For the next two days, Ichika entered the roles of the other party members and experienced everything through their perspectives.
She became Lee Yoo-ri, awkwardly swinging a shield around.
She became Kang Do-hee, reliving the emotional turmoil tied to a forgotten mentor.
She became Shin Se-hee, enjoying a simple, ordinary date.
She became Lim G-aeul, baking bread.
She became Sophia, basking in cheers on a runway.
"Yeah. I'm satisfied. Everyone was happy."
Returning to reality, Ichika smiled brightly and nodded in contentment.
But for my part, I felt a strange pang of guilt. It was as if I had handed over each party member's precious memories to Ichika without their permission.
Sensing my discomfort, Ichika abruptly spoke.
"You don't have to worry, Benefactor." "...Huh?"
"Everyone agreed to it."
"Agreed...?"
"Yes. There are eight of us, but only one of you. Honestly, time with you is always too short."
I couldn't refute that and nodded slightly.
No matter how much time I devoted to the party members, with only one body to go around, dissatisfaction was inevitable.
It meant they all had to wait their turn patiently until their chance came around.
"So, we decided to share each other's experiences. This way, we can all feel as if we've had enough time and affection with you."
Oh, I see.
So, whenever I go on a date with one of them, that experience is shared with the others.
My expression stiffened.
"Wait. Doesn't that mean you won't have your own memories?"
"I'm the first to experience everyone else's memories. I'm fine with that. I'll get Alice's and the
Master's memories from them separately later."
What Ichika was saying was that all the memories she experienced today were for the sake of the other party members.
No.
This isn't right.
What Ichika was essentially saying was that she was willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of everyone else.
Even if she didn't articulate it well, I had come to know that Ichika was a deeply considerate person who cared for the other party members more than anyone else.
The dream space, where my gifts were scattered alongside items from the other members, made that abundantly clear.
"Ichika."
I looked at her intently and spoke in a serious tone.
"Yes? What's wrong, Benefactor?"
"Let's add one more thing to your treasures."
Then I pulled her into a hug.
"T-this, could it be... sticky, steamy, intim—" "It's not that."
I lightly scolded her, then firmly...
...bit into the side of her neck, just hard enough to cause a slight sting.
I sucked gently with my lips.
"A-ah—ahhh!"
Ichika let out a strange moan, her body trembling.
After what felt both like a long and short moment, I released her.
A transparent thread connected our lips to her neck.
Her neck was flushed red.
Before long, a kiss mark would undoubtedly form there.
"Ichika."
"..."
"Caring for everyone else is fine, but I want you to desire memories that are just yours, shared only with me. To me, you're not someone who comes after the other party members. You're equally precious."
"..."
Ichika shyly touched the spot on her neck and nodded.
"Memories... just mine..."
Swoosh—
Ding—♪

[Skill Acquired: Shadow of Greed (貪)]
-Summon a shadow that replicates 30% of a companion's power. (Limit: 1 shadow)
-The number of shadows that can be replicated increases with skill mastery.
Honestly, it was a bit awkward with Alice.
With the other members I had already spent a lot of time together, and once I realized they had feelings for me, I had grown so close with them that I wondered how I hadn't noticed before.
"So, I wanted to ask you something."
"...If I like Instructor Jin Yuha or not?"
Hmm. But I'm no longer her instructor—does she plan on keeping that title for me?
"Yes, that too. Also, because, you know, my relationship with the party members isn't exactly ordinary."
Yoo-ri, Do-hee, Se-hee,
Ga-eul, Sophia, Ichika, and even my mentor.
One man with several women.
It's insane.
Considering that this is a world of strict meritocracy and stark discrimination, it's even crazier.
In other words, in the context of my previous life, this would be no different than multiple men sharing one woman.
Luckily, the process of the party members being affected by the "Curse of the Demon of Love" was broadcast live this time. Without that, we would have undoubtedly faced significant backlash.
"So, you still have the chance to choose. To meet a better man than me and pursue a normal relationship."
As for the curse of the Demon,
Well, I could always explain it away by saying the curse only lightly affects those without real feelings.
To be honest,
Alice is the party member who is the closest to my ideal type in terms of appearance.
Blue eyes, lustrous silver hair, a straight nose, and red lips.
Even though I heard from the Sword Emperor that this was all fabricated, it didn't change the fact that Alice was my type.
To the extent that when I first heard Alice was being introduced, I spent money I normally wouldn't on microtransactions just to obtain her.
And to equip her exclusive items, I preemptively rolled the gacha.
But if Alice declared here that she would withdraw?
Hmm. It'd be a bit disappointing, But not unbearably so.
"Alice is charming, but… my feelings for the other party members have already taken up too much space in my heart."
I explained what I thought, taking plenty of time.
I told her it wasn't that I disliked her.
And that this was something that needed thorough consideration.
I urged her to think again if she was simply going along with the flow of the other party members.
"Instructor."
After listening to everything, Alice spoke in a small but resolute voice.
"Yes?"
"I'm actually incredibly stubborn."
"Really?"
"Yes. Even though my grandmother told me for over ten years to use a spear, I stubbornly stuck to the sword."
The Sword Emperor had mentioned it—her stubbornness was truly unparalleled. Even though the Sword Emperor, the pinnacle of swordsmanship, advised her otherwise, Alice had essentially retorted, "So what, old man?" Truly, a bullheaded persistence.
"How long do you think it took me to fall in love with the sword?"
"How long?"
"Just a single moment. The instant my grandmother lightly swung a sword for practice, I was captivated. I held onto a sword for ten years after that."
"..."
"So, you must know what I'm going to say."
"Don't tell me it's because I saved you and the Sword Emperor—"
"No, it's not that. Of course, I'm deeply grateful and consider it a debt I'll repay for the rest of my life, but I didn't fall for you because of that." "Really? Then when?"
Curious, I asked sincerely.
"When you handed me a sword for the first time."
With that, Alice pulled out a long, spear-like sword from the dimensional tattoo and caressed it.
"All my life, I only ever heard from my grandmother that I had no talent for the sword. But you were the first to give me permission to wield it."
"Oh."
"So, I'm going to be stubborn again because of the emotions I felt back then."
Alice looked at me with clear, determined eyes and spoke.
"And, well… it hasn't been long, but… I think I've seen a good bit of the world."
"And?"
"No matter where I look, I can't find anyone as cool and handsome as you, Instructor."
Ha.
Really.
A straightforward confession from a beautiful junior.
I noticed Alice's trembling hands and feet.
She must've mustered every ounce of courage she had to say this.
I couldn't help but smile.
What on earth did I do to deserve such feelings?
Alright. I should respond to her earnest confession just as sincerely.
"I probably don't like you as much as I like the other party members yet."
"..."
Hearing my words, Alice's mood turned somber, as if she thought I was rejecting her.
"So, show me." "...Show you?"
"Show me what you like, what you dislike, what interests you. Show me who you are. I promise I won't neglect getting to know you better."
Alice's blue eyes began to shine.
"...Y-Yes! O-Okay!"
That's right.
I'd already resolved to embrace the party members.
After Alice, who is my ideal type, thoroughly thought it through and even swallowed her pride to step into my world— Rejecting her would be cruel.
But this is the limit.
The other party members must have trusted me enough to send Alice to me.
"So, what would suit our first activity together?"
"T-Then! C-Could you teach me swordsmanship?"
"Swordsmanship? You don't have to wait for a moment like this to request that. You can ask anytime. Do you really want this as our first activity?" "...Yes, I'd like it to be with you."
Alice nodded, albeit with some hesitation.
I chuckled softly.
"Alright. If that's what you truly want, I'll teach you with all my heart. It'll be an intensive onenight, two-day session. It'll make your initial training at the academy seem like a warm-up." "Yes, I'm prepared. Ah, and… if possible, could you call me 'disciple'?" "Alright, disciple." "...Thank you."
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sound of Alice and my swords clashing echoed late into the night.
Ding~♬
[You have acquired the trait – 'Perseverance'.]
[When training alongside the target you aim to surpass, sword proficiency increases.]
.
.
.
And now, the final date.
My master.
Although my master appeared at the meeting spot with her usual expression,
"Mm."
I could tell.
She was feeling extremely self-conscious and embarrassed.
She was probably wrestling with pointless thoughts like whether this kind of interaction was appropriate between a master and her disciple.
'As expected, it's up to me as her disciple to take the first step.'
Given her high standards for herself, subtle advances wouldn't work on her. It would only make things awkward and distant.
A bold and unabashed approach was necessary with her.
"Master!"
Calling out to her, I closed the distance between us.
"Do you know how long I've been looking forward to today?"
"…Hm. Is that so?"
"Yes! It's our first date, after all. Is there anything you'd like to do, Master?"
"Not particularly…"
"Still, think carefully. Whatever you want, I'm willing to make it happen for you."
At that, my master averted her eyes and mumbled in a small voice,
"…Don't say things like that."
"If not you, Master, who else would I say this to?"
She tilted her head to the side with a stiff motion and handed me a neatly folded note.
Unfolding the note, I read it aloud.
"…'What you desire is what I wish for.'"
Was saying that so embarrassing for her?
While my master was someone everyone feared and respected, only I knew this side of her— adorable and endearing.
It gave me an indescribable satisfaction.
In short, my master was telling me to do as I pleased.
'Hmm. Is this what they call indulgence?'
I wasn't sure, but one thing was certain:
She wanted me to be honest with myself. She would immediately notice if I tried to fake something or force a match.
"Don't regret this, okay?"
"Alright."
I took her hand and led her back to the house, straight into my room.
Thud.
I collapsed onto the bed.
"Honestly, what I want to do right now is rest."
"…Rest?"
"Yes. Physically, I'm a bit…"
Seven consecutive rounds of overnight, 1-night-2-day marathons.
Spending time with party members had been wonderful and fulfilling, but keeping up with it all had been as grueling as any forced march.
Especially after the full-fledged training match with Alice at the end, I was completely drained.
In short, I needed recharging.
"So, please hug me."
Lying on the bed, I spread my arms wide toward my master in a "flying squirrel" pose.
She gulped, hesitated, and clumsily sat on the edge of the bed to hug me.
Hey. What's with this "polite" hug?
Tug. Tug.
I took her hands and guided them firmly to my back and head, pulling her closer.
Then I nestled my head into her embrace.
"Ah, this feels nice."
"Disciple, this… this is problematic…"
She tried to maintain composure but kept fidgeting.
I tightened my hold on her and spoke,
"Stay still, Master. You told me to do whatever I wanted, didn't you?" "But—"
"I said, no regrets."
Ah. Soft and warm.
I felt the accumulated fatigue melt away.
'This… this is satisfying.'
Feeling the warmth and presence of my master, I couldn't help but feel a tight, brimming sensation in my chest.
In both my previous life and this one, I'd grown up as an orphan without family.
What I wanted most in the world was simple: to fall asleep in the warm embrace of someone who truly cared for me.
Someone I could trust more than anyone, someone who wouldn't betray me even if the whole world turned against me.
Someone who would scold me when I made mistakes but also approach me repeatedly to offer a comforting embrace.
"Master, could you stroke my hair?"
My drowsy voice murmured.
Swoosh, swoosh.
The sight of this beautiful woman awkwardly but gently running her hand through my hair brought a smile to my face.
"Thank you, Master."
Ding~♬
A sound chimed in my ears.
[You have acquired the trait – 'Bond'.]
[Connected souls grant a 1% stat increase per bond.
Current Bond List – Lee Yoo-ri, Kang Do-hee, Shin Se-hee, Lim Ga-eul, Sophia, Ichika, Alice, Baek Seol-hee, Lina: Total 9% increase.]
'What the…!?'
I opened my eyes wide in shock.
I could understand the others, but why is Chairwoman Lina included in this…!?
I fell asleep in my teacher's arms, utterly exhausted. When I opened my eyes, nearly 18 hours had passed.
"Did you sleep well?"
"...Yes."
"I'm sorry, but I have to leave soon. Something came up."
Although my teacher had said that what I wanted was the same as what she wanted...
truthfully, I felt ashamed.
I had wasted our time together, not even managing to have a proper meal or enjoy our date, having spent it all sleeping.
Even so, she gave me a small smile, ruffled my hair, and told me not to worry about it.
'And my teacher hasn't awakened any special traits or skills either.'
It's not like her expression was particularly bad as she left, but I couldn't help feeling a pang of guilt.
'I'll have to prepare a gift for her next time to make it up. But... didn't I see something strange while I was half-asleep? Was it just a dream?'
What I saw wasn't clear—it was all muddled from being half-awake. But it seemed like I had awakened, not my teacher. Something about gaining a 1% increase in stats for each person I shared a connected bond with. The total stat increase had been 9%, if I remembered right.
Even back in the Velvets game, where I poured both my time and body into becoming a ghosttier player, I had never seen anything like that.
The closest thing I could compare it to was the first-tier, overpowered item "Ring of Affection and Obsession." But even that only boosted the stats of other characters with high affinity levels; it didn't provide direct benefits to the wearer. Plus, the enhancement was capped at a mere 4%.
'No way. Could there really be such an absurd trait?'
Yeah, it had to be a dream, especially since I remembered seeing Lina in the mix.
"Status window," I called out casually, more out of habit than expecting anything.
But when the stats displayed on my screen, my jaw dropped.

Name: Jin Yuha (☆☆☆☆) Gender: Male (21)
Stats
• Strength: 100 (+10, +9%)
•
• Mental Power: 119 (+10, +10%, +9%)
•
• Magic: 100 (+10, +9%)
•
• Durability: 101 (+10, +9%)
•
• Speed: 100 (+10, +9%)
•
• Charisma: 130 (+10, +9%)
•
Specialization: Swordsmanship SSS [True Moonlit Swordsmanship] (new!)
Titles:
• Flower on a Cliff
•
• Swordsmanship Prodigy [Sword Ghost]
•
• Natural Flirter
•
• Flower on a Cliff (again?)
•
• Homme Fatale
•
• Destruction Chef
•
• Clueless
•
• National Side Dish
•
• Incubus
•
• Big Deal
•
• Out-of-Control Truck (new!)
•
• Instructor (new!)
•
• Everyone's Lover (new!)
•
First Achievement Titles:
1. Slayer of the Impossible: Demon Slayer (魔殺)
Deals 10% additional damage to all demons and demonic beings.
2.
3. First Slayer of a Fire Dragon: Dragon Slayer (龍殺者) Deals 10% additional damage to all dragon-kind.
4.
5. Slayer of the Demon King: Demon King Slayer (王殺) Those with demonic energy feel instinctive fear.
6.
Skills:
[One Slash], [Lampo], [Sword Dance], [Shadow Step], [Moonlit Strike (with Moonlight Earrings)], [Sword Path] (new!)
Traits:
[Perception], [Foresight], [Intuition], [Charisma], [Unwavering Mind], [Grip Strength] (new!),
[Magic Circulation] (new!), [Tough Body] (new!), [Stealth] (new!)
Exclusive Weapon: Moonlight
Items: Experience Bracelet (bound), Stat Boosting Ring (bound), Ring of Affection and Obsession (bound)

[Connected Bonds]
Each connected bond grants a 1% increase in stats.
Current Bonds:
• Lee Yoo-ri
•
• Kang Do-hee
•
• Shin Se-hee
•
• Lim Ga-eul
•
• Sophia
•
• Ichika
•
• Alice
•
• Baek Seol-hee
•
• Lina
•
Total increase: 9%

"!!!"
It wasn't a dream. It was real.
"Is this for real?"
I repeatedly opened and closed my status window, unable to believe it.
"Seriously?"
A tingling sense of euphoria surged through me. All my stats had surpassed 100.
Until now, except for Mental Power and Charisma, the rest of my stats had been in the 90s. To suddenly surpass 100 was astonishing.
In the game, increasing stats from the 90s to 100 was notoriously difficult, even with stat boosters. This felt almost like a bug-level anomaly.
Breaking through 100 Strength had granted me the Grip Strength trait.
Breaking through 100 Magic had given me the Magic Circulation trait.
Breaking through 100 Durability had unlocked the Tough Body trait. Breaking through 100 Speed had yielded the Stealth trait.
Even if this was it, it would've been a jackpot.
On top of that, my swordsmanship specialization had risen from SS to SSS, likely thanks to the sword I had inherited from my master.
"Wow... this is insane. Truly."
These stats were the kind you'd only see in endgame, maxed-out characters after spending a fortune in the game. My party members who had envied me for some unique traits and skills had no idea—they'd be floored by this.
'If I had invested this much in a single character in Velvets, they'd become iconic from that point onward.'
Over 100 in all stats.
SSS-tier specialization. Four-star ranking.
These three conditions meant I had the minimum qualifications to ascend into an [EX] tier transcendent.
Transcendent.
It was the level where someone like Lina, the current head of the Hunter accademy, resided.
This was endgame content, reserved for hardcore veterans who had done everything else the game had to offer.
Reaching it required intense grinding, and for free-to-play or low-spending players, it was nearly impossible.
In my previous life, it took me over eight playthroughs to achieve just one connection like this.
Transcendent Kang Do-hee.
The sight of her unleashing Avatar of Fire, tearing through the final boss in one devastating sweep that filled the entire screen, was something even top-tier players couldn't rival.
And yet, here I was, achieving that feat on my first run—and in a no-gacha, no-purchase playthrough at that. Honestly, I deserved to feel a little proud of myself for this.
What? Are you saying I swindled my way here after draining Alice's resources in the early game? Come on, this is Jin Yuha we're talking about. This counts as free-to-play success, fair and square.
"So, all that's left is to raise my rank by one more star…"
Currently, I was sitting at 4 stars.
The best way to increase your star rank is to pull hundreds of identical character cards, fuse them, and push for a breakthrough.
But this world doesn't have any gacha mechanics.
That means I'll have to grind my way to a breakthrough with sheer effort and determination.
Sigh. This won't be easy.
Getting from 3 stars to 4 stars had been a stroke of luck, made possible only because I'd managed to take down a boss like the Demon Tree King early on. I couldn't expect that kind of opportunity to come around again.
Even in our party, Soup, who'd been stuck at 4 stars for ages, was nowhere near reaching 5 stars.
And yet.
"This is too good of an opportunity to pass up, even if it's a crazy gamble."
Transcendent Jin Yuha.
The thought alone sent shivers down my spine.
Just then, my communicator buzzed with a familiar tone.
Ding-ding-ding!
[Chairwoman Lina: YOU SCOUNDREL! WHAT IN THE WORLD HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO?!]
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Well my fingers hurting now after doing such a big chapter for 2nd time on the same week!! 3.5k+ words
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