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Chapter 90 – A Man Growing Too Fast (7)

A Man Growing Too Fast (7)

-The duel is over. First-year C Class student Kang Shin-hyuk is victorious and has earned additional points.

Kang Shin-hyuk hefted his wooden training sword as the broadcast sounded out in the second gymnasium. On the other side of him was a student from the Magic Department, who collapsed on the ground. He soon stood up and left with tears in his eyes.

“He could’ve said we fought hard.”

-That’s a funny joke, member.

“Yeah.” The Knight Department had won both the Rookie of the Year and the Two Crowns during the sports competition, causing the Magic Department to suffer great shame. That had ignited a competitive spirit in them for the final exams. They came out swinging against the Knight Department, with enough force that some of the students in the Knight Department couldn’t even demonstrate their abilities.

“But what should I say…no, it sounds too cocky, so I’ll stay quiet.”

-It was a clumsy attempt.

Kang Shin-hyuk nodded at the administrator’s words, in complete agreement. Because of the Hero Universe, Kang Shin-hyuk had a wealth of experience now that his peers lacked. Now he could easily deal with enemies that had lost their cool, no matter how vehemently they attacked him.

“Not that I’m really any different, but I’m acting all proud.”

-2,000HP bonus for shy members!

“I’ll accept it for now, but I will continue to devote myself to growing stronger…”

-3,000HP bonus!

Sooner or later, it seemed like these bonuses would exceed 10,000 HP. He was beginning to grow concerned for the balance of the Hero Universe. Kang Shin-hyuk returned his wooden sword and left the battlefield. Since all five of his battles had ended in victory, his ranking would increase. He felt like he might even receive some additional points.

‘I think this will make up for my grade during midterms.’ Now that he had acquired the title of Rookie King and entered the Royal Class, it wasn’t actually something he needed to worry about. But he was the type to give it his all no matter what. Besides, it could only help him in the future if he continued to build his position.

-Is that the end of the exams?

“Yeah, I’m free.” The next semester would be busy with gate practice and events like school festivals and exchange meetings, so he planned on relaxing a bit. The only thing left was the student council election, then a month and a half of summer vacation awaited him.

‘I don’t know if Baek is doing well.’ After the exam, Baek had said he was heading off to a hunting trip. Kang Shin-hyuk felt a bit alienated from him, but he had his own secrets to keep from him so he couldn’t judge.

‘When we’re both free, we should go play somewhere.’ Kang Shin-hyuk headed straight to the Blackwood Training Center once the teachers dismissed him. Eleanor had asked him to talk to her, but he was too busy with exams to find time sooner. He was hoping to battle her again, so there was no reason for him to refuse.

“Hello, Shin-hyuk.”

“Hello, senior.” Eleanor had arrived just before him and was already drinking tea with a pleased expression. He didn’t see Karen anywhere; she probably hadn’t finished her own exams yet.

“Congratulations on your victory.”

“It just concluded.”

“Huh…the updates are in real-time.” Eleanor let out a short laugh at Kang Shin-hyuk, tilting his head. He looked at his stick; a hologram popped out from it with a page listing names.

“Is this the 1st year ranking?”

“It was updated after the matches. You’re sixth.” Eleanor idly thought out loud that maybe in the next exam, he would contend with the top five students. Yuta Mitsu’s name was up there, who was his opponent in the final match.

“Karen’s not there.”

“She’s still fighting. Oh, now they’re concluded. She’s in seventh, so I’ll have to congratulate her.” Karen was seventh now. Even if she had entered the royal class using her connections, she still had the skills appropriate for that position.

“Do Woojin…if he wins against his opponent…”

“He’s in fourth place.”

“I guess he won.” Do Woojin was ranked fourth. He had a high ranking from the start, so he had been matched against other high-rankers.

“I’m envious.”

“Hah.”

“Why are you laughing?” Eleanor burst into laughter at Kang Shin-hyuk’s idle thoughts. As he looked back at her with a puzzled expression, she stared back at him.

“You’re paying attention to the freshman rankings at your level.”

“That’s, but…” In fact, the only other freshman who could properly fight Kang Shin-hyuk was Baek In-ha. No, even if you expanded that to the whole school, there were only a few students who could.

“Always keep your vision wide.” Eleanor spoke quietly as she met his eyes. They were filled with a resolve that made her seem bigger than she was.

“It’s a waste of time to compare yourself to the students at this school. You can look further beyond and move.”

“Are you doing that too?” She laughed quietly. He didn’t think he needed to ask. Her abilities had been at the top of the school long before she became the captain.

“Thank you for the advice, senior Eleanor.” Kang Shin-hyuk finally nodded.

“Well, I have a suggestion…”

“Yeah?” It was then she suddenly avoided his gaze and drew in a long breath.

“Would you like to accompany me on vacation? Dungeon exploration, that is.”

“Dungeon? Did you get permission?”

“The school has given the Wyvern Knights some discretion for their training…we can make a reservation right away.”

“What about the others?”

“It would be nice if they joined, but they are weaker than us. We will be alone.” What about the Knight Crown? He was stronger than anyone else in the school, but he knew it would be rude to ask. It wasn’t like he liked him either.

“Uh…no, wait. Just us?”

“It is a great opportunity…personally, I want to fight together with you.”

“You’re speaking quite blatantly again.” Kang Shin-hyuk had been the one who told her she should gather her forces inside the school. She had even asked him if he could be on her side. He had thought he had refused firmly at the time, but now…it was the chance at a dungeon with Eleanor. He planned to work with Shin Eunah over the vacation, but she couldn’t always be there. Moreover, exploring dungeons with other types of fighters would be a valuable experience for him.

“It’s a good opportunity, so I’d appreciate it.”

“Good.” Eleanor squeezed her small fists, letting out a quiet shout.

“But isn’t it a problem if we enter the dungeon alone?”

“Believe.”

“Well, it’s not a problem of believing…”

“Believe.” Kang Shin-hyuk was pushed by her firm voice and eventually nodded along.

-Fox…

He also decided to pretend like he didn’t see the administrator’s message appearing right in front of his eyes.

***

“Oh.” It was afternoon now. Lee Na-hee was listening to Kang Shin-hyuk as she chewed on sugar cubes.

“That’s our Ellie.”

“I think you might be misunderstanding.” Lee Na-hee had a close relationship with Eleanor, but she might’ve not grasped her true identity. If she had, she would have realized the reason Eleanor had offered for him to join in the dungeon exploration. However, Lee Na-hee pushed on as if she wasn’t interested in what he was thinking.

“Dating, at night, all alone in the dungeon? She’s practically begging you.”

“Senior, hasn’t your personality changed a lot?” In the first place, did she always have such an uncle-like personality? Lee Na-hee clicked her tongue and threateningly gestured at him.

“It’s because I was uncomfortable back then. Things have improved a little now.”

“That’s not helping it.” With a sigh, Kang Shin-hyuk hung up his jacket.

“I’m not talking about that kind of stuff.”

“Junior, you should be careful with her. Don’t rush in just because she wants you to.”

“I know, don’t worry.” Kang Shin-hyuk responded politely as he opened the door to the club.

“Let’s finish it today.”

“Okay. Oh, before that.”

“Hm?”

“The artifact contest.” Lee Na-hee put her stick in front of his face. A message with the date of the contest was displayed on it.

“This Friday? That soon?!”

“Yup. They’ll announce the grand prize then too.”

“You’re acting like it’s natural.”

“Of course. But it’s a waste we couldn’t submit what we’re working on now.”

“We don’t even know if it’ll turn out good.”

“A waste, a waste…” She grumbled as they entered the workshop. In front of them were tens of meters of a long, translucent metallic thread. A very small magic circle was engraved across it, so thin that it was difficult to see with the naked eye. Imbued inside of it was a sharply refined magical power and a warm spiritual power.

Only one step remained until the completion of Kang Shin-hyuk’s new armament.