The World After the Bad Ending

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

w

Chapter 53: How to Deal with a Stalker

Iris rubbed her forehead, which was flushed red.

It was the mark of the flick she had received from me that morning.

The source of this c𝓸ntent is freewebnøvel.coɱ.

Well, considering how much she had cornered me, it was a punishment she deserved.

When Iris and I arrived at the dining hall, bustling students came into view.

Today was the day of the Summer Demon Dungeon Competition.

The faint tension in the air seemed to envelop the entire dining hall.

As soon as Iris appeared, all eyes turned to her.

I quietly followed Iris to avoid drawing suspicion.

"Hania, did you hear about that?"

"It's such a big deal!"

But thanks to Hania's natural sociability,

her friends often ended up talking to me as well.

"Sorry, everyone. I want to focus on the Demon Dungeon today, so let's chat next time."

Since it was the day of the competition,

my roundabout excuse was met with understanding, and they backed off.

"Iris's team came second in the group match, didn't they?"

"I guess she's concentrating to make up for it."

Thankfully, the events of the group match added weight to my words.

Focusing on the Demon Dungeon to redeem the humiliation of the group match.

It was a reason everyone could understand.

‘Sometimes, you just have to throw yourself into things,’

my past self would say.

Good job, past me.

Here, have a praise sticker.

‘After twists and turns, another day ends.’

Now, once the Demon Dungeon is over, that's it.

Since this marks the conclusion of Act 3, I was just as nervous.

"Hania, let's go."

Amid the tense atmosphere,

I walked with Iris toward the Martial Arts building.

All the students were gathering there under the guidance of the professors to head to the entrance of the Demon Dungeon.

As a result, the area in front of the Martial Arts building was packed with students from the department.

The tension in the air was palpable.

Scanning the crowd, I spotted Hania—who looked like Hannon—standing with Seron.

Hania had her arms crossed, her face full of irritation.

Obvious.

She wanted to be next to Iris but couldn’t, and it was making her grumpy.

Beside her, Seron seemed uncomfortable, keeping her mouth tightly shut.

It was a sign of Seron’s lack of social skills.

Ah, Seron.

You truly are hopeless at communication...

“You’re just like Hannon.”

Iris whispered to me.

Was she saying that grumpy expression resembled mine?

It was shocking news for someone like me, who always wore a kind smile.

While I was still reeling, my eyes caught sight of Isabel.

For some reason, she tilted her head while looking at Hania, who resembled Hannon.

Could she have figured something out?

I hoped not.

"Ah, exhausting. Another Demon Dungeon day,"

someone muttered, breaking the silence.

Several third-year students had appeared by then.

Having experienced the Demon Dungeon numerous times, they looked utterly uninterested.

Unlike the second-years, who were ambitious,

most third-years had a resigned attitude.

Dubbed "the weakest generation" by others,

they lacked any will to try.

Among the third-years,

one stood out—silver hair that seemed colder than usual.

Underneath that hair,

blue eyes gleamed with a chilling light, exuding a foreboding aura.

Nikita Cynthia.

A strange coldness emanated from her.

At that moment, Nikita’s head lifted.

Before our eyes could meet, I quickly looked away.

I felt her gaze linger on Iris before moving on.

That subtle hostility within her stare was something only I, who knew the situation, could detect.

“Haaah, looks like everyone’s here now.”

Just as the tension reached its peak, Professor Vega appeared.

Unlike her usual self, she was wearing a neat suit, stifling a yawn.

Beside her were the professors responsible for the first and third years.

With their stern faces, they made Vega seem almost kind in comparison.

Despite appearances, Vega was the most experienced among them.

Trailing behind them were associate professors and teaching assistants in an orderly line.

With a large entourage in tow, Vega signaled the junior professors to move out.

"We’re heading to the Demon Dungeon entrance. Stay in line and don’t make a fuss,"

the third-year professor instructed, and the students began moving.

With so many people,

the procession was massive.

By now, other departments were probably moving too,

and eventually, a huge number of students would gather at the entrance.

As we walked, I felt eyes boring into the back of my head.

Since the move began, I kept sensing someone staring at me.

Could it be someone who realized I wasn’t Hania?

A quick glance around revealed no students paying attention to me.

Everyone was too tense, focused solely on the competition.

‘If not the students…’

Extending my awareness, I scanned the assistants,

but even among them, no one was watching me.

When my gaze finally reached the professors,

I discovered someone looking straight at me.

A second-year Martial Arts associate professor—

Barkov Deblije.

The second son of Count Deblije, known for his wealth.

And I knew a certain incident involving him.

‘That guy’s into minors, isn’t he?’

An associate professor at the Academy,

he had been expelled for stalking a student.

Though it was briefly mentioned as gossip within the Academy,

it wasn’t an event the player could directly intervene in.

However, the fallout from this incident stirred up discord between professors and students,

even explaining why Vega developed a drinking problem.

And now, that guy was staring at me.

Or rather, at the persona of Hania I had taken on.

A chill ran down my spine.

The intensity of his gaze was beyond unsettling.

‘No wonder Hania couldn’t handle a stalker so easily.’

With a professor from a noble family acting like this,

she must have hesitated to deal with it hastily.

The problem now was that I was the object of that scorching gaze.

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

w

For the first time in my life,

I felt a murderous urge.

“We’ve arrived at the Demon Dungeon. Now, find your teammates when called.”

The moment we reached the palace,

I quickly clung to Iris as soon as Professor Vega gave the instruction.

"Lady Iris, let’s hurry up and go."

I could sense that guy's gaze on me more and more.

If I felt it any longer, I might end up summoning the Thunder Bolt.

Iris, as if she noticed this, said nothing and moved forward.

"Hania."

At that moment.

Assistant Professor Barkov appeared, blocking our path.

This lunatic.

"Lady Iris, may I have a moment to talk to Hania?"

Assistant Professor Barkov looked at me with a determined expression.

The hand wearing the Thunder Bolt trembled slightly.

I really wanted to punch him.

"Well..."

Iris looked at Barkov with an awkward expression.

She must have decided not to intervene until now because Hania had insisted on handling the stalker incident alone.

But somehow, I ended up tangled in this mess instead of Hania.

Even Iris seemed unsure of what to do.

The students around us began to stare.

If suspicion arose here, it could get troublesome.

"Lady Iris, I'll handle this and be right back."

For now, I decided to diffuse the situation.

Anyway, the third-years were going into the dungeon first.

The second-years still had some time to spare.

When I stepped forward, Iris eventually gave her permission.

"Assistant Professor Barkov, let's go."

"Ah, yes, of course."

Barkov's face immediately lit up.

Mine, on the other hand, was the exact opposite.

Barkov led me to a place a little away from the crowd.

All the while, he kept glancing at me nervously.

Inside this body was a 185 cm tall dark-skinned man.

I couldn’t even imagine how shocked he’d be if he knew that.

"So, what do you want?"

Instinctively, my voice sharpened.

But Barkov didn’t seem to care and coughed awkwardly, as if embarrassed.

"Hania, I heard you’ll be entering the dungeon this time. I couldn’t hold back anymore, so I had to tell you."

If you’re a student at Zerion Academy, going to the dungeon is a given.

What nonsense is this?

"The dungeon is dangerous. Thinking about you not coming back made me realize my feelings for you."

Barkov’s chubby cheeks trembled.

My face started to stiffen.

No way.

Is this guy confessing to me?

And at a time like this, while I’m in Hania’s body?

"Hold on a second, Professor, what are you—"

"H-Hania!"

Barkov’s resolve seemed unshakable.

"I like you! I had to tell you before you entered the dungeon!"

A man over thirty confessing to a minor.

What on earth is he babbling about?

A sharp headache shot through my head, and I clenched my fists.

This is how you make a confession so maddening.

Experiencing it myself, I now understand how dizzying it is.

"Assistant Professor Barkov, please calm down."

"Hania, answer me. I already know you feel the same way about me."

Barkov was completely out of it now.

Just as I was about to resort to extreme measures to knock some sense into him—

"Assistant Professor Barkov, Hania is dating me, so this is a problem."

A voice I absolutely did not expect rang in my ears.

I turned my head stiffly.

Standing there was a boy with jet-black hair and crimson-red eyes.

Hannon Irey.

In other words, the real Hania was standing there.

"What?"

Barkov’s face froze in confusion at Hania’s bombshell statement.

Hania walked over and grabbed my hand.

"Hania and I are dating, so confessions like this are inappropriate."

Just like that, I became Hania’s boyfriend.

Wait, no.

Right now, I’m Hania.

So, I’ve ended up dating myself?

"W-What nonsense is this!"

Barkov looked back and forth between our hands, utterly flustered.

"That’s ridiculous! I know Hania isn’t dating anyone!"

"Oh, really? That’s because we only started dating yesterday."

Hania turned toward me.

It was clear she wanted me to play along.

Left with no choice, I confidently raised our clasped hands.

"Yes, Hannon confessed to me yesterday, and we decided to date. So, I can’t accept Assistant Professor Barkov’s feelings."

"T-That can’t be."

Barkov stumbled backward.

The shock of rejection seemed to be too much for him.

If only he’d just collapse right here and now.

"Don’t make me laugh! Prove it!"

Barkov shouted pathetically.

The two of us said we were dating, but he still wanted proof?

Even Hania seemed to be getting fed up with him and sighed.

"Hania, let’s do what we did yesterday."

What did we do yesterday?

Suddenly, Hania grabbed my chin.

Truly, the runner-up in martial arts proficiency.

Her movements were so swift they were nearly invisible.

Hania’s face came right up to mine.

Our lips were so close they were practically touching.

But Hania’s and my lips never quite met.

Her control was flawless.

However, since her back was to Barkov,

to anyone watching from behind, it looked like we were kissing.

Realizing her intent, I discreetly wrapped my arm around her back.

Finishing touch.

And then, Barkov screamed.

"No! No! That’s impossible!"

Unable to handle the situation, Barkov ran off.

It was the most pitiful rejection of his life.

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

w