The Last Athletic Competition (4)

The following day, the competition for the Crowns began in earnest. The finals of the rookie matches and the Two Crowns would be the following day, but the Knight and Magician battles would end that day. Kang Shin-hyuk had won all his matches in the morning and advanced to the final round safely. Bridget was, somehow, next to him.

“You, why are you here?”

“I came to go on a date with Eun-hyuk.”

Kang Shin-hyuk looked around, but no one was listening to their conversation. She was the fourth in the world, so she chose a time no one could listen to them, but… Kang Shin-hyuk turned on his improved sound collector (it had reached the realm of being miniaturized, so it was on his school uniform’s pocket) to prevent any unforeseen events.

“Say that one more time.”

“Sorry.”

Bridget quietly apologized as she wilted under his cold gaze. Of course, that attitude didn’t last long. He crossed his arms and stared her down.

“Angry? I’ll give you a kiss, so don’t be mad, yes?”

“Ha…”

Kang Shin-hyuk unfolded his arms and sighed.

“It’s not that, just don’t call out my name. I’m already getting a lot of attention for being close to Claire, but if they knew you’re close to me, people wouldn’t doubt it.”

“No, you can say that you are a target for recruitment by Masked Bacchus.”

“Huh?”

That sounded good, actually. Given how many guilds were interested in him, it wouldn’t be unusual for a group of young superhumans like Masked Bacchus to approach him. He was also sponsored by Claire, so it made perfect sense.

“So, pretending to be joining, like that…”

“But don’t do anything unreasonable.”

“No, I just gave that to you, but I can’t take anything? Why?”

“You’re always overconfident.”

Kang Shin-hyuk laughed and entered the gym. Fortunately, because a game was going on, not too many eyes were focused on the pair. Bridget quickly caught up with a pout and pretended to cry.

“It’s so chilly, it’s sad. I will cry in your arms this evening.”

“It’s good if lightning won’t hit you.”

“Yes, I know too well…”

Bridget made a spiteful expression despite saying that.

“Because it’s just us two, let’s speak openly, okay?”

Kang Shin-hyuk sat down while ignoring her, but she continued steadfastly.

“Have you noticed your mood has changed these days? Until a while ago, there were many times when the atmosphere was depressing…of, was that my taste too? Rather, seeming lonely like you would want to hug me tightly…”

He continued to ignore her as he watched the match. Baek was down below, without any weapons. Nowadays, he mainly used the gun that Kang Shin-hyuk had made, so it would be difficult to see his ability at this stage.

“These days, the atmosphere has changed completely, it’s definitely the same expressionlessness, but my cheeks are red. Is this love?”

Kang Shin-hyuk focused on Baek’s opponent, who he knew wouldn’t be a difficult match. Suddenly, Bridget pressed her face close to Kang Shin-hyuk.

“Did you do it with your noona?”

“I didn’t do it, crazy.”

He couldn’t handle it and ended up responding loudly. She nodded, looking satisfied with that response.

“Then, it’s a triangle.”

“Ha…”

He was afraid to deny it, but he was convinced that it would make things more annoying. He finally shook his head.

“If you know, get to know someone other than Eunah.”

“Ah.”

Bridget clapped with admiration at his response. Having quickly won his match, Baek waved his hand at the applause he thought was for him. If Oh Hye-na had been here, she would’ve glared daggers at Bridget, but fortunately, she was in a preliminary match for the rookie games.

“I didn’t know that Mr. Puppeteer would tell me that. Eunah was burdened, and I thought you would tell me to flirt with her.”

“What nonsense that is.”

“But didn’t you feel like that until some time ago?”

“No, that’s…”

It was completely undeniable. He thought it would be nice if Shin Eunah could have a deep relationship with someone other than him or Claire. Bridget laughed at the now silent Kang Shin-hyuk.

“You’re trying to walk the path of Sura.”

“Where did you learn that? Stop looking at Japanese animation.”

“No, I saw it in the Korean community… Oh, no.”

He flicked her forehead with a sigh.

“I’m at fault for Eunah doing that. I just want to take responsibility.”

“Love?”

“I hate love too. There is, but I’m not sure it’s that kind of love.”

However, it was certain that Shin Eunah was an irreplaceable existence to him. The memories and emotions of Anvil were mixed with his own, so it was difficult to grasp the exact emotions he had towards her. It could be said that Kang Shin-hyuk had a deep love for Shin Eunah, however. And Claire, who he loved most, was the most active in this… He decided to give up and accept reality.

‘Well, Eunah’s family relationship was fatally bad… Here, if Claire leaves Eunah to form a family alone, she may once again feel abandoned. That’s… Yes, definitely not good. It’s the worst for Eunah. I should’ve thought about it.’

Of course, he couldn’t tell Bridget about his past life or of Shin Eunah’s family matters, so he just pretended that their relationship, and hers with Claire, was deeper than others thought.

“That’s weird.”

But Bridget didn’t move easily; it even felt a little obsessive. Maybe she truly did love Shin Eunah.

“Mr. Puppeteer, the first time you met either of them was last year, right? How did you develop such a deep relationship with them? I’ve thought about it, but I don’t understand it.”

“Don’t try to understand.”

“Wow… But I like it.”

“Please just hate me.”

“No, I like you more and more.”

Bridget laughed playfully.

“So you can’t put me there too? Huh?”

“Yes, no.”

“Isn’t it because of Eunah noona? The Puppeteer is also very good, and Claire noona… Actually, she’s not my type, but when I’m with you, I think she’s attractive enough.”

“Don’t say that.”

He felt it before, but Bridget was a genius at absorbing Korea’s bad culture. He sighed and pushed her away.

“Sometimes you’re annoying, but I think you’re a good friend. Of course, that’s it.”

“No, think about it.”

She spoke seriously.

“At first, you hated me, right? But now, hasn’t it developed this far? Then, depending on what I do in the future, wouldn’t it be possible for it to develop more?”

“I’m certain that it will never happen.”

“Ah, isn’t there a saying about leaving all possibilities open? Wow~”

“Don’t sing.”

But, to his fear, she was skilled at melting down his defenses. In fact, Kang Shin-hyuk, as well as Claire and Shin Eunah, were weak against this type. It was then…

“Come on, noona!”

“Oh, In-ha!”

Baek In-ha quickly came up into the audience, perhaps having some free time after the match. Kang Shin-hyuk’s eyes narrowed as he watched the two high five like they were the best of friends. He had many questions, but…

“You, Baek, are acting easily.”

“Without Eleanor noona, there’s no one to watch out for. Bridget noona, are you here to see me?”

“Yes? No way, I didn’t know you were playing today. I’m here to pick up the Death Puppeteer.”

In many ways, he was fortunate that the sound collector was working properly.

“You’re so honest, but that’s attractive!”

“Of course, ahahaha!”

The two laughed as Kang Shin-hyuk turned his gaze back to the stadium. It was time for Eleanor’s match to start.

“Baek, can’t you just watch the game?”

“No, I have a beauty right before me, so why should I look away?”

“Yes, then maybe.”

Maybe even Baek was nervous? He knew how strong Eleanor was, after all. He was sticking to Bridget now as a way to relieve his tension.

‘Ah, she’s coming out. Can she see me? She can.’

Eleanor smiled shyly and waved at Kang Shin-hyuk as she entered the stadium. He was a bit shaken as he waved in response. It was just a friendly greeting, but others around the stadium were paying them a bit too much attention. He regretted that Shinyoung was like this. Next to him, Bridget pouted.

“In other words, if you do a 4P, it’s not with me, but her…? I’m disappointed, Mr. Puppeteer.”

“Do you really know why you’re so bad?”

“Huh? 4P? What are you talking about…?!”

“Don’t pretend to realize anything and lose quickly.”

Kang Shin-hyuk pushed Baek into a seat.

In the finals, which took place two hours later, Baek In-ha and Eleanor fought fiercely, but Baek was unfortunately defeated as his speed was not enough to penetrate Eleanor’s defense.

“Oh, carry this.”

Baek came back with a smile. Though his attitude was the same as usual, telling what he was thinking was impossible. Kang Shin-hyuk tapped his friend’s shoulder.

“It’s okay; Eli will be gone next year.”

“Shinyuk, can I hit you really hard?”

“No, no. I have to meet Claire again today.”

“I want to hit you more after I heard that, really…”

The championship of their class and the Knights had been safely confirmed. He was sorry for Baek, but from the perspective of the Wyvern Knights, it was good their captain had won. Now, the only big events left were the Two Crowns and the rookie matches.

Or so Kang Shin-hyuk had thought.