Field Training in Chaos (2)
The trainees disembarked at Graford City's central terminal and dispersed individually toward their respective training sites. In the waiting area, Han Min-ha once again tried to pull Yoo Hee-won into a hug, only for Yoo Hee-won to burst out in irritation and push her away.
"It doesn't smell though…."
Han Min-ha shrank into herself like a wilted vegetable, then turned toward Song Do-yun only to freeze mid-motion. Yoo Hee-won's earlier warning echoed in her mind, along with the memory of how Song Do-yun had tried to pounce on her the day before.
"H-have a good day, Do-yun."
Song Do-yun, who had already spread her arms slightly in preparation for the incoming embrace, lowered them with a hint of awkwardness and gave a small nod.
And so the Golden Viper and the Grey Mold scattered, each heading toward their assigned training locations.
Yoo Hee-won's training site was the office of S-class hero Half Wonder. Half Wonder possessed the incredibly rare ability to freely manipulate both ice and fire. With her signature flamboyant performances and stunning beauty, she enjoyed massive popularity. Her office was located in the heart of the capital, in prime real estate surrounded by the Management Bureau and the Joint Chiefs of Staff headquarters. True to her S-class status, she used the entire building as her office—and rumor had it she had purchased the building under her own name. She employed over a dozen sidekicks and roughly a hundred administrative staff. Half Wonder's agency could truly be called the ultimate dream destination for every hero and cadet.
"Welcome. How may I assist you?"
A pretty receptionist stood up and greeted her politely. The reception area was as luxurious as a hotel lobby, and the walls were adorned with murals depicting Half Wonder's heroic exploits.
"I'm here for field training."
"Ah, you must be Yoo Hee-won. We've been expecting you. Please follow me."
The receptionist led Yoo Hee-won to the elevator. Half Wonder's office occupied the top floor of the building. The hallway leading to the office entrance was so extravagantly decorated that Yoo Hee-won briefly wondered if she had stepped into the Palace of Versailles.
She definitely has an overinflated ego, Yoo Hee-won thought.
"Director, the trainee Yoo Hee-won has arrived."
"Come in."
The moment Yoo Hee-won opened the door and stepped inside, she couldn't help but snort. This is what she calls an office?
The floor was covered in luxurious red carpet. An ornate marble fireplace dominated one wall, surrounded by intricate sculptures of Half Wonder herself. The domed ceiling was covered in frescoes depicting her battles against villains, and the walls were lined with framed pictures of similar scenes. It felt like what the revolutionary soldiers must have experienced when they stormed the Winter Palace during the October Revolution.
This is ridiculous. Absolutely absurd.
Inside that 'majestic' office, Half Wonder rose from behind a massive desk with a warm smile.
Just as she appeared in the media, Half Wonder was breathtakingly beautiful.
Half Wonder burst into laughter at that.
Even in the face of Yoo Hee-won's sarcasm, Half Wonder responded with the relaxed composure befitting an S-class hero.
While sipping tea, Half Wonder carefully reviewed the documents Yoo Hee-won had presented—her personal information sheet and the training plan prepared by the academy.
"Oh? So you're the Advisory Chairman's daughter?"
"You didn't know? I thought you did."
"I really didn't know."
Half Wonder smiled with her eyes as she flipped through the personal information sheet.
"Top of the basic evaluation. Top of every subject. Top of the end-of-term evaluation. As expected from the Advisory Chairman's daughter."
"It's just because I worked hard."
"Of course. Let's go with that."
Half Wonder looked over the training plan and outlined her general approach.
"I'll teach you three things: accompanying me to the field, shadowing my sidekicks, and experiencing general administrative work."
"Why? According to the regulations, shouldn't the lead hero personally supervise the trainee for the entire week?"
"That's what the rules say, but in practice it's not that simple. A lead hero has many responsibilities besides fighting villains. I can't exactly bring you to Management Bureau meetings, can I?"
"Hmm. I suppose that's true."
"Besides, all the sidekicks in this office are at least B-class regardless of their official rank, so you'll learn a lot from them. And if you're planning to open your own agency after graduation, learning about administrative work will be very useful."
However, Yoo Hee-won crossed her arms with a distinctly wicked smile, clearly displeased.
"If that's the case, why did you specifically request me?"
"Because I saw that your level was suitable for our agency."
"Yet now that I'm here, you're just going to pawn me off on your subordinates? Are you trying to look good in front of my father?"
"Do I seem like that kind of person to you?"
"I'm not sure. But my professor told me that if I receive unfair treatment, I should refuse and call him immediately."
Half Wonder laughed as if she found that adorable.
"Unfair treatment is a bit of a stretch. By the way, who is this professor of yours?"
"Professor Kyo Suhyeon. He teaches Basic Defense."
"Hmm. Kyo Suhyeon… I've never heard of him."
Half Wonder thought for a moment before speaking with a gentle expression.
"Anyway, I understand what you're saying. I'll adjust the schedule somewhat to spend as much time with you as possible. However, please understand that I won't be able to bring you to sensitive meetings. This isn't just true for me—it's the same for every hero agency."
"Fine. If that's how it is."
Despite having been warned by Professor Kyo Suhyeon that very morning, right before leaving the academy, not to be rude to heroes, Yoo Hee-won had already completely forgotten about it.
"Hello!"
The moment Han Min-ha entered Regal Might's office, she shouted loudly and bowed at a perfect ninety degrees. Her enormous chest bounced dramatically with the motion, and the office staff stared at her with dazed expressions.
"Um, who are you?"
"I'm Han Min-ha from Graford Academy, here for field training!"
"Ah, so you're the trainee. Welcome."
When the staff greeted her warmly, Han Min-ha looked at each of them in turn and bowed again.
"Please take good care of me! Please take good care of me!"
"You must be tired from the long trip. Why don't you sit down and catch your breath? The director hasn't arrived yet. Please wait just a little longer."
"Yes!"
Han Min-ha sat on a sofa in one corner of the office and looked around carefully. For the office of a successful A-class hero, the interior was surprisingly modest. There was no particular decor; it looked as though they had simply been using the building exactly as it was when first constructed. There were no flashy elements anywhere. Everything was practical, giving off the same feeling as the academy's administrative office. Yet compared to that dreary administrative office, this place felt... warmer somehow. Perhaps it was because of the abundant natural light streaming in through the unusually large windows, or maybe it was the kind and relaxed expressions on the staff members' faces.
On one wall hung a long horizontal calligraphy frame. The phrase written there was one even Han Min-ha recognized.
Justice and common sense will always remain in their proper place.
It was a phrase that perfectly suited Regal Might's way of doing things.
"The director has arrived."
When the office door opened, the staff all stood up and greeted him. Turning around, Han Min-ha saw a massive man in a suit entering the office. It was Regal Might.
"Hm? Is this the trainee?"
"Ah, hello! I'm Han Min-ha from Graford Academy!"
"Right, right. Today was the day. I'm sorry about this. A sudden request came in, and since all my sidekicks were already out on assignment, I had no choice but to step out myself."
"No, not at all! It's perfectly fine!"
The extremely nervous Han Min-ha practically shouted her response.
"Haha. You don't need to shout. I can hear you just fine."
"Y-yes, of course."
"Come on in. Sorry, but could someone bring us something to drink?"
Regal Might and Han Min-ha entered his private office. As expected, Regal Might's office was also simple and tidy. Han Min-ha couldn't help but feel that it resembled Professor Kyo Suhyeon's lab.
"Is barley tea okay? It's my favorite."
"Yes, yes! That's perfectly fine!"
Sitting across from her, Regal Might examined Han Min-ha's personal information sheet. Then he asked,
"Kyo Suhyeon? Don't tell me your advisor is Professor Kyo Suhyeon?"
"Yes. I heard that you and the professor used to be teammates."
"We were. Does Professor Kyo Suhyeon treat you well?"
"Yes. He's a very kind and warm person."
"What did you just say?"
"Um…?"
Worried that she might have said something wrong, Han Min-ha trailed off awkwardly.
"Now that's a sight I'd never thought I'd see in my lifetime."
Regal Might muttered to himself.
"Um… I'm not sure what you mean, but I'm sorry."
"No, that's not what I meant."
Regal Might recalled the days when he had worked with Kyo Suhyeon as a new recruit in Secreto.
From the completely collapsed temporary building, Kyo Suhyeon slowly walked out, drenched in blood. In each of his hands, he carried a corpse—one missing everything below the waist, the other nothing but a severed head. Kyo Suhyeon casually tossed the bodies onto the ground and looked at Regal Might.