Chapter 9 – The True Beginning (1)

The entrance ceremony.
A convenient event to see one’s competitors face-to-face, stoking one’s ambition to excel academically.

Upon the stage stood the headmaster, his hair a bright shade of yellow, solemnly and hesitantly delivering his speech.

“To all the new students who have become part of El Academy’s family, on behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I sincerely congratulate and welcome you. At El Academy…”

Her name was Angelica, if memory serves. The gist of the speech by the headmaster and representative of the World Tree went something like this:

“Welcome to the academy and celebrate! Right?”
“Do you know how well we treat our students? If not, you’ll find out soon.”
“All the benefits you receive are thanks to the World Tree, so conduct yourselves accordingly!”

Angelica elaborated on these points in an incredibly lengthy manner.
It was impossible not to feel bored.
Struggling with the emotionless words coming through the translator, she yawned silently.

‘It’s time to give our Shiba some water.’

Yawning once more, my thoughts were preoccupied with trivial matters.

Within the confines of the mask, I rolled my eyes to survey my surroundings. The gazes of the cadets focused on the principal, their eyes sparkling in unison.

I compared the faces of these cadets one by one to the data Se-Young had provided me.

‘Did they mention they were running the Jeongjin Class?’

The elite of the elite, the Jeongjin Class of El Academy.

Since I would eventually have to reach that level as well, it was wise to gather information about them beforehand. The reason for such a thought was simple. What role would the system, which enforces the value of the World Tree’s ‘husband,’ impose upon me within the academy?

Naturally, it would be to become the top-ranked cadet.

Having realized that the rewards from the Arbor Book were beneficial to my circumstances, I had no choice but to cater to the World Tree until I collected them all.

At last, it was time for the declaration of the freshman representative. I opened my eyes and took in the scene that would soon unfold before me.

– Representatives of Korean freshmen: Jung Si-woo and Cornus.

As the principal’s words fell-

Two individuals, one male and one female, stood up at the front of the room, where the seats were divided by gender and a central opening. Each held a national flag in their hands.

A cloak adorned with intricate red tree embroidery billowed in sync with the steps of the pair.

Jung Si-woo.
The current valedictorian strode forward with confidence.

Cornus.
The current salutatorian displayed a dignified demeanor.

These two were Korea’s most promising prospects, representing the Korean freshmen and holding the positions of valedictorian and salutatorian in L Academy.

‘I had no idea the person I faced off against was the valedictorian.’

The duo swiftly concluded their oaths and took their places on either side of the headmaster.

Simultaneously, the headmaster spoke once more.

– Promising Scholars, step forward.

“Scholar” was the academy’s exclusive title for students with exceptional grades. Upon the conclusion of the announcement, dozens of cadets seated in the front row ascended to the stage.

Cadets from various countries, each holding their own flag, gathered together. Majestic background music played, and large fireworks erupted on both sides.

The Scholars engaged in various conversations at the front of the stage.

Azaleas were naturally mixed among them.
At least everyone I met belongs to that promising group.

“Is that the Jeongjin class group? Am I right?”
“Yeah, I heard they’re called separately after the academy and train until evening.”
“Wow, that’s crazy. I want in on that too.”

The cadets’ eyes looking at them were filled with envy and pure admiration, wishing to be like them.
I closed my eyes as I observed the reactions around me.

Regardless, it was a mountain I had to climb.

This marks the beginning.

* * * * *

After the entrance ceremony, I entered the assigned class first.

As I sat at the far end near the left window and waited, the Korean Class 1 cadets began to file in one by one.

Among them, I recognized many faces.

Jung Si-woo, Cornus, Azalea, and so on.
The Jeongjin class is like a special evening course, so they must take the regular and morning classes together here.

The initial plan had been to assemble only the elite and form a distinct class, but it was altered midway due to language-related issues.

For classes, one can focus on subjects like English or mathematics in the morning, while attending lectures of their choice in the afternoon. This is where high school and college blend together.

‘There are even festivals and something akin to an MT.’

Lost in thought, I suddenly sensed a presence behind me.
– Tap tap, the sensation of a shoulder being patted. Swiftly turning my head, a long finger prodded my cheek.

“Hehehe.”

Mischievous eyes gleaming. Large black eyes gazed at me.

“Are you in class 1 as well?”
“When have you ever joked?”
“This? I heard it’s a trendy way of greeting these days, didn’t you know?”

Gu-seul. Unlike yesterday, she now resembled a Maltese donning a pristine white hoodie. She dragged a chair next to mine and stretched out languidly.

“Phew! I’m relieved you’re here. I was worried about not knowing anyone in the class.”

Gu-seul, who said this, chuckled softly.

I had felt it during our first encounter, but the unexpectedly close proximity made me uncomfortable. Honestly, it wasn’t easy to be so at ease with someone I had just met yesterday.

“Oh, right, hey, do you want some traditional sweets? I brought them from home.”

Just look at this. Offering up treats without hesitation.

I took a reasonably sized sweet and placed it in my mouth. The delightful red bean flavor enveloped my tongue. As I savored the lingering, subtle sweetness at the tip of my tongue, Gu-seul looked at me, prompting my reaction.

“Our home’s sweets are delicious, aren’t they?”
“Uh?”
“Say it’s delicious, quickly.”
“It tastes terrible.”
“Gasp, I’ll never give you any again.”

As we joked around, the sound of the door opening at the front of the classroom signaled the teacher’s entrance.

“Everyone, attention!”

A refreshing yet authoritative female voice filled the entire classroom. The once noisy atmosphere in the class instantly grew quiet.

“I am Lee Se-Young, in charge of Korean Class 1. Originally, Teacher Jin Seong-hoon would have been responsible, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be spending this year with all of you.”

Se-Young, who precisely conveyed her intentions with a succinct, captivating voice, stood in front of the lectern and surveyed the room.

“Today’s class will be conducted as a recreational activity. Prepare a brief self-introduction, starting now.”

She had spoken each word confidently, but this time she slowly climbed the stairs. The sound of her heels echoed throughout the classroom.

“We’ll be together for four years in this class, so it’s best to become close with one another. Fighting and bullying will be met with severe punishment. Surely, you, my students, wouldn’t harbor hatred for your fellow humans?”

For a moment, Se-Young’s gaze turned towards me. She continued to ascend the stairs.

“Within El Academy, differences in status don’t matter. Keep that in mind. And—”

Her movement came to a halt beside me. Then, in a very quiet voice, she murmured to me.

“Come to my office in a little while.”

Unable to discern the meaning behind her words, I had no choice but to keep my face expressionless and dazed for some time.

Guseul, who had been observing the situation, came closer and whispered with her hand covering her mouth.

“Hey. What did the teacher just say?”
“I don’t know.”
“What’s that about?”

In a brief moment, she must have used magic because even Guseul, who was right next to me, couldn’t understand what had transpired. Ignoring Guseul’s clamorous voice, I awaited our break, then stopped by Se-Young’s office.

*Thump*

As I opened the door, the fragrant scent of flowers filled my nostrils.

“You’re a second-year teacher, right? What’s going on?”
“Sit down and let’s talk. There’s a lot to discuss.”

With nothing to hide between us, I casually took a seat and sipped the tea.

*Slurp*

“Oh.”

It was so delicious that I couldn’t help but exclaim, prompting Se-Young to chuckle.

“Tastes good, huh? That’s how you brew tea, you dimwit.”
“Was the tea at our place really that terrible? I can’t believe you prepared all these refreshments.”
“Well, there’s that, and to be honest, I’ve gained quite a bit from the tree elixir I received last time.”

So the tree elixir was such a valuable item.

Chewing on the cookie, I resolved to use it for a more significant deal next time.

“So why did you call me this time? Did you want to play another game?”
“…Are you insane?”

Was it just my imagination, or did a glint of anticipation appear in Se-Young’s reproachful gaze? She took a sip of her tea and spoke calmly.

“What I want to say to you is… Ah, it’s just advice, so listen closely. Don’t approach the Mokin people carelessly.”
“Excuse me?”
“The Mokin are deeply ingrained with the ideology of being the chosen people. You have nothing to gain from them. What if something happens because you approached them without reason? Then it would be your fault.”
“Well, if a Mokin says that… Hmm.”

I put down the cookie I was eating and stroked my chin. Se-Young, who lives in this world, must be right.

Then, what about the puppy… No, Gu-seul?

‘I’m not sure about her.’

It had only been two days since we met, and more importantly, even though she was a Mokin, her family didn’t seem particularly distinguished.

Rather than being steeped in the notion of a chosen few, she appeared as pure as a noble flower nurtured within a greenhouse. Should I keep my distance? I’m not sure.

“Hey, rapist.”

Upon seeing my troubled expression, Se-Young spoke as if trying to console me.

“You just need to avoid treating me like that. Why are you so lost in thought?”
“Then, is it alright for us to just be friends?”
“Of course! But who would want to be friends with you, an ugly rapist?”

Se-Young moved closer and flicked my forehead with a *thwack*. I couldn’t help but stare at her beaming face for a moment. Then, suddenly regaining my senses, I protested.

“But you keep trying to label me as a rapist. If we’re being technical, isn’t it both our faults?”
“Fine, rapist. You’re a rapist, okay?”

Se-Young subtly leaned back, reached out, and poked my chest as if branding me. Smirking, the corners of her eyes crinkled in a mischievous crescent.

– Ugh!

In that instant, the smartphone in my pocket vibrated with an alarm.
Se-Young’s eyes flicked upwards, casting an enigmatic gaze my way.
To me, her expression seemed to question whether I should ignore the notification.

I decided to wrap things up and rise from my seat.

“Anyway, I’ll remember what you told me today.”
“Of course, you should.”

Before I leave, there’s something I want to know.

“But why are you being so nice to me?”

Se-Young, hearing my question, brought the teacup to her lips without a moment’s hesitation and calmly responded.

“What does it matter if I take care of my students?”

I wish I had spat in her mouth.

“Yes, I’ll be going now.”
“Take care on your way home, and prepare your self-introduction well.”

– Thud.

I closed the door and, leaning against it, rummaged through my pocket to retrieve my phone.
Welcoming words for the students who participated in the entrance ceremony, along with some announcements. Before I could finish reading them, the system reacted again.

– Ding!

This sound effect is likely an alarm from the system related to the World Tree.

What is it this time?

Thanks to my solid mental preparation, I was ready to accept whatever came my way. In fact, I had been on the verge of enlightenment since the World Tree entrusted its child to me.

The news received through the information window was simple.

【 A new character has been added to the Affinity Menu. 】

Affinity Menu.
In other words, it’s the favorability system provided by the World Tree Auction, the store I use.

When I went straight in to check, an unexpected name was written in the place where only the World Tree of Purity used to be.

—
【 World Tree Auction 】 – 【 Affinity Menu 】
▶World Tree of Purity: ♥♥♥♥♥ (100/100)
▶Lee Se-Young: ♥♥♥♡♡ (64/100) – [Information Check]
▶None
※You need to forge bonds with more sacred trees. Affinity registration is available from 50.
—

【 640p will be deposited due to the connection with the new sacred tree. 】

“…Why is this woman here?”

Undoubtedly, even though she was a mere mortal, Lee Se-Young could be considered a fully-grown, mature woman. But why was the attraction so high? In reality, there was no connection between her and me that would warrant an increase in affection. Consequently, I couldn’t help but investigate further for more information.

—-
Name/Gender: Lee Se-Young (Female)
Age/Height: 26 years old, 170cm
Sex Fantasy: Rape.
Love Fantasy: Holding hands at the cinema. Natural physical affection, kissing.
—-

An abundance of information surfaced on my smartphone.

I rubbed my eyes and double-checked.

– Sex Fantasy: Rape.

The actions she had shown me thus far began to overlap in my mind.

Gosh, I was taken aback.

“The coincidence is insane.”