Why Did I Have to Enroll

Why Did I Have to Enroll - Chapter 183

Lesson 36. How Are You Feeling Now? - 3

In the early dawn, Dokgo Yeon stood on a massive tree branch, gripping her Blade with her eyes gently closed. She was recalling Ryu Cheol-myeong, the man she faced yesterday.

His repulsive face annoyed her, but she tried to forget it, focusing instead on his Blade—a simple yet extraordinarily destructive trajectory—and her own movements against it.

‘He was strong. His vulgarity was only in his thoughts and actions; his Blade could surely obscure the eyes of the heavens.’

Ryu Cheol-myeong met his end at the hands of the students. While his death might seem trivial, the power he wielded was anything but. The reason they managed to defeat him was that he was shackled by numerous restraints.

It wasn’t just the Curse and restrictions imposed by Mira and Shati. As a full professor under the academy’s jurisdiction, he had to relinquish much of his power to move unnoticed by the headmaster. Had Ryu Cheol-myeong been able to unleash his full strength, he could have easily cut down Dokgo Yeon, even under Mira and Shati’s Curse.

In fact, Yumina’s plant magic, executed with the headmaster’s approval and without restrictions, had demonstrated terrifying might, piercing through a legendary ancient predator in an instant. Despite some differences among full professors, they fundamentally wielded equal power, making it fortunate that they managed to kill Ryu Cheol-myeong this time.

‘It was beneficial for me. Facing a powerful opponent with restrictions allowed me to understand and learn the source of that power.’

Of course, if she wielded her power recklessly, she might be consumed by Death herself, but Dokgo Yeon possessed self-control beyond ordinary people. There was no need to worry about that.

‘Have I grown stronger by ten percent, or maybe twenty percent? My level only increased by ten, but levels are merely a part of my strength.’

Even when considering levels, Dokgo Yeon surpassed the graduation level of Union Academy, but her actual power was far greater. Being stronger than one’s level suggests is easier said than done. Her unique origin dimension and the special Martial Arts she learned contributed, but the most crucial factor was her own uniqueness.

‘Yes, just like Ban Yu-won, who was born in a dimension without Mana and has now become a key figure in the academy…’

Through this experience, Dokgo Yeon vaguely realized that Ban Yu-won would inevitably surpass her in strength someday. Yet, this didn’t surprise her. She accepted Ban Yu-won’s growth naturally and willingly.

Born as the daughter of a ruler, she had always competed with everyone around her, feeling alive only in proving her superiority. Now, she felt proud that her Martial Arts had become the foundation for Ban Yu-won’s own unique Martial Arts—Flowing Origin Art—and instead of feeling jealous, she was purely impressed and fond of him.

Why did she feel proud of him? Did she really think of him as her disciple? Or was it something else?

‘Blade, let’s wield it.’

There was no need to be swayed by unnecessary thoughts. Ever since she joined the special activities, she had been strange and awkward. By wielding her Blade with unwavering focus, she could regain her self-control.

“Hello, Fourth.”

“Fourth?”

Her Blade, cutting through the air, suddenly stopped at the voice from behind. She frowned and turned to see Slothia hanging upside down from a dangling tree vine, looking down at her. Her golden hair, cascading downward, was both beautiful and foolish.

“When did you get here?”

“Just now.”

Slothia’s presence was said to blend with the trees when in contact with them. But to think it was enough to deceive her—was it because she was too focused on her Blade, or was her mind distracted? Dokgo Yeon couldn’t tell.

“What do you mean by ‘Fourth’?”

“Last night, the second was decided to be someone else… I’m the third, and you’re the fourth.”

Slothia replied with half-closed eyes to Dokgo Yeon’s sharp voice. Though her activation mode hadn’t ended, her drooping voice gave a lazy impression, unlike during battle.

“I didn’t expect to lose the second position to an outsider who suddenly popped up. If only that damn teacher hadn’t kept me up all night.”

“Oh my, calling your teacher ‘damn’ is quite unfortunate.”

The newcomer was Yumina. With Yumina’s arrival, sharp thorns began to sprout from the vine Slothia was hanging from, pressing against her in real-time.

“Ouch, stop it, I’m sorry, teacher, ouch.”

“Didn’t you ask me to teach you magic? Come on, resist. Competing for control is fundamental for a magician, isn’t it?”

“I did ask you to teach me magic, but I didn’t ask you to interfere with my mating time, ouch!”

“As a teacher, I can’t overlook a student leading an unrestrained and indulgent life. Honestly, I want to restrain Mira and Luciel too, but…”

Yumina pouted, seemingly aware of what had transpired between them and Ban Yu-won.

“Since it seems they’re already deeply intertwined. Anyway, for Yu-won’s future, I can’t allow any more unrestrained relationships. Slothia, you should give up quietly.”

It seemed she no longer hesitated to call him ‘Yu-won’ in front of others. Slothia questioned instead of the dumbfounded Dokgo Yeon.

“What makes you think you can manage that, teacher?”

“Because I’m a teacher!”

Yumina declared proudly with her chest puffed out, but then she added with a sheepish smile.

“And he’s the one who will fulfill my personal wish. So I have a duty to support him in growing up properly.”

“…”

“Dokgo Yeon, you seem to have a lot on your mind too. Don’t be swayed by Slothia’s nonsense and keep your focus.”

Yumina spoke with a kind smile and grabbed the nape of Slothia, who was struggling with her body pierced by thorns.

“Now, shall we start the lesson again? Learn as much as you can before your activation ends, Slothia.”

“Teacher, my activation is only maintained because I want to mate with Ban Yu-won―― Ouch, ouch, ouch!”

With Slothia’s scream, Yumina’s figure disappeared into the distance. Dokgo Yeon watched blankly before regaining her senses.

‘Fourth.’

Despite Yumina’s intentions, Slothia’s nonsense cut deeply into Dokgo Yeon’s mind. Last night, she had also witnessed Mira boldly embracing Ban Yu-won in Luciel’s home ground. With a face flushed from alcohol, Mira had appeared and hugged Ban Yu-won.

‘Today, hold me.’

With just two words, she disarmed Ban Yu-won and boldly took him away in front of Luciel.

‘Fourth.’

If Yumina hadn’t been there, Slothia would have also jumped into Ban Yu-won’s bedroom without hesitation. Whether Ban Yu-won accepted her or not was a separate issue, but with his naturally deep affection and inability to reject people, he wouldn’t have been able to firmly turn her away, leading to a deeper relationship.

Not just her, even Aneri Dedota, the dimensional mercenary who took on this request for an absurdly low price, was eyeing him, and back at school, there were plenty of others trying to approach him romantically.

‘Fourth…’

Gritting her teeth, Dokgo Yeon felt that Yumina’s words to her seemed like a warning. Telling her to keep her focus—did that mean Dokgo Yeon wasn’t focused right now? Was she losing her rational judgment and going berserk over a single man? The only thing between her and Ban Yu-won was Martial Arts!

“Yawn… Huh?!”

When she came to her senses, Ban Yu-won was right in front of her. Just waking up and stepping out of his room, he hastily covered the bruise on his neck with his hand upon seeing Dokgo Yeon.

“Wait, Dokgo Yeon. Wait, this isn’t something I left on purpose, it’s just that Mira…”

“Do you think creating Martial Arts means it’s ‘complete’?”

“…Huh?”

Ban Yu-won looked dumbfounded at Dokgo Yeon’s words that cut off his excuses.

“On the contrary, this is just the beginning. I won’t tolerate you dawdling after barely taking the first step. So—let’s spar.”

If the only thing between her and Ban Yu-won was Martial Arts, then she would craft it so well that no one could surpass it.

“Pick up your Blade. Do you have time to play with women but not to wield your Blade?!”

“No, no. I understand, teacher!”

“Good, then follow me!”

“Yes!”

When Ban Yu-won learned the Blade from her, she became the first in his life. A faint smile appeared on Dokgo Yeon’s lips as she looked back at Ban Yu-won, who was following her closely. She hadn’t yet realized that even having such thoughts was evidence of going berserk.

Three days later, the final day of the special activities arrived. Although it fell short of the two-week period, they had done everything possible for a perfect evaluation, so there was no need to stay longer.

“Yu-won, please call me next time too…! Make sure to check the 90% special discount item then, ouch!”

“What’s this about a special discount?”

“If this mess happens again by the next special activity, I’m dropping out.”

Ban Yu-won successfully settled accounts with Aneri and sent her off, receiving some spare parts from her kind service to feed to Lilith. Meanwhile, Yumina, seemingly satisfied with her temporary student Slothia, taught her various practical magic and plant magic, which could be applied to her own spells.

Fortunately for Ban Yu-won, Yumina kept Slothia occupied, allowing him to escape her clutches. However, that didn’t mean he was free during that time.

“Yu-won, let’s go in.”

“Mira, if you keep hogging the master for too long, I’ll join in too.”

“You’ll be going to Earth together, so why not yield to me here, sister?”

“If you’re jealous, you’ll have to follow me to Earth, sister.”

“Haha…”

“Ban Yu-won, don’t be late for sparring.”

“…Sigh.”

…And because Dokgo Yeon, who couldn’t tolerate him playing around with women after completing his Martial Arts, also joined in, he was sandwiched between three women. It wasn’t so bad for Ban Yu-won, who needed time to organize his rapidly growing concepts and Martial Arts.

The result was…

[Core]

Life 895, Origin Body 770, Origin Qi 663, Soul 970

[Martial Arts]

Flowing Origin Art 292, Ghost Shadow Art 305, Origin Blade 1,140

[Culture]

Leadership 100, Charm 217, Honor 300

[Skills]

Riding 52, Bedroom Arts 50, Super Strength 150, Elemental Magic 210, Photon Magic 100, Curse 250

[Unique]

All-Reading Eyes 300, All-Hearing Ears 300, All-Speaking Lips 300, Judgement 210, Dominion 100, Star Trace 61, Soul Flame 50, Mutation 70, Rebellion 23, Diamond 20

A notable point was that Ban Yu-won had realized the concept of Bedroom Arts on his own and raised its depth to 50 in a short period. If he hadn’t realized that concept, he didn’t even want to imagine what might have happened.

“Whew, I don’t know why it’s more exhausting after the battle.”

“Oh, Planning Director!”

While everyone else was busy, Shati, who leisurely enjoyed life in the forest, looked at Ban Yu-won, who appeared half-dead, and asked with a gentle smile.

“Planning Director, are you alive?”

“…Halfway?”

It was more terrifying to say he was half-alive than half-dead.

“It’s karma, so accept it.”

“I want to argue, but I’ll hold back.”

Ban Yu-won sighed, deciding he needed to develop the new concept he had gained as soon as possible.

“Hmm――.”

“Oh, then the President.”

Then, facing Shati, who was looking at him with a peculiar expression, he changed the subject, worried she might catch on to his thoughts.

“Are you going to Mira’s hometown with her?”

“Yeah, it wouldn’t make sense for the dimensional pirates to directly target Dimension A-1, but… I have nothing to do in my hometown dimension anyway, so I thought it would be better to stick with Mira as her bodyguard.”

Before Ketra died, he had sent Ban Yu-won information through his Mirror about what the dimensional pirate group Crimson Spear was planning with the power of an S-rank dimension. Honestly, there was nothing they needed to do immediately.

Mira’s hometown, Dimension A-1, was the greatest dimension except for the S-rank dimension, and the fairy tribe she belonged to ruled that world. Even if the entire dimensional pirate group attacked, they had the capacity to fend them off. However, they needed to be cautious of kidnapping attempts on key figures in the fairy world like Mira. To prevent that, Mira planned to return home, warn her people extensively, and form alliances with fairies from other dimensions.

“Yu-won.”

“Ah, Slothia.”

Slothia appeared with Yumina. Ban Yu-won had suspected that Yumina was keeping Slothia busy because she had a romantic interest in him, and it seemed he was right. Even now, one of Slothia’s arms was held by Yumina.

“Next time, come with the princess alone.”

“At least you didn’t say to come alone.”

“Make sure to come. Definitely…”

He thought she was being cute, but it was just that her activation had finally ended. Normally, it would end quickly whether she succeeded or failed in mating, but she had been forcing it to continue to learn as much as possible from Yumina.

After that, Chief Canid and Lucia also appeared.

“Son-in-law, you must come back even if it’s not because of Slothia!”

“Yes, father-in-law. I’ll see you again, mother-in-law.”

“Good, keep calling us that!”

“Yes, next time, I hope there’s a child too.”

Canid laughed heartily at Ban Yu-won, who had accepted reality, while Lucia made him shiver with her nonchalant yet seductive words. With all the students, including Luciel, Mira, and Dokgo Yeon, gathered, Yumina finally released Slothia and clapped her hands.

“Shall we disband here? We will now use the power of the Tower of Babel to conduct dimensional transfers to the students’ home dimensions. Those going to the same dimension, please stick together.”

Luciel, as if waiting for those words, clung to Ban Yu-won’s arm, while Mira, who had been watching with a mix of admiration and jealousy, was held back by Shati.

Dokgo Yeon, however, stood alone with her arms crossed, glaring at Ban Yu-won with a haughty attitude.

“Ban Yu-won, don’t slack off during the break and continue training. I’ll check when school resumes. Beast, don’t tempt Ban Yu-won too much. The greater the power in your hands, the more you must hone it to prevent it from rusting.”

“Got it, mom.”

“Who’s your mom――!”

“Then, Dokgo Yeon, you’re first.”

Dokgo Yeon, who had been about to explode at Ban Yu-won’s words, vanished without a trace. The remaining people looked at Ban Yu-won as if he were a legendary hero.

“Aren’t you afraid of the post-break period?”

“Dokgo Yeon will probably understand it as an expression of affection.”

Having said what he always wanted to say to Dokgo Yeon, Ban Yu-won looked relieved. Yumina chuckled and was about to activate the dimensional transfer spell when Slothia quickly slipped past her and kissed Ban Yu-won.

Her speed was so astonishing that even Luciel, who was holding Ban Yu-won’s arm, couldn’t react.

“Success.”

“You tricked us, Slothia?!”

Pretending her activation had ended to catch everyone off guard, Slothia finally achieved her goal of physical contact with Ban Yu-won and laughed wickedly.

“A wise slothia turns a fall into an opportunity for a nap.”

“For something said so proudly, it sounds rather pathetic…”

“If you’re not planning to follow to Earth, let go now, Slothia.”

“Next time, definitely mating… Yawn.”

Having achieved her goal, Slothia finally released her activation and fell asleep on the spot. As everyone looked at her in disbelief, Mira kicked Slothia aside and approached, stealing a kiss from Ban Yu-won.

“Mira.”

“See you in the second semester, Yu-won.”

“Oh, is this a cue for me to kiss too?”

“Shati, don’t even dream about it.”

As Mira pulled Shati away, Yumina, with a somewhat dissatisfied expression, spoke.

“Yu-won, it would be better to exercise some restraint from now on… Ahem, then everyone, have a ‘wholesome’ and enjoyable summer break!”

Perhaps not wanting to see Ban Yu-won and the girls together any longer, Yumina clapped her hands somewhat irritably. In the next moment, Ban Yu-won and Luciel found themselves on Earth.

“Ah――! Everyone, look! The first awakened on Earth, dimensional traveler Ban Yu-won has appeared!”

“Pink hair… Crazy, the fellow student came too!”

“Ah, that broadcast was suspended!”

“Dog ears!”

“Ban Yu-won, please look this way!”

“Yu-won, do you remember me? Elementary school friend Moon Bong-hyun!”

“Ban Yu-won!”

“Are you in a romantic relationship with Luciel, who came to Earth with you? Ban Yu-won, please answer!”

…Huh?

Is this not Earth?