The Sea Dragon Temple (2)

[Sisterhood] 3rd-year Convent Head.

Divine Light Garam.

Although I introduced her once before, she was also a character from ‘GAL.’

Born 4★.

Along with Choi Mari, she was one of the few [Divinity Profession] figures, and she excelled more in PVP than in PVE.

Despite the minor nature of her profession group, her popularity among Supervisors was exceedingly high.

‘Of course, part of it is due to her performance…’

But her unique character traits were also a major reason.

Usually kind, thoughtful, and unable to tolerate injustice, she was a polite-speaking character.

Even while opposing the idea that those without [Divinity] were inferior, she maintained her position with great skill and political savvy.

And yet, she was also intensely narcissistic, constantly overestimating herself and misunderstanding situations.

However, when someone would genuinely approach her with affection, she’d panic and break out in a cold sweat, acting all flustered and cute.

It was almost impossible not to like her.
For me, she had always been a reliable ally.

In the story, she foresaw and informed about various schemes directed at the by the , showing a resolute and brave demeanor.

However, there was one thing…
Something common to all characters.

She also had a few polarizing traits.

‘…She loves teasing people…’

She had a habit of being a mischief-maker when it came to romantic situations.

Whenever she noticed an interesting dynamic between a man and a woman, her instincts would kick in, and she would mischievously stir things up.

‘Yes, just like now.’

Indeed.

At this moment, Divine Light Garam was practically trembling with excitement, clearly enjoying the awkward situation I was in, and she was putting on an over-the-top performance.

“Hehe~ Junior. Here, aah~”
“……”

When Meowi and I first came, she hadn’t shown this side of her.

She must have instinctively known that our relationship was far from that kind of interaction.

It was one built on true trust, something that could only be shared between us.

However, it seemed Ju Na-young and Moon Bora thought differently.

Sensing the tension, she subtly sat next to me…

“…Senior?”
“Hehe~”

She cut the cake, pretending we were a couple.

Subtly, sneakily.

Carefully observing their reactions.

“…Young-ah!”
“……”

Additionally, as Divine Light Garam desired, the reactions of Ju Na-young and Moon Bora were quite amusing.

In the end, Divine Light Garam couldn’t hold back and let out a ‘groan(?)’.

“Mmm~ So tasty. Haa~ I love this sweetness. At [Sisterhood], it’s rare to see moments like this since it’s all women.”

“Senior, please… If this goes on, our party will be ruined.”

“Fufufu☆ Can’t I tease you a little more?”

“No, please spare me.”

“Mmm~ I guess I have no choice.”

Was it because my desperate plea worked?

With a bright smile, Divine Light Garam put down the cake and stood up.

She winked and bowed toward the group, especially toward Ju Na-young and Moon Bora.

“I’m sorry. Our junior Seha brought such beautiful and radiant flowers in both hands… I just wanted to tease him.”

“…B-Beautiful…flowers…”
“R-Radiant…?”

“Please forgive this senior’s naughty prank, would you?”

Divine Light Garam’s apology made the two nod slowly.

“Then, let me formally introduce myself.”

Divine Light Garam grasped her skirt with both hands and bowed according to etiquette.

Moon Bora quietly admired the unique and classical beauty of her gestures and movements.

“I am Divine Light Garam, a third-year student of the , currently holding the undeserved position of the convent head, and the divine mace of the main god.”
“…N-nice to meet you. I’m Ju Na-young.”
“I’m Moon Bora.”
“It’s an honor to meet the famous and .”

This made it clear that she knew who they were.

A subtle smile appeared on the faces of Ju Na-young and Moon Bora.

Being remembered by the third-year convent head was, after all, an honor.

Normally, they would have a cozy tea time, chatting merrily…

“Excuse me, Senior.”
“I know, Seha.”

Divine Light Garam continued confidently with her trademark sound effect, ‘Shalala~☆.’

“I don’t know the details, but I have been informed that the evil lurking beneath hasn’t been completely purified. Honestly, I would like to handle it myself, but…”
“…So…”
“Yes, I know. The attention would be too much.”

Even now, just having Choi Mari involved had sparked quite a bit of chatter on the bulletin board.

If the convent head got involved as well, it would only cause more trouble.

“Thank you for understanding.”

“It’s nothing. As a senior, it’s my duty to help my juniors. Now, let’s get going.”

I had already informed Sister Choi Mari in advance.

By now, she should be fully prepared and waiting.

“She’ll be equipped with her mace, shield, and combat attire of the , so you can rely on her.”

Well, honestly, I didn’t expect Choi Mari to be directly involved in the fighting…

I expressed my gratitude.
Then, I followed behind Divine Light Garam, who was guiding me.

A little later.

On the way to the monastery within the .

As we were about to arrive at Choi Mari’s private room…

Boom! A loud noise was followed by the sound of a woman’s shrill voice echoing around.

Though not very loud, the voice was so sharp that it rang clearly in our ears.

The source of the voice was a woman with pink hair.

She looked clearly out of her mind at first glance.

And the person she was pushing against the wall, speaking with, was none other than Choi Mari.

“M-M-Mari… wh-what’s going on with you…?”

The pink-haired woman’s eyes were fixed on Choi Mari.

“Why… why did your evaluation score suddenly go up? I-I know Divine Light Garam… that heretic, l-likes you… but until now, she’s a-always been fair. Wh-what did you do? Huh? H-have you been clearing dungeons w-without me?”

“…D-Daram. Calm down.”

“Calm down? How can I calm down right now?!”

The woman called Daram screamed.

Then she kept biting her nails.

Even as blood dripped, she didn’t stop.
Messing up her hair, she shouted at Choi Mari again.

“This, this can’t be, n-no! I’m going to fail? Already for the second time… Ch-Choi Mari, are you betraying me? I told you since we were kids. T-together… Are you trying to get away? Huh? Are you going to abandon me?! Are you going to graduate alone as a th-third-year?”

“Daram, please calm—”

“Shut up, you damn traitor!”

“Hey! You! What do you think you’re doing?!”

As if unable to stand it any longer, Divine Light Garam stepped forward.

The faint glow of [Divinity] around her intensified, illuminating the entire convent.

The pink-haired woman flinched at the sight.

After glaring resentfully at Choi Mari, she quickly fled.

Divine Light Garam sighed and gave up the chase.

“Juniors. I’m sorry, but could you please wait for a moment?”

We nodded, and Divine Light Garam went over to Choi Mari, supporting her and patting her on the shoulder.

“…It seems like there’s bullying even in the Order.”
“I’ve heard it’s even worse. It’s a closed space and domain.”

Ju Na-young and Moon Bora, who were watching, each added a comment.

“Anyway, those Order guys. I can’t stand them… Most of them are crazy about divinity…”
“Na-young, this is the headquarters of the Sisterhood. Please be careful with your words…”
“Yeah, yeah… whatever.”

Listening to their conversation, I thought for a moment.

I wasn’t too concerned about Choi Mari being bullied, as I was already aware of it.

It would be resolved soon anyway.

What caught my interest was something else.

The name ‘Daram’ that came out of Choi Mari’s mouth.

‘…Chaeng Daram.’

The character playing the role of a in Choi Mari’s personal story.

Not a true villain or demon.

But as you saw, she was mentally unstable and naturally malicious…

Among the Supervisors, she was called ‘Ping-chaeng’ who didn’t know her place.

In reality, Chaeng Daram, with a rare selfish nature in ‘GAL’, often caused big trouble.

‘…I’ll have to keep an eye on her.’

I didn’t have any solid evidence yet, so I would let it go for now.
But I had a feeling she’d cause real trouble someday.

With that premonition, I silently watched the path where Chaeng Daram had fled.

“I-I’m Choi Mari… from , a second year. M-my class is . Please take care of me in the party today.”

At Choi Mari’s introduction, applause erupted from all around.

Thanks to Divine Light Garam’s help, we safely recruited her, and now, before officially forming a party to raid the , we were having a brief self-introduction.

‘This is a necessary step.’

Though explaining everything in detail might be a bit much.
Knowing what each person’s main skills and class were was crucial for coordination and response.

Especially since Choi Mari was to become a formal party member, it was important for her to make an impression.

With her introduction finished, everyone’s attention turned to the next person.

“…Hah.”

A woman with red hair as if scorched by fire.

Her well-tanned, bronze skin was quite attractive.

It was none other than Hyeja noona.

She, who had been seated in advance at my invitation, scratched her head as she looked at juniors at least ten years younger than her.

“…Im Hyeja. I graduated from here ten years ago… My class is .”
“Pl-please take care of us, senior.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Meow~ Nice to meet you, Master.”
“…Call me unnie, Meowi.”

After Im Hyeja’s words ended.
Moon Bora’s gaze turned toward me.

‘…Why her…?’ a questioning look.
It was a natural reaction.

No matter how you looked at it, Im Hyeja didn’t seem to fit in with this group at all.

‘But she’s necessary.’

To enter the , her help was indispensable.

Her importance would soon be revealed.

“Hyeja noona. Please explain your backup skill.”
“……”

Yu Seha’s calm question didn’t surprise Im Hyeja.

She had already agreed to this beforehand, so she simply pursed her lips and thought for a moment.

‘…How…?’

She still wondered how he knew about her abilities.

That nagging suspicion about Yu Seha resurfaced in her mind.

But only for a moment.
Soon, she looked at Meowi beside him, making a ‘Meow~’ sound, and let it go.

‘Yeah…’

For Im Hyeja, Ma Hana was like a child.

And for the sake of that child, Yu Seha had made sacrifices, shown determination, and produced results.

Just remembering that was enough for her to overlook any doubts.

‘Besides…’

Even if it meant exposing her embarrassing abilities, she was willing.

“Hmm, I’ll explain it just once.”

Im Hyeja scratched her head and explained the skill of her position.

Specifically, the [Active] skill.

After giving examples and elaborating on her abilities, she finished her explanation.

Apart from Ma Hana and Yu Seha, who already knew about her skills, the rest of the party members stared in disbelief, their faces filled with shock.