Prove Your Worth
Around the time Bukjin and Wang Chung were bickering, in another corner of Unmong City, just outside the academy grounds...
"Simwol! I can't believe you came to see me first! I'm so happy!"
"Bing Ryun, do you really love me?"
"Simwol, of course I do! I'd do anything for you!"
"Fine. Then prove it."
"How? Just tell me."
"Make sure Im Bukjin never speaks again. Permanently."
"Permanently? You mean... kill him? But his father is the War God..."
"What are you afraid of? Im Bukjin is nothing but a commoner now."
"I... I understand. I'll kill him for you. But if I succeed, you'll be my girlfriend, right?"
"What? Are you trying to negotiate with me? Bing Ryun, I never thought you were this kind of person. You used to swear you'd do anything for me without asking for anything in return... Was that all a lie? I'm truly disappointed."
"N-no! That's not it at all! Simwol, please don't misunderstand. Of course I'll do it! I don't need anything. Just having you talk to me a little more, or having you look at me a few more times is enough. Don't worry, Simwol. As soon as I get to school tomorrow morning, I'll find a way to end that bastard Im Bukjin. I'll prove myself to you."
"Good. I'll be waiting for the good news."
"Trust me! Simwol, I, Bing Ryun, would pay any price for your sake!"
"I'm touched, truly. Now, you should go. Be careful not to let anyone see you."
The student named Bing Ryun hurried away, his face flushed with excitement. A short while later, in a quiet, upscale room of a dignified tavern, the same girl was sitting across from a different man. Their conversation followed a remarkably similar pattern.
"Senior Oh, I'm well aware of your feelings for me. I have feelings for you as well. But because of Im Bukjin... Senior, can you find a way to help me get rid of that piece of trash once and for all?"
"Didn't you two break up?"
"Senior Oh, you only say that because you don't know how much of a parasite he is. In public, he acts like he accepted my request to break up, but do you have any idea how persistently he clings to me in private? He's using all sorts of ridiculous threats to intimidate me."
"I see... So, Simwol, you want me to take care of Im Bukjin for you?"
"Yes, Senior Oh. I don't want anyone else to know what happened between us. If only he could be silenced forever, I would be so happy."
"Actually, I have a much more entertaining idea than just killing him."
"What kind of idea?"
"We make Im Bukjin your slave. That way, his life and death will be entirely in your hands, Junior Mok. Wouldn't that be better? You could cast him aside, toy with him, control him, and take his life whenever you please. And when you're in a bad mood, you can use him as a punching bag. Hehe."
"That... if that's really possible, it would be perfect. But how can we make him a slave? Commoners are strictly protected by Imperial Law. Even if he crawls out of the academy on his own, making him a slave should be impossible."
"Hehe, there is nothing I, Oh Sobang, cannot do within this city."
"Senior Oh, please tell me."
"Simwol, what do you think that piece of trash Im Bukjin lacks most right now?"
"Um, what is it?"
"Money."
"Which means...?"
"Think about it. A guy who lived a life of luxury suddenly becomes a beggar overnight. Do you think he can handle that? Habits aren't easily broken. He'll probably go crazy after starving for a day or two. He'll do anything for money. If someone steps up and offers to lend him some, do you think he'll be able to refuse?"
"Ah! He'll definitely take the loan."
"Exactly. And it's only natural to make a few demands when lending money, isn't it?"
"I see it now. You're going to make him sign a contract. For example, a clause stating that if he fails to repay the debt within the period, he becomes a slave?"
"Haha! Junior Mok, you really are quick on the uptake!"
"But what if he refuses?"
"The contract will be handled discreetly, of course. First, we plant a seed of hope, and then we deliver despair. That delinquent isn't just mentally ill; he's stupid. If we dig a pit, he'll jump right in. It's a simple task. Don't worry, Simwol. I'll handle everything."
"You really are the greatest genius of the second year, Senior Oh. I'll leave it in your hands."
"Hahaha! I'm only doing this because of your beautiful face. Otherwise, why would I, Oh Sobang, bother dealing with a low-life piece of trash who isn't even on my level?"
"I'll remember your help forever, Senior."
The next day was bright, the air crisp and clear.
Ding-dong-dang!
The bell signaling the start of classes echoed through the air. The gates of the 3rd Academy slowly swung open, and boys and girls began to stream inside. The once-quiet campus began to fill with the fresh, vibrant energy of youth. After entering, the students split into their respective groups and headed toward their classrooms.
Meanwhile, in a small grove near the academy's training grounds...
"Butler Wang, it's settled then! Don't hold me back later; you have to do this right!"
Im Bukjin gave the instruction one last time as he strapped Wang Chung's longsword to his waist. Wang Chung thumped his chest with confidence.
"Young Master, do not worry! My name contains the character for Loyalty! I am famous for being reliable in whatever I do. When the time comes, I will perform so convincingly that people will be terrified!"
"Good. Then I'll trust you."
Nodding, Bukjin checked the time and began walking toward his classroom. He knew many students would come looking for him today to harass him, but he had to attend class. To the current Bukjin, knowledge was power. To grow stronger, he had to be in class with his smartphone.
The two of them headed toward the classroom, radiating an aura like warriors marching onto a battlefield.
On the second-floor corridor of the 3rd-year faculty building, a beautiful girl with her black hair tied back stood by the railing, looking down. She was wearing the blue robes of a swordsman, but they couldn't hide her stunning appearance. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she glowed. She possessed an ethereal beauty, like a celestial maiden who had descended to the mortal realm.
"Hehe, Junior Mok. I heard the faculty office is currently reviewing your application to skip a grade and move up to the third year?"
A smooth voice came from behind her. Gwan Bi-do, dressed in his 3rd-year uniform, walked out of the faculty office. He looked at the lovely female swordsman with a smile.
Even though she's a commoner, she boasts the most beautiful face in our academy. Every time I see her, I'm struck by how charming she is.
Mok Simwol turned her head and smiled. "Yes, it's all thanks to your help, Senior Gwan."
Gwan Bi-do was fifteen years old. Standing six feet tall with a sturdy build and handsome features, he was a boy who exuded an air of nobility. Furthermore, his martial talent was extraordinary, making him the idol of many female students.
Gwan Bi-do shook his head. "Haha, how could that be my doing? It was Grade Dean Pan who strongly recommended you. Now, as long as you take first place among the second years in the mid-year competition, your advancement will be guaranteed."
"But I heard you spoke very highly of me to Dean Pan, Senior. Thank you."
Mok Simwol gave him a smile like a flower in full bloom. Her flawless, clear face was filled with an expression of deep gratitude. Gwan Bi-do felt his heart race at her charm.
She truly is the greatest beauty of the 3rd Academy. I heard she had some trouble with that notorious delinquent Im Bukjin, but it's a blessing that they broke up.
"By the way, Simwol, what were you looking at just now?"
Gwan Bi-do naturally moved closer to her side, changing the subject. Mok Simwol pointed downward.
"It seems someone is having a bit of trouble."
Gwan Bi-do looked in the direction she was pointing. It was in front of the classroom for 2nd Year, Class 9. A group of about ten students was blocking the path of another student. Friction was building between them, and it looked like a fight was about to break out at any moment.
"Looks like a brawl. Ten against one is a bit much... Wait?"
Gwan Bi-do furrowed his brows and moved to stop them, but then he froze. Looking closer, the person being prevented from entering the classroom looked familiar. The student caught in that predicament was none other than the infamous delinquent, Im Bukjin.
Gwan Bi-do understood the situation instantly. Now that the War God's family had fallen, many people had been waiting for the chance to come for Bukjin.
"Junior Mok, I heard you protected that rascal yesterday?"
Gwan Bi-do's intention to stop the fight had long since vanished. Leaning against the railing, he asked Mok Simwol as if the current situation didn't bother him at all. Mok Simwol let out a deep sigh.
"Sigh, that's right. Im Bukjin helped me once in the past. Yesterday, I helped him out of a sense of repaying that debt."
Gwan Bi-do praised her. "That's just like you, Simwol. I admire your clear sense of honor. But it looks like Im Bukjin is in trouble again..."
Mok Simwol shook her head slightly and spoke calmly. "I can't get involved anymore. This is all because of the countless misdeeds he committed. Perhaps if he pays for his sins and tastes the bitterness of the world, he might actually grow up."
As she finished speaking, she looked down. A faint smile, hard to detect, played on her lips. The slight twist of her mouth revealed that she was actually enjoying this. Last night, Mok Simwol had recruited two people. It was insurance to ensure the job was done. It didn't matter which one succeeded, as long as the task she requested was completed.
Bing Ryun, this sycophant... he didn't disappoint me after all.
Bing Ryun had gathered a group and headed for Bukjin early this morning.
Go on, Bing Ryun! You've been chasing after me long enough. Now, prove your worth!
Mok Simwol's amusement only continued to grow.