Chapter 38: The Mission "Uwaaaaa—it's finally over!!"
If you want to tell the difference between a student who studies hard and one who doesn't, just look at them when exams end.
Rio and Masayoshi were chatting excitedly about what to do after school, while a "hardworking" student like me was busy checking my test scores.
The Deserted Island Survival was just one part of the ordeal; the hellish exam period had finally come to a close.
The difficulty was enough to make anyone lose their mind. If it had just been sitting down to memorize textbooks and taking written exams, it wouldn't have been this exhausting.
The teacher who told us to condense mana and maintain a magic circle for two days straight isn't even human.
If I could have just sat still and focused on the circle, I wouldn't have complained. But no, I had to maintain it while going about my daily life and taking other exams.
I can see why students at Yggdrasil go on a rampage every exam season.
When I went up to the roof earlier, there was a full-sized city bus sitting there. God knows how they got it up there. When I asked what it was, they told me it was a tradition for students to do weird things to vent exam stress.
The first-years were all focused on their tests since it was their first time, but soon enough, they'll adopt these questionable traditions and start doing crazy things just like their seniors.
Regardless, everything ended well. I secured some sweet grades, and Akito didn't stay mad at me—in fact, he even acknowledged my skills.
I don't know what Takeo heard, but despite his "just you wait" attitude, he's been surprisingly quiet.
As Derek entered, the students took their seats, and the noisy classroom fell silent.
"Even though exams are over, do not let your guard down. Keep striving. You must continue to hone your skills while you are here at Yggdrasil."
He was right. Under the influence of the Source and in their prime growth period, every second spent at Yggdrasil was vital to their future.
They should keep striving to build their strength and train with grit... but do you really think hot-blooded youths who just finished a high-stress exam period are going to listen to that?
They gave polite answers, but everyone was just waiting for homeroom to end so they could bolt.
"Also, the teacher in charge of Class A will be arriving soon. However, Yggdrasil is testing a new system, so two people—including an assistant teacher—will be in charge."
"Is that special treatment?"
"He said they're testing it on us. That means it's probably not normal."
Rio sounded curious, but since I already knew who the teachers were, I gave a half-hearted response.
There would be two teachers, and neither were official faculty yet.
Should I call them student teachers? Anyway, they were mages who were slightly underqualified as teachers but possessed great skill.
The reason Yggdrasil was testing a two-person system was to increase the number of personnel available to protect the school from its growing list of enemies.
Not that it matters; they're never around when things get serious, and the students end up doing all the defending anyway.
"Seo Yeon-woo, come see me after this."
"Huh? Yes... sir."
Why was he calling me? Was he going to praise me for completing the special objective during the deserted island exam?
I didn't really need that. If it were the busty Professor Erin, that would be one thing, but a bearded middle-aged man? Not interested.
When I went to the faculty office after class, I found out that Derek didn't sit with the regular teachers; he had his own private office.
Was Derek a character from the game? I barely remember any of the faculty members unless they were female.
The fact that he had a private room like the principal suggested Derek was no ordinary person.
Knock, knock.
"It's Seo Yeon-woo."
"Come in."
I knocked and entered. It wasn't a massive room, but it had everything—a work desk, a sofa for guests, and a coffee table.
And... who was the woman standing next to Derek?
Wavy blonde hair, sharp eyes, and a slender yet curvaceous figure emphasized by a custom-tailored suit. Yeah, she was a woman who was "appealing" in many ways.
She looked me up and down as I entered.
This wasn't the look a woman gives a man she's interested in.
Ever since I became incredibly handsome, the way women looked at me had changed. I'd received so many looks filled with lust that I could recognize them instantly.
Her eyes, which were scanning me meticulously yet with feigned indifference, were currently observing me.
A black suit... was she a government agent?
"Allow me to introduce you. This is Lynette Megless, a Rank 4 Mage."
"Nice to meet you, Yeon-woo. I've heard a lot about you from Derek."
Lynette stood up with a sexy smile and offered her hand.
"Hello, Ms. Lynette. If you're Rank 4, does that mean you have a Black License?"
"...To ask so bluntly. You're quite bold. You do realize that if it's Black, I can't just talk about it, right?"
"Yes, I'll take that as my answer."
A mage license didn't necessarily represent a power ranking or a strength scale. It was more like being a civil servant.
They started at Rank 9 and went up to Rank 1. Anyone Rank 5 or higher was considered an elite or a veteran.
Since she was still young and already Rank 4, she had to be a Black Agent.
The government issued separate licenses for combat, administration, and research. Field agents were Black, administrative staff were Blue, and researchers were White.
I racked my brain trying to remember if she was a character from the sequel where Akito works as a government agent, but nothing came to mind.
After shaking hands with Lynette, I sat down across from them.
"Seo Yeon-woo, are you interested in taking on an external mission?"
"...Am I even qualified for that yet?"
As I've mentioned before, this game isn't just a school drama.
Missions only open up to top-performing students after the first semester of the first year, and that's when the main story of the game truly begins.
Everything up until now has just been the prologue. And since we've only just finished midterms, there's still a long way to go. Why were they giving me a mission already?
"Correct. However, with a few recommendations, you can participate as an assistant."
"I guess people expect a lot from me?"
"Given the abilities you've shown so far, that's not modesty. Normally, we would wait until the end of the semester to have this conversation, but we received a special request this time."
"A request?"
"I'll take over the explanation from here. Is that alright, Derek?"
Lynette cut in to explain the situation.
The story was long, but to summarize: the agents were incompetent and couldn't find any leads on a criminal organization.
So, Lynette had come to Yggdrasil to seek Derek's help, and he had recommended me.
"Normally, it would be unthinkable to entrust such a mission to a freshman who just entered Yggdrasil, but Derek says you are an exceptionally talented and brilliant student."
How should I put this? I'm the one helping with the mission, but she's talking as if she's doing me a favor.
There was a subtle sense of pride in her tone.
Well, this isn't exactly a peaceful world, so field agents are seen as true elites—heroes who protect the people.
But is it really okay for me to go out into the field with my current abilities? I need to get my hands on a Counter Magic spell soon, even if it's a low-tier one.
"Is it a dangerous mission?"
"No, it's not. Primarily, it involves analyzing collected data. And... well, there might be one undercover operation."
Isn't undercover work dangerous? She says it so casually.
Lynette continued to explain how important this mission was and how it would help people, clearly trying to persuade me.
Look, I'm not a philanthropist like Akito. Even if you preach about sacrifice, I'm not really interested.
"This is all the data I can disclose to you before you join the mission. Derek believes that because you're so sharp, you'll definitely find a lead."
Uh... I appreciate the high praise, but I'm not actually that smart.
I just have some game knowledge. If the rules are set, I can use them to find loopholes, but being sneaky is different from being genuinely intelligent.
I'm not a detective or a forensic scientist. If you ask me to deduce something, I'll probably just spout nonsense.
I listened half-heartedly while looking through the documents she could "disclose," and then I saw a familiar face.
Oh? It's that guy. The one who tried to rape Chika with an aphrodisiac, only to have his entire organization dismantled by Akito.
"It's an organization called Bluebird. With the data we've gathered so far, we haven't been able to identify the leader. We've narrowed down a list of suspects, but nothing is certain."
Wait, when Akito took this quest, all the information was already there.
Ah—the timing is different. They haven't found him yet at this point in the timeline.
Now, how can I make this look cool?
If a mere student effortlessly solves a problem that agents have been struggling with, it'll be quite the scene. I could give a relaxed smile and point out the culprit.
Acting like a total genius might be a bad idea since it might lead to more work like this in the future. Maybe I should lie and say I got the info while wiping out the Geukryu Society.
I can earn a favor from an elite Black Agent and avoid a dangerous undercover mission.
"If I may say one thin—"
"I know it's a lot of pressure. And we wouldn't have used a student if Derek hadn't recommended you."
No, listen to me.
"It's not that. The person who is the boss—"
"The undercover part isn't dangerous either. There's a secret party in a few days. All participants wear masks, so your identity won't be compromised. We'll move around as guests and investigate Bluebird, who is distributing drugs there. There won't be any combat, so it's safe."
I'm telling you, I don't need to do a dangerous undercover mission! It's better for you guys if this is solved quickly, too.
Stop cutting me off.
"I understand, but the important thing is—"
"Of course, it's a vulgar sex party. I know you might be reluctant to infiltrate such a place. But this is important to us, and we must get information there."
"..."
Undercover... might not be so bad? There's no need to reveal the identity of the Bluebird boss right here, is there?
The agents will figure it out eventually anyway, and Akito will crush them later.
That's right. A vulgar sex party? Unforgivable.
"Leave it to me! Distributing drugs... I cannot forgive such a crime! I will sacrifice my body to infiltrate this se—... party!"
"You're a student with a strong sense of justice, just as Derek said."
"He'll be... more helpful than you think."
Derek gave a small chuckle, and Lynette looked satisfied.
*
Three days later, having successfully secured my own home, I was watering the garden with a bright face.
Kaaa— owning my own place. I couldn't even do this in my past life, but here I am.
The local real estate agents now spit whenever they see me, so I just dealt directly with the landlord who was living here.
The house is bigger than I expected, but when else would I get to own a mansion like this?
"Yeon-woo. You're busy early in the morning."
"Ms. Yume. Good morning. You look beautiful today as well."
"Oh my, you shouldn't tease an old lady like me."
Who would look at that face and call her an "old lady"?
My neighbor, Yume, was a woman who perfectly fit my ideal house criteria.
She had a slender frame but a large chest, a beautiful face that didn't need makeup to shine, a warm smile full of tolerance, and a soft, gentle way of speaking—the textbook eroge housewife.
Look at that casual, defenseless outfit as she comes out to throw away the trash, her long black hair tied back loosely.
If you aren't moved by this sight, you can't call yourself a gentleman.
"Let me help you with that."
"No, it's not heavy. I'm fine."
Despite her refusal, I took the bag from Yume's hand.
As we walked to the trash collection point, I brought up cooking and housework, and Yume chatted with me warmly.
"So, are you living alone?"
"Yes, though it's a bit too big for just one person."
"True. The Franklin family had five people, and it never felt cramped."
Franklin was the previous owner who had won the "Seo Yeon-woo Lottery."
He said he wouldn't sell, but when I offered 2.5 times the current market value, he sold it immediately and left with a blissful expression.
"Since it's a holiday, are you resting at home today?"
"I did a bit of training at dawn, but I have to head out soon for some work."
"I wish Sara would follow your example. She's such a homebody; whenever it's a holiday..."
"Mom—!"
The front door of Yume's house flew open, and Sara stepped out with a scowl.
"What is it, dear?"
"No... I told you. Don't associate with this guy."
Sara shot me a glare and pulled on Yume's arm.
Yeah, I'm still hated at Yggdrasil.
My reputation had been slowly recovering after the entrance ceremony, but it tanked again after the deserted island.
Sara, being my classmate, had a particular reason to hate me—I had "drowned" her in the cave.
Apparently, the sensation of drowning was incredibly painful, because everyone who went through it with her, except for Akito, absolutely loathed me.
"Sara—didn't I tell you not to speak ill of your friends?"
"I'm not friends with him."
"Why would you say that? It's rude, especially when he's standing right there. Yeon-woo, I'm so sorry. I'll apologize on her behalf."
"No, it's quite alright."
She was scolding Sara, but even that was adorable.
Because she had such a gentle personality, she couldn't even scold properly, and her voice was so soft it didn't sound like she was angry at all... Wow, I wish she'd scold me too.
As Sara turned her head away in frustration, Yume looked at me with an apologetic expression.
"He's such a diligent and handsome young man. Why do you keep badmouthing him?"
"It's not that... Sigh..."
While Sara was fuming, a black sedan pulled up in front of the house, and the window rolled down.
"Seo Yeon-woo, get in."
"Yes, Agent. Are we starting now?"
"Don't use titles like that out in the open."
"Yes, I'll be careful."
I know, man. I just said it on purpose to show off.
I turned around and smiled at the stunned Yume and Sara.
"I have some work to do, so I'll be going now. Have a good day, Ms. Yume."
Without waiting for their dazed replies, I hopped into the car.
Kaaa— so cool. This should make me look like a capable and impressive young neighbor, right?
Even if Yume doesn't quite get what's going on, Sara will probably explain it to her.
I'll keep building my image with Ms. Yume, and today... today I'm going to enjoy a wild sex party.
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