Chapter 58

< Episode 59 > D-3: Ants are always busy workers~

Jekyll silently observed the Scorpion Squad’s test process.

As an instructor, he had authority and no real cause for suspicion.

He also had the means to interfere with the test if he so desired.

And indeed, he did just that.

In that sense, he was an excellent instructor.

Though his intentions were extremely dubious.

And the result of his efforts?

“Things have taken an unexpected turn…”

Watching Chul-soo and Young-hee, Jekyll smirked.

His original goal was simply for Chul-soo to get injured.

Young-hee, under hypnosis, would wound Chul-soo.

The squad would fail the test with low scores.

This would create distrust and arguments between them – that was his plan…

“Who would’ve thought they’d take first place while still falling apart as a team?”

There were two things Jekyll hadn’t anticipated.

First, the Scorpion Squad’s skills far surpassed other students.

Second, Young-hee chose to hurt Chul-soo with words rather than actions.

Jekyll hadn’t given specific orders on how to injure Chul-soo – too much detail increases chances of failure.

So he merely intensified Young-hee’s hatred towards Chul-soo…

Never imagining her choice would prove so effective.

“Hmm, this is interesting.”

Honestly, Jekyll expected this plan to fail.

Chul-soo’s strength was far beyond expectations.

It seemed impossible for one girl to secretly harm him over 24 hours.

Getting desperate, he even sent the “Double-Headed Snake” after them.

And yet, even that monster fell.

At least it created new conflicts.

Ultimately, Young-hee did manage to wound Chul-soo.

Emotionally, far more deeply than any physical injury.

“Not exactly what I planned, but certainly usable…”

Jekyll glanced at the student profiles.

Detailed records of Young-hee and Chul-soo’s pasts.

Including their history together at the orphanage.

“Youngh-hee… Chul-soo…”

Tapping his fingers on the desk, Jekyll thought:

Youngh-hee was completely under his control now.

Prolonged hypnosis and stress broke her mind.

She can’t even handle her own emotions anymore.

Just a little push and she’ll be pushed to her limits.

Nothing more than a puppet to use as I please.

“As for Kim Chul-soo… this will be more challenging.”

Not like Young-hee who easily fell to hypnosis.

His mental strength and abilities can’t be underestimated.

“Still, if I’m going to act, it should be soon.”

!…

!……

…….

The timing is perfect right now.

Chul-soo’s mental state is completely shattered.

I need to deal with him before he recovers his strength.

“Kim Chul-soo doesn’t align with Hwakcheon’s ideals anyway. Whatever Lord Yu-jin’s plans are, this man needs to be removed early.”

In that sense, he was lucky.

Youngh-hee and Chul-soo.

Such convenient pawns to use.

“Lord Yu-jin, may this trial make you a worthy successor to Hwakcheon.”

Having finished his thoughts, Jekyll rose with satisfaction.

With everyone weakened, now’s the opportunity.

Preparations are complete.

It’s time to set everything in motion.

When he realizes he must fight a friend who shared life and death…

What expression will he wear?

*snip*

“Geez, what a shame.”

Riding home in Secretary Park’s car after a while,

Yu-jin was deep in thought with his arms crossed.

Though, as usual, it wasn’t anything particularly serious.

“Just when we finally took first place, I wanted to celebrate…”

Successfully completing a common mission together.

Then celebrating with delicious food!

The ultimate way to bond with friends!

“What a disaster…”

Never expecting Chul-soo and Young-hee would fight so seriously.

Now the party he’d carefully planned is unnecessary.

“Ah, I even made a special reservation at a nice restaurant…”

A high-class place Yu-jin himself hadn’t visited.

Their first meal together as friends.

He’d prepared everything to make it a meaningful memory.

Very disappointing for Yu-jin.

Of course, for the parties involved – Chul-soo and Young-hee – it was more than embarrassing.

But Yu-jin didn’t know their full situation.

To him, it was just two close friends having a quarrel.

Kids fight while growing up, right?

“How long will it take for them to reconcile? Surely they won’t stay mad forever?”

Many relationships end over single arguments.

But these are Chul-soo and Young-hee.

Even Yu-jin knows they care about each other deeply.

They’ll definitely make up somehow.

Still, it’s hard not to worry.

While Yu-jin was pondering these trivial concerns…

“Master Yu-jin, I have something to report.”

Secretary Park spoke while driving.

Yu-jin turned to look at him.

Come to think of it, there was some business to handle.

That’s why he hadn’t seen Secretary Park for a while.

Though even without that, they’d been separated during the survival test for several days.

“Here, first take this.”

Secretary Park carefully handed something to Yu-jin.

Looking at it, Yu-jin tilted his head.

“Nameplate?”

It was a black wooden nameplate, clearly high-quality.

Someone’s name was inscribed in gold.

Though unfamiliar to Yu-jin.

“It’s the nameplate of two fallen Hwakcheon executives.”

Why give this to me?

Is it for decoration?

‘Ah, to memorize the names.’

No matter what, he was Hwakcheon’s heir.

Executives should be working hard for the organization.

It was proper etiquette to remember their names.

‘Secretary Park really is competent.’

Look at this meticulous handling.

Always supporting me appropriately despite my ignorance.

Truly a reliable person.

“I’ll keep it in mind.”

Yu-jin nodded in reply.

At his strangely dry response, Secretary Park felt slight surprise.

‘He’s not very surprised.’

These nameplates came from executives Secretary Park defeated.

Hwakcheon has a strict hierarchy.

But it also follows the philosophy that only power matters.

Lower ranks can challenge higher ones anytime.

The organization doesn’t interfere with such duels.

In fact, those who refuse challenges are seen as dishonorable.

A remnant from Hwakcheon’s days as the “Demon Sect.”

Secretary Park used this to eliminate two executives plotting against Yu-jin.

‘Though only two, this should deal a blow to the anti-Yu-jin faction.’

The important point is that two executives fell.

Others will likely consider if they’ll meet the same fate.

This makes even executives hesitant to act rashly.

Conversely, Yu-jin’s status rises even further.

In that sense, this was quite significant.

‘But Master Yu-jin seems unimpressed.’

Of course, there are dozens of Hwakcheon executives nationwide.

Does this mean two of them mean nothing to Master Yu-jin?

His mindset truly is different.

Once again realizing the difference in their levels.

This person will surely reach great heights without relying on anyone.

‘No, I cannot rest on my laurels or depend solely on Master Yu-jin.’

Secretary Park fully believed Yu-jin would become Hwakcheon’s true leader.

Not just any leader.

One surpassing all previous leaders.

Possessing the potential to reach the domain of the First Demon King who once dominated the martial world.

That’s why he follows without doubt.

‘When Master Yu-jin ascends to the peak of Hwakcheon, I must be his right-hand man.’

For that, he’s currently insufficient.

He needs to improve further to match Yu-jin’s perspective.

Standing on the shoulders of giants, as they say.

He needed to move forward.

‘…Could Master Yu-jin have deliberately responded this way, seeing through my subtle arrogance?’

True, Secretary Park hadn’t openly shown it.

But becoming somewhat arrogant after defeating two executives was undeniable.

He might have subconsciously thought “Executives aren’t much.”

Such thoughts could be fatal for future battles.

A true member of Hwakcheon never relaxes.

Master Yu-jin reminded him of this through a single word.

‘You’ve given me much insight with just a few words.’

Thinking two executives were insignificant…

For Master Yu-jin’s path, they’re merely minor obstacles.

Secretary Park reaffirmed his resolve.

“Thank you, Master Yu-jin.”

“Huh?”

Surprised by the sudden gratitude, Yu-jin tilted his head.

Was saying he’d memorize the names that moving?

It’s not that difficult a task.

“By the way, didn’t you achieve an overwhelming first place in this exam? Congratulations.”

“Eh, that’s not important.”

Secretary Park silently nodded.

Master Yu-jin who views even Hwakcheon executives as trivial wouldn’t be satisfied with mere academy top rank.

‘Yet achieving the highest score in academy history and defeating a boss monster is truly remarkable.’

Seems Master Yu-jin genuinely considers it unremarkable.

Fitting for him, though.

Through another misunderstanding, Secretary Park’s evaluation of Yu-jin soared even higher.

“Anyway, I did make a reservation at a restaurant today. What should we do? Shall I cancel?”

Just as Yu-jin was about to answer…

Thinking about it, this opportunity shouldn’t be wasted.

There’s also the cancellation fee to consider.

“Nah, let’s just go.”

Yu-jin replied, then thought inwardly:

“Rime, are you awake?”

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