When I extended my hand out the window, the previously invisible silver chains immediately materialized.
– Creak, creak
I searched for any gaps but found none—this was a flawless chain formed with magical power.
“Hmm… unnecessarily intricate?”
“This is an artifact carefully crafted by the Guildmaster. It takes the form of a convenient bracelet that disappears when not in use. However, if the wearer attempts to leave a designated area, the chain reappears.”
“Thank you for the explanation.”
As I stared at this item optimized for kidnapping and confinement, I absentmindedly watched the news. It was extensively covering the incidents from a few days ago.
[Shock – Sudden Explosion and Giant Gate in the Wealthy Yongsan Area? What Were the Heroes Doing?!]
[The Raon Academy Student Council President Critically Injured in Gate Incident]
…
…
[Is the Raon Academy Student Council President a Power Player in the Yuseong Group?]
[Yuseong Group Stocks Crash by 14%]
‘Wow, it’s definitely K-media.’
Each headline was crafted to grab attention.
It was embarrassing to watch the broadcast detailing my personal information, so I switched to a channel where a young female anchor was briefing on that day’s events.
[“Breaking news, a massive gate suddenly appeared in the poor neighborhood of Yongsan. While the details inside the barrier were unclear, the heroes who broke through the barrier confirmed that Miss Yoon Se-ah, the daughter of former Yoo Seong-ho of the Yuseong Group and the current Raon Academy Student Council President, suffered critical injuries…”]
– Static
Ah, it’s impossible to watch the news…
“Such sensationalist news is harmful to one’s mental health.”
“…Anyway, it happened to me…”
“Didn’t you lose your memory of that moment? You might inadvertently recall unpleasant memories.”
This person truly knows everything.
‘Honestly, Eve assigned an unnecessarily troublesome person.’
Even if I tried to sneak away, this woman, a hero specializing in Striker positions, wouldn’t let me budge. I couldn’t escape her while my legs were immobile.
“If there’s anything you need, please request through me.”
“…No, thank you.”
“Not at all. After the long stretch of handling various guild tasks and paperwork for Eve, and managing academy overtimes on behalf of the Guildmaster… I’m finally returning to being the A-Ranked Hunter, Yoo Han-ra!”
‘Is she the same person from earlier?’
I turned my head to look at the young woman shedding tears of relief.
With her moderately bright chestnut hair and crimson eyes, she seemed like an extremely calm and composed secretary… but for some reason, I could see the soul of a graduate student on the brink of mental collapse in her expression.
Even if I consider the threat of me breaking free of the chains… deploying an A-Ranked Hunter, number 57 in Korea’s Hunter rankings, to only stop such an event seems rather extreme.
For now… I have nothing to do, and my body doesn’t move as I wish. There’s nothing to do but recover as Eve suggested, staying comfortable in this warm room.
‘Can I return in time for the Student Council President elections?’
My phone was confiscated so I couldn’t even contact acquaintances like Kang Ayul and Lee Seo-yoon to reassure them.
‘…Yoo Eun-ha’s abilities, they were rather high.’
Suddenly, I recalled the ability window of Yoo Eun-ha, who had once verbally attacked me.
—
<Info>
<Name: Yoo Eun-ha>
<Age: 18>
<Tendency: Good>
<Skill List>
<Effort's Sweat Drops (UR)>
<Greatly increases the volume of growth potential. The increase doubles when crossing critical thresholds.>
<Bounty (A)>
<All stats rise one level when targeting a specific individual.>(Cooldown: 7 days)(Current Target: Yoon Se-ah)
<Regress (UR)>
<When facing death, regress to a predetermined point.>
<Airrokinesis (A)>
<Ably manipulate wind.>
<Stats>
<Strength: A>
<Defense: B+>
<Mana: B+>
<Stamina: B>
<Agility: A+>
<Luck: A>
—
‘Even disregarding her high stats, how did she acquire the protagonist’s skills?’
Ah, did she obtain them when the protagonist died?
‘Considering Yoon Se-ah was burned alive in front of her during the third life with Seo Ji-an…’
That’s annoying—she put my name on the bounty skill.
‘Well, without it, capturing me would’ve been difficult.’
I understand, but still… it pisses me off.
I wanted to blast her face with 100% Void output right now… but still, I am a fan of the original work. Although she reflected on her actions… what can I do? She’s my younger sister.
The issue of Yoo Eun-ha I’ll put aside for now. What’s important is the remnants of Mephisto.
‘I vaguely remember, but the reason I was able to escape that time… was probably due to unconsciously using Mephisto’s power while I was unconscious.’
Continuously relying on the final boss’s power is troublesome. I might accidentally fall under Mephisto’s control or die from side-effects.
‘This summer vacation, I’m going to England.’
I originally planned to visit in the second semester to teach Star Magic to the protagonist… but everything changed with Yoo Eun-ha’s intervention.
‘How about compiling a list of hidden pieces suitable for each person’s abilities? Or consuming the leftover ones myself?’
Considering the protagonist is already quite strong, just teaching him Star Magic should suffice. Either I visit Europe alone, or create a club of my choosing by becoming the Student Council President…
Hmm, I should go alone.
…
“By the way… is there a notebook available?”
Just as I was moving my wheelchair to the temporary room on the first floor to find a usable notebook, Yoo Han-ra’s expression turned somber.
“Yes, the main gate is sealed, so no unnecessary visitors will come. The defensive magic is also functioning smoothly.”
Approaching her quietly, her words suggested someone had arrived at the safe house. Was it an intruder?
“Um, is there someone outside the safe house?”
Her startled reaction turned her head quickly.
“No, it’s time for you to rest, are you going upstairs now?”
Changing the subject skillfully. It seems there’s something confidential I shouldn’t hear.
“Yes, I’ll check if there are any notes left in the Guildmaster’s office.”
‘Alright, I’ll step back.’
It’s clear I won’t get more information, so I’ll just ask her for a notebook.
“Oh, for a notebook, there’s a stack of unused parchment left downstairs in the library that the Guildmaster hasn’t used. Let me bring that to you, I’ll bind it into a book form.”
“…Thank you.”
‘…Odd, employees at places like this generally don’t smile, but instead seem to have perpetual sad faces…’
Even as she brought the paper, Yoo Han-ra maintained an unusually bright expression.
There’s no doubt this person sincerely enjoys her job here.
‘No, isn’t it normal for people to dislike roles that involve caring for patients?’
Even if I return to the academy, thus leaving this place, she’s treating me so well that it’s becoming awkward.
‘Annoying.’
I don’t want to form unnecessary attachments… since it’ll be hard to leave.
After about three to four minutes, Yoo Han-ra returned holding what looked like a magical tome straight out of a medieval fantasy webtoon. Immediately, I pulled out a pen and filled the pages with the knowledge I possessed.
– Scratch, scratch
“Feels nice to write like this.”
I filled the pages with as much information as I could remember about hidden piece locations, optimal routes for the protagonist’s growth, and other data.
After finishing and contemplating my return to the academy…
“Huh?”
“Since there are several safe houses and it’s boring to stay only at the academy, just take this house. You can freely go out as the Student Council President.”
Out of nowhere, Eve appeared and handed me what looked like a card key.
“Thank you.”
‘Wow, now I have a house just four minutes from the academy in a prime Gold Station area.’
Still, if I’m removed from the Student Council Presidency, I might lose this privilege. Considering my plan to simply let the protagonist fall and resign… does this house have meaning to me?
“Although I absolutely want to tell you to rest properly… I doubt you’d listen. At least rest here until the Student Council elections. I’ll untie the chains after.”
With the card key still in my trembling hand, Miss Eve prepared to return Yoo Han-ra to the Guild headquarters.
“Alright, let’s go back, Yoo Han-ra.”
“I’m very good at cleaning and doing dishes! Please, if you ever need a housekeeper, take me, Yoo Han-ra first… uh-kyahhhhh?!”
“Just come with me—”
The last glimpse of Yoo Han-ra being dragged off by Eve showed her in her struggling graduate student state.
‘…Sorry, I personally prefer living alone.’
Bye-bye.
…
[“Are you alright? We were worried sick…!!”]
“I’m fine, Miss Kang Ayul. I’m currently recovering in the Director’s safe house. I might be able to return by the time of the Student Council President elections.”
[“Seah, don’t overwork yourself. Please remember to return only when you’re fully recovered, alright?”]
Finally, I received the phone I could use to contact Kang Ayul and Lee Seo-yoon who were surely deeply concerned about my disappearance. It was effective as I contacted them immediately.
“Since I’m done with calls, how about some jewelry-making?”
After Azathoth’s spear pierced through me, I gained an unusual ability. It appears to be a new skill, probably obtained from being struck by Azathoth’s spear.
– Tinkle, tinkle
“Wow, more gemstones are appearing lately. At first, it was mostly marble and quartz, easy-to-find stones.”
Ever since my left hand, which was pierced through alongside me being cut in half, occasionally started dropping gemstones, it became a new hobby.
It seems I have quite a talent for it, as my gemstones have improved to the point where they could be showcased at an exhibition. I’ve continued this craft during my free time as it soothes my mind.
Today, I see a sapphire, similar in color to my hair.
“Sapphires… tough to gem-cut, but it’ll be fun.”
Just as I was considering how to cut it and about to ascend to the gem-cutting studio on the second floor…
One of the monitors in the monitoring room showed an unusual sight.
Although it should have been displaying the front gate, the image was obscured by darkness.
“Wait a moment.”
Checking the camera responsible for monitoring the camera…
And I found it.
In front of the safe house gate, someone lay unconscious…
‘Stop.’
Cropped hair, a familiar and distinct appearance.
‘…Yoo Eun-ha?!’
Despite the cold weather, she collapsed in just a thin windbreaker.
-Bang!
My legs automatically moved toward the door.
