Chapter 35: Gate Concept - Classic Masterpiece [Don Quixote]

    Gate Concept – Classic Masterpiece [Don Quixote]

    "Why is support specifically coming to our class? I''m also a passive skill user!"

    "It''s not that we''re ignoring you. I know better than anyone that you''re capable."

    "Then tell me the reason."

    For Melanie Ariel, being supported by a peer suggested weakness, something she would never acknowledge. She''s an exceptional talent who completed her character education in the United States ahead of schedule, becoming Victory Academy''s youngest student.

    One might dismiss a one-year age difference as inconsequential, but it''s significant when considering the unique nature of passive skill users, who differ fundamentally from regular awakened individuals.

    Kim Sukgu was aware of all this, but it had little to do with Melanie''s specific skill set.

    "Melanie, I know you''re capable, but are you competent?"

    "That''s..."

    "Yes. We''re concerned about how you might use your abilities given the circumstances."

    "I can control it... I can control myself!"

    Melanie knew her outburst was just that—a tantrum. Yet, she felt a mix of sadness, frustration, and upset. Although she could understand the doubts others had, her heart refused to come to terms with them.

    "You''re not yet able to do what you''re capable of. You have to control it perfectly. I understand you''re eager to prove your worth, and I recognize the pain of feeling like you''re perceived as a ticking time bomb. But this isn''t a decision based on individual wants."

    From the beginning, Melanie understood Kim Sukgu''s point. A class with a passive skill user couldn''t be considered weak. Ironically, despite her class ranking second in overall strength among all first-year classes, she was the main reason they needed support.

    Because of me.

    When a passive skill user aggressively deploys their abilities, the potential damage is unpredictable. Kim Sukgu''s assessment was spot-on. Melanie felt grateful for his reasoned approach, even if she knew she was merely acting out.

    "I understand if it''s Kim Minsoo. But what about Baek Taeyang?"

    Kim Minsoo''s skills are well-known. The radiant light that flashed when his [Hero] skill activated was unforgettable for Melanie, even if she wished it weren''t.

    However, she can''t fathom why Baek Taeyang is acting as an interim instructor. He''s awakened less than a month ago and hasn''t even undergone character education. Objectively, his skills are clearly inferior to hers.

    "I know I''m overreacting, but I can''t comprehend this, instructor."

    Understanding Melanie''s sentiment, Kim Sukgu nodded and said, "It''s because Baek Taeyang''s skill is of the debuff type."

    "So it''s to suppress me..."

    "Yes, exactly." With that, Kim Sukgu stood up.

    He hoped this conversation had clarified matters for Melanie. Normally, he would have explained additional precautions to Kim Minsoo and Baek Taeyang.

    I can''t help but have my arms bent inward.

    Indeed, he could call them back now to cover the points he''d missed. Yet, he refrained for a singular reason.

    I wanted to give Melanie a chance too, Kim Sukgu thought. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have hurried to meet her when she sought counseling.

    Both are passive skill users, one acting as an interim instructor while the other is treated like a ticking bomb. Kim Sukgu aimed to change this perception, and Melanie felt the same.

    +++++++++++++++

    So he''s Baek Taeyang. Did he really toy with Kim Minsoo?

    +++++++++++++++++

    "Ah... This is fucked up."

    I felt bad for giving Melanie a curt reply. But the urgent quest window in front of me didn''t exactly put me in a considerate mood.

    ———————————[Emergency Quest!]

    As cliche? as it gets!

    You probably saw this coming.

    F-rank gate difficulty changed to S-rank gate.

    Concept added to the gate due to its S-rank status: Classic Masterpiece [Don Quixote].

    The quest will initiate once the last person enters the gate!

    Clear conditions: Complete the Classic masterpiece [Don Quixote] gate, everyone survives.

    Reward: None / Penalty: Death———————————

    Seeing the quest window, I knew my plans had fallen apart.

    I had intended not to interfere if anyone died inside the gate. The only ones I would need to save were Kim Minsoo and Melanie. Other than them, I was thinking, "What''s the point of saving fictional characters?"

    "Is it even possible for everyone to survive?"

    Even A-rank hunters can easily die in an S-grade gate. I couldn''t fathom how quickly the ordinary students might meet their end. The difficulty was already threatening enough for me.

    I''m feeling dizzy all of a sudden. I havenn''t even entered the gate yet, but I''m already feeling nauseous.

    The strategy was straightforward...

    ———————————[Name] Melanie Ariel

    [Physical] Height: 166cm / Weight: 61kg

    [Description] Handles the cat fights in the Academy Pure Love Diary.

    Rather than a competitive relationship with So Yoomin, she has a rivalry dynamic with Kim Minsoo and is destined to see him as a man.

    She recently heard rumors that Kim Minsoo was badly defeated by Baek Taeyang, which made her more conscious of him.

    Due to her skill, she had a major accident in her childhood. Ever since, rumors have labeled her as a dangerous person, making her an outcast within her class.

    She strongly desires to solidify her place as soon as possible.

    With her eye-catching blonde braided bun, she is the youngest daughter of Kaivan Ariel, the chairman of a world-renowned awakened weapon manufacturing company.———————————

    Prideful but currently in a low position. Not to the point of having an inferiority complex, but she''s the type to create a competitive dynamic for herself. In this case, I''ll just have to find a way to barely come out on top while making excuses.

    I can already feel the effect of the swing bridge.

    The moment threatening everyone''s lives is bound to come. There is no turning back. I was planning to effortlessly clear the gate and impress her, but now...

    A sigh escaped me as I lifted my bed-sized case and entered the gate.

    I prayed that no one would die.