Chapter 10: Danpung(maple) Sword Technique (Wind-Cutting Sword Technique)-2

As the training session ended, I began to attract significant attention.

The interest I hadn’t received even after completing the Scholar’s Training was now coming my way.

Yes, it seems like the world is all about showing off.

After finishing the swordsmanship practice, I entered the shooting department building.

I could feel the gazes.

From those who were conscious of me, to those who came up to speak directly.

Among the first group was Haibel Solomon.

Without the protagonist’s intervention, Haibel Solomon, the top archery student in every exam, was known for his exceptional skills.

His macho, yellow-dyed hair was quite striking.

He stared at me blankly before continuing on his way.

He’s a reserved guy.

In the game, he was always a reliable dealer who became an ally, assuming I wasn’t an archer. Though he wasn’t as friendly as Azuma Yuki, he was supportive and righteous.

But it’s different if the protagonist is an archer.

His unique competitive spirit and pride manifest, leading to a rivalry with the protagonist.

After acknowledging the protagonist, he held no grudges and consistently provided help, but the process was far from friendly, so he wasn’t very popular.

Secondly, among the students who spoke to me was this one.

“Hi Seon-woo! How do you like the outfit I’m wearing today? Does it look good on me?”

Always maintaining a high energy level and a crazy personal vibe.

The smile on her face never fades.

With red-dyed short hair and deep, clear brown eyes.

A petite height in the 160cm range and a bright, cute impression.

The daughter of the hero Kesis Acosta, Andy Acosta.

Always surrounded by people, Andy Acosta is a ‘true insider’ that someone like me, a fake, could never approach. Look at her innocent cheerfulness, greeting me brightly without being discouraged despite having never received a greeting in return.

It seems that I’ve been detected by Andy Acosta’s ‘New Friend Radar!’

Every class shared between the shooting and archery departments, she comes over and talks to me.

Even in the game, this unique friendliness was the same.

She was a character who would naturally become friendly by initiating conversation, even if the protagonist did nothing.

Different from characters like Freya Andersen, who require a lot of time and effort to build affection.

I was also a character in the role of Seon-woo. No, the ‘Siu’ character, and she was one of the characters who connected the most with Dosiwoo.

Even if I remained diligently training in the training room, the increasing affection felt comfortable, like seeing an old, faithful partner.

But that’s the game world. Things are a bit different now.

“Seon-woo! Are you listening to music right now? What are you listening to?”

“Seon-woo! I don’t know this well, can you teach me?”

“Seon-woo! Seon-woo!”

For now, it was tough to keep up with her crazy energy.

Being around her felt like it drained my energy.

Andy Acosta graduates as the second in the shooting department at Agora Academy.

But Andy’s real skill lies not in combat but in command.

She resembles her father and demonstrates insane command abilities during gate raids.

So, she is indeed a good character to befriend.

If we successfully prevent the apocalypse, I’ll need to plan for the future, and someone like Andy Acosta is a good connection.

But, well. But.

“Seon-woo! Both mom and dad fell into the water. But you can only save one. Who will you save?”

[<Apprentice Scholar’s Guide> Filial Piety. Letting your mother die is an unworthy answer for a scholar. (Expected Scholar Rate Change: -30%)]

[<Apprentice Scholar’s Guide> Filial Piety. Letting your father die is an unworthy answer for a scholar. (Expected Scholar Rate Change: -30%)]

This damn kid.

Andy kept asking difficult questions that were hard to answer, finding my Scholar concept amusing.

Yes, with an insider’s sensitivity, I might seem ridiculous.

The problem is that my Scholar rate is threatened every time.

It’s not just once or twice, but almost daily, and despite my expression deteriorating, she doesn’t stop.

At this point, it feels like she might be a spy sent by evil forces to hinder my growth.

She probably thinks it’s a fun question and enjoys my reactions.

You can tell from her expression. That pure, innocent look without a hint of malice.

“How could you weigh the grace of your parents? It is the duty of a child to save both, even if it means sacrificing your life.”

“Come on, don’t be like that. You can only save one, right? Who will you save?”

[<Apprentice Scholar’s Guide> Whichever choice you make, your Scholar rate will decrease. (Expected Scholar Rate Change: -30%)]

I felt a sense of fate for the first time in a while.

It was the same feeling I had when I saw the robe I would wear to the entrance ceremony.

I sensed a strong need to cut ties with Andy.

Yes, it’s time to cut ties. It’s time to cut ties.

I’m a bit reluctant about missing out on the benefits of becoming friends with Andy.

But it’s not something I can’t give up.

If I get further entangled with Andy and my Scholar rate drops, it will hinder my growth.

A bold decision is required at this moment.

I stood up abruptly and said.

The expression on my face clearly contained anger.

“I’ve never seen either of my parents’ faces, so I can’t choose.”

“Uh. Uh?”

“Please don’t speak to me again.”

Saying this, I left the classroom.

The class was almost over anyway.

If I said this, even if her mind was like a flower garden, she should understand.

I wasn’t lying.

In the game, my setting was that I grew up alone with my grandfather in a remote mountain village.

My parents would have passed away shortly after my birth.

The next class was lunch time.

Students at Agora Academy mostly eat at the school cafeteria.

It’s cumbersome to go out of Arang Island to eat and come back.

Even Cheon Dohwa is occasionally found in the school cafeteria.

To add some plausibility, the quality of Agora Academy’s cafeteria food is very high. That’s good for me.

There are a few rules to follow during meals.

I realized this after accumulating nearly a week’s worth of Scholar’s meals.

First, eat alone.

Talking while eating is considered unworthy of a scholar.

Since there are no friends to eat with, there’s no issue here.

The first important point. Raise your arms high to avoid getting any seasoning on the robe.

From the outside, this also seems sophisticated and helps increase the Scholar rate.

[Scholar Rate Change: 2% (Elegant Meal) (Current Scholar Rate: 76%)]

Second, use only one utensil at a time.

Using chopsticks and a spoon with both hands is unacceptable.

The left hand should hold the bowl or support the right elbow. Use only the right hand for utensils.

For this reason, utensils should be placed on the floor or the bowl.

Always place them with the head facing forward.

It’s up to you whether you place them on the bowl or the table.

But when placing them on the table, always have a napkin under the utensil head.

[Scholar Rate Change: 3% (Elegant Meal) (Scholar Rate: 84%)]

Third, never eat multiple dishes or side dishes at once.

Putting side dishes on top of rice? That’s unacceptable.

You can only eat one type of side dish at a time.

You can’t put side dishes in your mouth while you have rice in it.

Adding something else to the already filled mouth is unworthy of a scholar.

Soups are no exception here.

Mixing rice with soup or mixing rice is to be avoided as much as possible.

[Scholar Rate Change: 2% (Elegant Meal) (Scholar Rate: 100%)]

By adhering to all these rules, you can finish a meal with an average Scholar rate farming of 30%.

It was a bit difficult at first, but it became manageable with adaptation.

There are even benefits.

Eating one thing at a time allows you to savor the natural taste of the ingredients more deeply.

It feels like even my taste has become scholarly. It wasn’t bad.

Usually, I’d also need to go for a digestive walk and fan myself.

Usually, the Scholar rate doesn’t fill up completely with just a meal.

However, not only had I already filled my Scholar rate, but I also had a plan for lunch today.

I headed to the Swordsmanship Department’s training ground.

The training ground, filled with the sound of vigorous practice.

Even during lunchtime, there was a man who remained in the training ground, dedicated to his practice.

A man who, valuing his training time, skipped a proper lunch and spent the lunchtime on his practice.

His noble spirit of sacrifice, dedicated to serving his people, is the driving force behind him.

The prince of the Ainu people. The second-ranked in the Swordsmanship Department of Agora Academy.

Known in the game community as “our older brother.”

Azuma Yuki.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Jo Seon-woo.”

I greeted him with the same courtesy as a noble addressing another noble from a long time ago.

Azuma Yuki stopped his training and turned his body toward me.

“You may call me Yuki. I’ve heard that in this country, it’s fine to address someone by name even if you’re meeting for the first time.”

“Thank you for your consideration. Please call me Seon-woo as well.”

The old-fashioned politeness that even today’s elders don’t use. It’s definitely Azuma Yuki.

Hokkaido, where Yuki’s hometown is, is known for its harsh cold and life-threatening demons.

Yuki grew up among the warriors of his homeland.

His hometown’s customs and society were different from those of urban areas.

Thus, Yuki appreciates people who show proper etiquette like now.

“I will do so. Young Master Seon-woo. What brings you here?”

What brings me here? He’s impatient.

Before speaking, I raised the corners of my mouth.

“I have secretly admired your character for a long time. I came here to establish a connection with you, Yuki.”

“… What?”

There are several reasons why Azuma Yuki is called “our older brother” in the community.

He is always friendly to the protagonist and fights on the side of justice.

His personality and speech are hearty and enjoyable.

But the most significant reason is this.

In the game, Yuki never refuses any request from the protagonist.

“Older brother. I need help.”

“Please help me.”

*Note- NHVNovels*

For now this novel is being put on hold, will be resumed if being demanded.