Chapter 727
Chapter 727
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 727
Chapter Title: Academy's Savior
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"Looks like the rumor about the Son of the Thunder Saint enrolling this time is true. If he's Sung Ha-ri's son, just how incredible must he be... I'm already looking forward to it. Do you know anything about the Son of the Thunder Saint, Jong-hun-ssi?"
The rumor that Sung Ha-ri had a son had been circulating for ages. However, the Hero Association never leaked any information related to her, and the clans steered clear out of fear of getting unnecessarily entangled with her. As a result, even Yang Eun-a knew nothing about Sung Ha-ri's son.
"No idea. I've only heard the rumors. As a fellow scout, here's some advice: Sung Ha-ri is a walking bomb. Touch her carelessly, and you won't be able to turn back."
"That's part of her charm. A hero with such unrivaled power that even massive clans can't touch her lightly... As a woman—no, as a hero myself, I can't help but admire her."
Yang Eun-a's eyes sparkled brightly.
Sung Ha-ri had fans everywhere, whether she knew it or not. People were drawn to her overwhelming strength. Yang Eun-a was one of those fans, captivated by Sung Ha-ri's power. Deep down, she wanted to rush over to Sung Ha-ri right now and beg for an autograph.
"Hoo. You have no idea how terrifying that woman is."
"Terrifying? She's just beautiful."
Sung Ha-ri looked impossibly young for her age—a beauty that could pass for her early twenties. It was as if time itself favored her alone, when it should be impartial to all.
That wasn't so strange, though. The higher a hero's rank and the stronger their power, the slower their aging often became. Some traits or skills even halted aging entirely.
"You've worked with Sung Ha-ri before, right, Jong-hun-ssi?"
"Back when I'd just started as a hero. Ancient history now."
"Must be nice, working with her."
"Nothing to envy. We only teamed up briefly. The skill gap was too wide for me to keep up. And I still remember it vividly—the sight of her wiping out the Gaon Nuri Clan, one of the major clans back then."
"Oh, that. I know about it too. The Association tries to cover it up, but anyone in the know is aware."
"Don't go blabbing about it. The Association won't let it slide."
"I know better than to say things I shouldn't. Anyway, about Sung Ha-ri's son—who do you think it is? If he's her son, he has to be in the top 30 at least."
Yang Eun-a scanned the roster. It listed the rankings of the 37th class enrollees at Maruhan Academy, from number one Ryu Hana all the way to the bottom.
"Out of the top 30, about 20 have confirmed parental backgrounds. Since it's a son, exclude the girls... leaves seven."
"Just because the mother's a monster doesn't mean the son is. Don't jump to conclusions."
"Maybe. But my gut says otherwise. Ah, what if it's Kim Cheon-woo, the second-place guy?"
"Kim Cheon-woo's an orphan."
"Meaning his parents are really Sung Ha-ri."
"That's the lamest joke I've heard all year."
Yang Eun-a gave a wry smile. She knew full well Kim Cheon-woo wasn't Sung Ha-ri's son.
"Let's get serious. The most likely is Sung Yu-jin."
"Because of the surname?"
"Yes. Her family name is the Jinryeong Sung Clan. Passing the surname to her son wouldn't be odd."
"Well, investigating would reveal it."
Yang Eun-a eyed Sung Ha-ri. She sat quietly in a parent's seat, watching the TV screen. The murmurs around her didn't faze her at all. Those who knew of her gathered urgently nearby. Reporters watched her too, too intimidated by her aura to approach carelessly.
"Not going down, Jong-hun-ssi?"
"...Guess I have to. Even if I don't want to meet her, it's my job."
Bi Jong-hun trudged down with heavy steps. Yang Eun-a followed behind him.
???
Sung Ha-ri stared blankly at the screen from her seat in the parents' section.
Old memories surfaced. Her own enrollment at the academy. Back then, the ceremony had been on the sports field, not this auditorium. And the dean on stage hadn't been Kang Ji-young.
'That old geezer dragged on forever about history and such, but Ji-young's was super short.'
The student representative ascended the stage—a beauty with light purple hair. Her clear voice soon rang out through the speakers.
'So that's the North Diamond Clan's heir. Hm.'
Sung Ha-ri crossed her arms. She thought of her son, Sung Yu-jin, who ranked fifth. Impressive, but she couldn't shake the regret that he could have taken first if he'd tried harder.
'If Yu-jin had just studied, he would've been top.'
Sung Ha-ri believed in him.
'Our Yu-jin's smart; he just doesn't study. If he did, a perfect score on the written exam would've been easy.'
The ceremony ended with Kang Ji-young's final remarks. Students returned to their classes as directed by the teachers.
'Check Yu-jin's dorm, take a commemorative photo, then head back.'
As Sung Ha-ri rose, someone approached. A woman in elegant, flashy attire that outshone even Cheongdam-dong housewives.
"Sung Ha-ri. Long time no see. Never thought I'd run into you here. You learn something new every day, huh?"
She was stunning. Sleek black bob, red lips, calm eyes. Curves that dipped in and out perfectly. The black mink coat suited her flawlessly.
Sung Ha-ri recognized her instantly.
"Choi Jung-hwa. What are you doing here?"
Golden Tree Clan leader and daughter of Gold Coin Group Chairman. Chaebol heiress. A-rank hero. She and Sung Ha-ri were Maruhan Academy classmates alongside Kang Ji-young. Not close enough to call friends, though. It had been years since they'd last met.
"Oh my. Only one reason I'm here. Same as you—my daughter's enrolling. She's fourth in rankings. Where's your son?"
Her childish taunt after all these years was laughable. She surely knew who he was and his rank. Petty games. Still, Sung Ha-ri felt her temper rising.
"......Fifth."
"Ah, right. Right below my daughter. Your boy's got some skills, huh? Hehe."
Choi Jung-hwa covered her mouth laughing. Sung Ha-ri clenched her fist unconsciously. She wanted to deck her. But she released it. They were past the age of hair-pulling brawls.
"You know entrance rankings don't mean much, yet you say that?"
Maruhan Academy enrollees were raw gems. The curriculum would polish their talents to shine. Even last place could graduate first. It had happened before.
"Hmph. That's not easy. Without surprises, entrance rank becomes graduation rank. You dropped out, so you wouldn't get it."
Choi Jung-hwa turned away.
"Too many eyes here for chit-chat. See you later. If we have business, that is."
"Hold on."
Sung Ha-ri grabbed her shoulder, stopping her.
"What? Get your hand off."
"Don't overreact. Not here to fight. I have a proposal."
"...Proposal? Fine, spit it out."
"I'm forming a parents' association for Maruhan Academy this time. Join me."
"......"
Choi Jung-hwa nearly scoffed in disbelief but grew serious, deep in thought. A recent U.S. academy incident flashed in her mind—a teacher slaughtering 12 students and fleeing.
Academies couldn't be externally interfered with by nature. But a parents' association changed things.
"Parents' association. Good idea. But... think it'll actually happen?"
"Universities have them. Not weird. And academies are schools too. No reason it can't. Especially with you and me."
S-rank hero, once called the strongest: Sung Ha-ri.
Golden Tree leader, Gold Coin heiress: Choi Jung-hwa.
Hard to ignore one; impossible for two. Neither Association nor academy could dismiss them lightly.
"How far along is it? You're not starting from scratch, right?"
"Heading to see Ji-young now. Time to hash it out."
"Ha, starting from scratch. Not thrilled, but for Da-yeon..."
They headed for the door side by side. Onlookers seized the chance, swarming to block them.
"Shinju Daily's Oh Go-seong! Sung Ha-ri-ssi, interview? Just a moment! Who's your son among the enrollees?!"
"Hero mag The Savior's Kim Ye-rin! Long time no see—what've you been up to? Relation to Golden Tree's Choi Jung-hwa-ssi?"
"Hello, Sung Ha-ri-nim. Wolf Run Clan's scout Park Gi-su. Let's talk about your son. We offer top support!"
"Sky Whale Clan's Hwang Hee-chul! Please take my card! Let's chat later!"
Sung Ha-ri ignored them all, pushing forward. Pressed by her presence, no one dared block her.
"Quite the celebrity."
Choi Jung-hwa snarked. Reporters latched onto her too, of course ignored.
Sung Ha-ri halted. A familiar face appeared.
"...Sung Ha-ri-ssi. Remember me?"
"Bi Jong-hun. That coward from back then?"
"Haha... Honored you do. I'm a scout for Black Snow Clan now. You haven't changed a bit."
Bi Jong-hun scratched his cheek.
"My son picks his own clan. I'm not interfering. And it's just the entrance ceremony. Too early."
"Yes, yes. I get it. But clans can't wait. Slowpokes get nothing. No long talk—just take my card?"
"...Fine, one card."
Sung Ha-ri pocketed the black business card. Then, a bobbed young woman beside him lunged forward.
"Hello! Sung Ha-ri-nim! Huge fan! Glass Lantern Clan's scout Yang Eun-a! Here's my card—please!"
Before Sung Ha-ri could respond, Yang Eun-a placed it in her hand. After a moment's thought, Sung Ha-ri accepted. The earnest girl left a good impression, and Glass Lantern was a top Korean clan. Yu-jin might be interested.
Sung Ha-ri walked the hallway outside. Cool March breeze blew through open windows. Trailing reporters were quickly subdued by academy staff.
"Must be nice being so popular."
Choi Jung-hwa said.
"Unlike you, it's a hassle for me."
"Hm. Your son—fifth, right? Good enough for our clan."
Sung Ha-ri's eyes sharpened. She glared.
"Don't flirt with my son."
"F-flirt? You wanna talk like that?!"
"Think I don't know your tricks? Seducing him sweetly—that's your style. Don't. And don't send your daughter either."
"...Crazy? Wanna go at it?! Think I don't know you're not what you used to be?!"
"Bring it. Even weakened, I can take Golden Tree."
Sung Ha-ri raised her right hand. Seeing that slender hand, Choi Jung-hwa paled slightly. Old memory: her hair gripped by it.
"...Not wasting time. My second's worth more than yours. I'm holding back to avoid loss."
"Heh."
Sung Ha-ri lowered her hand. Choi Jung-hwa ground her teeth, relieved despite herself.