hotmtlnovel Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Despite what had happened the day before, the dormitory was unusually quiet.
Those guys must be embarrassed.
Fifteen of them had ganged up to take on a single quota student, only to be beaten to a pulp themselves. They probably couldn’t show their faces anywhere now.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere in the dormitory had noticeably changed. One of the guys who had attacked me was from our dormitory, and he had boasted about teaching me a lesson. But now, he hadn’t returned, and I had come back with a bloodied wooden sword, dragging it along the floor.
The guys in our dormitory must have gotten the message. They must have realized that something extraordinary had happened.
The next morning, the usual basic training began with a slight twist.
My muscles trembled as I squatted with a massive barbell on my shoulders.
“Ughhhh─!”
I could feel my strength fading. I might get crushed by this...
Just then.
“Yah! Healing!”
“Haat! Enhancement!”
Without being told, the two quota students used their skills on me.
The effects were noticeably different from before. Although not overwhelming, it was like a drop of water in a desert. In other words, enough to quench my thirst.
Even this small boost was a welcome help to me.
“Keep it up!”
“You can do it!”
“Huurghhh!!!!”
I gritted my teeth, lowered my hips, and pushed myself back up from the squat.
Then, I let go of the barbell.
Whoooooosh─!!!
The barbell fell to the floor with a loud thud.
“Hey, did my healing skill work?!”
“Was my support skill helpful too?”
The quota students asked eagerly, their eyes sparkling. I looked at them with cold eyes.
‘These guys... Are they going to cheer me on after every set? I almost got crushed because I lost my focus.’
Overnight, their attitude had done a complete 180-degree turn.
I had apologized to them for getting them involved in yesterday’s mess, and when they asked why I had saved them, I had simply said
-“We’re in the same party, so it’s only right to help each other out.”
But somehow, those words had made a big impression on them. Of course, the fact that they no longer had to cower in the dormitory might have also played a part.
‘Well, at least their skills will be helpful for my training.’
I decided not to dwell on it too much.
“The quota students have changed.”
Instructor Baek Seol-hee noticed their transformation and took an interest.
“Yes! From now on, we will actively participate in the basic training!”
“We will do our best!”
The quota students, instead of their usual dull and lifeless eyes, now had determined gazes as they replied.
Baek Seol-hee nodded without expression.
“State your names.”
“......Kim Cheol-hyun.”
“......Kim So-hoon.”
“Good, those names aren’t bad. Kim Cheol-hyun, Kim So-hoon.”
Finally, they were addressed by their names instead of being referred to as quota students. Their eyes widened, and they bit their lips, their bodies trembling slightly.
“From now on, during the basic training time, use your skills on Jin Yuha to assist him with his position training, and during the position training, you will receive basic training instead.”
“......Yes!”
“......Yes!”
“Alright, that’s the end of the morning training. We’ll meet again after lunch.”
And so, the basic training session ended.
“Boss! Let’s eat together...”
“We know a great place to eat.”
The two quota students eagerly approached me. I pointed with my finger, and they followed my gaze.
“Yes?”
“Let’s keep eating together. Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and so on.”
“Oh my! I’d love that!”
Shin Se-hee clapped her hands in delight.
‘I wonder if that’s true.’
I snorted. Shin Se-hee also smiled at me, her eyes sparkling.
.
.
.
The preemptive shot was for tomorrow morning, but first, I needed to tighten the leash.
‘Tsk, I didn’t want to bother her with this, but...’
After all the training was over, I headed to the girls’ dormitory.
I stood in front of the dormitory for a moment, and a girl who had been outside looked at me. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Hey, hey. It’s Cheonhwa’s boy!”
She nudged her friend, who looked at me with wide eyes.
“Huh? Why is he here? She doesn’t live in the dormitory, does she?”
“The quota student!?”
The girl who had first seen me pointed at me, and her friend, surprised, exclaimed.
“Hey.”
“Yes, yes? Me?”
The girl was startled, as if she couldn’t believe I was talking to her.
“Is Lee Yoo-ri in there?”
“Huh? Who? Cheonhwa...”
“Not Cheonhwa, Lee Yoo-ri.”
“Yoo-ri...? Yes, she’s inside, but...”
“Then, could you please call her out for me?”
“Wow!!!”
The two girls rushed back into the dormitory, causing a commotion.
“Lee Yoo-ri!!!!!”
At the same time, Soup’s loud voice could be heard from inside the dormitory.
“Oh, it’s nothing like that!!!!!!”
Squeak─!
The dormitory door opened again, and Lee Yoo-ri came out alone.
It had been a while since I had seen her like this.
Her hair, usually tied up, was now loose and hung down to her waist. She had just washed her face, and water dripped from her chin.
‘Even without makeup, she looks the same. I guess she doesn’t usually wear makeup.’
I smiled at her unusual appearance.
“Long time no see, Soup.”
“What’s up, Jin Yuha? What are you doing here so late?”
Her tone was cold, and her face seemed to be shadowed by something.
‘Is she in a bad mood because of the training?’
“Soup, are you okay? Did something happen?”
I asked with a concerned tone. Yoo-ri bit her lip and glared at me.
“Who fault is it─!”
She was about to shout something but stopped herself.
Whoosh─!
“......Never mind. Just tell me what you want.”
It seemed like something had happened, but she didn’t seem willing to talk about it. I’d have to ask her about it later.
For now, I had a request.
“Soup. I need your help.”