abcnovels
Chapter 52
Chapter 52: Award Ceremony (1)
Award Ceremony (1)
Ding!
I pushed my dormitory door open and stepped in.
Lumi's sudden surge of enthusiasm caught me off guard. I'm not the type to complain about such things, but… I can't help but worry that she might pull something like that again in the future. If all the heroines start acting like this, it's going to be quite a handful to manage, honestly…
"Ah! That bastard! I'll kill you! Die you fucker! Aaargh!" As soon as I walked into the living room, Liliana's voice erupted from her room, a string of profanities flowing freely. It's nice to see her back in the streaming game after a hiatus. The sweet sound of cash registers ringing once more.
"Wait! Was something delivered? I smell something delicious!" Liliana swung her door open and made her way into the living room.
I threw out a nonchalant greeting, "Hey, I'm back."
"Huh? What's going on? I thought it was a delivery. Why are you here?"
"What's up with the reaction? And no, I didn't bring any chicken today."
"That's odd. I distinctly smelled something good… sniff, sniff…"
Are you channeling your inner bloodhound? Why the persistent sniffing? I'm not asking you to act like a succubus, but could you perhaps exhibit a bit more human behavior?
"Hold on a sec." Liliana, who had been indulging in sniffs, edged closer to me. Then, she seized my arm and hoisted it to her own nose. "Hey, what are you doing?"
"Nice smell…"
Oh, right. I emit a sweet fragrance from my body. But you're not a dog, you're a succubus. Nobody else has ever commented about a scent emanating from me. And last time, you didn't say anything.
"You were fine when we talked last time."
"You're coated in the aroma of chicken back then. Sniff, sniff…"
"…"
A sweet scent that's outshone by chicken? Is this some sort of bottom-tier ability?
"I've got a skill that emanates a pleasant scent. Quit with the sniffing."
"You've got a skill that's a perfect match for you, you perv. Oh, and by the way, can I tag along with you during the day starting tomorrow?"
"All of a sudden?"
"I've resolved to lead a more disciplined life, but if I stay home all quietly, I feel like I my pussy will get itchy and end up touching myself again."
I'd appreciate it if she could dial back on her words a bit.
"If you come along, you might get a front-row seat to stuff like sex or something… Won't that actually get you all riled up?"
"No worries. Do you think I'm some sort of beast like you that automatically goes into heat just by glancing at a woman!"
"…" I couldn't muster much of a counterargument. But I'd like to use the protagonist card to excuse myself. Otherwise, it's utterly preposterous that a nerd like me could get girls in the mood for sex.
"Sure, do whatever you want. But don't cause a scene, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, got it."
"I'm going to take a shower and go to bed. You can take a break from streaming." I replied curtly and headed into the bathroom.
***
I entered my room, ended my stream, and came out into the living room. "Mmm… I guess starting tomorrow, things might be a tad less dull."
With the perv's shower noise humming in the background, I let out a sigh and flopped onto the sofa. "Surprisingly, there's not a whole lot to do around here."
At first, this place was all exhilaration and novelty, a world teeming with excitement. But the more I look around, the more it hits me that this place's portrayal of the human world isn't exactly as I imagined.
Back in Hell, the media I used to enjoy served a pretty picture of the human world. Streets bustling with drop-dead gorgeous people, a place where even a puny demon could make a human their slave with a flick of their wrist. But, reality's got other plans. Ugly mugs aplenty, but safety's not half bad. And to add a cherry on top, my powers have dulled to the point where I can't do jack on my own.
Gaming tucked away in a corner of my room is a bit of a consolation, but that's about the extent of it. Even TV dramas feature more eyesores than eye candy. In Hell, they whip up stunningly hot and handsome humans using magic for their shows.
If I compare those memories to what's right in front of me, most humans on this side of reality are nothing more than pretty goblins.
"Oh, but there's one exception."
My contractor, Lee Hoyeon. A human even prettier than the ones they magically doll up in Hell. Might I add, he's more attractive than the natural ones roaming Earth. Furthermore, taking a sly peek, it seems he's packing quite a huge tool down there. I wonder if it'd fit snugly if he were to go all the way in…
Stretching my arm out toward my abdomen, I couldn't shake the fact that it's not exactly a perfect fit. All of sudden, in sauntered the man himself, done with his shower and toweling off his hair, making his way over to me.
"Finished with your stream, Liliana?"
Thump-thump! Out of nowhere, a weird feeling tugged at me. "You damn perv! Can't you at least put on some clothes when you're around?"
"No need to make a big fuss. I'm not butt naked. What's the harm in just ditching the shirt in my own damn place?"
"I dunno! I'm going in my room!"
Bang! I slammed the door and clutched at my chest. What's up with me? Why the hell am I acting like this? I'm not losing my mind, am I?
As he waltzed out of the shower, his handsome mug showed up, bringing that damn sweet scent along with it. In that moment, my heart skipped a beat.
"Ugh, damn it! Am I losing it? Did that perverted bastard pull another bizarre stunt on me?! Ugh!"
Thump, thump! I slammed my fist against the wall for no good reason.
"Cut the racket! I wanna catch some sleep, you friggin' succubus!"
"You're the one who needs to shut it! You pervy idiot!"
Guess I won't be catching much shut-eye tonight.
***
Today's the day for Professor Im Sol's specialized mage class. Since we've probably covered our quota for theory classes, it's likely we'll dive into practical exercises and receive feedback.
[Wow, it's been a while since I've been outside!]
"Congratulations milady. Take a breather and calm your mind while getting some fresh air."
[Fine. But what's with that damn tone? It's so irritating.]
"Yeah, yours is even more irritating."
I playfully teased Liliana as we stepped outside. Usually, it's too crowded when we go to school together, and I can't have a decent conversation with her. So, I decided to come early, and luckily, the classroom wasn't jam-packed. I took my usual seat and observed Liliana; a silver chain necklace with a red gem embedded in it. It looked quite lovely. Maybe it turned out so beautiful because she's pretty herself?
I twiddled with the necklace in my hands, studying it.
[Hey, what the hell are you doing?! You're making me dizzy!]
"Does it make you dizzy too, moving like that?"
[It's not that, it's like… it's moving my field of vision, you dummy!]
"Got it." I gave Liliana's necklace a playful adjustment around my neck.
Now, what to do? Maybe I'll check out EveryDay or something.
"Hey, Lee Hoyeon!"
"Yeah?"
Lucy and Lumi showed up, walking over to me.
"Here! Have this!" Lucy had something on her hand as she presented it to me. It was a cute pink glass jar filled with cookies.
"What's up with the cookies?"
"I've been baking them as a hobby! Made a ton yesterday, so I thought I'd share!"
This makes no sense. Lucy's always out and about, where'd she find the time to bake cookies?
"Just have some, no big deal," she said that with a twinkle in her eye.
[They do look pretty though. Save some for me too!]
As Liliana said, they do look pretty good. I popped open the jar, took a cookie, and took a bite.
"Ugh…"
Why does it taste bitter? Did she put some magic spell on these cookies?
Lucy was eagerly awaiting my verdict. I managed to keep my poker face with some superhuman patience.
"Well, it tastes… good, I guess? Seriously Lucy, this is surprisingly nice!"
"Hehe! Is there something I can't do?"
She was radiating delight. I half-expected her to play a prank with cookies that taste bad, but it seemed that's not the case.
So, she brought them, yet she hasn't even tasted one herself?
Lucy was gleefully rubbing her hands together.
I'll let it slide since she's cute.
I noticed she had a few band-aids on her hands when I looked closer. I wonder what she did while baking these cookies to get those cuts. I can't say for sure, but she must've put a lot of effort into it. Her eyes toward me were filled with affection.
I mean, I'm happy she's showing her liking so openly, but… Seeing her like this tugs at my conscience a bit.
While Lucy was rejoicing, Lumi behind her was sticking her tongue out and licking her lips at me.
Uh, isn't this a risky situation?
***
The training ground buzzed with activity as we gathered for the specialized mage class.
"Hey there. Now that everyone's here, let's get started with some hands-on practice." True to form, Professor Im Sol began the class with a rather annoyed expression.
I've heard that there's been more research due to me, which is great, but it also means more annoying tasks. I'm planning to visit her today anyway, so maybe I'll share some good ideas with her. That should lighten her mood a bit.
"We'll be doing practical exercises in pairs. I'll come around and give feedback individually." Im Sol began giving feedback starting from the front row. I took my seat at the back, where it would be more comfortable to talk to her.
"Hmm, your execution is a bit slow. If you're drawing magic circles at that pace in a fight, you'd have a hole in your chest before you even finish."
"I'm sorry!" The male student who received the criticism from Im Sol blushed and seemed pleased.
There sure are some peculiar guys out there. Getting excited while being scolded by a woman.
Turning my attention back to the front row, I heard a voice coming from my necklace.
[You know, I have a feeling that big-breasted girl is out to assassinate you. Those cookies had a poison flavor.]
"No way."
[Well, you've tasted them too! You went out of your way to save her, and instead of being grateful, she's apparently plotting to off you!]
"Can't you just appreciate her gratitude, please?"
Im Sol was still at the front. My turn was still far away. In the meantime, I needed to practice something too.
[But seriously, what kind of practice are you trying to pull off during class? Weren't you a martial artist?]
"A martial artist?"
[A bunch of crazy mages who enhance their bodies to fight.]
"Are you trying to call me crazy?"
But I can see why Liliana would think that way. Honestly, I chose to be a mage for safer combat, but lately, it seems like I'm always up close and personal. Once [Battle Sense] kicks in, I tend to move instinctively toward the most efficient route, sometimes ending up in close-quarters combat.
So far, aside from the scuffle with Felix, there haven't been many life-threatening fights. But as the story progresses, there will be more assholes coming out of the woodwork. If I'm not careful, I might get skewered while I'm busy talking smack up front.
Could leveling up my magic be the solution? One of the perks of my magic is its quick activation. With my limited mana pool, I have to use each spell effectively and rapidly. In that case, I'll need to find a skill that fits the bill.
"Hey Liliana, do you know any efficient combat spells exclusive to the underworld?"
[Succubi aren't really known for their combat skills, so there's nothing particularly specific. Why do you ask?]
She's not really helpful beyond copying money.
"Just looking to change up my combat style a bit. I want to fight from a distance safely, but I can't think of an efficient way."
[How about this? I saw you easily pick up charm magic before, so just learn more spells and expand your options.]
"Not a bad idea… but there's a cap on how many skills I can fit in my repertoire window. And then there's the issue of skill proficiency."
Though there's no hard cap on the number of skills, it does get harder to learn new ones as the count goes up. Plus, skills get better the more you use them. As proficiency increases, the skills become more powerful, even if you can't see it. Focusing on one field is more efficient. So, I don't recklessly learn skills; you never know when they might come in handy. I have to leave room for the unexpected.
[So, what's your plan? Just be a good martial artist instead of dabbling in magic?]
"No, I'm a mage."
[Then a magic-using martial artist? Some mages mix magic with their fighting.]
"I'm not… wait."
Hold on, can I use multiple types of magic at once? Casting spells for me is a breeze. Perceive the magic circle needed, draw it quickly, release mana to activate it, all in one smooth move. It doesn't take much effort, I can do it as casually as breathing. So, theoretically, I could draw two circles at the same time, right?
"I'll give it a shot." I went for it without second-guessing. A fireball formed in my right hand, a flame spear in my left. But soon, the flame spear lost its shape and fizzled out.
"Well, that's a bummer."
What gives? I definitely drew the circles fine.
"What's this? Told to practice and you're just messing around, huh?" Someone chimed in from behind. It was Professor Im Sol, wearing a smile, apparently in a good mood.josei
"Oh, Professor. I was trying to cast two spells at once, but it's not going well."
"Double casting? That's not easy." Im Sol created a tiny whirlwind and a droplet of water in her hands simultaneously.
"Oh, that's how it's done! I didn't know there were separate skills for that."
"Here's a tip: you need to precisely channel the mana needed for each spell and draw the circles. Otherwise, the magic circles won't form due to the nature of the mana flowing in one direction."
Right, that sensation earlier, like the circle just broke apart, that's what happened. At that moment, I caught an indignant look from a guy behind Im Sol. It's like he was saying, "I got a quick pointer and you're getting all this nice advice?"
Sorry, buddy. Get a taste of life's unfairness early on.
"Are you paying attention? Double casting is a challenge. I'll explain it in more detail, so listen well." Im Sol seemed to direct her attention solely on me, ignoring the rest.
"Thanks. But I'd like to try again."
Now that I know the trick, I'm feeling confident.
"Double casting is very useful but quite tricky. It took me a good while…"
Swoosh!
A fireball and a flame spear appeared in each hand. Professor Im Sol halted mid-sentence, surprise flickering across her face as she glanced at my hands.
"Just as I thought, Professor, you're a genius when it comes to magic. I'll definitely drop by more for guidance."
Even things that weren't working out seemed to fall into place with a single word from Im Sol. It's hard not to be grateful for that. And she's even giving me sex education on top of teaching magic. She's like an educator of this generation.
"Huh? You will?"
"Yes, thanks to you, Professor. I really appreciate it."
"Well… alright, it's the least I can do. Otherwise, you'd probably start bugging me." Im Sol's irritation faded quickly, and her usual demeanor returned.
"Oh, and can I come talk to you after class today? I've got some interesting research ideas."
"Sure, oh right. You're aware of the award ceremony tomorrow, aren't you?"
"Award ceremony?"
"Yeah. Tomorrow morning at the Victoria Academy auditorium. They're honoring you and Lucy as well."
Wait, tomorrow's the ceremony? And she's telling me now?
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