Chapter 92

<Chapter 93> Seems Like Things Are Settled

“Hmm, things are finally coming together.”

Yu-jin Kim muttered to himself as he glanced around.

Still a mess, but this is good enough for now.

The citizens have all been evacuated to safe locations.

The monsters? The Association’s cleaning them up.

And the kids who fought hard? They’re already on their way to the hospital.

“Phew, if Mr. Tae-jin Kim wasn’t here, this could’ve turned into a real disaster.”

Next to him, Yu-jin’s homeroom teacher, Ji-hye, let out a deep sigh.

The first thing the investigators from the Association did was bombard the kids, including Yu-jin, with questions.

Of course, none of them were in any state to answer properly.

In the end, Tae-jin Kim roared and chased them off.

“Guys who haven’t risked their lives in battle don’t understand its value.”

“I can’t argue with you this time.”

Tae-jin Kim’s dislike for the Association suddenly made sense.

“This incident will likely be reported extensively, right?”

“Hmm… Actually, the biggest hero here was Yu-jin. From the Association’s perspective, they might want to downplay it.”

“Because Yu-jin is the successor of Hwagcheon?”

“Exactly. Hwagcheon being celebrated as a hero is something the Association dreads most. Still, his power is unmatched.”

The tension between Hwagcheon and the Association isn’t new—it’s a long-standing feud.

“Hwagcheon won’t just sit idle, though, right?”

“That depends on what our visitor has to say.”

Tae-jin Kim turned his head.

A tall man in a suit with sunglasses was walking towards them, bowing deeply.

“Mr. Tae-jin Kim, it’s been a while.”

Ji-hye widened her eyes.

“Who’s this handsome gentleman?”

“He’s Yu-jin’s secretary.”

“Oh… So you’re Yu-jin’s guardian? My apologies, I’m Yu-jin’s homeroom teacher.”

“Ah, yes. Master Yu-jin often causes trouble.”

“Not at all, Yu-jin is such a great kid…”

Ji-hye and Biseo Park exchanged business cards while bowing deeply.

Both were overly dedicated to their jobs.

“Isn’t it strange for someone from the notorious Hwagcheon to bow so respectfully?”

“If you’re Yu-jin’s mentor, then you’re someone I should respect too. Hwagcheon may be ruthless, but we do know etiquette.”

He didn’t deny being ruthless, making Tae-jin chuckle.

“Anyway, glad you came. I’d like to hear Hwagcheon’s opinion on this situation.”

“Hwagcheon’s opinion, you say?”

“Yes, whether to publicize or cover up this event. Surely there must be some thoughts on that.”

Biseo Park thought for a moment before answering matter-of-factly.

“It all depends on what Master Yu-jin decides.”

“…Yu-jin?”

“I merely assist Master Yu-jin in smoothing his path. Where he goes is entirely his decision.”

Tae-jin tilted his head.

Is this brat really that clever?

From what I see, not really.

But I trust this guy, Biseo Park.

“Since you’re worried, why not visit the hospital? Yu-jin left in an ambulance earlier.”

“I wish I could, but there are still things to handle.”

“What things?”

“That’s confidential. Let’s just say we’re looking for someone.”

“Hmm.”

Tae-jin narrowed his eyes.

Judging by the vibe, he’s not going to share.

I could force it out of him, but I don’t want to upset Yu-jin’s subordinate.

“Whatever. As long as everyone does their part appropriately, it’ll be fine.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Oh, one more thing—can you pass this along to the brat?”

With a cunning look, Tae-jin grinned.

“Tell him there’ll be some fun at school soon.”

***

Yu-jin lay on the hospital bed.

For reference, there are no other patients.

It’s less about being treated specially as Hwagcheon’s successor and more about isolating him for the safety of others.

Or maybe I’m just overthinking it.

Either way, having patients trembling in fear wouldn’t help him rest peacefully.

“Just because there’s no serious injury doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care.”

“Mm, better safe than sorry.”

Saying this was Rime, snuggled up in Yu-jin’s arms.

She shows no sign of getting up, her expression indicating she’s utterly exhausted.

Her clingy behavior resembles a baby.

“Why are you so tired?”

“It feels like I’m on my period…”

As a guy, Yu-jin doesn’t fully grasp what that means.

All he knows from hearsay is that it’s incredibly painful.

“Ugh, I used too much magic, overate after a while, and added unnecessary bravado by saying harsh words. Now my stomach’s upset.”

Seems like something big happened.

Since no one else is coming to this isolated room, let her rest comfortably.

“At least everything’s resolved well.”

Apparently, Young-hee regained her memory.

Chul-soo probably finished his tasks.

The monsters were dealt with successfully without casualties.

Finally, peace returns.

Soon, the long break will end, and it’s back to school.

Though, based on past experiences, another commotion is bound to happen soon.

“Even if you’re always with your friends, aren’t you looking forward to seeing them at school?”

“Of course! There’s a huge difference between meeting outside and seeing each other at school.”

“Hmm, anyway, this means I can return to my normal life soon.”

Rime usually resides inside Yu-jin’s body due to magic requirements.

Maintaining human form consumes significant magic power.

This recent lifestyle has been tough even for her.

Probably accumulated stress from dealing with Young-hee and the Class President.

I appreciate her enduring it all.

“Geez, I’m so tired. Especially now. I feel like I could sleep forever…”

Yu-jin chuckled.

Rime, usually full of confidence and ease, rarely lets her guard down like this.

Especially since she only reveals this vulnerable side to Yu-jin.

Maybe she’s asking for some compensation for her efforts.

Yu-jin gently patted Rime’s head.

“If you’re that tired, don’t hold back. Just sleep.”

“But…it’s rare to be alone together…I want to stay a bit longer…”

Rime hugged Yu-jin tightly, refusing to let go.

She tapped Rime’s small back lightly, almost like soothing a child to sleep.

It worked similarly.

Rime’s eyes started to close under the influence of Yu-jin’s touch.

“Ah…not now…please…”

Rime tossed and turned, throwing a tantrum.

It’s one of her weak points he’s learned over time.

Patting her back like this makes her fall asleep quickly.

Resisting the incoming sleep seems futile.

Without proper resistance, she accepts the gentle caresses.

“Come on, let’s hear our little Rime snore.”

“You…really…stop it…ugh…”

Soon, Rime’s breathing became regular.

With her eyes closed, soft and warm breaths escaped her.

Cuddled up, her sleeping figure looked adorable.

‘Well, I guess I’ll kill some time.’

Looking up, he saw the silent TV.

The news about the earlier incident was ongoing.

Details hadn’t spread yet.

Monsters appeared downtown.

All monsters eliminated. Cleanup in progress.

That’s about it—barely informative.

To someone hearing it for the first time, it might sound apocalyptic.

But for Yu-jin, who was at the center of it all, it felt mundane.

‘Geez, I thought me and Chul-soo would look awesome on screen.’

Disappointed, Yu-jin clicked his tongue.

Not only were they absent from the footage,

but the content and structure were poor.

What Yu-jin didn’t know was that the media hesitated, unsure how to proceed considering his presence.

– Knock knock.

The knocking sound came then.

Is it Secretary Park?

He’s probably the only one visiting.

“Come in.”

As Yu-jin spoke, the door opened.

The person who entered was someone Yu-jin never expected.

“Hello!”

……

……

……

“Ahh, hello.”

Two girls bowed politely.

In their tiny hands was a single flower.

Yu-jin recognized their faces.

They were the girls in danger earlier on the street.

“T-the hero who fought earlier is here, so…we came just in case!”

“So, you came to visit me?”

“Yes, yes! We wanted to thank you!”

As they said this, one girl handed over the flower.

Sure, flowers are abundant back at Hwagcheon.

With Hwagcheon’s wealth, the room could be filled with countless bouquets.

But Yu-jin genuinely felt happier with this single flower than any extravagant arrangement.

“Thanks, I’ll put it in the vase.”

Yu-jin smiled and accepted the flower.

The girls beamed in return.

“……Petty bastard.”

Yu-jin thought he heard Rime mutter something.

…Must be my imagination.

Yeah, Rime’s asleep, so that couldn’t be.

Better to leave it at that for future peace.

“I told the adults so much! About how the hero crushed the monsters!”

“And I told the kids, but they didn’t believe me, so I was sad…”

“Haha! That happened?”

Yu-jin laughed and listened to the girls’ stories.

Rime silently burrowed deeper into his embrace, closing her eyes.

While somewhere out there people continue struggling,

and this harsh world keeps moving forward,

nonetheless, peaceful academy life begins anew.

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