Club Approval and the Special Lecturer's Challenge
Near the staff room sat the career counseling office. And there I was, stuck in a one-on-one with Ji Suhyun.
"You look like you're dying of curiosity."
She tapped the rolled-up paper against her shoulder with a mocking smirk, like the whole thing was hilarious. She seemed to be having the time of her life.
"I've never made that face."
"Oh? Then maybe I shouldn't tell you."
Just like in the game, she had this irritating personality.
"...I'm curious."
"Knew it."
Only after I gave in did she flash a grin and hand me the paper. I averted my eyes from her face and unrolled it. At the top, in bold letters: [Club Registration Approval].
"I was worried when the results came back faster than expected, but it passed after all."
"I told you I'd make sure it went through, didn't I? Plus, one of the student council kids saw your sparring match. That helped smooth things over."
"My sparring match?"
No way one of them was hiding in the crowd.
"You were too overwhelming. They figured someone like you could handle being club president."
"Hm?"
I spotted something odd while reading the documents she'd handed me.
"Instructor. Hasn't the room for our clubroom been assigned yet?"
"No empty rooms right now, apparently. They said they'd assign one as soon as possible."
"Isn't Basement Level 1, Room Z empty?"
The rooms ran from A to Z. But Room Z in the basement wasn't even officially listed as a room—it was just a storage space piled with junk.
"Room Z? Isn't that the warehouse the basement folks use?"
"Yes, but as far as I know, it can be used as a clubroom."
In the game, Room Z really could be used as a clubroom. It was also home to one of the academy's hidden gimmicks.
"Huh. Well, I'll ask around later. But why pick that spot specifically?"
...I couldn't exactly say it had what I wanted.
I decided to play it off.
"It's bigger than the others. A little cleaning, and it'd be perfect."
"...That it?"
She snorted like that was lame and stood up.
"General studies starts soon, so head to class. Check the clubroom after school. Oh, right—gimme your phone."
"Pardon?"
"Hurry up."
She held out her palm impatiently, wiggling her fingers. I carefully placed my phone in her hand, and with lightning speed, she punched in her number before handing it back.
"I'm your club advisor now, so contact me if anything comes up. This is my personal line."
It was different from the official instructor number. She must keep a work phone and personal one separate.
"See ya?"
I bowed as she spun on her heel and left first. Ji Suhyun's personal number... This could come in handy later.
After she was gone, I headed back to Class A, where the others were.
The moment I pushed open the door, eyes turned my way. Rumors about this morning must have spread already—my peripheral vision even showed a Baby Boss activation notice.
Baby Boss Activated
"Oh, Boss! How'd it go?"
Jinwoo waved from the back of the room, chuckling with Sea-a and Youngje. The others looked expectant too.
I walked to my seat and sat. Everyone gathered around my desk.
"Eugene, so what happened? Did it go through right away?"
Sea-a leaned in, barely containing her curiosity.
"Yeah, I just got word that the club was approved and assigned a room."
The three of them gaped.
"Seriously? In one day?"
"Boss is a god. Boss is a god. Boss is a god."
"I believed in you, Eugene!"
Their louder-than-expected cheers made me chuckle.
"I'm checking the clubroom after school today, so keep that in mind."
They nodded vigorously. A far cry from their worried faces this morning.
* * *
Nothing crucial in general studies. Hero etiquette, conduct—all obvious stuff.
"...Boring."
During a short break, Jinwoo slumped over next to me, muttering what I was thinking.
"Boss. Aren't you bored?"
"Pay attention. It'll help you eventually."
"Ugh, didn't expect you to say that too, Boss."
In the game, attending these classes boosted Intelligence. No clue if it worked in reality, but it couldn't hurt. Though since just showing up counted, I was killing time online via my smart lens. Why sit through class quietly when I had this?
"Next period's got an outside lecturer, though?"
Sea-a approached with a bright smile, having overheard.
Jinwoo tilted his head like it was news.
"Outside lecturer?"
"Yeah, didn't you check the pamphlet? Supposed to be famous."
Was there a guest lecture around now? I couldn't recall, but skipping a stat-up chance wasn't an option.
"Instructor says next general studies is in Main Building Convention Hall A. Head there."
Youngje returned from the staff room with the message. Using the convention hall instead of classrooms meant a big name.
"Let's go."
I stood first and headed out. The other two followed, along with kids who'd been watching me.
They were starting to realize I had pull.
In the hall, other classes headed to Hall A too. And then my interface pinged with the Bloodline: Calione marker.
Hostility detected
Someone harbored ill will toward me. And the prime suspect...
Up ahead, a class ahead of ours. Among them, Jeong Ui-hoon glaring with snake eyes.
"What's that punk's deal, staring at Boss?"
Jinwoo, walking beside me, spotted him and flipped him off.
Jeong Ui-hoon's eyes widened. Jinwoo cackled and raised his other middle finger.
"Lol, he's pissed. You know him, Boss?"
"...Not worth your time."
No point telling him he was the police chief's son—it'd just stress Jinwoo out.
Soon, we reached Hall A's entrance. Badges showed it was first-years only.
We grabbed seats. Moments later, an MC student's voice echoed from the stage.
The invited guest lecturer will begin shortly. All freshmen, please take your seats.
The noisy hall quieted.
Commencing Freshman OT Day 3 Afternoon: Guest Lecture. Please give a big round of applause for our special guest from afar, Kang Seung-tae!
Applause thundered through the hall. I ducked my head to hide my shock.
"Kang Seung-tae? That guy's here?"
My panic had a reason. Kang Seung-tae was my father Vito Calione's close friend—and the Incheon branch chief of the Korea Hero Association.
"Wh-what?! Why's that old man here?!"
Jinwoo, whose family boss was Antonio Bivalt, knew him too. He jolted upright, trembling.
His reaction was obvious. Kang Seung-tae was obsessed with strength, achievements, and loyalty to friends—to a maniacal degree.
"Hahaha! You snot-nosed brats the new academy freshmen? Nice to meet ya! Name's Kang Seung-tae!"
His voice boomed without a mic, silencing the murmuring hall instantly.
"I'm nobody special. Just here 'cause my buddies begged me. So I ain't gonna bore you with hours of nagging."
The kids' faces lit up. Short speech incoming.
But.
"One rep per class!"
He pointed at the students, grinning to show teeth.
"Your strongest steps up. Beat me in a bet, your class goes free—plus extra conduct points. Lose, and you get docked points and stick around for my full lecture."
He checked his watch.
"It's 2 PM now... You got till 2:10. Discuss and send your rep up front. Dismissed!"
He plopped down cross-legged, scanning the room.
A special lecture like this? As I pondered, eyes turned to me.
"...What."
Class A kids surrounded me—including Jinwoo, Sea-a, and Youngje.
"Boss is the strongest here."
"Obviously. No one else but Eugene."
The others nodded too. I sighed—then felt eyes from the stage.
Jeong Ui-hoon met my gaze. His class had picked him.
'Come . Out .'
He mouthed it tauntingly, glaring. He wanted a showdown now.
I'd ignore it—didn't want to stand out in front of Kang Seung-tae.
But then.
'Come . Out .'
Kang Seung-tae smirked behind him. A demonic grin.
'Quick . Ly .'
Just as expected. Dad must be the "friend" who asked him.
...This guy's insane.