Chapter 87
Geumgang Academy, Office of the Director.
Guided by Oh Seung-ah, Kang Hanbyeol entered the director’s office.
Sohyerul, who was sitting on the guest sofa, greeted him warmly.
“Welcome. Must have been tiring coming here, right?”
“Hello! I am Kang Hanbyeol, who received teachings from Master Seo Jeongjin…!”
“No need for such introductions. Jeongjin was contacted, and news of having a disciple has spread among those who should know. So, Kang Hanbyeol, the student, come over here and have a seat.”
“Ah… Yes!”
So Hye-ryul smiles kindly and sets down the cup at the corner of her mouth.
She gestured for him to take a seat.
Kang Hanbyeol, who was about to greet loudly to show respect to the Master’s colleague, promptly took his seat.
“Have you eaten?”
“No, not yet. I came straight here. I plan to eat after this.”
“Oh, I see. You must be very hungry. Shall I bring some snacks?”
“I’m fine…”
“Don’t be shy, just be honest.”
“I… I’d like to have something to eat.”
“Then how about we chat over some refreshments? Oh Seung-ah, head to the secretary’s office, please.”
“Yes, Director.”
“What drink would you like? We have most things here, and if not, we can go get it.”
“Um… Do you have cola?”
“Yes, we do. I’ll bring cola for your drink.”
“I’ll have another iced Americano.”
“Alright, understood.”
Oh Seung-ah heads out to prepare the refreshments.
Silence fills the Director’s office.
“…”
So Hye-ryul quietly smiles at Kang Hanbyeol.
Unable to speak first, Kang Hanbyeol sat stiffly with his back straight.
Her gaze made him uncomfortable inwardly.
Meanwhile…
“If she’s the Master’s colleague, she must be… young. But still, incredibly youthful.”
Kang Hanbyeol was amazed internally.
So Hye-ryul, sitting on the guest seat, seemed to have an age that was beyond imagination.
She possessed an almost mystical beauty.
Given her petite stature, if they had met without knowing, he might have thought she was of his age.
It was then that she spoke up.
“Oh, you must have thought about my age just now, right?”
“….”
“It’s something I come across often, so now I can tell what people are thinking just by looking at their faces.”
“I… I’m sorry….”
“No need to apologize. As long as you don’t say it out loud, it’s fine. Right?”
“….”
Was she implying that speaking out loud would lead to something happening?
Kang Hanbyeol felt a strange question looking at her yellow eyes.
She didn’t want to solve the question.
At that moment, Oh Seungah, the secretary, came back and offered some snacks.
“Please, help yourself.”
“Yes, thank you. I will enjoy it!”
It was a thirsty ride from the pier to Geumgang Academy.
Kang Hanbyeol drank a cola with floating ice.
The refreshing sensation hit her throat.
“Indeed, this taste!”
Having lived mostly in the mountains, she had to rely on nature for food.
As a result, she didn’t have many opportunities to eat processed foods like cola.
Sometimes she would go marketing with Seo Jungjin in the city, but even then, the stimulating taste of processed foods like cola felt insufficient to Kang Hanbyeol.
So, being in a situation where she could have as many snacks as she wanted made her feel excited.
“If you need more, I’ll bring it, so don’t hesitate to eat.”
“Then, can I have another glass of cola!?”
“Yes, I’ll bring a fresh one.”
“It seems like you’ll drink more, so I’ll just bring a whole bottle.”
It was a brand of snacks she had never tasted before.
She kept reaching for the snacks.
Kang Hanbyeol spoke comfortably as if addressing her superior, forgetting about her dignity.
So Hye-ryul watched him eat without touching the snacks.
“Even student Dogyeonwoo likes cola, and it seems Kang Hanbyeol student does too.”
“Pardon?”
“A while ago, there was a student who had a meeting with me like Kang Hanbyeol student. He enjoyed it just like Kang Hanbyeol student. He took the remaining snacks when he left, so it should be fine for Kang Hanbyeol student too.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, take it with you when you leave. I’ll let Secretary Oh Seungah know.”
“Thank you, Director!”
A bright smile appeared on Kang Hanbyeol’s lips.
It was a face that showed no signs of wariness towards people.
Pure, innocent, and simple.
“I couldn’t figure out what student Dogyeonwoo was thinking, but this child is different.”
How can I use him?
So Hye-ryul sipped her straw quietly.
After roughly evaluating Kang Hanbyeol, she brought up the main issue.
“I’m sorry to Kang Hanbyeol student, but even if Kang Hanbyeol student is Jin-i’s disciple and has a recommendation from him, it’s not possible to enroll just like that. Jin-i’s reputation is great, and even though I have some connection with him, Kang Hanbyeol student didn’t apply for the entrance exam or take it, so we don’t know her capabilities, right? It’s also lacking in fairness.”
“….”
“So, it puts me in a difficult position. Even though I’m the director, it’s not something I can handle lightly. I’m sorry for bringing you this far, but…”
It seems like admission will be difficult.
So Hye-ryul tried to shake Kang Hanbyeol by saying things she didn’t mean.
She was curious about how he would react.
If he were to kneel down and ask for a favor, she thought she might use him as she pleased.
Having received teachings from Master Tu-Gwi Seo Jeong-jin, he was worth utilizing.
Moreover, upon hearing more, his gift…
Right then, he asked in confusion.
“Didn’t you call me the ‘Strong Star Student’ a little while ago?”
“…Did I?”
“Doesn’t that mean you have intentions of accepting me as a student of Jeol Academy?”
“…”
“Also, before leaving, I heard from the Master that this would be enough as compensation. So, why isn’t it working? Then I should return this to the Master…”
With a puzzled expression, Kang Han-byeol took out a box from his bag.
As he placed the box on the table, So Hye-ryul’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
Only then did she adjust her evaluation.
‘Seems like Jeong-jin’s disciple is right. He’s not just going along with it. Was he deliberately not revealing his full potential?’
He was not a naïve person.
Surprisingly, he knew how to strategize.
It would be difficult to simply exploit him.
That’s why it was intriguing.
So Hye-ryul crossed her legs and decided to give up on trying to deceive him unnecessarily.
“No, you’re right. I do have the intention of accepting the promising student, Strong Star. It’s not like this has never happened before, so if I push it through with the Director’s authority, I can admit you as a special case. The issue is whether Strong Star has a legitimate reason to enroll besides this.”
“By ‘besides this’ you mean…”
“Skill.”
“…”
“Being a disciple of Tu-Gwi and this item don’t necessarily indicate the skill of a Strong Star student, right? At Geumgang Academy, skill takes precedence over a student’s background and qualities. But although it’s unlikely, if the skill of a Strong Star student does not meet the criteria, what will be the position of me and Geumgang Academy later on? People won’t see Geumgang Academy as a place where anyone can enter just because of its reputation or donations, right?”
“How can I prove it?”
They were on the same page.
So Hye-ryul found herself looking directly at Kang Han-byeol, who had stopped eating snacks.
There was no trace of confusion.
He, who had been smiling confidently, now met her gaze with a serious expression.
She illuminated her yellow eyes.
“Instead of an entrance exam, we will have a separate test to see if Strong Star has the skill to study at Geumgang Academy. Inside an artificial gate.”
“Artificial gate?”
“Have you ever been inside one?”
“…No, I’ve only lived in the mountains with the Master until now.”
“Experience in defeating monsters? Ah, you were in Taebaeksan, right? If you lived there, you must have faced many monsters.”
“Well, yes… that’s right.”
“The test inside the artificial gate also involves defeating monsters. You seem to have enough practical experience, so there’s no need to worry. Secretary Oh Seung-ah.”
“Yes, Director.”
“Take Strong Star to the dimensional gate for the test. Do you remember… the gate?”
“Yes, I remember it in gray. The gate key reservation is also completed.”
“Good job. I’ll be here, so I’ll leave the evaluation of the test to Secretary Oh Seung-ah.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Then, Student Kang Hanbyeol.”
“Yes, Headmaster.”
“Please follow Secretary Oh Seung-a. I wish you success.”
So Hyeryul reached out towards the box in front of her.
The girl who brought the box wished Kang Hanbyeol good luck.
Upon this, he tried to get up from his seat to go take the exam.
Suddenly, as if a thought had crossed his mind, he laughed coolly and opened his mouth.
“The snacks are so delicious, but… can I take them to eat?”
“Yes, of course. To take an exam, you need to fill your stomach well. Just like last time with Student Dogyeon… Indeed, at that age, you need to eat a lot to grow. Eating looks good on you.”
◈
In the academy city where Geumgang Academy is located, the 23rd district is bustling with activity.
We got off the bus at the back gate and set foot in one of the busiest places nearby.
Eungwang-dong Rodeo Street in the 23rd district.
Various commercial and entertainment facilities lined the streets on both sides.
Perhaps because it was an academy city, people of our age were bustling around everywhere.
“Most of them seem to be buying things they need for living alone.”
People with disheveled appearances were carrying bags in both hands.
There were groups of us walking around together, as well as individuals.
In nearby commercial facilities, posters like ‘Must-have items for academy students!’, ‘Top 10 essentials for living alone!’, ‘Limited sale of essential items for living alone’ were seen.
In front of some restaurants, there were signs saying ‘10% discount for 23rd district academy students’.
The street was vibrant with energy.
“There are so many shops here… it’s hard to decide where to look around.”
“Wait. I heard from a senior that there’s a place nearby where prices are relatively low and there are many pretty things. We should go in this direction!”
“You already know a senior even before enrolling, impressive. You’re quite the insider.”
“Oh, I just happened to come across that senior? And it’s not that I know more seniors than you, it’s Dogyeon, right? Since you’re in the same year… “
“I’m not close to him.”
“Oh… right, that could be the case.”
“Do you think I have no friends right now?”
“Huh? No? I never thought about it? And it’s okay not to have friends! It’s fine! We have each other for you, right?”
“Would Dogyeon have friends with his personality?”
“Of course, he’d probably be blunt with those connected to the Divine Examination.”
“We, who tolerate his personality, are the real deal. Who else would put up with him if not us?”
“What did you say, you guys?”
“Oh! Eunbi! Isn’t that over there!?”
“It looks like it! Let’s go check it out quickly!”
“Gumdong hyung! Eundong hyung! Let’s go together!”
I didn’t want to get scolded.
The mischievous triplets quickly ran away.
I didn’t bother to chase after them, instead, I walked slowly.
Walking beside me, Yeonhaneul chuckled for some unknown reason.
“Why are you laughing?”
“The twins just crack me up. Well, there probably isn’t anyone who mirrors your personality like me, right? So, in a way, I’m Buddha, Buddha.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Huh? Did you just hit me? Hey!”
“Hey, I did too.”
When I lightly tapped Yeonhaneul with my hip, she pushed me back.
We playfully hit each other’s hips while walking down the street.
It seemed Lisa wanted to join in too.
She hit my hand with her hip.
“Hey!”
“…?”
“Oh, it looks fun… If you felt bad, I’m sorry…”
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“Hey.”
“Oh.”
“Is this it? It’s dull.”
“We’re attacking from both sides. Let’s fight back, hey!”
“Hey!”
…Cowardly.
When Yeonhaneul hits with her hip from the left, Lisa hits from the right.
I was pushed around, getting hit on both sides.
“Three of you are having fun without me! Let me join in too!”
“You should find the way. Find your path.”
Go Eunbi seemed displeased but had no choice.
After giving me a look, she had to focus on finding the way.
Then, she poked my ribs…
“Hey! Hip attack!”
Suddenly, as Go Eunbi walked ahead, she pulled back and playfully poked my side.
She had a happy look on her face, triumphant in her prank.
I sighed.
“You’re childish, really. You wanted to play like that? Fine, take it. Hey.”
“Eek!”
If Go Eunbi wanted to play like that, there was no stopping her.
I swung my hips like a swing, aiming for her hip as she walked ahead.
It wasn’t a hard hit, but she jumped in surprise.
Her reaction was quite amusing.
I moved my hips again.
Moving rhythmically from back to front.
“Hey.”
“Eek! Stop it now!”
“Hey!”
“I’m sorry, so stop it…!”
Goeunbi hurriedly turned her hands behind her to cover her hips.
In that position, she leaped forward as if to widen the distance.
I burst into laughter watching her run as if protecting her hips.
Then, I felt a gaze from the side.
“…What’s wrong?”
“Okay?”
“…”
“Having fun?”
“…No. I’m bored now.”
Yeonhae was looking at me.
Her gaze felt icy.
‘What did I do wrong?’
Even after careful consideration, I couldn’t figure it out.
At times like this, it’s best to just stay quiet.
I decided to seal off my hips.
My hips stood straight as if saying, “When did I ever slouch?”