On a Christmas afternoon, Doyugeon was browsing the Exploration Guild’s posts in his room. This had become a habit since the Fantasy Phenomenon occurred.
□ What do you think the strongest solo-play weapon is?
He clicked into a highly commented discussion thread.
▷ Title: What do you think the strongest solo-play weapon is?
▷ Writer: NicknameTooTroublesomeToMake
It’s definitely a spear, what did you expect?
Surely not a sword?
▷ Comments
TopSword: Just from the casual tone, I can already predict this writer’s future.
Explorer223: Spears are good, but swords are usable too.
TankMaster: Swords may be crap, but if we’re talking solo-play? If the person can solo-play, then it changes the game.
ProfessorHelpMe: Consider the bow as well.
Writer: You form-over-function types. Have you guys ever used a sword without a shield? It all comes down to feel.
└TopSword: I use a shield. Are you a coward who’s never been in a party?
└Writer: Even with a shield, it sucks. Spears don’t use shields.
└TopSword: To compare the shield used with a spear to that of a sword shows your level.
└Writer: Are you kidding me with that lightweight shield or dodge nonsense? You can do it just fine.
└TopSword: Impossible for someone with the skill to solo-play.
The writer and another continuously bantered back and forth, filling the comments.
└TopSword: Are you serious? Saying it again, if someone can fight 10 Goblins at once, there’s no way they can’t.
└Writer: You’re talking about slicing mountains and skies, huh? We’ve established solo-play, but we need to keep realistic standards. Even the current top-ranking Level 25, practically max-level, can’t fully pull off solo-play. Group fights aren’t about lack of skill but practicality. With two hands, how are you supposed to outplay multiple opponents? How do you differentiate between delusion and reasoning? Your skill is showing.
└TopSword: Since you’ve set the premise as solo-play and are talking about unrealism, this is pretty funny. There’s no use talking to a brat. It’s a waste of time.
└Writer: Running away now, huh? Must’ve hit a nerve.
Doyugeon chuckled. These people couldn’t solo-play, but he could.
He added a comment.
OneSword: Why is solo-play impossible? It’s possible for me.
He chuckled again. As he was laughing and browsing other posts, a Kakao message came through.
It was from Current Sky.
―What are you doing now?
Odd vibes, so he hesitated to reply, but then an emoticon dropped. It was an inquisitive bunny.
He replied.
―I’m reading the Exploration Guild’s bulletin board in my room.
―In your room? Don’t you have plans with friends?
He actually did have plans, but since Current Sky had suggested a gift exchange like every year, he had declined all beforehand. Even though Current Sky had never mentioned it directly, this message seemed to confirm everything.
―No plans. I’ve already hung out on Christmas Eve.
―Oh, then I guess you’re free now?
Upon agreeing, a reply came saying she’d come to his house. He waited a bit, but no further Kakao messages about gift preparation followed. It seemed like that wasn’t on her mind.
He sometimes noticed odd traits about Current Sky. Cases like this one, or her bringing an unmarked lunch box but claiming it’s corporate food, ignoring notifications when the party’s gacha system was changed to private while pretending everything was normal—there were many strange aspects that caught his attention. Though he looked the other way, these types of incidents happened more often than expected.
Current Sky was smart, so it didn’t seem like she was carelessly lying. It rather seemed like she didn’t feel the need to elaborate, given her rather cold nature.
He caught sight of the gift on the side of the desk. Current Sky held annual family parties, but she never held one at her house. It always felt strange exchanging gifts with her when she didn’t exchange them with her family.
He picked it up to check if the wrapping was done properly. It was slightly awkward since he had done it himself, but it was still decently presentable. He felt satisfied, believing he had a gift-wrapping talent.
After taking a shower and changing into an outfit suitable for going out, his phone buzzed, alerting that she was at his doorstep. He grabbed the present, passed by the living room where the TV was on, and headed out.
Walking down the stairs, he saw Current Sky waiting outside. People passed by her, staring absently, while her plain-clothed bodyguards moved around inconspicuously. She stood in the silent chaos radiating a calm poise.
She was warmly dressed in a scarf and wore a wizard robe, an outfit that oddly matched her noble air.
Their eyes met. Her indifferent expression softened into a faint smile, making his heart flutter. He was concerned about his own composure in familiar situations.
Current Sky approached, looking around.
“I thought about it. How’d you like moving? The security here isn’t great.”
The sudden idea was odd, but she’d done weirder things, so he just let it slide.
His gaze shifted to her wizard robe, and a system window popped up.
[C-Rank/Marlophiny from the Melophin Royal Guild]
“What’s with the robe?”
“Oh, this…?”
Current Sky’s face slightly flushed.
“I never intended to wear it originally… The guards kept insisting… So I ended up putting it on. Don’t worry, I’ll stop wearing it from next time.”
She fidgeted with the robe while continuing.
“Anyway, I’ll give you the gift.”
Current Sky held up a small gift box with both hands, showcasing it.
“Guess what’s inside?”
First thought was a watch, but she’d deliberately avoid that.
“Hmm… Since it’s a small box, socks?”
“How does that even make sense?”
“Socks are good, right? You always put socks in Christmas gifts.”
Current Sky shook her head and handed over the gift box.
“Not an item, but gloves. Your hands might get slippery while wielding a sword, so use them while hunting. Remember what I said last time? Please use them. Speaking of which, why aren’t you wearing last year’s scarf? You dislike it?”
Because they’re the same design but a different color, that’s why he doesn’t wear it.
“Just didn’t get used to the scarf.”
“Is that so? It’s warm and useful. What a waste.”
Current Sky rubbed her cheek against the scarf and added,
“Anyway, I’ll be off now.”
“Huh? Already?”
“I’ve been to parties all day; I’m tired.”
“How can you leave before taking my gift?”
He pulled out a small present from his pocket and handed it over.
“Thanks. Then I’ll go.”
With that, she really left.
Not long after, a Kakao message from Current Sky arrived.
―Who gives calcium supplements as gifts?
He replied.
―Perfect since Miss Current Sky is short, isn’t it?
Current Sky clicked on a news link on her phone. Normally indifferent to news, the recent takeover of the Exploration Guild bulletin board by news stories sparked her interest.
It was about exploration-bandits hijacking a cash transport vehicle and escaping.
“These people… Why steal the vehicle, not even the cash?” Even with system utilization, vehicles are easier to steal compared to bundles of cash.
Lately, crimes involving system exploits have increased. The sight of bandits with guns had ceased to surprise her as it became more common.
The System was beyond legal control, and its distribution had destabilized the country’s safety. While the submarine patch brought it under control, the amount of firearms infiltrated into Korea remained unclear. Regardless of estimating the scale, one could calmly overlook it now when criminal organizations casually appeared in the media.
Thinking about it, maybe living without concern in these times was akin to being mentally loose. While she still read books, should she focus on wearing bulletproof vests, learning self-defense, or practicing firearm shooting drills from her previous life? The world seemed to get more dangerous.
But the thought of taking any actions lacked appeal. She placed the phone on her bed and rolled over. Just doing nothing felt best. System exploitation hadn’t really led her anywhere profitable yet. Surely, if there was any danger, it wouldn’t come to her.
After all, as a minor, situations where she needed to respond to problems should be minimal. Reflecting further, her parents would definitely handle things. Given the recent changes in her bodyguards’ armament, they would likely manage matters effectively. Her parents, fighting spirit!
―Master! I’ve arrived!
Out of nowhere, a white cat appeared. Oh right, Schrödinger.
Schrödinger’s existence has been quite a headache. She had scoured the internet and even asked friends if there were others like her with the Magic Dictionary skill. There was none as far as she found.
While there might be others hiding such abilities, that wasn’t really important. What mattered was having Schrödinger—a clear system affiliate—who addressed her as “Master.”
Thinking about the media finding out about this and the ensuing controversies gave her no comfort. Especially with the current poor public sentiment towards the system.
Having sincere discussions with Schrödinger, though, felt like stirring unnecessary trouble, which was disconcerting.
―Master? Are you daydreaming?
“Schrödinger.”
―Yes, Master?
“Let’s have a serious talk, alright?”
―With me?
Schrödger’s tail swayed.
―Sure.
What should be discussed first?
“From now on, don’t lie to me.”
―Understood.
While the reply came, it felt completely unreliable.
“Are you really a system affiliate?”
Schrödinger tilted its head, blinked.
―Sincerely now?
It was an awfully serious voice. She hadn’t planned for an actual response, so why the sudden seriousness?
“Never mind. Forget the basic questions. Let’s skip straight to the requests.”
―Alright.
“From now on, don’t appear in front of others.”
―Unless it’s an unavoidable situation for Master’s safety.
“Then, except those instances.”
―Understood.
“And don’t inform me about system-related things beforehand.”
―Excuse me?
“You’ve given me advance alerts before patches, right? Don’t do that anymore.”
―I don’t understand. Isn’t knowing ahead good?
Well…
“People don’t know, but I’d rather not.”
―Master, you can conceal any information you’ve heard.
She shook her head.
―I truly don’t get it. What’s the specific outcome you want?
Specifically? How to phrase this well… Might as well cut to the chase, even if it’s embarrassing.
“I’d rather you not get me involved in your affairs.”
Meaning, stop giving me advance alerts that make me unnecessarily feel guilty.
―So, you prefer to be a bystander?
Putting it like that makes her seem like the bad one.
“Yeah.”
―I’ll try.
[Job Skill—The Apprentice Mage’s Magic Dictionary has been hidden.]
[Job Skill—The Apprentice Mage’s Magic Sense has been acquired.]
When she asked about the “hidden” feature, it explained that even if someone shares their Skill Window, this skill wouldn’t show up. With Magic Sense being a fundamental skill for the mage class, she could now share her Skill Window with others.
“But why are you showing up today?”
―Ah, Master. I saw a magical girl and it was amazing!
“Is there really a magical girl in real life?”
―No, it’s an animation.
“Ah, got it. Enjoy.”
She ignored and slept.
Yumina disliked Chaheon.
Not that she didn’t want to be friends. Chaheon was adorable, elegant, competent, and for reasons unknown, very friendly to her. Plus, the vast wealth was a bonus.
However, Chaheon had a subtly condescending stare that Yumina didn’t like. It was as if she’s observing children playing at a playground.
Though she often showed emotions easily, her inner thoughts were shrouded while being carelessly revealing in this particular way, which annoyed Yumina. She suspected this was intentional, making it even more irritating.
If Chaheon was going to show shallow annoyances, might as well expose her deeper thoughts too—whether angry, upset, or confused. But Chaheon was always calm and composed while everyone else was in chaos.
In the cafe, she sat across from Doyugeon.
“Listen. Chaheon definitely likes you.”
“Ah, but that doesn’t feel right, you know.”
“No way, she gave you a Christmas present. Plus, despite being tired, she went to your house to give it personally. Chaheon doesn’t put that much effort into anyone.”
Listening made her feel trapped.
“So what if it’s unimaginable. Reality always surpasses imagination, and love is fierce.”
“No matter how, Chaheon?”
As Doyugeon listened, his expression hardened.
“Since you’re online today, try testing her while eating lunch together. For example, pick up some side dishes and feed her.”
Doyugeon looked puzzled in a cold way.
![[TS] The Protagonist is Conquered](https://i3.wp.com/novelhitam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1743806812-5548-TS-The-Protagonist-is-Conquered.png?resize=151,215 "[TS] The Protagonist is Conquered")
