D-3: The Ants Go Thud-Thud, Always Thud-Thud Diligently Working
Dr. Jekyll quietly observed the Scorpion squad's exam process. As an instructor, he had the authority, and there was no reason for anyone to suspect him. Plus, if he wanted, he had the ability to interfere in the exam. And in fact, he had done just that. In that sense, he was an excellent instructor. Even if his intentions were utterly impure.
And the result of all that effort was—
'Things have flowed in an unexpected direction.'
Watching Cheolsu and Younghee, Jekyll flashed a sinister smile. His original goal had been for Cheolsu to get injured by the hand of the hypnotized Younghee. The Scorpion squad would end the exam with low scores, contrary to others' expectations. That would make them suspect and fight each other—that had been his plan...
'Who would've thought they'd claim 1st place in the squad, and yet the team would still collapse separately.'
What Jekyll hadn't anticipated were two things. First, the Scorpion squad's skills overwhelmingly surpassed the other students'. Second, Younghee chose to wound Cheolsu with 'words' rather than actions.
Jekyll hadn't specified how to hurt Cheolsu. Overly detailed orders could lead to failure or mistakes. So he'd only amplified her 'hatred' toward Cheolsu. He never imagined her choice would yield such an outstanding effect.
'How intriguing.'
Honestly, Jekyll had thought this plan would fail. Cheolsu's combat prowess was beyond expectations. It was impossible for a single female student in a team stuck together 24/7 to secretly injure him. In his haste, he'd even sent the 'Twin-Headed Serpent' after them.
Who knew they'd even slay that monster? He was genuinely dumbfounded at the time. But that Twin-Headed Serpent had created an entirely new conflict. In the end, Younghee had wounded Cheolsu. And not with physical harm, but something far larger and more fatal.
'It's different from what I wanted, but this is plenty usable.'
Jekyll picked up a sheet of paper and examined the students' profiles. It detailed Younghee and Cheolsu's pasts, even down to them being childhood friends from the same orphanage.
'Lee Younghee and Kim Cheolsu...'
Jekyll tapped the desk with his finger. Lee Younghee was completely in his grasp now. Long-term hypnosis and manipulation as his assistant had shattered her mind. She could no longer handle her own emotions properly. A little push, and driving her to the brink would be easy. She was nothing more than a puppet he could use at will.
'Next up is Kim Cheolsu, then.'
This one would be tricky, honestly. It wasn't like with Younghee, whom he'd easily hypnotized. Cheolsu's mental fortitude and skills couldn't be underestimated.
'Still, if it's going to happen, better do it soon.'
! .. ! ...... .......
The timing was perfect right now. Cheolsu was mentally broken. He had to deal with him before he recovered his strength.
'Kim Cheolsu doesn't fit Black Heaven's ideology anyway. I don't know what Yujin-nim is thinking, but he's someone who needs to be removed in advance.'
In that regard, he was lucky. Younghee and Cheolsu—perfect cards to exploit.
'Yujin-nim, I hope this trial shapes you into a man befitting Black Heaven's heir.'
Finishing his thoughts, Jekyll rose with a satisfied smile. With everyone worn down, now was the chance. He'd prepared plenty. It was time to set everything off.
What face would he make upon realizing he had to fight his comrade-in-arms who'd shared life and death?
…*
'Mm, what a shame.'
Riding home in Park Secretary's car after a while, Yujin crossed his arms and pondered.
Well, as always, it wasn't some major dilemma.
'I finally got 1st place, so I wanted to celebrate.'
Everyone successfully completes a group project together. Then they all go eat something delicious and party! The epitome of being an insider! What better event to bond with friends?
'But it all went to shit...'
He never imagined Cheolsu and Younghee would fight that badly. Thanks to that, his long-awaited party plans were scrapped.
'Hing, I even specially reserved a nice restaurant.'
It was a fancy place even Yujin hadn't been to. Their first meal together with friends. He'd prepared meticulously to make it a memorable occasion. It was such a waste for him.
.......Of course, for the actual parties involved, Cheolsu and Younghee, this was the kind of story that'd make them grab the back of their necks in disbelief.
Yujin didn't know the details from the start. At best, he just thought close friends had a falling out. Kids grow up fighting, don't they?
'How long till they make up? They won't cut ties forever, right?'
Sometimes a single fight ends friendships for good. But the opponents were Cheolsu and Younghee. Even Yujin knew they held each other special. They'd surely reconcile somehow.
Still, he couldn't help worrying. That was when Yujin was lost in his pointless fretting.
"Yujin-nim, I have a report."
Park Secretary, who was driving, spoke up. Yujin turned to look at him.
Come to think of it, he'd said there was something to handle? That's why he hadn't seen Park Secretary for a bit. Well, even without that, they'd been apart for days due to the survival exam.
"First, this."
Park Secretary carefully handed something to Yujin. Seeing it, Yujin tilted his head.
'A nameplate?'
It was a black wooden nameplate. Clearly high-end at a glance. Gold lettering spelled a name on top. But it was someone he didn't know.
"These are nameplates from two Black Heaven executives."
Why give these to me? For decoration?'
'Ah, to memorize the names.'
Like it or not, he was Black Heaven's heir. Executives must be working hard for the organization. Memorizing their names was polite.
'Park Secretary-nim is so capable.'
Look at this thoughtful preparation. He always supported the clueless Yujin perfectly. Truly reliable.
"I'll commit them to memory."
Yujin nodded and replied. Park Secretary felt a twinge of disappointment at the oddly dry response.
'He doesn't seem surprised.'
Those nameplates were what Park Secretary had taken after defeating two executives trying to oust Yujin. Black Heaven had a strict hierarchy. But it also believed only strength mattered. Subordinates could challenge superiors anytime. The organization said nothing about it—in fact, refusing a challenge was dishonorable. A remnant from when Black Heaven was called a 'demonic cult' in the past.
Park Secretary had used that to eliminate the two.
'Only two, but it hits the anti-Yujin faction hard.'
The key was the fact itself: two executives down. Others would think they could end up the same. No executive could act rashly then. Conversely, Yujin's evaluation would soar.
In that sense, it was hugely significant.
'But he seems unmoved.'
Of course, executives were numerous across the nationwide Black Heaven—dozens at least. Maybe two meant nothing to Yujin-nim. The mindset of a true superior. He was reminded of the gulf in caliber.
With him, Yujin would reach great heights even without help.
'No, I can't settle for just relying on Yujin-nim.'
Park Secretary unwaveringly believed Yujin would become Black Heaven's true leader. Not just any leader, but surpassing all predecessors. He had the qualities to reach the realm of the founding Heavenly Demon who conquered the martial world.
That's why he followed without doubt.
'When he ascends to Black Heaven's pinnacle, I must be his right hand.'
For that, he was still lacking. He needed to refine himself to match Kim Yujin's vision. Stand on the giant's shoulders? No, he had to advance further.
'...Did he see through my subtle arrogance and respond that way on purpose?'
Park Secretary hadn't shown it openly. But defeating two executives had made him a bit cocky. He might've subconsciously thought 'executives aren't a big deal.' Such thinking was fatal on Yujin's path. Underestimating foes could invite defeat where none existed.
A true Black Heaven man never let his guard down. Yujin-nim had taught him that.
'A single phrase gives me such profound insight.'
Arrogant over mere executives? On Yujin-nim's path, they were just obstacles. Park Secretary reaffirmed his resolve.
"Thank you, Yujin-nim."
"Huh? What?" Yujin tilted his head at the sudden gratitude. Was saying he'd memorize the names that touching? It wasn't hard.
"By the way, you took an overwhelming 1st in the exam, right? Congratulations."
"Ah, that doesn't matter."
Park Secretary nodded silently. For someone who saw Black Heaven executives as trivial, academy 1st place was nothing to satisfy him.
'Still, scoring the highest in academy history and conquering the boss monster is truly amazing.'
Yujin really thought it was no big deal. That was so like him.
Today too, Park Secretary's misunderstanding sent Yujin's evaluation skyrocketing.
"Anyway, I reserved the restaurant as you said, but what should we do? Cancel it?"
About to agree, Yujin paused. On second thought, wasting the chance felt regrettable. Cancellation fees too.
"Nah, let's go anyway."
Yujin replied, then thought inwardly.
'Lime, you up?'