Chapter 97

<Episode 98> Chul-soo Finds the Place Unsettling

After Ji-kil’s terror ended a few days later…

The faculty of the Academy gathered in the conference room, staring at a certain video.

People-attacking winged humanoid monsters.

And two men standing against those beasts.

Yu-jin and Chul-soo.

“Hya, I’ve watched this on YouTube countless times already, but it’s still hard to believe.”

Everyone had already seen this through the news.

But watching the original from start to finish was an entirely different experience.

The more you watch, the more you’re astounded by their skills.

“Hmph… Is this really the power of students?”

“Not even professional heroes could stand up to them.”

This wasn’t empty praise.

If anything, they were holding back their compliments as much as possible.

Just the sheer amount of magic power and physical strength displayed by the two was absurd.

On top of that, the martial arts techniques they used were all highly refined.

Skills so polished that they’d be perfectly usable in real combat situations.

Had there been no rule changes, they would’ve graduated early and started working as heroes without hesitation.

“Who would’ve thought the main figures solving this terrorist incident would be our own students.”

“They haven’t even graduated yet, but they’ve already built impressive careers. Other guilds are going crazy asking us to send them over.”

The Academy is primarily funded by donations from associations, guilds, and corporations.

Thanks to these funds, the Academy can provide high-quality education and invest heavily in facilities for the students.

Of course, investments don’t come out of nowhere.

These organizations receive talented individuals through the Academy.

In a way, it’s like product placement within dramas—an advertisement of sorts.

From that perspective, this display of heroism has drawn significant attention.

“Kim Yu-jin and Kim Chul-soo. I’ve heard stories about them before, but having two such geniuses in the same grade is astonishing.”

Not only Chul-soo, known as a prodigy since long ago,

but Yu-jin, the successor of Hwagcheon, is also making people salivate with his potential.

That interest will surely translate into increased investment in the Academy.

From the professors’ point of view, it’s impossible not to grin ear-to-ear like lottery winners.

“Still, hasn’t Hwagcheon said anything? It doesn’t seem fitting for their ideal successor.”

At that, a few people nodded.

In the video, Yu-jin was “cooperating” with Chul-soo.

Of course, even someone as capable as Kim Yu-jin might need to team up against such powerful foes.

But without any preconceived notions, the two looked like friends who’d practiced together for years.

This image was quite far from the usual perception of Hwagcheon.

“Initially, Hwagcheon hasn’t imposed any restrictions. If anything, they seem to be using this as some form of publicity.”

“Hmm, could they finally be deciding to cooperate with the association and settle down?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re talking about Hwagcheon here.”

Some opinions defending Hwagcheon have surfaced recently.

Even so, Hwagcheon remains infamous as a mafia organization.

It’s unlikely their tarnished reputation will recover anytime soon.

Regardless, Yu-jin’s personal evaluation has skyrocketed.

No matter what, the tall, handsome guy seems to have something that makes women’s hearts flutter.

“Well, let’s wrap this topic up for now. We’re pressed for time, so let’s move on to the next agenda.”

“Yes, then the next item concerns upcoming Academy events. Please open your documents.”

The Academy’s schedule is packed.

With the island survival training finished and the rest period over, it’s time for the next event to begin.

“As you all know, we must prepare for the next international competition, ‘U-Academia.'”

Teacher Ji-hye, Yu-jin’s homeroom teacher, spoke, and the attending teachers nodded.

U-Academia is a competition where only awoken individuals currently enrolled in academies can participate.

Of course, not every academy participates due to various circumstances.

Still, it’s an internationally broadcast event.

Winning brings global prestige and enhances the Academy’s reputation.

Though first, they need to be chosen as Asia’s representative.

“The last time, Baek Soi from ‘Baekryeon’ secured second place.”

“A regrettable fight. Without Payhu, they could’ve easily taken first.”

Korea, too, is a nation of heroes.

They’ve consistently achieved excellent results in international competitions.

In other words, if the results aren’t good, they’ll face harsh criticism.

“In any case, we need to select two representatives this time around.”

“Hmm, one from the unarmed combat faction and one from the magic faction. How do the candidates look?”

“Yes! Based on current grades, Kim Yu-jin from the unarmed combat faction and Seo Yura, the class president from the same class, will be representing the magic faction.”

“Ah…”

The meeting room fell silent at that announcement.

Being the class president, she’s exemplary.

Her parents are respected heroes, so even before considering her abilities, she would reflect well on the Academy’s name.

The problem lies with Kim Yu-jin.

“Kim Yu-jin… he’s tied to Hwagcheon, right…?”

“Hmm, no matter how you look at it, sending the heir of a mafia organization to an international competition is a bit….”

It’s not just about external appearances.

Hwagcheon and the Hero Association have long-standing animosity.

And while the Academy operates somewhat independently, it still heavily relies on the Association’s influence.

Choosing Kim Yu-jin as a representative could lead to unforeseen trouble.

However—

“Regardless, isn’t it true that Kim Yu-jin has the highest scores?”

“What about Kim Chul-soo? From the video earlier, and as everyone says, he’s a once-in-a-generation genius.”

“You’ll understand better if you think of Kim Yu-jin as the opponent Chul-soo is struggling to surpass.”

Rejecting him solely for this reason raises issues of fairness.

Especially since we’re talking about Hwagcheon.

One can only imagine the chaos they might create over this excuse.

Kim Yu-jin’s abilities aside, recommending him outright risks conflict with the Hero Association,

while rejecting him invites wrath from Hwagcheon.

As they hesitated, unsure of what to do—

“What are you worrying about over such trivial matters?”

Suddenly, the door to the meeting room opened, and someone strode in.

Recognizing her, everyone jumped to their feet and bowed deeply.

“Is that not Mr. Kim Tae-jin?”

“Ah, good work.”

Dressed in hanbok, a young girl confidently walked in.

No one dared stop her.

After all, Kim Tae-jin is considered a living legend among today’s heroes.

Crossing her would mean permanent expulsion from this world of heroes.

Ignoring the chair tremblingly offered by a staff member, Kim Tae-jin casually sat atop the table.

“The students selected for this international competition will be directly trained by me, regardless of their background or abilities.”

“Eh?! W, what’s this sudden—?!”

All the staff members were shocked.

As previously mentioned, Kim Tae-jin is a legendary hero.

If she offers to teach, even active heroes would line up eagerly.

For the students, it’s an unprecedented opportunity worth risking their lives for.

“Instead, I’ll decide how the selection process works. Any complaints?”

“Ah, no! Of course not, Ms. Kim Tae-jin. But… shouldn’t we maintain fairness…?”

The staff member quickly added, recalling Kim Yu-jin’s connection to Kim Tae-jin.

Kim Tae-jin shook her head.

“Don’t worry. This year’s representatives will be chosen through a completely fair test.”

Then, with a wicked smile that seemed oddly suited to her age, she continued.

“The competition rules are tag battles. Those who wish to participate, whether from the unarmed combat faction or the magic faction, will form teams and keep fighting until only two remain. The rules are simple: continue until only two are left.”

The staff momentarily blinked in disbelief.

For a moment, they wondered if they’d misheard.

“Fighting, fighting, and more fighting until only the strongest two remain. Isn’t that the fairest and most reliable method?”

****

“Kim Yoo-JINNNN!”

Meanwhile, in the early morning at Hwagcheon’s mansion.

Chul-soo’s shout marked the beginning of the day.

Even after saving dozens of citizens from monstrous beasts,

even after both of them personally defeating that beast, and despite it being widely reported on the news, grudges between enemies don’t fade easily.

“If it’s you again! Today’s the day I kill you!” In fact, sometimes the conflicts only deepen.

“Huh? I haven’t done anything today?”

“Burn in hell!”

CRASH!

A black sword charged with magic power slashed through the air. Yu-jin nimbly leaped back to dodge.

Though it sounds simple in words, this attack from a swordsman confirmed to be at least of the “Certain Death” level is no joke.

Dodging it isn’t easy,

and getting hit would put even Yu-jin’s life in danger.

In short, Chul-soo was attacking Yu-jin with the intent to kill from the very start of the morning.

“Yu-jin-sama, please step back.”

As usual, Biseo Park stepped forward to protect Yu-jin.

Of course, he didn’t for a moment think Yu-jin would lose.

Still, it was embarrassing for a subordinate not to step up when their master was present.

“Looks like you’ve developed a habit of cooperating with him without knowing any better.”

Honestly speaking, Park didn’t like how Chul-soo had attacked so predictably in front of him.

He slowly gathered magic power in his hands.

Park glared coldly at Chul-soo.

“Isn’t this supposed to be a temporary ceasefire after the last incident?”

Though they hadn’t explicitly agreed to a truce,

forming an alliance for a greater enemy was understood.

Rushing to kill each other immediately after that alliance ends is absurd.

“I thought you were someone who made more rational and reasonable judgments.”

Moreover, this was for Chul-soo’s own good.

Chul-soo suffered severe injuries during the last incident.

His once-black hair turned completely white.

If he continues fighting Yu-jin in this state, he might die this time.

Chul-soo’s usefulness was proven during the last incident.

Park wanted to keep him alive if possible.

But daring to attack the heir of Hwagcheon right in front of their mansion?

If anyone sees, it won’t end with just burying him.

“So, talk it out. Why are you doing this?”

Yu-jin, who had quietly slipped behind Park, asked.

Frankly, this guy wasn’t particularly fond of fights.

“No.”

“Huh?”

“Since that day, I haven’t been able to sit in my seat… damn it…”

A brief silence filled the trio.

Without saying a word, Park opened the car door.

“Hmm, well. Let’s discuss this while driving. Calm conversation might multiply joy fourfold and reduce pain by the same factor, right?”

Even monster-slayers like them were just guys, after all.

There was nothing else troubling them.

---