Chapter 203
Chapter 203
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 203
Chapter Title: Disciplinary Committee (2)
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Professor Mo Yong-rin's announcement of the resolution left the Fragrant Orchid Hall cadets exchanging bewildered looks.
"Does anyone have any objections to this committee's decision?"
However, no one responded to his question.
'Is it because one of the executive committee members who participated in the deliberation was Cheong Ryang, so they're just going along with it?'
It made sense even on principle.
The unrest among the Fragrant Orchid Hall cadets had ultimately arisen during the response to the Demonic Sect.
'To prevent a recurrence, it's right for the training program to be led by the Anti-Demonic Defense League.'
After all, among the departments at the Righteous Martial Academy, we were the only one dedicated to researching the Demonic Sects.
Well, anyway.
Whether out of respect for the committee's authority or because they found no flaws in the rationale, the Fragrant Orchid Hall cadets raised no significant objections.
"Then, we'll take that as no objections. Cadet Eon Yong-un and the Anti-Demonic Defense League, please promptly draft an outline of the training plan and submit it to the academy's executive committee. This committee is now adjourned."
The disciplinary committee, which had opened amid the chaos, thus drew to a close.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
I left the main hall where the committee had convened, the echoing sound of the wooden gavel fading behind me.
But as I stepped out, I spotted a group of people standing grim-faced in the plaza before the main hall.
- Hmm? Aren't those blue uniforms the Azure Bamboo Hall cadets?
'...And next to them are Supervisor Go-go from the academy cafeteria, along with other academy staff?'
It was clear they were waiting for me, so I headed straight over.
"What are you all doing here?"
At my question, Supervisor Go-go was the first to respond, raising the ladle she held.
"We heard the academy bigwigs were holding some disciplinary committee or punishment board to harass you, Yong-un! So we dropped our pots mid-stir and came running! They can try cooking their own meals for once!"
"You bet! Just looking at how politely Yong-un treats folks like us shows he's got impeccable character. And after he saved us from those vile scum who nearly tunneled right under us, they call it a disciplinary matter?! What kind of law is that?!"
I appreciated their willingness to step up, but this kind of action would've been fine even after confirming the results.
Especially since the decision had just been made, with no notice even posted yet. How did they know?
Just then, I noticed Ha-seong scratching his neck and So-neung avoiding my eyes.
'Those guys spread the word.'
In the midst of it, Brother Gyeong-ryong spoke up.
"So, how did it go?"
"To cut to the chase, it turned out well."
"What do you mean 'well'? If even the slightest penalty was imposed on you, we'd go on strike if need be! That's the spirit of Azure Bamboo Hall!"
At Brother Gyeong-ryong's words, the other Azure Bamboo Hall cadets chimed in unison.
"Exactly! Even if we all get disciplined, we'll raise our voices as one!"
"That's the spirit of Azure Bamboo!"
Good grief.
These were the same people who, at the start of the semester, had been as limp and unmotivated as dried squid. Now they were fired up.
It seemed contributing to repelling the Demonic Sect's raid had boosted their confidence.
'Not a bad sight.'
I was grateful to see them riled up over my sake.
However, the disciplinary committee summoning me had been little more than a formality, leaving them all punching at air.
To clarify, I briefly recounted the committee proceedings related to me.
"...Sister Gyeong-hye testified as such, and when my turn came, Professor Mo Yong-rin, who was chairing, dismissed the agenda outright."
I also expressed my thanks to the Azure Bamboo Hall cadets and the academy staff who had rushed over.
"It was practically a field trip to observe how the disciplinary committee operates, so Supervisor Go-go and the others can head back now. Thank you all for coming as if it were your own affair."
"Thanks? If anything, we're the ones who owe you our lives, Yong-un. Don't say such distant things. We've decided to set up a big tent at the cafeteria site starting today and reopen, so don't skip meals out of busyness—come eat properly!"
"I will."
"You all heard? He's fine! Let's head back to work!"
With that, the academy workers, led by Supervisor Go-go, dispersed from the group.
Watching them go, a word came from the master at my waist.
- Even those others deem lowly, you treat with respect, and now it comes back around like this. Of course, even on the day we first met, you soothed the lonely spirits of the Ta-ho region.
His words embarrassed me, and as I pondered a response, Brother Gyeong-ryong cleared his throat.
"Ahem. We rushed here in a panic hearing the disciplinary committee was targeting you, Vice President Eon. Turns out it was for nothing. Ah, what about the Fragrant Orchid Hall cadets?"
But his trailing question was about the Fragrant Orchid Hall cadets who had been referred to the committee alongside me.
"Professor Namgung Jeong-ho received a suspension, and the other Fragrant Orchid Hall cadets were ordered to complete training to prevent recurrence."
I laid out the resolution plainly.
Then, bitter chuckles began leaking from among the Azure Bamboo Hall cadets.
"...That's pretty light."
"Pretty? It's not just pretty—it's laughable. Good thing Vice President Eon handled it swiftly; otherwise, the defense plan could've collapsed and we all might've died, and all they get is 'training'?"
"Another lenient ruling from the prestigious sect elites..."
Before those bitter laughs could turn into unfounded speculation, I spoke up again.
"But they entrusted the training program to the Anti-Demonic Defense League."
Yin Ha-yeon widened her eyes in response.
"Us?"
"Yes. Specifically, they said to lead the program design under the Anti-Demonic Defense League, and they told me to serve as instructor. A notice will probably go up soon."
As I answered her, the atmosphere shifted in an instant.
"Ah, then it's settled."
"Finally, those Fragrant Orchid Hall guys will get a taste of Vice President Eon's training!"
Suddenly, everyone was rolling up their sleeves with surging enthusiasm, eager for tasks.
"No time to stand around—we need to clear the training grounds first. We have to prepare the venue to implement the committee's resolution as soon as possible! No waiting for workers!"
"President's right! Hang on, where did we move the sandbags and wrought-iron shackles?"
In the midst of it, Yin Ha-yeon smirked slyly and spoke.
"We'll need the training grounds and sandbags, sure, but there's something more urgent. Isn't there, Young Master Eon?"
"What's that?"
"For anti-Demonic Sect training tailored to major battles, you obviously have to include 'that' in the curriculum."
"That?"
"Training to counter poison arts."
And so, the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear warfare room was decided as the first building to establish amid the ruins.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The four-week training plan, drafted by the Anti-Demonic Defense League and approved by the academy's executive committee, was sent to Fragrant Orchid Hall's student council.
Technically, only the cadets from the Punishment Squad were listed as subjects, but every Fragrant Orchid Hall cadet volunteered for the 'training' conducted by the Anti-Demonic Defense League.
Except for Dang Ok-gi, who bolted with a cry of 'Are they insane?!'
It stemmed from the noble principle of not abandoning comrades in distress—and their characteristic pride.
"I hear Eon Yong-un's training has a notorious reputation. Wonder what it'll be like?"
"Ever since he joined, there's been wailing from the Azure Bamboo Hall side every day."
That pride held firm right up until the training began.
"It won't be a big deal. Sure, we owe Azure Bamboo Hall for saving our lives this time, but separately, haven't those guys been slacking off in academy life with their weak spirits?"
"True, sharpening weak bodies and minds naturally brings the cries."
"Yeah, last time I peeked, they were doing horse stance and pressure stance drills or similar. We've done that plenty in our youth. We just have to endure a newbie like Eon Yong-un ordering us around as instructor."
But the time Fragrant Orchid Hall cadets could puff up their pride lasted only until Eon Yong-un appeared on the platform wearing a bright red hat.
"Who is chit-chatting in this sacred training session stemming from the disciplinary committee's decision?! Did you come to play?!"
"...That is."
"I didn't ask for an answer! Remember, Fragrant Orchid Hall trainees—you're here for inciting unrest during the crisis, endangering the entire academy! Bear in mind that every action reflects on Fragrant Orchid Hall's honor!"
"……"
"From this moment, forget your year groups! Except when calling numbers during training, only respond with 'Yes!' I will refer to you as owls. Understood?"
"...Yes."
"Louder! Is this all Fragrant Orchid Hall has?!"
"YES!!!"
"Anti-Demonic Defense League deputy instructors, equip the Fragrant Orchid Hall cadets with wrought-iron shackles and sandbags on all limbs for idleness."
From the outset, Eon Yong-un seized control by invoking Fragrant Orchid Hall's honor.
And in a flash, he discarded notions of hierarchy or seniority, dividing them into himself and the rest.
"Memorize the division maneuver I demonstrate now."
He showcased bizarre gymnastics utterly unlike the horse stance or pressure stance someone claimed to know from youth.
"...That's one. This is the full-body twist. Understood?"
"Yes!"
"Good. Now, owls, follow my whistle for full-body twists. First three hundred reps! How many?"
"Yes?! No, three—three hundred!!"
"Five hundred. Omit the final chant. One, two, three."
Beep! Beeeep! Beep-beep-beep beep!
Only when Fragrant Orchid Hall cadets performed the gymnastics with their own bodies did they realize parts of themselves still untrained.
And with that, their pride began to crack bit by bit.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Beep-beep! Beep-beep-beep-beep!
Snap!
Whether due to the ironclad justification or because even Student Council President Mae Jin-ok gritted her teeth and participated, the Fragrant Orchid Hall owls completed the first day's physical conditioning first half without notable rebellion.
'When rolling new escorts at Silver Radiance Merchant Group, I'd have to beat one down first. Folks from prestigious sects are definitely good for this.'
I clapped for the Fragrant Orchid Hall owls.
Clap clap clap.
"Everyone, good work."
"……!"
"One hour break."
"I-it's not over, but a break?"
"Which owl just spoke out of turn?!"
"……."
"Since Fragrant Orchid Hall owls followed unexpectedly well, I'll let it slide once. Take the salt from the deputy instructors, consume it, rest briefly, then continue the next training."
"……."
"Respond."
"YES!!!"
At my command, my younger brother deputies distributed salt to their assigned rows of cadets and reported back.
"Brother Eon! All distributed!"
"Me too, Brother Yong-un!"
"Even the reserve..."
But Jeong-hyeon trailed off, his gaze fixed beyond me.
My master's voice came from my waist.
- Hmm? Why is Jeong-hyeon suddenly so tense?
Our eyes shifted simultaneously to where Jeong-hyeon stared.
There stood five Taoists, their postures exuding an aura of profound cultivation.
- Looks like those long-nosed Wudang fellows?
'Yes.'
I'd glimpsed Wudang Sect's sect leader at various events, but these five were unfamiliar.
Yet I had a good idea who they were.
'Around Father's age, and five of them making Jeong-hyeon this tense.'
The Wudang Five Heroes.
Clearly the five renowned elders who practically led the Wudang Sect, their fame resounding through the martial world.
Given the recent major incident, they'd come to discuss matters with the academy.
Jeong-hyeon froze, unable to greet them or do anything else.
Unable to watch, I met their eyes and clasped my hands in salute on his behalf.
"……."
"……."
"……."
"……."
Four nodded formally and departed.
One scratched his head and approached.
"Geez, my seniors too."
Only then did Jeong-hyeon awkwardly bow silently to the approaching Taoist.
"Hey, Jeong-hyeon. Long time no see. You're the much-talked-about Ghost Dragon, right?"
"Yes. Somehow ended up with that moniker."
"Somehow? Both the academy and our Wudang owe you and the Anti-Demonic Defense League big time. I'm Myeong-han."
"The youngest of the Wudang Five Heroes."
"I'm the one lumped in with my seniors by chance. They're actually great people, but they've closed their hearts to you, so they just breezed past."
It was a familiar story, nothing new.
I nodded, and Myeong-han patted Jeong-hyeon's shoulder.
"You look better."
"...Probably because I'm with someone walking the path I aspire to first."
"...Yes. Someday, Wudang's fellow disciples will recognize your sincerity."
He gave me a nod of greeting.
"I worried how the upright kid was adapting, but sect rules are absolute, leaving me torn. Glad you're doing well—much obliged, Ghost Dragon."