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

The dilapidated house fell into silence. Rohan's breathing, deep in sleep, filled the interior. Ichinose watched Rohan intently through her slightly-opened eyes. ‘There shouldn't be any problems.’ Ichinose knew from her knowledge and experience. Even if Rohan was in a deep sleep, there was no need to worry about an attack. Those who are deeply entrenched in combat tend to exhibit common behavior when taking proper rest. They ignore everything else and respond only to hostility and danger. In Ichinose's eyes, Rohan was already part of that group. Her father also shared such a trait, and both Noa and Noa’s father were quintessential examples belonging to that category from birth. Noa's father, the Great Warrior Seolho, even with his transcendent senses, didn't wake up even when little Noa and Ichinose were playing noisily nearby. Even Ichinose herself had similar experiences thanks to her father. Poke. Ichinose jabbed Rohan's cheek with her finger. Feeling relieved by Rohan's non-reaction, she thought. ‘Just as I expected.’ See, he doesn't respond unless there’s any intention of attack. He sleeps well. Her assumptions were not wrong. She felt she knew Rohan fairly well. ‘He must be really tired. Both mentally and physically.’ She repeatedly poked his cheek, which offered an addictive texture. She didn't quite understand why this was fun, but stopping was difficult. Perhaps, she mused, this was how Rohan felt when he occasionally entertained his sudden impulse to touch her. ‘Honestly, what skills does he even have?’ Producing food and water in a secluded environment was surprising enough. But to offer such a precious potion as well—did he store things in a personal dimension? Or was it some kind of transaction for a price? Whichever it was, it was undoubtedly an incredible skill. And the fact that Rohan wasn’t just an empty boast, all skills and no substance, added greatly to his appeal. With considerable talents in combat too, if word got around, he’d be a talent sought after from everywhere. ‘He mentioned he had plans. But still... could we recruit him into Chunwoocheon after he graduates from the academy?’ While he'd definitely look striking in a black suit. Rohan seems like he'd handle any task perfectly, be it ordinary business or acting as an escort secretary. ‘Until I officially take over the corporation, or even after I do, if Rohan were by my side…’ Her imagination vividly unfolded, filling her mind with fanciful dreams. While the thought of taking over bore heavy burdens and worries, the idea of Rohan being by her side made everything seem possible. ‘Then if we went on a business trip together?’ Laughing over past and present events as they drive with Rohan at the wheel, reminiscing about academy days. Sitting not in the back, but in the passenger seat. And as soon as they get off work, transitioning from the roles of chairman and secretary to something more private… “──!” Ichinose quickly covered her mouth with her sleeve to smother her foolish laughter. Her fantasy reached its most vivid peak. ‘I almost drooled.’ She wiped her mouth, exhaling slowly. A forbidden relationship that tantalizes just by imagination. It was too provocative for Ichinose. Realizing her imagination was running wild, she thought she should moderate the manga Noa tends to give her. “...” She redirected her gaze to Rohan, the subject of her daydream. It was her first time having these thoughts about a man. She could no longer deny her inner feelings. Self-reflection was one of the few specialties she could claim. It wasn’t because of allure. Nor could it be attributed to the suspension bridge effect brought by a dungeon environment. It was the culmination of emotions built up over several months taking form. ‘Indeed, I...’ It was certain that her feelings for Rohan exceeded mere fondness. Regardless of depth or gravity, she found herself experiencing an unrequited love she thought she’d never have. Though she had long denied it, this was reality. ‘Perhaps it’s not such a strange thing after all.’ Recalling the time spent with Rohan, she thought as much. The diligence of starting each day with training. His sacrifice for others without ever turning it into a boast or tale of heroics. Despite his skills advancing rapidly, he never became arrogant. She couldn’t overlook the unconscious respect and kindness in his actions and words. ‘Kindness reflects inner strength, doesn’t it?’ Listing what had drawn her to him seemed endless. Facing what she had tried to ignore, sweet thoughts flowed out like water from a broken dam. While Ichinose gently swept Rohan’s bangs with a tender gaze as he slept. Whether it was the tickling touches or the remnants of a succubus’s allure— Rohan’s lower body adjusted its position, seemingly uncomfortable. “...” Ichinose swallowed reflexively, observing the change in Rohan’s body, her face flushing. Though embarrassed, the fact that Rohan didn’t wake fixed her gaze on him. ‘...Is it not a blunt weapon?’ The way his pants bulged really did seem like he had hidden a blunt weapon. “Hmph.” Ichinose cleared her throat, attempting to appear indifferent as she stood up from her seat. With any other man, she might have thought it repulsive, but now, only curiosity filled her. Even as Ichinose moved, Rohan remained asleep. Though there were sounds of footsteps and presence, there was no sense of hostility, allowing him to remain absorbed in his rest. ‘He mentioned having no experience with women.’ Kneeling near Rohan’s legs, Ichinose continued her observation. Even though Rohan was asleep, she had no intention of touching him; she only moved her gaze here and there. “Mm...” Rohan mumbled in his sleep. With that, his lower body showed twitching changes. “Uh...?” The incident Shion and Clara experienced was now occurring for Ichinose. Liquids surged out, soaking his trousers. Whether an unfortunate or fortunate event. The dense fabric of the academy uniform prevented a powerful fountain disaster. “What—?” Startled, Ichinose instinctively moved her hand to catch the flow. Though she didn’t manage to fully catch it, the viscous liquid pooled in her palm, creating a small white puddle. “Uh, uh...” She was too frazzled to think about cleaning or taking care of Rohan’s pants first. ‘What do I even do with this…?’ Having caught the liquid, Ichinose wasn't sure what to do next. It felt almost dangerously hot, like it might burn her. The smell was incredibly strong. Should she dispose of it outside? She considered the thought but dismissed it immediately. 'It would be a disaster if succubi got a whiff of Rohan's... no, the smell.' If they stumbled upon it and gained immense strength, it would be trouble. Though unproven, there was enough uncertainty to feel uneasy. So, what to do with this viscous liquid? “...” The smell, sharp to the nose. Having made up her mind, Ichinose swallowed hard. ... ... Lying there, Rohan opened his eyes. Simultaneously, a sense of unease struck him. ‘How long did I sleep?’ Not only because he woke up without Ichinose rousing him. But his mind was eerily clear. As chilling as memories of certain ominous days. [Achievement unlocked: Sweet Crime Unremembered] [With this achievement, there's an increased chance of inflicting a debuff when with the perpetrator.] [The perpetrator's growth rate increases when with Rohan.] ‘What is this?’ Waking up to find an achievement completed. An achievement he had never seen before. Perhaps one of his unique ones. The problem was, he had no time to properly check the excellent rewards. Because the discomfort from his lower body was something he could recall. ‘Damn it.’ Rohan turned his head, looking around for his companions. Ichinose sat in a corner, polishing her sword with a cloth. She seemed to feign indifference, but her senses subtly focused on him. “...” Rohan rose from his place and headed outside. He was grateful Ichinose said nothing, yet the shame made him want to disappear. He purchased water from the store and began wiping himself down. Scrubbing thoroughly. He tried to clean as best he could. The realization that there wasn’t much relieved him momentarily but left him feeling wretched. ‘Damn.’ Returning to the shabby house, Rohan left the door open. Upon re-entering, the house was filled with a discernible smell. “Rohan. Could you please spare some water?” Ichinose coughed, her throat sounding dry. The water on the table was already empty. ‘Ah.’ Rohan felt like he could die from embarrassment. Ichinose’s tone and the way she avoided eye contact were enough to show she’d already realized everything. Even though it was apparent, he had hopelessly wished that maybe she hadn’t noticed. “...Just a moment.” In his dazed state, he opened the store and handed Ichinose a bottle of water. He then picked up the sheath he left on the floor and headed back outside. His restless mind had nowhere to settle. ‘Damn it. Was this the succubus's influence?’ Exhaling deeply, he tried to collect himself. Avoiding the impending collapse of his consciousness, he reopened the notification window he’d seen earlier. He hadn’t properly examined it. [Achievement unlocked: Sweet Crime Unremembered] [With this achievement, there's an increased chance of inflicting a debuff when with the perpetrator.] [The perpetrator's growth rate increases when with Rohan.] ‘Whatever the achievement criteria were, the rewards are exceptional, but who is the perpetrator? Not even a colleague...’ As he pondered, a glowing arrow appeared beneath the rewards notification. Tapping the flashing area. A new section opened up. [Perpetrators: Shion Testarossa, Clara, Ichinose Yui] “???” It was all a mystery.