The EX-Class Extra of the Academy

Chapter 119. Why Are You Here? (4)

"Next, ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍the Hero-Rank players called the Light of South Korea! Player Ryu Jin-seong, Player Hong Sera, and Player Han Su-yeon are entering!!"

Finally, ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the Hero-Rank players the cadets had been waiting for the most entered. Accordingly, an even louder cheer than before erupted, and the three of them waved toward the cadets, seemingly pleased by the reaction.

However, ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍I could not focus on that.

'How ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍did he get in?'

External ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍guests were supposed to have passed through strict screening criteria. So how on earth was Yu-hyeon there? The problem did not end there.

'He ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍would not have come without some intention.'

Even if he was a cultist who performed incomprehensible actions, he was not someone who acted without thought. To begin with, those who truly lack thought would have died before becoming high-risk villains. Therefore, Yu-hyeon’s actions certainly had a purpose and intention.

'I just have no idea what that intention is.'

His way of acting was based on Reverse Heaven. Although they are villains, they are a group that stops Gates, similar to Players, if one looks at the bigger picture. Because of that, they might look down on civilians, but they generally do not mess with Players. Yet, as one could see, this place was filled with nothing but Players. This made his motive even harder to discern.

As I was deeply pondering Yu-hyeon’s intentions...

"Hey, suspicious guy. Do you have an upset stomach?"

Do Gang-ho’s indifferent voice suddenly sounded from beside me. An upset stomach in this situation?

"What do you mean?"

"Your expression looked serious. So I thought you might have indigestion from what you ate."

"Ah."

Oops. I was so focused on Yu-hyeon that I did not realize my expression looked like that. If even Do Gang-ho said so, I must have looked quite dark.

"It is nothing like that, so I am fine."

"Really? Or is a wound from when you were hurt before acting up again?"

At those words, Ju Ha-yeon, who was next to us, flinched. Was she still feeling responsible for what happened then? She really did not need to.

"I have completely recovered from all of that, so you do not have to worry."

"Then why are you suddenly making such a serious face?"

"I thought I saw someone I knew."

"Huh? Why is your face so serious if you saw someone you know?"

I briefly pondered how to answer Do Gang-ho’s question before finally offering an explanation.

"...It is crowded, so it was hard to see. I must have looked like that because I was focusing so hard to get a good look."

Even I thought it was a rather pathetic excuse. A Player finding it hard to see because of a crowd? It was the most ridiculous joke imaginable. However...

"Is that so? Do you want me to give you a piggyback ride if you cannot see well?"

It worked. It was pathetic to me, but it seemed like a reasonable excuse to Do Gang-ho. It probably would not have worked if it were anyone else. In fact, Ju Ha-yeon and Ha Eun-ha were making expressions that clearly said, 'He believes that?'

But I did not want to be questioned further, so I immediately changed the subject.

"Come to think of it, I think this is my first time seeing Player Han Su-yeon in person."

As if she had read my mind, Ju Ha-yeon answered me instead of pressing further.

"Player Han Su-yeon rarely makes public appearances except during the Thanksgiving Festival."

"Is that right?"

"Yes. Perhaps because of that, there is even a joke that you should buy a lottery ticket on the day you run into Player Han Su-yeon."

A lottery ticket just for running into a person? But how did Ju Ha-yeon know such trivial jokes? It was a thought I had before, but I felt once again that I should never let my guard down around her.

However, Do Gang-ho took Ju Ha-yeon’s words quite seriously.

"Then should I buy a lottery ticket today?"

"...If everyone here wins, would the prize money not be very small?"

"Hmm, let’s see. If I divide the lottery prize money by the number of people here..."

Gang-ho. You cannot do that mental math. But that bluntness was part of Do Gang-ho’s charm, so I decided to leave him be.

'At any rate, she has a very striking appearance.'

Even though I was checking on Yu-hyeon periodically, her appearance was enough to fill my vision. Her beauty played a part, but it felt more appropriate to say her colors were intense. Refreshing blue hair and two eyes that looked like sapphires were embedded in them. On top of that, she wore blue-toned fashion that required a good foundation to pull off. Her entire form, wrapped in blue, captured my gaze.

'It is likely the influence of her talent when she first awakened.'

While not everyone experienced it, there were people whose hair or eye color changed depending on their talent. Since her talent was related to water, they must have turned blue.

'Still, her skin is fair.'

If even her skin were blue, she would look like a Smur... That would be rude, so I will stop there. As I was clearing the thought from my head—a thought that would surely make her angry if she heard it—a voice spoke.

Ah, hello, everyone.

Ryu Jin-seong began to deliver his greetings as the representative of the external guests in the central hall, the place that would receive the most attention in the banquet hall. However, unfortunately, I could not hear those words. A much more important matter had ambushed me.

"Hello, everyone?"

A man approached us accurately and spoke in a friendly manner. Yes, of course, that man was Yu-hyeon. Instead of scowling, I replied accordingly.

"Player Ryu Jin-seong is still giving his speech. Is it okay for you to be over here?"

I tried to be as indirect as possible in asking him to get lost for now. However, Yu-hyeon smiled brightly and continued as if he did not understand.

"Haha, it has been a while since I last saw Cadet Choi Yu-seong, so surely this much is fine."

'This bastard...'

To suddenly approach me like this and act like we are close. Of course, it would be weirder if he approached as a stranger, but should he not have just stayed away in the first place? This was bound to draw the attention of the others next to me. In fact, Ha Eun-ha looked curious as to who he was, while Do Gang-ho looked confused by the sudden appearance.

And Ju Ha-yeon...

"Do you two know each other?"

She asked directly without any filter. As I was wondering how to answer that question, Yu-hyeon spoke up first.

"Yes. We became friends and started speaking casually after meeting at a cathedral a while ago."

A lie that came out without him even blinking. However, Yu-hyeon’s acting, smiling brightly as he spoke, was a masterpiece. Furthermore, he had swapped his inverted cross necklace for a regular cross at some point. He was an incredibly thorough bastard.

'I have to play along for now, even if I do not like it.'

I was already anxious that he might be caught as a villain. There was no need to cause unnecessary trouble. Therefore, I expressed my agreement with Yu-hyeon’s words with a calm face.

"It is as he said. We exchanged words a few times after that, but I did not expect to meet him here."

"Ah... I see."

Was Ju Ha-yeon’s reaction a bit strange? Still, she did not seem to disbelieve me, so I quickly moved the conversation along.

"But what brings you here?"

"Haha, I was given a good opportunity and was able to come."

What do you mean, a good opportunity? It would be a relief if he hadn't killed the person who actually had that opportunity to get here.

"I see. But you did not necessarily have to come to me."

"Ah, that is because I could not reach you, Cadet Yu-seong. I came to see if something had happened."

At those words, I realized my mistake. I had sent it for repairs now, but my phone had been smashed until the exam. I thought I had only missed the Puppeteer’s calls, but had Yu-hyeon also tried to contact me in the meantime?

'This... is my mistake.'

From Yu-hyeon’s perspective, it was certainly a matter that could make him feel urgent. That did not make the insane act of a villain visiting Glory any more understandable, though. Just as I was thinking that...

"My, it seems I should return to my seat now."

Yu-hyeon offered me a gentle smile and said he would return to his original place. I wondered why the sudden change, but only for a brief moment. Someone was approaching accurately in my direction.

'Ryu Jin-seong.'

Was even Yu-hyeon burdened by the thought of facing Ryu Jin-seong? However, I did not voice that thought. After all, I was the only one here who knew Yu-hyeon’s true identity. Before returning to his seat, Yu-hyeon left me with a request.

"Let’s see each other again later when you have time."

That was the end of Yu-hyeon’s words. He did not even wait for my answer before leaving immediately.

'Of course, the answer is already decided.'

Whether I wanted to or not, Yu-hyeon and I were in a cooperative relationship for now. That meant I needed to have a conversation, regardless of what words might be exchanged. So, I gathered my thoughts, took my eyes off Yu-hyeon, and turned my head.

"Hello."

I said this while looking at Ryu Jin-seong, who had nearly reached me.

"Haha, it feels too soon to say it has been a while, but it also feels like it has been a long time."

"When we saw each other at the meeting hall, the conditions were not right for us to have a conversation."

"That is true. How have you been in the meantime?"

"Yes. Thanks to you looking out for Glory, I have been getting along without any major issues."

Ryu Jin-seong did not look particularly pleased by my greeting.

'Did I make a mistake?'

I thought I had answered his question with sufficient politeness... Just as I was failing to find the answer, Ryu Jin-seong spoke in a gentle voice.

"I am not fond of being called that by my son’s friend. Please, call me comfortably."

'Ah.'

Was that the reason? Come to think of it, I realized that could be the case. Although Ryu Jin-seong was called the Emperor, he did not have an authoritarian personality. However...

"I would be very uncomfortable if I were to be comfortable."

I was not the only one in this place. Ryu Jin-seong was one of the most incredible people in this banquet hall right now. In short, although they were not looking openly, everyone was stealing glances in this direction. How could I treat him comfortably in such a situation? Ryu Jin-seong understood this as well, so he smiled bitterly and nodded.

"I suppose so. It seems I only thought of myself. I am sorry."

"Not at all. You said it because you were thinking of me."

"I am glad you put it that way. In that case, please treat me comfortably later in a private setting, if not a public one."

"...I will try."

I did not know if it was a matter that could be solved by trying. To begin with, I treated Shin Yu-hwan comfortably because he was a hero I admired, but Ryu Jin-seong was not. Therefore, I felt more than a little uncomfortable. Still, if I refused even here, it would be an act of ignoring him, so I nodded.

"Good, good. Thank you."

Ryu Jin-seong smiled as if that was enough. If so, this conversation was over. Conversations showing consideration for each other should be done in moderation; continuing them unnecessarily would only create discomfort. Therefore, I moved directly to the main topic without hesitation.

"But what brings you to our side?"

"Well, it isn't like I came for any particular reason. I just came to see the faces of my son’s friends."

"...I am sure that is not the only reason."

Certainly, Ryu Jin-seong did not have an authoritarian personality. However, that did not mean he lacked talent in such matters. He was a skilled individual who earned an epithet and reached the rank of a Hero-Rank player. At that level, he could not help but know what results his actions would bring, even if he did not like it. Ryu Jin-seong seemed to understand my meaning, as he spoke with a smile that was not like a friend’s father, but befitting a Hero-Rank player who could be called the Emperor.

"As I thought, you really resemble Yu-hwan."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. It seems you look like you act foolishly, but you are thinking deeply on the inside. It really is similar."

Saying that, Ryu Jin-seong finally spoke the main point for which he had come to us.

"The issue you all were involved in was not an ordinary incident, was it?"

"...That is true."

"So I came to talk about the follow-up issues. Is that sufficient?"

As he said that, Ryu Jin-seong was showing a smile with a new atmosphere. It was neither the smile of a friend’s father nor a Player's smile; it was a smile that gave the feeling of having encountered enjoyment in a boring life. Consequently, my mind could not help but become complicated.

'What on earth are the follow-up issues?'

A matter that a man of Ryu Jin-seong’s caliber could find enjoyment in.

Whatever it was, it seemed certain that it would bring a great ripple to my life.