Chapter 36 – Becoming the Academy’s Center of Attention

A black, polka-dotted pattern with white ribbons.

It's as if it's a magical spell, giving me the strength to live as the protagonist of "OnaAka."

'The attire makes all the difference.'

Today, I step out of my house dressed in the school uniform that Serena mended for me.

"Ah, there's the senior!"

"Is it true you collect Onaholes?"

"Please hug me!"

It feels like the number of female students gathering in front of the academy to catch a glimpse of me has increased since yesterday. If one's talent is being an "Onahole Collector," they would usually be considered an outcast. However, for the facial genius Kim Sang-hyuk, it's wrapped up as "That handsome guy's delightful quirk♡"… It seems that being good-looking does have its perks.

"Alright, everyone line up. Line up."

"Kyaaak! I'm number 1. Hug me!"

Tightly embraced.

In this situation, unknown female students cling to me, asking for hugs. Though they might not be heroine material, they're still pretty enough that I don't mind them hanging onto me… However, this fervor might not be normal.

"Kim Sang-hyuk."

Just as I'm pondering when I'll have the time to play with all these girls and take pictures,

Parting them like waves, a heroine emerged.

It was Isabella, the student council president of Ethol Academy.

This was the first time we had encountered one another amidst such a throng of onlookers. Everyone watched us, screaming with delight at the scene reminiscent of a romance comic, but I knew she had come seeking something that was undoubtedly unpleasant.

'However…'

In truth, she had never approached me with good intentions in the first place. And yet, I couldn't help but find Isabella beautiful. Clad in form-fitting white pants that accentuated her shapely legs and a black jacket, her equestrian attire suited her as regally as a queen. Her long, flowing silver hair seemed to shimmer with life as it caught the sunlight.

With her blue eyes gazing disapprovingly, her pursed lips, and even her rounded forehead, the lovely girl singled me out.

"Unnecessary contact between the sexes is forbidden. To break the rules right in front of the academy—how audacious," she chided.

Her gaze was like that directed at a despicable prospective criminal. Yet still, she was undeniably sexy and beautiful—a heroine I couldn't bring myself to despise.

'I see.'

Were even the ordinary extra female students feeling this way just moments ago?

"My apologies, Madam President."

"What are you just staring at? You all disperse as well! If you gather for this purpose again, you'll receive penalty points!"

"Eek, yes!"

The Student Council President managed to chase away the large group of girls with just one stern warning.

Impressive. As expected of the Student Council President and heroine.

With her arms crossed, she continued to gaze at me somewhat disapprovingly.

Scanning me from head to toe with that authoritative demeanor unique to women, she said:

"School uniform. You're dressed properly today."

…what kind of cutting remark would I have heard here if I were the unattractive original protagonist, not the charming Kim Sang-hyuk with a 999 attractiveness score? It's interesting that even the scrutinizing gaze of the Student Council President finds my appearance acceptable now.

"It's thanks to my sibling."

"You didn't do anything to those girls, did you?"

Her level of suspicion was quite high, which took me by surprise.

"Haven't all the misunderstandings been cleared up?"

"I appreciate you saving the teacher. However, it's my responsibility to prevent such incidents from happening again at the academy."

"And what if I assure you that I won't let it happen again?"

"Your words hold no substantial weight, Kim Sang-hyuk. Nothing changes with the guarantee of a D-class academy student."

That's… true.

At this point, I have nothing that could be considered credibility.

"In the academy society, merely possessing dangerous abilities makes one subject to quarantine and even execution. You can have this conversation with me now only because the teacher wished to protect you."

They go to such lengths?

It wasn't entirely unexpected. When I revealed my abilities to my friends and asked them to keep it a secret during my time as a demon merchant, I felt that somehow, it should only be shared among trustworthy individuals.

"So, what will become of me now?"

"Follow me."

Where are we going?

Initially, I assumed I was being escorted to the student council room again.

I steadily move away from the building where classes are held. This means there's no intention of attending the morning lessons.

'Am I really getting caught?'

After climbing the campus hills several times, I enter an unfamiliar building.

There isn't a single person in the hallway.

It's just me and the student council president, Isabella…

"This is the chairman's office. He'll discuss your disposition."

"Disposition…"

Is it because I possess the ability to manifest one's personality?

This is quite serious…

"May I enter?"

"Wait. On second thought, it's a bit messy."

"Oh…"

Swish.

Isabella approaches me and reaches for my tie.

"Stay still."

A floral scent fills the air.

With the perfect height difference, I can look down at the beautiful face of the student council president – an ideal composition…

I can't keep my composure.

'She's so stunning. The student council president…'

Would she kill me if I said that out loud?

"Um. That's it. Don't forget that you're an academy student wherever you go, and maintain your dignity."

"Weren't you going to apprehend me?"

"I wish I could."

Gulp.

"Not yet."

Knock, knock.

The student council president turned around and knocked politely on the door twice.

"It's Isabella. I've brought the student."

"Come in."

This was my first time seeing the Academy Director.

In a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering a panoramic view of the academy, a man with his hair slicked back with pomade looked over at us.

He had a large build, resembling a tiger, and the scar on his eye made him appear like a retired soldier.

"Are you Kim Sang-hyuk?"

"Yes."

"Please, have a seat."

I sank into the plush guest sofa.

"Don't be nervous. I didn't call you here to scold you."

Nonetheless, it was difficult not to feel tense.

"I've received a report about your abilities. Every year, at least ten individuals awaken such dangerous talents within the academy."

"Ten of them?"

"Yes. Being in this position, I've seen many. Half of those ten end up in quarantine, three are eliminated, and one becomes a hunter or hero who contributes to society."

"…And the remaining one?"

"They escape, to a place beyond society's reach."

I think I understand why you called me here.

"I want to become a Hunter."

"Ha ha. Is that so? But for someone like you, with such dangerous abilities, can the Academy continue to nurture them?"

"I suppose not…"

"The most important factor we consider in our judgment is character. Is it merely a person with dangerous abilities, or were these abilities given to an inherently dangerous individual…?"

"…"

Character…

Considering Sang-hyuk's usual behavior, it's difficult to receive a favorable evaluation.

Is this where it ends?

"Serridwen seems to be quite protective of you."

"Ha ha…"

Whew.

I did have some connections.

If not for the backing of the SS-class Hunter, I wouldn't have made it this far.

Thank you, beautiful teacher.

"Do you want to remain at the Academy?"

"Yes."

"What's the reason?"

"I want to be a brother my sisters can be proud of."

That was my first goal when I started "OnaAka."

"However, looking at your demerit points, it's been difficult to call you a proud brother thus far."

"…"

I have nothing to say…

I'm simply rehashing the conversation I already heard in the student council room.

"Do you want to erase that and try to do something good at the academy?"

"I'll give it a try."

I'm in no position to be picky about anything.

"For now, you'll be acting as a hero."

"Excuse me?"

The conclusion was so absurd that I couldn't help but question it.

"Isabella."

"Yes."

"Starting today, Kim Sang-hyuk will be your assistant."

"…Understood."

…Gasp!

Becoming a hero wasn't even in my plans…

And my mentor is the student council president?!

'Isn't this the hero path?'

"Well, I've been considering it, but my aptitude and being a hero don't really match…"

"Heroes save people. The pay isn't great, and at lower ranks, it's practically volunteer work."

"…"

In other words, it's a position where you have to struggle and work hard.

"That's why there aren't many applicants… There's always a shortage of manpower."

No…

It's a risky ability. There might not be a more certain way to cleanse oneself than heroic activities, but…

"Heh, wouldn't it be an even bigger problem if a hero were to commit a crime?"

"Ha! The one beside you happens to be one of the finest heroes in all of Seoul."

Gulp.

Isabella returns to her place behind the sofa and gently places her hand on my shoulder.

Kwaaaak.

Choke! It's gradually tightening!

"Don't worry. If you harbor ill intentions, I'll ensure you're dealt with as comfortably as possible."

Where do you intend to send me…!?

"Isabella tells me she's witnessed your abilities firsthand, so there's no one more suitable than you. So, what do you think? Will you accept?"

Was this the reason the student president came to pick me up early this morning?

Heroic life that was never in my plans.

I don't want to endure the hardships that come with it, but…

"Choose wisely, Kim Sang-hyuk."

Isabella whispers in my ear.

"…I believe you can change."

…

I've even been caught exposing my true nature to an SS-class hunter, so I can't simply let this pass without any consequences.

'I can maintain my academy life.'

Seridwen said she'd try.

She must have spoken directly to the chairman. To protect me…

"I'll do it…"

"Then, from now on, I'll entrust most matters concerning you to Isabella. Is that all right, Isabella?"

"Yes."

Isabella replied with a grin.

"I've never had a 'student of interest' who seemed to require so much attention, but I'll do my best to guide you well."

I thought I was marked thoroughly from day one.

Now, I've officially become her student of interest at the academy…

"Do you agree with our academy's management process, Sang-hyuk?"

"I agree."

By agreeing,

it means that Isabella now has the grounds to meddle in every aspect of my life, putting me under her management.

[I have received the Student of Interest project from Chairman Wilhelm]

[♡Our students need attention and love♡]

[Plenty of praise~! Criticism is NO NO!]

'What is this…?'

"That's the core of our process. Now, go ahead and open it."

Upon activating the panel, a calendar reminiscent of a mobile game attendance check board materialized.

"What is this?"

"'You did a great job'… Do kids these days not know?"

I flinched.

It seemed familiar in its nuance…

Isabella approached from behind me, extending her hand to press a stamp onto the calendar. And on today's date, it read:

"Interested student Kim Sang-hyuk, you did a great job♡"

…Was that not what it said?

"…Heh."

Isabella chuckled.

…Do you enjoy tormenting me that much? Really?

"By the way, you can't duplicate that stamp. Oh, and it's best not to even entertain the idea of stealing it for yourself."

"I wouldn't think of it…"

How humiliating…

Return the solemn atmosphere from when you said, 'Your ability is dangerous, so I might have to restrain you'! It's preferable to be clad in restraints and growling!

Men are creatures that perish for such romance!

This "You did a great job" stamp is not it!!

"Since I showed you as an example, I'll erase the first stamp. Kim Sang-hyuk."

"…"

What does the 'Well done!' emblem, adorned with Isabella's chibi illustration, mean?

I feel a pang of sadness as it vanishes.

"Earn stamps consistently for three weeks. It doesn't matter if you collect them all at once. Ultimately, it's up to Isabella's discretion to give them."

"It seems as if my entire academy experience hinges on the student council president's mood."

"If you keep being sarcastic, you might just become an S-class hero."

…Could escaping the academy have been the right choice?