Chapter 16
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Class President Election (2)
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A thick cloud of dust billowed up.
The sturdy desk had snapped in half, all because of a mere arm-wrestling match.
Mitsuda's right arm trembled uncontrollably.
Even his eyelids quivered, as if gripped by fear.
Mitsuda had never once lost a test of strength in his entire life.
So he must have been brimming with confidence.
But this monster had crushed him in just one second—using only two fingers, no less.
"That means I win, right?"
Tae-hyun said it casually, as if it were nothing.
Mitsuda was seized by an indescribable terror.
'...He's not human.'
Tae-hyun scanned the C-Class students gathered around.
Every single one wore an expression of disbelief, their mouths hanging open.
Lee Jae-yeol was among them.
Tae-hyun called out to him.
"Jae-yeol. Hold up a sec."
"Huh?"
Ever since Tae-hyun had chewed him out during the tournament, things had been awkward between Jae-yeol and him.
Jae-yeol had started feeling inferior to Tae-hyun and had been avoiding him as a result.
So being called over now was completely unexpected.
Tae-hyun clapped Jae-yeol heartily on the back.
"Guys, Jae-yeol here's a natural-born strategist. I think he'd lead our class perfectly. What do you say?"
Tae-hyun knew full well.
Winning the arm-wrestling match wouldn't mean much if he couldn't get the class's buy-in. Without that, stabilizing leadership later would be impossible.
Jae-yeol started to protest at Tae-hyun's words.
"Wait a minute. I never said I wanted to be class president...!"
Tae-hyun cut him off, draping an arm over his head as he continued.
"And I'll be the vice president."
If Kang Tae-hyun became vice president, it would be a huge boost for C-Class.
He was ranked 29th overall in the school.
Who would dare object to that?
In truth, most of the people who'd sided with Mitsuda had only done so out of fear from his threats.
And if Lee Jae-yeol took on the class president role? It would be perfect.
C-Class had no reason to refuse.
The students began nodding one by one.
"If it's you..."
"Yeah, you were amazing in the tournament."
"..."
Only then did Tae-hyun smile, looking satisfied.
Lee Jae-yeol, who'd unexpectedly been elected class president, looked utterly flustered.
'Good. That settles the class president issue.'
Vice president wasn't a bad deal, honestly.
Above all, it gave him an excuse to act independently during operations or training.
And with Jae-yeol at the helm, he could lead the class brilliantly.
He'd been class president in his previous life, too.
Tae-hyun trusted the Jae-yeol from back then.
A brainiac hunter with an IQ of 175.
His skills might be limited, similar to Tae-hyun's, but his head was on another level.
'...Now dungeon training starts for real.'
With this week, full-fledged cadet life at the officer academy had truly begun.
After the tournament ended, a wave of major changes swept through the school.
First, points for use on campus were now distributed monthly based on grades.
Tae-hyun had received 9,500P.
If he used them sparingly, they'd last a full year.
In his previous life, he'd gotten just 200P—barely enough for a decent meal some months.
Second, dorm rooms were being reassigned by class.
That was why cadets who'd been hospitalized after the tournament had been held up.
Third, full class ranking integration and the graduation system were kicking off.
The school's leadership fast-tracked top performers for early graduation, setting them up as active hunters.
Clisey Aphren was a prime example.
She'd started working as a full-fledged hunter at age 19, during her second-year first semester.
Rankings were divided into two categories: year rankings and overall campus rankings.
And finally, the transfer system.
It was a unique setup: class presidents, vice presidents, and 'Elite' grade members could trade or release class members.
Those released had to find a new class or face expulsion.
Mitsuda had planned to boot Tae-hyun using this system.
'Ha... It's a cutthroat competition that drains the life out of you, but damn if it's not the best school life out there.'
The future made him anxious.
No—excited, actually.
The end of this semester brought CDT.
His goal: number one in the campus rankings.
And becoming an S-Rank Hunter.
The door to the academic building creaked open as he stepped out.
The sun was setting.
He was heading through the courtyard to the new C-Class housing area.
"Hold up."
A familiar voice called from the park area, drawing his gaze.
It was a small park on campus.
Mitsuda stood there.
"What? Here for round two?"
Mitsuda strode over and planted himself in front of Tae-hyun.
The overwhelming size difference hit him again.
Mitsuda stared straight at him.
If this was another provocation, Tae-hyun planned to beat the attitude out of him for good.
But his expectations were off this time.
"...Sorry."
"..."
Mitsuda bowed his head politely in apology.
Tae-hyun blinked in surprise, scratching his cheek awkwardly.
"...You're strong. Truth is, at first I thought you were an easy mark, so I picked a fight. Planned to make an example out of you. But that was a total mistake on my part."
"..."
"You've got overwhelming power. Nothing someone like me can mess with. Honestly, you're... a monster. And worthy of respect. I get it—how much effort it took to gain that strength."
He kept his head bowed stubbornly as he spoke.
Mitsuda's emotional shift.
It was a future altered by Tae-hyun's presence.
A mix of bewilderment and strange elation washed over him.
The Mitsuda Yoshiro who would've ignored a weakling like him in the original timeline was now acknowledging him—bowing his head.
Tae-hyun told him to lift it.
"Come on, man. A guy's head isn't something you bow lightly."
"..."
"Let's do well from here on out, Mitsuda. I know you're insanely strong."
It was the truth.
Mitsuda, an 'Elite' grade in C-Class, would crack the top 30 by semester's end.
He didn't become an A-Rank Hunter after graduation for nothing.
The reason Tae-hyun had disciplined him without casting him out? Despite his nasty streak, Mitsuda had a rock-solid sense of justice—"saving humanity"—that made him a real man.
Suddenly, Mitsuda's eyes glistened.
"...Vice president... No, big bro!"
"What? B-big bro?"
"I'll serve you as big bro from now on."
Was this kid an early enrollee or something?
Did that mean he was even younger than Tae-hyun, behind that face?
Wow... God really is fair.
"Have a good night, then, big bro!"
"...Yeah. You too."
Took some getting used to.
Just yesterday, the guy had been trying to ditch him, and now he was bowing nonstop...
Anyway.
The class wouldn't stabilize until the president and vice president were locked in.
Already, several cadets were showing signs of wanting to leave C-Class.
They hadn't even unpacked in the housing area.
Probably planning to switch during the first trade period.
'I won't stop anyone who wants to go.'
He opened the door and stepped inside.
His workout gear greeted him warmly.
Right now, all he wanted was to dive into his daily training ASAP.
The inauguration ceremony.
Class presidents and vice presidents—two per class—took the stage.
They received their appointment certificates, followed by the golden eagle badge symbolizing command authority.
"Cadet Number 32-1140, Lee Jae-yeol. Thank you!"
"Cadet Number 32-2341, Kang Tae-hyun. Thank you."
Jae-yeol and Tae-hyun were now officially class president and vice president.
Thunderous applause from the entire student body echoed through the auditorium from the seats below.
Being cheered by so many wasn't an everyday thing.
Even if this applause was laced with jealousy and hypocrisy now, Tae-hyun imagined a future where everyone hailed him as a 'hero.'
Someday.
Principal's office at No. 1 Officer Academy.
Class presidents and vice presidents waited tensely for the principal.
As expected, top reps from each class dominated the executive roles.
Five heirs from the 20 Houses, plus Hong Ga-yeon and Lee Jung-tae.
Both had risen to president as anticipated.
They were the only two from this 32nd class to become S-Rank rankers.
"At ease!"
They all shot to their feet as the principal entered.
"That's enough. Sit."
They sat in perfect unison at his command.
The former Hunter Headquarters Commander, now retired and serving as principal—Operations Commander Rock MacArthur.
His snowy white hair stood out sharply.
"Heard this intake has some unusual kids. Five from the 20 Houses, even. Heh."
"..."
Senior instructors had drilled them: no speaking unless addressed.
Not a peep from anyone.
"Ah, whatever. Point is... regarding this intake's training situation... uh... yeah..."
...And so began two hours of hell.
This was the principal's ultimate speech marathon.
"...So, finally, the last thing I want to ask of you all is...?"
Most cadets were probably dying of frustration by now.
A few were already breaking into cold sweats.
"In conclusion... for this CDT, a ton of media and orgs have high expectations. I'm sure you'll all do great... no worries from this principal... so lastly..."
Tae-hyun had zoned out completely, staring blankly.
"Ugh! Finally over. That old man's got endless words."
"...Truly sage advice. It'll help a lot with operation planning."
Even Lee Jae-yeol hadn't dozed off once in three hours. Tough bastard.
This was why Tae-hyun thought he'd picked the right president.
"Hey, Kang Tae-hyun."
"?"
He turned to see Hong Ga-yeon there.
Beside her, a silver-haired kid huffed and puffed.
Smith Ron, her attendant of sorts.
"Heard you're C-Class vice president now. Congrats."
Her stiff, blunt tone somehow felt genuine.
"Hey! When the lady speaks to you, answer quick!"
The kid yapped nonstop from the side.
"Yo, Easterner. The lady wants cooperation and exchange between B and C-Class. Up for it?"
"Cooperation?"
Top ranker approaching him first was surprise enough—now this?
Why Hong Ga-yeon had Smith relay it, though? No clue.
"What's the deal?"
"You'll find out in time. It's good for you guys too. Just think positive."
Hong Ga-yeon gave a quick nod and walked past.
Once they were gone, Jae-yeol sidled up.
"What was that? What'd she say?"
"...Nah, nothing big."
That conversation turning out to be no small thing? That realization came a bit later.
C Building.
After roll call, during free time.
But C-Class housing lights stayed on.
Blankets spread on the floor, piled with snacks and beer.
"Hey, hey! Pour it! Pour!"
Two bubbly guys mixed bomb shots.
This was strictly for the president, vice president, and elected 'Elites.'
"Loyalty game, so highest rank first. Our class prez!"
"W-wait... I don't really drink..."
"Drink! Drink!"
Lucy whined until Jae-yeol reluctantly downed it.
He bolted to the bathroom, puking soon after.
Tae-hyun took the next bomb shot.
"Aw, big bro. That's all you got?"
Mitsuda grinned confidently, grabbing the bowl.
Mitsuda Yoshiro, 'Elite' in the melee squad.
He chugged it while eyeing Tae-hyun.
Melee squad: tanks, swordsmen, spearmen—the frontline defense.
Mitsuda was their squad leader.
"Whoa! Squad lead! Squad lead!"
Melee squad cheered as he drained it clean.
Next, central squad under Yoon Ah-young.
Central squad: mages, archers, snipers—the core attackers.
'Elite' Yoon Ah-young sipped delicately.
Then rear squad 'Elite' Olivia.
Rear squad: ops, cover, medical—the support core.
She took the bowl trembling pitifully.
"Ugh... u... u..."
"Olivia! Olivia!"
"Olivia!"
Once the massive bowl was empty, they raised glasses.
"Cheers!"
"Clink!"
The remaining 35 C-Class cadets downed theirs in unison.
First-years at Hunter Officer Academy were legal adults, so drinking was fine.
The mood exploded with raucous chatter.
'...Gotta train.'
Tae-hyun took a swig of beer and set his glass down.
A golden eagle insignia gleaming on his left chest marked his vice president rank.
He savored the rare downtime.
Life had been nonstop war lately—no easy rests like this.
Kids laughing.
Kids dancing.
Kids drunk.
All united in joy.
Just days ago, they'd been at each other's throats; now they were inseparable pals.
With president, VP, and Elites set, no more enemies among them.
'...Not bad.'
Tae-hyun tossed back the last of his beer.
How long since he'd felt peace?
He'd pushed so hard lately.
Knowing it was just the start terrified him more.
But tonight, he forgot it all and partied with his comrades.
"Slacking off, huh..."
Yone sulked in the corner, downing his drink moodily.
Entering Level 2 Dungeon.
Challenge Personnel: 35.
Before full subjugation began, instructors evaluated the newly formed class's combat performance.
Each class prepped in a cleared dungeon used as a training ground.
This dungeon: a dense forest of towering trees.
A pocket dimension formed by dimensional shift.
Whir—
Recording drones buzzed overhead.
Instructors analyzed their combat styles via those.
Three Elites: Yoon Ah-young, Mitsuda, Olivia.
Goal: clear the dungeon fastest, impress the instructors.
"Fastest team's H-Class at 3 hours, 45 minutes, 23 seconds. First, Mitsuda's assault squad guards the front and advances. Rear squad stays behind them, covering the back."
Lee Jae-yeol's first command in training.
Here, president and VP held supreme command.
Below them: Elites.
Then regular fighters.
C-Class steeled themselves.
"If we stick to my plan, C-Class clears in under 3 hours."
A red flare signaled go.
C-Class formed ranks and pushed forward.
'Alright. My turn to move.'
Switch Weapon.
The bracelet morphed into spear form.
Sharp blade, sturdy shaft.
His assignment: advance recon.
Scout duty.
He scaled a tree swiftly.
(To be continued in the next chapter)