7.
Returning to my room, I clutched the medicine packet.
With a soft thump, I stepped inside and placed it on my desk.
I had to prepare immediately.
With about an hour until the next class, I decided to shower again; my body felt sticky.
I shed my clothes, readying myself to wash.
Completely nude, I slowly entered the shower stall.
‘Calm down,’ I told myself, ‘the headache will subside if I take my medication properly.’
I had to endure within her body.
With a soft thump, I slowly walked further into the shower stall, reaching for the faucet handle.
As I slowly lifted my gaze, I saw Nam In-ju’s face smiling back at me from above.
He was the man who had carried me to the infirmary.
I was certainly in love with him.
Perhaps it was Ha Eun-ah’s emotions, for her feelings seemed to precede my own.
My heart pounded whenever I saw him.
Even if it wasn’t my own heart, I couldn’t stop it.
My feelings for him were too intense.
I slowly reached out my hand and touched his picture.
My body gravitated slowly towards the photograph.
Having approached his picture, I immediately pressed my cheek against it.
It felt as though his skin were truly touching mine.
“In-ju, I love you.”
Unbidden, his name escaped my lips.
I was in love with him.
Ha Eun-ah’s emotions were taking hold, dominating my own.
****
“This much preparation should suffice.”
I changed into new clothes, getting ready for class.
I had already tucked an extra dose of medicine into my inner pocket.
If my head started aching, I planned to take it.
I wanted to bring In-ju’s picture too, but being caught would be disastrous.
I wasn’t so foolish as to be caught.
*Click*—I opened my phone and scrolled through my album.
There were numerous pictures saved here and there; Ha Eun-ah must have taken them beforehand.
With a password set, there was no fear of being discovered.
I had to hide it thoroughly.
Until he told me he loved me…
“Oh, right.”
Unconsciously, a smile played on my lips.
I moved my hand, relaxing my facial muscles.
This was no time for idle smiles.
First, I needed to head to class.
There wasn’t much time left until it started.
I immediately made my way to the training ground for the basic firearms lesson, located behind the annex building.
This training ground was separate from those used by the Awakened.
A surge of nervousness ran through me; this was my first firearms lesson.
I hoped it wouldn’t prove too difficult.
I promptly followed the main building’s corridor and stepped outside.
The annex building soon came into view.
Following the annex corridor, I saw a wide-open training ground.
A shooting range and training dummies.
Training in a place like this made me a little nervous.
I slowly walked in.
Several students were already preparing.
Had they all received personal firearms? Everyone held a gun.
They were probably all Homunculi.
Swallowing hard, I took my place among the students.
With a soft thump, Sena began to walk from the entrance.
Clad in an officer’s uniform, Sena gazed steadily in our direction.
Sena ascended the central platform and surveyed the surroundings.
“We will now begin the second period class.”
At Sena’s words, the students formed neat rows and lines.
I followed suit, but I still felt out of place.
Standing there without a gun, I felt an inexplicable sense of urgency.
“For the second period, you will pair up for firearms practice.
Please form pairs according to your attendance numbers.”
I breathed a sigh of relief at Sena’s announcement.
It was a relief to be paired by number; I wouldn’t have to worry about struggling to find a partner.
I stepped forward, looking for my attendance number: 7.
That meant I’d be paired with number 8.
‘Who would my partner be?’
I waited with a nervous heart.
“Is there a number 7 here?”
A gruff male voice.
Hearing number 7 called, I instinctively raised my hand.
I turned my head and looked around.
The one walking towards me was a Homunculus, a male Homunculus.
Unlike female Homunculi, male Homunculi were not made of flesh.
They simply pursued strength, adopting exoskeletal and blue mechanical forms.
The individual standing before me was no different.
His face wasn’t visible beneath a hard, mechanical exterior; only his voice emerged.
He possessed a massive body, holding a shield in one hand and an SMG in the other.
“Are you number 7?”
When I nodded, he extended his hand to me and began to introduce himself.
“Nice to meet you.
I’m Ret.”
“I-I’m Ha Eun-ah.”
I responded to his greeting, shaking his hand.
His hand was cold.
No, would it be stranger if it were warm?
After shaking the machine’s hand and letting go, he looked at me with a confident expression.
“Right.
Eun-ah, are you a Homunculus?”
“No, I’m an unawakened.”
At my answer, Ret nodded, seemingly intrigued.
“Oh, I see.
An unawakened, huh.
Well, I look forward to working with you.”
“Me too, I look forward to it.”
At my words, Ret chuckled with a mechanical sound, seemingly pleased.
Incidentally, there was no difference between female Homunculi and unawakened individuals.
The only difference was whether they bled or not, but that would only be apparent in combat.
Visually, it was impossible to tell them apart.
“Pairs will now train together.
Ready teams, please gather at the front.”
At Sena’s words, Ret moved first.
Before I could react, Ret’s hand closed around my wrist.
“Then let’s go, Eun-ah!”
Laughing heartily, Ret, still holding my wrist, swiftly dashed towards Sena.
“W-wait, Ret.”
Ret seemed to barely hear me as he pulled me forward.
He finally stopped when we reached Sena.
*Thump*—Ret released my wrist and spoke.
“Numbers 7 and 8 are ready.”
At Ret’s words, Sena glanced between me and Ret.
Sena smiled as she looked at me.
“It’s Eun-ah’s team.
Eun-ah, are you feeling better?”
“Yes, thanks to you.”
When I spoke in a calm tone, Sena nodded, seemingly pleased.
“Good, good.
Make sure to take your medicine.”
Sena continued, looking at Ret beside her.
Observing Ret, Sena slowly began to speak.
“Ret, please take good care of Eun-ah.”
“Leave it to me!”
At Ret’s words, Sena smiled, clearly pleased.
*Snap*—Sena touched the military cap on her head, gazing at me and Ret.
“Well, since Eun-ah doesn’t have a gun yet, Ret, could you help her get one?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
A gun suited for me.
I nodded at her words.
Ret, answering decisively, immediately took my hand and led me to the area where firearms could be selected.
Right next to the training ground, we stopped in a supplementary space.
“This is where the training facility’s spare firearms are kept…”
I nodded at his words.
Ret picked up various firearms, showing me different ones.
Indeed, a glance revealed many types of firearms, along with swords and grenades.
Many things that would be difficult to see all at once were fully stocked.
Ret stood before the firearms, then looked at me and spoke.
“Well, what do you think?
Is there a gun that catches your eye?”
I stared blankly at the array of firearms.
I had heard that unawakened individuals and Homunculi primarily used firearms, but to see so many was surprising.
I pondered, examining the guns.
None of them particularly appealed to me.
Assault rifles, pistols, sniper rifles, submachine guns—there were many types, but choosing one that suited me was difficult.
“How about this one?”
Noticing my hesitation, Ret showed me a small pistol.
“It’s weak, but easier to hit targets with than other guns, and it’s very capable in evasion.”
A pistol, not a bad choice.
For such a frail body, a pistol might be ideal, but it didn’t stir my heart.
I picked up the pistol, but felt no thrilling sensation.
Ret observed my reaction, then introduced another gun.
“The most common choice would be an AR type.
It offers decent firepower and accuracy.
Even a woman could use it with a little training.”
I took the gun Ret offered.
It wasn’t bad.
It felt just right in my hands.
While the pistol felt disappointingly inadequate, the assault rifle gave me a sense of reassurance.
“Then I’ll take the AR.”
Ret nodded at my decision.
“First, could you submit your student ID?”
At Ret’s request, I handed over my student ID.
As soon as he received the prepared ID, Ret began to recite the standard disclaimer.
“Please be aware that using firearms outside of permitted areas on campus will result in demerit points, and injuring a student or staff member may lead to an academy trial.”
I nodded, as everyone was aware of these facts.
“Here you go.
I’ll also give you some extra magazines.”
“Thank you.”
I bowed my head in response.
To be equipped with a gun and magazines—I felt a strange sense of security.
FAMAS.
A rapid-fire assault rifle.
With my student ID and assault rifle in hand, I stepped aside.
“Alright.
Shall we begin training?”
I nodded at his words.
Holding the gun I had been issued, I returned to the training ground.
Students were already paired up and practicing.
We walked directly towards Sena.
Sena, who had been sitting in a chair managing the students, smiled happily and spoke when she saw us approach.
“We’re here.”
“Good.
Did you get your gun ready?”
I nodded at her words, showing her the gun.
A pink AR-type firearm.
Sena looked at Ret, speaking with a satisfied expression.
“Alright.
Then go ahead and start your shooting practice.”
At Sena’s words, Ret, who was beside her, glanced at me, then spoke.
“Then let’s start our shooting practice too.”
I nodded at Ret’s words.
This was just the beginning.
Academy life was only just starting.
I began to walk, following Ret.
The shooting range comprised several buildings, each with a different purpose, such as mock combat, shooting practice, and grenade training, mostly designed for Homunculi’s firearms training.
“Here it is, right here.”
Ret, who was ahead, opened the door to a building next to the shooting range and went inside.
As soon as we entered, Homunculi were already practicing their shooting.
Everyone was diligent.
Moreover, to shoot with such unwavering expressions!
Ret immediately walked to spots 7 and 8 and stood there.
“This way, Eun-ah.”
Standing at spot 7, I gazed forward.
There was a target in front of me.
‘So I just have to shoot here?’
“Now, take your shooting stance.”
At his words, I hesitated, then tried to adopt the stance.
It was strange.
My body seemed to move on its own.
I immediately executed a perfect stance.
‘Had I ever learned a shooting stance?’
Ha Eun-ah.
Perhaps she knew.
‘This wasn’t something I knew.’
“Oh, your posture is good.
Have you ever shot before?”
“Ah, n-no, never.”
Ret seemed to ponder for a moment, then spoke.
“Well, as long as you can shoot well, that’s all that matters, right?”
Ret stood beside me, arms crossed, gazing forward.
‘Even if I’d never done it before, this was a practiced shooting stance.’
I found it hard to believe, but I had to do it.
‘So, I just shoot now?’
I flinched at Ret’s words.
“So, I just shoot?”
Ret nodded at my question.
‘Just shoot indiscriminately?’
I began to fire the gun.
*Tat-tat-tat*—the bullets began to hit the target.
“Good, just keep doing that.”
At his words, perhaps gaining confidence, I focused on the target and continued to shoot.
It wasn’t bad.
*Click*—The bullets had all run out, and the gun wouldn’t fire anymore.
As I lowered the gun, Ret nodded, looking satisfied.
I naturally reloaded the ammunition and inspected the gun.
Strangely, my body felt like it was moving automatically, subtly.
It seemed Ha Eun-ah knew everything.
My body naturally followed Ha Eun-ah’s lead.
To be able to handle a firearm so naturally—wasn’t that amazing?
She was clearly an unawakened woman who handled guns.
From the beginning to the end of the story, Ha Eun-ah fought alone with a gun.
That meant I possessed that much expertise.
“Now it’s my turn.
Won’t you watch what I do?”
At Ret’s words, I nodded and walked to his spot, number 8.
He gripped the gun and took his stance.
With a confident posture, he began to shoot.
Ret immediately fired at the target, and before long, the target was pushed back by his bullets.
*Ting*—the target made a sound.
*Click*—all the bullets ran out, and Ret stopped shooting with a confident expression.
“Haha!
It always feels good after a round of shooting!”
Ret chuckled, then spoke.
As expected of a being made for combat, he seemed to enjoy shooting.
“Ret.
Aren’t you a bit too excited?”
I looked towards the source of the voice and saw a woman dressed in a maid’s outfit standing there.
It was the maid who had been standing next to the student council president at that time.
A pistol was in her hand.
Her dark crimson hair cascaded down to her waist.
The maid slowly walked forward.
Ret flinched at her words.
“E-Emily.”
The woman, called Emily, slowly stood before Ret.
Her ample chest and curvaceous figure were certainly different from mine.
Even in that maid’s uniform, her figure was evident.
“You were taught that controlling your emotions is important when shooting, weren’t you?”
Emily said, approaching Ret.
At her audacious demeanor, Ret seemed to blush.
‘Was he feeling feverish?’
Ret flinched, pushing Emily away slightly.
“That’s right, um… I should.”
Ret cleared his throat and continued speaking.
Emily smiled, watching Ret.
She seemed to enjoy teasing him.
“Be careful next time.”
Emily told Ret, then looked at me.
Seeing me, Emily seemed to recall something and continued.
“Ah, it seems Miss Eun-ah is also taking this class.”
Emily smiled, looking at me.
She must have recognized me, as she approached my side.
“You know me?”
“Of course.
You’re Miss Seol’s friend, aren’t you?”
I nodded at Emily’s words.
Indeed, it seemed she had paid close attention to me when I was with Seol-hwa.
“Miss Seol-hwa seems to be very fond of you, Miss Eun-ah.”
Seol-hwa was fond of me?
I only remembered following Seol into the student council meeting last time and then escaping the chaotic student council, nothing else.
“Me?”
When I tilted my head and asked, Emily smiled and continued.
“Yes.
Perhaps it’s because you’re both unawakened students, so she feels a connection.”
Emily’s words made sense.
The number of unawakened students within the academy was small.
Unawakened individuals, being a minority, needed to interact with each other.
There was a difficult-to-express wall between the Awakened and the unawakened, after all.
For Seol-hwa, an unawakened, to become the student council president was akin to catching a star from the sky.
However, Seol-hwa possessed overwhelming combat skills and academic grades.
Moreover, in every mock battle, she displayed overwhelming prowess, allowing her to confidently sit in the position of student council president.
One could say it was possible because Seol-hwa was a mastermind, but for me, it was unimaginable.
“Furthermore, since you’re close with her younger sister, Miss Seol, it seems she feels even more affection for you.”
I nodded at Emily’s words.
‘Does she feel affection for me because I’m Seol’s friend?’
I had thought the relationship between Seol-hwa and Seol, the two sisters, wouldn’t be good, but it seemed Seol-hwa still cared for Seol.
“Oh, and by the way, our mistress would like to treat you to a meal sometime, so please let us know if you have time.”
“Pardon?”
Her words caught me off guard.
“D-does that mean she wants to have dinner alone with me…?”
“That’s right.
She seems to want to talk about Seol.”
Emily’s words left me flustered.
Dinner alone?
If I did that, I might just suffocate.
Dinner alone with a woman like her.
There was no way I could endure it.
I twitched an eyebrow and spoke to Emily.
“Yes, well, perhaps dinner sometime…”
It was just an empty promise, but I had said it.
At my words, Emily gave a bright smile and clasped her hands together.
“Then I will be sure to tell our mistress.”
It seemed empty promises weren’t something she understood.
I sighed, dropping my head in resignation.
Emily sharply glanced at Ret beside her, then smiled.
“Then I’ll return to my post.”
Emily immediately turned and went back to her place.
It seemed she only hid that personality in front of Seol-hwa.
I looked to my side, and Ret was frozen.
He seemed completely stiffened by Emily’s appearance.
It was clear Ret liked Emily.
‘My intuition couldn’t be wrong, could it?’
“Ret, do you like Emily?”
Ret was flustered by my question.
His face was completely rigid.
“W-what are you talking about?”
‘There’s no point in trying to hide it; it’s obvious.’
Just then, Sena entered.
“Alright, as it’s the first day of class, we’ll end here.
Thank you all for your hard work.”
Sena said, looking at everyone.
The Homunculi put down their firearms.
‘So today’s practical class was over?’
“Eun-ah, I’ll return your gun, so don’t worry.”
Ret said, then hastily picked up my gun and his own.
*Thump-thump*—Ret rushed out, making a noise.
That Ret.
Running away to avoid answering—hardly manly.
I left the shooting range with a wry expression.
****
Today’s practical class ended quickly.
I stretched, walking down the corridor.
To suddenly have two free hours.
I had thought four hours of practical training would be demanding, but it seemed Sena hadn’t intended to use up all the class time.
Which was good for me.
‘There’s still time before the next class starts; should I go back to the dorm and rest?’
Just as I was thinking, a strange feeling came over me.
A sense of emptiness, as if something was missing.
I opened my phone to check my schedule.
‘There shouldn’t be anything on the schedule yet…’
No.
There definitely was a schedule.
Not my schedule, but In-ju’s schedule.
[ In-ju ♥ Awakened Class ]
His schedule was tightly packed on my phone.
This was why I had that strange feeling.
‘Go meet In-ju, who is taking an Awakened training class.’
Ha Eun-ah’s voice inside me spoke again.
I wanted to meet In-ju.
I turned my head and looked at the central clock in the main building; it was still before lunch.
That meant if I went to the Awakened training ground, I could have lunch with him.
“Good.
Let’s go find In-ju.”
I slowly began to walk.
To meet In-ju, no.
To have a delicious lunch with him…
