Chapter 354
Chapter 354
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 354
Chapter Title: Exchange Students (5)
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Starting with the dormitory council presidents, the cadets gathered in the auditorium began expressing their intent to participate one by one.
"I'll go too!"
"I'll join as well!"
In the midst of it all, Gyeong-ryong hyung posed a question.
"President Eon. Instead of doing this, why not collect participation forms right now? You're already so busy, and handling something with the support of the entire student body would leave you no time to breathe. Wouldn't it be better to gather them all at once while everyone's here?"
"That's true, but we haven't gotten permission from the professors yet."
"Participation forms are just documents stating individual cadets' intentions, right? It doesn't seem like you'd need the professors' permission for that."
"Hmm. If it's about expressing intent to attend a field trip, it's not really in the realm that requires professors' approval."
"Exactly. And when convincing the professors, wouldn't it be great to submit our collective opinions like this?"
At Gyeong-ryong hyung's words, Master let out a hollow laugh.
- That rascal Gyeong-ryong has turned into a sly fox too.
I felt the same way, so a laugh slipped out.
"...Huh."
"What? Did I say something wrong?"
"No. I was just thinking our Gyeong-ryong hyung has become a sly fox too."
"Ahem. Hanging around certain people rubs off..."
"Anyway, that sounds like a good idea."
I had Jeong-hyeon and Eon Yong-myeong, who were standing at attention, fetch the forms.
"Jeong-hyeon, Yong-myeong. Go to the student council room and bring some paper."
"Yes! Right away!"
"Yes, brother!"
The cadets who received the paper quickly filled out the forms and brought them forward.
Upon checking a selection, not a single person had opted out.
'Even the liberal arts students concentrated in Yun Hall have all submitted forms saying they'll go.'
Worried they might have been swept up in the atmosphere, I asked Yun Hall's council president, Kwak Woo-myung.
"Senior. It seems all the liberal arts students have submitted participation forms too. Could you double-check? There's no penalty for not attending, so no need to get caught up."
At my words, Kwak Woo-myung chuckled.
"I figured you'd say something like that, so I already asked them two or three times to confirm."
"You did?"
"Yeah. Their intentions were firm. What's wrong with that? Even if they entered as liberal arts students, they've trained under you for a while. The lowest level among them should at least be first-rate. That puts them on par with most escorts, doesn't it?"
"That's true."
"With this many people moving, there'll be logistics issues like supplies and securing lodging, plus ceremonial duties with officials and clans. They'll definitely have roles to play, right?"
"That's true as well."
"Plus, having liberal arts students along is strategically sound. It'll make it look like a real field trip to outsiders."
"That's the cool-headed insight of Yun Hall's council president. I have nothing to add. Understood."
Having confirmed Yun Hall's liberal arts students' intentions, I turned my gaze to Unmae Hall's council president, Gye Un-yeol, to prevent another potential issue.
"Senior Gye Un-yeol? Just to be thorough, this is a highly confidential matter. Please make sure to impress upon Unmae Hall's cadets the importance of security."
"Got it... Wait a minute. President Eon. Why single me out for that?"
At Gye Un-yeol's retort, Hyangran Hall's council president, So Seon-chang, clicked his tongue.
"He's worried you Unmae Hall guys might blab carelessly out of reckless bravery."
"What?! Hey, So Seon-chang, you done talking?"
As Council President Gye Un-yeol bristled...
One of Unmae Hall's cadets ripped his uniform and shouted.
"Those Demonic Cult bastards are all dead meat!!"
Council President So Seon-chang clicked his tongue again.
"Tsk tsk. See what I mean?"
"...It's just the kids getting excited right now! And this place is well soundproofed, so it's fine!"
That's when I spoke up again.
"I was just addressing Unmae Hall first while going through them in order, nothing more. All four council presidents, please ensure maximum security."
The four seniors nodded, and the pile of participation forms stacked in front of me brought a faint smile to my face.
'There is some reward for all the hard work.'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Having gathered the cadets' opinions, I reported it to the student council room.
"Yong-myeong and Jeong-hyeon probably tipped them off when they went for the forms, but all cadets have expressed intent to participate in this."
At my words, Zhuge Seol-ji and Yin Xia Lian spoke in turn.
"That should make it easier to convince the operation committee professors, right?"
"Still, we need to prepare data on the route and strategic justification. To finish by tomorrow morning, we'll have to pull an all-nighter. Let's hurry."
"......"
"Young Master Eon? What's with that look?"
"I was thinking you're not whining about being overworked today."
"With those maniacs doing such horrific things, who has time for that?! And whining? After working us this hard, call it a legitimate expression of opinion!"
"...No legitimate expressions today."
"You actually do it when I tell you to. We're right here looking after you!"
"Amitabha. Indeed."
"...Monk Won-cheol, how much work do you think you'd have done with me that you're slyly inserting yourself? And teaching meditation's importance sounds like you're trying to slack off—bring your lesson plan."
"Ah, Amitabha."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The next morning arrived.
I brought the cadets' participation forms and the materials prepared overnight, requesting the president's office to convene the operation committee.
As student council president, I was already one pillar of the operation committee.
The meeting was convened immediately upon request.
Among the gathered professors, Hyangran Hall's Professor Chang-ryang spoke first.
"What's this about?"
His tone seemed sharp, so Professor No Sam quickly followed.
"Chang-ryang, why are you giving our Yong-un the cold shoulder? As student council president, he's part of the operation committee—he can request meetings. Did you not like the staff cafeteria breakfast?"
"Would I do this over something trivial? You lounging around scratching your belly might not know, but last night, President Eon assembled all four dorms' cadets."
"...He did?"
"...You really didn't know?"
"...I passed out after the roll call report."
"Something to brag about."
"If it was urgent, Yong-un would've woken me! And he came to talk, so that's that!"
Professor Kyung-hye, longtime rival to the two, intervened.
"I suspected last night's assembly was related, but what specifically prompted the operation committee request?"
"There's a formation called the Ten Thousand Blood Lake."
Thus, I began with the Ten Thousand Blood Lake, explaining the Southern Sea situation with prepared materials.
"...Thus, it's presumed to be the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's doing. In coordination with the Crimson Dragon Palace, I believe the entire academy should unite for a diversionary operation."
I was about to submit the participation forms with cadets' intentions.
But before I could speak, Professor Chang-ryang interjected.
"Knowing such things are happening, we who uphold righteousness can't stand idle."
Surprised, we stared at him, and he said as if asking why.
"You think I'm someone who opposes anything President Eon says?"
"...Ahem."
"It's because you always spring things without telling us. Follow proper procedure, and what's to oppose? Was assembling the cadets yesterday for this?"
"Yes. I planned to inform cadets in advance, get committee approval, then collect volunteers... But after explaining, they all eagerly volunteered. These are the forms."
I placed the stack on the table, and Nun Kyung-hye, gauging the volume, spoke.
"Looks like almost everyone wants in."
"Yes."
"No wonder... Even this old nun's blood boils hearing President Eon's words—imagine the cadets'. The intent is righteous, and a diversion seems necessary. But with this many, we'll need a public justification."
"If the committee approves, how about conducting it publicly as a field trip?"
"A field trip... Professor Chang-ryang seems agreeable. What about the rest?"
Professor No Sam answered first.
"I'm obviously for it. But what the hell are those beggar bastards doing not knowing about this?"
Uncle Jae-hyeok, arms crossed, replied.
"Coastal issues are something even the Northern Inspectorate's Emperor can't handle—it's everyday. Plus, internal strife in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult has the whole Southern Jiang in chaos."
"Tch. True. Anyway, should I give those beggar bastards a squeeze?"
Professor Zhuge Min stroked his chin.
"This isn't something to bungle by poking around for info. Security seems critical. Mess up, and it falls apart. We need to prepare stealthily and meticulously. Right, President Eon?"
Professor Zhuge Min was correct.
"Yes. Rushing won't do. We must prepare meticulously under strict security, with staff and cadets united."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ A while after the exchange students' entrance ceremony and the Righteous Martial Academy's opening semester.
Starting with Southern Sea Crimson Dragon Palace, special exchange classes with Shaolin, Southern Barbaric Beast Palace, Northern Sea Ice Palace, and each palace's guards followed in sequence.
However, the final lecture of these special classes remained.
The Righteous Martial Academy cadets had heard from the exchange students, so now the exchange students needed to hear from the academy cadets.
That was the class led by the academy's cadet representative.
Naturally, the representative selected was Eon Yong-un.
Knowing Eon Yong-un was leading the lecture...
The academy cadets and exchange students, without orders, gathered not in the scheduled auditorium but in the training ground out front, standing at attention.
This was because it reminded them of the hellish mornings they endured.
"What are you all doing here?"
The appearing Eon Yong-un instead looked puzzled at the cadets.
One of the student council executives, Yin Ha-seong, spoke up.
"The class is in the training ground, right?"
"No?"
"Now that you mention it, you're not wearing the red hat... Should we go inside?"
"Yeah, come in. It's an indoor class."
The cadets moved to the auditorium.
"The external instructors' classes were excellent, and for advancing martial prowess or scholarship, we have superb professors. So, I'll talk about the importance of communication."
Eon Yong-un delivered an utterly ordinary general education lecture.
"The Righteous Martial Academy gathers young successors from countless sects and families, a unique trait. With different upbringings and hot-blooded ages, conflicts are common. Among you sitting here, several have broken noses courtesy of me."
"Puhaha."
"Sects have different etiquettes, cities different customs. Beyond mountains or across seas, even more so. If unspoken, it's unknown. Avoiding clear expression of intent hinders true exchange..."
Plain content for a plain lecture, but Eon Yong-un's eloquence and jokes made time fly.
As the class ended and cadets began leaving the auditorium...
Yagul Jeon, Each Palace Guard's cadet representative, spoke to nearby foreign exchange students.
"Hey, Beast Palace. Crimson Dragon Palace."
"?"
"?"
Grassland warriors were already free-spirited.
Born as Each Palace Guard's second son, Yagul Jeon grew up without the heavy burden of leading his tribe, wrinkle-free.
"You guys free next class? How about a drink?"
"Don't call us Beast Palace. That's not a name to toss around lightly! And we didn't cross mountains just to booze trivially."
"Eon Yong-un hyung said to say what we want, so I asked... No need to snap. Sorry for the Beast Palace slip. Calling names casually between strangers is ruder on our side."
"Hmph."
As Southern Barbaric Beast Palace successors stormed off...
Yagul Jeon turned to Crimson Dragon Palace's young palace lord, Jeong Won-hae.
"Uh, sorry about that."
"No issue. Crimson Dragon Palace is fine. Or my name. But overdue studies make sharing drinks tough."
As Crimson Dragon Palace successors left too...
Yagul Jeon addressed remaining Northern Sea Ice Palace successor representative, Dam Jeong-woo.
"Hey, Ice Palace. Don't you feel a bit left out?"
Each Palace Guard and Northern Sea Ice Palace had fought the great Demonic Cult battle with Eon Yong-un.
Yagul Jeon and Dam Jeong-woo were among them, bonding closely at the academy.
Thus, Dam Jeong-woo spoke his mind bluntly.
"Yagul hyung. What do you mean? Southern Barbaric Beast Palace has always been arrogant. Crimson Dragon friends looked busy. Central Plains folks never felt this close. Complaining over no big drama looks petty."
"Not complaining about no drama. It hit me talking to Crimson Dragon's young lord."
"...No idea what you mean."
"Excluding Beast Palace. Don't Central Plains brothers and Crimson Dragon feel... cat-like? What's it called? Study tour?"
"Field trip?"
"Yeah. Never seen the sea, lived on plains. Want to. But studying here, is touring right? Was debating. Announcement out, academy cadets all joining? Crimson Dragon sees sea daily, still going."
"...Sounds subtly off now."
"Right? If I'm not crazy... Ask Eon Yong-un hyung instead of us mulling. He said say what we want."
"Using that like a sharp blade, but let's go."
They went straight to Eon Yong-un.
"Hyung? Warrior's instinct says more. Field trip... just touring?"
At Yagul Jeon's question, Eon Yong-un calmly replied.
"Yeah. Not just touring—something more."
"Knew it! See, Ice Palace?! My instinct spot-on?"
"Yagul hyung. Hitting it now isn't key. What's the more?"
"You two from the fortress assault can hear this."
At Dam Jeong-woo's question...
Eon Yong-un explained Crimson Dragon Palace's situation and the academy field trip's true purpose.
"...That's it. Field trip's cover—really going to punish Demonic Cult scum."
At Eon Yong-un's words, hesitation stirred in Dam Jeong-woo's heart.
'...The ten successors from Ice Palace are elite picks.'
Few to talent-rich Central Plains, but precious to Northern Sea Ice Palace, decimated by Palace Lord Dam Gyeong-ju's rebellion.
'Young palace lord ascended amid chaos—already turbulent.'
Any exchange student's death would be huge loss.
As hesitation swelled in Dam Jeong-woo...
Yagul Jeon said to Eon Yong-un.
"I'm miffed."
"...Wasn't hiding on purpose. You know Demonic Cult fights. Crimson Dragon knew their issue; you came for exchange. Dragging into danger or stealing study time felt wrong."
"Not miffed about no telling."
"Then? What's miffed?"
"Blood brothers are fate; oath brothers like us vow to die together by choice. Thought Each Palace Guard warriors bonded with hyung and Central Plains friends that way... That you thought otherwise miffs me."
"...You're overthinking."
"One life either way. Skip long talk—one word: Brother. Come with us."
"Sheesh. Fine, brother. Joining us?"
"Yes."
Watching, shame filled Dam Jeong-woo's chest.
'...One life either way.'
True.
How to weigh a life?
'Central Plains friends, heirs of great sects, risked lives for Northern Sea gladly.'
If weighing, Eon Yong-un and others who rose for Ice Palace weren't light.
'Even beasts know grace... Shameful thought, however brief.'
Self-mocking briefly, Dam Jeong-woo slowly spoke.
"...will go."
"Huh? Young Master Dam. Yagul Jeon yapping—didn't catch. What?"
"We'll go too!"