Chapter 36
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Meeting (3)
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- So, what you're saying is that during the Blue Pine Festival, a specific faction might infiltrate the academy? And with hostile intentions?
- That's the gist of it. Of course, nothing's confirmed yet, and there's not much I can tell you either, Hyun-jin.
- ....
- But one thing... Yes. The reason I'm tipping you off specifically, and not So-yul or that first-year Se-eun, is simple.
- Because unlike the other two, I'm not related by blood to a grand magician.
- To be precise, it's about whether there's even a nominal family tie... Well, nothing good comes from word leaking out early.
- That's not pleasant to hear. In the end, you're telling me to suspect the other two grand magicians, including my own teacher?
- ....
- Even without blood ties, what if I report this to my teacher?
- I believe you won't, Hyun-jin.
- Is there some basis for that sudden trust?
- Hmm, your righteous nature?
- ....
- You just thought that was a pretty flimsy basis, didn't you?
- Hard to deny.
- Haha, you're honest, as expected. Anyway, you might think the academy side looks pretty unprepared...
- Is that not the case?
- Well, hear me out first. The way you handled things last year in the first semester left quite an impression on the administration. You remember? The 'Moonlight Church Terror Incident'.
- Not a memory I particularly want to revisit.
- Regardless, the situation now isn't much different from back then. We're not asking a lot from you. We won't even say to actively hunt down any traitors on the academy side like last time.
- ...So that means?
- Just keep what I said in mind. So you can recall it quickly if something happens... Keep it firmly in your head, Hyun-jin.
- ....
- An attack will definitely happen during the Blue Pine Festival. And the presence of a grand magician aiding them is inevitable.
- I'm sure you know that sounds pretty far-fetched to me.
- Of course. From your perspective, this might just sound like vague talk, but the basis is a certain 'item'. I can't say more—academy secrets, haha.
The Blue Pine Festival. Simply put, it's just a student event at one educational institution... an ordinary festival. But when that institution is Blue Pine Academy, it's a whole different story.
The present era revolves around awakeners to the point where it could be called the age of awakeners.
And Blue Pine Academy is the cradle of talent where the most outstanding, promising sprouts—those dubbed 'geniuses'—gather in droves within Korea.
Needless to say, such a school's festival couldn't even compare to a typical university one.
The Blue Pine Festival is held once each in April and November. But in terms of scale, April's is overwhelmingly larger, naturally drawing far more people.
...And right during that Blue Pine Festival, a hostile faction's infiltration is supposedly planned.
'Hard to buy easily, but still.'
I furrowed my brow and tapped the desk. The clear, rhythmic tok tok echoed in my ears.
In truth, yeah. From my position knowing this world's framework is an 'academy story', it wasn't all that strange.
Not all of them, but academy stories are often seen as the eye of the storm where all sorts of incidents erupt, right? From over a decade of experience, this world wasn't much different.
Even just our 9th class had faced large-scale terror threats that put our lives in danger multiple times during freshman year...
For another example, I'd heard that a few years back, during the era called the 'Death 4th Class', Blue Pine Academy was truly perilous.
Rumor had it that without the exploits of certain students and Yang Chan-ho, it could have evolved into a global threat.
If I ventured a cautious guess, those frequently mentioned '4th class' students might have been this world's original protagonists.
Of course, nothing I could confirm. Regrettably, I'd barely read past the prologue of that work.
Besides, what mattered now wasn't pondering if the original protagonist was from the 4th, 9th, or 10th class.
All my focus had to go toward Yang Chan-ho's words.
He'd said something would go down at the academy during the month-long Blue Pine Festival. Without details, just 'watch the grand magicians'.
And his so-called evidence was some 'item'...
Judging by his tone and nuance back then, probably something foresight-related.
Or maybe they recruited that famous British gold bar prophet from afar? Probably not.
Anyway, assuming he could definitively glimpse the future, it made some sense. His reason for warning only me was understandable too.
During that Moonlight Church terror a year ago—which came up in our talk—I'd exposed a staff member's identity among the hostages, turning the tables. That must've counted for something.
At the same time, it felt like subtle pressure to exclude personal feelings...
But that wasn't easy to do. I sighed and rubbed my dry face.
...The situation now is different from back then, isn't it? The staff we trusted like a lifeline as desperate students and my teacher who guided me into magic are worlds apart.
She might have a foul mouth and be extremely self-centered, but Ice Empress Seol Ha-yeon is second only to my parents in closeness to me, as precious as Cheon So-yul.
'Suspicion...'
To be honest, briefly watching her and observing her words and actions wasn't hard. No, I could manage that much. I could apologize later.
The core issue was whether I could truly exclude personal feelings, as the president warned, while suspecting her.
Especially since she, hailed as a prodigy magician, had a sharper mind than me.
If she caught on even slightly, it could lead to very bad things.
Embracing my discomfort, I grimaced slightly. How did I end up in a position suspecting grand magicians?
As he said, the academy side probably wouldn't expect much from me anyway.
I let out yet another sigh—silent, since it was class time.
Then I calmly began recalling the grand magicians' profiles.
First up: Myriad Thunders Cheon Se-hee.
Cheon So-yul's mother, treated as a respected elder in the current awakener society.
Second: Black Heaven Ryu Jin-seong.
Ryu Se-eun's adoptive father. If anyone had to be suspected, this guy was prime suspect. From the little I'd heard, he wasn't normal anyway.
...Lastly, Ice Empress Seol Ha-yeon.
What can I say? My teacher.
'Forgive this unworthy disciple's rudeness, Teacher. I might have to suspect you a bit.'
I closed my eyes and deeply bowed toward Seol Ha-yeon (25) in my mind. Does a mental bow count?
Anyway.
Dealing with even one of those three wouldn't be easy, yet I might have to watch all three monsters at once. Such a heavy responsibility dumped on me.
Put differently, maybe the hero-president had lost his mind.
What was he thinking, revealing this to a mere student? I inwardly cursed Yang Chan-ho while calming my unease.
"...Yul."
There wasn't much I could do anyway. Sure, I'd probably stick with my teacher during the festival most of the time.
"...So-yul...."
Even so, wasn't this infiltration by an organized force beyond what I could handle? What exactly did the president expect from me...
"Cheon So-yul!!!"
"Y-yes!"
"Yep?!"
Clunk! The chair scraped back suddenly, and three voices rang out from different directions, each laced with distinct emotions.
First, Kim Kyung-heon—lifelong homeroom teacher(?) of Class 2-A and Special A-Rank Awakener—called Cheon So-yul in his signature throat-scratching voice.
Next were me and Cheon So-yul. Lost in thought, I'd shot up on reflex, while she, nodding off with her head bowed, jolted up in sync.
...Every eye in the classroom turned to us.
Teacher Kim Kyung-heon turned to me with a blank expression. The sole emotion in his gaze was, needless to say, utter exasperation.
He called my name in a chilling tone.
"Lee Hyun-jin."
"...Yes."
"Since when were you Cheon So-yul?"
"Sorry. I misspoke for a moment."
"Didn't know you'd changed names. Even the family name. Someone might think you'd become the Cheon family's son-in-law."
Double flinch! Cheon So-yul and I stiffened awkwardly at his trailing words.
Teacher Kim Kyung-heon twitched an eyebrow at our odd reactions.
"So you're admitting you were daydreaming in my class. Great attitude. I'm satisfied, Lee Hyun-jin."
"...."
"Tired? I can help wake you up. Go stand at the back."
"Yes, sir."
He ordered, and I obeyed without protest. Cheon So-yul beside me brightened, trying to slip back into her seat casually.
"You too, out, Cheon So-yul."
"...Yes, sir...."
Of course, such a cheap trick wouldn't fly past Teacher Kim Kyung-heon.
At his low command, Cheon So-yul drooped and trudged after me.
Now standing amiably against the wall for class, Cheon So-yul and I. After a brief silence, I turned and greeted her.
"Hey, you can't sleep in class."
"Shut up."
A sharp curse flew back, like a cat hissing.
Overkill.
Honestly, she hadn't slept, but I'd been daydreaming too, so I had no ground to criticize.
Still, it was odd. Cheon So-yul, whose life motto could be diligence, sincerity, and honesty trio, dozing in class?
I glanced curiously at her blinking beside me.
'Aha.'
I quickly realized why.
Her legs were trembling.
Sure enough, a stubborn stain on her skirt hem caught my eye—from lunchtime, no doubt...
'...Oops.'
A pang of guilt welled up unbidden. Even if the missed lunch was the president's fault, the intense(?) exercise after was on me.
Maybe because it was something you 'shouldn't do at school' by social norms, and with excitement unchecked, I'd overdone it on her a bit.
Definitely went too far with the hand play.
"Sorry."
I whispered just loud enough for Cheon So-yul to hear, leaning in to slip my hand inside her blouse.
Lightly scratching her slender lower back with my nails...
"...Ngh, hng."
She didn't hate the cool sensation entirely, her waist quivering.
A guy in the back row glanced over at her tiny moan.
Of course, from the angle, nothing visible—he soon tilted his head and faced front again.
Cheon So-yul, pale until then, suddenly glared at me with eyes wide like an demon's. Shaaa—murderous intent swirling.
Not very threatening, though, with her waist still twitching and no attempt to swat my hand away.
Teacher Kim Kyung-heon was instructing vice-class rep Kanzaki Rie in So-yul's place and writing on the board.
The white chalk clicked across the green board.
I narrowed my eyes, scanning his writing.
'...Blue Pine Festival, class booth, theme vote.'
Aha. Time to decide that.
The classic booths in academy stories.
Like haunted houses, shooting galleries. Or unique eateries, or even maid cafes depending...
For reference, last year Class 1-A did the maid cafe. Wow.
I still had a photo of Cheon So-yul in her maid outfit saved in my gallery. The begging I did for permission...
With Kanzaki Rie from Japan, So-yul boasted unmatched visuals in Class A. Collector urges had surged.
Anyway, back then... Hopefully this Blue Pine Festival becomes another fun memory.
The all-grades top 8 tournament, the president's cryptic warning, class booths, Teacher and Ji-woo noona's visits—everything.
Ideally, all without a hitch.
I tugged Cheon So-yul's skirt down slightly while praying.
"...No further... I won't allow it...."
"...."
She panted hotly but swiftly stopped me.
Any lower, and she'd fry me for sure.
Too bad...
Gyeongju.
Cheon family main residence, 4th floor.
Cheon Se-hee's office.
Ding!
The smartphone vibrated in the empty room. Not once, but repeatedly: wiing, wiiiing.
The screen lit up, revealing the notifications.
Next month, my disciple's gonna throw down with your daughter.
How about a bet? Whose disciple is superior?
Loser kneels naked before the winner.
How's that? Call?