CHAPTER 96 – GAEUN MEDIZIN ORIGIN

GAEUN MEDIZIN

As a child, my every action mirrored my parents' wishes. Their lineage, steeped in the history of dragonoid house slaves, bestowed upon them a status unparalleled among their kind—a status of privilege, where comfort intertwined with servitude. Unlike the weary souls toiling in the fields, my parents enjoyed finer clothing, richer fare, and more spacious accommodations. Benevolently overseen by a humane human duke, who, in his passing, bequeathed them the mantle of heirs, they ascended to a position of wealth and influence when the Dragonoid Rights Law came into effect.

Their teachings echoed through the halls of our home, instilling within me the clandestine virtues of intellect, compassion, and unwavering allegiance. They imparted the wisdom that brilliance, gentleness, and fidelity were the keystones to prosperity. And so, I diligently pursued my studies, earning accolades as a consistent honor student.

Yet, in the tapestry of life, kindness and loyalty often wove themselves into threads of vulnerability. During my formative years, amidst the camaraderie of childhood friendships, my innate goodness became both a beacon and a burden. I extended countless favors—procuring sandwiches, volunteering for menial tasks, even completing homework—driven by an unyielding loyalty to my peers.

Longing for acceptance among my peers, my timid demeanor and soft-spoken nature rendered me mute in expression, save for acts of kindness and unwavering loyalty. Through middle school, this pattern persisted, a cycle of exploitation veiled by camaraderie, a silent suffering I endured in hopes of belonging.

It wasn't until a savior emerged, my own incarnation of "Prince Charming." Radiating perfection, he shielded me from the clutches of exploitation, his gallantry a beacon in the darkness of my plight. Handsome and considerate, he became my steadfast companion, our bond blossoming amidst shared studies and leisurely walks home. In the tender embrace of youth, we embraced love's bloom at an early age.

Yet, our romantic tale was fleeting. As we bid farewell to middle school, our paths diverged: my "Prince Charming" embarked for Elysia, delving into the realms of specialized science education, while I remained anchored in Tasty Town, destined for the enchantments of Magic High School.

Returning to old habits, I found myself craving validation once more, seeking solace in the company of toxic classmates. Despite this, my connection with my "Prince Charming" remained steadfast, our nightly exchanges serving as a lifeline amidst the tumult of my new environment at Magic High.

In my first week, Awra, one of these newfound companions, beckoned me to the girls' restroom with an air of secrecy. There, she unveiled a ring nestled at the bottom of the toilet bowl.

"Could you retrieve this ring for me, Gaeun?" she requested, her tone laced with manipulation.

"Um, okay," I acquiesced, my voice barely above a whisper.

Driven by naivety, I plunged my hand into the fetid depths of the toilet, a wave of revulsion coursing through me. Yet, as I clasped the ring, Awra seized the back of my neck, forcefully submerging my head into the murky water, a betrayal that left me gasping for breath and questioning the sincerity of friendship.

Gasping for air, I emerged from the toilet bowl, my senses reeling from the shock of betrayal and humiliation. Awra's laughter pierced the air, a cruel echo of her disdain.

"Th-this is what you get for being a goody-two-shoe pig!" she jeered, her taunts slicing through the already fraught atmosphere.

Struggling to compose myself, I wiped the vile remnants from my face, my voice trembling as I sought an explanation. "Did I... did I offend you somehow? If so, I... I apologize."

But Awra's response offered no solace, only a venomous tirade aimed at my perceived flaws. "No! I'm just irritated with you. A chubby hypocrite, a smart rich girl like you deserves to be bullied. That's where you belong," she spat, her words laden with malice.

As I braced myself for another onslaught, a sudden intervention disrupted the tension. A resounding slap echoed through the restroom, followed by the abrupt absence of Awra's grasp on my neck.

Turning, I beheld Charlotte, standing tall and defiant, her presence a beacon of strength amidst the darkness of cruelty.

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Charlotte, her demeanor dripping with sass, flicked her brown hair disdainfully as she mocked the situation. "Ugh, I always hate finding cockroaches here in the girls' restroom."

"What did you just say?" Awra seethed, her anger palpable.

"Get lost!" Charlotte retorted, her voice laced with defiance.

In a swift motion, Charlotte's hand connected with Awra's cheek, the sound reverberating through the tiled walls of the restroom. Awra recoiled, a mixture of shock and pain contorting her features.

"Oh, I'm simply amazed that this cockroach can talk and shriek," Charlotte quipped, her sarcasm cutting through the tension.

Enraged, Awra prepared to retaliate, but before she could strike, Charlotte seized her wrist, halting her in her tracks. With a steely resolve, Charlotte delivered another resounding slap, leaving Awra reeling in both pain and indignation.

"You'll regret this!" Awra threatened, her voice trembling with fury.

With Awra's departure, the suffocating atmosphere of hostility lifted, leaving Charlotte and me alone in the girls' restroom. Retrieving an old yet exquisite handkerchief, Charlotte tenderly dabbed at my dampened face.

"I despise it when commoners like her target those who can't defend themselves," Charlotte remarked with disdain, her voice laced with frustration.

"Thank you, Charlotte," I murmured gratefully, offering a bow of appreciation.

"Gaeun," Charlotte interjected, raising her index finger in emphasis, "stay away from Awra. Promise me."

"Um, alright..." I hesitated, torn between loyalty and self-preservation. "B-But she's my only friend."

"Forget her. I'll be your friend from now on," Charlotte declared, extending her hand toward me.

"Okay," I replied, a hesitant smile gracing my lips as I accepted her offer, intertwining our hands in newfound camaraderie.

Charlotte and I became inseparable, akin to twins bound by an unbreakable bond. As two of the brightest students in our class, we often found ourselves locked in friendly competition for the top spots in our year level. Our friendship flourished, a beacon of solidarity amid the tumult of academia.

However, beneath the facade of camaraderie, envy simmered among some of our classmates, festering into a seething resentment. In my third year, their pent-up animosity erupted in a vicious assault orchestrated by Awra and her cohorts. Caught off guard and alone, I found myself surrounded as I made my way home.

They seized me, restraining my arms as Awra's relentless onslaught began. Her blows rained down upon me, accompanied by curses, spittle, and the cruel sting of her kicks.

Yet, just when despair threatened to consume me, a crimson-haired dragonoid girl named Kate emerged as my unlikely savior. With her formidable strength and unwavering resolve, she descended upon Awra and her cronies, unleashing a flurry of blows that left them battered and broken, their reign of terror abruptly halted by her righteous fury.

As rumors of Kate's involvement in defending me spread, I couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at my conscience. She faced repercussions for her bravery, summoned before the faculty and even the student council. I learned of her own brush with danger, ambushed by assailants until our Student Council Vice President, Hiraya, came to her rescue.

The weight of my own passivity bore down on me like a crushing burden. I loathed my lack of courage, my perpetual silence in the face of adversity. I couldn't rely indefinitely on the protection of others—Prince Charming, Charlotte, or Kate. I needed to find the strength within myself, to stand tall and face my challenges head-on.

So when news of a counseling session organized by the Student Council reached my ears, I seized the opportunity for guidance. Rushing to their office, I was met by Vice President Hiraya, her charismatic presence exuding an aura of warmth and reassurance. I had always admired her as a beacon of hope, a natural leader who inspired confidence in those around her.

"Gaeun Medizin, isn't it?" Vice Prez greeted me with a smile that seemed to dispel all my doubts. "Please, have a seat."

Flustered, I took my seat opposite Vice Prez, my gaze fixated on the floor as I struggled to find my voice amidst the unexpected turn of events.

"So, what kind of... sexual counseling do you need?" Vice Prez's question hung in the air, each word sending a surge of embarrassment coursing through me. "Do you want the hundred-technique Kamasutra or the BDSM special advice? Or maybe you prefer the LDR Masturbating Jutsu."

My cheeks flushed crimson, my mind reeling with disbelief. "E-Eh?" I stammered, my words barely audible above the rush of blood in my ears. "I-I... Is this sex counseling? I thought it was for student guidance! I did not know!" I exclaimed, feeling utterly mortified by the misunderstanding.

"Pfft!" Vice Prez's laughter rang out, dispelling the tension like a gust of wind. "I'm just joking around." Leaning forward, she adopted a more serious demeanor. "How may I help you?" her gentle inquiry washed over me, offering a lifeline amidst the sea of embarrassment.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my courage to voice my innermost desire. "Um, I... I want to grow. I want to stand up for myself. I've always relied on others for protection, and I despise it. I don't want to remain a fragile little girl who can't fend for herself."

Hiraya listened attentively, her expression thoughtful as she pondered my words. "Hmmm..." she murmured, her gaze drifting upward as she gently stroked her chin. "You should understand that no one is an island, and we all rely on each other to survive. What you need is confidence and to surround yourself with people who value and support you."

A sudden realization seemed to dawn upon her, a spark of inspiration igniting in her eyes. Leaning forward, she reached out and clasped my hand in hers.

"Say, Gaeun..." Hiraya began, a smile spreading across her face, "with your exceptional aptitude for magic, you could make a significant contribution to the Magic High's Student Council. How about joining my special unit?" Her proposal filled me with a sense of hope and purpose, as if a path to self-discovery and empowerment had been laid out before me.