Your Girlfriend Was Amazing-Chapter 129: Please Consider My Image

Please Consider My Image

"Isn't this a gold bracelet?"

"Yes, it is. We made it that way because the previous bracelet looked too much like a condom and lacked style. So, we designed it to match the student's image as much as possible."

A gold bracelet to match my image? Seriously? My rebellious white hair is already pushing it, and now a tacky gold bracelet? Just what I needed for people to think, ‘He looks rough, but he's actually nice.'

If I hadn't achieved anything, they'd already peg me as a delinquent. And now, an item that enhances that delinquent image? The fact that it was tailored for me is even more baffling. Shouldn't they prepare something different if they know what image the student is known for? Why this extreme? They should be trying to shift the delinquent image, not reinforce it.

"Judging by your expression, you seem to like it."

"Pardon?"

"There's no need to pretend you didn't hear me. It's obvious that you like it. Actually, the only reason it's not made entirely of gold is because of durability issues, but the surface is all gold."

They even coated it to ensure the gold doesn't wear off. Chun Haeil was smiling very contentedly as he said that. Is this really his character?

From the rumors, I thought he was a superhuman, an amazing person, a hero of the nation, and so on, so I imagined a more solemn image. Even during a brief press conference, he dealt with reporters in a very serious manner, so I thought he was like that.

"It's… gold."

I didn't know how to respond, so I smiled as warmly as I could and acknowledged Chun Haeil's words. I figured I should use my social skills to keep the atmosphere positive.

"Yes, it's gold. The actual output you used on us just now… I estimate it was over 30%. Yet, the bracelet was supposed to be outputting only 1%. This new bracelet will accurately detect such errors."

"We concluded that overly suppressing passive main skills doesn't have much advantage. Especially in our Victory Academy, where we have students like you, Kim Minsoo, So yoomin, Melanie… Ivan, and Kim Junsik—six students with passive main skills—the benefits were even less."

Ivan and Kim Junsik? So, those are the other two. Victory Academy had five passive skill users before I transferred. I'd been wondering about the other two besides Yoomin, Melanie, and Kim Minsoo. I guess I'll meet them at the regular gathering.

I snapped out of my idle thoughts and listened to Jang Duchul's explanation. He continued as he slowly took the gold bracelet out of the box. "With better utilization, we could significantly reduce casualties. Suppressing abilities because of risks is outdated."

"That's why we pushed for this. With the recent surge in gates and dungeons, everyone agreed—why limit our power voluntarily?"

So, a gold bracelet is the answer? I wanted to ask but kept my mouth shut because of the atmosphere.

"After thorough evaluation and scrutiny, we decided to issue custom bracelets only to students who can handle their passive skills proficiently."

"Of course, students who can't handle them well will still get a new bracelet. The condom design was too much."

To summarize Jang Duchul and Chun Haeil: ‘Why pretend we don't have nukes when we do?' It's not about flaunting power but about handling it more securely and controlled.

While nukes come with radiation risks, passive skills have fewer risks. Since only skilled students use them, it's practically risk-free. So, they're moving from suppressing abilities to actively utilizing and controlling them better.

"I see…" I peeled off the condom-like bracelet and slipped on the new one.

[Coercion activated! Target: Baek Taeyang. Output is restricted to the minimum.]

I kept Coercion strictly on myself by dialing down the output just in case. It was far safer than inadvertently affecting others.

"I actually debated quite a bit… whether a gold bracelet, a piercing, or a necklace would be better. But a bracelet seemed the most appropriate."

"Thank you."

I meant it. A bracelet was far less conspicuous and less detrimental to my image compared to a piercing or necklace. If it had been either of those… The mere thought was terrifying. I'd be the type who'd shout lines like, ‘Hey! I stole Kim Minsoo's girl!'

"I considered silver, but it just didn't seem stylish enough. If you're doing well, gold is the way to go," Chun Haeil chirped cheerfully, while Jang Duchul silently fastened the gold bracelet around my wrist.

Click—

As before, it adjusted seamlessly to fit my wrist the moment it was clasped on. I rotated my wrist to inspect it and noticed a few extra buttons compared to the previous model.

"The gear at the base of the bracelet controls output restriction, as you know. This time, you can use up to half your power without adjustments. Anything beyond that requires manual adjustment, and an alert will be sent to Victory Academy, as before, in case of emergency."

"Understood."

"And the small button next to the gear releases the bracelet. This is crucial. If you ever feel your life is in danger and can't control your power, this button allows you to max it out instantly. Use it only in an absolute emergency when no one else is around."

An absolute emergency… The notion weighed heavily on me. Would such a situation ever arise?

So far, in all my battles and skirmishes in gates or dungeons, I've only faced opponents weaker than myself. I've never felt my life was truly threatened because I could overpower them effortlessly. But what if I encounter someone vastly stronger in the future? What if I'm genuinely on the brink of death? What then?

I pondered, though I couldn't fathom losing. I haven't even unleashed my full strength yet, so encountering an overwhelmingly powerful opponent? They'd likely just be a punching bag for my power.

And there's Chunhyang too. In a tight spot, I could create a 2:1 advantage to gain the upper hand and beat them down. More importantly, the idea of Baek Taeyang succumbing is inconceivable to me.

[Message from Seong Chunhyang: My lord! I'm honored that you rely on me like this… If only I could appear right by your side… No, beneath you right now… Impaled by your large and hard—]

Shut up.

This is precisely why I can't let my guard down. Even a moment's thought and she invades my mind with messages. If I hadn't restricted her from appearing at will early on, I shudder to think how often she'd intrude.

"Lastly, there's a button for gate or dungeon alerts. Press it to notify us before you enter a newly formed gate or dungeon."

"Sounds good."

Each feature has its practicality, especially the last one. When evacuations are necessary or gates need clearing simultaneously, it allows for swift action without hesitation.

"By the way, the regular meeting's been pushed back a week. Other students, like yourself, need to receive their custom equipment… and further adjustments are needed."

"Understood."

"You're free to go."

"Thank you. I'll take my leave now." With a light bow, I exited, not wanting to be overly formal.

It's lunchtime. I should grab something to eat.

+++++++++++++++

"Has he gone?"

"Yes, chairman, there's no sign of him."

"Whew… I knew the future looked bright, but this is blinding."

"Indeed."

Not long after Baek Taeyang left, the previously intact space began to crack. The fractures that started around Jang Duchul and Chun Haeil soon spread across the entire room, making them look like prey caught in a spider's web.

"If he unleashes his full power, he could easily qualify as a level 1 hunter."

"That's what worries me. With the joint training coming up, if he goes overboard…"

"Yes, I agree with you on that."

In a few days, there would be a joint training session with other academies to share information on gates and dungeons and conduct near-real combat training. It was inevitable that Baek Taeyang would represent the first-year students. However, this wasn't necessarily a good thing.

"I'm starting to doubt whether Student Baek Taeyang should participate in the training."

"I'm afraid Victory's strength might skew too much."

Among peers in his year, Baek Taeyang stood out dramatically. Having already proven himself by winning the Gladire tournament, his participation in joint exercises with other schools raised doubts. He would need to exercise extreme caution to prevent causing harm while controlling his immense power.

"Well, we'll manage somehow. At least you'll be there."

"I'll ensure everything runs smoothly."

"Haha, Jang Duchul, you're always the most reliable."

With those words, Chun Haeil and Jang Duchul summoned the maintenance crew to handle the repairs. Cleaning up the aftermath was not their responsibility.