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Honestly, I had this idea that losing to Nam Daeun in the grand final might be the right move. Winning and getting into her route now would just make things way too complicated. Its still uncertain to challenge the Buyers Guild, which holds Nam Daeuns weaknesses.

Sure, if I pull out all the stops with my connections, it might be doable, but do I really need to? Anyway, in about six months, my position is bound to get even stronger, and my abilities will keep on growing. Dealing with that might be much easier. However, the prospect of increasing all the heroines affection points by 1

Its pretty significant.

Right now, Ive got a total of 8 heroines: Lucy, Lumi, Nam Daeun, Alice, Moon Soorin, Im Sol, Liliana, and Baek Ahyeong.

Its a quest that could earn me a massive 8-point boost in the heroines affection.

Well, maybe I should just aim for the win.

Whether its the Buyers Guild or whatever else, if I put in the effort, things might just fall into place. Trying it out isnt such a bad idea

[Class A Alice and Class A Nam Daeuns duel is about to begin! Spectators, please take your seats.]

For now, lets watch the match and contemplate it. On the screen, Alice and Nam Daeun stood face to face in the arena. It seems theyre both ready to go.

[5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Let the match begin!]

As the battle got underway, Nam Daeun closed the distance with Alice as she brandished her sword with agile movements.

Alice probably prefers keeping some distance rather than getting tangled in a close-quarters duel. Thats because she knows she cant out-sword Nam Daeun. In the end, its all about whether Alice can find the right moment to unleash her magic, but Nam Daeun wont make it easy for her.

Vines emerging from thin air wrapped around Nam Daeuns arm, obstructing her movements. Nam Daeun quickly cut the vines and lunged at Alice. Alice parried the attack with her sword, drawing a magic circle on the ground. Soon, a column of fire erupted from the floor, prompting Nam Daeun to leap back and widen the gap.

Theyre on a different level, undoubtedly outshining the other students.

The two continued their fierce exchange of blows. At first glance, it might have appeared even, but in my perspective, this was still Alices impending defeat. This was primarily due to her innate congenital mana deficiency, which was bound to become her limiting factor.

Silence hung in the air as Alice pressed on in the battle. Her mana, previously charged through the manastones, had been depleted. Subsequently, Alice shifted to a more passive fighting style. She attempted to parry the incoming attacks and search for openings, but Nam Daeun remained relentless. Instead, she intensified her pace, adding further pressure.

Gah!

Nam Daeuns Spatial Domination not only influenced the battlefield but also heightened her reaction time within her dominion. Consequently, as she drew nearer, Alice fell behind, and her frequency of magic usage dwindled, ultimately leading to her defeat. In the end, Alice sustained more injuries, culminating in a significant blow to her chest, and she acknowledged her loss.

[The victor is Class A Nam Daeun!]

Alice lowered her head, her expression revealing hints of frustration. After a momentary shiver, she swiftly composed herself and gracefully left the arena.

Its unlikely to work until her innate mana deficiency is resolved.

Naturally, I know the path to remedy Alices innate mana deficiency. Its the crux of the Alice routethe clash with her sister, Irine, and the treatment of her mana deficiency. Accomplishing these two tasks will nearly conclude Alices conquest.

The timing for conquering Alice parallels Nam Daeuns. A villain capable of curing the mana deficiency emerges in the latter part of the game, rendering a perfect conquest unattainable until then. While it was a source of frustration in the game, I find it more agreeable this way. Drawing closer to a heroine I cant yet conquer only complicates matters and adds to the challenges.

For some reason, Alices sudden surge in affection points leaves me a bit flustered. Id prefer to maintain this status until the conquest route becomes available.

[The eagerly awaited Victoria Academy 1st-year 1v1 duels. Only the finals remain: Class A Lee Hoyeon versus Class A Nam Daeun in the big match! Following a brief break for the players to check their conditions, the match will commence!]

The semifinals have concluded, and theres about an hour of break time.

Now, whats next? I decided to step out of the waiting room for some fresh air. Staying cooped up in there was becoming stifling.

Currently, only Nam Daeun and I were occupying the main event participants waiting room. The other rooms lacked name tags and remained vacant. In a serene hallway, a vending machine, seemingly untouched, stood alone.

Perhaps I should head to the spectator seats. Kim Younghan, Lucy, and Lumi might be there.

I descended from the floor with the waiting room to reach the spectator seats.

Hello? Suddenly, someone approached me, breaking the silence.

Uh, hi That was quite a match.

You watched it? Thanks. I lost, though. Alice smiled graciously as she spoke.

The fact that she initiated the conversation to this extent left me wondering why she had suddenly become so kind.

Heroine Status Window

[Alice]

[Affection: 62]

[Lust: 25]

[Appetite: 30]

[Fatigue: 20]

Current Status: I should probably consult with the Saint as well.

Consult? What kind of consultation is she talking about? And why is she thinking that while looking at me? Ill have to ask Baek Ahyeong about this later.

Where are you going now? Alice asked first.

Just planning to head to the spectator seats and see the others.

You better not. The reporters are swarming the place; its a mess.

Oh Then Ill go later.

Getting caught by reporters and making a mistake can lead to big trouble.

Good luck in the grand final. But dont overdo it.

Thanks. Take care of yourself too. Alice waved her hand gently and disappeared.

While its refreshing to see her being kind, I do find myself missing her previous air of aloofness. Nevertheless, with her mention of reporters filling the spectator seats, Ive decided to make my way back to the waiting room for a meditation session. I retraced my previous steps.

As I was walking to the waiting room, I found someone standing in front of the vending machine in the hallway.

Whats going on here? Seeing Nam Daeun from the corner of my eye, I instinctively hid behind the wall. She was staring intently at the vending machine, hesitating.

Heroine Status Window

[Nam Daeun]

[Affection: 31]

[Lust: 20]

[Appetite: 30]

[Fatigue: 33]

Current Status: I want sweet mint chocolate, but If I buy it, Ill have to walk to meet Dahee

Thanks to acting good in the store yesterday, her affection has increased from 11 to 31. Whats sweet mint chocolate though? Oh, well. Lets approach her for now.

Hello?

Hello Nam Daeun blinked as she suddenly noticed me.

Well, were soon going to face each other in a fight, so isnt pretending to be friendly a bit strange?

I casually placed my smartwatch on the payment tab.

[Please select your drink]

Among the drinks, there was something called sweet mint chocolate. I moved my finger toward the banana milk but pretended it slipped and accidentally pressed the sweet mint chocolate.

Huh?

Clunk!

Oh, I pressed the wrong one.

Thud!

I selected the banana milk again and, looking embarrassed, said, What should I do with this? I dont drink this mint chocolate. Do you want it?

Even to me, it looked like a flawless performance.

Huh? Nam Daeun, suddenly confronted with my question, seemed unsure.

I dont drink this. I accidentally picked it.

If you say so, Ill gladly have it. Nam Daeun accepted the mint chocolate, her face turning slightly red.

Why is she blushing?

Heroine Status Window

[Nam Daeun]

[Affection: 31]

[Lust: 20]

[Appetite: 30]

[Fatigue: 33]

Current Status: Did I make it too obvious that I wanted to pick this? And did he just pretend and press the wrong one?

How did she know?! My acting was perfect Shes definitely quick on the uptake.

I apologize if I made you uncomfortable. I just wanted to get it for you, without any ulterior motives.

If the act were to be uncovered, an apology would be necessary, just in case she interpreted my gesture as sympathy.

No problem. Ill take it. Fortunately, she didnt seem to be bothered. I need to head back to the waiting room. See you later.

Nam Daeun concluded the conversation and started to leave. However, I felt somewhat unsatisfied. Considering the impending grand final and her increased affection, it felt like a good opportunity for further conversation. Such chances dont come around often.

Nam Daeun.

Yeah?

In the end, I halted her, who was about to enter the waiting room.

Since we have some time before our duel, would you like to chat?

She might not agree, but its worth a try.

Sure Then come to my waiting room.

Oh? She agreed?

Nam Daeun entered her waiting room first, and I followed suit. Naturally, her waiting room had the same layout as mine.

But what should I say?

Uh, I watched your match with Alice. Good work.

Thanks. You did well too.

What was Nam Daeuns hobby again? Housework? Shopping for items on sale? I cant bring up such topics right now.

Ping!

Nam Daeuns smartwatch rang, indicating she received a message.

Is she uncomfortable with my presence? Perhaps its time for her to talk to her sister.

If its urgent, Ill just go. Well talk later.

Hoyeon, do you want to win first place?

I was about to leave the waiting room to make her feel comfortable, but Nam Daeuns words stopped me. She called my name for the first time. It seemed important.

Well yes. It would be nice to win first place.

I couldnt refuse here. It would make things even more awkward until the grand final.

Ive never shown anyone, but

Nam Daeun suddenly started a video call on her smartwatch.

Uh?

[Big Sis!]

I silenced myself at the exuberant voice of her younger sister coming through the smartwatch. I sat beside Nam Daeun, but I remained out of view on the screen. Though there was nothing inherently wrong with being here, there was an underlying feeling that maybe I shouldnt have been.

Did you do well?

[Yeah, yeah! Big Sis, I watched the semifinal video! You were amazing!]

Youve already seen it?

Nam Daeun continued her conversation with her younger sister for over ten minutes, with most of her attention diverted from me.

[Sis, look! I drew a scene where you win the final!]

Hehe Thats adorable. Is the guy lying down there supposed to be my opponent?

[Yep! The handsome boy. But hes no match for you, sis!]

The girl, drawn with slightly skewed lines, was celebrating, while the guy lay there with Xs for eyes.

Is that meant to be me?

Nam Daeuns conversation with her sister continued for more than ten minutes.

I should get going now. Lets catch up after the final.

[Sure, youve got to win, okay? I love you, sis!]

I love you too, Dahee.

Nam Daeun concluded the call, briefly closed her eyes, and then directed her gaze at me.

Shes my younger sister. I have to win this practical exam to support her medical expenses. Thats why I need to secure first place.

I understand

Also, Im sorry for not being cooperative in our team. Just sorry.

Could it be that shes beginning to open up about her true feelings? Perhaps my careful image management has yielded some positive results. She hasnt revealed everything, of course, but its a significant step forward.

Anyway Please dont hold it against me if I win first place.

Has she perhaps reached her limits already?

Peoples emotions can be intricate. Small triggers can lead to significant changes. Like the flutter of a butterflys wings causing a massive typhoon, something might have happened to Nam Daeun.

Ugh, what should I say? I dont want to give an odd response and make things awkward.

Knock, knock, knock.

Just then, as if to quell my inner turmoil, there was a knocking sound.

Nam Daeun, its time for the final medical check.

Yes, come in.

Clack.

Huh?

Hello, Nurse Ahyeong. Baek Ahyeong, upon seeing me in Nam Daeuns waiting room, appeared surprised, her pupils dilating.

O-Oh, youre here too, Hoyeon.

Heroine Status Window

[Baek Ahyeong]

[Affection: 87] (+0.4)

[Lust: 73]

[Appetite: 30]

[Fatigue: 35]

Current Status: I was going to finish quickly and come find him Why is he here?

So, she was looking for me again. Is it to compensate for earlier because Im Sol interrupted us?

Nurse Ahyeong, for the medical check, cant we just do it together here?

Um doing it separately would be better.

Baek Ahyeong was making a face that suggested, This isnt how it should be.

Hmm I should stop teasing her, especially since Nam Daeun is watching.

I was just joking. Ill wait in the waiting room then.

Yeah, okay. Ill finish this quickly and come.

I was hoping she could control herself just before the grand final. I needed to manage my condition too.

When she comes to my waiting room, Ill playfully tease her before sending her off.