Chapter 72
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Action (1)
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Hermit was drinking whiskey at Maestro's residence.
Your work is as swift as ever, Hermit. I'm quite pleased.
...Maestro.
Maestro was the one to approach him. It was a sight that would have made his subordinates, who knew his usual disposition, stare in wide-eyed shock.
Thinking, *Maestro, approaching someone first!*
It wasn't a particularly difficult job.
And yet, there are far too many who can't even handle such simple tasks properly.
Maestro scowled.
The memory of his subordinates' incompetence naturally brought a surge of irritation.
You said tomorrow's job was near here, didn't you?
Yes.
That's why he'd decided to rest at Maestro's residence.
It was, in fact, a base frequently used by the executives.
*Though I hadn't expected Maestro to actually be here.*
This residence was a base of operations.
Naturally, the probability of encountering someone was high, and Maestro, who preferred his solitary musings, rarely visited this house.
He had another private residence nearby, after all.
Maestro.
Normally, it would have been nothing but awkward, but today, this coincidence was a welcome one.
How are things in Korea?
Korea? Ah. The Geomryeong and Gwuiryeong matter, I presume.
After Vagabond's death in Korea, Maestro had been put in charge of investigating all matters related to his demise.
That information had not yet been shared with the other executives.
How curious. I didn't take you for someone interested in matters outside your missions.
I'm not an unfeeling machine.
Haha! That's the most humorous thing I've heard in a long time.
Hermit, the recluse.
Unknown's dog, who mechanically carried out missions once they were assigned.
A lone wolf with no friends in the organization.
And such a man was speaking of emotions regarding Vagabond's death.
Hermit, who had never even had a proper conversation with Vagabond.
If that wasn't a joke, what was?
Well, fine. It's only natural for an executive to be curious about the death of another executive of equal standing.
Maestro concluded that Hermit's question stemmed not from emotional curiosity but from simple interest.
Unfortunately, however, there's no solid information. They used a fictitious angel as bait to lure Vagabond into a trap. We've figured that much out.
Maestro tapped the table with his index finger, drawing out his words.
But the most crucial information is completely shrouded in mystery.
...The most crucial information?
Yes.
A strange light glinted in Maestro's eyes.
How did they know we were looking for an angel? How did they know about Vagabond? How did they manage to isolate and successfully lure him? It's all a mystery.
It was a plan that could not have been devised without prior knowledge of Vagabond.
That was why Unknown had turned its attention to the possibility of an internal spy.
Of course, the Oath of Absolute Obedience had proven there were no traitors, but that only deepened the mystery.
To uncover the full truth, our only option is to capture and interrogate the masterminds...
The masterminds.
He meant Yuhwa and Shin Jia.
But that country, Korea, is needlessly well-guarded.
Korea was the fourth safest country in the world.
...And the personal security for those two would be nothing to scoff at.
Indeed. And since one of them spends most of her days at the academy, just approaching her is tricky.
Maestro clicked his tongue.
It was impossible to gather any more information with just Geomryeong and Gwuiryeong.
Though I imagine things might be different if you were to step in, Hermit.
...
Hermit's eyes sharpened.
Indeed, if Hermit were to get involved, it would be entirely possible to secretly abduct Yuhwa or Shin Jia.
His infiltration skills were that exceptional.
But he couldn't do that.
*Yuhwa and Shin Jia have a connection to the Elder.*
They were likely under Kang Seoyul's protection.
To abduct them, he would first have to deal with Kang Seoyul.
*Impossible.*
The Great Spirit.
He had no confidence he could break through the guard of that powerful being.
Besides, Hermit, bound by the Great Spirit's Pact, could never defy Kang Seoyul.
Well, you have too much on your plate right now, so it would be impossible.
Hermit let out a sigh of relief at Maestro's words.
And as the Boss said, there's a chance we could lose you as well.
The fact that Vagabond had been taken down meant that other executives could be, too.
*If the enemy has information on us, they could be using Vagabond's death as bait, waiting for us to make a move.*
Unknown had likely decided to leave things be for now because they had considered all of this.
For now, all we can do is keep Geomryeong and Gwuiryeong on surveillance.
It was a shame, but it was the best they could do.
At least, until the major event during the National Competition.
By the way, Hermit. Have you seen this article?
An article?
Maestro passed over a sheet of newspaper.
[Cadet Kang Seoyul of the Korean Superhuman Academy Takes Down Kraken in a Single Blow!]
It was news about Kang Seoyul.
First time seeing it.
Hermit's eyes narrowed.
He had spent the last week working on a mission in the shadows, completely cut off from the world, so there was no way he would have known.
I figured as much, given your mission.
So, what about this article?
Why was Maestro interested in Kang Seoyul?
This face.
Maestro squinted, looking at the newspaper.
Doesn't it give you a strange sense of dj vu?
...I don't see it.
Hermit played dumb.
He wondered if Maestro suspected his relationship with Kang Seoyul and was testing him, but judging by his expression, that didn't seem to be the case.
Hmm. Am I mistaken?
Maestro.
David Penes.
It just seems so familiar.
He was the executive who had been in charge of the Sunlight Orphanage twelve years ago.
* * *
...And that concludes the award ceremony for Cadet Kang Seoyul.
Thank you.
*Clap, clap, clap*
Vigorous applause erupted from the two thousand cadets filling the grand auditorium.
Cadet Kang Seoyul, you may return to your seat.
Yes, sir.
When I received the plaque of appreciation from the government, it was so low-key. Why is the chairman's award ceremony so extravagant?
This is so embarrassing.
As I walked back to my seat, I could hear whispers from all around.
Ah, Im so jealous. If only Id been born with attribute mana.
He even has dual attributes. That guy was seriously born with a golden spoon in his mouth.
To think I'd be the object of someone's jealousy.
It was a strange feeling.
I thought he was the hardworking type, but it turns out he's a genius.
I looked into it. There are no records of Kang Seoyul ever training in the past.
What? So his stats were low not because he lacked talent, but simply because he didn't train?
Exactly. That's why he's improving at an insane speed now that he's training.
Wow. Im so damn jealous.
Gazes filled with envy pierced me from all directions. It was awkward, yet strangely pleasant. Is this what popularity tastes like?
Seoyul. Congratulations.
When I returned to my seat, Jia greeted me with a bright smile.
Congrats, congrats.
Siyeon followed up with her own congratulations.
Thanks.
I sat down.
The next announcement.
A silence fell over the auditorium at the instructor's words.
The school trip, which was scheduled to be canceled due to the recent kraken incident, will now proceed as planned thanks to the valiant efforts of Cadet Kang Seoyul.
Oh!
Seriously? It was almost canceled?
All eyes turned to me once again.
This time, the gazes were filled more with admiration and gratitude than with jealousy.
I get it.
It would be a tragedy to lose the chance to go on a trip and officially skip classes.
Well, that changes things.
Let's all offer a prayer to Lord Kang Seoyul.
Cheoljin, you're taking it too far.
It probably wouldn't have been canceled even without me, though.
It proceeded without a hitch in the original story.
I guess he must have borrowed the power of the Thunder Lord to deal with the kraken cleanly before they left on the trip.
The school trip was a pretty major episode in the original story.
The school trip is scheduled for next Monday, as planned.
Today was Monday, so that meant exactly one week from now.
Next is the announcement regarding the destination. First, for the first-years.
All sorts of things happen during the five-day, four-night trip to Jeju Island.
You're going to Australia.
...Huh?
Where did he say?
Wow!
Overseas!
Cheers erupted from the students around me.
He said Australia. Australia.
Awesome.
Judging by everyone's excited reactions, I hadn't misheard.
The original plan was Jeju Island, but the chairman emphatically requested it. He said to give this year's first-years the best trip possible.
The instructor on the stage looked toward me.
You first-years should be thankful you have Cadet Kang Seoyul among your peers.
Wow!
Seoyul is the best!
Applause, whistlesit was absolute chaos.
The chairman must be in a very good mood, sending us overseas and all. Beside me, Jia gently tugged on my sleeve. Then she whispered in my ear.
I heard the government provided a grant because of you, Seonjonim. A pretty big one, too.
...I see.
Anyway, I didn't realize a trip destination could be changed so easily.
That was news to me.
And there's more good news for the first-years.
Apparently, it wasn't over yet.
This year's first-year school trip will be for twelve days and eleven nights.
Wow!
That's insane!
Gazes of near-worship came from the first-years, while looks of jealousy and envy came from the second- to fourth-years. This is really awkward.
And one last thing.
There's more?
During the school trip, this year's first-years will spend six days and five nights...
The instructor deliberately trailed off.
Everyone's anticipation soared.
What could it be?
Maybe a tour of a seven-star hotel or something?
I hope it's free time.
Watching everyone's reactions, the corner of the instructor's mouth curled up.
A familiar smile.
For some reason, it reminded me of Instructor Pi Jinho.
A devil's smile, you could say.
You will be borrowing the practical training grounds of the Australian Superhuman Academy to conduct survival training.
...
This is a first in the history of the Korean Superhuman Academy. You are the first class to have a practical exam and a school trip at the same time. Congratulations.
Silence fell.
Everyone had an expression that said, *What did I just hear?*
I was no different.
The Australian Superhuman Academy's practical exam was world-famous.
Survival training in Australia means...
That hellish survival training?
Oh my god.
A notoriously vicious exam, ranked among the top three most hellish in the world.
Puhaha!
Congratulations, first-years!
A twelve-day, eleven-night trip for that? Totally worth it!
Sounds of sympathetic applause came from the second- to fourth-years.
...We have to do that insane exam for six days and five nights?
I heard an auditory hallucination, the creak of a door opening in my head.
It was the sound of Hell's Gate opening.
* * *
Congratulations. You've earned the honor of being the first in Korea to experience an overseas academy's curriculum.
I could hear Yuhwa's laughter through the receiver.
Hey. Tell Jinho to make sure he records the training. And tell him to focus on that kid if possible. I'll watch it later.
Meiden's voice came from beside her. It seemed they were together.
My, what a heartfelt congratulations.
I ground my teeth.
Oh, right. I'll be looking after Geumho during the trip, right?
Yes. I'd appreciate that.
If this were just a simple school trip or practical training, it would be one thing, but since it was officially an exam, I couldn't bring Geumho.
What a shame.
If I could just bring Geumho, I could last not just six days and five nights, but a whole year.
No problem with food, no problem with safety, and no problem with my mental state.
...Sigh.
What can you do? It's true that it wouldn't be fair.
By the way, how is the plan progressing?
How's it progressing? It's going well.
Meiden answered instead.
Just as you said, we found a few suspicious executives. We also found something suspicious with the construction materials. It was a formula inscribed so subtly that we definitely would have missed it if we hadn't known to look.
Meiden clicked her tongue.
We're leaving them for now to catch them all in one fell swoop, but I think leaving these materials as they are will cause big problems. From what I can tell, it looks like a sealing formula.
Yes. If the formula installed there activates successfully, it will cause quite a headache.
If the special devices installed in the materials used to renovate the National Competition stadium were to activate, the entire area would be sealed for a certain period.
As a result, no outside support would be able to get in.
...But if we dismantle it, won't they notice?
They will.
They'll notice, 100%.
So, leave the device on the materials as is, and create a formula to counteract it.
Therefore, we leave the device and create a counter-device.
You make it sound so easy.
Can't you do it? The one and only Meiden Keuritineseu?
What a cute little provocation.
Meiden scoffed.
To answer your question, it's not impossible. I have the deciphered formula right in front of me. ...Though it won't be easy.
Meiden let out a deep sigh.
Sigh. Fine. Can't be helped. That's probably the only way.
Yes. I'm counting on you.
With this, we were one step ahead for sure.
Well then, I'm off to train.
Ah! Seoyul!
Yuhwa spoke urgently just before I hung up.
Yes?
I'm just asking, in case. Ancient Relics. Do you need any?
...So suddenly?