The Gacha Addict of the Academy

“Are you okay?!”

As soon as I fell, Reina hurriedly ran over to ask if I was alright.

I had scraped myself a bit from hitting the ground, but that wasn’t what upset me. I was more devastated by the fact that I couldn’t even handle such a short run and ended up collapsing. Thinking back, I had focused solely on strengthening my magic and never considered building up my physical stamina.

Well… I hadn’t been in this world for very long, but still…

Even if I wasn’t athletic in my previous life, I wasn’t so weak that I’d collapse after running this little. Except for being “cuter,” this body had no advantages compared to my original one. My stamina was pitiful, my height was short, and everything felt inconvenient.

And now, my poor stamina had caused me to collapse in front of everyone.

They’re probably thinking, Why is she even here?

“…Sniff.”

This isn’t crying. It’s sweat.

It’s just sweat from exertion. My body is so weak that even this little exercise caused me to sweat excessively. Besides, today’s weather wasn’t exactly cool, so it makes sense to be sweating after this much running. Right…?

Definitely not tears.

“…Do you want me to help you up? Are you sure you’re okay?”

…Just leave me alone, please.

If they keep worrying about me, I might really break down.

“…Weren’t you here earlier?”

“…”

“And now you’re back, injured.”

Healing injuries with magic isn’t particularly difficult, but the academy strictly prohibits the use of magic without permission, especially since it would undermine the purpose of having an infirmary. For that reason, injuries are generally recommended to be treated there.

After all, the infirmary is essential for most students who don’t know healing magic. Learning healing magic requires an understanding of human anatomy, making it extremely difficult. Unless you’re a top-tier hero or specialize in healing, it’s nearly impossible to master.

Healing magic has become easier to study in modern times, but it’s still a complex field. For example, the professor, Professor Lee Cheonkyung, was also well-versed in medicine, which is why they were able to heal me using magic back then.

But honestly, I hadn’t paid much attention to those details, so I often forgot the specifics.

“…Show me your injury.”

“Yes…”

I followed her instruction and sat down to show her the wound.

Now it was coming.

Her ability.

“…Whatever I say next, don’t take it personally.”

“….”

For those unfamiliar with her, this is where they usually tilt their head in confusion.

Then, what follows either shocks, frightens, or angers them.

“You idiot.”

“…”

A string of profanities, far removed from her elegant appearance, hit my ears like a sledgehammer. At the same time, a bright light emanated from my wounds, and new skin began to form. With just one insult, minor scrapes and cuts healed in an instant.

The wounds on my legs, scraped during the fall, would have likely left scars if left to heal naturally. However, thanks to her ability, even the scars disappeared, leaving only faint traces of dried blood.

She grabbed a disinfecting wipe and cleaned the remaining blood from my leg.

Seeing her ability heal such injuries so quickly with just one curse word was astounding. Even in the story, her healing power was described as one of the strongest and rarest abilities in the world.

“All done. Write your name on the log and leave.”

“Uh… I already came here this morning… Do I still need to sign again?”

Not to sound lazy, but it was a bit annoying.

I had already signed in this morning, and now I was back right after lunch. At this rate, I’d be a regular at the infirmary. Can’t they just let it slide for a regular customer?

Actually, come to think of it, this was my first time here today…

“…If it’s that much trouble, just leave. I’ll write it for you.”

“I-It’s not that, but…”

I was tempted by Flost’s offer, but I felt it was my responsibility to handle my own matters. At first, she gave off a cold and saintly vibe, but surprisingly, she had a warmer side, even toward people she wasn’t close to.

Since this was our first meeting, it was hard to say we were friends.

I thanked her and wrote my name in the logbook. Earlier this morning, I had almost written my original name instead of “Luna Crystal.” Thankfully, this time, I wrote it correctly.

“…Luna, right?”

“Yes… Is something wrong?”

When she suddenly called my name, I turned around to see her wearing a complicated expression, as if she had done something wrong.

I realized it was probably because of what she said while healing me.

Was it that?

“…It’s just… I find it surprising you didn’t react. Usually, when I treat someone, they’re thankful for the healing but angry about the insults… or scared… or they start avoiding me entirely.”

As I thought, it was about that.

Honestly, when she suddenly called me an “idiot,” it was a bit scary. But it wasn’t like she said it out of anger. In fact, she was completely expressionless…

Actually, that made it scarier.

Still, I understood that she had to insult me to heal me, so I wasn’t particularly upset. But knowing the context, it would be strange to say I wasn’t scared at all. I decided to soften the truth a bit.

“Well… It didn’t feel like you meant it. And besides, you told me not to take it personally, so I didn’t find it scary.”

“……”

As I spoke, I noticed Flost looking at me. She seemed deep in thought—or maybe she was just staring at me.

Did I say something wrong? If I did, I should apologize quickly…

“Uh… I’m sorry if I overstepped—”

“No… It’s not that. Don’t apologize.”

“…Pardon?”

“Huh…? It wasn’t like that ?”

“…If you get hurt again, come back here. I’ll treat you.”

“Oh… okay.”

“Now go.”

She said that as she ushered me out of the infirmary. Well, more like escorted me out with a sense of urgency, as if she wanted me to leave quickly.

…

Was she angry?

Yeah, maybe… It’s not like someone like me, a social outcast, could say anything worthwhile. I’d be lucky if she wasn’t upset.

Consumed by guilt and self-pity, I trudged away, burdened by the thought that I’d upset her.

“How did it go?”

“Well, she’s letting you rest for now, but she said she won’t let it slide if you forget your PE uniform again.”

Hyeon-ah answered when I asked.

The moment I returned, I could feel the stares of the other students. My earlier fall must have left quite an impression. For someone like me, such attention was nothing but poison, so I tried to move to a spot where I wouldn’t be seen.

This bench should draw less attention…

“Haa…”

Well, I had expected this outcome, but still…

I had poked at the part she struggled with the most, the part that caused her the most pain. It wouldn’t be surprising if she resented me for it.

Even though my words were meant to show concern, they must have upset her that much.

But I wasn’t the type to hold grudges against anyone, so I just sulked quietly in a corner, nursing my sadness.

“There you are.”

While I sat silently, watching the other students exercise, someone approached me.

…It was the musclehead PE teacher.

“You’re Luna Crystal, right?”

“…Yes.”

“Why did you decide to become a hero?”

Why was he suddenly asking this?

To be honest, it wasn’t like I wanted to be here. I had no real answer for him.

If anything, I had been dragged into this.

One day, I was suddenly pulled into this world.

A world where I didn’t know anyone.

On top of that, I didn’t even choose to join the academy—it just happened without my consent. I was forcibly enrolled and made to attend classes.

Frankly, I didn’t have the guts to refuse, so I just went along with it. But if it were up to me, I’d prefer to stay home, burning through money and living comfortably.

Yeah.

That’s exactly how I felt at first.

“…To protect.”

But after experiencing human warmth, I couldn’t go back to the way I used to be.

I now had people who treated me well and people who cared for me. That gave me a reason to protect them.

And I was determined to survive in this harsh world.

“I see.”

The teacher, who had been sitting for a while, stood up and walked over to me.

I wondered what he was up to when suddenly, he patted me on the head.

I’m not a kid, you know.

“Stay strong. I’ll help you whenever you need it.”

I appreciated the words, but could you please stop?

Ah, this musclehead teacher! My hair’s getting all messed up!

Why do you like patting people’s heads so much? If this were a typical girl, she’d report you for harassment immediately.

I’m letting it slide this time.

It’s absolutely not because I’m scared of a guy who looks like he could bench press 500 pounds.

Absolutely not.