Chapter 47

<Episode 48> Thought it was Rupcoin? Oh well, here comes the regret-filled buildup talk!

To be honest, the Class President couldn’t believe what was right in front of him.

There’s definitely some sense of relief and gratitude.

But still, we’re talking about a monster that tears through intermediate-level magic like it’s nothing!

And yet, this guy just wiped it out with one hit?

“Was Chul-soo really fighting something like that?”

What kind of battle has he been having?

Did he actually think he could take down Yu-jin Kim?

Nah, if I know Chul-soo, there’s no doubt he’d do it.

Besides, he’s got his reasons to fight—he can’t back down.

Still, it’s overwhelming.

There’s no way I can picture Chul-soo beating Yu-jin Kim.

“Hey, Class President, you alright?”

Yu-jin approached the stunned president.

Yu-jin extended a hand.

Without realizing it, the Class President grabbed it and stood up.

“…Is the monster really gone for good?”

“Probably. Don’t know where it came from though.”

That prompted the Class President to explain what happened.

Not like he knew much either.

Some creepy guy came charging in, injected himself, and turned into a monster.

After that, it all went down just like Yu-jin saw.

“What kind of shot turns someone into a monster?”

“I dunno. Probably some illegal drug.”

This world’s medicine does have its weird quirks.

A realm where magic and monsters coexist—scientists have been applying their research to biology, creating absurd results.

But I’ve never heard of monsters like that being made.

Regardless of the outcome, side effects could easily kill someone.

“Where did they even get something like that?”

If they could make drugs like that, it sure ain’t some common organization.

There’s no point overthinking this now.

“Well, I reported it to the cops, so we should be fine.”

The Class President fidgeted nervously, trying to gauge Yu-jin’s reaction.

He knows what he should say…

But for some reason, it’s hard to speak up.

“Is it guilt…?”

I chose Chul-soo over Yu-jin.

Whatever it is—friendship or whatever—it’s undeniable.

But Yu-jin didn’t hesitate to risk himself and save me.

That wasn’t an act of selfishness—it was genuine.

Do I even have the right to talk to Yu-jin now?

“Still, I need to say something…”

While the Class President was gathering his thoughts, Yu-jin suddenly looked at him.

“Class President.”

“Y-yes?”

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Oh…”

Realizing belatedly, the Class President checked himself over.

No pain at all.

Considering the monster was more interested in…you know…it probably avoided leaving marks.

“Uh… I’m fine.”

“Good, then that’s settled.”

Suddenly, Yu-jin took off his jacket.

Caught off guard, the Class President flinched as Yu-jin draped the coat over him.

When he looked up, Yu-jin seemed embarrassed and avoided eye contact.

“It’s not like I’m thinking anything weird, but… people shouldn’t see that, y’know?”

It hit the Class President then: his shirt must’ve been torn.

So, he’d likely been flashing everyone without realizing it.

His face flushed red as he clutched the coat tighter.

A different kind of embarrassment washed over him.

“It’s warm…”

In fact, it felt comforting.

Not because of the coat, but because of Yu-jin’s thoughtfulness.

Being protected from such a monster AND cared for like this…

If this isn’t hero material, who is?

No matter what happened before, the Class President couldn’t help but acknowledge Yu-jin Kim.

“Um… there’s something I need to say…”

“Anyway, I’m glad you’re safe. Scary stuff, huh? You can relax now.”

Yu-jin reached out and ruffled his hair gently.

“Ah…”

Damn it.

Even though it’s Yu-jin Kim, and despite how dangerous the situation was…

My heart won’t stop racing.

My face feels like it’s on fire.

If I looked in a mirror, I’d probably see the expression of a girl falling in love.

“No…this isn’t right…”

I know.

Liking Yu-jin Kim would feel like betraying Chul-soo and Young-hee.

Yet, my feelings are out of control.

“Why are you so cool…?”

The Class President hung his head in defeat.

There’s no way to hide these feelings now.

***

A few kilometers away from where Yu-jin Kim and the Class President stood, on the rooftop of a building…

A man watched them from afar.

Dressed in a doctor’s coat, he had a tired, degenerate look about him.

Anyone from Hwagcheon would recognize him as Jojosa Jigul.

“Hmm…”

Jigul stood quietly, eyes closed, deep in thought.

As if pondering something deeply.

“Hey! What the hell is going on here, Jigul-sensei?!”

His reverie was interrupted by an unwelcome guest.

It was the man who had approached the Class President earlier and transformed into the monster.

Having escaped his monstrous form, he had fled straight here.

With an aggrieved look, he glared at Jigul.

“You said using that drug would make me stronger than anyone!”

“Quiet.”

“But some random kid showed up and blasted me in one hit! How is THAT the strongest?! This is ridiculous!”

“…”

Had the man been paying attention like usual, he’d have shut up.

But with his chance to have fun with the girl ruined, he was half-insane.

He completely missed Jigul’s unusual demeanor.

“You knew using that drug would cost you ten years of your life, right? But I promised you’d get to enjoy a cute girl, so you agreed…”

“Oi…”

A chilling voice cut through the air.

Jigul’s yellow eyes pierced through him.

The sheer killing intent left the man drenched in sweat.

“I told you to shut up.”

“H-Hiiik!”

The man stumbled back.

He’d never seen Jigul this angry.

‘I’m gonna die.’

Pure fear ran through him.

He tried to apologize, but it was too late.

“S-Sorry…”

“Die split in half.”

Pooosh!!!

The man’s body literally split in two.

Red blood and flesh splattered everywhere.

Jigul didn’t give it a second glance, turning his head away.

All he could think about was the scene involving Yu-jin moments ago.

‘Such worthless trash…how dare they interrupt my epiphany.’

Does this garbage even realize how moved I am right now?

The euphoria from before, the lingering satisfaction…

Interrupted by this scum, now I feel dirty.

Jigul closed his eyes again, recalling the glorious moment.

‘Who would’ve thought Kim Yu-jin was hiding such magnificent power?’

His punch, his magic power, most importantly, the vessel he possesses…

Each one is a masterpiece.

Sure, a few experts might achieve similar ‘results,’

But none possess the beauty Yu-jin displayed.

‘How did he reach such heights at such a young age?’

Based on rumors, I thought he was just some unqualified heir.

I only wanted to play around with him a little.

But the Kim Yu-jin I saw today…

Do the executives truly understand him?

If they do, they should gouge out their eyes and use them for ping pong.

At least then they’d see the world properly.

‘I’ve faced countless humans and talents, but I’ve never met someone with a vessel like his.’

Not even in that prestigious Hwagcheon.

Jigul is both a trainer and a scientist, a doctor.

He’s seen so many strong individuals it’s almost boring.

Still, in his eyes, Kim Yu-jin shows incredible potential.

‘Ah, how beautiful!’

Potential is beautiful.

They deserve to be observed!

Jigul laughed maniacally, spreading his arms wide.

His laughter wouldn’t stop.

An insane grin spread across his face endlessly.

Kim Yu-jin’s display was THAT stimulating.

“Kukukuku! Ahahaha! Incredible! Simply incredible!”

The executives are fools.

The teachers at Academy are all morons.

To leave such talent, such genius untouched?

Do they lack ambition?

“This is entertaining! Entertaining indeed, Kim Yu-jin! You’re the best stimulation in this dull life! A true successor to Hwagcheon!”

Just a casual job to pass the time.

Never expected to find such talent here.

‘Someone like him MUST become Hwagcheon’s successor!’

I want to work under him immediately.

However, there are still shortcomings.

Namely, how he acted out of personal attachment.

‘Rescuing that Class President kid without asking for anything in return…’

If anything, he even took care of the Class President.

Of course, that’s a normal human response.

But Hwagcheon cannot tolerate that.

Leaders of Hwagcheon must always remain cold and ruthless.

At the very least, I can’t accept someone above me being swayed by emotions.

‘Speaking of which, he already has a close relationship with Young-hee, right?’

Jigul extracted information from Young-hee using hypnosis.

She loves Kim Yu-jin to the point she’d sacrifice her life.

Kim Yu-jin cherishes her deeply as well.

‘This won’t do either.’

Hwagcheon rules.

Caring for women and treating them as precious is inappropriate.

They need to be dominated, sometimes excessively so.

That’s the path for someone leading a cruel organization like Hwagcheon.

‘Still, I guess I’m lucky.’

…

…

……

Coincidentally, Young-hee is already under my influence.

Plus, I’ve finished investigating her past relationship with Chul-soo.

‘Team assignments are coming up soon, right?’

Practical sessions at Academy are done in groups.

Each team consists of four members.

And conveniently, there are exactly four people on my list.

Chul-soo Kim, Young-hee Lee, the Class President, and Yu-jin Kim.

By putting them together and using hypnosis appropriately, interesting results should follow.

As their instructor, I also have the authority to assign teams.

‘Mr. Kim Yu-jin, I’ll refine you into someone more suited for Hwagcheon.’

Thinking over his plans and resolutions, Jigul burst into another fit of manic laughter.

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