Chapter 728
Chapter 728
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 728
Chapter Title: Academy's Savior
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After the entrance ceremony ended, Kang Ji-young returned to the academy dean's office only to be greeted immediately by two visitors without a moment's rest.
Sung Ha-ri and Choi Jung-hwa.
Neither was someone she could easily dismiss, and they sat boldly on the dean's office sofa, legs crossed.
"What brings you here?"
"You seem busy, so I'll get straight to the point. Jung-hwa and I have decided to form a parents' association."
"I see... You're not talking about a parents' association for Maruhan Academy, are you?"
"That's exactly it. You heard right."
"......"
Kang Ji-young's brow furrowed.
Maruhan Academy had been around for a whopping 37 years since its founding, and there had never been anything like a parents' association.
"Maruhan Academy is different from ordinary schools. We don't need a parents' association. I have no intention of allowing it, nor any reason to. Please leave."
As the dean of the academy, Kang Ji-young knew that a parents' association would restrict her actions in meaningful ways.
"Just because there hasn't been one so far doesn't mean there won't be one in the future. We have no intention of interfering with the academy's curriculum."
"What's your goal?"
Sung Ha-ri had one clear objective: Sung Yu-jin. She had conceived of the parents' association solely for her son. With one in place, she'd have more chances to meet Yu-jin in the dorms, and it would help prepare for worst-case scenarios.
"I'll be honest. I don't trust the academy 100%. Even with you as dean, Ji-young."
Kang Ji-young averted her gaze to the side.
"......Jung-hwa. What about you?"
"Same here. Back when I was a student, there were all sorts of dirty scandals."
Bribes.
Teachers taking money from parents to manipulate grades. And not just that—some colluded with clans to deceive and poach promising students. On top of it all, the second dean was imprisoned for political corruption.
"The first thing I did upon taking office was clean house. I handed corrupt teachers over to the association and rooted out as many irregularities as possible. Whatever you're worried about won't happen again."
Choi Jung-hwa snorted dismissively, as if that meant nothing.
"That's just your opinion. Corruption is probably still happening where you can't see. Do you know how many teachers I've bought off myself?"
"......Bought off?"
A terrifying aura emanated from Kang Ji-young. Startled, Choi Jung-hwa quickly continued.
"Nothing like grade tampering, so don't worry. It's just to get information from inside the academy. You know the other clan leaders are doing it too. Even the association."
"......"
"Dean Kang Ji-young. I know what you're afraid of. A parents' association would undermine your influence. But think of it the other way—we could be your allies."
"My allies... Do you know the situation inside the academy?"
Though she held the greatest authority as dean, it didn't mean she wielded absolute power. Kang Ji-young had a poor relationship with the vice dean. The dean's position was traditionally the vice dean's to ascend to, but her sudden appointment had left him stuck.
"I promise. If you do your job well and there's no trouble for the students, we won't interfere. We can even draw up a contract. Right?"
"Y-yeah. Jung-hwa's right."
"......"
Kang Ji-young closed her eyes. She agonized over it. Sung Ha-ri and Choi Jung-hwa—neither was ordinary. Their support could be immensely helpful in many ways. But if they betrayed her? That would be a nightmare.
"......That bit about drawing up a contract. Are you serious?"
"Why would we lie about something like that?"
"Fine. We'll prepare the contract. You submit a detailed plan. And I'll add a condition of my own."
"What condition?"
Choi Jung-hwa's eyes sharpened.
"Nothing major. You help me when I ask."
"As long as it's not ridiculous, we'll do it. The plan... Jung-hwa, you write it. You're good at this stuff."
Sung Ha-ri stood up. She had no interest in the fine details of the parents' association.
"How do you stay the same after all these decades?"
"Staying the same is a good thing. Good luck. Oh, and don't forget—I'm the chairwoman."
"Why should you be chairwoman?! I should be, since I'm writing the plan!"
"I'm the one starting this. If you're that unhappy... want to settle it the old way?"
Sung Ha-ri raised her fist. Choi Jung-hwa shook her head.
"You barbaric lunatic..."
Sung Ha-ri left. Only Kang Ji-young and Choi Jung-hwa remained in the dean's office.
"Why the hell is she like that? You know she's not the type to bother with a parents' association."
"...Yeah. Ha-ri gets obsessive about anything involving her son. This must be about him too."
"Mommy dearest, huh? Hmph... Now I'm curious enough to want to meet this amazing son of hers."
"Flirt with someone else."
"......You two. What the hell do you think I am?"
???
Maruhan Academy, Class 1-1 of the first-year students.
This was my class. Unfortunately, Ryu Hana was in Class 4. But my childhood friend Lee Si-eun was in the same class as me.
My gaze was fixed on the guy sitting in the front row.
Seat number one. Kim Cheon-woo.
A neatly handsome guy with a diligent and kind personality.
In the original story, Kim Cheon-woo was a playable character too. But his value differed from Ryu Hana's. While she was one of the world's heroines, Kim Cheon-woo was essentially the protagonist of this world.
'Academy Savior. The name comes to mind again. Well, "Academy Savior" refers not to the character but to the player enjoying the game.'
I stared at the back of Kim Cheon-woo's head before turning away. There were plenty of standout figures in Class 1. Half were girls, all exceptionally beautiful. And my goal was to bed every single girl in this class. And the other classes too, of course.
'Choi Da-yeon.'
I spotted the girl sitting toward the back. Long black hair that seemed to reach her thighs when she stood, a haughty face frozen in cold aloofness. Daughter of the Golden Tree Clan leader and granddaughter of the Geumhwa Group chairman. A chaebol heiress.
'Heh. Ryu Hana too—there are so many worthwhile girls at this academy.'
I sensed hostility.
Turning my gaze aside, I saw a guy glaring at me fiercely. Ugly mug. Bald head with a scar like a knife slash across his face. His already nasty features were twisted in rage, enough to make me nauseous.
'This guy's from the original too. Name was... Lee Kang-hu?'
Choi Da-yeon's lackey.
I even knew his precise background. Lee Kang-hu belonged to the Geumhwa Group's sewers.
Sewers.
A black organization specializing in dirty work, true to its name. They moved only on orders from the Geumhwa Group chairman.
'Messing with Choi Da-yeon using another character or playing as her brings a bunch of annoying trouble from this guy.'
Lee Kang-hu bared open killing intent when I didn't look away. The aura of someone who'd killed before. The students around me shivered with inexplicable chills.
But to me, his malice was negligible.
'Annoying bastard. He'll just get in the way of targeting Da-yeon. Better deal with him at the right time.'
Ignoring Lee Kang-hu, I ogled Choi Da-yeon's face and chest. A trim figure without an ounce of fat. D-cup breasts. Great body, but her face was the standout. As a chaebol heiress, her vibe was quite similar to Ha Seung-hee in the real world.
"......"
Maybe I stared too openly—Choi Da-yeon's eyes turned to me. I quickly looked away. No point in a staring contest; nothing in it for me.
Drag.
The front door slid open, and a woman entered. Black hair, impeccably dressed in a suit. Her heels clicked as she walked to the podium. No excitement, no nerves. Coolly composed, almost coldly so.
"I'm Yoon Hee-jung, your homeroom teacher for Class 1-1. I'll be handling Hero History and Elemental Magic. Looking forward to a good year together."
Then came Q&A time. She fielded the students' questions calmly. Most asked about academy life. I could feel their seriousness.
I raised my hand.
"You by the window. What's your question?"
"Teacher, got a boyfriend?"
"...My relationship status isn't the point, is it?"
"I might become your boyfriend."
"......"
Yoon Hee-jung looked at me like I was absurd, then said,
"Don't ask things like that from now on. Anyone else?"
Yoon Hee-jung moved on. No more questions. She had the students introduce themselves. After that, she addressed the class.
"Now we'll go get the weapons you'll use during your time here. Inside the academy, you can't use any weapons except the ones assigned. Same for artifacts. Choice is free, but choose wisely. Once picked, you can't change it for three months. Alright, let's move. Everyone up and follow me."
The students rose in a clamor. Yoon Hee-jung walked out slowly.
"Si-eun, go on ahead."
"Huh? Yu-jin, what for?"
I rubbed the back of my head. The killing intent had vanished after Yoon Hee-jung entered, but the stare lingered.
"Looks like someone wants a private word. I'll catch up soon."
"Got it."
Lee Si-eun left. Only Lee Kang-hu and I remained in the classroom. Lee Kang-hu approached with murderous intent.
His stats were mediocre. Innate Body (B) boosted physical abilities and greatly enhanced regeneration. Body Modification (C) was an acquired trait.
"Hey. Consider this a warning. If you don't wanna die, stay the hell away from the young lady."
"You mean Choi Da-yeon? I didn't do anything."
"I've seen plenty like you. Cockroaches who don't know their place and cling to her. My job is to squash vermin like you before they get close."
Lee Kang-hu spread his palm. As he tensed his fingers, they sharpened like blades. The effect of Body Modification (C). He pointed them at my throat.
"This is your last verbal warning. From this moment, don't even shadow the young lady. Got it?"
"I was gonna let it slide... but no."
"You deaf or something? You—argh?!"
Thud.
I mana-infused my foot into his knee. It shattered, and he pitched forward. Screaming, Lee Kang-hu still lunged for my throat. Trained reflexes.
I dodged with a tilt and crushed his other knee. He crumpled to the floor.
"You little...!"
Lee Kang-hu swung his hand. I hopped lightly over it, stomped his shoulder to bits. I didn't stop. Crushed his forearm, elbow, wrist.
"......!!"
"The one who doesn't know his place is you. And if I hear your voice leak out from now on, I'll sprint to your precious young lady and snap her neck right there."
I pulverized each finger one by one.
"......!!"
Fear flickered in his eyes.
"No time, so this'll do..."
I pulled his smartphone from his pocket. Used mine to text and get his number, then dropped it on his head.
"I'll call tonight. Be there. Or I'll find you. And you tripped while walking. Got that?"
"Wh-what the hell are you...? Which organization...?!"
I ignored his words from behind.
'Wanted to kill him clean right here... but a few know he and I stayed in the classroom.'
???
I looked around. Students were picking their preferred weapons. All sorts available, but mostly swords, spears, blades, bows.
I headed to the emptiest section. Eyes turned to me; murmurs rose.
Guns.
"Uh, what gun would you like?"
The drowsy gun keeper jolted awake and asked.
"One rocket launcher, please."