Breaking Up with the Heroine of the Female-Oriented Game

Inductive reasoning is, put simply, the process of thinking, “It was correct in the past, so it will be correct in the future.”

Throughout my time at the Academy, I’ve dropped many hints for Yoo Seolhyun.

The weaknesses and flaws of the opposing team.

Highly successful strategies and tactics.

The hero team that Yoo Seolhyun secretly manages.

Methods to conquer the dungeon they are currently exploring, and so on.

Considering all these clues, it’s highly likely that Yoo Seolhyun would come to a particular conclusion: foresight into the future.

Given that the setting of this world does not exclude the existence of those with the supernatural ability of future prediction, it wouldn’t be too strange for Yoo Seolhyun to commit this inductive fallacy.

Of course, there are plenty of reasons to argue against it.

If I truly had the ability to foresee the future, there would be many actions I wouldn’t have taken or things I would have done differently.

However, Yoo Seolhyun is a person with considerable pride.

Such individuals tend to select information that supports their logic to maintain their self-esteem and dismiss information that does not.

It’s a psychological defense mechanism similar to how people on the internet tend to remember and focus only on comments that acknowledge their logic when their arguments are refuted.

This can lead to confirmation bias, meaning one tends to believe only what they want to believe.

‘…Well, I’m not really in a position to talk.’

Most people make judgments based on experience, and I am not free from the fallacy of induction.

Haven’t I, too, trusted my past life’s memories and acted upon them?

Strategies for performance evaluations, strategies against the long-armed ape, methods to persuade Yoo Seolhyun, and so on…

If my memories from a past life were incorrect, I would have undoubtedly found myself in a series of awkward situations.

What if the weaknesses of the long-armed ape were different from what was in the game?

Even though I moved after a comprehensive compilation and comparison of various pieces of information from both my past and present lives, the risks remained unchanged.

Moreover, just because my past life’s memories have been accurate so far doesn’t guarantee they’ll continue to be correct in the future.

Given the stakes of potentially risking my life, I need to be more careful.

‘…Of course, that doesn’t mean I can stop believing in my past life’s memories altogether.’

Because so far, all the information has been accurate.

While I need to be wary of the fallacy of induction, that doesn’t mean I should completely distrust my past life’s memories.

Without leveraging those memories, it would be very difficult to handle what lies ahead.

These memories from the past life are both my greatest advantage and my most powerful weapon.

To survive, paradoxically, I needed to risk my life and confront dangers to prove my reasoning.

So, what’s most necessary for me now is not to tremble at the possibility that my past life’s memories might be right or wrong.

Instead, I need to find a ‘way’ to use my past life’s memories as much as possible, and if things go wrong, to protect myself from threats.

And obtaining this way requires conquering the Youngdeung Mountain Dungeon.

Based on the combined information from my past and present lives, there is a very high probability that the item I want is lying dormant within that dungeon.

That item which has the potential to create numerous variables.

Ah, but if not…

“…Lee Jinhyuk.”

“…”

Pulled from my thoughts by Yoo Seolhyun’s languid voice, I raised my head slightly to look at her.

Yoo Seolhyun began to speak, looking lost, drained, and perplexed, gazing momentarily into the void.

“The exploration of the Youngdeung Mountain Dungeon was something I pushed through with a bit too aggressively.”

Her voice resonated in my ears like a droplet falling into a still lake, creating ripples across the surface.

“Considering the dungeon’s size, magic density, and internal environment, as well as the monsters that appeared at the entrance, I judged that it was feasible to conquer.”

As Yoo Seolhyun said, the Youngdeung Mountain Dungeon was not particularly difficult to overcome.

Except for a few traps and boss monsters.

“I was confident. I had been receiving regular updates saying that the exploration was progressing smoothly.”

Then Yoo Seolhyun let out a deep sigh and licked her lips.

“But I’ve just been contacted. Not only did the dungeon conquest fail, but several heroes have gone missing.”

This was the so-called rescue quest.

Considering my past life’s memories, there were only four days left.

“A rescue team is being hastily assembled… after gathering more accurate information and preparing various equipment, it seems the team will depart tomorrow.”

If the protagonist doesn’t intervene and the story follows its official trajectory, the next rescue operation will likely end in failure.

“Since I unofficially approved and am managing the dungeon exploration, I can’t escape internal responsibility… I’ll probably be torn apart here and there.”

Poorly enough, she would be the first to receive attacks from her own family.

From her siblings, who could be considered her rivals.

“And simply securing the missing personnel won’t be enough to alleviate the current situation. Unless the dungeon is completely conquered.”

The thought of compensating for a mistake with a success was an incredibly risky notion, but it revealed just how anxious she currently was.

“So, I really need that document you showed me earlier… As ridiculous as it seems.”

Yoo Seolhyun then said to me with a calm gaze.

“But don’t you think the situation is a bit strange? Your insistence on meeting me today, and showing me that document…”

“…”

Yoo Seolhyun was looking at me with skeptical eyes.

She must have a lot on her mind.

Wondering if I really have the power to predict the future.

But to explain the current situation, future prediction seemed the most plausible.

“Did you really know in advance? That it would turn out like this?”

“Hmm.”

I paused for a moment.

Despite leaking various clues, I had not explicitly admitted to having the power of foresight from the beginning because saying it outright would have diminished the objective credibility and, considering Yoo Seolhyun’s personality, might have led to even greater suspicion.

She might have also demanded unnecessary proof of my predictive abilities.

Maintaining an ambiguous stance while subtly leading her to her own conclusions seemed a much better approach.

But by now, it seemed safe enough to falsely admit that I had the power of foresight.

It looked like Yoo Seolhyun already firmly believed that I possessed it.

With that level of belief, it was better to admit it.

And considering the direction of the story, it would be more effective to base it on the premise that I have the power of foresight.

“…I’ve built up quite a bit, but it’s probably done, right? Can I reveal it now?”

I finally made a decision.

Admitting to having this false ability would add more credibility to my words.

If she believed it without any particular doubts.

“Well, having come this far, it would be strange to keep being vague. You’re right, Yoo Seolhyun.”

“!”

“I knew to some extent.”

“Then…”

“I can’t use it whenever I want. There are certain conditions. Ah, of course, the conditions are a secret.”

In reality, those with the power of foresight couldn’t perfectly control their predictions, and each had their own set of triggering conditions.

“Besides, there’s no need to overthink it right now. You need this information, and I want something in return from you. Let’s make it a kind of trade.”

I quickly changed the subject. There were many things I wanted to gain from trading with her and many things I needed to obtain.

“You might have doubts about my ability. Just because a few things fit, you can’t trust everything. But what have you got to lose?”

Yoo Seolhyun remained silent, just listening.

“Even if you’re familiar with the contents of this document, there should be no harm.”

Of course, if what’s noted as a weakness isn’t actually a weakness, there could be trouble, but I trusted Yoo Seolhyun to discern between reliable information and what could potentially be dangerous.

“The choice is yours.”

“Haah.”

Yoo Seolhyun seemed to be conflicted, then finally let out a weary sigh.

Without much information about the dungeon, she would naturally want as much new information as possible for the rescue mission.

Even if the source of that information might be a bit uncertain.

“I can’t just share this document with my team members… it looks like I’ll have to go into the dungeon myself.”

As if she had planned to enter all along.

Your supernatural ability would be quite useful in exploring dungeons.

And she must feel a sense of guilt and responsibility for the missing heroes.

“Will you be okay? The Academy might not look kindly on it. And if a student participates, public opinion might get noisy.”

“It’s not illegal, is it? I even have a temporary hero license, so I don’t need to worry about public opinion.”

If Yoo Seolhyun, a student of Union Academy, personally participated in the rescue team, it could lead to gossip, but for her, as long as the fact that she managed the team didn’t come to light, it was fine.

“And Lee Jinhyuk.”

“Huh?”

“Why did you reveal your ability to me?”

Her gaze was flecked with curiosity.

“Did you ever think I might force you to spill information?”

“…”

You are also somewhat aware that you can be quite mean.

“If you really could predict the future, you would know how dangerous your actions are, wouldn’t you? That’s why you’ve kept it a secret until now?”

She was right.

Everyone would want a power like future prediction.

That means many would be compelled to force it out of someone.

“Or…”

She glanced at me once.

“…you revealed it because you knew I wouldn’t do that?”

“…”

Well, I was pretty confident.

I’m not memorizing your character setting for nothing, after all.

I’ve heard about you from various places and have been observing you for months…

Considering everything, I don’t think you would force me as long as I am cooperative.

“That’s a scary thought. I’ll just trust you. We’re classmates, after all.”

“Not very smart for someone who’s usually top of the class.”

Yoo Seolhyun responded as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

It was a ‘dumb’ answer, but I didn’t sense any mocking in her tone.

“So what… tell me. You mentioned wanting a reward?”

“Hmm.”

What could I ask for from Yoo Seolhyun in exchange for the dungeon guide?

The answer had been clear from the beginning.

If it hadn’t been for the situation, where she was desperate because of the failed exploration, she might not have accepted the terms.

“Is it okay if I have two conditions?”

“As long as they’re not too demanding.”

“Alright, first… I want the right to choose one item from the ones obtained in the Youngdeung Mountain Dungeon.”

“…Euh?”

Yoo Seolhyun tilted her head at my request for priority in selecting an item from the dungeon loot, then smiled as if she had guessed why I proposed this trade.

“I don’t have the authority to freely distribute the loot from the dungeon, but I could force it if I had to… Or I could divert something aside for you.”

“Is that so?”

“And you… you seem to know what kind of item is in there, don’t you?”

Despite the somewhat mischievous question, I took it in stride.

“So, what will you do?”

“Well, okay. Rescue comes first after all.”

She nodded readily. Rescue and conquest were the priorities, after all.

‘Considering Yoo Seolhyun’s personality, she wouldn’t go back on her word if a desirable item came up.’

If the dungeon is cleared using the information I provided, she wouldn’t want to upset me – someone with the power of foresight – over just one item.

Ah, of course, it’s quite a nice item, even if I called it just ‘some item’.

“And the second condition is that you stop harassing Jin Soyeon.”

“Huh?”

Yoo Seolhyun blinked, seemingly caught off guard by the sudden request.

“That’s your second condition?”

“I know you don’t like Soyeon, but lay off her from now on.”

“…”

After a brief silence, she scratched her cheek.

“You’re thinking a lot about someone you’ve broken up with.”

“I’ve said a few times that it wasn’t a bad breakup. And she’s a childhood friend.”

“Childhood friend…”

After a moment’s thought, Yoo Seolhyun nodded.

“Fine, I’ll do that.”

“You’re not denying you harassed her?”

I shook my head in disbelief.

“Anyway, I’ll give you the information.”

“Okay.”

Yoo Seolhyun, who had received the carefully crafted Youngdeung Mountain Dungeon guide from me, flipped through the pages for a short while.

Then suddenly.

“Lee Jinhyuk. You wanted to make a deal with me, right?”

Yoo Seolhyun, having looked away from the document, spoke to me.

“It seems like you want something in the dungeon, and since you don’t have the confidence to conquer it alone, you passed the information to me, right? You’re planning to use my team to get it.”

“You, could it be…”

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not suddenly going to do something drastic or change my mind. It’s just…”

Yoo Seolhyun immediately contradicted me, trailing off slowly before moving her lips again.

“…I want to add one more thing to our deal.”

“Another condition?”

“Yeah.”

The moment she began to speak, she opened her mouth.

“Let’s go to the dungeon together.”

Her unexpected proposal left me momentarily silent.

Go to the dungeon together?
With me?

“I glanced over the information you gave, and it looks good. But wouldn’t it be easier if you came along?”

“…”

“I’ll hire you as a tactical advisor. Ah, and I’ll pay you handsomely. How about 50% of the individual rewards I’ll get?”

“…That’s a lot of compensation.”

Splitting personal rewards 50-50?
Converted into money, that would be a significant amount.
Dungeons usually have a lot of valuable items. Not all dungeons, but Youngdeung Mountain Dungeon, for sure.

“Of course, you can refuse. This is an additional deal, as I said. I think the information you provided should be enough for the dungeon conquest.”

“I can refuse?”

That’s a ridiculous suggestion.

Yoo Seolhyun is indirectly asking a question.

Can she trust the information I provided?

Can she trust my abilities?

Am I confident?

To give Yoo Seolhyun more trust and belief, participating together might be a good idea. If I refuse here, it might have some negative long-term effects.

‘Is she thinking it’s better for me to be there as a precaution for any unforeseen situations?’

After all, she believes I’m a person with the power of foresight.
The negative effects of falsely revealing my powers are already surfacing.

“I can’t use it in the dungeon.”

“Oh, really? Is the activation condition like a precognitive dream that requires sleep? I remember there was a person with that kind of power in the past.”

“Maybe.”

“Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I rate your tactical skills highly, regardless of whether you can use precognitive abilities.”

“Aren’t there veteran heroes in the rescue team? And if they include a student like me, it’ll cause a lot of internal fuss, right?”

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

Yoo Seolhyun presses again.

“So, are you going to participate or not?”

“…”

Honestly, I didn’t want to participate.

Of course, dungeons were not a place to enter with a light heart. Especially a dungeon dangerous enough that active heroes could go missing. The game’s difficulty was low, but reality could be different.

And the boss monster of the dungeon was a tough opponent.

It looked quite creepy in the game; I remember squinting my eyes in disgust, and if I were to see it in reality…

‘But it’s also an opportunity to see how active heroes form teams and act.’

I already knew the strategy, and perhaps I could gain some safe(?) experience in conquering dungeons…

Thinking ahead, maybe it wouldn’t be too bad to have a preliminary experience?

‘But still…’

“Lee Jinhyuk?”

‘Wait, if I’m careful with the boss monster and traps, it might be okay…’

“Are you listening to me?”

‘Ah, I’m conflicted.’

Suddenly…

“Lee Jinhyuk.”

“Ah.”

“What are you brooding over? Is it such a difficult decision?”

“…It’s not easy to decide to participate in a dungeon.”

I sighed deeply.

Okay, what the heck.

Think of it as gaining some experience in advance.

With many challenges ahead, such as monsters, villains, dungeons, and more, the experience of working with veteran heroes would undoubtedly be beneficial.

“Alright, I’ll participate.”

“Heh heh. Good decision.”

“We’re invading with the rescue team tomorrow, right?”

“Yes. And I’ll text you later about some things you need to know.”

I nodded and thought…

‘…It should be fine, right?’

This would be my first time entering a dungeon, so naturally, I was a bit worried.