NOVEL NEXT Chapter 35: Gate Concept - Classic Masterpiece [Don Quixote]
Gate Concept – Classic Masterpiece [Don Quixote]
"Why is support specifically coming to our class? I'm also a passive skill user!"
"It's not that we're ignoring you. I know better than anyone that you're capable."
"Then tell me the reason."
For Melanie Ariel, being supported by a peer suggested weakness, something she would never acknowledge. She's an exceptional talent who completed her character education in the United States ahead of schedule, becoming Victory Academy's youngest student.
One might dismiss a one-year age difference as inconsequential, but it's significant when considering the unique nature of passive skill users, who differ fundamentally from regular awakened individuals.
Kim Sukgu was aware of all this, but it had little to do with Melanie's specific skill set.
"Melanie, I know you're capable, but are you competent?"
"That's…"
"I can control it… I can control myself!"
Melanie knew her outburst was just that—a tantrum. Yet, she felt a mix of sadness, frustration, and upset. Although she could understand the doubts others had, her heart refused to come to terms with them.
"You're not yet able to do what you're capable of. You have to control it perfectly. I understand you're eager to prove your worth, and I recognize the pain of feeling like you're perceived as a ticking time bomb. But this isn't a decision based on individual wants."
From the beginning, Melanie understood Kim Sukgu's point. A class with a passive skill user couldn't be considered weak. Ironically, despite her class ranking second in overall strength among all first-year classes, she was the main reason they needed support.
Because of me.
When a passive skill user aggressively deploys their abilities, the potential damage is unpredictable. Kim Sukgu's assessment was spot-on. Melanie felt grateful for his reasoned approach, even if she knew she was merely acting out.
"I understand if it's Kim Minsoo. But what about Baek Taeyang?"
Kim Minsoo's skills are well-known. The radiant light that flashed when his [Hero] skill activated was unforgettable for Melanie, even if she wished it weren't.
However, she can't fathom why Baek Taeyang is acting as an interim instructor. He's awakened less than a month ago and hasn't even undergone character education. Objectively, his skills are clearly inferior to hers.
"I know I'm overreacting, but I can't comprehend this, instructor."
Understanding Melanie's sentiment, Kim Sukgu nodded and said, "It's because Baek Taeyang's skill is of the debuff type."
"So it's to suppress me…"
"Yes, exactly." With that, Kim Sukgu stood up.
He hoped this conversation had clarified matters for Melanie. Normally, he would have explained additional precautions to Kim Minsoo and Baek Taeyang.
I can't help but have my arms bent inward.
Indeed, he could call them back now to cover the points he'd missed. Yet, he refrained for a singular reason.
I wanted to give Melanie a chance too, Kim Sukgu thought. Otherwise, he wouldn't have hurried to meet her when she sought counseling.
Both are passive skill users, one acting as an interim instructor while the other is treated like a ticking bomb. Kim Sukgu aimed to change this perception, and Melanie felt the same.
+++++++++++++++
So he's Baek Taeyang. Did he really toy with Kim Minsoo?
From the outset, Melanie had never given Kim Minsoo much thought. Even if instructors aligned their narratives, word spread like wildfire. They couldn't mention names openly, resorting to initials like ‘K' and ‘B,' yet everyone was in the know.
Although not formally ranked, everyone unconsciously viewed Kim Minsoo as the top first-year student. However, the startling news of a new transfer student eclipsing his reputation had sent shockwaves through the class.
Kim Minsoo is here just… to assists others, huh.
To Melanie, Baek Taeyang felt like a leash sent to rein her in. Feeling uneasy, she began nervously twisting her braided bun—a subconscious habit she fell into when uncomfortable.
The way he stared at me earlier, and now with that large weapon case…
For the first time, someone had stared at her so intently from behind, and strangely, it seemed to fit him. She couldn't quite put into words how uneasy it made her feel.
Everything about him—from his smoothly tanned skin to his gleaming white hair and unsettling eyes—was off putting. His toned legs were a given, and his bored expression just added to the irritation.
She thought about starting a conversation but chose not to, mostly because her pride wouldn't let her.
I'm technically his senior here.
Despite being a year younger, her experiences made her feel her skills were superior, fueling a futile sense of rivalry she couldn't shake off. She was eager to prove herself and distance herself from him.
"Alright, everyone, now that equipment checks are done, gather in front of the gate," Instructor Kim Sukgu commanded.
They promptly lined up in formation. Kim Sukgu, Lee Minjoon, and Kim Minsoo took the front, while Baek Taeyang and Melanie stood at the rear. The students were sandwiched in between, designed to minimize any surprises or variables.
"Each person may react differently, but passing through the gate usually induces dizziness. Don't panic," said Team Leader Lee Minjoon. With his words as a cue, everyone started to slowly enter the gate.
As the first few people went through, Melanie noticed the gate's color subtly changing. By the time half of them had entered, it emitted a light unlike anything she'd seen from an F-grade gate.
Why isn't anyone else noticing this?
While she could understand if the initial entrants were oblivious, the rest should have caught on. Yet, they proceeded as if everything was normal.
Baek Taeyang needed to know about this. Melanie doubted her own announcement would convince anyone, so perhaps Taeyang, as the acting instructor, could persuade them.
I might be overreacting, but…
The instructors and the hunter team had gone in some time ago. The only one remaining outside was the acting instructor.
Just in case, I should speak up.
As Melanie turned around, she noticed a large weapon case being effortlessly carried in by the man she'd seen earlier. She'd assumed he'd only take a few items, but clearly, she was mistaken.
"Hey, have you noticed anything odd about the gate?"
"Huh? No, looks fine to me."
"Uh, okay."
His dismissive demeanor made it clear he wasn't interested in listening. As he neared, Melanie sensed a complete lack of respect.
Understandably, if both the instructor and an A-rank hunter team deemed the gate safe, questioning it seemed unreasonable.
Why did it have to be him…
Although frustrated, Melanie felt stuck. Achieving undeniable results quickly appeared to be her only option.
It should be okay.
Objectively, putting her trust in her superiors' judgment over her own intuition was the sensible course. With her thoughts in order, Melanie stepped into the gate.
+++++++++++++++++
"Ah… This is fucked up."
I felt bad for giving Melanie a curt reply. But the urgent quest window in front of me didn't exactly put me in a considerate mood.
———————————[Emergency Quest!]
As cliché as it gets!
You probably saw this coming.
F-rank gate difficulty changed to S-rank gate.
Concept added to the gate due to its S-rank status: Classic Masterpiece [Don Quixote].
The quest will initiate once the last person enters the gate!
Clear conditions: Complete the Classic masterpiece [Don Quixote] gate, everyone survives.
Reward: None / Penalty: Death———————————
Seeing the quest window, I knew my plans had fallen apart.
I had intended not to interfere if anyone died inside the gate. The only ones I would need to save were Kim Minsoo and Melanie. Other than them, I was thinking, "What's the point of saving fictional characters?"
"Is it even possible for everyone to survive?"
Even A-rank hunters can easily die in an S-grade gate. I couldn't fathom how quickly the ordinary students might meet their end. The difficulty was already threatening enough for me.
I'm feeling dizzy all of a sudden. I havenn't even entered the gate yet, but I'm already feeling nauseous.
The strategy was straightforward…
———————————[Name] Melanie Ariel
[Physical] Height: 166cm / Weight: 61kg
[Description] Handles the cat fights in the Academy Pure Love Diary.
Rather than a competitive relationship with So Yoomin, she has a rivalry dynamic with Kim Minsoo and is destined to see him as a man.
She recently heard rumors that Kim Minsoo was badly defeated by Baek Taeyang, which made her more conscious of him.
Due to her skill, she had a major accident in her childhood. Ever since, rumors have labeled her as a dangerous person, making her an outcast within her class.
She strongly desires to solidify her place as soon as possible.
With her eye-catching blonde braided bun, she is the youngest daughter of Kaivan Ariel, the chairman of a world-renowned awakened weapon manufacturing company.———————————
Prideful but currently in a low position. Not to the point of having an inferiority complex, but she's the type to create a competitive dynamic for herself. In this case, I'll just have to find a way to barely come out on top while making excuses.
I can already feel the effect of the swing bridge.
The moment threatening everyone's lives is bound to come. There is no turning back. I was planning to effortlessly clear the gate and impress her, but now…
A sigh escaped me as I lifted my bed-sized case and entered the gate.
I prayed that no one would die.