#115: Meep (3) — Starborn Cheat Character

Meanwhile, Yu Seha was causing all sorts of chaos, slaughtering the poor amphibious monsters in the <Underground Waterway>.

As if that wasn’t enough, he was even extorting their skills, demanding, “Hand over what you have!”

“Young-aahh…”

A woman with blazing red hair lay with a sullen expression.

Enjoying the luxury of lazing around on a golden weekend, she wore a white shirt that was slightly see-through and dolphin shorts…

A fashion that would undoubtedly stir the hearts of any vigorous young man.

This lively, charming, and beautiful woman.

She was Ju Na-young, the top warrior of the first year at the <Gonis Hunter Academy>, known as the <Flame Dragon>.

“Young-aahh…!”

Of course, such grand titles were utterly meaningless.

Ju Na-young rolled around her bed restlessly.

Her cheeks puffed out, clearly showing her displeasure.

Then, just in case, I sneak a peek at the chat.

She glanced at her phone, just in case, and checked her messages.

【Not Yong-bak】: Hey, Yu Seha... are you ignoring me? Are you?! Huh?!

(No reply)

【Not Yong-bak】: You jerk! Bad guy!

She kept looking.
Unfortunately, the number 1 didn’t disappear.

At the very top.

‘Where on earth are you? Take me with you!’
‘Me too, me too!’
‘Young-aaah!’ was also unread.

That’s right.

Right now, Ju Na-young was sulking because Yu Seha hadn’t replied.

‘…Couldn’t find him all day…’

She heard he went somewhere to have fun with Ma Hana.

Of course, Ju Na-young wasn’t upset because of Ma Hana.

‘Well, yeah… I can let Ma Hana slide…’

They had always been together.

Although the flames of jealousy sometimes roared in her heart.

More than that, Ju Na-young acknowledged the relationship between the two.

Decisively…

‘Ma Hana is cute.’

Such a girl who warmed her heart just by looking at her, Ju Na-young was too kind to feel real jealousy toward someone like her.

Lastly, it was significant that the two were far from being an ordinary couple.

‘What should I say?’

Surely, they cherished and took care of each other.

But that’s…

Hmm, desires of a man and a woman? Lust? Should I say there’s none of that?

It was truly a very delicate relationship.

To the point where one might mistake them for family.

Therefore, Ju Na-young’s troubled heart was due to an entirely different reason.

‘…It was written on the bulletin board, right?’

In fact, Ju Na-young did not particularly like the <Academy> bulletin board.

A place where all kinds of cadets’ true colors were revealed.

Rumors, delusions, and extreme exaggerations about admired individuals run rampant in this place.

Out of boredom, she searched for “Flame Dragon.”
She was instinctively repulsed by the praise-filled posts.

But today, for some reason, she searched for Yu Seha and found an intriguing post among the latest ones.

― Hey, hey, where did Yu Seha and Ma Hana go?
└I saw it too. They were jogging in the morning, chatting amicably. Judging by the equipment and consumables bag on their backs… they must’ve gone field hunting.
└That’s not the point. Didn’t you see what happened after that?
└What?
└A senior from the <Sisterhood> in the second year went with them. I didn’t see clearly, but…

The last words deeply etched into Ju Na-young’s heart.

“…Definitely a senior with striking orange hair and a kind-looking beauty…”

Ju Na-young muttered.

The word she focused on was ‘kind-looking beauty.’

“…Young-ah.”

She sat up from her bed.

Looking in the mirror, she tugged at her slightly sharp, upturned eyes, trying to soften them.

It was a fierce expression inherited from her family, <Dragon Sword Mir>, passed down through generations.

As she tugged at her eyes, Ju Na-young began to think.

‘…Yu Seha, that guy.’

No way…
No way…
Innocent, gentle…
The type that just screams ‘I’m nice’ at a glance…

Is that his type?

It seemed plausible.

After all, Ma Hana, whom Yu Seha adored, was also a simple beauty with round, soft eyes.

“…Nun…”

Everyone knew that most of the nuns from the <Sisterhood> had fiery tempers.

So how had Yu Seha managed to win over one of those nuns.

Let alone a second-year senior?

‘…Did he just barge in and say, “Come play with me”?’

Hmm, it seemed possible.

Indeed, Yu Seha’s face and body were quite striking.

Even Ju Na-young, who often wrapped her arms around his neck, sometimes found herself staring at his face and muttering, “Young-aaahhh…”—that’s how deadly his charm was.

“…Young-aaahhh…”

Ju Na-young folded her arms.
Since she was looking anyway, she scrutinized her body.

‘…For someone like me…’

She wasn’t bad…
She had abs, and her chest was between F~G cup.
Her height was in the mid-160 cm range…
She was a beautiful woman with good style…

“…Should I try a nun cosplay…?”

That might be Yu Seha’s taste.

Gasp!

Ju Na-young shuddered at the thought.

Why, why am I?

If anyone saw, they’d think she was trying to impress him.

Well, actually…

‘It’s true though…’

“Young-aahh…”

Confusion surged within Ju Na-young.

Various jumbled thoughts.

A feeling that was hard to define clashed with a “Young-aahh, Young-aahh, Young-aahh!” and a “Bang, bang!” and “Yonggurururu!” sensation.

In the end, Ju Na-young lay down again.

Recently, she had been very conscious of Yu Seha.

‘…Surely, the scent must play a part, right?’

A sweet smell, impossible to resist, lingered in her nose.

It was like being in front of a luxurious banquet.

Was it appetite…?
Or was it sexual desire…?
Anyway, it was a subtle desire that would pop up unexpectedly.

Ju Na-young knew well what this was through her mother’s teachings.

‘…Affinity.’

She suspected that Yu Seha had recently gained some kind of fortuitous opportunity related to [Affinity].

Thanks to that, his scent had grown even stronger, teasing her senses more than ever.

‘…But no, that’s not it.’

That was just a bonus.

No matter how high someone’s [Affinity] was, it couldn’t control a person’s heart.

If that were possible, <Dragon Sword Mir> would have collapsed long ago.

Now, here she was…

Confused, suffering, and jealous…

The only reason she kept thinking of him was…

“…I guess this is it, right?”

Is it really that?
Even though it’s only been a few months…
Is it really that?

She swallowed her emotions, avoiding saying it aloud.

Because the moment she said it out loud, there would be no turning back.

‘…I’m scared.’

She imagined being rejected outright…
Being told they should just remain friends…
And the future heartbreak that awaited.

“…Young-aaahhh!!!”

Frustrated, Ju Na-young quickly changed clothes and stormed outside.

The cool air seemed to calm her down.

As her overheated body cooled, her thoughts became clearer.

Ju Na-young walked aimlessly, only to realize she was heading toward a familiar railing.

It was the spot where Yu Seha had ruffled her hair and said, “I’ll see you in the finals!”

To others, it meant nothing.
But to her, it was a special place.

“…Ha.”

I’ve got it bad.

As she was feeling overwhelmed.

Ju Na-young realized there was someone else.

Like a déjà vu.
Even the opponent was the same.

“…Na-young?”

<Snow Ice> Moon Bora.

She was looking at the flowing stream with a complex expression.

“…Moon Bora?”

Ju Na-young tried to approach with joy.
But she suddenly hesitated.

‘…Handkerchief.’

A month ago, she recalled Moon Bora handing a neatly folded handkerchief back to Yu Seha.

“Meowi!”
“Meow!”

“……”

<Sisterhood> 2nd year, Choi Mari.

She looked at the two people moving around wildly with a surprised face.

To be honest, Choi Mari had been prepared to join the battle herself.

After all, nuns from the <Sisterhood> were trained in [Divinity], which involved using maces and shields.

Thanks to this, while not their main specialty, they knew how to handle blunt weapons and shields in their own way.

But there was no need for that.

No, it was more accurate to say there was no chance to step in.

‘What on earth…?’

In Choi Mari’s view, the two were stronger than most second-year cadets.

A [Speed-type] tank Ma Hana, armed with fast speed, provocation ability, and powerful attack skills.

And an all-around magic swordsman Yu Seha, who showed no particular weaknesses.

However, the most surprising thing was their coordination.

They didn’t speak or even exchange glances.

As if it were natural, Ma Hana covered Yu Seha’s gaps.

And Yu Seha would naturally seize the opportunities that arose.

To Choi Mari, it seemed as if they had some sort of ‘telepathic trait.’

This was possible because of two reasons.

The first reason was that both had a high level of [Intuition] ability.

The second reason was the deep bond they shared, allowing them to anticipate each other’s actions.

Unaware of this, Choi Mari just stared blankly.

The battle ended swiftly.
Now, the [Boss Room] was right in front of them.

Choi Mari sighed inwardly.
No matter how she thought about it, she felt she had no reason to be there.

The <Trap> Yu Seha mentioned earlier showed no signs of appearing.

This puzzled Yu Seha as they advanced.

―…That’s strange. Why isn’t it appearing?

‘…Ha.’

Choi Mari sighed again.

No matter how she thought about it, she felt useless.

‘As expected, someone like me…’

As she was thinking that.

Squish.

“Meep?”
“Meep!”

As if she had read her mind, Ma Hana suddenly approached and tightly grasped Choi Mari’s hand.

She didn’t stop there.

Using her two tails, rare for a [Cat Tribe], she gently wrapped them around Choi Mari’s wrist.

This feeling made her heart go, “Pound!”

The words that followed were just as endearing.

“…It’s okay!”
“Pardon?”
“Believe in Seha.”

Ma Hana’s gaze was fixed on Yu Seha, who was advancing confidently.

The infinite trust she had in him.
Even Choi Mari was surprised.

“…Words won’t suffice. I, too, have solidified my resolve through Seha’s actions and faith.”
“…Junior.”
“He will definitely…”

Make Senior Choi Mari soar.

“…Why do you believe in me so much…?”
“Because Seha said so. He said if it’s you, you can do it.”

With a “Fighting!” Ma Hana returned to her position and focused on her vigilance.

Choi Mari nodded at the sight.

‘Yes…’

A first-year junior was speaking like that.
Should a senior be intimidated?

Therefore, she decided to trust.

‘In his words that he’ll help me discover my true worth.’

Even if things didn’t work out…

‘That smile alone…’

Was reason enough to have come here.

[Entering the boss room.]

[Due to the special power waves, the speed of all party members decreases by 1.]

Upon entering, a huge plaza came into view.

It was an artistic plaza with luxurious patterns and stone-carved structures here and there.

Additionally, a shallow circular stream was gently flowing.

At that moment, an indefinite number of presences could be felt.

“Two people. They are coming.”
“Meeooow!”
“M-Meep! Yes!”

Before the words were finished, a stream of water surged from the gently flowing [Stream].

Dozens of <Frogmen> sprang out.
They all seemed to be bathed in a faint glow, as if they had received a [Buff].

But something was strange.

No matter where I looked…

The boss was nowhere to be seen.

“Meow? Seha, there are only small fries?”
“…Hold on.”

I quickly scouted the surroundings.
Several hypotheses flashed through my mind.

‘If it’s a [Boss Toom] where the boss doesn’t appear…’

Soon, I noticed something.
Engraved on an altar far away was the number <45>.

Indeed, that makes sense…

I wondered if there was anything else, so I swiftly beheaded the nearest <Frogman> rushing towards me.

Immediately, I activated [Slime’s Arsenal] to switch to the [Gravity Sword] amidst the splattering [Frog Oil].

The number soon decreased to <44>.

It seemed Meowi had caught on as well.

“Could it be that these guys are the boss?”
“Yes, it’s a typical gimmick room.”

No doubt about it.
Sometimes, instead of a <Boss>, a multitude of minor mobs or special traps would take its place.

But…

‘That’s strange?’

Chairman ‘Yu Neung-hae’ said that the <Sticky Sewer> was definitely formed under the influence of the <Underground Waterway> dungeon.

In essence, it was part of the main body.
Naturally, it should be stronger than the <Sticky Sewer>.

Only then could it become the source of densely flowing mana, influencing the surroundings.

Yet, the boss of such a powerful place…

Is just 45 minor mobs?

As far as I know, in ‘GAL’, things never resolve this easily.

Then, a hypothesis flashed through my mind like lightning.

‘…No way.’

Even this <Dungeon> we’re clearing right now…

‘Is it a derivative dungeon like <Sticky Sewer>?’

Is there something even greater…
Something more powerful down here?

Kyarrk!
Kurek!
Puruguwek!

The thoughts trailing one after another were halted by the weapon aiming for my vital spot.

Two <Frogmen> that had approached unnoticed launched a simultaneous surprise attack.

‘…For now…’

I decided to think after handling everything.
It wouldn’t be too late to ponder then.

I crushed the two ambushers in an instant.

Other <Frogmen> began to approach strategically, spreading out.

They weren’t strong, but maybe because of their numbers and the [Buff]…

We started to get pushed back little by little.

‘…Of course…’

It was intentional.
Pretending to be in danger.

Not to mock them, but there was a reason for this.

I glanced behind.

Currently, what I was aiming for was Choi Mari, wielding a mace and shouting, “Meep! Repent!” while turning a Frogman into minced meat.

The biggest reason for coming here was her awakening and the blossoming of Meowi’s potential.

I put on an all-out performance in response to the imminent danger.

“Senior Mari!!!”
“…Meep? Meep?! Y-yes!?”
“Now is the time. Unleash your power, Senior! That machine you didn’t bring out because it wasn’t ethical!”
“…?!”

Choi Mari looked startled by the shout.

Regardless, I screamed as if to ward off the approaching enemies.

“The reason your <Divinity> is so weak is because you deny and reject your own abilities!”

The power deficiency arising from rejecting her 【Intrinsic Skill】.

The main reason Choi Mari couldn’t fully display her <Holy Arts> was this.

Therefore, you must recognize your worth and accept your abilities now.

“…Th-that’s…I-I just can’t…”
“You don’t have to trust me. Look at Meowi next to you!”
“…!”

At Yu Seha’s shout, Choi Mari finally noticed Ma Hana.

The young feline girl was holding her shield, desperately protecting Choi Mari from the advancing <Frogmen>.

It dawned on Choi Mari just how hard this small, fragile-looking girl was working to protect her with nothing but a shield.

“You can do it!”
“……”

‘…Meep.’