After finishing her evening workout and returning home, Choi Marie slipped straight into the bathtub.
In the soothing warmth that washed away the day's fatigue, she quietly recalled the face of the academy hopeful she'd just met.
"...He's actually pretty decent, more than I expected."
She already knew about his diligence, having unintentionally witnessed his unwavering daily workouts for the past two weeks.
From their first meeting, he'd called her "senpai" with such politeness that it had won her over.
He listened well, was courteous, and accepted her offers without making a fuss.
But what she liked most was his mindset—applying to the Combat Support Department yet insisting on building his stamina.
'I don't want to drag down the other team members later. If my lack of stamina holds back the combat specialists, that's just being a burden.'
As a shieldbearer, Choi Marie's skills were unmatched among her peers—rock-solid and unbreakable. But what always held her back were the team assignments with other departments and squads.
Swordsmanship or Spear Arts students were at least on her level physically, but the Magic Department and Combat Support kids? Always the problem.
Hunter aspirants who skipped basic stamina training just because they were "rear support," and didn't even pretend to try. Thinking about them always ground her teeth.
Frustrated, she'd charge ahead and handle everything alone—a habit that tanked her team mock battles every time.
Once word spread, hardly anyone wanted to team up with her anymore, souring her relationships with other departments.
'They're the ones grabbing my ankle, but they always blame me.'
In that sense, this junior Lee Seon-ho was different. Even as a Combat Support hopeful, he was already committed to building stamina. It really clicked with her.
She hadn't heard his ability yet, but they'd likely team up for assignments someday.
Weak support skills? No big deal. As long as he had enough stamina not to hold her back.
Anything less frustrating than the usual support slackers. Then maybe she could finally pass those team mock battle classes.
"He'll... get in, right?"
A junior this dedicated to training wouldn't slack on entrance prep. He'd make it for sure.
Next year, they might share classes. Snagging him as a party member early wasn't a bad idea.
Her reputation was already trash with other departments anyway. Starting this year, she'd be grouping with freshmen regardless.
-Splash!
"...Yeah, I need to lock in a reliable teammate ASAP."
With that resolve, she rose from the tub and prepared to meet Lee Seon-ho the next morning.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The next morning, as promised, for the protein shake from Choi Marie.
"Good morning, Choi Marie senpai."
"Hey, junior. Here, take this and chug it first."
"Pardon?"
"Figured you'd start today, so I mixed a serving. Drink up, then we begin."
"Oh, sure."
...This was unexpected.
Choi Marie had shared shakes with Seo Woo-jin in the original story, but never premixed and hand-delivered.
Maybe two weeks of me training in front of her paid off extra. Either way, no reason to refuse.
"...This tastes good. I thought protein shakes would be weird."
"They all taste like this now. Oh, but when you buy your own, skip the funky flavors—stick to chocolate. Tried everything, and chocolate's the best."
"Got it. Chocolate it is, senpai."
"Keep the tumbler. They throw one in free with every order, so I have tons. And this is the rest of the shake—take it home later."
"Understood, senpai."
...She's treating me better than the original protagonist?
The tumbler surplus sounded legit, but even accounting for that, this was VIP treatment.
Guess my casual charm offensive worked. Things were going smoothly.
Her gaze wasn't romantic—just spotting a useful Combat Support junior. But that'd change soon enough.
"I'll run beside you today, check your form. Written exam's in two weeks, right? Practical's when?"
"Right after, next week."
"Then let's aim for 10kg in three weeks. Muscle-focused."
"...Just from running?"
"Your willpower's got this. With me watching, nothing's impossible."
"Ah, yeah..."
...She's being extra nice, but to bag Choi Marie, I'd endure.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Two weeks had passed since Choi Marie's intense crash course became semi-mandatory for me.
The last two weeks, she'd dragged me through it: endless running till I gasped, plus pull-up bars and balance beams for bodyweight strength.
Seo Woo-jin endured the same in the original, so I followed suit. Self-suggestions like Runner's High kept my sanity, cycling through variants.
-Jiggle, jiggle.
"Come on, junior! Just 10 more laps, then rest! Squats after—100 reps!"
"Hah, hah, haaah...!!"
Running beside her, her subtly bouncing chest; collapsing exhausted, her hips in view—my libido surged each time.
It fueled my will to survive this hellish training.
'I'm banging you, Choi Marie, no matter what.'
Then, I'd pound her relentlessly, even if she begged for mercy.
Fantasizing her lewd pleas on the bed powered me through her brutal schedule. The results etched into my body.
"Definitely working."
After two weeks with Choi Marie, mirror check: decent muscle on arms and legs.
Not my goal physique yet, but impressive for two weeks. Strength felt way up from before.
Efficient workouts plus shakes, no doubt.
Silent thanks to Choi Marie. At this level, no "skeleton" or "zombie" nicknames from other heroines—no red flags.
...Gratitude aside, I'd still fuck her.
A month since possession. Finally, Cheonmu Hunter Academy written exam day.
Told her yesterday I'd skip morning workout for the test. Headed straight there.
The next four years. Where my conquest heroines awaited.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Cheonmu Hunter Academy buzzed early morning. Nearly a thousand aspirants for the written exam—chaotic, as expected.
Not even all Cheonmu hopefuls. Top Korean academy, so promising kids all applied here at least once.
Exams spread over three days by department. Today, third day: my Combat Support written.
Text said Magic Department too.
'Might run into Cha Eun-ju if lucky.'
Even a total shut-in wouldn't skip exam day.
Best to start building rapport with her today. Indoor type like her wouldn't venture out otherwise.
Planned to pair with her for practical too— groundwork.
I could've passed solo with Suggestion, but she'd likely fail without me.
'Can't watch my girl flunk out.'
Even original loser Lee Seon-ho got her through. If he could, I sure as hell could.
Arrived early, checked my room. While waiting for Cha Eun-ju, scoped hers too.
Needed any excuse to chat. Unlike Choi Marie, starting with Cha Eun-ju was toughest.
'Mine's Hyeseong Hall 305... Hers...'
...Same. Hyeseong Hall 305.
Grinned inwardly spotting it.
Hoped nearby, but same room? Perfect.
Probably same in original—led to practical pairing.
One thing sure: conquering Cha Eun-ju just got way easier.
'Know her room's mine too, but let's wait a bit.'
Better to chat outside first. Same room reveal could feel fated to her.
She might've arrived earlier, but her personality said zero chance.
'There.'
Speak of the devil—a purple head weaving struggling through the crowd.
Petite enough to vanish among girls, with absurdly huge tits contrasting her size.
Dazed half-moon eyes and golden irises like under hypnosis, baggy tracksuit—straight from the novel's Cha Eun-ju.
"H-Hey, wait..."
"Coming through!"
"Check your room and move!"
"W-Wait... Um..."
Cha Eun-ju flailing, unable to check the board amid the throng.
...Prime chance for a casual approach.