Chapter 8
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: A Different Beginning (1)
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The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense.
Move, Shin Jia. I have business with him.
And if I don't?
It was as if sparks were flying between their eyes.
You. Whats your relationship with him?
Lets see. Were both top students, so weve talked a bit?
Hmph. Bullshit. Theres no way youd get involved for such a trivial reason.
Thats what you think.
The two third-generation chaebols snarled at each other while everyone else watched cautiously.
No, it felt less like they were being cautious and more like they were watching a soap opera.
I need to do something about this situation.
Jihoon. Stop it. Youve gone too far.
Yeah, you punk!
Just then, Ha Siyeon and Kim Cheoljin stepped in to stop Choi Jihoon.
This is my chance.
I poked Shin Jia in the back. Then, in a very small voice,
Just hold back for now.
I muttered.
Shin Jia glanced back at me and clicked her tongue, as if she had no choice.
It seemed shed given up on fighting for the time being.
But theres definitely something about that guy. If I dont figure it out, living here will be
Choi Jihoon was making some excuse or another to Ha Siyeon.
Then you shouldve said it nicely. What was that?
I thought I was being nice.
That was?
The relationship between Ha Siyeon and Choi Jihoon is a bit complicated.
Ha Siyeons family company is a subsidiary of Choi Jihoons Soosung Group.
Given their positions, one would expect Choi Jihoon to treat Ha Siyeon like a secretary, but reality is the complete opposite.
Aside from his family, Ha Siyeon is the only one who can control Choi Jihoons reckless nature.
Anyway, apologize properly, including for not apologizing properly last time.
I did nothing wrong.
Choi Jihoon muttered, turning his head away slightly.
You really!
Just before Ha Siyeon was about to explode.
*Clap, clap, clap*
A loud clapping sound came from the classroom entrance.
Excellent. A great atmosphere on the very first day.
Everyones gaze turned in that direction.
A man was standing there.
A short buzz cut, bulging muscles.
A man wearing a small steel necklace that didnt suit his appearance.
Is it over? Watching the two chaebols go at it was actually pretty entertaining.
I know that man.
I saw him briefly on the first day of the entrance ceremony.
An active superhuman and the instructor for Class 1-1. Pi Jinho.
How long has he been watching?
By the way, Choi Jihoon. You were saying something quite interesting.
The instructor walked to the podium and leaned against it.
That Kang Seoyul is faking his F-rank and hiding his true stats. Was that it?
His sharp gaze swept over me, as if observing me.
Then he chuckled and shook his head.
First, let me ask. Why would you think that?
Three days ago. There was an accident. At that time, that guy lifted the Black Iron Greatsword. With one hand.
I see. So you think Kang Seoyul is hiding his stats. Hmm. That certainly makes sense.
Thats
But.
Pi Jinho crossed his arms and tilted his head arrogantly.
Does Kang Seoyul have any reason to hide his stats?
Thats to infiltrate this academy quietly
Oh? So Kang Seoyul could be a spy from another country, or maybe even a villain?
Choi Jihoon gave a small nod.
Right. According to you, someone who should be keeping a low profile and staying hidden has taken the conspicuous position of top scorer on the written exam.
Pi Jinho laughed as if finding it ridiculous.
And to avoid attention, he voluntarily claimed to be all F-rank. Is that what youre saying?
Th-thats.
Choi Jihoons eyes trembled. This teacher is really good with words.
B-but if that guy isnt hiding his stats, how do you explain him lifting the Black Iron Greatsword!
Choi Jihoon raised his voice again.
Choi Jihoon, eldest son of the Soosung Group.
Pi Jinhos voice dropped low.
What you know is not all there is to the world.
Pi Jinho looked at me and asked pointedly.
Kang Seoyul. I know its rude to ask about someones status window. But Im sure you dont want to be labeled a liar either. So, forgive the impoliteness, but I must ask.
Yes.
Lifting the Black Iron Greatsword. Was that perhaps the power of a Trait?
I see.
So thats the conclusion hes reached. Well, thats great for me.
Yes. Thats correct.
Thank you.
Pi Jinho gave a small bow of his head.
It was a bow of apology for the rudeness of asking about anothers status window.
He was like this in the novel, but seeing him in person, I like this instructor even more.
As you heard, Kang Seoyul lifted the Black Iron Greatsword using the power of a Trait.
The surrounding cadets started murmuring.
They all had expressions that said, *Is there really a Trait like that?*
A good friend of mine has a Trait called Carrier. Its a unique Trait that allows them to ignore equipment restrictions for a certain period and literally carry it.
Thats the Trait that inspired the equipment transport system.
Shin Jia replied.
Knowledgeable. Thats right.
Gasps of awe erupted from the crowd.
Traits that ignore wearing restrictions like this do exist. I know of at least two myself.
So things like that exist.
The other cadets all nodded as if they understood.
Makes sense. Why would someone hide their stats after getting into a superhuman academy?
Right. If you think about life after graduation, its always better to get attention from the start.
I let out a sigh of relief.
To be honest, it wasnt like I had no way of resolving this.
However, having a verified public figure like a teacher personally stand up for me made things much easier.
Anyway, if everyone understands, take your seats. Half of my allotted time is already gone.
Yes, sir!
At the instructors command, everyone took their seats in an orderly fashion.
Choi Jihoon, however, still wore a look of dissatisfaction.
And Kang Seoyul.
Yes?
The teacher gripped the steel necklace around his neck with a complicated expression.
Never mind. Well talk later.
In any case, the unexpected incident with the Black Iron Greatsword was resolved easily.
* * *
After all of Wednesdays classes were over.
Pi Jinho was having a conversation in the chairmans office.
A request came in from the Soosung Groups secretary to investigate the suspicion that Cadet Kang Seoyul has falsified his stats.
It was Choi Jihoon, wasnt it.
Indeed.
Pi Jinho smiled bitterly.
Even after I said all that, it still came to this.
So, Instructor Pi Jinho. What do you think? Do you believe Cadet Kang Seoyul is really hiding his stats?
No. Theres no possibility of that.
Pi Jinho was firm.
Your reason?
I personally saw Cadet Kang Seoyul shoot a bow.
Oh. You mean the archery the archery instructor praised so highly. What about it?
Pi Jinho recalled the sight of Kang Seoyul shooting the bow.
During the final 2km shot, Kang Seoyuls arms were shaking uncontrollably.
Could he have been acting?
Chairman, you know what my Trait is, dont you?
I see.
The chairman nodded as if he understood.
If anything, his strength is likely below F-rank. The movement of his muscles was weaker than I could have imagined.
The chairman gave a bitter smile.
Still, its awkward to ignore a request from the Soosung Group. How about we conduct a formal, detailed examination of Student Kang Seoyuls stats, just for show?
No. I would ask that you handle this matter at your level, Chairman.
The chairmans eyes widened.
Is there a reason?
Yes.
Pi Jinhos eyes sharpened.
Tell me.
Kang Seoyul. Theres a possibility he possesses the [Weapon Master] Trait.
Did you just say Weapon Master?
The chairmans face was filled with shock.
Abnormally low stats. An abnormal Trait that lets him lift the Black Iron Greatsword. And overwhelming talent in archery. Doesnt that remind you of someone?
The chairman muttered with a grave expression.
The Weapon Master
Yes. Kang Seoyul may carry that seed within him.
Pi Jinhos wife, the Weapon Master Kang Minji, who had now returned to natures embrace.
The traits Kang Seoyul had shown so far were strikingly similar to Kang Minjis case.
As long as theres even a slight chance he could become the Weapon Master, it would be unwise to get on his bad side.
* * *
After class.
I was in my room, chatting with Shin Jia.
[Seonjonim. It seems Choi Jihoon used Soosung to put pressure on the academy.]
[What a pain.]
This means the chairman will likely summon me to appease Soosung.
[Could Shinhwa possibly pull some strings?]
[Yes, of course. Leave it to me! (Confident rabbit emoticon)]
This might raise suspicions about a connection between the Shinhwa Group and me,
but its better than undergoing a detailed status window inspection for no reason.
[And what about the equipment I mentioned before?]
I had asked Shin Jia to find out if she could acquire the special, race-restricted equipment I saw at the department store.
[Im sorry. That might be a little difficult. That equipment is state-owned.]
[I figured as much.]
Buying artifacts that belong to the state is a hassle.
[And also. Theyre too expensive to buy with my allowance (Sullen rabbit emoticon)]
[Ah.]
I didnt press the issue.
If its too much even for a third-generation chaebol, just how much does it cost?
[Anyway, thanks.]
[No! This is nothing!]
For some reason, I can picture Shin Jia with her eyes sparkling.
Whats going to happen later when she finds out Im not an elf?
Will she kill me?
[Well then, Seonjonim! Good night!]
[You too.]
With that, the chat ended.
* * *
The first class on Thursday was a theory lesson.
As you all know, the main duties of a superhuman are broadly divided into three categories. Cadet Kang Seoyul. Can you answer?
I stood up and said quietly.
Monster extermination, search and rescue, and villain subjugation.
Correct. And of those, the most dangerous is villain subjugation. Thats what well be discussing today.
This world, like those in many other novels, is overflowing with villains.
There are lone criminals like Piale Allo, and also villain organizations that will appear from the mid-point of the story.
Exterminating monsters is not that difficult. The methods for dealing with them have become more or less standardized. As long as no mutants, new species, or disaster-class monsters appear, its not that dangerous.
The teachers expression turned serious.
But villains are different. You all remember the Piale Allo incident. His abilities are still a mystery, but its known that even an S-rank superhuman was neutralized in that event. If it werent for the unidentified hero, it would have been a catastrophe.
Suddenly, Shin Jias head whipped around. She shot me a sparkling glance.
It was as if she were shouting, As expected of Seonjonim!
Her gaze is intense.
There are many villains with special abilities like this. They are extremely tricky and dangerous to fight.
Hes right.
Even among the villains I remember, there are at least a dozen who made me think, Holy shit, isnt that game-breaking?
This academy has one goal. To make you strong enough to survive any fight against any villain four years from now. So please, trust your instructors and follow their lead.
Both Instructor Pi Jinho and this instructor
they all say such admirable things.
It really is a good school.
But unfortunately, theres one thing he got wrong.
Four years from now?
Theres a villain attack planned inside the Korea Superhuman Academy in one week.