Studio apartment.
My cozy nest has become quite bustling as the number of people has increased.
“Hahaha.”
“Don’t hit me!”
“Uwaah.”
The newly brought twins were genuine children, hence they were very energetic and noisy.
It was different from Laura, who lay around all day.
‘Maybe I should move to a bigger place.’
I pondered in my mind if there were any decent apartments nearby.
When I entered the room, Laura was lying on the bed, absorbed in her smartphone.
“Laura, can you look after the twins for me?”
I asked somewhat plaintively.
“It’s bothersome.”
Laura replied immediately without even turning her head.
“Come on, at least while I’m at school, you could look over a dungeon or take them around. Omegas are worth raising, right? What if we lose to the Demon King later?”
“Ugh. Alright.”
The conversation about the Omega’s abilities had ended in Busan.
Fortunately, mentioning the Demon King made things click.
‘Now that I think about it, how does Laura know about the Demon King?’
The last time we were at the dungeon, she mentioned that something invaded their world.
This suddenly made me curious.
“Didn’t you say the last time that robots invaded your world?”
Laura’s gently swaying tail.
I stroked it as I asked.
“Yes, it did happen.”
“How did it go? If the dragons went extinct, did your world utterly collapse?”
“It’s similar to here, Earth. In the Gaia Continent, Gates suddenly appeared. We couldn’t stop them, and eventually, the Demon King descended and everyone perished.”
Laura finally put down her smartphone and looked at me as she answered.
“The Demon King. It sounds like something a fantasy world could handle easily, but you proved me wrong.”
Honestly, when I fought it in the game, it didn’t seem that intimidating.
After all, it was only presented through text and images, though clearing it was incredibly difficult.
“You calling it a Demon King is just for convenience. It’s actually an Outer God, a visitor from a reality entirely different from what we perceive.”
Laura’s slightly apprehensive expression.
She adjusted her voice and continued.
“The creature can’t naturally exist in our dimension, so it arrives wearing the guise of a Demon King or Devil.”
While I don’t fully understand, it’s clear that Laura fears and opposes the Demon King.
“Anyway, it seems like my enemy is also your enemy, Laura. Let’s give it our best shot.”
With that, I successfully handed over the childcare(?) of the twins to Laura.
It’d be perfect once we could integrate dungeon exploration as well.
She’s lived for a long time, surely enjoying herself among humans and maybe has already tried out being a ‘mom.’
I trusted that she’d manage well.
I sat down in front of the computer.
I intended to check whether the CK Lab researchers had received appropriate punishment.
Given all the effort I put into infiltrating the research facility, this felt like the least I deserved.
“Shinnoda, you’ve done some studying, haven’t you?”
The voice of Park Hayeon came from behind me.
She must have entered my room and now rested her hand on my shoulder.
“Exam?”
The heavy sensation I felt pressing on my head.
Position-wise, Park Hayeon’s chest was perfectly placed atop my head.
I tried my best not to show it.
Given the teenage body’s vigorous energy, I might not have resisted without Laura’s presence.
“Yeah. Once my suspension is lifted, midterms are just around the corner.”
It was the right timing for midterms indeed.
‘Awkward. I haven’t studied at all.’
I was so occupied with various tasks that I hadn’t even considered studying.
“I completely forgot about that. Haha.”
“Hmph. Just as I expected. No matter how strong you are, it’s possible to struggle if you fail your written exams.”
“Well…better get started now.”
Park Hayeon handed me a notebook.
“What’s this?”
“It’s the essentials I compiled. It’s a photocopy, so feel free to use it as much as you need.”
There was a kind of glow in her eyes.
She must have come here just to give me this.
“Hayeon, thank you so much. Haha.”
Honestly, it was already late, but thanks to her, studying seemed a little easier.
I still had to avoid failing, though.
Failing meant I’d have to take remedial lessons which would take up valuable time.
“So, could you solve my test for me when the time comes?”
After confirming Park Hayeon had left, I asked Laura.
“Nope.”
Sharp as ever.
I had no choice but to do it myself.
The next day, once my suspension ended, I went to school and spent the entire day studying.
I also got hold of written notes and previous examination guides from my club seniors, just about managing to avoid failing.
‘Dammit. Looks like I’ll have to rely on the practical exam.’
The midterm exam, where written and practical scores accounted for 50% each.
Even if I performed poorly in the written, I could compensate in the practical and secure a good ranking.
Starting from second year, classes are assigned strictly based on grades, so I needed to manage my in-school performance to get into the high-scoring group where building connections were easier.
That’s when Yang Min-seo approached me while I was examining my grade report.
“Are you satisfied with your written exam results?”
“It seems I’ll have to rely on the practical exam.”
She chuckled lightly.
A pretty, serene smile.
The practical exam was a tournament where students dueled each other.
The rankings were determined based on victories, which in turn determined grades.
“I’m organizing a workshop with a master of martial techniques to prepare for the practical exam. Would you like to join? The rest of our group will be attending.”
“Alright?”
A master of martial techniques… I had never properly trained in any techniques.
I’d simply relied on instincts and overwhelming stats to overpower my opponents.
It was timely since I needed preparation for the practical exams, and the skills might help against the stronger opponents I would encounter later.
“Sure, I’ll go. By the way, could I bring one more person? Her name is Park Hayeon…she’s my friend.”
I couldn’t keep an opportunity like this to myself.
“Hmm, let’s keep it to people we know…”
Yang Min-seo’s face stiffened.
“Isn’t she currently borderline B-rank?”
I was somewhat familiar with her personality, so I added.
“It might be good to make some new connections. Let her join.”
At that, Yang Min-seo’s previously serious face disappeared, and she happily consented.
*
At a certain gym in Seoul.
On one side, numerous types of weapons were lined up, all new and shiny.
Unlike in the Academy’s arsenal, their edges were dulled for safety.
The gym was rented out by Yang Min-seo for a fee, and the weapons were all bought with her own money.
As the appointed time approached, both Yang Min-seo’s teammates and Park Hayeon arrived without delay.
“My name is Lee Chan-hyuk. I’m a B-rank Awakened One. Although I’m retired now, I used to be the hero known as ‘Weapon Master”.
As everyone gathered, the middle-aged man in sportswear introduced himself.
He gave an impression of an ordinary 40-year-old man.
“Nice to meet you.”
Park Hayeon politely responded,
The others gave a casual nod, showing only minimal courtesy.
“I’ve heard that all of you are late bloomers. You might surpass me in rank later, but martial techniques will always be important. Without solid basics, when you meet someone of your level or a stronger enemy, you’ll crumble hopelessly.”
Thereafter, Lee Chan-hyuk engaged in one-on-one sparring with each student, giving detailed feedback afterward.
He then taught them martial techniques that suited their primary weapons.
His techniques contained a mysterious ingenuity, capable of turning the tide in battle.
It was like a compendium of tricks that you couldn’t possibly defend against if you didn’t know them.
“Indeed, Weapon Master. We’ve heard many tales of your mastery in martial techniques, and it’s very gratifying to receive such teaching today.”
Yang Min-seo said as she observed the students diligently practicing the techniques.
“Haha. Still, if the ranks differ too much, this training would mean little. But the students have bright futures ahead, so it will definitely help them.”
Lastly, it was Shinnoda’s turn.
Since the purpose was teaching martial techniques, the use of skills was forbidden.
Shinnoda stood opposite Lee Chan-hyuk, who was equipped with a sword and shield. To avoid drawing attention, Shinnoda capped his abilities to B-rank.
“You may attack first.”
Lee Chan-hyuk readied himself, speaking the words.
Shinnoda decided to rely on instincts.
Instinct wasn’t inherently bad. It was the accumulated knowledge from thousands of years of existence.
As Lee Chan-hyuk finished speaking, Shinnoda dashed forward like a bullet, thrusting his spear.
A standard, straightforward thrust.
Despite being basic, unless the opponent’s abilities vastly outclassed his, reacting was difficult and avoiding it was even harder.
“Hmm.”
Lee Chan-hyuk blocked the thrust with his shield, shouted in exertion, and grabbed the shaft of the spear.
After that, he began to close the gap.
Shinnoda clenched his teeth as he watched Lee Chan-hyuk advance. It was stifling to fight without using any skills or enhanced stats—he felt like he was about to collapse.
He kicked Lee Chan-hyuk with all his strength.
The grip on the spear loosened, and Lee Chan-hyuk stepped back.
He recovered his stance after taking a slight step backwards.
“Have you had combat experience?”
Lee Chan-hyuk inwardly marveled.
Most spear users would panic if their weapon’s shaft was grabbed, unable to do anything.
That Shinnoda could react in such a manner suggested extensive combat experience.
Unbeknownst to Lee Chan-hyuk, Shinnoda had engaged in life-and-death struggles with villains before attaining his current strength, which was why he could respond so quickly.
Shinnoda then tried a different tactic.
Realizing that thrusts wouldn’t work, he attempted to slash him with the spearhead.
Even if this were Lee Chan-hyuk, holding onto the spear shaft now would be challenging.
Lee Chan-hyuk kept defending Shinnoda’s attacks, but then had a sudden feeling of unease.
Something was different about Shinnoda compared to the other students.
The principle of heroes was to avoid fatalities where possible. Though there were exceptions, usually suppression was the priority.
Thus, students were generally taught martial arts for suppression purposes.
‘This kid, every single one of his attacks is designed to kill!’
Shinnoda was completely unlike them.
An efficient killing machine.
Lee Chan-hyuk had that feeling.
As if fighting a villain.
‘Moreover, he swings the sharp edge of the weapon at people without a hint of hesitation.’
Ordinary students like Park Hayeon or Ji Soyeon would instinctively hesitate or flinch when swinging their weapons, fearing injury to others.
Shinnoda had none of that.
He was indeed a suspicious student in many aspects.
“Student, have you ever killed someone?”
Lee Chan-hyuk asked, his expression serious.
Despite this, Shinnoda’s relentless attacks continued.
