Chapter 13: Tutorial (13)

Moo-yeon’s training session ended at noon.

Ordinarily, learning a new sword technique would have meant dedicating the entire day to practice. However, given the circumstances, I needed to prepare in various ways.

“I’ll see you at the next checkpoint. I hope we both make it alive.”

I had promised to meet Moo-yeon at the next checkpoint.

Initially, I thought NPCs were bound to specific locations. Later, I learned that the Tower of Proof is divided into zones by floor, allowing NPCs to move within the zone their floor belongs to.

[TL Note: NPCs = Non-Playable Characters : In games or game-like stories, NPCs are characters not controlled by the player but by the game system. They usually offer quests, dialogue, or act as part of the environment.]

“Understood. I’ll see you then.”

“Go. I need to make my own preparations.”

After Moo-yeon dismissed me, I returned to my lodging to prepare. I needed to visit the market to restock supplies.

I needed to retrieve my repaired equipment, purchase food, herbs, and various tools. And if time allowed, a casual date wouldn’t be bad either.

Of course, Yoo Ha-na would probably be more interested in the food than me… I’d need to stay focused to avoid that.

“Oh, Oppa!”

A familiar voice called out to me in the marketplace as I was buying soap on my way back to the lodging.

The voice held 200% excitement. I knew who it was without even looking.

But, being the considerate gentleman I am, I endured the minor inconvenience of turning around, even though I already knew.

“Oh, Ha-na…?”

Good heavens…

Even Go Hyun-joon, a man notoriously clueless about women, could tell that Yoo Ha-na was dressed… aggressively.

A slightly loose white crop top and tight skinny jeans that accentuated her glamorous figure. It was a bit much. I didn’t know where to look.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Just buying soap for a bath.”

“Hmm… Now that you mention it, you do smell a little sweaty.”

“R-Really?”

That was definitely one of the top things you never want to hear a woman say to you. Of course, the usual tomboyish Yoo Ha-na wouldn’t even care. But, the ‘battle-ready’ heroine version of Yoo Ha-na was a different story.

“They say a sexy man even smells sexy… You’re right! Oppa, since we ran into each other, why don’t we just go on a date?”

Despite the sweat comment, Yoo Ha-na’s approach was relentless. She stealthily moved in, locking her arm around mine before I knew it.

“Uh… Uh…”

I felt lightheaded, almost dizzy. The aggressive fashion, her forward attitude, and the subtle scent of her perfume were overwhelming.

“But why are you out already? Our meeting wasn’t for another hour.”

“Gentle-Korean Time. It’s good manners these days. Anyway, it’s manners. So, let’s go! Date! Date! Date! Date!”

Gentle-Korean Time? Yoo Ha-na was using ridiculous excuses to turn this encounter into a date.

However, the more she insisted, the calmer I became. Regardless of her heroine status, I was feeling too grimy to go anywhere.

“Still, I need to wash up. Could you wait a little?”

“No. Can’t do it. Go back.”

Ha-na, Yoo Ha-na, I’ve prepared myself for a lot, but I’m not falling for your tantrums anymore.

With that resolve, I looked at her sternly. She finally relented.

“Fine… I’ll wait.”

“Good. I’ll be quick…”

“But I’m waiting in your room.”

In the end, I was the one surrendering.

“Oh… Oh my… Oppa, you’re looking extra sexy today.”

“I don’t see anything different.”

“Your hair is wet! Wow. Wet hair is totally sexy. Can’t you just keep your hair wet all the time?”

“…Do you want me to catch a cold? This kind of thing is sexier when it’s rare.”

“I guess you’re right. If you walked around in public looking like walking p*rnography, you’d be arrested for indecent exposure. So, from now on, only show me that look.”

After my bath, I met up with Yoo Ha-na, who was waiting for me. I had rushed a bit because of her constant urging while I bathed.

But, surprisingly, she was overly enthusiastic about my unkempt appearance. Honestly, I felt like my affection rating was going up just by breathing at this point. It was almost scary.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes! Where to first? Restaurant? Tea house? Or a stroll? Or maybe… Aha?”

“We’re going to the blacksmith. I need to pick up my repaired equipment.”

“Tch.”

Just how far had her imagination run wild? I was honestly curious, but I didn’t ask. The moment I showed interest, her simulation would surely become reality.

Don’t hurt her, don’t cross the line. That was my personal rule. She was still insecure and dependent on me. At least, I intended to stick to that rule until things changed.

“Blacksmith, are you there?”

“Ah, it’s you. Your equipment is fully repaired and ready for use.”

The blacksmith was our first stop. All equipment loses its sharpness and durability with use.

Of course, I could do some quick fixes to keep them functional, but it was better to have them properly repaired when I had the time.

Shing. I drew my sword from its scabbard. The worn blade now gleamed, as good as new.

“Hmm, it certainly is repaired. The edge is perfect, just like new.”

“You flatter me.”

While I was admiring my equipment, Yoo Ha-na was browsing the knives on display.

Uniformly sized throwing knives. She seemed particularly interested in a set of twenty knives with a harness.

“Mister, can I try this on?”

“Of course!”

Yoo Ha-na quickly put on the harness without assistance, as if she’d done it many times before.

“Oppa! How do I look?”

How did she look? Honestly, I didn’t know where to look. The harness itself wasn’t impractical.

Carrying twenty knives, along with a tomahawk and other gear, would significantly increase her combat capabilities.

However, the leather straps tightened around her curves, emphasizing her figure a bit too much. She would definitely attract attention dressed like that…

“I think you’ll need a jacket or a coat.”

Aside from the revealing aspect, openly displaying weapons could hinder both daily life and combat.

Knives were most effective when concealed. She’d need an outer garment to hide them.

“Really? Hmm… I guess I’ll be spending more than I thought.”

“I can buy you a jacket if you need.”

“No. I don’t want to trouble you with this.”

I was surprised she refused my offer. Then, she licked her lips.

“If I were to ask you for a favor, it would have to be for something much bigger.”

Her glistening eyes looked somewhat mischievous.

Yoo Ha-na ended up buying the knife and harness set. She also bought a leather jacket from a nearby armor shop. It was a big spending day for her.

But our shopping spree didn’t end there. We bought three days’ worth of rations, water, herbs, and bandages. We needed to be prepared for whatever awaited us on the second floor.

[Quest ending soon! Please hurry.]

[After the quest ends, climbers who have completed the quest will be forcibly transferred to the starting point.]

A sudden message from the quest window indicated that time had passed quickly. Others around us seemed to have received the same message, causing a slight stir in the marketplace.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t overly chaotic. But thinking about it, it made sense.

Those who hadn’t met the quest requirements wouldn’t be here. Everyone present had at least completed the quest, so they were relatively relaxed.

“Time flies, doesn’t it?”

“It does. We should head back and meet Lee Han-seong.”

“Aw… We didn’t get to have our date…”

Yoo Ha-na couldn’t hide her disappointment. Her expectations seemed to have been high, so her disappointment was equally significant.

To be honest, her aggressive approach had been a little overwhelming, but seeing her disappointment softened my heart.

“Follow me for a second.”

“Huh? Where?”

I took her hand and led her to a shop I had noticed earlier in the marketplace. It sold various handcrafted accessories.

“Oppa, why are we here?”

“I’m getting you a hair tie.”

If we couldn’t have a proper date, a small gift might ease her disappointment. Yoo Ha-na had long, straight hair, so hair management was a must.

“Hee, why?”

“You let your hair down during combat, which is a dangerous habit. But I realized you might not have a hair tie. It would be good to get a decent one.”

Long hair had its downsides. Combing, managing, even washing it took a long time. But in combat, it could be a fatal weakness.

Imagine getting your hair grabbed in a fight. You could get your neck snapped or your scalp ripped off. A hair tie was essential to prevent such situations.

“Alright, let’s see what kind of taste you have, Oppa.”

Seemingly pleased with my reasoning, Yoo Ha-na stepped back to observe my selection. Under her watchful eye, I chose a strap with delicate embroidery.

It was long enough to be used as a hair tie and could also be used for other purposes if needed.

“I’ll take this. How much?”

“Ah, this item is sold as a pair, not individually.”

A couple’s item…? I was about to put it back when Yoo Ha-na grabbed my wrist.

“Oppa, I like this one.”

“But, the others…”

“I. Like. This. One.”

For the second time today, I surrendered.