Preparation
After meeting Felix, I finally made my way back to the dormitory, feeling like I could breathe again in my own space. I pulled out the magical device he gave me from my pocket to check its details.
────[Receiving Bead]────
▶ Grade: Low-Mid
▶ A magical bead with a receiving spell. (Disposable)
▶ If coordinates are transmitted from a transmitting bead, they can be received. (Disposable)
-────────────
Is this one-time use? No wonder he handed it over so easily. The guy must have been caught off guard, thinking I'm a fellow demon. But showing this to the professors would spell his doom. Not that I have any intention of doing that. I want to be the one in control here.
I tossed the receiving bead back into my neat school uniform hanging on the hanger.
"Hmm..."
Dealing with this stronger version of Felix is going to take some preparation. There's no convenient setting like him being weak against light magic.
"I'd love to win this in style."
Oh, well, it's not the end of the world if I can't figure out a way to beat him. If it comes down to it, I'll just have to let everyone know about the situation and be a nice distraction by rushing in first to buy some time.
Sure, sacrificing myself for Lucy might seem like the noble thing to do, but if I have the choice, I'd prefer the heroically swooping in and saving her all by myself scenario.
And of course, after the whole mess is over, I'll have to be the one to clean up the mess and keep up the appearances.
"For now, should I head to the training ground... Hmm, nah, let's do that first."
I'm flat broke. My "dignity" allowance is a measly 300,000 won per month, and it barely covers my expenses.
I racked my brain to think of ways to earn some cash, and a little lightbulb went off in my head—Victoria Academy's student profiles on EveryDay. It's like social media profiles.
EveryDay is essentially an anonymous community, but you can opt to register your profile if you feel like it.
There are two kinds of people who do this. First, those who want to promote and flaunt their guild or family status, like Alice, who's in some prestigious guild and ranks high up there. Second, those who are seeking guild invitations or sponsorships.
Scouts do get basic exam scores and practical class videos, but they can't possibly check every single student. So, the ambitious ones have to put in some effort.
———————
Name: Lee Hoyeon
Grade: 1st Year
Class: Class A
Age: 20
Affiliation: Student Council
Introduction: A mage currently attending the 1st year of Class A. Active in the Student Council and achieving excellent grades in various classes. Check out some videos below.
———————
What else can I write? Nothing, because there's nothing to write about!
I'm sorry, Lucy, but I uploaded our one-on-one duel video. I also threw in my dungeon practice video. My performance may not be as flashy as Nam Daeun's, but maybe it'll catch the eye of some active hunters.
With the input done, I hit the "Register Profile" button.
"Feels a bit snobbish... but whatever."
Since my grades aren't out yet, there's not much to boast about. Still, it's like an insurance policy. No harm in having some risk-free insurance.
I know how the original story goes, so I could invest in a decent guild, but I'm broke.
"Sigh, should I go to the training ground?"
If I ever need money, maybe I can sweet-talk Professor Im Sol into lending me some. Perhaps I'll butter her up a bit before I try that.
***
The training ground was practically deserted on Friday, not that I cared much since I was heading to a private room anyway.
After meeting Felix and seeing how much he had powered up, my mind was flooded with various thoughts. I had to admit my own weaknesses and the gravity of the situation. Yet, here I was, obsessed with conquering heroines, like it was all just some game.
"If Felix had really lost it earlier and tried to kill me, I'd be a goner by now."
Yeah, sure, it's a far-fetched assumption, but I can't ignore the fact that I've become less cautious. I might have been serious up till now, but going forward, I need to be even more serious and tread carefully.
So, today, I'm supposed to establish my combat style. My main problem is my pathetic mana capacity. I've barely used magic for a long time, so my mana reservoir and circuit haven't expanded much. The drawbacks of being mana-starved are obvious. It's like a car without fuel—it can't move. Well, without mana, I can't work my magic effectively.
And as if that wasn't enough, the narrow mana circuit is messing with my magic implementation. With these limited channels for mana flow, I can't quickly convert mana into magic, and using large amounts of mana all at once is also challenging.
So far, I've been squeezing out magic forcibly, using Mana Sensitivity to manipulate mana, but that's not going to cut it in the future.
In my opinion, the best combat style is all about being quick and decisive.
That's why I'm even more intrigued by Nam Daeun's spatial acceleration ability. I still vividly remember when she used it to take down those warmbats. I had my Vision Enhancement on that time, so I can recall every minute detail of her mana movements.
Thankfully, the videos of Nam Daeun showing off her acceleration trick were all over Victoria Academy's official social network. The more data I can dissect, the better.
After spending several hours watching those videos and retracing my memories, I finally sorted out Nam Daeun's mana manipulation.
"Whoa, my head's really spinning."
Nam Daeun's acceleration ability isn't just about speeding up her body. She creates a spherical mana circuit centered around herself and accelerates the entire space within that circuit.
She surprised me again. She should've led with the important stuff first. Oh, this Noona of mine.
[Soorin Noona: Yeah, come to the PR department room by 9 AM tomorrow. I'll explain everything then.]
[Me: Okay.]
[Soorin Noona: Make sure to wear your school uniform properly. Oh, you thought it was our meal date, right? Sorry about that. Let's definitely have a meal together later, okay?]
[Me: Hehe, sure! Let's hit up a delicious spot next time!]
She's quite perceptive. Could she sense a bit of disappointment in my response?
But PR department, huh? Looks like I'm about to experience the life of good-looking people.
Who would've thought I'd end up doing modeling work in my life?
"Just a sec."
So they're not just using me and Alice's image rights for free under the guise of the PR department?
With me and Alice, even if we do an internet broadcast, balloons would explode like crazy. This is a whole new level of popularity. But hold on, are they not paying us for this labor?!
Ping!
[Soorin Noona: Right, your compensation has been deposited into an account that covers dignity maintenance fees. It's a small amount, but it's a gesture of sincerity.]
As expected of the world-renowned Victoria Academy. It won't let me down!
"The door opens~ Money comes in~"
I checked my account with a contented feeling.
[Balance: 5.12 million won]
Since I had 120,000 won left, they deposited 5 million won.
"She called this a small amount? Her scale is different from mine."
From a commoner's perspective, 5 million won is a hefty sum.
Well, I'm thankful, so I guess I'll go shopping over the weekend.
***
Saturday.
For the first time in my life, I came to do influencer activities. My heart was pounding as I made my way to the PR department.
Who would have thought a filthy gamer like me would become a model? It's truly beyond belief.
"Hello~"
"Hey, hey~ Long time no see, junior."
"Oh, it's so hard to see our PR department junior's face!"
The female executives of the student council greeted me warmly.
No matter how much they flatter, there's no room for you next to me. I'm sorry.
After exchanging pleasantries, I entered the PR department.
Although it's my second time here after the initial orientation, I was amazed to see the place filled with people.
Not only Alice and Soorin Noona but also several other women were gathered.
First, I greeted Alice and Soorin Noona before asking, cautiously pointing at the unfamiliar women, "Hello, President. Who are these people?"
"Hello, junior. These are the makeup artists. You're the faces of Victoria Academy, so we have to present you as cool as possible."
As Soorin Noona introduced me, the makeup artists started chattering about this and that.
"Wow, is this the male model? He's insane, seriously."
"Yeah, that's right. But it seems like we don't have anything to touch up. He's already perfectly set."
"...?"
I couldn't quite grasp what they were saying, so I looked at Soorin Noona with a puzzled expression. She smirked and explained, "Um, that's his no-makeup state."
"What? No, really? Come on, that's not fair."
"...."
"... Are you serious?"
"...Yes."
"...."
Suddenly, the enthusiasm of the makeup artists seemed to diminish.
Well, I have to admit I'm quite easy on the eyes. It's better not to ruin it by messing around with makeup unnecessarily.
Um, I think I'll just stay still.
Seeing the less-than-pleased expressions on the makeup artists' faces, I decided not to say anything.
***
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