Chapter 43. Lucy Capture Route (6)

Chapter 43. Lucy Capture Route (6)

After Felix’s attack ended, I underwent a thorough examination.

They checked every inch of my body for abnormalities and told me to get plenty of rest, so I took it easy.

Lucy was lying in the bed next to me.

I wondered if it was okay for a male and female to share a hospital room, but since no one said anything, I figured it was fine.

‘Ah, now that I think about it, this is an eroge.’

This must be one of those settings.

With that thought, I fell asleep.

Mental exhaustion overwhelmed me, and my vision instantly blacked out.

*

I enjoyed a sweet day of rest.

“Do you know how long those old geezers made me talk? It was such a hassle.”

And now, I was chatting with Im Sol, who had come to visit me in the morning.

“You worked hard. Thanks, really.”

“Annoying. I don’t even have time for my magic research.”

Im Sol grumbled about the inconvenience I had caused her.

“Also, this incident is officially being recorded as you and Lucy taking down the demon together. Since a kidnapping happening within the academy is too serious, they want to spin it as you two uncovering a hidden demon.”

“…This place is incredible.”

Last time, they covered up the incident that happened in class, and now they were doing it again.

What kind of place is this?

Back then, at least I got closer to Im Sol because of the incident, but isn’t this game being way too realistic with its politics?

“…I’m sorry about last time. But at least this time, I pushed for you to get some kind of reward. They’ll tell you the details later. Just keep your mouth shut, and if anyone tries to pin it on you, I’ll take care of it.”

“Professor Im Sol… No, Im Sol noona…!”

Im Sol noona! Can I call you that from now on…?!

“Tsk. Don’t push your luck. I just felt bad, so don’t bother thanking me.”

Seeing someone who usually acted indifferent about anything other than magic awkwardly smiling was surprisingly charming.

“When I get discharged, I’ll bring you something interesting from my magic research.”

Her face was so pretty that I almost blurted out, ‘So, can I get an advance payment now?’ Fortunately, I held back.

“Sure. Oh, by the way, I did some research on the magic circle implementation method you showed me. There are still a lot of gaps, but…”

Im Sol got excited talking about magic and eventually left, still absorbed in her thoughts.

‘She’s cute too.’

Someone so detached from everything yet getting excited only about magic—it made her fun to mess with.

“Now what?”

Lucy was still out cold next to me.

Her physical condition was fine, but they did a thorough examination to check if she had been infected by demonic energy. The results would come in this afternoon.

Since I was also tested, I had no choice but to stay put until then.

I was considering checking out Everday when suddenly, numerous system windows appeared before me.

『Sexual interaction with a heroine has been detected. Rewards for the Heroine Capture System will be granted!』

『Heroine Status Window Upgrade!』

『A significant connection with a heroine has been established! A special quest has been added!』

“What the…”

These were the same notifications that had appeared when I had my first intimate contact with Lumi.

But since I had gone all the way this time, the messages were pouring in.

Seeing that the Heroine Status Window had been upgraded, I decided to test it on Lucy, who was lying beside me.

★ Heroine Status Window

[Lucy]

- [ Affection: 75 ]

- [ Lust: 47 ]

- [ Hunger: 60 ]

- [ Fatigue: 65 ]

Current Status: Zzz…

* From now on, heroine erogenous zones will be displayed during interactions.

“Oh?”

Two new features appeared, and their functions were automatically embedded in my mind.

The ‘Current Status’ function showed the heroine’s present condition.

It could reveal their inner thoughts or, like now, simply indicate that they were asleep.

‘Erogenous Zones’ was self-explanatory—it displayed the heroine’s sensitive spots.

“Not bad.”

It wasn’t bad at all. Just a useful feature.

There was still the ‘Special Quest’ left to check.

‘Special Quest’

----------------------

『Special Quest』

A chance for you, who has fired the first shot in heroine capture.

Deflower three heroines.

An unimaginable reward awaits…?

Time Limit: 10 days

Progress: Virgins 1/3

- Reward: One-time meeting with the God of Wagers. Massive reward (Secret!)

----------------------

“…?”

A completely unexpected quest appeared.

The God of Wagers was the one who brought me into this world.

If I could have an audience with him… I couldn’t let this opportunity slip by.

‘But a 10-day time limit?’

That’s tight. Felix’s attack happened on Wednesday. Today was Thursday, so I had until next weekend…?

I slowly thought through my schedule for next week.

Magic Analysis, Mage Specialization Class, Theory Classes. And… Dungeon Practical Training.

If the original story holds, the dungeon will go berserk due to a terrorist attack during the next session.

“If I target Baek A-Young then, I still need one more.”

No matter how I thought about it, Lumi was the only option.

Elise, Nam Daeun, and Moon Surin weren’t heroines I could just capture with effort.

Each had a major event tied to them that had to be resolved before winning them over.

Of course, I could probably seduce Moon Surin if I wanted, but making her dependent on me through the stalker incident would be far more efficient.

Lumi was the pure love route in the game.

She was a loner, so the route involved befriending her, enjoying school life with her and Lucy, and naturally progressing into romance…

No choice, then.

In the first place, I wasn’t in a situation where I could afford to take things slow.

No matter what, I had to take Lumi by the weekend…

Knock, knock.

“Yes, come in.”

A knock interrupted my thoughts.

“E-Excuse me…”

Speak of the devil. Lumi walked in through the door.

“Hoyeon! L-Lucy! Are you okay? I heard you were attacked by a demon!”

Lumi hesitantly stepped in, looking at my face and Lucy, who was still unconscious. Her lips trembled as she approached.

Seeing Lucy still out cold, Lumi’s eyes welled up with tears.

“Calm down. We got checked, and everything’s fine. Lucy will wake up soon.”

“T-Thank goodness. Phew.”

Lumi placed a hand on her chest and let out a relieved sigh.

“S-So you and Lucy took down the demon together… You two are amazing!”

“Thanks.”

“But to think Felix was a demon… Did you know beforehand, Hoyeon?”

“No way. I just have good instincts. Something about him made me feel an instinctive repulsion. I didn’t know he was a demon, though.”

“Ah… I see.”

Lumi chatted with me for about an hour after that.

“Lucy doesn’t seem like she’s waking up anytime soon…”

“It’s fine. I’ll let you know the moment she does.”

“Hehe… Thank you. Ah, I’ve kept you too long. I should go now so you can rest.”

“I’m not exactly a patient… But yeah, see you at the academy.”

“Yes!”

Lumi bowed her head, glanced once more at Lucy, then left the hospital room.

Phew.

Talking for so long was exhausting.

Ding—

A message arrived on my phone.

Moon Surin: Hoyeon! Are you okay?! I just heard what happened. I’m heading to your hospital room as fast as I can, so wait for me!

Me: Noona, I’m fine. Take your time.

Just looking at her scrambled text made it clear how panicked she was, which made me chuckle.

Bang!

Moon Surin burst through the hospital room door.

“Hoyeon! Are you okay?!”

Noona. If you were going to arrive a minute after texting, why even bother sending a message?

Her beautiful face was drenched in sweat from running.

“Noona. I’m fine.”

“R-Really? You didn’t suffer any internal injuries or serious wounds?”

“Yeah. The examination showed no issues. I’m just here for a demonic contamination check. But you know how rare that is.”

“Ah… That’s a relief.”

Sniff.

Moon Surin’s eyes turned slightly red. She must have been really worried.

Was she really this concerned about me? I felt touched.

★ Heroine Status Window

[Moon Surin]

- [ Affection: 48 ]

- [ Lust: 20 ]

- [ Hunger: 30 ]

- [ Fatigue: 65 ]

Current Status: I’m really glad. My precious junior is safe.

‘Her affection score keeps rising on its own. Moon Surin really is the easiest heroine.’

I hadn’t even made a real effort, and it had already reached 48. She really was the simplest to capture.

It seemed like her event was approaching.

With all the pressure she was under, she probably saw me as a safe haven… Perfect.

‘If she keeps struggling with stalkers, paparazzi, and endless responsibilities, but only feels happiness when talking to me…’

Then, when she’s at her breaking point, I can save her… That should work.

“Phew, I’m relieved. But…”

Moon Surin’s gaze shifted to Lucy, who was still lying in bed.

“Ahem. Isn’t it kind of awkward for a guy and a girl to share the same hospital room?”

“It’s fine. I’m just lying here all day anyway. It’d be boring alone.”

“Hmm. Okay. I hope she wakes up soon.”

“The doctor said she should wake up soon.”

“That’s good. I have a lot to do, so I have to go. I just stopped by to check on you.”

“Alright. Work hard, Surin noona.”

“…Yeah! I will!”

Moon Surin muttered about having even more work as she left the hospital room.

‘More work? What does she mean?’

I had no idea.

Once her footsteps faded completely, I stared at the white hospital room tiles, lost in thought.

‘How am I supposed to handle all this?’

Getting closer to the heroines was great, but things were starting to get out of control.

I had no idea how to actually manage a harem. As a former loner, this was way too difficult for me.

“Well, I’ll figure it out as I go.”

I had no choice but to keep going.

The concept of giving up had long since disappeared from my vocabulary. Even if I wanted to slack off, [Steadfast Willpower] wouldn’t let me. Even if I tried to be lazy, I couldn’t.

Fortunately, a lifeline had appeared.

Completing the [Special Quest] and meeting the God of Wagers.

I should be able to get at least some hints from that.

“Uuugh…”

A groan came from Lucy’s bed.

Was she finally waking up?

“Uuhh…”

She was sweating heavily and furrowing her brows, as if trapped in a nightmare.

‘Should I call the doctor?’

“Ahh!”

Just as I was debating whether to press the emergency call button, Lucy suddenly screamed and bolted upright.

“What the hell kind of dream was that… Ugh.”

Still disoriented, she blinked rapidly and looked down at her hospital gown.

“Are you okay?”

“…”

“You’re not in pain anywhere, right? The doctor said you were fine, but just in case.”

“…”

“Lucy?”

“W-What happened to Felix?”

Lucy still looked confused and overwhelmed.

“Ah… I was going to tell you once you felt better. I took care of Felix. But the official story is that we killed him together. That okay with you?”

“W-Why? I didn’t do anything!”

“Well, if I say I handled it alone, it’ll attract too much attention. Just go along with it, okay? Sorry.”

From Lucy’s perspective, this was probably a traumatic experience.

She had been on the verge of being assaulted by Felix.

If people started asking questions, doing interviews, or digging into it, it would be overwhelming for her.

I wasn’t the one who made this decision, but I had definitely played a role in how things turned out for her.

‘Wait, didn’t they mention a reward? Did I screw this up?’

If they gave out some big commendation, wouldn’t that mean tons of interview requests?

But Lucy didn’t seem to mind. Instead, she lowered her head and apologized.

“I’m sorry. I really am. From now on, I’ll believe whatever you say. And I’ll definitely repay you for this.”

“It’s okay. I should have been more careful. If you really want to repay me, just buy me a meal sometime.”

Seeing the normally playful Lucy suddenly acting so serious felt strange.

Still, it’d be nice if this incident helped mature her personality a bit.

“Yeah, I’ll definitely treat you.”

Lucy smiled, then, as soon as our eyes met, blushed and quickly looked away.

“A-Ah! It’s suddenly really hot in here! Don’t you think?!”

★ Heroine Status Window

[Lucy]

- [ Affection: 92 ]

- [ Lust: 47 ]

- [ Hunger: 60 ]

- [ Fatigue: 65 ]

Current Status: Was he always this good-looking?

Tip: If you confess now, she’ll fall for you immediately.

‘It’s over.’

With an affection level of 92, that’s the final stage before a confession in the game.

A little more push and pull, and it’s game over.

It feels good when things go exactly as planned.

“Yeah, I feel a little hot too. By the way, are you sure you’re okay? The test results showed no issues.”

“Yeah, I’m fine… Huh?”

Lucy placed a hand on her stomach and let out a small groan.

“It kind of feels like my stomach hurts… Wait a second. Back then, I was acting really weird, like I was under a spell…”

Lucy looked at me with a suspicious expression.

“You… don’t tell me…”

“No! Absolutely not. That never happened. I swear.”

“…If you’re denying it so fast, that means you know exactly what state I was in, right?”

Ah, shit. I slipped up.

Chapter end