She's a Monster...
"How can you possibly count all eighty badges toward his final score?"
Jin Ran-ui, the lead instructor from the National Imperial Junior Academy, voiced her sharp objection. "The rules of the selection trial state that scores are determined by the number of badges submitted at the very end. Whether they were found, stolen, or even purchased, the final count submitted by the student is the only standard. Is the 3rd Academy so desperate for fame that they're willing to ignore the fundamental rules of the preliminary round?"
"Hmph! Instructor Jin, it seems you simply find it difficult to accept that a student from another academy has surpassed your precious star pupil, Im Jin!" Jeong Sam-seok retorted, slamming his hand down on the desk. "Did you truly believe that first place in every trial was a birthright reserved solely for the National Imperial Academy?"
Hmph! You dare try to out-argue me? You think you're the only ones who matter? People need to learn how to kneel before those who are truly superior! Jeong Sam-seok fumed inwardly as he countered her points.
Jin Ran-ui let out a cold, contemptuous sneer. "So, what you're saying is that we should invalidate the scores of every other student just to ensure Im Bukjin takes first place?"
Jeong Sam-seok faltered. Her words carried a stinging logic. The other instructors began to murmur in agreement. If they followed Jeong Sam-seok's logic to its extreme, the students from their own respective academies—whom they had personally escorted—would all be disqualified, failing to advance to the main competition.
The teachers and officials quickly reached a consensus. In the end, they decided to determine the rankings based on the order in which the badges were officially submitted. Jeong Sam-seok felt like he was about to cough up blood. He deeply regretted his impulsive outburst from moments ago.
"Regarding the matter of Im Bukjin, a final decision will be made after a thorough investigation is completed and reported to the Education Board and the Bureau of Education," Lee Cheong-hyeon announced in a decisive tone.
"Furthermore, the fact that Demon Worshippers managed to infiltrate the student body during this trial is a matter of grave importance. In truth, had it not been for Im Bukjin and Im Jin, a disciple of the Sama might have advanced to the main competition. Whether it was intentional or not, they thwarted the Demon Worshippers' plans. Their contribution in denying the enemy this opportunity is commendable. As for Li Do and Do Man-seong..."
At that moment, Jin Geun-nam stood up. "Administrator Lee, rest assured. I have already issued military orders to the Unmong Guard to surround the Li and Do estates and investigate their ties to the Sama."
Lee Cheong-hyeon nodded at his words. With that, the selection trial officially drew to a close. Every official and teacher present knew that this spelled the absolute end for the Li and Do families. In the North Sea Empire, regardless of one's status, rank, or even connections to the Imperial family, any link to the Outworld Demons was a death sentence. It wasn't just the individual who suffered; the entire clan would be purged. Not even the Emperor himself was an exception to this law.
In the center of the trial grounds' plaza, the names of the students began to glow and rise one by one upon a massive stone pillar. A natural Mystic Array was at work within the stone, absorbing the Mystic Energy of heaven and earth to display the information. These rankings and names would remain etched in light until the next selection trial was held. The names of the twenty students who had advanced to the main competition shone brilliantly, a testament to their newfound glory.
A long line of carriages began to depart from the grounds. Carriages from various national academies, private schools, and sects were carrying their students back to Unmong City.
"Let's go, you brat. This time, you really were penny-wise and pound-foolish." Inside his carriage, Jeong Sam-seok looked back at the rankings on the stone pillar, his face still twisted with a sense of injustice.
The carriage slowly exited the grounds and began to race toward Unmong City. The speed of the magical beast pulling the carriage was incredible. It moved as fast as a high-speed train from Earth, yet the ride was so smooth that the speed was barely felt.
Inside the carriage, Mok Simwol, Oh So-bang, Ak Hong-hyang, and Bukjin sat in silence. Oh So-bang sat huddled in a corner, his face clouded with anxiety. He looked as if he were terrified that Bukjin might pick a fight with him at any moment. He had a strong feeling that if Bukjin decided to give him a thrashing, Jeong Sam-seok wouldn't lift a finger to save him. In fact, it felt like Jeong Sam-seok wanted to beat him even more than Bukjin did.
Mok Simwol watched Ak Hong-hyang and Bukjin with a complex expression. Her face was a mask of regret and jealousy. I can't believe Ak Hong-hyang actually made it to the main competition... All that bitch did was fetch fruits and vegetables for Im Bukjin! A girl who was supposed to be nothing more than my stepping stone is going to the finals!
In contrast, Mok Simwol was returning empty-handed and humiliated. After the battle by the lake, she had tried to approach Bukjin to plead her case, but he hadn't even spared her a glance. Looking back on her actions, she realized she had kicked away the greatest fortune of her life. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she felt like dying from the sheer weight of her regret. However, she still believed there was a way to salvage the situation.
I mustn't be too hasty. I'll slowly win his heart back, Mok Simwol vowed to herself silently.
Suddenly, Jeong Sam-seok's startled voice rang out from outside. A moment later, the carriage screeched to a halt, nearly throwing Bukjin forward.
Did we get into an accident?
The carriage door swung open almost immediately. Jeong Sam-seok poked his head in, wearing a bizarre expression. "Hey, you little rascal. Get out here for a second."
"Who are you calling a rascal?" a startled Bukjin asked.
"You," Jeong Sam-seok answered without a second thought.
"...Fair enough." Bukjin stepped outside with an awkward smile.
Outside, the wilderness was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. About ten feet away from the 3rd Academy's carriage stood another vehicle. It was an incredibly luxurious carriage, its sides adorned with intricate gold patterns. It was massive, with an interior that looked spacious enough to live in. Carved into the wood was the crest of a Thornbird—the mark of a Great House. A red flag embroidered with the same bird fluttered in the wind.
The carriage was pulled by a gargantuan magical beast nearly ten feet tall. It was unmistakably the carriage of the Im family, the largest and most influential clan in Unmong City. In the entire Pungeo Province, only the Im family of Unmong City used the Thornbird as their crest.
As expected, Im Jin stepped out from the luxury carriage and walked over to stand before Bukjin. As the golden rays of the sunset hit her beautiful face, she exuded an aura that was both divine and majestic. Looking like a spirit descended from the celestial realm, she stood silently before him. There was a natural dignity about her that made it feel impossible for anyone to defy her.
However, Bukjin looked like he was desperately trying to hold back a bowel movement. The trial is over! Our debt was settled with those six badges! We should be going our separate ways, so why the hell did you stop me again?! Bukjin felt a headache coming on.
"Thank you," Im Jin said in a calm, steady voice. It was her Cold CEO persona.
"It's fine," Bukjin replied curtly, making no effort to hide his coldness. Although he didn't quite understand what she was thanking him for, he just wanted to end this uncomfortable conversation and get back to his seat.
"Did you... really lose your memory?" she asked.
"Yeah," Bukjin answered instantly.
"If that's true, I envy you," she replied.
"Huh?" Bukjin looked confused. He had no idea what she was talking about, and Im Jin offered no further explanation.
"My aggressive behavior over the last ten days of the trial... it made things difficult for you, didn't it?"
Bukjin's mood brightened at her words. This was the atmosphere he had been hoping for. This is it! This is the 'let's give up and break up' vibe! Say it! Say the words!
"Well, it was a bit much..." he replied expectantly.
Im Jin nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry... I was wrong. But I still can't give up."
Wait, what? Bukjin's brain short-circuited. We were doing so well! Why the sudden U-turn?!
"So, I'm telling you clearly now. I'm going to keep coming to see you. Be prepared."
As soon as she finished speaking, her aura shifted instantly. She reverted to her Sweet Girl persona. Her expression became overflowing with charm, and before Bukjin could even react, she lunged forward and pulled him into a tight embrace. Then, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his cheek.
"Bukjin Oppa. This is a gift from me. You have to miss me every single day, okay? Promise?"
The 'Sweet Girl' Im Jin gave him a beaming, crescent-moon smile. Bukjin was speechless. A deep flush crept up his face. He felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Wh-what? A kiss? Why is my whole body tingling?! I was so cold to her, and she's still clinging to me?!
His first reaction was pure male instinct; his second was cold reason. Though he was momentarily dazed by the beautiful girl's kiss, he quickly regained his senses and pushed her away. As he moved her back, Im Jin looked up at him, her face clouded with hurt. Then, her expression began to turn icy.
Wait... is that bloodlust?
In an instant, Bukjin remembered Sim Bi—the monster who had radiated murderous intent after falling into Demonic Possession. He also remembered how Im Jin had ruthlessly snapped both of that monster's arms without breaking a sweat.
"Ahahaha! Th-that was just a joke!" Bukjin forced a smile. "How could a man let a woman be the only one to visit? I! I'll be the one to come see you first!"
Bukjin's quick wit saved the day. Im Jin's state shifted back to the 'Sweet Girl' persona in a heartbeat.
"Yay! I'll be waiting!" she chirped, her smile blooming like a flower. "Bukjin Oppa, you have to be careful with your words from now on!"
With that, she turned and headed back to her carriage. Under the setting sun, her carriage sped away. Left alone in the wilderness, Bukjin muttered in a trembling voice.
"She's a monster..."
He lamented inwardly. Sigh... Why am I so handsome? Not only am I good-looking, but I'm smart and talented too! How are other men supposed to survive in this world?!