I''ll Eat Later

    "Join a hunter competition? Are students even allowed to do that?"

    "You and Kim Minsoo are exceptions, so it''s entirely feasible. If you''re up for it, we''ll back you all the way."

    "But why all of a sudden?"

    In the counseling office, I was taken aback by Jang Duchul''s unexpected proposal.

    I''ve only just come back from vacation, and he''s immediately talking about entering a competition. Shouldn''t I be given some time to adjust? What''s in it for a student to join a hunter competition anyway?

    "Hunters have been upping their rates recently. We need to give them a reality check."

    Victory Academy''s approach was simple: Even as students, both Kim Minsoo and I possess hunter-level prowess. We would expose the hunters'' greed. Naturally, this would elicit a response, and the hunter competition was picked as the stage. By having hunters lose to students, it would deliver a message to ‘straighten up.''

    "Will that work? It doesn''t seem that simple..."

    I usually just roll with the punches, but really? Students intentionally getting hunters all worked up by jumping into a competition and coming out on top to put some pressure? It seems like a far-fetched plan destined to flop.

    Jang Duchul, sensing this reaction, nodded and continued, "But that''s not the main point. There''s another reason altogether. Are you familiar with the skill hunters?"

    "Skill hunters?"

    "I guess not. In short, there''s been a rise in cases where hunters are having their sub-skills stolen."

    Of course. The entire notion of ‘pressuring the complacent hunter community'' sounded fishy. I had a hunch there was more to it, and it appears I was right.

    "We''ve observed that the hunters losing their skills are predominantly acquired awakeners."

    The only plausible explanation: the Noble. I couldn''t shake off the stench of self-importance emanating from the crowd at the recent social gathering. From their blatant exclusion of acquired awakeners to the pretentious name of Noble—it all reeked of elitism. It might sound like a stretch, but everything just seemed to make sense.

    "So, after further investigation... we concluded that the Noble is suspicious. They''re the ones still engaging in the insane practice of dividing awakeners and coveting others'' powers." Jang Duchul said, his voice was filled with strong disdain.

    At a time necessitating cooperation, fostering divisions and coveting others'' skills painted these hunters in an unfavorable light.

    "Those guys are the ones who decided to participate in this Gladire. They''re nothing but garbage who indirectly flaunted their Noble connections in various interviews and, as if that wasn''t enough, they''ve just jacked up their fees."

    "Now it all makes sense... But why Minsoo?"

    "Kim Minsoo... is one of the most symbolic figures in the Noble. It seems like they consider him as a new leader over there, whether he wants it or not."

    "Huh... Seems like our hero is quite impressive."

    After that, there were numerous discussions between Jang Duchul and others, but to summarize it easily:

    With the surge in gates and dungeons, everyone needed to cooperate. Hunters who hiked up their fees while pursuing their own interests increased. Most of these hunters were born awakeners, and the reasons for their sudden surge in strength were unclear. Additionally, it was believed that there was a correlation between the crimes committed by skill hunters and the weakening of acquired awakeners.

    Me, the rising star among acquired awakeners, and Kim Minsoo, marked as the Noble''s golden boy, would bait the hunters while taking aim at the Noble. Once we announced our participation in Gladire, we''d sit back and wait for the Noble to come to us, then we''d round them all up in one fell swoop. ?Α??o??Е?s?

    I''m considered a star among acquired awakeners, so the Noble might try to harm me... And Minsoo, being their next-generation leader, they''ll likely try to recruit him... No matter how we approach it, we''re bound to be approached first.

    "I''m not issuing orders or anything. You can refuse if it''s too much for you."

    "Can I ask something?"

    "No, it''s... Your expression seemed a bit off..."

    "It''s not like that, Noona. Why would I postpone it? Don''t joke like that."

    "Oh, really? Sorry..." Soojin intertwined her arm with mine. Given her large chest, my arm fit perfectly in between. She looked more at ease after hearing my response, and her expression softened as she reached for some side dishes with her chopsticks.

    "Taeyang... Can I... feed you?"

    "Of course."

    "Ah~"

    "Ah..."

    Just like during our last meal, the seasoning was definitely lacking. A bit more salt would have been nice. Of course, I didn''t dwell on it, so as soon as I took a bite, I exclaimed in admiration. "Noona, this is really delicious!"

    "Really? It''s not... too bland or anything?"

    "It''s just perfect. It''s my favorite kind of seasoning."

    "So, am I your perfect bride?"

    Out of nowhere, a loaded question snuck in, aiming straight for my head. It was the kind of question that could make or break our relationship. As someone doomed to manage a harem, it was a blow I wasn''t equipped to handle.

    Soojin had already shown signs of obsession when she left a hickey last time. I thought I was somewhat prepared for it, but this level of sharpness caught me off guard.

    There''s no easy woman around me...

    "What about me?"

    "Huh?"

    "Am I your perfect groom?"

    "Um... That..."

    With such a question, I had no choice but to counter with another question.

    Catfights are bound to happen.

    In the world created by that fatty author, the moment I established a harem, catfights would be inevitable. The trick was to minimize the fallout. If I played this wrong and teased her about it, the aftermath could be too much to handle. The smart move was to watch from a distance and let the sparks fly.

    As Soojin stumbled over her response to my counter-question, I casually slid my hand onto her thigh.

    "Ah...! Taeyang, we''re... on the rooftop of the academy..."

    So, this is how it plays out. Doing it in the great outdoors adds some real spice.

    "Do you trust me, Noona?"

    "Yes... I do..." Soojin''s tightly pressed legs slowly began to part.

    I''ll have to divert her thoughts away from this topic. I''ll eat later.