Why Did I Have to Enroll - Chapter 32

Lesson 8. This Skill Is Mine - 2

"I'm not going to tell you."

That was the quick response Ban Yu-won gave as soon as he figured out why people were approaching him.

How to film videos inside the Tower? Well, you just need to combine the right concepts to create a camera that captures Spirit and Magic.

But if he gave that to others, wouldn't the advantage of Rebellion's exclusive channel disappear?

'Besides, it's not like there's a specific production skill. In the end, I'd have to make it myself. How many people do they think I can make these for one by one?'

So he firmly declared to those approaching him:

The Rebellion channel would remain the only one!

He firmly believed that this would put an end to his unwanted peak of popularity, which had made Dokgo Yeon, Light, and Luciel all uncomfortable.

He believed it, but...

"I just want to be friends with you... If you don't like it, just say so."

"Huh? Uh... no, it's not that I don't like it, but honestly, we don't know each other."

"That's why we should get to know each other now! Oh, you have a Mirror, right? Let's exchange codes. Make sure you save me as Yurika, okay?"

"The student council is always waiting for talented individuals like you. I'm Graham, we'll meet again someday."

People didn't back down.

While Ban Yu-won hesitated, thinking this wasn't right, over a dozen new codes had been registered on his Mirror.

All of this happened in that short time during breakfast.

It was then that Ban Yu-won realized these people wanted something more fundamental than just 'a camera that could film inside the Tower'.

It was Ban Yu-won himself.

"Must be nice to be so popular, Ban."

"W-we're still friends, right...?"

While Light glared from the side and Luciel asked with an anxious expression,

Only Dokgo Yeon was observing him with an interested look.

Or perhaps she was staring at the jar of jam in his hand.

"Honestly, compared to your other abilities, I thought we'd overlooked something not that impressive... But seeing how people are reacting, it seems the items you create are quite exceptional. Can you protect it?"

"There's nothing to protect. Conflicts between students are strictly prohibited, so what are they going to do, attack me?"

"But you go outside too, don't you?"

Ban Yu-won froze at Dokgo Yeon's sharp observation.

"You're right."

Many students have connections outside.

Among the upper classmen, there are even those like Ban Yu-won who get permission to go out.

If he were to be attacked in a place beyond the Academy's watchful eye, there would be no way to prevent it.

"This suddenly got complicated. I guess I'll have to be careful for a while."

At least traveling between the dungeon and the school wouldn't be interfered with by others, so that was fortunate.

He muttered with a sour face as he spread jam on the water cracker Dokgo Yeon offered.

By the way, these water crackers were snacks that Ban Yu-won had prepared at his own expense.

He had to feed the medicinal jam to himself and the other members of Class 11 every day, but there was no guarantee that the menu would always include something suitable to eat with jam, so he decided to just bring crackers.

"Ban Yu-won, there's only half the jam left already."

"It's okay. I've already talked to the fruit shop. I can definitely secure enough to make new jam."

"Let me know when that time comes, I'll personally escort you."

With Dokgo Yeon tagging along, he'd be invincible.

After finishing his offering to Miss Dokgo Yeon, who became incredibly sweet in the face of sweetness, Ban Yu-won shared the jam with Light and Luciel before sighing and biting into his own cracker.

Just then, Light, who was munching on a jam-covered cracker, suddenly tapped Ban Yu-won's wrist.

"Ban, your device... that Mirror."

"Huh? Ah."

The Mirror in his possession was blinking, indicating a message had been received.

It was a message from Yumina, with whom he had personally exchanged codes.

It would have been nice if it was an invitation for a sweet rendezvous, but the reality was harsh.

Seeing the wrinkles forming on his forehead, Light tilted his head.

"Bad news?"

"We've got another lecture to attend."

"What?"

The course structure at the Academy was similar to universities in Korea.

Once set before the semester starts, it doesn't change during the semester.

However, there was an exception, and that was for lectures conducted by full professors.

They have the right to admit students they want to their lectures even during the semester.

The new lecture that the members of Class 11 were to take was 'Babylon and Constellations' by a professor named Xenon.

It was originally a subject only for seniors in their fourth year or above, and the course name alone already exuded an ominous feeling.

"Ban Yu-won, did you perhaps..."

"I didn't leave any evidence. I cut the 4th Room video right when the elite monsters were being defeated."

"Then that woman..."

"It's not that either. The Academy found out on their own. Professor Yumina said that the principal is the Tower's proxy, so they know about most things that happen in the Tower..."

"That's unsettling."

"Yeah, tell me about it."

But if they found out without anyone saying anything, there was really nothing that could be done about it.

Ban Yu-won and his companions huddled together to examine the course overview... the syllabus that Yumina had sent.

"Code of conduct for better attracting the patronage of constellations, mindset for more cleverly contracting with constellations, useful knowledge and preparations for avoiding the wrath of constellations, even methods for smoothly switching constellations."

"Am I the only one who reads this as a methodology for becoming a good con artist?"

As soon as Ban Yu-won blurted that out, Dokgo Yeon quickly nodded.

"What a coincidence, me too."

"In a way, it also seems like methods for successfully seducing the opposite sex. Even down to the skillful way of switching partners at the end..."

"What's this?"

Luciel, who was examining the syllabus, focused on one particular section.

It must be an important part of this course, as it was highlighted in bold holographic letters.

"Mock Constellation Battle...?"

"Are they going to make students fight each other? And against seniors who are fourth years or above... Ban, do we really have to take this lecture?"

"Seems like we don't have the right to refuse."

It's already a place that likes to manipulate people at will, isn't it?

Ban Yu-won had more or less resigned himself to this from the moment the syllabus arrived.

"It's a Tuesday afternoon lecture."

"Tomorrow? Come to think of it, tomorrow is..."

"That's right."

Light looked at Ban Yu-won with a strange gaze.

Ban Yu-won shrugged his shoulders as he drank the unlimited carbonated water provided in the student cafeteria.

He had naturally added sweetness to it, so now even this carbonated water was somewhat drinkable.

"The day I'm supposed to have a showdown with that ridiculously huge guy."

"Perfect timing... Ahem. Then today, we'll have a one-on-one tutoring session. Light, you go play with the beast."

Dokgo Yeon smiled brightly.

Was it just his imagination, or did she seem to have been thoroughly preparing for this?

Ban Yu-won had originally planned to clear a few dungeons after school to deepen his understanding of concepts, but seeing her smile, he cleanly gave up on everything.

He had a feeling that the second week at the Academy wouldn't be so peaceful either.

*

As another day passed and Tuesday arrived, Ban Yu-won had to admit that he had undoubtedly become the biggest star within the Academy.

The video channel he had set up on the intranet had reached a point where it seemed like every Academy student with a mirror was subscribed without exception.

The external channel, which had surpassed 1 million subscribers just three days ago on Saturday, was now beyond 2 million and heading towards 3 million.

"Those things."

"I saw it too. Is that really the 4th Room?"

"It must be manipulated. How could they possibly..."

"A human without even the common regeneration ability? He's just a lower life form. Why are they letting such a thing run around freely?"

This fame could also be confirmed in the gymnasium where the practical class "Comprehensive Combat Practice" was held.

A shower of countless prejudices, criticisms, and curses pouring from the students of Class 1-1, the Special Class!

Ban Yu-won closed his eyes and listened intently, trying to savor this notoriety, and said:

"In our world, there's a saying that your lifespan increases every time you're cursed at."

"You're going to live forever then."

Dokgo Yeon quipped from beside him.

But Light, displeased with this, gritted his teeth and glared around, his eyes wide open.

"Cowardly gossiping behind our backs, such vulgar people. Ban, don't you dare lose to the likes of them."

"Ban, f-fighting."

Luciel also gently tugged at his sleeve, cheering him on.

Feeling pleased that he had become quite close with these two, he was about to smile contentedly when Dokgo Yeon jabbed at him again from the side.

"You two seem to be getting along so well after going out together over the weekend. Did you like the clothes Ban Yu-won bought you that much?"

"...Jealous?"

"Ho."

Luciel had changed!

She had become a woman who could throw in a clear retort even while flustered!

"Looks like Sunday's beating wasn't enough."

"You're going to keep hitting me anyway."

"Luciel, provoke in moderation. We'll all share the consequences anyway."

Even yesterday, under the pretext of one-on-one tutoring before the duel, only Ban Yu-won was intensively beaten up.

He was beaten to an unreasonable degree no matter how he thought about it, but now he wondered if it was because he had only gone out with Luciel on Saturday.

Ban Yu-won couldn't understand why he had to be treated that way when he thought he had clearly explained that the date was to resolve Luciel's emotional state, but he decided to consider it even since his concepts had grown as much as he had been rolled around.

It was then.

"Well then, let's start the class."

"...?"

Someone who looked like a professor gathered the students from Class 1 and Class 11 in one place.

However, it wasn't Assistant Professor Parel who had conducted the class last week.

"Ah, the person in charge of this class has changed to me. I'm an assistant professor, and my name is Entel."

"What about Assistant Professor Parel?"

"He was fired. You can all guess the reason yourselves."

The students' gazes all poured towards Ban Yu-won at once.

Ban Yu-won merely shrugged his shoulders like a Western politician receiving a difficult question from a reporter.

"Well, I'd like to start the class right away, but before that... I heard there's an official duel scheduled for today, is that correct?"

"That's right."

Erecto stepped forward and spoke in a strong tone.

Glaring at Ban Yu-won as he turned around was an added bonus.

Ban Yu-won also stepped forward without hesitation.

Assistant Professor Entel, who had only been nodding at Erecto, widened his eyes slightly when he saw Ban Yu-won.

"Oh, you're student Ban Yu-won, right? I've been watching your videos. You seem to have talent."

"Thank you."

"Ha, such manipulated videos..."

"Oh my, student Erecto. You shouldn't suspect a classmate in the same class based on mere conjecture. If you make another mistake, I'll deduct points."

"..."

Fortunately, Assistant Professor Entel seemed to have a positive impression of Ban Yu-won.

Whether it was Yumina's handiwork or the result of Ban Yu-won's videos, this would likely help avoid biased judgments.

"I heard this duel will be broadcast live on the school's official channel. Do you both agree?"

"With a live broadcast, there can't be any manipulation... Ahem, I agree."

"I agree."

The moment both of them nodded, drones rose into the air.

In an instant, a virtual ring was formed, and they heard the same precautions as when Dokgo Yeon and Ortima had fought previously.

The duel ends only when one becomes incapacitated or gives the surrender signal.

Attacks deliberately targeting vital points are not allowed, but all injuries sustained during the duel are one's own responsibility.

'These are some terrifyingly harsh conditions.'

They say they don't like Academy students fighting each other to the death, but it seems they have no intention of stopping them from fighting until they're half-dead.

Ban Yu-won gripped the Executioner's greatsword tightly and stepped into the ring.

As they stood facing each other, Erecto suddenly spoke up.

"Are you afraid?"

"What?"

What's this? Surely he doesn't want to hear an answer like 'I'm excited...! Just give the order!'

As Ban Yu-won stood still, not knowing how to respond, the guy continued.

"If you're afraid, you can surrender. However..."

"Don't tell me I have to crawl between your legs barking 'woof woof'?"

Erecto closed his mouth.

Instead, a pale mist erupted from his entire body.

It seemed to be the correct answer.

"Surely not, right? You're not actually a psychopath who would utter such third-rate novel-like lines in real life...?"

"Ha! I wonder how long you'll be able to keep running your mouth like that."

"Weren't you the one who started talking first? Do you have amnesia or something?"

Erecto raised his fist.

His fist, covered in thick calluses as if rocks had been clumped together, could be seen growing even larger in an instant.

Strangely, concepts like Earth (土) and Rock (巖) could be seen gathering in that fist.

The steam gushing from the end of his fist began to take on a black color.

It seemed he really was some kind of rock giant-like race, no joke.

"Assistant Professor Entel, please start quickly!"

Erecto shouted, as if barking orders.

He looked thoroughly angered, probably because the lines he had carefully thought out had been stolen in the worst possible way.

Assistant Professor Entel declared, looking at him with a slightly pitying gaze:

"Let the duel begin!"

"Die!"

Bang―!

That wasn't the sound of a bomb exploding, but merely the sound of Erecto stomping on the ground.

Throwing his house-sized body, while simultaneously bringing down his greatly enlarged fist towards his opponent—an extremely simple and crude attack!

However, the pressure coming from charging with his full weight, the punch delivered with all that power behind it—this was undoubtedly an attack that could only be possible by making full use of Erecto's strengths.

"Whew."

Against that fist, Ban Yu-won silently raised the executioner's longsword.

And then...

The sword brilliantly deflected the fist and slapped Erecto across the cheek.

―Bang!

Erecto slammed into the ground, creating an enormous crater.

Holding his sword, Ban Yu-won smoothly stepped aside, kicked the fallen Erecto's behind once, and distanced himself.

[You successfully counterattacked by fully utilizing the opponent's strength. The depth of Counter has become 21.]

The message that appeared before his eyes was immensely satisfying.

His efforts to desperately fend off Dokgo Yeon's terrifying attacks all day yesterday had paid off.

'There might be several methods you could choose to defeat that brainless brute, but I suppose the simplest would be to utilize the principle of counter you've learned in the Tower.'

Having closely observed Ban Yu-won's growth, Dokgo Yeon's advice was extremely accurate.

'But from what I saw then, you wasted a lot of time analyzing your opponent before using the skill. That's only half the battle. To truly master the principle, you should be able to apply it even against skills and opponents you're encountering for the first time.'

Moreover, she had reset Ban Yu-won's unnecessary pride to zero after he had become smug from gaining counter while making such valid points.

'So let's start that special training now. I'll attack with this wooden sword, each time with different speed, form, and intent. If you can counter even once, that brainless brute won't be able to lay a finger on you.'

And then she even gave him one-on-one instruction under conditions ideal for practicing counter!

...Though perhaps she just wanted to hit him as much as possible.

However, the effect was certain, and with just yesterday's training, Ban Yu-won's Counter had grown to 20.

It was hardly a laughing matter that his flow had grown much more than that because deflecting her strength was so difficult.

'Well, Counter and Flow are closely related, so it's natural for them to grow together.'

Emerging from his thoughts, Ban Yu-won raised his sword, pointing it forward as he glared.

Erecto, who had somehow stood up straight, was trembling as he looked at him.

"Y-You... to me...!"

"Sorry, but can you just skip the nonsense and come at me quickly?"

"Graaaaaaah!"

How foolish.

Shouldn't he at least try a different approach after being defeated once?

Yet the opponent was charging in with the same posture, raising his fist in the same way.

'No... is it?'

While focusing his gaze on the greatly raised right fist, he could see power being quietly pushed into the left fist.

It was a change difficult to confirm with the naked eye.

However, with his All-Seeing Eyes, he could see the red-tinged concept of 'Super Strength (怪力)' being concentrated in the opponent's left fist.

'Originally, it was difficult to read the changes in internal concepts when facing an opponent of a different level from me. Is it because I tried to peek while dating Luciel? Or thanks to yesterday's special training with Dokgo Yeon?'

Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter.

Right now, he was simply delighted at the development of his abilities.

"Die!"

"Huh."

Ban Yu-won raised his sword diagonally as if to deflect the opponent's right fist, but at the moment of impact, he smoothly let it slide off.

As the force twisted, Erecto naturally lost his body balance.

Along with that, in that brief moment when the impact point of his left fist wavered, Ban Yu-won's sword plunged down, causing the opponent's strength to go berserk in the opposite direction!

"Gyaaaaaah!"

Erecto let out a tearing scream.

Of course he would.

[You've excellently dispersed the opponent's strength with the vibration imbued in your sword. The depth of Wave has become 23.]

After all, Ban Yu-won's thrust just now also contained the power of Wave.

The wave created by Ban Yu-won's sword not only increased the power of the counterattack but was also particularly effective in making the strength in the opponent's fist scatter chaotically.

"I-I'll kill you...!"

"Stop! I declare the match over! Erecto, you're judged unable to continue!"

Seeing Erecto's left fist pierced and torn apart by the sword, Entel declared the end of the match in panic, but those words didn't reach the enraged giant's ears.

"Dieeeeee!"

"Erecto, that's grounds for expulsion! Ban Yu-won, dodge!"

The inside of the gymnasium was tinged with a hazy mist due to the steam the brute emitted from his entire body.

Surprisingly, the concepts of Volcano (火山) and Super Strength were being concentrated together in his intact right hand!

But Ban Yu-won had no intention of retreating even as he saw this.

After all, the wooden sword that Dokgo Yeon had swung down at him yesterday was much heavier, larger, hotter, and more terrifying.

'Dokgo Yeon was right.'

Counter is best for dealing with brainless, strong opponents.

It's the easiest and simplest method.

Ban Yu-won raised his sword.

A wave imbued with abundant magic power flowed along the sword, and the power of Slash contained within the sword responded by blazing golden.

This was further enhanced by the blood poison activated by consuming Ban Yu-won's blood.

With this, the minimum conditions for facing the ferocious giant (巨人) were met.

He observed his opponent with his eyes.

There was no need to scrutinize trivial concepts.

Two things were important.

Where was the opponent aiming his attack?

Where was the opponent's strength concentrated?

'I've got it.'

He extended his sword.

The wave power contained in the sword shot out a step ahead, subtly twisting the trajectory of the giant's falling fist.

It created an opening.

The sword that surged forth as if to burrow into that gap.

As easily as plucking a persimmon hanging from the end of a tree.

―Slash

It completely severed the brute's right arm from about the forearm.

"Gyaaaaaaaaah!"

The giant rolled on the ground, screaming horribly.

But Ban Yu-won had no leisure to pay attention to him.

[Do you want to absorb Life, Body, Giant, Volcano, and Super Strength from Erecto's arm?]

He had discovered something far more interesting.