Chapter 30
Chapter 30
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 030
Chapter Title: Protagonist Ryu Tae-hyun
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A battle had taken place.
It was a fight between two people.
A battle between Dawn Corps executive Park Ji-hyun and Green House student Ryu Tae-hyun.
No one else had intervened. It was a pure one-on-one.
But who, seeing this scene, could believe that?
Craters dented into the ground everywhere. Collapsed earth. Streetlights bent in half.
The aftermath at Lakeside Park looked less like the site of a battle and more like a war zone. No one would easily believe that landscape had been wrought by just two people—or rather, by a single one.
"Ah."
In the midst of that devastation, Ryu Tae-hyun was brushing the dirt off his clothes. He had almost no injuries. At worst, a few shallow cuts with beads of blood.
His expression hollow, he stared straight ahead.
Among the craters etched everywhere, one stood out especially large. Where he'd just moments ago slammed Park Ji-hyun into the ground, only a red mist lingered now. Park Ji-hyun herself was nowhere to be seen.
"She ran away."
His body, pleasantly warmed from the fight, began to cool in the night breeze. As his battle-heated mind gradually calmed, various thoughts filled his head.
Ryu Tae-hyun looked down at his right hand. The talisman that, over two weeks ago, a certain woman had entrusted to him.
'...You'll help me? Then, if it's not too much trouble, could I ask one favor?'
About two weeks prior. A woman with sky-blue hair, covered in wounds all over her body. When Ryu Tae-hyun stepped up to help, sensing something amiss, she had said that.
'It's nothing major. I just need you to hold onto something for me. As quickly as possible... I'll definitely come back for it, so please keep it safe just until then.'
The woman gestured in the air, and space split open slightly. She reached into the rift and pulled out two small ring cases.
This was a fact even Ji Ye-won didn't know, but...
Ryu Tae-hyun, who had been staring in awe at the wondrous sight, received one of the ring cases from her.
He opened the case. Inside gleamed a ring emitting a soft blue light, despite no illumination around. Sensing at a glance it was no ordinary item, Ryu Tae-hyun asked the woman what it was.
But she shook her head desperately. It wasn't that she couldn't tell him—it was that he shouldn't know. That was the gesture.
'Please. This is a very important item. So don't take it off even for a moment—keep it on you at all times. And absolutely don't give it to anyone else. I'll come back for it soon... But if I don't come, no matter who asks for the ring, do not give it to them.'
Taken aback by her earnest demeanor, Ryu Tae-hyun looked down at the case containing the ring.
Was this ring that important?
If it was so crucial, wouldn't it be better for her to keep it rather than entrust it to a passerby like him?
To his natural question, the woman shook her head with a pained expression.
'If I keep it, it'll be taken from me right away.'
'I'm sorry. I don't have time to explain in detail now. Here, my number. Call me tomorrow at this time. I'll tell you where to return the ring.'
'My name is Kim Min-ah.'
'I'll definitely come get it back. Please.'
With those final words, Kim Min-ah departed down the road, dragging her wounded body with difficulty.
The next day, Ryu Tae-hyun called the number Kim Min-ah had given him. But no matter how many times he tried, she never picked up. As if she were in no position to answer.
With no other choice, Ryu Tae-hyun decided to hold onto the ring for the time being. He'd keep waiting, and she'd contact him eventually.
Three days later, out of curiosity, he slipped the talisman onto his finger.
"Hmm."
Recalling the talisman as he did, Ryu Tae-hyun made a sullen face.
He'd expected it to be no ordinary item with unusual circumstances, but he hadn't anticipated people coming straight for it and attacking him outright.
He'd stuck his nose in to help, but it seemed he'd gotten tangled in quite the hassle. Ryu Tae-hyun let out a shallow sigh.
-WEE-OOO-WEE-OOO-WEE-OOO!!!
At that moment, hearing sirens approaching from afar, Ryu Tae-hyun looked up.
Across the dim lake, red and blue lights flashing alternately drew closer. His face instantly drained to a pallid gray.
'...Fuck, I'm screwed!'
He surveyed the surroundings. He'd fought pretty spectacularly. Someone must have reported it. Guessing as much, Ryu Tae-hyun turned to flee at once.
But police cars with flashing lights were already closing in from the opposite lakeside as well, heading straight for him. They were clearly aware of his position.
The wrecked Lakeside Park. Police cars swarming from all sides.
A thought flashed through Ryu Tae-hyun's mind, standing alone at the center.
'I'm fucked...!'
He was pretty sure he was fucked.
That was the conclusion he'd reached after careful deliberation.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
March 3rd. Tuesday.
Two days after the incident. The number of victims had risen to five overnight, with three more added.
From their statements, all were fourth-years on the verge of graduation, and each had been asked the same question: "Do you know Ji Ye-won?"
Once that reached the Security Force, things unfolded exactly as Min Chae-ryeong had predicted.
Team 7's investigation into the report on Ji Ye-won. And this succubus incident.
The Security Force judged the two connected—which meant they suspected Dawn Corps involvement in the succubus case.
As Min Chae-ryeong foresaw, the investigation scale expanded rapidly. Alongside Team 7 handling the report, Special Countermeasures Team 3 and a General Division team were deployed to track Ji Ye-won. A formal report was filed with the police, who also began investigating her.
Min Chae-ryeong, meanwhile, took no notable actions. She seemed truly confident it wouldn't be discovered.
'That's the situation, so have So-yeon stick by Ji Ye-won's side 24/7 for the time being.'
The one measure taken was assigning Chae So-yeon, who had only monitored Ji Ye-won during the day, to the safehouse full-time.
'...........Eugh.'
Chae So-yeon's mild protest was casually ignored. Her pouty lips and swallowed complaints were still vivid in my mind.
Honestly, it felt a bit satisfying.
"Ahn Su-ho. You got the handover docs for Team 3 ready?"
"Working on it now, sunbae. Uh, are you heading out somewhere?"
Lee Tae-ho was geared up to leave. Nodding to my question, he replied flatly.
"I'm heading to Sokcho Police Station now. They say a student suspected as the sixth victim is detained in their holding cell."
"Huh? How'd a victim end up in a cell?"
I asked with a baffled look, and Lee Tae-ho nodded in agreement.
"Apparently, one of our first-years caused a ruckus at Yeongrang Lake Park yesterday, got reported by locals, and nabbed by police. He claims it wasn't a ruckus but self-defense against someone who attacked him first. His description of the attacker matches the perp in this case, and like the others, he has bite marks on his neck. Probably another victim."
"I see. First incident outside the academy, right?"
"Yeah. And unlike the others, this victim stayed conscious after contact with the perp. Should get some solid testimony. Previous victims' memories were all fuzzy."
"That's a relief. Who's the first-year?"
A casual question. Just idle curiosity since he was a first-year like the protagonist.
"Name's Ryu Tae-hyun."
".........Pardon?"
So when the protagonist's name came from Lee Tae-ho's mouth, I couldn't help but panic.
"What's wrong? Know him?"
"...No. Don't know him."
"Figures. New semester just started yesterday."
Lee Tae-ho nodded nonchalantly. But I couldn't calm down.
'Ryu Tae-hyun? Why's he popping up here?'
Today was March 3rd. Second day of classes. Per the original plot, Ryu Tae-hyun should be attending lectures without issue. Him being in a cell? What?
'Has the plot diverged?'
I'd anticipated some changes due to my presence. But the protagonist getting dragged into this twisted mess? What cruel twist of fate?
Head spinning in shock, I quickly reviewed the original plot.
Today's scheduled event was sparring in Personal Combat class.
His opponent was top first-year admittee and the story's heroine, Han Gyeo-ul. Ryu Tae-hyun's victory there was supposed to catch her attention, sparking their relationship.
But that Ryu Tae-hyun was locked up now.
'Fuck. This is royally fucked.'
The protagonist and heroine's first meeting was derailed. As I reeled from that, Lee Tae-ho headed for the door.
"Sunbae!"
"What?"
"C-Could I come with you?"
The words slipped out. I couldn't get him out of jail anyway—why say that?
Probably anxiety. The plot twisting beyond my sight was unbearable.
"What're you on about? No need for two at a statement hearing. Quit wasting time and prep the Team 3 docs with Jo Yu-ri."
With that, Lee Tae-ho left. My gaze, half-risen to stop him, wandered lost.
"Uh, th-then... S-Su-ho-ssi? Th-This is the draft for Team 3 docs. I-I printed enough for everyone, c-could you handle binding over there...?"
My head was full of Ryu Tae-hyun. Forcing my chaotic mind to settle, I sought ways to fix this mess.
"Su-ho-ssi? C-Could you please bind...?"
Protagonist and heroine's first meeting: busted. Could I stage something similar?
"S-Su-ho-ssi...?"
No, impossible for me. I didn't even know Ryu Tae-hyun or Han Gyeo-ul. How could I orchestrate a natural meeting?
"B-Binding. The docs, please bind...?"
No ideas came. I'd have to abandon fixing the plot.
"H-Hic! S-Su-ho...?"
Even so, I had to meet Ryu Tae-hyun. Was his perp contact coincidence or not? That much needed confirming.
'Once he's released, I need his contact pronto. Secure Ryu Tae-hyun's number first.'
Administration could provide it easily. Excuse: statement for this case.
"S-Su-ho-ssi—."
"Sunbae. Be right back—off to Administration."
"Ah, y-yes. I-I'll handle the b-binding...?"
"Pardon? Oh, sure. Thanks for the trouble."
I bowed to Jo Yu-ri, arms full of doc stacks, and left the office.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Sokcho Police Station holding cells.
With police cooperation, Lee Tae-ho entered to meet Ryu Tae-hyun.
The station's cells were double-layered. Near the entrance were standard cells for normals; beyond a sturdy iron door inside were those for superhumans like Ryu Tae-hyun.
Superhumans' physical prowess ranged from two-to-three times normal to dozens of times. Facilities for them differed vastly from standard cells.
Bars were over twice as thick, made of special alloy, not plain steel. Detainees wore shock-equipped shackles. Dozens of surveillance cameras lined the ceiling, with sentry guns firing tranquilizer rounds at every corner.
Less a holding cell, more a prison.
But necessary. Only such setups could contain superhumans' extraordinary abilities.
In the deepest, most heavily guarded part—even among these cells.
That's where Ryu Tae-hyun was detained.
"......"
Lee Tae-ho swallowed dryly, facing Ryu Tae-hyun's haggard stare from behind the bars.
'...Built like a beast.'
Superhumans generated far more power from the same muscle mass than normals. But more muscle still meant more strength for them too.
Lee Tae-ho eyed Ryu Tae-hyun's sculpted physique. His upper body, packed purely with muscle without an ounce wasted, showcased his latent power.
-Rustle.
Then Ryu Tae-hyun stood abruptly, approaching the bars. His thick forearm veins bulged as he gripped them roughly.
He glared at Lee Tae-ho, hostility clear.
'No clue why he's hostile, but getting cooperative testimony's off the table.'
Sensing the unnatural aura, Lee Tae-ho braced. Instinct told him: if this guy wanted, he'd snap these bars like noodles.
"Detective."
Ryu Tae-hyun spoke, assuming Lee Tae-ho was police.
"What time is it?"
"...11 o'clock. 11:28."
Lee Tae-ho showed his watch; Ryu Tae-hyun's eyes fixed on it. After staring intently, his head drooped. A deep sigh followed.
"...Attendance check's long over. Damn it...?"
No sooner had the grumble ended than he snapped at Lee Tae-ho.
"...Hey, detective. One favor."
"Favor?"
"See that cabinet back there? Second drawer has my phone. Pull it out for one call. White i○hone 11."
Handing comms to a detainee? Absurd. But cowed by his feral presence, Lee Tae-ho sweated as he retrieved the phone.
"...A call's fine, but can't give you the phone. I'll dial for you. That okay?"
"Doesn't matter. Call the contact saved as 'Professor Do So-young'. No pattern lock."
Lee Tae-ho hit call and held it up; Ryu Tae-hyun pressed against the bars.
-Riiiing.
-Riiiing.
Endless ringing.
-Click.
-Hello?
A woman's voice emerged; Ryu Tae-hyun jumped in.
"Yes, Professor! Hello. This is Ryu Tae-hyun, A-Class freshman this year!"
In a bright, upbeat tone utterly unlike before.
"Sorry to call out of the blue. Yes, exactly—about missing class. Personal reasons kept me from today's lecture... Ah, you've already heard. Yes. Yes. No, it was self-defense... Yes. No. Yes. Uh, sorry, Professor. It's not like that at all...?"
Lee Tae-ho couldn't hide his bewilderment at Ryu Tae-hyun fumbling over the line. The sharp edge from moments ago gone, he clung pathetically to the bars, looking harmless—even pitiable.
"Yes. Professor. I remember. 'Take pride as a superhuman, but never act arrogant.' From first-day orientation. I'll etch it deep—sorry. I'll be careful from now on. Yes. So, about today's Personal Combat attendance... Yes, my fault? No, barely? It was self-defense. CCTV caught it all. Huh? Yeah. It's all on CCTV, but they won't release me. Yes, Professor. Anyway, for attendance, could we at least mark it excused, even if not present...? Ah, no? But somehow... Ah, yes. Got it. Sorry. Yes. Goodbye, Professor. Thanks for the call."
-Thud!
Call ended, Ryu Tae-hyun banged his head on the bars. Cameras swiveled toward the dull thump.
"Detective......"
Regardless. He spoke to Lee Tae-ho in a deeply frustrated tone.
"...I'm innocent. CCTV shows that woman attacking me first. Pure self-defense. You know that, right...? So why keep me here? Huh? Cost me 3 attendance points as unexcused. Damn, was gunning for that scholarship...?"
No trace of his initial menace in his limp complaints. Just sticky resentment toward the police in every word.
Lee Tae-ho thought:
Statement? He'll cooperate fully.
"Ryu Tae-hyun. I can get your attendance excused. Want out? I can spring you now."
"Pardon?"
Ryu Tae-hyun looked up, incredulous.
"For real? That works? Wait, detective—you look young, but got rank, huh?"
"I'm not police."
Lee Tae-ho flashed his Security Force badge.
"Green House Security Force, Special Countermeasures Division, Officer Lee Tae-ho. The case you're involved in is under our independent investigation. As it concerns an academy student, we hold priority over local police."
"...And?"
"Meaning one word from me gets you out. And not just that—Security Force statement excuse fixes attendance. Provided, of course, you're cooperative...?"
"Detective. Er, Security officer."
Ryu Tae-hyun grasped it and grinned.
"Ask away. I'll answer sincerely."
His attitude shift brought a faint smile to Lee Tae-ho's lips.