A New Class #1
A New Class #1
After officially taking over the Student Council Room, we dove into actual student council work.
But by "dove in," I mean it wasn't anything crazy.
Passing along info from the instructors to the students, posting announcements when there were announcements. Taking cadet feedback about the direction of the classes and relaying it up the chain, that kind of communication.
Just little things that didn't take much time, handled proactively. Oh, though I did spend a bit more time chatting with the others. And having the title of Vice President actually made it easier to just walk up and start talking to people.
Anyway, that's the kind of simple, no-big-deal stuff I was in the middle of doing.
"Oh, Vice President!"
"Ahn Do-min's been fitting in with the class lately!"
"His goons are keeping their heads down, too! Every time they get uppity, I shout that I'm reporting them to the Vice President, and now they're even blinking all polite-like!"
My authority as 'Vice President' was being established nice and smooth.
"Hm. Good, good. Excellent."
I walked with a dignified strut, hands clasped behind my back, listening to the Mage Class kids. Becoming Vice President had granted me a truly formidable authority.
The students recognized me as a leader.
Which meant I got to hear all sorts of things freely.
"Tell them that this Vice President is watching with the eyes of a hawk. And that seeing them all trying to get along as friends is deeply satisfying."
"You got it!"
Kwak Jae-min from the Mage Class answered with a cheeky grin.
"Any conflict that needs resolving. Or anything that's wrecking the classroom atmosphere—tell me anytime. This all-powerful Vice President will come running."
"I knew I could count on you!"
When I said that while showing off the custom-made Vice President shoulder board I'd ordered, the guy practically exploded with emotion.
With the emergence of a leader, all chaos was being brought to an end.
"Heh heh heh."
So there I was, strutting around the school hallways acting like the Vice President, listening to cadets' stories as if I was campaigning.
—Click.
I returned to the Student Council Room.
"I'm back. Whew. The vibe is fantastic out there. Everything's peaceful. Just peachy."
Inside, Leona, Yu-ri, and Si-hoo were already gathered. Judging by the documents they were reading, it looked like something had come down from the higher-ups.
"Glad to hear the vibe's good. Let's ride this momentum and do even better."
"Take a seat, Geun-cheol."
"Yeah."
But Yu-ri was glaring at me like I was a piece of trash.
"What the hell is the problem, Woo Yu-ri? This 'Vice President' has arrived, and you're looking at me like that? Huh? Sheer insolence."
—Slap.
I walked right up to Yu-ri and shoved my shoulder board at her, flaunting it. She yelled.
"Argh! For god's sake, take that thing off! Who the hell hand-makes a piece of crap like that and straps it on?!"
"Yu-ri. Authority comes from the shoulder board."
"You insane shoulder board!"
My personally custom-ordered, special Vice President shoulder board.
It was like an old military squad leader's insignia.
The difference was that it was made of metal with chrome plating so it gleamed and sparkled, and the words 'Vice President' were written on it.
On top of that, I'd pinned a gold-plated Vice President badge to the front pocket of my school uniform jacket.
"It's freaking embarrassing!"
"Heh heh heh, don't be jealous. Fine. I'll make you one too, Yu-ri."
"I don't need one, you bastard!"
But why did she despise it so much?
I think it's awesome as hell.
"Haah. Seriously. You threw such a fit about me making a Vice President hat too... Yu-ri. Please, cut out the tantrums. I get that you're jealous of me, but if you keep this up, it's a problem."
"Aaargh!"
—Bang! Bang!
Yu-ri pounded her chest and turned to Leona.
"Madam President! Please, do something! How long am I supposed to watch Kim Geun-cheol strutting and swaggering around with that shoulder board?!"
"Hohoho, he looks like he's having so much fun, is there really a need to stop him? Besides, he's doing his job well. In our Student Council, if you've got the skills, we can tolerate a little shoulder board like that."
Words as kind as an angel's.
"That's insane!"
Yu-ri had a fit.
I'd honestly love to slap a shoulder board on Yu-ri right this second. The more she hates it, the more I want to make her wear one.
"Si-hoo. You want a shoulder board too?"
"I don't need one! It's disgusting!"
This one's going off again.
"Tch. If you put one on too, that'd be three out of four of us. Then Yu-ri might feel left out and agree to wear one. Just cooperate a little."
"Geun-cheol, I'm begging you!"
"Goodness."
And just like that, factions had already formed within the Student Council. Me and Leona, who tolerate my shoulder board. And Si-hoo and Yu-ri, who utterly detest it.
Is this what power really is?
Seeing people who once joined forces split into factions over a difference of opinion fills me with nothing but lamentation.
"As Vice President... I will lead the way."
"Yeah, yeah. So, Kim Geun-cheol? Why don't you read this?"
"This is?"
"It's the class plan. Jeez. A new class, it says."
"Let's see."
I immediately read the document.
"Huh?"
But this was exactly what the big boss lady, the Chairwoman, had mentioned before. It looked like we'd soon be entering the gate out on the parade ground for training and class.
"They're moving way too fast."
"I think so too. But given the state of things, they're probably trying to respond flexibly. Please spread the word to the Mage Class."
"Will do."
So now classes are going into the Otherworld, huh?
Well, when it comes to the Otherworld, I'm your guy. Kim Geun-cheol right here.
I'm beyond familiar with it.
"Alright, I'll head out and spread the word."
I stood up, positioned myself in front of the mirror, pulled out my luxurious, Vice-President-only handkerchief, and polished my shoulder board until it sparkled.
Stylish.
"Look at that bastard, polishing that damn shoulder board. I seriously don't know what to do with that asshole Kim Geun-cheol."
"Yu-ri, I want to teach you the joy of the shoulder board too."
"Let's just stop talking, dammit!"
Anyway.
Leaving Yu-ri, who was jealous of my shoulder board, behind, I walked out of the Student Council Room. Lunch break was almost over. I'd just make a quick announcement and get back.
But then.
—Ring-ring.
My phone rang.
"Who's this?"
I checked, and it was a call from Ryuna.
What's up?
—Click.
I moved to a quiet spot and answered.
"Yes. Hello. Ma'am. I've answered. What's the matter?"
"Uh-huh. Is this Geun-cheol? Are you free to talk right now?"
"Of course. Go ahead. Is this about the Ryu family stuff? Heh heh heh. I have some very interesting stories."
"Oh my. I'd love to hear them... but I have another matter first."
It's not about the Ryu family?
"Can you listen for a sec?"
Just hearing her soft voice immediately called her image to mind. But if it wasn't about the Ryu family, why the hell was she calling?
"The news will probably break today, so I'm calling as a heads-up, so you know and can be careful."
"The news?"
"Yes. Villains are landing in Korea through all sorts of methods. From interrogations, they seem to be followers of some cult. Be careful, okay? They said there are some who are targeting the academy, too."
"What the hell...!"
Villains are gathering in Korea?!
"Right now, various heroes, including Agent Ham Woong-cheol, are lying low and operating around the academy perimeter."
Woong-cheol!
"But it's not exactly perfect. So please, stay alert."
"Ah, understood! But what in the world... no, wait. Is it really okay for you to be telling me this?"
"Mm-hmm, you'd find out anyway once it hits the news. But we do have a connection, don't we? Giving you a little more detailed info is within my power, you know?"
"Ah."
Still, I was grateful.
But what the hell was going on? Cultist villains are swarming into Korea... Did this kind of thing happen in the world I experienced last time? That thought crossed my mind.
"Does the Ryu guy know about this?"
"Yes. Of course."
A gentle tone.
"The adults will handle rounding up the villains for now, but unforeseen incidents can always happen. Be careful. Make sure to protect yourself. Ah, I'll send you more info as it comes in, so."
"Thank you! Thank you so, so much. Thanks to you, I've got a little time to prepare. Ma'am."
"Hohoho, it's nothing. Don't mention it."
The call ended there.
"..."
Thinking about the villains, I slipped my phone back into my pocket.
* * *
In the middle of the afternoon Combined Class.
"Everyone."
Instructor Lee So-ra gathered us together and made an announcement.
"You'll remember the incident where the gate appeared at the school last time. It was a special event in many ways, so I doubt any of you have forgotten."
Everyone nodded at that.
"One of the gates that appeared back then is still sitting out on the parade ground. You've probably all seen it, blocked off by that barricade."
So this was already known info.
But the students who hadn't heard anything looked at each other, wondering what was going on. I just quietly waited for the instructor's next words.
"...Currently, the frequency of gate appearances across Korea has increased. As you already know, the types have changed considerably, and a lot of unusual incidents are occurring. And so... as announced, the curriculum has been adjusted."
"Adjusted how?"
"Originally, this isn't something for first-years to do, but yes. You lot. Soon, you will be entering that gate on the parade ground to receive instruction."
The class erupted at once.
"Whaa?"
"For real?"
"We're going in there?"
The kids started buzzing. I read the room for a moment. The curious ones. The slightly scared ones. The baffled ones. They were all showing different reactions.
"Everyone, calm down. The fact that the school is running a class means safety has been secured, right? Isn't that correct, Instructor?"
So I asked.
"Heh."
The instructor laughed.
"You're doing a fine job as Vice President. That's exactly right. I understand the anxiety about going into the Otherworld, but there's no need for major concern. An army unit has already been established inside."
"What?! An army unit?!"
Brian yelled.
"Yes. A number of heroes are deployed there as well. It was originally classified, so the info hadn't been released."
"But Instructor. When was the army unit deployed inside? We didn't see anything like that at the school."
"There are entrances in other places."
The instructor answered me, and everyone nodded.
So there were other ones elsewhere.
"Still, prepare yourselves well. As the nation falls into chaos, this is a judgment from the higher-ups that your skills need to be raised quickly. Safety is assured, but you never know what accident might occur, so be careful. Understood?"
"Yes! Understood!"
When I answered vigorously, the other kids nodded too.
"I see. Well, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. With our unity, we have nothing to fear from the Otherworld! Isn't that right?!"
When Leona shouted as if making a declaration, everyone raised their voices, as if they'd found courage.
Right.
So we're doing classes there now, too, huh.
I feel like I'm remembering something, but also not.