116 - I Became the Must-Have Character of the Academy City

A natural disaster known as a dimensional rift had passed. However, the Academy City of Elysium had quickly regained its vitality. While security officers busily moved about and cleaners equipped with tools dealt with monsters, Rohan strolled through the streets admiring the atmosphere that was returning to usual. 'Everyone's mental fortitude is impressive.' Of course, some shops remained closed. Yet, it seemed the citizens' resolve was, overall, quite firm. Compared to his past life, even ordinary people here appeared to possess remarkable courage. Though the calamity had left behind an ominous feeling about the future, people endeavored to stay in their rightful places. What a satisfying world. He wanted to protect this place. The real estate agent Shion had been introduced to was no different. Ten minutes before the appointment, a confirmation message arrived, and Rohan's group met the individual whom a high-ranking member of Tigrova had connected them with. Judging by the plump tail and the dark spots around his eyes, he appeared to be a raccoon beastman. He was short; his head didn't even reach Rohan's waist as if compressed from above. Accustomed to looking up, he presented a genial impression that suggested competent business acumen, greeting them warmly. "How do you do? I am Matthew Blackburn, the president of the Elysium Academy City's Certified Real Estate Agents Association." It seemed like a grand position indicative of someone very busy. As soon as they met, Shion politely accepted the business card he offered with both hands. "Please take care of us." Unfortunately, Rohan's group had no cards to exchange, so they substituted with a bow. ... The raccoon agent began his guidance with a waddling walk matching his short legs and ample girth. The first house they arrived at was nothing short of luxurious, so opulent that Rohan's jaw dropped. ZGVPdDc2cnQxMFU0bVlrbnZITXlVaVdadUZaNERVRUYxeGJiY0JNQytJczJNMk1OMW5kbXJYQlg5SlU3dkhnUA "…There was a house like this nearby?" "Wow…" Despite being not far from the boys' dormitory, it was Rohan’s first time seeing it. Clara couldn't conceal her admiration. The raccoon brought out a card key from the bag he carried while continuing his explanation. "It's a shame there's no yard, but there is a parking area. And you did say you were seeking additional features rather than extensive living space." "That's right." It seemed Shion already had a concrete vision of the house's form. "An excellent choice. It's not easy to erase the feeling of emptiness." "Is the owner of the house in?" "The current owner has never lived here. It's a place made to feel like a villa." "I see." "Due to the limits on land and buildings a single family can own in Academy City, they've decided to sell." With a gesture, he led them inside. Rohan's group followed the raccoon agent. "Wow…" It was almost comparable to Juyeon's house. Although he mentioned the living space wasn't vast, perhaps due to the lack of furniture, it looked no less than a plaza in Rohan's eyes. "Of course, as emphasized, there is an indoor shooting range that Shion wanted, as well as a solid location for physical activity." "A shooting range inside the house…?" Rohan muttered to himself, intrigued. A nostalgic sensation filled him. Back in his previous life, when hunters were at their peak, homes and apartments were built with this kind of layout and were frequently featured on broadcasts. ‘It didn’t last long.’ The hunter profession is one fundamentally dominated by intrinsic talent — a fact that led to the quick waning of its popularity. But this world is different. Even if one is born with magical power, endless refinement is necessary, and the body, the vessel for magic, requires training to transcend its limits. Having a space for such physical activities at home is indeed an attractive condition. "This is a focus of the current owner from the design phase — every room has a private bathroom, with a separate bath…." The raccoon agent, speaking rapidly, continued his exhaustive description. Rohan sighed, watching the agent candidly address even the house’s shortcomings. 'I guess there's nothing left for me to do.' Drawing on his past experience house-hunting, he intended to assess reasonable concerns like whether the water ran well, if there were sources of noise nearby, or if there was enough space for furniture. However, the house was so sophisticated and luxurious that such petty worries seemed unnecessary. And unlike renting, purchasing involved deeper considerations of management fees, existing mortgages, and checking for illegal constructions. But even these processes were quite different from his past life. One simple call to the Academy City administrative center could get them a warranty that the property had no issues, along with a recorded voice. ‘The major powers are actively managing and keeping things under control together.’ Though it was hard to guess what the real estate agent thought, it seemed to Rohan like the proper application of power. Isn't the governance straightforward and efficient? "Do you want to see the next house? It’s just nearby." "Sure, let's check it out." Rohan's group continued to tour various houses. However, Shion's interest seemed already leaning towards the first mansion. Rohan and Clara shared the same opinion. Finally returning to the first house, Shion discussed opinions with the group, contemplating carefully. She concluded her thought. "I want to move in as quickly as possible." "By coordinating furniture and cleaning services, we'll aim to have you move in by tomorrow afternoon. If you have many belongings, I can send a moving service." "We’ll be fine on that front." The belongings they carried could be moved with two hands in just a couple of trips. Rohan's group moved to execute the contract. Using a notary provided by Academy City, the contract was finalized. Now, without a doubt, Shion was the rightful owner of the house. ***** In an awkward period that was neither lunch nor dinner, Rohan, having shared the time, purchased a holster from a gun store and booked a scabbard from a specialty shop. Then, with promises to enjoy something delicious at the housewarming the next day, he headed back. Shion returned to Clara’s small room for what she knew would be the last night she would stay there. Tomorrow, she'd finally be saying goodbye to this room that lacked proper heating and cooling. "Clara." "Yes?" "I have something important to discuss." Shion had just finished a cold shower and, dressed in Rohan’s clothes instead of her new pajamas, sat on the floor. "What is it…?" Clara sat across from her, attentively listening to the seriousness etched on Shion’s face. As the warmth from the room—or perhaps from her emotions—tinged Shion’s pointed ears red, she began to speak. "Today…I realized my feelings." There was no explicit subject in Shion’s words, but the action of placing a hand over her heart made it unmistakably clear to Clara what she was talking about. "I’m sure your feelings for Rohan are the same as mine." Caught off guard by the direct question, Clara was momentarily frozen. "Uh, well…ugh!" What was the point in denying it? Any lie would be immediately transparent. Clara averted her gaze from Shion's and nodded slowly, the action feeling irreversible once done in front of another person. "Do you have any plans on what to do next, Clara?" "What do you mean, plans…?" In truth, Clara had none. The thought of confessing terrified her because a rejection would truly be the end of it all. "But I suppose you realized today that we can't just settle for how things are now." "…" Shion’s words pierced through her, and Clara found herself agreeing wholeheartedly. Just the sight of the girl who openly expressed her interest in Rohan and asked for his number was enough to instill a deep sense of urgency in her. "Ugh…" Seeing Clara shrink under these thoughts, Shion offered a gentle smile and moved next to her, taking her hand. "Are you certain how Rohan feels about us and his actions of caring for us, Clara?" "No, I’m not." "Neither am I. That’s what makes expressing feelings so frightening." "What do we do? Rohan is so popular…" Clara’s voice laid bare her worry and urgency. Shion began to outline the thoughts she had organized during her shower. "Clara." "Yes…" "I read something on the internet. These days, they say a confession isn’t the initiation but the culmination." Only when you’re sure of each other’s feelings do you seal it with a declaration — a far cry from spontaneous and bold confessions. "!" Clara's eyes widened at the explanation. Having only seen romantic scenarios in anime and games, this was a new horizon for her. "In essence, when Rohan shows clear affection towards us, that’s when a confession solidifies the relationship." "But, even if he shows affection… how do we…?" "That’s a reasonable question. Hence, the path we must take is simple. We need to understand Rohan first." "Understand him…?" "What’s Rohan’s taste in women? His preferences? What kind of clothing does he like? The more we grasp these details, the more our chances of progressing even incrementally." "H-His preferences…?!" Clara was startled and blushed fiercely, but Shion remained endlessly earnest. She exuded the energy of a commander meticulously planning a strategic landing operation. "Does Rohan even think about marriage? If he does, how many wives would he want? How many kids?" "Ah…" Clara gulped at Shion's visionary approach, typical of an elf who only ever loves one person for life. Shion was contemplating not just romance, but marriage, even before taking the first step. "From now on, we have a lot to learn about Rohan. We need to strive to be acknowledged not only as capable companions but as women he can love." Shion’s firm tone had Clara biting her lips in thought. "Sister…do you think someone like me could ever capture Rohan’s heart…?" Despite her beauty, self-doubt lingered. Still, Shion understood, for she too struggled to shake off similar uncertainties. "Clara, I’m scared too." "…" "But will you sit idly because of that fear? If you choose to stay a bystander and not take the plunge, I won’t stop you." "…" "Just as long as you can watch, without regret, as I gain Rohan’s affection and love." Clara’s eyes lost their light for a moment, but then vitality returned with a whirlwind of emotions. Shion smiled in satisfaction as clarity and determination danced in Clara’s gaze. "Sister, may I ask one more thing?" "Of course." "Why are you encouraging and helping me like this…?" Surely, there was a desire to have a beloved all to oneself. But Shion found the question endearing and answered without hesitation. "The future I envision is one where Rohan and you are together, Clara." "…!" "There’s no other reason."