The Novel's Extra - Chapter 46 – After the Trouble (2)
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Chapter 46 – After the Trouble (2)

As expected of a wealthy young lady, Chae Nayun’s huge room featured a queen size bed, a living room, a bathroom the size of a public bath, and a gaming room designed for the best virtual experience. Lying comfortably in bed, Chae Nayun opened the envelope with her exam reports.

“Whoa, look how thick it is.”

The stack of 24 papers added up to quite a bit. First, she read the name on the first one. Kianu Jin. He was a spearman around rank 100.

[Chae Nayun’s archery was extraordinary, and her magic power inspired my deepest respect. The thousand-mile horse is difficult for most sharpshooters because of its agile speed and sturdy body, but Chae Nayun not only dodged its charges with incredible movements, she also…]

“Haha.”

He had poor Korean with grammar mistakes, but it was still readable. She especially liked the phrase, her arrows fell like rain.

After reading Kianu Jin’s report, Chae Nayun worked her way down the stack. Some cadets objectively analyzed her battle, while others noticeably sang her praises. Chae Nayun’s smile curled up more and more as she read them.

“Huuu, no.”

Chae Nayun collected her thoughts before they reached cloud nine.

Some of them are just flattering you. Be humble.

She calmly moved on to the next report from a familiar person.

[Evaluating cadet – Kim Suho]

“…”

His name slightly shook her heart, but Chae Nayun acted unconcerned and furrowed her brows. She quietly read the contents.

[It was a victory of self-conviction. Recently, Chae Nayun seemed to doubt herself. Losing to a rival and being criticized by someone wore down her confidence, but Chae Nayun is a naturally talented archer. Against the thousand-mile horse, she showed a confident battle. Her movements contained no hesitation, and she attacked swiftly and accurately. I believe Chae Nayun has already reached a certain realm as an archer. She told me that someone said she lacked talent, but what she lacked was only trust in her abilities. If she continues like today, she will surely become the greatest hero.]

“… Huua.”

Chae Nayun softly caressed Kim Suho’s report. His heartfelt encouragement moved her. A smile emerged on her face, and her worries disappeared. With her eyes closed, she reaffirmed her belief.

A bow suits me. No matter what anyone says, a bow suits me best.

Chae Nayun carefully placed his report on her bed. Now, only two reports remained. One was anonymous, while the other was from Shin Jonghak. She decided to finish them. First, she read the anonymous report.

“Hmm.”

She picked up the report without much thought.

“…”

Not long afterward, she clenched her hands. Chae Nayun’s face distorted behind the crumpled report.

“Huu, huu, huuu…”

Chae Nayun trembled in anger at the anonymous report filled with criticisms. Its malicious words struck her deeply.

“… Who is this fucker.”

The report contained a respectful tone, but its message was clear.

You have no sense, talent, or brains. You only won thanks to your magic power.

Although it was anonymous, Chae Nayun felt she knew the writer’s identity.

“Kim Hajin, Kim Hajin, Kim Hajin…!”

She picked up her smartwatch in anger.

***

On a fine afternoon, Cube investigators questioned Rachel and me. I still felt sore from the additional streak of stigma yesterday, but I earnestly cooperated.

“Thank you.”

I thanked Rachel on our way back to the portal station after the investigation. As promised, she matched her story with mine. The investigators who doubted me fully trusted her since she was a royal.

“No, I should be the one to thank you.”

Rachel said without changing her expression. Then she showed her wrist to me. It fully healed without a scar thanks to the timely treatment.

“Is it fine?”

“Yes.”

She spun her wrist around.

“That’s good. So where are you going?”

“Back home.”

“Ah, to England.”

“Yes.”

England would be much safer than Cube. The Queen’s residence was a fortress that even a devil couldn’t easily enter.

“Ah, I’m also going hunting right now…”

I told Rachel even though she didn’t ask because we headed in the same direction. Suddenly, my smartwatch rang. It wasn’t a text, but a call from Chae Nayun. I felt like I shouldn’t pick up, so I ignored it.

“I’m also taking Cube’s portal, so…”

My smartwatch rang once again. I immediately ended the call. Then a message arrived.

[Hey, you wrote that report, didn’t you?] [I just don’t understand, just how are you in any position to say something like this?] [I don’t have the sense or talent of an archer? Have you ever used a bow before? I’m so freaking speechless.] [And you said I’m stupid? What, you think you can mock me because you’re good at studying?] [You wanna fight? Wanna make a bet? Want me to teach you how hard it is to use a bow?]

“What is this bombshell…”

A barrage of messages arrived in just ten seconds. However, the last message caught my attention.

Bet.

I recalled my gift’s proficiency level. It should be grade 7 and about 67% to the next grade. Could I beat Chae Nayun with a bow? I purposely nitpicked her flaws, but Chae Nayun’s archery was undoubtedly one of the best among cadets. Although she was more talented with swords, that didn’t mean she had no talent for bows. Not to mention, she trained in archery for ten years.

[Sure, let’s fight and bet on it. I’ll also use a bow.]

It was about time I showed her the difference between talent and a true genius. Even if grade 7 wasn’t enough, I also had incredible luck. I couldn't see myself losing as long as we used regular arrows. Just in case, I should ask for a month to practice.

“… Why isn’t she replying?”

For some reason, Chae Nayun stopped messaging me. Did she think it was meaningless to bet against someone who wasn’t an archer? Looking up, I saw that Rachel had already gone ahead. I quickly caught up as she glanced back at me.

“Haha, I’m also using the portal. I’m going to Wonju.”

“… Ah, yes.”

We walked side by side without talking. Eventually, we arrived at the fairly empty Cube portal station. Most cadets had left as requested so Cube could conduct a more thorough investigation. Rachel would now take the Seoul portal, while I headed to the Wonju portal.

“Um, if it’s okay… can I ask what weapon you used back then?”

Rachel asked before we separated. I guess she found it hard to accept what happened. After all, I killed an assassin that threatened her with only two shots.

“… It’s an extremely expensive weapon, and cadets generally have one or more special abilities.”

That was all I could say. Rachel stared at me before nodding.

“Thank you again. I’ll bring something back from England as thanks.”

Rachel left towards the Seoul portal.

***

I arrived in Gangwondo Wonju. The portal station bustled with people during the middle of a weekday. I plowed through the swarm.

“Hajin! Here!”

A man in a well-tailored suit and sunglasses shouted as I arrived outside. Park Soohyuk looked completely different with an HUV next to him. Although it was an older model, I approached with a smile.

“Wow, I almost didn’t recognize you. Looks like you had fun with my money. Maybe you should be investigated for embezzlement.”

“Haha, this is a proper business expense. Get in.”

Park Soohyuk opened the back door as though he had done it a thousand times.

“Are we stopping at the 1km mark again?”

“Yeah, but we’re going to hunt more today.”

“Great, then I’m going.”

Yoo Yeonha promised me an unlimited supply of bullets. I had to hunt as many monsters as possible since I modified the Desert Eagle into an evolving weapon.

“So, how’s the business lately?”

“It’s much better thanks to you. Everything is easier with a car.”

An HUV was a necessity, especially for monster hunting.

“It’s over there, but the crowds have gathered already.”

We arrived at the entrance of the field.

“Let’s get off for now.”

“Yeah.”

Park Soohyuk and I got off to get a permit for our vehicle.

“… Hmm?”

I saw a familiar face in the distance. She would stand out no matter where she went with her long black hair that fluttered in the wind. It shone under the sunlight and her charming black dress also separated her from the sea of people.

Yoo Yeonha observed the field, surrounded by her guild members. Her serious expression made her seem like an adult.

“Oh right.”

I recalled that it was about time Yoo Yeonha came to Wonju’s field for business. In the original story, she became the greatest investor for SH Agency because of Kim Suho. After finding out that Kim Suho contracted with SH Agency, Yoo Yeonha invested an astronomical sum, which turned out incredibly successful. From that point onwards, Park Soohyuk and Yoo Yeonha would walk the royal road.

“What, do you know her?”

“Mm… I do, but let’s just go.”

She seemed busy, so I pretended not to see her.

“Eh?”

Yoo Yeonha spotted me.

“Hello?”

Clack, clack. She approached me in high heels and seemed much taller and more threatening.

“What are you doing here?”

Yoo Yeonha asked at the same eye level.

“I’m here to make money.”

“Mmm, I see.”

Yoo Yeonha glanced at Park Soohyuk next to me. It felt like I needed to introduce them, so I did.

“This is my agent.”

“Ah, nice to meet you. I’m SH Agency’s head manager, Park Soohyuk.”

“I’m Yoo Yeonha. I’m still a cadet.”

“Ah, yes.”

I peeked at the two of them. Although I didn’t intend it, their meeting moved forward by three years. I wasn’t sure about the consequences, but it didn’t seem bad. I also glanced at the four men behind Yoo Yeonha like guards. They all carried high class equipment.

“Ah, they’re members of Essence of the Strait.”

Yoo Yeonha introduced them. The members stood around, not knowing how to react, but Yoo Yeonha’s glare immediately made them bow.

“Essence of the Strait…?”

Disbelief emerged on Park Soohyuk’s face. Essence of the Strait was the second ranked guild. Park Soohyuk never imagined meeting them.

Wiing— My smartwatch rang. A message came from Chae Nayun.

[Haa, what would I gain by betting with someone who doesn’t know anything about bows? Just screw off.]

She planned to ignore me, so I provoked her.

[What, you’re scared?]

[Ha. You wanna die? I was going easy on you, so don’t you…]

[Just like you said, I’ve never even touched a bow. But if it’s you… one month. One month is enough to catch up to your level. Of course, that’s strictly in archery.]

I crossed my arms after sending the message. Suddenly, Yoo Yeonha asked.

“… Are you perhaps texting Nayun?”

I stared at her in surprise.

“W-What, how did you know?”

Wasn’t I the only one who could hack smartwatches? Yoo Yeonha grinned and projected a hologram from her smartwatch.

[Hey, look what this kid is saying. I’m speechless. S.P.E.E.C.H.L.E.S.S. Do I take this bet?]

Chae Nayun told her friends what I said and asked for advice.

“Aha.”

I laughed and briefly spoke, “Tell her to do it.”

“Eh? Have you used a bow before?”

“Nope, not even once.”

I’ve never touched one. Before coming to this world, I’d never even seen one outside of movies or the Olympics.

“But I only need a month to beat her.”

However, this was a contest of pure skill. My Master Sharpshooter gift specialized in long range weapons, while Chae Nayun’s gift was more relevant to swords. Although grade 7 would be a close call, grade 6 would guarantee my victory.

“How can you be so confident? Isn’t your gift related to guns?”

“…”

I silently stared at Yoo Yeonha and pondered how to answer.

“Tsk, fine. I won’t ask. So sensitive…”

Yoo Yeonha misunderstood and clicked her tongue before I could explain. She stared at Park Soohyuk and his HUV before asking.

“Ah, if you’re here to hunt, can I come with you?”