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

Noa's lunch invitation had already received Ichinose's approval. Rohan did not refuse. He was honestly curious about what they intended to give him. The morning classes began right after Rohan gave his assent. Perhaps because exams had just finished, it was a series of light theoretical lessons instead of the usual intense pace. Lunch break was also longer than usual. “So, what are you planning to eat?” Rohan stepped into the hallway and met Ichinose and Noa. Without even asking about their lunch destination, they started walking out of the academy. “Considering the afternoon classes, it might be a bit much to have something too heavy. How about a mushroom hot pot? I know a great place.” “Goat for the win.” “Goat?” “It means it’s very good.” Just hearing the word "hot pot" made him hungry. With Rohan's positive response, the restaurant choice was confirmed. The trio's pace quickened slightly as they left the academy. “I’m going to add some ribs, duck, and Korean pancakes too~ and what was the seasonal menu again…?” Noa, seemingly familiar with the place, was already listing additional orders while glancing at Rohan with a sudden thought. “Right! Let’s save the Tigrova dish for when Clara and my elf friend join us next time!” "I'll let them know." Shion seemed likely to agree without any hesitation if it were a meal with Noa. Though, he wasn't sure about Clara. They caught a taxi for the trip. Rohan sat in the passenger seat while the other two sat in the back. During the ride, his phone buzzed with a text. [Rethe: Senior! Enjoy a tasty lunch!] [Clara: Oppa! It's lunchtime, right? Are you coming over to my sister's place now? ( > ⤚ <)] 'Hmm…' He informed them he’d be dining with academy friends for lunch. Even though there was no prior arrangement, he instinctively added an apology to the message. 'I hope they weren’t waiting… I should be prompt next time.' Both Shion and Clara encouraged him to enjoy a good meal with friends. However, only after promising to have dinner with them did Rohan find his steps lightening. ··· “Wow…” The restaurant they arrived at was Ansímjeong. It reminded Rohan of a high-end Korean dining establishment he had heard about when discussing the menu with them. Owned by a renowned chef from Samhwaguk, it was one of Ichinose’s favorite haunts. “Let’s go in.” Recognizing Ichinose and Noa, the staff respectfully opened the door and guided them inside. The establishment consisted of numerous rooms, and the interiors were elegantly maintained. The lack of floor seating, unlike the ambiance might suggest, was also pleasing. “Today, Noa is dining beside me, huh? How long has it been?” “Noa. Maybe refrain from joking around.” As Rohan settled into his seat, he thought of Shion and Clara. While the friends in front of him attracted plenty of attention, unlike the pair enjoying lunch at the mansion, they were not as accustomed to it. If dining out with them, a place like this would be suitable. 'If the food is good, maybe I’ll bring the two here next time. I wonder if just anyone can visit.' Hopefully, it wasn’t a place that restricted patrons. “I’ve already requested the hot pot. It takes some time to prepare. Feel free to order anything extra you’d like.” Ichinose handed Rohan a device from the table. A menu and ordering tool combined. “So, you use this to order?” “Exactly. It makes things easier.” “I’ve already ordered, by the way.” Checking the order list, Rohan saw a plethora of meat dishes lined up under the hot pot. Returning to the menu to glance at the prices left him momentarily breathless. ‘Definitely pricey. Exquisite mushrooms are truly expensive…’ Whatever mushrooms were in the hot pot, their stature was intimidating. It was a treat he could never afford when working at the bookstore. Rohan ordered a single side of dumplings and returned the device to its place. “Ahem…” Ichinose cleared her throat, drawing Rohan’s attention. And before the food arrived, she got to the main point. “First, the meal is separate. I’d like to show my gratitude for what we discussed earlier.” “I also brought something! I'm not a beast, I’m a grateful friend!” What they revealed were two small boxes. The kind that typically held accessories. “My dad said there’s nothing better as a token of gratitude for a guy.” With confidence, Noa slid a box toward Rohan. "Can I open it here?" “Of course.” Click! Opening the box revealed a golden orb. Its scent bore a hint of herbal medication, exuding a bitter allure. Rohan’s eyes widened in recognition. “Could it be… an elixir?” “Yes! I had it when I was young too. It doesn't immediately raise your magic, but it boosts your growth efficiency. Its name was… some-sort-of golden... something. Anyway, it’s good!” “It’s tempting, so I won’t refuse. Thank you.” Rohan expressed his gratitude and pocketed Noa’s gift. Just being here was as enlightening as if he had grown stronger. “Oh! And dad said it’s also very good for a man’s vitality!” “…” Rohan found himself at a complete loss for words. What was good for a man… was precisely that after all. An endorsement from the great beast lord himself, wasn’t that the heart of the latest incident he barely resolved? “Cough! Cough!” It seemed Ichinose had choked on her drink, unable to stop coughing. Noa, as if anticipating it, laughed aloud and patted Ichinose’s back heartily. “Noa… seriously!” “Why? You should properly explain an elixir's effects.” Though playful, she wasn’t wrong. Ichinose sighed, composed herself, and offered the box in front of her. “Uh-hum… With my father's assistance, I have also prepared an elixir.” “Thank you. May I open it as well?” “Yes.” This time, the box contained a delicate red flower. Though lacking roots, the little bud held vibrant life. "The flower's name is Spirit Flame Core (영화심, 靈火芯). While it's beneficial for both the body and magic, it's especially potent for those who wield fire. To consume it, simply eat it with the petals intact." "It's probably not wise to take both elixirs at once, right?" "It's best to allow your body time to absorb and adapt to them. First, take the elixir Noa gave you, and then consume the one I gave you a week later." "The one I gave you—you can have it now without any problems! I even ate mine suddenly, right before a meal." With that assurance, Rohan chewed and swallowed the elixir Noa had given him. As soon as he swallowed, it melted smoothly, leaving a warm trail down his throat, similar to a strong liquor. Instead of heading downwards, the energy from the elixir spread throughout his body. It gently integrated with the magic coursing through him. "Ah, that was great." As Rohan bowed his head slightly while seated, the two women chuckled. “The food hasn’t even arrived yet.” Knock, knock, knock. A staff member politely knocked on the closed door. As if the arrival of the food had been summoned by a tiger’s presence. The mushroom hot pot exceeded expectations, even featuring high-grade beef. Noa invited him to share the platter she had ordered, ensuring there was no lack of quantity. The trio recounted their experiences on the deserted island, Speculating on the extensive changes the academy’s curriculum might undergo. ‘Intriguing.’ Even in such a setting, one aspect caught Rohan's attention. Ichinose ate without opening her eyes. Despite knowing she possessed a skill, her chopstick precision was nonetheless impressive. Picking up on Rohan's gaze, Noa wagged her tail and shared an anecdote about Ichinose. "Noze—her taste sensitivity is exceptional. I made her a wrap once, and she instantly knew everything inside." "Anyone could have figured that one out. Noa wrapped raw garlic and chili in perilla leaves." "Hehe... And Noze can identify the meat even from the tiniest slice she eats! She can easily distinguish the mushroom types here too." As Noa excitedly shared tales, trying to downplay past pranks, They hinted at how Ichinose had honed her unique ability, Mind's Eye (心眼), through constant practice with her eyes closed. However, Rohan had to feign ignorance about Ichinose’s unique skill. "Oh, you can tell all that?" "If you don't believe it, feed her yourself. She'll identify them all!" "No, Noa…!" Even with just the three of them in the room, asking Rohan to feed her was a bit too bold. For some reason, Noa seemed especially mischievous today. ZGVPdDc2cnQxMFU0bVlrbnZITXlVckV0dzdRa1dUdHVieDRkWW5KMFlONy9uT0V2U0g1b2ozSjhrb3l5OGJaSQ ‘They get along well.’ Just watching their playful banter was enough entertainment for Rohan. In truth, his curiosity wasn't aimed at Noa’s claim. He was already aware of Ichinose’s remarkable senses. He simply wondered. If with her eyes closed, how she perceived the items on the table. "Honestly... because Noa keeps pestering me... only this once..." "Huh?" Breaking out of his introspection, Rohan looked up, dumbfounded. Ichinose, her face flushed, Was slightly opening her mouth, like a baby bird awaiting a meal.