This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 318

“Ugh…”

I had a feeling that since it had the label of ‘special,’ it would be significantly more challenging than the usual events, and that expectation was only natural.

But seriously, isn’t this a bit too much?

I mean, it’s not just anyone, it’s Chae-rim I’m up against.

What on earth was the Association thinking assigning Chae-rim that role?

If I could, I would have wanted to march up to the one who set this up and shake them by the collar.

Well, despite my reaction, as soon as it was announced that Chae-rim would be the instructor for the sparring section, the internet exploded in chaos.

And honestly, it made sense.

The concept of a current and future battle always excites people.

“I guess Yoonseo must have seen the articles by now…”

I wonder if she’ll be okay with this…

Even I, who isn’t directly involved, find it daunting to face Chae-rim, so how much more must Yoonseo feel, who’s about to actually go head-to-head with her?

Especially since for Yoonseo, Chae-rim—or rather, the Lightning Lady—isn’t just an object of admiration.

It seems like she’s been quieter lately, but until recently, Yoonseo was such a huge fan of Lightning Lady that she would go out of her way to collect anything even remotely related to her.

“…No way.”

Maybe calling her a mega fan wasn’t even enough.

Her obsession crossed the line into a territory that could only be described as religious fervor.

Back when Yoonseo was in her tumultuous second year of middle school, she even asked me if she could generate electricity like Lightning Lady using her own talent.

And now, she was set to spar with someone she revered so much.

Given that, I thought it was perfectly understandable for Yoonseo to be flustered—

“Hey… you…”

“…Huh?”

“Are you okay?”

On my way to Yoonseo’s classroom to check on her, the sight of her was even more serious than I had anticipated.

Her face was pale, and she was biting her nails—something she didn’t do before—stressing out to the point where she looked like she had swallowed fear itself.

“Oh dear…”

Of course, Yoonseo must be deeply worried.

Not only has the attention from people been more than she expected recently, but just thinking about facing Chae-rim and being utterly crushed in front of everyone would be enough to cause anyone to panic.

How could she not feel something akin to a panic attack?

“Is it because you’re sparring with your sister?”

Could that be the reason?

The Yoonseo I know would’ve definitely feigned nonchalance here, putting on a stony face despite being ridiculously awkward—

“…Yes.”

I couldn’t quite grasp what was happening, but she was surprisingly willing to admit it.

“Well… I get that. Your sister is pretty strong.”

“Exactly… Ugh… I thought I could handle anyone else, but not her…”

“Wow.”

“…What?”

“No, it just sounded like something really arrogant.”

“Urk…! I-I mean, my talent doesn’t mesh well with my sister’s talent…”

“Oh… well, that’s true.”

Yeah, that’s right.

It wasn’t just a poor compatibility; it was an extreme mismatch.

I mean, we’re talking about electricity and water here.

So if Yoonseo goes in like she usually does when sparring?

Honestly, one flick of Chae-rim’s wrist might just wrap up the fight in an instant.

“What am I supposed to do…”

“What’s the big deal? It’s not anyone else; it’s Chae-rim, your sister. You can afford to lose.”

“But still… the people…”

So that was what she was worried about after all.

In that case, there’s not much that can be done.

I don’t like seeing her so distressed—

“If you’re that worried, how about I go ask my sister for you?”

Maybe because of her pride, she hadn’t been able to voice her concerns, but my suggestion made her waver.

A slightly conflicted expression flickered across Yoonseo’s face, but it was only for a moment.

“No, I’ll talk to her directly. It’s my business.”

“Okay, then.”

“But, instead…!”

“Instead?”

“Can you come with me when I go to talk to her…?”

It wasn’t a big deal to accompany her, so I smirked and nodded, only to get a slightly sulky reaction in return.

“What’s with the laugh?”

“Oh, I just… couldn’t help but think about how the little Yoonseo has grown up so much.”

“What are you talking about… I’ve been mature since way back!”

“Oh really? Who was it that used to throw me under the bus every time we were in trouble?”

“When did I ever?!”

“Don’t you remember? Back in your first year of middle school…”

“Eh eh eh eh, I can’t hear you!”

With her hands over her ears, shaking her head like a kindergarten kid, it was just too adorable.

It made me laugh out loud without realizing.

And I guess that reaction didn’t sit well with Yoonseo, whose adult demeanor was just interrupted.

She shot me an annoyed glance, and an odd expression appeared on her face.

What was it… like she had some secret scheme or something?

As I was muttering this to myself, Yoonseo’s expression shifted into a mischievous grin, and she leaned in closer to whisper in my ear.

“You… must still think I’m a little seven-year-old, huh…”

“Don’t you?!”

“Really think that?”

“Think about what you just did before you ask that!”

“You’re saying I think that, huh…”

What is with that expression?

While I was mumbling to myself, Yoonseo flashed an ever-so-sneaky smile, leaning in closer and whispering into my ear again.

“If you really think so… why don’t you check with your own eyes?”

…What?

The moment those words hit my ear, my mind instantly stopped.

“Am I still… a little kid or not?”

And in that moment when my brain ‘beeped’ and hit a wall, Yoonseo’s next words were enough to leave me utterly flabbergasted.

It wasn’t just a throwaway line; I genuinely couldn’t remember a time in the past few years when I felt so taken aback.

“What what what what what are you talking about?! Yoonseo, are you out of your mind?! We’re still in school, you know?!”

Maybe it was due to that shock, but my voice wavered uncontrollably as it escaped my lips.

“If this isn’t school…?”

She either knew exactly how to hit my weak points or she just really didn’t want to let go of this moment.

“Anywhere else is okay… Agh?!”

Of course, I had no intention of letting her tease me just like that, so before she could throw out another jab at me, I struck first.

“Cut it out already…”

“Why are you hitting my forehead?!”

“Do you really not know?!”

“Darn it…”

In the end, we had a little spat, but one way or another, I ended up accompanying Yoonseo as she went to meet with Chae-rim.

At that point, I thought Yoonseo’s request would go without a hitch—

“Um… I’m sorry, but that might be difficult.”

To my surprise, after a relatively long discussion, Chae-rim’s response was a negative one.

“Huh? Why?”

“That’s because… if it’s not a certain level of difficulty, there’ll inevitably be whispers about favoritism later on.”

I couldn’t say I didn’t understand Chae-rim’s reasoning.

I understood it, but somehow, it still irked me a bit.

From Chae-rim’s position, or the Association’s, avoiding any grounds for speculation about preferential treatment was understandable.

But even so, this level of difficulty felt like it was way over the line.

What if Yoonseo really fails to shine during a sparring match and ends up losing disgracefully?

You just know people would come crawling out of the woodwork to gloat about it.

And no matter what, Yoonseo would be hurt by those careless comments—big or small—but how was that going to be handled?

Would the Association take responsibility for that too?

They probably would.

Sure, even if they punished the trolls, it wouldn’t wipe away the scars already inflicted.

“Ah—”

Just thinking about it made my blood boil.

But what added to my irritation was—

“Don’t worry too much. That spot is meant to showcase potential rather than current ability.”

Chae-rim’s thought followed.

Of course… I knew that.

I knew she was saying this to soothe me.

I do get that…

But hearing her just casually dismiss the possibility of Yoonseo losing was incredibly frustrating, especially with the anger still simmering inside me.

‘This won’t do.’

I need to make sure Yoonseo shows what she’s capable of. I’d have to do my best to support her so she could at least surprise Chae-rim once during the match.