Suspicion Towards Yoo Heeyeon
The news that Han Seonggil had gone berserk at Broad Academy spread like wildfire. Few knew the exact details, but those with connections—such as Yoo Heeyeon—were at least aware that the rampage stemmed from his Berserker Trait.
Normally, the revelation that a swordsman possessed the Berserker trait would have drawn widespread shock and fascination. This case, however, was different.
Artemis Guild headquarters.
The man seated in the chair—Artemis Guild Leader Yoo Hanbeom—flipped through the documents with a heavy hand and spoke.
“Hmm… Han Seonggil, was it? That bastard definitely possesses the Berserker trait, correct?”
At his words, Vice Guild Leader Bae Ki-young answered immediately.
“Yes, sir. As the documents indicate, red eyes—the signature sign of the Berserker trait activating—were confirmed when he was discovered at the scene. Based on the battle traces and residual mana signatures left behind, there is no doubt he carries the trait.”
“Is there any chance the bastard can control it?”
“…After analyzing all available data on Han Seonggil, he does not appear to be someone who can be controlled. He doesn’t seem motivated by money, either. Our investigation also uncovered multiple prior incidents of berserk episodes. Therefore, even with the Berserker trait, we determined there is no significant merit in recruiting him to the Artemis Guild.”
The Berserker trait. If handled properly, it could become an immense military asset. The moment the incident broke at Broad Academy, Yoo Hanbeom had immediately ordered the vice guild leader to investigate—specifically to determine whether Han Seonggil was worth anything.
If the man proved suitable for the Artemis Guild, recruitment would have been considered. Instead, Yoo Hanbeom spoke with clear disappointment in his eyes.
“Hmph… An uncontrollable blade is worth less than a cheap dagger. Pearls before swine—the phrase fits him perfectly. I’ve heard that an extremely small number of Berserker trait holders can actually control their power. A shame. This one holds no recruitment value. On another note, have you properly investigated Lee Hyunseung?”
“Yes, sir. In truth, Han Seonggil is not the surprising one. Lee Hyunseung’s movements are far more shocking.”
The materials gathered on Lee Hyunseung amounted to barely three sheets of A4 paper. Residence, birthplace, favorite locations, frequented spots, purchase records, living area—every piece of data obtained through illegal channels.
Compared to the dozens of pages compiled on Han Seonggil, the information on Lee Hyunseung was almost nonexistent.
Yoo Hanbeom glared at Bae Ki-young. “This is all you managed to collect? There should be more.”
“I-I apologize, sir. This is the result after gathering every scrap of available data. It appears… there simply isn’t much to find on him.”
“Tsk.”
Yoo Hanbeom clicked his tongue in irritation, but his expression quickly shifted to one of intense curiosity as he reviewed the documents Bae Ki-young had prepared.
Investigation File: Lee Hyunseung
— Origin: Letis Orphanage. Age: 21. Birthday: Unknown.
— Admitted to Broad Academy in a non-awakened state.
— Practical combat: lowest tier. Written exams: consistently highest tier. Has never missed a single question on any written test to date.
— Maintains an outstanding reputation among academy instructors. After classes, returns directly home and spends the majority of his time there.
Critical Note: Entered Broad Academy as a non-awakened individual.
Yoo Hanbeom tapped the page sharply. “Is this investigation accurate? If it says Lee Hyunseung entered Broad Academy as a non-awakened, that means until recently he was no different from an ordinary civilian. Confirm this information is solid.”
“Not only did those around him confirm it, but the aptitude test conducted at the time of admission clearly classified him as non-awakened… There is n-no mistake. Just a few months ago, he was definitely still unawakened.”
“Puhaha!”
Yoo Hanbeom laughed for the first time with genuine delight.
“Does this even make sense? A non-awakened who only recently awakened—and a gunner, at that—defeated an Epic-grade swordsman with the Berserker trait?”
The events at Broad Academy were laid out plainly in the files: Han Seonggil’s berserk episode and how Lee Hyunseung had stopped it alone. Then Yoo Hanbeom’s eyes landed on another line, and his shock deepened.
— Utilized production abilities during the F-class representative selection match. Assessed as a simultaneous awakener of both Gunner and Blacksmith classes. Estimated grades: Epic or higher for both.
“He’s tempting… truly tempting. Not only a dual awakener, but in just a few months he’s grown familiar enough with his powers to completely devour a swordsman?”
“I… was equally stunned by that section, sir. Normally, awakeners require an adjustment period, yet Lee Hyunseung utilizes his abilities at an unnatural speed. The recorded footage from the F-class representative selection shows him handling firearms like someone with years of experience. His movements, skill application, decisiveness—everything carries the mark of a veteran gunner. I even investigated whether he had some hidden instructor, but nothing turned up…”
Yoo Hanbeom watched the footage of Lee Hyunseung’s movements from the F-class selection while speaking to Bae Ki-young.
“Fool. Do you honestly believe movements and instincts like these can be gained through a few months of rushed training? This is inborn. There are monsters who are born with monstrous talent. This one is a monster.”
“…!”
Bae Ki-young doubted his own ears. He had to. Yoo Hanbeom never offered empty praise. No matter how outstanding the individual, he never used words like “genius” or “monster.” Even when presented with prospects far exceeding Epic-grade for guild recruitment, his highest compliments were merely “Not bad” or “Acceptable.”
Yet here he was, openly calling the boy a genius, a smile never leaving his face.
This can’t be…
Yoo Hanbeom continued staring at the F-class selection footage with the sparkling eyes of a child who had discovered a particularly delicious dessert.
“Are there any open positions for new recruits in our guild?”
“…All current new recruit slots are filled. There are no vacancies.”
“Kick one of them out and create a spot.”
“B-but sir, we only just recruited the new members. To suddenly—”
BANG!
Yoo Hanbeom’s voice dropped to a freezing tone. “Since when does the guild leader require your permission to create a single recruit position?”
“I-I apologize! I will prepare one at once.”
Bae Ki-young hesitated, then spoke with clear worry. “I am truly sorry for overstepping, but out of caution… if you are planning to recruit Lee Hyunseung, I urge you to reconsider…”
“Why? In your eyes, is this man unworthy of entering the Artemis Guild?”
When Yoo Hanbeom fixed him with a glare, cold sweat poured down Bae Ki-young’s face.
“That’s not what I meant, but…”
He glanced around nervously, then closed his eyes and forced the words out.
“You may recall the stalking incident at Broad Academy. The individual identified as the stalker of your daughter was Lee Hyunseung. Miss Yoo Heeyeon holds a very negative view of him… I fear it could create unnecessary conflict within the guild if—”
“Huu…”
Yoo Hanbeom pressed hard against his temples as if suffering a headache.
“So you’re telling me the reason you oppose recruiting a capable talent is because he had a problem with my daughter?”
BOOM!
“You pathetic fool.”
He rolled up his sleeves, voice heavy with menace.
“Is it confirmed that Lee Hyunseung committed the stalking? A man of his caliber following a girl around like some brainless idiot? Truly? Can you take responsibility for those words?”
Wooooong—!
A massive wave of mana suddenly flooded the room. The air grew so thick it became difficult to breathe. The vice guild leader shook violently as he answered.
“It is not… confirmed. However, there is a record of the guild leader’s wife filing a complaint with the academy… And above all, the cell phone has been submitted as evidence… but its owner remains unclear. The Magic Tower has requested access to the national mana database. Approval will take time, so we cannot verify it immediately…”
“Prepare it.”
“Pardon…?”
“You expect me to sit here twiddling my thumbs until the database approval comes through? It’s obvious the government will stall with every excuse they can find. Therefore, I will see and judge for myself. I will confirm with my own eyes whether that bastard Lee Hyunseung is stupid enough to pull a stalker act.”
Having spoken, Yoo Hanbeom’s gaze drifted back to a line in the investigation file on Lee Hyunseung.
— Has never once lost the top rank in written examinations at Broad Academy.
He thought silently.
The Lee Hyunseung who always claims first place in written exams was accused of stalking my daughter Heeyeon, who sits in second…
For a moment he wondered whether Yoo Heeyeon might have framed the boy out of resentment for losing the top spot, but he quickly shook his head.
There’s no way my daughter would commit such a foolish act. She wouldn’t resort to dirty tricks just because she failed to take first in a single written exam. There is absolutely no chance she would stoop to something so pathetic.
Do whatever it takes to win—that was the life creed of the Artemis Guild Leader. But it had never meant covering one’s own shortcomings with filthy schemes. At his core, he simply liked capable people.
Still… just to be sure, I will confirm it myself.
With that thought, Yoo Hanbeom headed for Broad Academy, where Lee Hyunseung awaited.