Entrance ceremony.
A simple event to see the faces of your competitors in person and ignite your motivation for academic achievement.
On the platform, the principal with her bright yellow hair was droning on with a solemn expression.
"New cadets who have become part of El Academy's family, on behalf of the academy staff, I sincerely congratulate and welcome you all. At El Academy..."
Her name was Angelica, right? The principal and proxy for the World Tree. Summarizing her speech, it was roughly like this.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙[Welcome to the academy, congrats! Huh?] [You know how much we're doing for you, right? If not, learn it now.] [All the benefits you get are thanks to the World Tree, so behave!]
Angelica was explaining all this in great detail, stretching it out endlessly.
Of course it was boring.
I stifled a yawn, pushing past the emotionless translator voice droning in my ear.
'Time to water Shiba.'
Another yawn while lost in trivial thoughts.
Glancing around from inside my mask, just moving my eyes, every cadet staring at the principal had sparkling eyes.
I cross-checked their faces one by one against the data Lee Se-young had given me.
'They said they run the Elite Class.'
Elite among elites, El Academy's Elite Class.
Since I'd have to reach that place someday, it was good to gather info on them in advance.
The reason for this thinking was simple.
What role would the system, forcing my value as the World Tree's "husband," impose on me here at the academy?
Obviously, to be number one among the cadets.
Having realized the Tree Encyclopedia's rewards helped my growth, I had to keep the World Tree pleased until I collected them all.
Right on cue, it was time for the new cadets' pledge.
I opened my eyes wide and took in the scene unfolding before me.
"Korean new cadet representatives. Jeong Si-woo, San Su-yu."
As the principal's words fell—
From the front row, split by gender on either side of the center aisle, two figures holding the national flag stood up.
A cape embroidered with a red tree crest fluttered in sync with their steps.
Jeong Si-woo.
The current top cadet advanced boldly.
San Su-yu.
The current second-top displayed her dignified poise.
They were Korea's greatest prospects, bearing the nation's highest expectations: the Korean new cadet representatives, and El Academy's top two seats.
'Who would've thought one of the people I faced was the top cadet.'
They finished their short pledge and took positions on either side of the principal.
At the same time, the principal spoke again.
"Promising Scholars. All step forward."
Scholar was the academy's term for top academic performers.
As the announcement ended, dozens of cadets from the front row ascended the platform.
Cadets from various countries, each holding their national flags.
Majestic background music swelled as massive fireworks burst on both sides.
The Scholars chatted among themselves in front of the platform.
Azalea was naturally among them.
At least everyone I'd met belonged to this promising group.
"Is that the Elite Class group? Right?"
"Yeah, they get called after regular classes for training until dinner."
"Wow, insane. I want in too."
The eyes of the watching cadets brimmed with envy and pure admiration, wishing to be like them.
I observed the reactions around me, then closed my eyes.
Either way, they were all mountains I had to climb.
The real start began.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The entrance ceremony ended, and I entered the first assigned class.
I sat in the far corner by the left window and waited. Soon, cadets from Korean Class 1 started filing in one by one.
Among them were plenty of familiar faces.
Jeong Si-woo, San Su-yu, Azalea, and so on.
The Elite Class had special evening sessions like classes, so morning homeroom and lessons were here together.
The original plan was a separate class for elites only, but it changed midway due to language issues or something.
Morning classes focused on subjects like English or math, while afternoons were elective lectures.
This was where it felt like a mix of high school and college.
'They have festivals and stuff like MT too.'
Lost in thought, I suddenly felt a presence from behind.
Tap tap. A poke on my shoulder. I whipped around to see a slender finger prodding my cheek.
"Hee hee hee."
Playfully upturned eyes. Large black eyes stared at me.
"You're in Class 1 too?"
"What era's prank is that?"
"This? I heard it's the trendy greeting lately. Didn't you know?"
Bead. Unlike yesterday, she wore a pure white hood, looking like a Maltese.
She dragged a chair to sit beside me and stretched languidly.
"Ahhh! Good thing you're here. I was worried about not knowing anyone in class."
Bead grinned as she said that.
I'd felt it at our first meeting, but her sudden closeness felt awkward to me.
Truthfully, acting this casually with someone you just met yesterday isn't that easy.
"Oh right, hey, want some flower pastries? I brought them from home."
Look at her, offering snacks without hesitation.
I took one of moderate size and popped it in my mouth. Sweet red bean flavor enveloped my tongue.
Savoring the lingering subtle sweetness, Bead prompted me for my thoughts.
"Our house's flower pastries are delicious, right?"
"Huh?"
"Say it's delicious quick."
"It's not."
"Gasp, guess I won't share anymore."
As we bantered, the classroom door opened with the teacher entering.
"Attention!"
A clear yet solid female voice filled the room.
The rowdy class atmosphere quieted instantly.
"I'm Lee Se-young, in charge of Korean Class 1. Originally, Teacher Jin Seong-hoon would have, but due to circumstances, I'll be with you all this year."
She delivered her intent precisely in a voice that drew in the audience, scanning the room from the lectern.
"Today's class will be recreation. Prepare one-line self-introductions now."
Each word bold and confident, she slowly climbed the stairs.
The clicking of her heels echoed through the classroom.
"You'll be together for four years, so get along with everyone. Fights or bullying will be strictly punished. As my cadets, you won't harbor human hatred, right?"
Se-young's gaze flicked toward me for a moment.
She continued up the stairs.
"El Academy ignores status differences inside. Remember that. And—"
Her movement stopped beside me.
Then, in a very quiet voice, she murmured to me.
"You, come to my office a bit later."
Unable to gauge her intent, I could only sit there blankly, face stiffening.
Watching this, Bead leaned in, hand to her mouth, whispering.
"Hey, what did the teacher just say?"
"Dunno."
"What do you mean?"
She must have used magic briefly, as even Bead right beside me hadn't heard.
I ignored Bead's fussing and waited for break time to head to Se-young's office.
Click.
Opening the door filled my nostrils with a fragrant floral scent.
"You're a second-year teacher, so what's up?"
"Sit and talk. Lots to say."
No need for pretense between us, so I plopped down and took a sip of tea.
Slurp.
"Oh."
A tasty exclamation slipped out unwittingly, making Se-young chuckle.
"Delicious, right? That's how you brew tea, idiot."
"Guess our home tea was that bad? Even preparing snacks."
"Well, that too, but honestly, that Tree Pill you gave last time benefited me a lot."
So the Tree Pill was that valuable.
Munching a cookie, I decided to use bigger trades next time.
"So why'd you call me this time? Want another round?"
"...Are you insane?"
Her glaring eyes flashed with anticipation for a split second—was that my imagination?
She took a sip of tea and continued calmly.
"What I want to say is... ah, just advice, so listen up. Don't approach Wood People carelessly."
"Pardon?"
"Wood People are steeped in chosen-people ideology to the bone. You gain nothing from it. If something happens because you approached? It'll be your fault."
"But you saying that as a Wood Person... hmm."
I roughly set down my cookie and stroked my chin.
Her words, from someone living in this world, must be right.
Then the Puppy Tree... no, Bead too?
'Not sure about her.'
We'd only met two days ago, and though a Wood Person, her family didn't seem prominent.
Rather than pickled in elitism, she seemed like a pure flower grown in a greenhouse.
Should I keep distance? Unsure.
"Hey, rapist."
Seeing my pondering face, Se-young spoke as if granting a favor.
"Just don't do to them what you did to me. Why overthink it?"
"Then friends are fine, right?"
"Obviously, but who'd be friends with you? An ugly rapist."
She leaned in slightly and flicked my forehead with a boing. I could only stare at her stunned, laughing face.
Snapping to, I protested.
"No, but you keep framing me as a rapist. Strictly speaking, it was mutual fault, you know?"
"Shut it, rapist. You're a rapist. Got it?"
Se-young leaned back, reached out, and poked my chest firmly like stamping a seal.
Her crescent eyes and upturned lips looked utterly seductive.
Bzzz!
Suddenly, my pocket smartphone vibrated.
Se-young's eyes arched, giving me a curious look.
To me, it seemed like asking if I could ignore the call.
I decided to wrap up and stand.
"Anyway, I'll keep today's advice in mind."
"You better."
Oh, one thing before leaving.
"But why're you being so nice?"
Hearing my question, Se-young unhesitatingly brought her teacup to her lips and answered nonchalantly.
"What's it to you if I look after my student?"
If only I'd put salve on my lips.
"Yes, I'll go."
"Go careful. Prepare your intro well."
Thud.
I closed the door and leaned against it, pulling out my phone from my pocket.
A welcome message for participating cadets and some notices. Before I could finish scrolling, the system reacted.
Ding!
This sound meant almost certainly a World Tree-related system alert.
What now?
With my mind prepared, I was ready for anything.
Honestly, since the World Tree years dumped kids on me, I'd reached enlightenment.
The info window was simple.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙[A new Sacred Tree has been added to the Favorability Menu.]
Favorability Menu.
The favorability system provided by the World Tree Auction, my shop.
Checking it immediately, alongside the lone World Tree of Purity, an unexpected name appeared.
⚔ STATUS ⚔
[ World Tree Auction ] - [ Favorability Menu ]
▶ World Tree of Purity: ♥♥♥♥♥ (100/100)▶ Lee Se-young: ♥♥♥♡♡ (64/100) - [Info Check]▶ None※ More connections with Sacred Trees needed. Registration from 50+. ⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙[640p deposited for new Sacred Tree connection.]
"...Why is this woman here?"
Even as a Wood Person, Lee Se-young was undoubtedly a full-fledged Sacred Tree.
But why was her favorability so high? There'd been no real bonding moments between us to raise it.
Naturally, my finger went to [Info Check].
⚔ STATUS ⚔Name/Gender: Lee Se-young (F)Age/Height: 26, 170cmSex Fantasy: Rape.Romance Fantasy: Holding hands at the movies, natural skinship, kissing.
A flood of info popped up on my smartphone.
I rubbed my eyes and checked again.
Sex Fantasy: Rape.
All her actions toward me overlapped in my mind.
Eek. I recoiled in shock.
"The plausibility is insane."
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