I Became the Must-Have Character of the Academy City-Chapter 85: The Taste of Photos

[The Shop List Has Been Updated]

Finally, the one thing everyone else had but I didn’t.

The thing I had no idea how to obtain, since there was no slot to shove cash or special currency into.

< Shop ─ Lv.2 >

◇ Exclusive Weapon – 30,000P (One-time purchase)

◇ Unique Skill Level-Up – 20,000P (One-time purchase)

◇ Lowest Grade Health/Mana Potion – 100P

◇ Restaurant Reservation Ticket – 50P

◇ Concentration-Enhancing Incense – 50P

···

◇ Samwha Kingdom Wagashi Set – 10P

◇ Rainbow Macaron Set – 8P

◇ Chicken/Pizza – 8P

◇ Large-Sized Combat Rations – 5P

···

[Remaining Points – 16,098P]

‘...Exclusive weapon!’

Finally, the long-awaited item appeared.

I could almost see the shop screen glistening.

‘This update is packed! It’s not just one thing, either.’

An exclusive weapon alone was enough to make my head spin, but now there was also a unique skill level-up option.

Sure, the price had ballooned compared to the first level-up, but this was more than worth it.

"What are you zoning out for? Class is about to start."

Noa prodded my arm with her tail as she walked past.

Snapping back to reality, I followed her into the classroom, trying to process everything.

‘Points...’

After completing the quest related to Sion, I had racked up quite a stash. Just a little more, and I’d have enough.

Choosing between an exclusive weapon and a skill level-up was tough. Both had their own advantages. But at least the goal wasn’t too far off.

Since shop points could be earned through future quests, there was no rush.

Besides, the practical exam was set on an island swarming with monsters—a literal goldmine for me.

‘If things go the same as before, there’ll be quests during the exam, too.’

The written exam was a chance to restore my tarnished reputation, while the practical exam was an opportunity to rack up both grades and points.

I was mapping out my strategy when—

"Young man... Do you have worries? Worry more. Deep contemplation is the essence of human excellence."

"Ah, this crazy bastard."

Gilbert’s ominous voice shattered my thoughts.

I leaned away instinctively, while he clasped his arms together with a solemn expression.

"Rohan. What do you think about the changes to the practical exam?"

"Haven't really thought about it."

"So you’ll just go along with fate? Such a bold and refreshing answer."

"This bastard is at it again..."

I sighed as Gilbert adopted a majestic pose, crossing his massive arms over his chest. His uniform strained under the pressure, groaning as if about to burst.

"It's a tragic disaster, but we first-years are actually lucky to be able to prepare for it in advance."

"Yeah, yeah. Just don’t go eating weird shit on the island."

Given his track record, I had to warn him.

Hearing our exchange, Dick Wikitree, who was organizing his notes, joined in.

"Even if the instructors save us from the monsters, they can’t stop a dumbass from stuffing poison in his mouth."

"Well, the academy wouldn’t send us in alone, right? They always emphasize teamwork, and the best way to manage students is to form groups of at least two."

That was my best guess.

Upon hearing that, Gilbert turned to Dick with an unsettling smirk.

"Oh, my dear bespectacled perch. If we are paired, I shall train your feeble stomach with stone stew and mud cookies!"

"If my choices are solo survival or being on a team with a caveman, I’d rather be alone."

Dick pushed up his glasses with only his middle finger, looking absolutely done with Gilbert.

Watching them bicker, I could only hope they’d actually get paired together.

‘I just need someone sane on my team.’

In Abyss City, you could choose your party members. Here? Total random chance.

Which meant... my fate was in the hands of pure, dumb luck.

For the first time in a while, I found myself silently praying to whatever god was listening.

****

“...”

Seated in the sky train, Sion clutched her bag tightly as the car jolted.

People passing by shot curious glances her way, but she didn’t mind. It was fine.

She was happy enough to have secured a seat alone.

‘Hopefully, I can sit alone on the way back, too.’

Thinking that, she turned her gaze to the window. It was flying lower than the clouds but far from the land.

She could see the ocean and occasional mysterious structures scattered here and there.

There were so many fascinating things she had never seen before—but with no one to share the experience with, she simply observed in silence.

‘Eleven hours of this, huh.’

Sitting still would make the wait feel even longer.

To make use of the time, Sion turned on her smartphone to review Tigrova’s geography and brush up on etiquette.

Just as she was absorbed in reading, a message from Clara popped up in their group chat.

[Clara: Unnie, are you traveling safely? I just got on the bus! (づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ]

“Hmph...”

A soft smile naturally bloomed on Sion’s lips.

She wondered how Clara had managed to arrange an emoticon like that.

Sion fiddled with the keyboard for a moment, then gave up and decided to just send a photo of the view instead.

Click!

After sending the awkwardly taken picture, Clara’s cheerful response arrived.

[Clara: I’m a little scared of the cold... but I hope we can go together someday... ( ⸝⸝˘𖥦˘⸝⸝)]

Sion felt the same.

As they continued chatting—leaving out Rohan, who was stuck in class—

[Rohan: I have survived the raging storm of theoretical torture.]

[Rohan: (Photo)]

"...!"

A new photo from Rohan.

Maybe he had just finished a lecture and sent it to show where he was.

Of course, the background was a classroom—but Sion’s focus wasn’t there.

‘His face isn’t showing properly...’

She wished she could see his face more clearly rather than the surroundings.

While she was chewing over that thought—

BZZZT! BZZZT!

Her smartphone started ringing.

[Rohan: Incoming Call]

“!”

Sion startled, instinctively looking around as if someone had caught her.

After making sure no one was watching, she moved to the aisle before answering.

She even cleared her throat with a small cough before pressing the call button.

She had spoken to Rohan on the phone before, yet strangely, her heart pounded.

“...I picked up.”

— Were you sleeping? I didn’t wake you, did I?

“Not at all. I just took a moment to step outside the cabin.”

— Ah, that must’ve been a hassle. I should’ve just messaged instead.

“It’s fine. I still find phone calls easier than messaging.”

There was nothing urgent about this call.

Rohan had simply called to check in—asking if she was doing okay, if her body was holding up well.

— If you get hungry, make sure you eat properly. Don’t try to save money by picking the cheapest stuff.

“...”

He had completely read her mind—yet instead of feeling unnerved, she felt warm.

It made her realize just how well he understood her.

— Also, stick to the main roads as much as possible. Don’t rush by traveling late at night. If the sun sets, find a place to stay and sleep early.

"You’re treating me like a child.”

Sion chuckled, focusing on his voice.

It was funny how his fussing only made her feel good.

**— Ah, the instructor’s here. Anyway, call if there’s a problem. No—even if there isn’t a problem, just keep in touch.

“Mm... Got it.”

Call ended.

Looking at the screen, she saw—

[00:06:28]

[Call recording saved.]

Thanks to the settings Rohan and Clara had configured, the call had been automatically recorded.

What a wonderful feature.

‘If I listen to this ten times, that’s an hour.

If I listen to it a hundred times, I’ll reach Tigrova.’

With that thought, the long journey suddenly felt less lonely.

Meanwhile...

A certain girl on a bus was staring wide-eyed at her screen.

‘O-Oppa’s photo...?!’

She had always wanted one—and now, out of nowhere, she had been blessed with it.

Even though Rohan hadn’t meant to take a selfie, just the fact that he was in the picture made Clara love it.

Immediately, she saved the photo.

Then, moved it to a hidden folder.

Then, just in case—locked it behind a password.

“...”

Now that the necessary procedures were done—

It was time to appreciate it.

Leaning against the window, Clara gazed at Rohan’s picture in silence.

Then she remembered.

She had seen Sion do something earlier.

In Rohan’s dorm. On the bus.

‘...I’m jealous.’

Sion had done so much in such a short time.

Even if she hadn’t realized it, her instincts had driven her to act.

And Clara?

She always hesitated.

‘Maybe I should try it...’

Watching Sion be so bold and transparent with her desires...

It stirred something inside her.

It felt like she was losing out by holding back.

Of course, unlike Sion, she didn’t have Rohan’s clothes.

She only had his photo.

Still, she debated.

“...”

Clara scanned the bus.

Empty seats.

The driver’s seat was too far to see her.

She lowered herself slightly, making sure she was hidden.

Then—

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sticking out her tongue like a kitten—

She gently licked the screen.

“Haah...”

Of course, there was no taste.

But the sheer act felt immensely scandalous.