NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13 - How to Manage Connections (3)
[Part from Episode 10]
The content of Episode 10 was… that.
The shocking and terrifying legend of Na Yu-han’s karma.
I scrolled through the part where Na Yu-ri continued her explanation and the scammer looked shocked. My lines were only enough to respond here and there. Why should I care about the shock the scammer experienced?
What mattered was my scene of appearance. An impressive one at that.
I was still frozen for a while when I suddenly snapped back to attention at Kang Na-hyun’s words.
“…That statement could be seen as a lie to keep Yu-han in check.”
“I know. I can’t present any evidence right now…”
Is she still defending me after hearing that?
“Still, I can’t see you as lying, Yu-ri.”
I felt confused.
“If you had investigated my environment, you’d know that I’ve seen countless people who desperately want something, even if it means they would die.”
It seemed Kang Na-hyun felt the same; her face was a mixture of confusion and sadness.
“Their eyes and yours are so alike that I can’t call you a liar…”
Nevertheless.
“However, I still want to trust Yu-han.”
She declared that she would trust me.
…A heavy feeling settled in my heart.
“But…!”
“So!”
With her fists clenched, Kang Na-hyun shouted as if declaring her point.
“Would you watch over us, Yu-ri?”
“Me?”
“Yeah. I’m still a bit inexperienced, so I might not catch if Yu-han has truly changed. But you’re smart and strong, having ranked second in exams, right?”
With a silly, bright smile.
“So, if Yu-han hasn’t changed and is still the same bad person as before, you can scold him on my behalf.”
…A foolish, innocent, and truly easy-to-manipulate extra character.
That thought hadn’t changed even now.
“But if Yu-han has really changed, let’s apologize together. Let’s tell him we’re sorry. I’ll join you then.”
“You… are really stupid, aren’t you?”
“Am I?”
Is it because we’re in a game world? Or is it just that such a person could exist?
“You’re stupid, innocent, and strange…”
For the first time, I empathized with Na Yu-ri’s words. She was too easy to be scammed.
I don’t know, but wouldn’t it be better to learn to be more cautious of others in difficult circumstances? They really messed up the setting, those production staff.
“Alright, I’ll protect Na-hyun and make sure Na Yu-han pays for his sins! I’m someone who won’t make the same mistake again! Just leave it to me!”
“Yeah. I’m counting on you!”
Still, thanks to this, I reaped some benefits, so should I thank them?
No, it’s better to thank the living Kang Na-hyun.
I stared blankly at the leaves being swept away by the wind, the sunlight pouring through them, and the two of them smiling among it all.
A beautiful moment.
Yeah. This world is so beautiful, unlike the reality I came from.
Just then, as I watched Kang Na-hyun and Na Yu-ri chatting away, the bell rang.
Oh no, if I arrive later than Kang Na-hyun, I might raise suspicion that I was following her. I need to hurry.
I quickly put on the Wind Boots I bought from the weapon shop and ran out quickly. Still, I was late and had to face the teacher’s wrath.
I turned my head to see Kang Na-hyun sitting next to me. I whispered softly.
“…Thank you.”
For believing in me now.
For seeing me as I am now.
[Story Fragment]
Perking up, the cat ears on her head moved lightly.
“Hmmm~ I just overheard something private. What should I do?”
Despite her words sounding troubled, her exposed fangs were smiling broadly.
She flicked her tail leisurely as if contemplating something.
“Now that I’ve heard it, it reminds me of last year’s incident with Hana. I wonder what conclusion those kids will reach?”
She hummed softly and murmured.
“Alright, should I get closer and keep an eye on them?”
She hummed a tune and disappeared from that spot as if riding the wind.
***
Hmm, it seems I wasn’t the only one eavesdropping.
From the description of her appearance, she seems to be one of the heroines in the story. She must be the heroine who controls the wind.
Her name is Choi Soo-jung.
A half-cat beastgirl, she’s a beautiful girl with cat ears and a tail.
Originally, she would have shown interest in the scammer only after the midterms, but the plot has twisted.
She’s an unpredictable character, so I can’t foresee what effect her interest in the scammer at this point will have.
I’ll have to reevaluate this later if Choi Soo-jung approaches us.
The comments consisted of screams regarding this shocking situation, as well as praise for me, like an angel, believing in the scammer despite everything.
And curiosity about the new heroine (presumably).
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What kind of life did the pre-possessed Na Yu-han live?
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Her karma is way too strong;;;
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Wow, what a legendary piece of trash.
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I totally agree; she’s meant to be a commander. She really manipulated people.
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Crazy… crazy… crazy…
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New heroine? Heroine vibes? Heroine vibes? Heroine vibes?
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Cat-eared heroine? Ah haha, I have to invest in this.
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In academy stories, a harem is the way to go.
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Is there anyone who didn’t invest in Kang Na-hyun?
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You have to have stocks to buy them, you crazy person. Right now, Kang Na-hyun is the only option!
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A new heroine just appeared; you crazy person!
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She’s only just appeared; what has she done for us to invest?
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I’m buying stocks in Na Yu-ri.
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Incest fan, hello!
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Incest fan, lol.
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Na Yu-ri stocks will rise someday.
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You guys are still saying that after this episode? You’re something else…
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To believe in the protagonist after hearing that story? Wow, this is love.
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I agree.
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Kang Na-hyun! Kang Na-hyun! Kang Na-hyun!
***
It seems my meta points have drastically increased thanks to the impact I left in this episode and my heroine-like qualities. My heart felt warm.
Thank you as always. I will repay you with greater growth.
I feel like there are quite a few people buying my stocks, but for now, there’s only me appealing as a heroine.
Once other heroines make their full-fledged appearances, this charm-less heroine will quickly lose popularity.
From then on, I can gradually fade into the background.
Since I successfully connected with Na Yu-ri, I should quickly strengthen my relationships with her and Park Si-woo before the new heroines appear.
Is this what they call a blessing in disguise? After overcoming a tough situation, everything seems to be turning out well.
I thought that way until Na Yu-ri, looking somewhat disheveled, would come by during the next break.
Why does my life have to be so tumultuous?
I couldn’t help but ask upon seeing Na Yu-ri in a somewhat disheveled outfit, different from usual.
“…Yu-ri, what happened?”
“That cat guy… No, no. It’s nothing.”
Ah, so Choi Soo-jung must have bothered Na Yu-ri.
In the novel, she was the type to rush toward someone she found interesting without thinking twice.
She probably went straight to Na Yu-ri and started asking her all sorts of questions, riding the wind with her special ability.
In that case, Choi Soo-jung would likely approach me sooner than I expected.
I knew it was nothing serious, but I couldn’t help but show a worried expression as if I were thinking about Na Yu-ri.
“…Okay. If there’s anything I can help with, please let me know, okay? We’re friends.”
“Che, friends… Of course!”
Na Yu-ri smiled brightly as if she had never been annoyed. It felt like light radiated around her.
Yeah. Are you happy? If you’re happy, then I’m happy too.
“Hey, little bro- I’m curious too. Don’t you want to tell me what’s going on?”
The scammer, unable to bear watching us chat warmly, suddenly butted in, his face full of audacity.
This guy is impressive. To muster the courage to strike up a conversation after hearing that story.
“Something about a cat guy? What’s that?”
Na Yu-ri hesitated for a moment, then sighed lightly and began explaining.
“Choi Soo-jung… She’s a cat girl and v
ery beautiful! She said she’d keep an eye on you. She’s really pretty!”
“Really? So, this means you won’t be jealous if I start dating someone, right?”
“That’s not the problem! Why are you asking that?”
“Why? Just to ask.”
I looked at Na Yu-ri’s reaction, and despite the embarrassment, I felt a surge of confidence.
I’m not going to let my guard down.
***
The beginning of Na Yu-ri’s confused face meant my charm was working.
I don’t know, but there’s a sense of thrill in turning this plot into my own.
It’s a strange sensation, a thrill that holds the promise of a new journey to embark on.