< Chapter 72: Action (1) >
At Maestro’s residence, Hermit was drinking whiskey.
“Hermit. You’re still quick on your tasks. I really like that.”
“…Maestro.”
To such a Hermit, Maestro approached first. If his subordinates, who knew Maestro’s usual character, had seen it, they would’ve been utterly shocked.
‘It’s surprising that Maestro would approach someone first!’ they would’ve remarked.
“It wasn’t that difficult a task.”
“There are just too many who can’t handle even the simplest tasks.”
Maestro’s eyes narrowed.
As he recalled the immaturity of his subordinates, annoyance naturally surged.
“Didn’t you say tomorrow’s task is around here?”
“Yes.”
So, they decided to rest at Maestro’s residence.
It’s also a hub that the executives often use.
‘I had no idea that Maestro would be here.’
This residence is one of the hubs.
It’s only natural to encounter someone here, and Maestro, who likes his solitary contemplation time, rarely visits this place.
He also has another personal residence nearby.
“Maestro.”
It would’ve been merely awkward on a normal day, but today, this coincidence was rather fortunate.
“How’s the work in Korea going?”
“Korea? Ah. About the Sword Spirit and Ghost Spirit?”
After Vagabond died in Korea, Maestro was tasked with investigating matters related to his death.
That information hasn’t been shared with the executives yet.
“It’s intriguing. You’re showing interest in something beyond your mission.”
“I’m not an emotionless machine, after all.”
“Haha! That’s the most humorous thing I’ve ever heard.”
Hermit, the recluse.
An unknown entity that carries out tasks mechanically upon receiving them.
A solitary wolf with no close ties to anyone in the organization.
Such an entity is discussing emotions related to Vagabond’s death.
Hermit, who never really spoke to Vagabond.
If this isn’t humor, then what is?
“Well, it’s natural for an executive to be interested in the death of another executive of the same rank.”
Maestro deduced that Hermit’s curiosity stemmed not from emotion but from mere interest.
“But sadly, I don’t have any concrete information. They lured Vagabond into a trap using a fictitious angel. That’s what we know.”
Maestro tapped the table with his forefinger as he spoke.
“But the most crucial information is missing.”
“…The most crucial information?”
“Yes.”
A glint shone in Maestro’s eyes.
“How did they know we were searching for the angel? How did they know about Vagabond? How did they isolate Vagabond to lure him so effectively? It’s all a mystery.”
That strategy would’ve been impossible without prior knowledge about Vagabond.
That’s why suspicion turned toward an internal spy.
Of course, it was confirmed that there were no traitors, using the oath of absolute obedience, but this only deepened the mystery.
“To ascertain the details, we need to catch and interrogate the mastermind behind this…”
The mastermind.
Referring to Yu Hwa and Shin Jia.
“South Korea is unnecessarily heavily guarded.”
South Korea is the fourth safest country in the world.
“…Considering those two, their personal security can’t be overlooked.”
“Yes. One of them spends most of their time at the military academy, so approaching is tricky.”
Maestro clicked his tongue.
It’s tough to gather more information with just the Sword Spirit and Ghost Spirit.
“How about if you, Hermit, take the lead?”
“…”
Hermit’s eyes sharpened.
Certainly, if Hermit took action, discreetly kidnapping Yu Hwa or Shin Jia would be plausible.
Hermit’s infiltration skills are exceptional.
But that can’t be done.
‘Yu Hwa, Shin Jia have ties to the elder.’
They are probably protected by Kang Seo-yul.
To kidnap the two, something must be done about Kang Seo-yul first.
‘It’s impossible.’
Great Spirit.
He had no confidence in penetrating the formidable guard of that powerful entity.
From the beginning, under the “Oath of the Great Spirit,” Hermit could never defy Kang Seo-yul.
“Well, we have a lot to do right now, so pushing too hard would be futile.”
At Maestro’s words, Hermit let out a sigh of relief.
“As the boss said, there’s a possibility that we might lose you as well.”
The fact that Vagabond was taken down implied that other executives could be targeted too.
‘If the opponent has information about us, they might have set a trap using Vagabond’s death as bait, waiting for our move.’
Unknown’s decision to hold back, for now, might be because he has understood all these factors.
“Right now, all we can do is keep the Sword Spirit and Ghost Spirit on surveillance.”
It’s regrettable, but it’s the best option.
At least until some major event occurs at the national level.
“By the way, Hermit. Have you seen this article?”
“Article?”
Maestro handed over a piece of newspaper.
[Kang Seo-yul, a cadet from South Korea’s Superhuman Academy, takes down the Kraken in one strike!]
It was news about Kang Seo-yul.
“It’s my first time seeing this.”
Hermit’s pupils narrowed. Having been completely cut off from the world while working undercover for the past week, he had no way of knowing.
“That makes sense, given your assignment.”
“So, what’s the significance of this article?”
Why was Maestro interested in Kang Seo-yul?
“This face…”
Maestro narrowed his eyes as he looked at the newspaper.
“Don’t you get a strange feeling of déjà vu?”
“I… don’t think so.”
Hermit looked away, somewhat suspicious. He wondered if Maestro was trying to insinuate something about his relationship with Kang Seo-yul, but from Maestro’s expression, that didn’t seem to be the case.
“Hmm. Maybe I’m mistaken.”
Maestro.
David Feness.
“It just feels so familiar.”
He was the executive responsible for the Sunlight Orphanage 12 years ago.
* * *
“… And with that, we conclude the award ceremony for Cadet Kang Seo-yul.”
“Thank you.”
Applause
A resounding clap echoed from the 2,000 cadets filling the hall.
“Cadet Kang Seo-yul, you may return to your seat.”
“Yes.”
While it was quite a modest affair when I received the government commendation, why was the chairman’s award ceremony so grand?
It’s quite embarrassing.
As he was returning to his seat, he could hear whispers around him.
“Ah, I’m so envious. If only I was born with attribute magic.”
“And he has dual attributes at that. He really was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.”
Me, being the object of someone’s envy?
It felt strange.
“I thought he was the hardworking type, but turns out he’s a genius.”
“I did some digging, you know? There’s no record whatsoever of Kang Seo-yul ever undergoing any training in the past.”
“So, his low abilities weren’t because of a lack of talent but simply because he hadn’t trained?”
“Exactly. Now that he’s training, his progress is skyrocketing.”
“Wow, I’m insanely envious.”
Eyes filled with envy surrounded him from every direction. While it felt awkward, there was a strangely pleasant sensation. Is this what the taste of popularity feels like?
“Seo-yul, congratulations.”
Upon returning to my seat, Jia greeted me with a bright smile.
“Congrats, congrats.”
Following her, Si Yeon also extended her congratulatory wishes.
“Thanks.”
I took my seat.
“Next announcement.”
With the instructor’s words, the hall descended into silence.
“Due to the recent Kraken incident, the planned field trip that was about to be canceled will proceed as scheduled, thanks to the efforts of Cadet Kang Seo-yul.”
“Oh!”
“Damn, it was about to be canceled?”
Once again, all eyes turned to me.
This time, the gazes were filled more with admiration and gratitude rather than jealousy.
I get it.
Missing out on the chance to boldly go on a trip, excluding the lessons, would be a sad thing.
“Now, that’s a different story.”
“We should all send our prayers to Kang Seo-yul.”
“Chul-jin, you’re being over the top.”
Even if it hadn’t been me, the trip wouldn’t have been canceled.
In the original story, it proceeded without any issues. Perhaps the protagonist borrowed the power of ‘Thunderbolt’ to neatly deal with the Kraken and then went on the field trip.
The field trip is an episode that held a significant weight in the original story.
“The field trip will proceed as planned next Monday.”
Given that today is Monday, there’s exactly a week left.
“The next announcement is about the trip destination. First, for the first-year students.”
All sorts of things happen during the 4-night, 5-day trip to Jeju Island.
“We’re going to Australia.”
…Wait, what?
Where?
“Wow!”
“Overseas!”
Cheers erupted from around me.
“Australia? Really, Australia.”
“Wow.”
Seeing everyone’s commotion, it seems that I didn’t mishear.
“We originally planned to go to Jeju Island, but the chairman urged us, saying that the first-years should be given the best trip possible.”
The instructor on the stage looked toward me.
“First-years should be grateful for having Kang Seo-yul among them.”
“Wow!”
“Seo-yul is the best!”
From applause to whistles, the room was in an uproar.
It seems the chairman is in an especially good mood to be sending us overseas. Jia gently tugged on my sleeve and whispered into my ear.
“I heard it’s thanks to ancestor that we got a grant from the government. And quite a significant one at that.”
“…I see.”
But, who would’ve thought the trip destination could change this easily? I was unaware.
“And there’s more good news for the first-years.”
It seems it isn’t over yet.
“This year’s first-year field trip will be for 11 nights and 12 days.”
“Wow!”
“That’s insane!”
Among the first-years, the looks were close to admiration, while the second to fourth-year students looked on with jealousy. It’s a little awkward.
“And one more thing…”
What else is left?
“During the 5 nights and 6 days of the first-year’s field trip…”
The instructor deliberately trailed off.
Everyone’s anticipation grew.
“What could it be?”
“Maybe a tour of a 7-star hotel?”
“I’d prefer free time.”
Watching everyone’s reactions, a smirk crept upon the instructor’s face.
It was a familiar smile.
For some reason, it overlapped with the image of Instructor Pi Jin Ho.
It was almost like the devil’s grin.
“We’ve rented the practical training grounds of the Australian Superhuman Academy to conduct survival training.”
“…”
“This is a historic first for the Korean Superhuman Academy. A year that gets to undertake practical exams and a field trip at the same time. Congratulations.”
Silence enveloped the room.
Everyone seemed to wear an expression that said, ‘What did I just hear?’
I felt the same way.
The practical exams at the Australian Superhuman Academy are world-renowned.
“Survival in Australia…?”
“That hellish survival test?”
“Oh, my God.”
A notoriously brutal test, it’s known as one of the three toughest tests in the world.
“Hahaha!”
“Congratulations, first-years!”
“If it’s for 11 nights and 12 days, then it’s totally justified!”
From the second to fourth-years, sarcastic applause could be heard.
“…So, we’ll be taking that insane test for 5 nights and 6 days?”
In my head, I heard the eerie sound of something opening.
It was the sound of Hell’s gate opening.
* * *
“Congratulations. You’ve received the honor of being the first from Korea to experience the curriculum of a foreign military academy.”
From the other end of the phone, I could hear Yu Hwa’s laughter.
“Hey, make sure you get Jin Ho to record the training videos. If possible, focus mainly on that kid. I want to see it later.”
Maiden’s voice also echoed. It seemed they were together.
“What a sincere congratulation.”
I gritted my teeth.
“Ah, right. During the school trip, should I take care of Goldie?”
“Yes. I’d appreciate it if you did.”
If it were just a simple school trip or practical training, it would be different, but since it’s an ‘exam’, I can’t take Goldie with me.
It’s genuinely regrettable. If I took Goldie, not just for 5 nights and 6 days, I could withstand even a year. There’d be no food issues or safety concerns, and my mental state would be intact.
…Sigh.
What can I do? It’s true that it’s not suitable given the circumstances.
“So, how’s the plan going?”
“How’s it going? It’s going well.”
Maiden answered on Yu Hwa’s behalf.
“Just as you suspected, we found a few dubious executives. We also identified suspicious parts in the materials. There were equations subtly inscribed, so hidden that one would overlook them without close inspection.”
Maiden clicked her tongue.
“We left it as is for now for the sake of ‘fooling the enemy’, but these materials, if left unattended, could be problematic. At a glance, it looks like some sort of sealing spell?”
“Yes. If the equations installed there operate properly, it’s going to be a real headache.”
If the special devices attached to the materials renovating the national stadium get activated, the entire area will be sealed off for a certain period.
This means external support will be unable to come in.
“… If we destroy it, won’t they notice?”
“They will.”
They’d notice 100%.
“So, leave the device attached to the materials as it is, but create a formula to neutralize it.”
In other words, we keep the device intact, but create a counter-device.
“You say it so easily, huh?”
“Can’t you do it? The great Maiden Critines?”
“What a cute provocation.”
Maiden chuckled.
“To answer you, there’s nothing I can’t do, especially with the neutralizing formula right in front of me. …It might not be easy, though.”
Maiden let out a deep sigh.
“Ugh. Fine. We have no other choice. That’s the only way.”
“Yes, please take care of it.”
With this, we’ve definitely gained an advantage.
“I’ll be heading out for training now.”
“Ah! Seo-yul!”
Before hanging up, Yu Hwa urgently spoke.
“Yes?”
“I’m asking just in case… Do you need any ancient relics?”
…Suddenly?
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