Chapter 86
In the distance, the academy city came into view.
Under the sky with wispy clouds passing by, the sight of the artificial island floating above the sea was fully revealed.
“Wow….”
The blue surface shimmered like jewels reflecting the sunlight.
The landscape of the academy city created by lush greenery and cliffs.
Elegantly crafted buildings blending harmoniously with nature.
Above all, a towering giant tree standing at the center of the artificial island, piercing through the sky.
“That’s the academy city.”
Strongbyeol, who was on the deck, couldn’t help but marvel at the view of the academy city.
Leaning on the railing, he gazed at the academy city in a daze for a while.
This was now his place to live.
The thought of living in that splendid city made the corners of his mouth curl up.
[This passenger ship will dock at the academy city. Today, once again, using this passenger ship…]
Eventually, the ship docked at the pier.
Having heard the announcement, Strongbyeol quickly gathered his belongings and disembarked from the ship.
As soon as his feet touched the pier, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Along with the distinctive salty sea smell, there was a fresh scent of the cool breeze.
The smell of the academy city.
To him, who had trained in the mountains for nearly five years, it was refreshing.
It seemed unforgettable.
“But how do I get to the Geumgang Academy?”
Suddenly, Strongbyeol blinked his eyes.
He had only thought about coming to the academy city, without figuring out how to get to the Geumgang Academy.
But he wasn’t worried.
“Well, somehow I’ll figure it out. Maybe I should ask those people over there.”
Just like when he came to the academy city, he could ask people for directions.
When he was about to retire, he had a smartphone given by his master.
If necessary, he could search for information or find his way with a map.
For now, Kang Hanbyeol decided to follow the students who seemed to be his peers.
“Are they taking the bus?”
Before long, the bus stop came into view.
Kang Hanbyeol asked around and was able to find out which bus to take to Geumgang Academy.
The location of Geumgang Academy was in Academy City, District 23.
He stood at the bus stop, waiting for the bus to arrive to take him there.
It seemed like the bus would come in 10 minutes.
That’s when it happened.
“Training by running there yourself isn’t a bad idea! It’s diligence!”
Perhaps disliking waiting for the bus,
A male student standing at the same bus stop suddenly blurted out those words and dashed outside.
With his bangs raised, the male student in a sporty hairstyle was wearing a black uniform.
Soon, he was dragging a suitcase in both hands and disappeared into a tunnel on the hill.
Onlookers seemed at a loss for words as they watched the tunnel.
“Training… isn’t a bad idea, right?”
“….”
Kang Hanbyeol pondered seriously.
Soon, he lowered his head.
Although he wanted to walk around Academy City, he had to resist the urge.
“I shouldn’t show up sweaty when meeting the headmaster.”
It was regrettable, but there was no other way.
Anyway, he could explore Academy City anytime.
Comforting himself, Kang Hanbyeol decided to continue waiting for the bus.
Eventually, the bus arrived at the bus stop.
[Boarding.]
The bus Kang Hanbyeol boarded passed through the tunnel where the male student in a black uniform had disappeared moments ago.
As the bus passed through the tunnel, the scenery of Academy City unfolded outside the window.
And so, he headed towards Geumgang Academy.
* * *
I opened the wardrobe.
Inside the wardrobe, my Geumgang Academy uniform tailored in Seoul was hanging.
“It should fit me even without trying it on.”
On the left chest of the gray blazer jacket, a sentence symbolizing Geumgang Academy was embroidered.
A sentence reminiscent of a dragon clutching a diamond.
Inside the jacket, a red tie and a beige vest were hanging.
The navy slacks could be seen.
On the wardrobe floor lay a few unworn dress shirts and a couple of socks.
“Three sets should be enough for now. I can always buy more if I run short.”
As it was the uniform worn by academy students, the sleek uniform seemed stylish on the outside, with various magical treatments applied to adapt to the temperature and resist wear.
It came with basic features like heat resistance, cold protection, and waterproofing, even boasting self-repair abilities.
Considering the uniform as a kind of artifact didn’t seem strange at all.
Naturally, the price was expected to be exorbitant compared to regular uniforms.
For someone with limited financial means, even buying one set could be challenging.
“Add the entrance fee, tuition, and all the necessary supplies…”
The costs were no small matter.
Especially in a pricey academy city, factoring in the cost of living made it even more burdensome.
Unless one received sponsorship, it would be a heavy burden for an average family to bear.
Of course, as a direct descendant of the Shingeom Do family, this did not apply to me.
Even buying additional uniforms didn’t pose the slightest burden.
After inspecting the ordered uniform in the wardrobe, I closed the door.
“I should unpack my belongings first.”
Since the room had been cleaned the day before in preparation for move-in, there didn’t seem to be a need for cleaning.
I started unpacking and organizing my things from my bag and suitcase.
I also opened the delivery box.
Removing the tape was not easy, and since there was no cutter in the room, I cut it with a navy sword.
“If Dad saw me, he’d probably say, ‘How can you use the family’s treasure as a cutter?’ or something.”
My father’s reaction involuntarily came to mind.
With a wry smile, I took out the clothes from the delivery box.
Since they were already unpacked, I could neatly put them in the drawer without the need for further sorting.
“I should also put on the bedsheet.”
Pillows, pillowcases, blankets, and bed sheets on the mattress.
I unwrapped the bedding and put the sheet on the mattress.
Since I usually left this to the housekeeper or my mother when at home, it was a first-time experience for me since birth.
However, with memories from a past life of living alone, I could tidy up the bed without difficulty, ensuring no creases.
“Perfect.”
It felt oddly satisfying.
Feeling accomplished, I praised myself and flopped down on the bed.
As my feet, which had been dangling, touched the ground, a sense of lethargy crept in.
It wouldn’t be bad to just take a nap like this.
That’s when I thought so.
Buzz.
The phone rang.
Feeling the vibration from my pocket, I took out my smartphone.
It was a call from Yeonhae.
“Hey, Yeonhae.”
[“Hello? Have you finished packing?”]
“I’m almost done. Why?”
[“Eunbi contacted me. She suggested going shopping in the city together when we have time. What do you think?”]
“Eunbi? That works out well. I was planning to buy something in the city anyway. Let’s go. We can have dinner out and come back.”
“Then I’ll let Eunbi know. Let’s meet on the first floor in 10 minutes.”
“Got it.”
Ending the call with Yeon Haneul,
I got up from the bed to get ready to go out.
Stretching lightly to loosen up, I went downstairs when the time came.
The people we agreed to meet in the lounge were waiting.
“Gyunwoo! Over here! Here!”
“Long time no see. How have you been?”
“You’re here?”
Go Eunbi, Lisa Grace, Yeon Haneul.
Their appearances made them easily noticeable, so even without Go Eunbi waving her hand vigorously, she was easy to spot.
I approached them.
The triplets were also seated at the table.
Yong Haerang was not in sight.
“What about Haerang? Didn’t he say he would come to the academy town today too?”
“Yes, I did get a message saying he got off at the dock a while ago, but…”
“There has been no contact since then. He didn’t even answer my calls. Left a message like this in the group chat.”
Lisa smiled gently.
Go Eunbi, as if to show me something, showed me her smartphone screen.
I looked at the screen.
[Me]: What time will everyone arrive?
[Yong Haerang]: Running there
[Me]: Huh??????
[Me]: You’re not saying he’s running all the way from the dock, are you???
[Lisa]: We’re on the bus. Should arrive in about 20 minutes.
I hadn’t checked the group chat as I was busy organizing things in the room.
It was hard to guess from the short messages, but it seemed like Yong Haerang was indeed running here.
It was quite like him.
“He must be running as part of his training.”
Even without seeing it, I could guess.
By now, he must be somewhere in the Academy City, dragging his suitcase and running.
Sweating profusely, he must be running around like crazy, not even having the chance to catch his breath.
I couldn’t tell when he would arrive.
I wonder if he’ll be able to make it to Geumgang Academy today.
Yongha was terrible with directions.
“If we can’t reach him, there’s nothing we can do. Let’s leave Hayang behind and go by ourselves.”
“Well, yeah. This isn’t my fault. It’s Hayang’s fault.”
“Still, it would be nice if we could contact him. I’m a bit worried. He’s coming along fine, right?”
“Hmm… He should be okay, right? He’s the type who would thrive wherever he ends up…”
“Heaven’s words ring true. No need to worry about Yongha.”
We couldn’t wait for Yongha, who we had no idea when would arrive.
So, we decided to head into the city by ourselves to do some shopping.
Speaking of which…
“Why have you been giggling since earlier, making it awkward for us?”
I turned my head towards the triplets with cheerful faces, not engaging in the conversation.
They chuckled in response.
“The room is actually quite nice, contrary to what we expected.”
“It seems like coming to the Academy was a good decision.”
“There were three beds. hehehehe.”
“Of course, it’s a triple room, so naturally there would be three beds. You’re stating the obvious.”
“That’s not what we meant.”
“There was only one bed each?”
“It wasn’t bunk beds!”
Listening to the triplets, they explained that back home, due to the narrow room, they had to sleep on the bunk beds where the bed would come out when you opened the bottom drawer.
But upon entering the dorm room, they were moved to see separate beds laid out according to the number of occupants.
“Was that the only reason you were so touched?”
“Doyeong! Was that it?”
“Have you ever used a triple bed?”
“Have you ever fought over sleeping on the first floor when you were young?”
“You wouldn’t know, being pampered.”
“We… were desperate every time to sleep comfortably.”
“Do you understand the war we went through just to sleep!?”
“Later, when we go to the city, we’ll have to find items to decorate our beds.”
“I brought my own pillow, but considering this as a fresh start, I should buy a new one.”
“I’m going to bring my dolls!”
Ignoring my presence.
The triplets were having a blast amongst themselves, finding joy in something.
I could somewhat understand their feelings.
Even though it was in a past life, there was a time when I longed for my own place to sleep.
In the daycare where many lived, it was common to yearn for something.
“So, when I left the daycare and got my own place with a bed for the first time, I was happy like them. It was a rental, though.”
If it’s a memory, it’s a memory.
I decided to let the triplets enjoy themselves.
Meanwhile, Yeonha was now among them.
“I feel like I understand your hearts. I’m happy too because I have my own room now. I want to decorate it according to my taste quickly.”
“Hana! You get it!”
“I knew you’d understand!”
“Of course, you only have childhood friends, right?”
The triplets flocked around Yeonha.
Before they could get closer to Yeonha, I slipped in between them.
“Why bother about childhood friends when it’s about us. She’s my childhood friend, right?”
“Dogyeonwoo! We also spent time with Hana…”
“Geumdong, shh! Look at her eyes!”
From Noble mtl dot com
“Y-yes! We’re just friends! Elementary and middle school classmates! Just people we know from the neighborhood!”
Standing in front, I glared at the triplets.
Only then did they quickly step back, coming to their senses.
“Are these guys bothering Hana?”
I clicked my tongue softly.
At that moment, I felt a gaze behind me.
Yeonha was staring intently.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing, just…”
“What?”
What’s so good about it?
Yeonha didn’t say anything and fidgeted slightly.
* * *
Coincidentally, the admissions office was located on the way to downtown.
We headed to the admissions office first.
“Ugh… I don’t want to go…”
Administrator, in front of the admissions office.
Yeonha couldn’t lift her feet and groaned helplessly.
From her expression, tone, posture, and atmosphere, she clearly showed that she didn’t want to go in any way.
Feeling awkward standing in front of people and hating being in the spotlight, she had every reason to dislike it.
In fact, I felt the same way.
‘How did things end up like this, really…’
Neither I nor Yeonha intended this.
We just did our best to get high grades on the entrance exam.
But somehow, we ended up as the top two students, taking first and second place in the admission rankings.
It was to the extent of gaining a reputation.
Yeon Haneul carried the title of the top student, while I held the title of the second student.
[Second Student]
◆ Origin of the Title
– Refers to a student entering the Geumgang Academy as the second student.
◆ Effects
– During the first year of study, the student receives considerable attention from both fellow students, instructors, and academy officials.
– During the first year of study, there is a slight increase in learning efficiency in classes.
As seen, the title seemed more focused on honor than its effects, which were valid only for the duration of the first year of study.
There seemed to be almost no use for it.
Anyway, the results were in for the top and second students.
We were to represent the new students at the entrance ceremony, take the new student oath, and were informed to come to the admission office for a briefing.
“Min Arin was the top student at the entrance ceremony in the game…”
And following the game’s storyline, Kang Hanyeol attended the entrance ceremony, witnessed Min Arin taking the new student oath as the student council president, and things took a different turn from the entrance ceremony.
I had no intention of following the story, but things changed from the entrance ceremony, making me feel uneasy.
Where did things start to go wrong?
“Do Yeon and Min Arin’s backgrounds overlap, and did Min Arin lose to Do Yeon?”
Even though Yeon Haneul’s skills were excellent, Min Arin was not someone to easily fall behind.
As far as I knew, she also achieved quite high scores in the practical exam.
Her performance in the practical exam would have been even higher.
Yeon Haneul didn’t have many opportunities to showcase her skills while being with me.
Yet, for her to miss the top spot, no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t understand.
“It’s spilled milk already, what can we do.”
Changing the top student wouldn’t have a significant impact on the story.
It’s not like the world is ending.
It’s unrelated to a bad ending.
I decided to move on positively.
“Stop sulking and let’s go.”
“Yeah…”
I comforted the sulking Yeon Haneul and headed into the admission office.
I found the department in charge of the entrance ceremony and inquired about the new student oath.
“Please have the students wait behind the stage 30 minutes early. This is what the students will recite at the entrance ceremony. Since they might be nervous, we give this to them to practice. Shall we try it here first?”
Fortunately, as we recited the oath, it seemed like there would be no difficulty.
Yeo Hanuel and I recited the contents written in the oath as instructed by the faculty.
“Oath. I pledge my name and soul….”
“Yeo Hanuel, your voice is shaking, be careful at the entrance ceremony.”
“Yes….”
It wasn’t much of a problem for me, but the issue lay with Yeo Hanuel.
Yeo Hanuel, after heeding the faculty’s advice, showed a lack of confidence.
After a few more practices, we left our spots.
“If only I could turn back time to the practical exam.”
“Don’t worry too much. If it’s you, Hanuel, you’ll do well.”
“…Do you really think so?”
Yeo Hanuel lets out a deep sigh.
Even the tips of his rabbit ears drooped.
I comforted her in that state.
“And I’m here, you know.”
“…”
“You’re not taking the oath alone, I’m doing it with you, so what’s there to be nervous about? If you make a mistake, I’ll take care of it, so don’t be scared.”
“…My hair is a mess.”
Her chin dropped.
I placed my hand on Yeo Hanuel’s head and lightly patted it.
She pursed her lips but didn’t bother to move my hand away.
Soon, it seemed like her mood lightened.
“So, do you really trust only me? If you make a mistake, will you resolve it?”
“Let’s not make mistakes on purpose.”
“Tch, I have no intention of doing that either.”
Yeo Hanuel chuckles softly.
I removed my hand from her head and headed towards the entrance.
Before long, Goeunbi, who was waiting outside, called out to us.
“Hey, come quickly! If we leave now, we can catch the bus right away! We need to go grocery shopping!”
—