At that moment.
“Hah…. I can hardly believe it. How could this have happened…?”
Tacheon, the leader of the Demon Assembly, let out a sigh.
A hollow laugh escaped him on its own.
The Sadistic Young Lady, Sim Ji-eun, and the Iron Dragon, Tak Won-ho.
The paths connected to the souls of two of the Six Demons had been severed out of nowhere.
What that meant was obvious.
“It feels as though I’ve been struck by a bolt from the blue.”
Two of the Six Demons had met their end.
Without even their soul stones left behind.
To Tacheon, it was utterly absurd.
“According to the message that came in just a short while ago, they safely obtained the Egg of Bond and returned. What in the world happened in that brief interval…?”
Tacheon clicked his tongue, clearly displeased.
Wrinkles reflecting the passage of time creased his furrowed brow.
“I shall have to confirm it with my own eyes.”
The Six Demons could be replaced, but the power he had granted them could not.
Not unless he recovered their soul stones.
And yet, following the Doll Ghost Maiden, Lee Ga-hyeon, even Sim Ji-eun and Tak Won-ho’s soul stones had been destroyed.
It was a considerable blow to Tacheon.
Thus, in order to grasp the situation, he immediately returned to the hideout where the paths to the two Six Demons had been cut.
And when he witnessed the scene that had, quite literally, been reduced to scorched earth….
“Ha!”
He let out an exclamation.
His body trembled as though he were suppressing his fury.
“I wondered what had happened, but it was the work of the Star Witch. All this time, she had taken a step back, calling herself an educator and acting as though she’d adopted a passive stance….”
The Star Witch, So Hye-yul.
He did not know what had gotten into her, but unlike before, she seemed to have decided to actively keep him in check.
Another obstacle had been added to his path.
Tacheon took off his black sunglasses and swept back his white hair.
His eyes shone fiercely.
“With things having turned out like this…. It seems I’ll have to move the grand plan forward.”
* * *
My plan with So Hye-yul succeeded.
The enemies who attacked the Grand Ranking Tournament awards ceremony had been annihilated.
Every single one of the bastards there, including the Six Demons Sim Ji-eun and Tak Won-ho.
It was a feat accomplished in barely a day—no, in only a few hours—after the incident occurred.
I’m not saying that to boast.
Because of it, the world, which had already been shocked by news of the attack, was thrown into yet another wave of shock.
People could not hide their astonishment.
Entirely.
‘It’s all thanks to the chairwoman. Once she’s on your side, there’s no ally more reliable than her.’
So Hye-yul’s staff, Star Lightroad.
If she hadn’t acted with lightning speed and activated it, we would never have been able to produce this result.
In that sense, she had once again proven to the world the dignity she possessed as the Star Witch.
And, at the same time, the danger she represented.
From what I heard, fairly authoritative organizations such as the Contribution Association and the Hunter Association strongly protested.
They claimed she had violated the agreement and used Star Lightroad at her own discretion without prior discussion.
To which she said—
—How strange. Wasn’t discussion a recommendation, not an obligation? It seems you’re mistaken…. Why should I need your permission? Am I not allowed to use my own staff as I see fit? And wasn’t there a clause in the agreement stating that, for the greater cause and for the public interest of the greatest number, it may be used without prior notification? There was a risk of information being leaked, and time was short, so I apologize for being unable to inform you all, but I simply followed the agreement faithfully. In the end, I eradicated the Sadistic Young Lady, the Iron Dragon, and the other villains for the public interest of the greatest number, didn’t I?
According to So Hye-yul.
That was how she dismissed them.
And on top of that.
‘Apparently, she even threatened them subtly. If there were still any opposing opinions, that would mean they stood against the public interest of the greatest number, and therefore there was a high chance they were the bastards’ pawns. So, for the sake of the public interest of the greatest number, she would step forward again and swing her blade, or something like that….’
Honestly, So Hye-yul really is a terrifying person.
It was no wonder that people who were already afraid of her couldn’t make a peep and shut their mouths.
Even I would have shut mine.
In any case.
‘With this, Tacheon’s forces should be greatly reduced.’
As someone who had to stop Tacheon’s long-cherished wish in order to prevent the destruction of the world, it was welcome news.
I felt immensely relieved.
Meanwhile, Kang Han-byeol, who had fallen into despair after the Egg of Bond was stolen….
“Back then, it really felt like the whole world was collapsing, you know? I was so upset I nearly teared up.”
As though that had never happened.
He carried the real Egg of Bond around with him all the time and kept giggling at the slightest opportunity.
It was the same even now.
Even while eating lunch, Kang Han-byeol was stroking the Egg of Bond resting on his lap with one hand.
The corners of his mouth refused to come down.
‘He’s absolutely over the moon.’
If I’m being honest.
I’m jealous of Kang Han-byeol.
I wish I had a phantom beast too.
‘I wonder if there’s any way to get one. Even if I have to use the family’s power….’
These days, I found myself having thoughts like that, and I gave a bitter smile.
At the same time, I looked forward to it just like Kang Han-byeol did.
“I hope it hatches soon.”
“Same.”
According to the game’s development.
The phantom beast born from the Egg of Bond is a snow-white crow with an impressive golden beak.
Through that phantom beast, the contractor can equip firearms or wings, or imbue their attacks with the light attribute.
So once he forms a contract with the phantom beast, Kang Han-byeol will become even stronger.
Side Story: Grand Ranking Tournament
Maybe she would be able to meet Do Gyeon-u.
With that thought, she had gone through great difficulty to obtain a ticket for the final day of the Grand Ranking Tournament.
‘Where is Gyeon-u?’
She had no interest in the matches.
Only to see Do Gyeon-u.
Having entered the Battle Arena, she searched and searched for him.
‘How much have you changed? You….’
Do you remember me?
Do you miss me?
I want to see you so badly, Gyeon-u.
With feelings too many to count, she desperately wished.
And at last.
“Ah….”
She found Do Gyeon-u.
Unlike the young, childish boy in her memories, he had now grown into a proper man. He felt unfamiliar, yet he was still wonderful.
So much so that she was momentarily entranced, her mind going blank.
That was why she noticed too late.
“Gyeon-u….”
If you have expectations, you are bound to be disappointed.
She had been about to approach Do Gyeon-u without thinking, but in that instant, her steps faltered.
She had been so absorbed in him that she hadn’t noticed, but now the people around him, who seemed to be his friends, entered her view.
“....”
There were many of them. Too many.
Do Gyeon-u was laughing and chatting happily with those people.
As though he were not lonely.
‘I’m all alone….’
Her buoyant heart plummeted sharply.
It felt as though there was no place for her to fit in there at all.
Moreover.
‘Why… are you there? That place, that place was originally mine…. It should have been mine….’
When she became aware of Yeon Ha-neul occupying the spot by Do Gyeon-u’s side, it was even worse.
Clenching her fist tightly, she felt both resentful and sorrowful.
Even so, she could not let go of hope.
‘…No. Gyeon-u is acting like that because he doesn’t know me. Once he gets to know me….’
Things would definitely change.
They had to change.
Unable to give up like this, she sought a chance to be alone with Do Gyeon-u somehow.
But contrary to her hopes, no matter how much she lingered around him, the opportunity never came.
Because of Yeon Ha-neul, who remained stuck by his side the entire time.
‘That bitch…. Get away from him already.’
She hated Yeon Ha-neul, who exchanged affectionate glances with Do Gyeon-u.
She hated Yeon Ha-neul, who naturally held Do Gyeon-u’s hand and walked arm in arm with him.
She hated her. She hated her so much. She truly hated her.
Enough to want to kill Yeon Ha-neul.
To her, it was nothing but unpleasant.
“…Huh?”
It was then that she witnessed that scene.
Yeon Ha-neul.
“....”
Toward Do Gyeon-u, who was defenseless because he was holding drink carriers in both hands.
She suddenly pressed her lips to his.
Having witnessed that scene from a distance, she could not help but be shaken.
And as if driving a stake through her heart.
‘…No. Don’t, Gyeon-u. Please… please, don’t….’
Do Gyeon-u, his face overflowing with emotion, kissed Yeon Ha-neul.
The two gazed into each other’s eyes as though each was the other’s entire world and smiled softly.
With that, she realized that the two of them were no longer childhood friends, but lovers.
“Why, how….”
Why isn’t it me? Why is it her?
Unable to continue speaking, she sobbed silently.
Blood flowed from her bitten lip.
Even so, the red light in her eyes, directed at Yeon Ha-neul, shone murderously.
“If only you weren’t here… if only you weren’t here, Gyeon-u would look at me…. Yeon Ha-neul, I’ll….”
I want to kill you.
I’ll kill you painfully.
And more than anything, this damned world….
“I wish it would just be destroyed.”
Wishing it desperately through a pain that felt as though her heart were being torn apart.
Wiping her tears with the back of her hand, she turned sharply away.
The Sea
By the time the Grand Ranking Tournament had come to an end and the incident remembered only for So Hye-yul’s satellite sniping had been wrapped up, summer was already in full swing.
It was July.
There wasn’t much time left until vacation.
But before that….
‘I have to take final exams first.’
Brilliant Café, on academy grounds.
Preparing for finals with my friends, I let out a sigh.
Just when I think I can finally catch my breath, there’s an episode, a school event, an exam….
I can’t relax in peace.
Still, if there was one thing to be thankful for.
‘In the game, Yeon Ha-neul’s episode was supposed to happen around this time, but there’s no way it will happen now. Unlike in the game, Ha-neul is satisfied with her academy life.’
I can guarantee it.
The future where Yeon Ha-neul falls into despair over the world and is reborn as the Witch of Disaster will not occur.
Wanting to change my stifled mood from studying for exams, I rested my chin on my hand and looked at her.
My childhood friend, who was diligently writing something down… no, my girlfriend, was beautiful today as well.
It felt like my mind and body were being purified.
Perhaps she sensed my gaze, because she glanced at me.
“What? Am I pretty?”
“Yeah.”
Yeon Ha-neul now asked confidently in front of our friends without feeling embarrassed.
I nodded vigorously, as if affirming her question.
Then she smiled bashfully.
The corners of my mouth rose along with hers.
“Gyeon-u and Ha-neul will definitely ruin this exam. No, they have to ruin it. Arin, you must take first place.”
“That’s right. If you even do well on the exam on top of everything else, I’ll be too resentful to live. So fail! For the sake of all single people!”
“What’s with you? Go ahead and curse us outright, why don’t you.”
Meanwhile, Lisa and Go Eun-bi, who were sitting across from us, hurled curses at me and Yeon Ha-neul.
The other friends, who had just happened to get sick of studying, joined in too.
From that point on, all of us set exam prep aside and began chatting.
It was during that conversation that the topic turned to what we would do during summer vacation.
‘Wait, now that I think about it….’
According to the game’s development.
During the final exam period of the first semester of second year.
Kang Han-byeol’s group talks, just as we are now, about what they will do during summer vacation.
At this point, when it becomes Nam Yu-ri’s turn to speak, a choice appears.
「Nam Yu-ri」
—Me? My vacation will be the same as always. I’ll probably stay cooped up in my family’s estate. The family said there’s an important experiment, so I absolutely have to come back and not wander off anywhere else. Ah, I’m bored just thinking about it…. I wish vacation would end and school would start again already!
[Will you send Nam Yu-ri to the Yeonseong Nam family this summer vacation? If you send her, Nam Yu-ri will not only be able to learn skills related to the Black Dragon, but also grow by leaps and bounds. So choose.]
▷ Try to find something you can enjoy. And I’ll contact you often! (Yes)
▷ Or instead of going back to your family, do you want to stay in Academy City with me? Those of us staying over vacation can have fun together! (No)
If you choose No, the game proceeds to the next story.
However, for some incomprehensible reason, Nam Yu-ri’s physical abilities decrease by 10%.
Conversely, if you choose Yes….
‘The ending where Kang Han-byeol gets devoured is waiting.’
Nam Yu-ri does not return to the academy even after the second semester of second year begins.
Finding this strange, Kang Han-byeol visits the Yeonseong Nam family with his friends….
And there, he comes face-to-face with her after she has transformed into a chimera.
Then, as Kang Han-byeol denies reality, unable to believe it, she promptly swallows him whole….
And leads the world to destruction.
So.
‘I have to coax Yu-ri well so she doesn’t go back to her family.’
But I have a question.
Can Nam Yu-ri’s future of transforming into a chimera truly be completely prevented with just this one choice?
I Became the Childhood Friend of the Middle Boss