I had to inform her in advance for preparation.

Knock, knock— Then, I heard a knocking sound.

"Come in."

Lumi entered. Since visitors were allowed, it seemed they let anyone in after I told to. It used to be a hassle for the nurse when she visited, but now I felt somewhat relieved.

However, Lumi's appearance was unusual. Her face was flushed, and she wore a cute pink mask.

"Lumi, what happened?"

"Hoyeon, hello… I think I caught a cold from Lucy… Achoo!" While making a peculiar and cute sneezing sound, Lumi wiped her nose.

"Why visit then? You should rest at home."

"My smartwatch broke when I sneezed… I couldn't get it fixed over the weekend."

"You came here yourself?"

"Yes…"

She had promised to visit daily. Technically, it was more of an update than a promise, but whatever.

"Look, don't worry about me. I'm glad to see you, but you should rest."

"You're worried about me? Hehe… Thanks." Lumi sniffled, offering a faint smile.

"Yeah, go get some rest."

Her kindness left me puzzled, almost guilty.

"I'll be fine. Ah, my head is spinning."

"Would you like treatment here at the hospital?"

Baek Ahyeong could treat her immediately. It felt a bit odd to ask her to treat Lumi, but no other options.

"No, I'll rest at home." Lumi rose unsteadily and left. Worried, I got up to support her.

"Don't come close; you might catch it."

"It's fine. I'll call a taxi for you."

"Thanks…"

Relief washed over me as I saw Lumi safely into the taxi. Back in the hospital room, I rested briefly before receiving Ahyeong's routine check-up. Today, she only checked my physical condition, skipping the change of clothes.

"You'll be better soon… Probably just a few more days."

Warm light radiated from Baek Ahyeong's hands, wrapping around my body. It's a spell known to boost natural healing abilities. My mana circuit needs to heal naturally to prevent any lingering effects, thus the extended recovery time.

"Thanks, as always."

"Yeah, hmph."

Why does she seem upset today?

★ Heroine Status Window

[Baek Ahyeong]

[Affection: 100] (+1.3)

[Lust: 90]

[Appetite: 45]

[Fatigue: 30]

Current Status: Too many rivals… so many aiming for my darling…

"…"

I don't know what's bothering her, but her mood is unsettling.

"Darling…" I reluctantly invoked the magic word and reached out to Ahyeong.

"Ah…"

With a subdued sigh, Ahyeong leaned into me. Surrounded by the warm, white light enveloping my body, her embrace felt angelic.

"You really are like an angel."

Even with my heartfelt compliment, she met my gaze without responding, her eyes revealing a hint of discomfort.

"Darling… I'm always your number one, right?"

"Of course." Without hesitation, I pulled her into a firm embrace. I couldn't afford to hesitate; things could escalate quickly.

"I love you, darling…"

Fortunately, she nestled even deeper into my chest. As I held her, I pondered how long the magic word "darling" would continue to have its effect.

***

"Guild Leader! This time it's the Iron Blood Guild and the Blue Dragon Guild! More interviews are popping up!"

"Block them! Use every connection we have to shut them down!"

Shin Youngman, the Guild Leader of the Shin Young Guild, found himself suddenly under siege by a flurry of accusations aimed at his guild. Rumors swirled that his son, Shin Dongmin, had connections with demons.

[The Sinister Truth Behind the Association's Social Gathering. Is the Shin Young Guild Involved?]

[Shin Dongmin, the heir of the Shin Young Guild. Evidence of Interaction with Demons]

[Traces of Shin Dongmin from the Shin Young Guild Found at Demon Group's Hideout]

Just as interest in the party terror attack was beginning to fade, journalists unearthed fresh allegations. Despite efforts to counter the onslaught of negative press, major guilds were now issuing public statements.

[Victoria Academy Investigation Team Calls for Probe into Shin Young Guild]

[A Coincidence? Someone Present at Both Party and Terror]

[Iron Blood Guild Interview: Someone is Orchestrating the Association's Terror]

Like a sudden downpour, articles poured in from guilds associated with Victoria Academy and other friendly factions.

Even media outlets that were sympathetic to the Shin Young Guild were now publishing damaging stories. The situation was maddening.

As guild members scrambled to manage the crisis, Shin Youngman made an urgent call.

"Yes, sir. It's Shin Youngman from the Shin Young Guild. You can't release stories like this out of nowhere. We've built a relationship, haven't we?!"

[I'm sorry, Guild Leader. The external pressure is overwhelming. It's unbearable.]

"You should've been prepared for this… Isn't that what you're there for?!"

[The Association can't ignore this anymore. Be careful. I suspect Shin Dongmin may have angered the Academy… It's out of our hands.]

Hearing his son's name, Shin Youngman clenched his teeth, recalling his son who hadn't left his room since the terror incident.

[I apologize, Guild Leader.]

Beep.

"Wait! How much did they pay these bastards to come out now?!"

Bang!

Shin Youngman, who had slammed down the phone, briskly turned to a guild member standing beside him.

"What's Dongmin doing?"

"He's still holed up in his room."

"Haa… Do everything you can to keep him isolated. I'll check on him myself."

With that, Shin Youngman headed straight for Dongmin's room, genuinely concerned. The truth was, Dongmin hadn't been himself for a while, especially after losing to Lee Hoyeon, a first-year at the Celestial Festival. But to be involved with the demons? He hoped it was a lie.

Reaching Dongmin's door, he knocked.

"Coming in." Without waiting for a reply, Shin Youngman opened the door. To his surprise, the room was empty. The dark room felt eerie, and an unsettling atmosphere filled the air.

"What's this?"

In the middle of the room, a sinister skull mask lay ominously on the desk.