Your Girlfriend Was Amazing

Is Winning Here All That Matters?

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In the dingy basement of the building where the Noble's party was held, there was a grandiose stage and platform, designed for one person’s inflated ego. Kneeling before it were the unfortunate souls, forced to listen to the drivel of the man standing above them.

"I've called you here today to discuss something very important."

His double chin and sagging cheeks couldn't be hidden, even by his mask. He looked like an SD character poorly drawn and brought to life. This was the fat tyrant, the leader of the Noble, and the author known as The Devil Chaos Ultra King.

"What's today's farce about?"

"No idea."

"Hopefully, it's not another session where he demands to be called some grand title."

"Oh, that was unbearable. We had to call him The Devil Ultra Chaos King until he finally shut up."

"We should be using this time to steal at least one more skill for Gladire…"

The Noble had been very busy lately, picking off sub-skills from the weakest acquired awakeners and bribing various people in preparation for Gladire. During their recent social gathering, they had to grovel in private rooms, trying to lobby high-ranking officials from Gladire.

>I despise songs like "Traveling Companion Train".

Starting with "The Wasp," "Traveling Companion Train," and even "V-Line," they had to memorize lyrics and choreography of these dreadful trot songs to entertain guests. But because the fatty on stage abruptly ended the party, they couldn't seal the deals. Despite his immense power, mysterious wealth, and connections, he always messed up at critical moments.

>If it weren't for the skill-stealing…

This wasn't just a personal gripe; it was a shared annoyance among all members. The fear of losing their skills and the desire to grow stronger by stealing others' skills kept their complaints in check and forced them to obey the clown on the stage.

"Our hero, the indomitable hero! Kim Minsoo, will be participating in Gladire. If you look closely… well, showing you will be faster than explaining a hundred times. They say seeing is believing, right? Hehehe."

Click—

The fatty babbled as he operated the beam projector. As the lights started to illuminate the white screen, and an interview video began to play.

[So, you're saying that you, Hunter Baek Taeyang and Student Kim Minsoo are applying to participate in Gladire?]

[Yes, that's correct.]

[But aren't students ineligible to participate in Gladire?]

[There has been much debate about that. What truly separates a student from a hunter? Age? Academy graduation? Number of gate clears? I believe none of these are the answer.]

[Then what is it?]

On the screen, Baek Taeyang and Kim Minsoo sat side by side, each holding a microphone, fielding questions from reporters. Most reporters focused on Baek Taeyang by incessantly demanding answers. Especially the final question posed by a reporter created a moment of silence due to its sensitive nature.

[What is the criterion that divides a hunter from a hunter?]

It was a thought-provoking topic.

[Even though you two attend the same academy, you're called a hunter while Kim Minsoo is referred to as a student. What exactly caused this distinction?]

[Skill.]

[Pardon?]

Everyone knew the answer but kept it to themselves. Voicing it out loud would only spark controversy. But Baek Taeyang, ever the brazen one, said it with confidence, even glaring at the reporters as if daring them to question him.

[The standard that separates a hunter from a student is skill. I am widely recognized as a hunter because I possess proven skills. My comrade here, Kim Minsoo, might soon be called the same. Therefore, we declare that we will participate in Gladire not as students, but as hunters.]

Click-click-click—

Thousands of flashes went off. Baek Taeyang faced the cameras with a proud smile while Minsoo squinted and grimaced at the bright lights.

[The flashes are too much…]

[Oh, right! Student Kim Minsoo! Can I ask you something?]

[Yes, of course! Ask away!]

As Baek Taeyang's bold statement wrapped up, a reporter turned to Minsoo who was eager for attention. He bamed and opened his mouth to respond.

[Oh, that's a relief. Have you heard the recent rumor circulating online about you, Student Kim Minsoo, visiting an adult store?]

[What?]

[…?]

Everyone except the questioning reporter was stunned. He was seriously bringing that up, no one stopped him because it was too entertaining.

[There was a post with photo proof, claiming that someone resembling you visited and asked about various items, eventually searching for small-sized condoms. They said he babbled excitedly and laughed to himself… so it's just a rumor then? Thank you.]

With each word, Minsoo's face grew paler.

[I… uh… I've never… Wha…]

Failing to form a coherent response, Minsoo found himself in a precarious situation, eyes of suspicion on him. Realizing the gravity, Baek Taeyang quickly intervened.

[I said no personal questions. You've crossed a line, even if it's just a rumor. We're ending the press conference here.]

With that, Baek Taeyang hastily concluded the conference and dragged Minsoo away by the neck. The video ended there.

"So, what do you all think this situation looks like?"

"Are you referring to Kim Minsoo's small condoms?"

"No! That's not it! The real point is that those two are participating in Gladire!"

>Who doesn't know that?

Everyone had watched the interview video together the moment it was uploaded. The fatty wasn't in the group chat, so he assumed they didn't know.

>Sure, I can understand why he might think we're clueless, considering he's not in the group chat with us.

All the other Noble members nodded internally. Power and influence aside, including the man in their group chat was just too much for them, even if he was the leader.

"We're not here to rig the competition. We're just looking to discreetly transfer some stolen skills to Minsoo. That's the main point. And, of course, we need to ensure Baek Taeyang doesn't win. Use all means necessary, including the ultimate skills. Stopping him from winning is paramount."

"Are you suggesting the last resort?"

"Yes, that's right…"

"Understood."

>Is Baek Taeyang really so threatening that we have to resort to that? It's originally prepared to deal with Chun Haeil or Jang Duchul.

>Why is he rating Baek Taeyang so highly?

>I know, right? Clearing an S-rank gate as a student? Sure, it's impressive and worthy of praise. But a student is still just a student. The non-awakened might idolize him, but in the hunter community, he's at best a 3rd or 2nd tier.

>Does he really think this greenhorn can shine in Gladire? No matter how impressive he might seem, it's all due to his main skill.

>You're right. Gladire isn't about fighting monsters. To win, you have to defeat other hunters in duels. And anyone with a passive skill is at a disadvantage.

>He'll never win. The rule that passive skills cannot be used in hunter duels to minimize damage… This rule guarantees Baek Taeyang can't win.

"Give Minsoo strength! Give Baek Taeyang despair! Show him that no matter how much he fights, there's an insurmountable wall! Also, track down whoever posted that rumor about Minsoo and get it deleted, threaten them if necessary! It's definitely not true!"

While the fatty ranted, the other Noble members were busy tapping on their phones.

[Noble Group Chat]

>Understood. All for the Royal Road.

The Noble group chat without the man. The Noble's plans were always executed in places where the leader wasn't present.

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

The day of the Gladire tournament. Despite it being only the preliminaries, the place was packed with people.

"Quite the crowd."

That was the first impression upon seeing the massive stadium and the surrounding throngs.

"All I have to do is win here." With a sly smile, he walked into the arena. The Gladire preliminaries were about to begin.

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