Chapter 112: Kim Sora’s Unease

Kim Sora sighed.

Another morning, Kim Sora stood in front of the shop watching Kang Narim walk Kei to the cram school.

Kang Narim was still smiling gently as always. She walked beside Kei, occasionally lowering her head to say something quietly that made him nod happily. The two of them looked much closer than before.

Kim Sora crossed her arms in front of her chest, her eyes following their receding figures.

"So does Kei like men or women? Why is he suddenly so close with such a beautiful girl?"

This question had been circling in her head for days.

Kei had suddenly become intimate with the black dragon Kai, then was kissed by Kang Ian. Now he was even going to school every day with a beautiful girl like Kang Narim.

Kang Narim had decent looks, a gentle personality, and a pleasant way of speaking. Judging by every standard, she was completely a good friend, and could also become a wonderful lover.

Yet Kim Sora still felt something was off.

She couldn’t clearly say where that feeling came from. It was just that whenever she looked into Kang Narim’s transparent golden eyes, her whole body would unconsciously tense up.

"At least the student council president Kang Ian and the black dragon seem much more genuine..."

Kim Sora muttered, then suddenly paused.

"Wait... Why haven’t I sent a message about Kang Narim to them?"

As soon as she said that, her eyes immediately became dazed.

Kim Sora stood still in place for a long while.

Then, she slowly turned around, picked up a cloth, and began cleaning the shop as if nothing had ever happened.

Kei had no idea about Sora’s strange condition.

He was excitedly telling Kang Narim about how he had successfully crafted various Potions after learning chemistry.

"At first I thought chemistry was really difficult." Kei said. "But after understanding the principles, brewing Potions isn’t that complicated either."

"You learn so fast." Kang Narim smiled. "In such a short time, you can already complete the crafting process on your own."

"There’s still a lot I don’t understand." Kei shook his head. "I want to keep learning more."

He talked about the current situation of Potion sales in Dong-San city. Hunters lined up in long queues in front of the shop, and the Potions that were just put out were quickly bought up. The demand was so great that it made Kei feel uneasy.

"Hunters are relying on Potions too much." Kei said, his expression gradually turning serious. "If they skip preparing other contingency plans just to save time, one day they’ll find themselves in danger."

Kang Narim listened quietly to him speak.

"In places with many monsters that use crowd control effects, relying only on Potions will make it very hard to survive." Kei continued. "I think teams should have at least one person capable of cleansing or direct support."

"Your observation is very accurate." Kang Narim said gently. "Also, if Potions are divided by timing of use, the effectiveness will be better. Healing Potions don’t necessarily need to be used right away for minor injuries. Energy Potions should also be saved for when you need to retreat or fight a Boss."

Kei looked at her in surprise.

"You understand this too?"

"Just a little."

Kang Narim tilted her head slightly. Her smile was still gentle, with no trace of showing off.

"I’ve heard others talk before about how teams prepare their items. If Healers and Potions are well coordinated, hunters’ survival rates will be much higher."

Kei nodded, his face full of thought.

"That’s right. It would be great if there were more Healers around here."

The two of them walked and talked. Kei didn’t notice how quickly time passed. Whenever he talked about things he cared about, his expression became much happier.

Kang Narim quietly watched him, and her golden eyes reflecting Kei’s figure seemed deep and full of focus.

Suddenly, a startled voice called out from ahead.

"Kei-nim!?"

Kei turned his head.

Hanna, Lee Jae Ji, and Ular were standing near the transfer gate. The three of them had just arrived in Dong-San city, still carrying large bags of items.

Ular stared wide-eyed at Kang Narim. Lee Jae Ji also frowned, his expression turning more serious.Hanna then stared blankly at Kei walking with a beautiful blonde girl.

"Kei-nim, who is she..." Hanna asked softly.

Kei happily stepped forward to greet them.

"You guys are here already? I was just about to ask when everyone would arrive."

"We just got here." Ular said, eyes still glancing toward Kang Narim. "Kei, who is this?"

"Oh, this is Kang Narim, my classmate at the supplementary school." Kei introduced people around.

"Narim, this is Hanna, Ular and Lee Jae Ji. Narim-nim, these are my friends I know from Guild Black Rose."

Kang Narim slightly bowed.

"Hello. Nice to meet everyone."

Hanna hurriedly bowed in response.

"Yes, hello."

Lee Jae Ji only nodded, while Ular smiled very brightly.

Kei looked at his three friends, also noticing the large bags they carried that seemed very heavy.

"The long trip must have made you tired. Let’s go to a nearby cafe to talk."

"Okay." Ular immediately nodded.

Kang Narim looked at Kei, then gently spoke up:

"Can I come along too?"

Kei was a bit surprised.

"You want to go?"

"I want to hear where you’re having difficulties." She smiled. "Maybe I can help with something."

Hanna and Lee Jae Ji looked at each other, while Ular without any hesitation immediately happily agreed.

"Of course you can. The more the merrier."

The whole group headed toward the cafe.

No one noticed Kang Narim’s golden eyes briefly sweeping over each person, then stopping on the item bag Ular was carefully carrying at their side.

The smile on her lips remained as gentle as before.

"Kei-nim, later can you tell me in more detail about the hunters’ problems?"

"Sure." Kei happily replied. "I also want to hear your opinion."

The silhouettes of six people gradually disappeared behind the street.

In the distance, Kim Sora, who was wiping the glass window, suddenly stopped her hand. She looked in the direction Kei had just left, her expression dazed.

"Uh... What was I about to do again?"

After a moment of thinking, she lowered her head and continued wiping the glass window.