CHINESSE NEW YEAR. HERE A RED ENVELOPE. I'M NOT CHINESSE BTW.
BIG TURN POINT HERE FOR SOMEONE. TRY NOT TO MISS OUT.
ANYWAY, ENJOY.
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Back where we left off.
Yoo Yeonha P.o.v.
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While Shiki was preparing for his trip with his daughter, someone was also awake doing her own thing.
Yoo Yeonha was writing a talent report late into the night. Unlike her usual self, she was wearing round glasses, which gave her eyes increased fatigue recovery and typo-checking functionality.
Sudden business with Shiki had left her no time to write her thoughts. Luckily, Yeonha had some time left before the final to do her task.
===
[Kim Suho]
[Physical] ★★★★☆
[Intelligence] ★★★☆☆
[Utility] ★★★★☆
[Potential] ★★★★★
[Gift] ★★★★★
Evaluation – Grade 1
—His Gift, Sword Saint, is more than enough to give him full points.
—His elegant swordsmanship is well known among cadets.
—Although pale in comparison to the two individuals below, he has the potential to reach the pinnacle of Heroes. ✓
===
[Kim Hajin]
[Physical] ★★★★★
[Intelligence] ★★★★★
[Utility] ★★★★★
[Potential] ★★★★★
[Gift] ???
Evaluation – High Grade 1
— Hid his power for some reason, combat capability exceeded cadets, could go toe to toe with mid-rank Heroes.
— Currently studying Magecraft under the Shiki, speculated to be something ancient based on his performance in a dungeon dive. ✓
— Sole flaw is that his Gift hasn't been revealed. But it is estimated to be either related to said Magecraft, or long-range weapons at five stars. ✓
===
Tatsuya Shiki
[Physical] ★★★★★ ~ Immesurable
[Intelligence] Immersurable
[Utility] Immseurable
[Potential] Immeasurable
[Gift] ???
— Extremely powerful, comparable to The 9 Star.
— Capable of wielding law-bending Magics. One of which can manipulate space and atoms. The teacher in Magecraft of Kim Hajin. ✓
— Proficient at close-quarter combat, fight bare-handed. Defeated both Kim Suho above and Shin Jonghak in single combat.
— Has a daughter who looks like the British princess Rachel. A doting father. ✓
— One of his flaws is that he never seems to take things seriously. Proven by forfeiting his match against his student, Kim Hajin. This influenced his status report.
— Second flaw is his unknown history. The only person who might knew him personally was his partner, Scáthach. ✓
— Finally, his gift is unknown, possibly related to the True Magic he mentioned.
===
"Scáthach... Scáthach. Her name doesn't sound common nowadays. I should investigate her origin as well."
Yeonha made a few circled around the name of the woman she met that day. It never occured that she asked for her identity.
"Also, He probably didn't have just one student. The British princess was spotted with those two occasionally."
"I'll leave this for later... Huaaammm... I'm tired."
After marking every detail that she deemed to be important, Yeonha turned off her laptop.
This was her life's work. She didn't come to Cube to be a Hero. It was not her goal. Being a Hero doesn't suit her at all.
She came to scout out the best of the best for her soon-to-be guild. To grow her own business, her own society.
"...Is he going to continue ignoring me?"
Yoo Yeonha grumbled as she picked up her smartwatch.
Yoo Jinhyuk had yet to reply to her. Only if she had known what happened to him.
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The next day.
Shiki P.o.v.
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Monday is here and the final has arrived. Some of the cadets are excited, wanting to have some action. The other... not so much.
The 1300 first year cadets went to a harbor in Busan, and everyone was currently on cruises, separated by class.
"We will now begin the baggage inspection."
As soon as cadets all got on the cruise, the instructors began the baggage inspection.
"Shit..... It's really happening." I cursed.
I sweat dropped thinking of how to explain the contents of my backpack. I didn't pack only for myself.
I did expected an inspection, but finding a solution for it was a different matter. Everything I though of has a flaw that I can't explain. So I gave up on the matter and hope for the best.
Eventually, I got called up. In one of the inspecting room, I genlty put the duffle bag on the table. The content is fragile and loud.
The instructor looked at it and said:
"Weight?"
"30kg."
"Ok, 30... what??? 30 KG? What the hell did you bring?"
'Ah shit... Welp... manifest, my imaginary A+ rank Charisma Skill.'
"Clothes, foods, snacks, water bottles, toys,... Daughter."
"A WHAT?"
The instructor yelled out. Everyone outside heard and wondered what was happening in there.
One particular male cadet thought: 'What did he do this time?'. And then put away his bag and went to his room.
On the other hand, a violet-haired cadet facepalmed after seeing whose room the sound came from.
A blond cadet, the centerpiece of the this, was oblivious to the situation. She was only startled by the yelling out of nowhere.
Meanwhile... Inside the inspection now turned interrogation room.
"What did you just said, cadet Shiki."
"A daughter... here."
I zipped the bag open to let the cat out of the bag, in this case a three-year-old. Sleeping inside was Evandel, curled up comfortably while hugging her teddy bear. She drooled all over the poor bear.
The instructor's face went from confusion into shock seeing that I stuffed a literal child into a duffel bag, not to mention my own daughter.
One eyes rub and a few blinking after, the little girl haven't dissapear from his vision.
"Oh my god... He really did bring a child with him." The instructor face-palmed, muttering to himself.
"You got a problem with my daughter?" I asked.
"YES!!! A LOT." He called me out.
The Instructor took a deep breath and calmed himself. He softened up at the sleeping girl before opening his mouth.
"I won't ask where she comes from or whose her mother. That's your business. But why did you have to bring her with you? Don't you have anyone to entrust her to?"
"Single father, no relatives." I answered.
Technically, her mother didn't know she even existed.
And Scáthach must reserve her strength. I can't always burden her.
"Why didn't you send her to kindergarten?"
"This is Cube. There is no kindergarten around the island."
"What about your friends?"
"They are also Cube cadets. So she will go into another duffel bag."
"What about the neighbour? Surely you have..."
I raised my eyebrow at him.
"Right, right... Cube dorm. They're here as well."
"And there you have it. Unless you don't mind watching a constantly crying child asking where her father is. She will be staying with me."
"You..... Fine. But we will have surveillance on you 24/7. If anything happened to her, better prepare yourself."
The instructor gave up. He can't just send her back at this point. Also, If Cube can't trust him now, then they'll probably never trust him ever.
"Deal." I said.
"Also, you'll have to report to us after the test. This is the first time anyone has brought their own child to Cube, let alone the final exam."
"Got it."
"Good. Now scram."
I zipped the duffel bag closed, leaving a little bit of space for air circulation, and left.
"Not even graduated yet but already has a daughter. While I'm in my late 30s and still single." The instructor sighed.
He then turned on his smartwatch and called the overseer Hero.
"Miss Yun Seung-Ah, please report to inspection room 3. We have a situation."
...
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After the Inspection.
——————————————
The instructor then explained the exam.
"Listen closely, you will split into groups of 10 and land in different areas of that island. You will stay there for five days, and you will have to survive on your own. We will provide half a day's worth of food...."
The rules were simple of the exam:
* Survived on the island for five days.
* Hunt the monster on the island to gain points. Depending on what you hunted, the points given are different.
* A special watch will be given to calculate the point. You can also transfer or steal the point from others cadet.
* In addition, exam overseers will have huge nametags on their chests worth 200 points. Take it and it's yours... until otherwise.
* If your watch is stolen, you're eliminated and have to go to a tower for the rest of the exam, spectating.
* Points will be totalled at the end of the exam. Higher points means higher rank.
At the end, the instructor said one last thing.
"Due to an unexpected occurrence, one we had never expected, your exam will start tomorrow. Today, you are free to do whatever you wish. Dismissed."
————[King Crimson]————
After that, I quickly went to my assigned room and put the bag onto my bed.
I opened it and laid Evandel onto the pillow.
"All that yelling and she is still sleeping peacefully."
Evandel sleeps better than 99% of college students. At this point, I'm not surprised if she sleeps through the whole exam.
Anyway, the secret is out now. It won't be long before the little puffball makes it into the Cube's forum. Might as well introduce her to her mother now.
I nodded at the thought and began typing on my smartwatch.
Shiki: [Rachel, would you mind coming to my room?]
Shiki: [I have something to talk about in person.]
Rachel: [You have something to say to me in person ∘ ∘ ∘ ( °ヮ° ) ?]
Shiki: [Yes. It's important.]
Rachel: [I see... Please wait a moment. I'm coming over. ( ,,⩌' v '⩌,,)7 .]
"God, I am so screwed. Might as well call him over."
*Knock knock*
'Who's it? Hajin? Or Yeonha?'
"It's not locked." I said.
The door opened and the person came in. It was Hajin. Speak of the devil...
"Close the door." I said.
Hajin closed the door, then he approached me asking:
"Teach, why did the instructor yell at..."
He paused mid-way seeing the answer to his question. He froze, blinking his eyes as if he was seeing a ghost. He did not.
"You really brought her here? Why didn't you leave her with Miss Scáthach". Hajin asked.
"I can't leave Evandel to her without any worry. And how did you know her name?" I replied.
"Yeonha. But isn't she a free-lance Hero? You didn't think Evandel was safe with her?"
"Hajin... I wasn't worried about the one who wants to harm them..." I told him with a straight face.
"Huh?... Oh... Oh↓..."
'Yeah, exactly what you're thinking.'
Leaving Evandel to Scáthach for a day? No problem. A week? Yeah... no.
Look at Cú Chulain if you want a reference.
"Why didn't you try to hide her with magic then?" Hajin asked.
"Then I'd have to explain the mana flowing inside the bag. And the mismatch weight as well.
Personal weapons and magic items are banned, remember?
Furthermore, they open and inspect the bag. They might poke her accidentally.
Or do you want Evandel crying there? In the middle of the class?"
Ironically, doing nothing was the best option. It's just that my luck is non-existent.
"What about illusion? She can do that, right?"
"I.... Didn't taught her that yet." Please, if I did, you wouldn't be here now.
"Damn it.... So... What now?" Hajin asked.
"I have already called Rachel over. We'll introduce Evandel to her."
"That made sense. There is going to be some rumour soon anyway. Might as well do it now..... Wait.... 'We'?"
"Yeah, we. You got a hand in this; you're guilty as well. I was thinking of calling you over but here you delivered yourself."
"Hey! Don't drag me into this. She's your daughter. Isn't she your responsibility?"
"And it wasn't your when you decided to put a bullet through her body? You're not going anywhere. If Rachel decide to kill me socially, then I'm taking you down with me."
"That's petty, you asshat. I'm leaving. You brought Evandel here in the first place. You deal with Rachel yourself..."
*Knock knock* "Teacher?" A voice sounded from outside.
"Shit..." Hajin cursed.
"Come in." I said.
The door swung wide open and the person walked in.
"I'm here, Teacher... Oh? Hajin-ssi you're here, too?"
"No, I'm just about to leave."
"I see..."
"You're here for him? Then I'll leave you two alone."
"Hey come back here you... And he's gone. Damn you, you deadbeat of an uncle."
He really left me to die(socially) alone. Who did you learn that from?
"Did I come at a bad time?"
"No no, you're not. You're just in time. Please sit down, we have an important thing to talk about."
"Yes."
Rashel sat in the chair at the table parallel to the bed, where I was sitting.
From her angle, Evandel is blocked by me and the duffel bag.
"So what is it that you wanted to talk to me about in person?"
'Shit... How do I say it...'
I.... I think it's better if I show you instead. You'll understand once you see her." I said
"Show me? What are you talking about? And who..."
Rachel froze when I stood up and stepped aside. A small face met her eyes instantly.
Rachel looked at the little girl with wide eyes. She didn't just look similar. She looked exactly like her to the Tee.
The same blond hair; the same rounded face. It was like she was looking at an old mirror.
'Even her sleeping posture is the same as the maids described when I was young.' Rachel thought.
'But why did he show her to me. He said that I'll understand when I see her. But I don't get it?'
"Teac... No. Mr. Shiki, who is this girl? Why are you showing her to me? Is she related to what you wanted to say?"
"Well... Yes. You can say that she is very related to you."
"What do you mean related to... Are you saying that..."
"Huaammmm." A small voice interrupted Rachel.
I turned my head back to see that Evandel was starting to wake up.
Evandel sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"Good morning, Eva." I said.
"Good.... morning.... Papa." The little angel replied.
'Pa.... pa?' Rachel's brain short-circuited. 'Did she just call him papa?"
"Huuaaamm...." Evandel yawned again, not completely awake yet.
"Cover your mouth, Eva. There is a guest here, one you might want to see." I softly reprimand her.
"I'm sorry..." Evandel didn't have the energy to reply.
Luckily, Rachel was too stunned to react.
Eventually, Evandel realised that there was another person here. She squinted her eyes to see who it was.
Her golden eyes landed on Rachel. Rachel's blue eyes stared at her.
"Ma——ma?" Evandel murmured. Drowsy, yet she managed to identify who it was
Rachel's image was imprinted the moment Evandel had taken her blood. So it's no surprise that Evandel can recognise who Rachel was to her.
"Mr. Shiki, did she just call me mama?" Rachel slowly asked.
Confusion was spiralling in her eyes.
'When did I even have a daughter? And how did I not know of her existence?'
"Allow me to introduce this little puffball. Her name is Evandel. From an angle, you can say that she's my daughter..... and yours as well."
"C'mon, Eva. Go see your mother." I followed up.
"Uhm..." Evandel said, crawling her way out of bed.
"My....dau—" Rachel slightly gaped her mouth.
*Puff*
But before she could say anything further, little Evandel had already climbed onto her chair and hugged her with the little energy that she had.
"Hehe... Mama... smell... nice." Evandel buried her face into Rachel's chest and sniffed.
"Mama..." Rachel muttered.
The little girl who called Shiki Papa had called her mama, twice. And she is glued to her body.
The British princess didn't know what to say, nor what to do in this situation. But by instinct or the familiar feeling she got from the little girl...
Rachel stroked Evandel's small head.
"Hehe... Warm..." Evandel smiled, still buried in Rachel's chest.
Seeing her 'daughter' being spoiled, a smile appeared on Rachel's face. Her emotionless demeanour faded away.
"Mr. Shiki. She called me mama, right? Why am I her mother? I don't remember doing any of 'that'. You said she is our child but we'd never met or did such a thing before Cube."
Seemed like Rachel wasn't completely distracted by Evandel as she asked the important question.
"Unless... She came from the future. That would make the most sense. She does have your eyes.
Does that mean you also come from the future? That you're my fu-future hu-husband? Ahhhh....."
'Okay, maybe she just let her thought ran wild. I can see steam rising from her head. I should aay something before she fainted from the heat.'
"Rachel... Calm down. It's not what you think."
"Then... How do you explain her?" The steam is gone but Ranche's face is still red from embarrassment. She didn't even try to make eye contact.
"Evandel wasn't born using a conventional way. She was a seed given to me by Hajin. To give birth to her, she must be fed with a little bit of blood.
I used both of our blood as her food source, mostly yours."
"I see... But where did you get my blood? I didn't give any to you?"
"Midterm. It was Hajin's idea."
"Ah... I understand. So, Mr. Hajin also knew?"
"Yes, He did."
"So did Mr. Hajin come earlier to check up on her?"
"No... It was another problem."
"Huh?"
'Great, I now have to explain the same thing the third time.'
I then recount the inspection event to Rachel and why I have to bring Evandel with me.
I left Scáthach out of the story as I wanted them to meet up naturally.
After I explained everything to Rachel.
"So, if Mr. Shiki didn't get caught, you would still be hiding this girl from me?"
"....."
"....."
"Yes.... I'm sorry. Are you angry?"
"No... I am not. Just disappointed. That you didn't trust me enough to tell me about her."
"Sorry.... I did want to introduce her eventually."
"And how long would that be?"
"....."
"Please don't answer."
"Yes ma'am."
'She is angry. Is it because of Evandel being here? Better not overstep.'
Women are scary when they are angry. I just don't understand these creatures at all.
Afterward, Evandel woke up completely. Despite that, she didn't let go of Rachel. This is the first time she ever met her mother, after all.
Instead, she sat on Rachel's lap, swinging her head.
"Mama, play with me mama." Evandel said.
"Eh?"
Still not used to suddenly having a daughter, Rachel panicked a little, she looked at me asking for help.
When suddenly.... *Groowwlll*. Looked like someome is hungry after waking up.
The two of us looked at the little glutton. She was hanging on her stomach.
"Papa, Mama. I'm hungry." She said.
I snorted with a smile.
"Can you talk to her for a while? Introduce yourself. Or talk about England. I'll go get us lunch."
I instantly left the two of them alone and went out. My throat is dying from all the talking.
I went to the café and bought enough for all of us. When I came back, this seemed to get better at the very least.
Rachel opened up to her daughter and Evandel listened closely to what her mother had to say.
And then lunch time.
Evandel happily ate her portion spoon-fed to her. I paid for an extra portion, my little girl is in her growing phase.
Meanwhile, we ate and discussused on what to do next.
"So... May I ask what you plan to do? After meeting Evandel." I asked.
"I don't know. It happened to sudden that I could think of anything." Rachel softly replied.
"I understand. That's ok. I won't ask you to be responsible. I just want Eva to meet her mother, that's all. I can raise her myself."
"THAT'S.... not what I meant." Rachel shouted, but then mumbled the rest of the sentence to herself.
"Hmm? Did you say something?"
"NO...."
...
"Can I... Ummm... see her sometime?" Rachel continued.
"Anytime you want. Here's my home address. That's where we are currently staying. You can come by after class or at weekend."
"Yes, thank you very much."
Rachel looked at the note in her hand. 'It's close to Cube. I won't have to worry about curfew.' she thought.
But then... 'This is the first time I'm invited to a boy's house. Should I bring a gift? What would a parent like for a gift?'
Rachel's thought was about to get higher when...
"What are you thinking about?" Shiki pulled her back to the ground.
"Oh! No, nothing at all... Can I come by next week, after the final?"
"Sure, I'll look forward to it."
"That's great."
The rest of the day was spent playing with Evandel, getting dinner, and playing with Evandel again before resting up for tomorrow.
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The next day.
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The sun has risen, light creeping through the door hitting my face. I woke up tired and lacking energy. Evandel definitely had taken this flaw from me.
"Wake up, sleepy heads. It's morning."
I said to the ones next to me in bed. I shook both of them trying to wake them up
Two figures rose up rubbing their eyeballs. Like mother like daughter, they woke up in perfect sync.
"Good morning, Papa. Huammmm...." The little one replied.
"Good morning, Teacher." The older beauty said.
As for those questioning why Rachel was in my bed last night? It was the same reason as when I went to meet up with Yeonha's mother: Evandel.
Being a mother for the first time, though it was sudden, Rachel couldn't go against her daughter's wishes.
No, we DID NOT take a shower together, cease your dellusion. I took one in Hajin's room. He was surprised to see me survived the ordeal, to the very least.
"Go wash up, you two. I think we are about to reach land." I said.
Looking outside the window, I saw a strip of yellow and green, indicating our exam might be on an island.
"Yes. I'll do that." Rachel said, scooped Evandel up, and went to the bathroom in my room.
"Just a day and she's already acting like her mother." Rachel might have been the best choice for Evandel.
"I wonder what would happened if it were someone else instead. Evandel would be very smug if it were Yeonha. Chae Nayun? Urhh... bad idea. It would become a two-versus-one for Hajin. She would always take her mother's side."
While I was wandering in my thoughts, the girls finished their routine.
"I'll change her clothes. You can go back to change yours." I said.
"Yes." Rachel replied.
[Attention. All cadets, gather at the hall immediately. Your test is about to start. I Repeat....]
"Go, I'll follow you afterward." I said.
"Okay... I'll see you later." Rachel replied, before she left my room.
"Are you ready? We're going on a camping trip this week." I told my little girl.
"Camping trip?" Evandel said.
"Yeah, we're going to build a fire, roast marshmallows, and watch the stars."
"Really? Yayyyy." Someone is excited.
"Let's get dressed quickly. Or we will be late."
"Ummm."
We got ready in no time.
...
————[King Crimson]————
...
"Now step up when your name is called."
The instructor began dividing the cadets into groups of ten. Then they led the cadets into boats and drove them onto the island.
The crowd slowly dwindled until there was one cadet left, me.
"Cadet Shiki, is she... with you?" The instructor asked. It was the instructor who examined my bag.
I zipped open the duffel bag, and Evandel then poked her head out.
"Papa, are we there yet?" She innocently asked.
"Not yet, honey" I answered.
Looking at the little head poking out. The instructor sighed.
"Good, you will be on our boat. C'mon, move your legs."
"Yes sir."
I got on the boat with the instructor. Most of the passengers there were instructors and overseers Heroes. I'm the only odd one out.
During our ride, lots of eyes were fixed on me, or my bag to be exact. Since there is a head sticking out after all.
Yun SeungAh, one of the Heroes, asked me:
"So how does it feel? Being a father that young." She's really not one to shy away from these questions.
"If you're asking my opinion... Tiring. But it's worth the effort." I replied.
Many others nodded, agreeing with what I said.
"I see. I have a niece that I'm taking care of so I understand." Yun SeungAh said.
"So who's the mother?" She followed up.
It seems she is also one to ask ridiculous questions.
"No comment." I answered.
"Booo... No fun." SungAh said.
The other instructors then asked me about Evandel. With things like her name, her favorite foods, her favorite color, and more. We spent the rest of the way talking about raising kids and such.
Eventually, we made it to shore.
"We're here. Now, do you want one of us to accompany you? Or do you want to do this by yourself?" One of the instructors asked.
Evandel seemed to make a good impression on all of them. But I can't keep them away from their jobs.
"Thanks, but I think I'll be fine."
"If that's what you wanted. We'll keep a drone on you just in case."
Are you her father? Or am I?
"I appreciate it. I'll be heading out then."
"Be careful. Remember to prioritise her and your safety." Yun SeungAh reminded me.
"Always."
I split off from the group and made my way into the forest.
The final exam has officially begun.
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