I Entered an Academy in a Ruined Game

Chapter 95 : Hong In-hyeon (1)

After his duties ended, Hong In-hyeon caught Kim A-yun, who was heading to the field to watch Su-hyeon's running training.

"Kim A-yun."

"Eek."

Hong In-hyeon frowned as he saw Kim A-yun startling.

"What's with you, why are you surprised? What have I done?"

"S-sorry."

Hong In-hyeon sighed as he saw Kim A-yun becoming even more intimidated.

"No, have I ever given you a reason to cower?"

"Not really..."

Kim A-yun simply had a slight phobia of male peers with an aura like Hong In-hyeon.

'Somehow scary.'

'Tch. Yet she doesn't act that way with that bastard Jeong Su-hyeon.'

Hong In-hyeon scratched the back of his neck vigorously and softened his voice.

"I just want to ask you something."

"Something to ask?"

Kim A-yun tilted her head sideways.

"Yeah. What kind of help did you get from Jeong Su-hyeon that allowed you to become so strong?"

"Ah..."

"Damn it. Honestly, it's embarrassing to ask, but I feel like I've hit a wall. Please."

'In-hyeon is also seriously aiming for the top.'

"Um, okay. So..."

Kim A-yun began to explain haltingly.

At around that time.

Lee Yu-jin was in a greatly improved mood after winning the rock-paper-scissors match that had determined her fate against Hwang Ji-su.

'That was really close.'

After no less than 5 ties, her choice to finally play scissors at the fork between scissors or rock proved effective.

'That was dangerous. As expected of Ji-su. If I hadn't read just a bit deeper, I would have been the one to lose.'

Anyway, victory was hers, and that's all that mattered.

The moment she immediately pointed to Su-hyeon and smiled was so exhilarating.

"Huhu."

Lee Yu-jin grinned from ear to ear.

If she had been a bit more greedy, she wouldn't have wanted to bring along Kim A-yun, who bothered her...

'But it's fine since I didn't bring Seung-yeon.'

The one who concerned her most was, of course, Kwon Seung-yeon, who seemed the most comfortable with Su-hyeon.

'But I am curious. Somehow A-yun's eyes when looking at Su-hyeon didn't seem normal either...'

"...Yu-jin, Yu-jin?"

Lee Yu-jin was startled back to reality by Song Yu-ha's voice.

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"I've been saying a lot! What have you been thinking about so deeply? Suddenly smiling to yourself."

"Hmm. Just..."

Finding it embarrassing to speak honestly, Yu-jin changed the subject.

"By the way, I'm really envious of Yu-jin. Going to an island together sounds nice too."

Song Yu-ha, who belonged to Class 3, was going to a resort for her field trip, unlike Class 1.

"Tsk, no matter what, we should at least get to go to an island, don't you think?"

"I know. Is there really a need for different classes to go to different places?"

"Something smells fishy."

"C-could it be..."

Yu-jin couldn't strongly deny it.

"Hey, I'm 100% sure! They'll definitely say it's part of training or education again..."

While listening to Song Yu-ha's scenario with skepticism as they walked.

"Yes, so Su-hyeon..."

A name that made Yu-jin's ears perk up was heard.

'A-yun?'

"Well, well! That's an unexpected combination."

Song Yu-ha whistled.

"Were those two friends before?"

"Hmm, I don't remember anything like that."

"What could they be talking about?"

Perk, perk.

Mana was channeled into the ears of the two.

"Hmm, is it too far? I can't hear well."

"Let's get a bit closer."

Stealthily.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Yu-jin slowly narrowed the distance.

"Hey, who's there?"

"Ah."

They were caught by Hong In-hyeon's sharp awareness.

"What are you two doing? Eavesdropping on other people's conversations?"

"Hmm? Eavesdropping? Who?"

Song Yu-ha denied it with an innocent face.

"By the way, what were you talking about? Let's hear it together."

"Come on. You're not even trying to excuse yourself."

Hong In-hyeon snorted, crossing his arms.

"W-we were talking about Su-hyeon."

Kim A-yun mumbled.

"Why Su-hyeon?"

"I'm curious about what you do when training with that guy."

"Hmph. I suppose Su-hyeon School is quite famous these days?"

Song Yu-ha snickered.

"So, Miss Yu-jin, as a founding member, what do you think?"

"M-me?"

Yu-jin was slightly flustered as Kim A-yun and Hong In-hyeon's gazes turned to her.

'...In-hyeon probably wants to spar with Su-hyeon too.'

She could understand Hong In-hyeon's feelings.

Even the proud Hwang Ji-su had swallowed her pride and asked Su-hyeon for help after losing to her.

'But In-hyeon is a man, so...'

Based on a somewhat strange criterion, Yu-jin came to a conclusion in her head.

"Well, why don't you try sparring with Su-hyeon instead? I have a sparring session scheduled with him later."

"I-is that okay?"

Hong In-hyeon, surprised by the unexpected kindness, asked.

"As Class President, I might not be able to help as much as Su-hyeon, but I can offer some cooperation..."

Rambling, Yu-jin suddenly realized and said.

"Ah, of course! On the condition that Su-hyeon agrees."

"Okay! I'll go ask him right away! Thanks!"

Woosh!

Hong In-hyeon came like the wind and left like the wind.

"..."

Glance.

Kim A-yun, looking at Yu-jin, spoke with difficulty.

"Um, can I go along too?"

"A-yun too?"

'Right. It would be good to see how A-yun does as well.'

Yu-jin readily nodded.

"Sure, of course. Let's go together."

❀⋆｡°✿☆❀✿°｡⋆❀

"It's the first time four of us have gathered like this."

Hong In-hyeon, Lee Yu-jin, Kim A-yun.

It was the first time as many as four people had gathered in the training room.

'Hong In-hyeon bowing his head and coming first—that's unusual.'

His pride was quite different from that of Hwang Ji-su or Seo Jun-seong, as he often showed a strong attachment to breaking through things on his own.

'It must be because of Kim A-yun next to him.'

While competing with cadets he secretly acknowledges might be understandable.

Finding that Kim A-yun, whom he had secretly looked down upon, had suddenly grown and now stood shoulder to shoulder with him must have caused quite a shock and anxiety for Hong In-hyeon.

'There's intensity in his eyes.'

Hong In-hyeon was a character I personally quite liked.

Noble pride and fierce competitiveness.

Yet despite that, a character that didn't resort to cowardly acts or excessive stubbornness.

'He's quite a decent guy.'

Moreover, the storms he created and his diverse operational abilities were indispensable elements for breaking through future scenarios.

"Good. Then shall we start talking?"

"Yes."

"I'm counting on you, Su-hyeon."

Yu-jin and A-yun nodded.

"First, you two please wait a moment. I need to talk with Hong In-hyeon."

"Understood."

The two stepped aside to let them talk comfortably.

"Hong In-hyeon. As you know, the biggest advantage of your ability lies in its versatility. You can fly in the air, move at tremendous speed, and also exert attacking power both in close combat and from a distance."

However.

"That's the problem."

"What?"

"You rely too much on sense and technique."

Hong In-hyeon's expression hardened at those words.

"What do you mean?"

"In terms of characteristic utilization, you're not far behind Hwang Ji-su. But what if you and Hwang Ji-su were to face each other one-on-one? The difference in combat power between the two would probably be obvious."

Humiliation, frustration, and acceptance.

Various emotions appeared and disappeared on Hong In-hyeon's face, eventually settling into a composed, expressionless look.

"You're right. I can't envision a scenario where I could win against Hwang Ji-su right now. That's why I came to you."

Hong In-hyeon said.

"What do you think is the problem? How should I improve?"

"What do you think?"

He fell into thought at my counter-question.

"...Stronger attack techniques. More diverse skills."

"That's correct too."

I nodded.

"Your biggest problem right now is that you lack attack power."

Hong In-hyeon nodded with a frustrated face.

"That's right. Currently, the techniques I can use are wind blades, whirlwinds, and air bullets."

"Hmm, seems like there's some misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?"

"Those techniques are all excellent attacks. The problem isn't the techniques but their output."

"...!"

Even with the same power, the lethality of an electric shock device and a railgun are completely different.

And the same applies to wind.

"You probably know this issue well, which is why you've trained toward using various types of attack techniques."

Hong In-hyeon's expression, having been hit at the core, was quite a sight to see.

"So what are you suggesting I do?"

"First, you need to increase your mana amount. If you have a route to obtain elixirs, utilize it as much as possible."

"...!"

Just as with Choi Mina.

Providing elixirs for Hong In-hyeon wouldn't be a difficult task.

If he had the money, that is.

"Tch, I don't have money for that. Elixirs don't come cheap."

"If money is the issue, there are ways to earn it."

"!"

His ears perked up.

"...We'll discuss the details next time."

"O-okay."

Hong In-hyeon.

Quick-witted and with good sense—a guy good to work with.

"Anyway, let's get back to the main point."

I cleared my throat and said.

"You fight like you're boxing."

"Is that wrong?"

"Sometimes."

"Why?"

"As you know, boxing basically achieves victory by accumulating numerous punches and numerous steps."

"That's right."

"Your method of fighting—not losing the flow and connecting techniques concisely—is excellent. But should you maintain your boxing style exactly the same when utilizing your characteristic in combat?"

"Hmm."

Hong In-hyeon wore an expression that seemed to understand yet not quite.

"In other words, you need to become a slugger with the punching power to floor your opponent in one hit."

"A slugger?"

A gleam appeared in his eyes.

"Yes. You need to have that powerful attacking force like Kim A-yun's—one attack that can change the tide of battle. If you can do that, the operation of the battle itself will become much easier."

"...Indeed."

Hong In-hyeon nodded as if convinced.

"Just as a boxer facing George Foreman can't help but be conscious of his powerful punches, just as one facing Kim A-yun can't help but be wary of her game-reversing technique, you mean?"

"Looks like you understand now."

I smirked.

"Well, there's no need to say more than this."

I said while stretching my shoulders.

"?"

"Get ready."

"Huh? For what?"

"Let's have a match, you and me, starting now."

❀⋆｡°✿☆❀✿°｡⋆❀

"I'll let you attack first."

At Su-hyeon's words, Hong In-hyeon sneered.

"Hey, are you deliberately trying to provoke me?"

"Think what you will."

Su-hyeon shrugged.

"What's important is that you won't be able to touch me unless you bring out your full power."

Snap.

Hong In-hyeon felt something break somewhere at the back of his neck.

"Hahahahaha!"

'He's pissed off.'

Su-hyeon thought as he saw Hong In-hyeon's burst of laughter.

"Then die!"

Kwaaaang!

A whirlwind suddenly formed and engulfed Su-hyeon.

"It's huge!"

Yu-jin, watching the fight through the screen, exclaimed.

A whirlwind intense enough to blow away even a house.

But for Su-hyeon, breaking it was too easy.

"Hup!"

Su-hyeon strongly cut through the core of the whirlwind with his sword imbued with sword energy.

Poooong!

Losing its central axis, the whirlwind spread out in all directions and dissipated.

"!"

Hong In-hyeon was astonished to see Su-hyeon, whose clothes were flapping violently, revealing his abs.

"What the hell did you do?"

"Hurricanes have a core."

'Crazy bastard.'

Looking at Hong In-hyeon's dumbfounded expression, Su-hyeon continued his assessment.

"The fact that I could approach is itself a problem. Is your output only this much?"

"Ah, you're really pissing me off."

At the continued provocation, Hong In-hyeon finally pulled up his mana with all his might.

Whoooong!

Even from a distance, the fragments of that wind made Su-hyeon's clothes flap like flags.

"Fine. I'll go along with you once."

At those words, Su-hyeon smirked.

"You should have done that from the start."