Geumgang Academy, Faculty Office Building.
Escorted by Oh Seung-a, Kang Han-byeol stepped into the Chairman’s Office.
Waiting for him, seated at the head of a plush guest sofa, was So Hye-yul. She rose to greet him warmly.
“Welcome. The trip must have been tiring, no?”
“Hello! I’m Kang Han-byeol, disciple of Master Seo Jeong-jin—!”
“No need for a grand introduction. I already heard from Jeong-jin. In fact, word’s gotten around that he has a disciple now. So, Han-byeol, don’t just stand there—come, sit down.”
“Ah… yes, ma’am!”
With a gentle smile, So Hye-yul set down the glass she had been sipping from and gestured to the seat beside her.
Han-byeol, who had been about to raise his voice to show proper respect to his master’s colleague, quickly complied and sat down.
“Have you eaten yet?”
“No, not yet. I came straight here. I was planning to eat afterward.”
“Oh my. You must be starving, then. Shall I have something brought for you?”
“I’m okay, really—”
“There’s no need to be shy. Just be honest.”
“…Then, yes. I’d appreciate a little something to eat.”
“Why don’t we talk over some snacks then? Secretary Oh, could you take care of that?”
“Yes, Madam Chair.”
“And what would you like to drink? We have most things here, and if not, we can send someone out.”
“Ah… Do you happen to have cola?”
“We do. Then cola it is.”
“I’ll take another iced Americano, too.”
“Understood.”
Oh Seung-a stepped out to prepare the refreshments.
A brief silence settled over the room.
So Hye-yul simply smiled, quietly studying Han-byeol.
The young man, sitting rigid with his back straight, didn’t dare speak first. Her gaze unsettled him. At the same time…
‘If she’s Master’s peer, she must be much older than she looks… but she seems really young.’
Han-byeol was astonished. From her delicate features and youthful presence, he couldn’t even begin to guess her real age.
She was petite, too—if they had met elsewhere, he might’ve mistaken her for someone his age.
Just then, she spoke.
“Ah, you were thinking about my age, weren’t you?”
“…”
“I’ve gotten used to it. I can tell what someone’s thinking just by the look on their face.”
“S-sorry…”
“No need to apologize. It’s not a crime as long as you don’t say it out loud, right?”
“….”
What would happen if I did say it out loud? he wondered, glancing at her golden eyes. A strange, unspoken warning lingered in her tone.
Fortunately, Secretary Oh returned with a tray of drinks and snacks.
“Please, help yourself.”
“Thank you! I was really thirsty after coming straight from the docks.”
Han-byeol took a sip of his cola, the ice-cold fizziness tickling his throat.
‘Ahh, this is the stuff!’
Having lived mostly in the mountains with Master, he rarely had a chance to enjoy processed foods. Trips into the city with Seo Jeong-jin were occasional at best, and while he had sampled things then, the thrilling flavor of something like cola still felt like a luxury.
In this moment, with the snacks laid out before him, he couldn’t help but feel giddy.
“If it’s not enough, don’t hesitate to ask for more.”
“Then, could I have another cola?”
“Of course. Bring out a whole bottle—it looks like he’s going to want more,” So Hye-yul said with a laugh.
The snacks were exquisite—sweets he had never tasted before. He kept reaching for more without realizing it.
He even began to speak to the chairman casually, as if she were his master.
So Hye-yul didn’t touch the snacks herself. Instead, she watched him, a thoughtful expression in her eyes.
“Do Gyeon-woo likes cola too. Seems you two have that in common.”
“Huh?”
“Not long ago, I had a conversation like this with another student—Do Gyeon-woo. He enjoyed the snacks just as much as you do. Took some home with him, even. You’re welcome to do the same.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I’ll tell Secretary Oh to pack some for you before you leave.”
“Thank you so much, Madam Chair!”
Han-byeol’s face lit up with a broad grin. There wasn’t a trace of guardedness in his expression.
He was pure, naïve, and transparent.
‘I couldn’t figure out what Do Gyeon-woo was thinking. But this one… he’s different.’
How could I make use of him? So Hye-yul wondered as she gently sipped her drink through a straw.
Having come to an initial judgment, she steered the conversation toward its true purpose.
“Han-byeol, I feel sorry saying this, but even though you’re Jeong-jin’s disciple and come with his recommendation, that alone doesn’t guarantee admission. His reputation is indeed remarkable, and I do have a connection with him—but you didn’t apply for the entrance exam, nor have you demonstrated your skills. It wouldn’t be fair to the others.”
“…”
“So, I’m in a bit of a bind. Even as chairman, there are limits to what I can do. I regret bringing you all the way here under these circumstances.”
Admission might not be possible.
She delivered the words with a practiced sympathy, wanting to see how he would react. If he grovelled or begged, she could’ve taken advantage of that.
After all, he was Seo Jeong-jin’s disciple—useful under the right conditions.
Especially since, according to rumors, his Gift was…
Just then, he tilted his head and asked, confused:
“Didn’t you just call me ‘Student Kang Han-byeol’ a moment ago?”
“…I suppose I did.”
“Doesn’t that mean you’re already considering me a student of the academy?”
“….”
“Also, before I left, Master said that this alone should be enough as payment. If that’s not the case… I may need to return this to him.”
With an innocent yet sly smile, Han-byeol retrieved a box from his bag and placed it on the table.
At the sight of it, So Hye-yul’s brow twitched slightly.
Only then did she revise her judgment.
‘He really is Jeong-jin’s disciple. He’s not so easily manipulated. He held back his trump card on purpose.’
Not entirely innocent, after all.
He could think for himself.
That made him more interesting.
So Hye-yul crossed her legs, abandoning her earlier attempt at subtle manipulation.
“No, you’re right. I do believe in your potential, Han-byeol. And this wouldn’t be the first time we’ve admitted someone through special recommendation. I can authorize a special admission. But that still leaves one issue…”
“Which is?”
“Your ability.”
“…”
“Being Seo Jeong-jin’s disciple and presenting this item doesn’t prove your skill. At Geumgang Academy, we value ability above background. If your skill falls short, people will say we accept anyone with fame or donations. That would damage the academy’s reputation.”
“How should I prove myself?”
Now that was the kind of response she liked.
She met his gaze. He had already set aside his snacks, his face serious.
No trace of the playful boy remained.
Her golden eyes gleamed with interest.
“Instead of the regular entrance exam, we’ll conduct a private test to assess whether you’re qualified to study here. It’ll be held inside an artificial Gate.”
“An artificial Gate?”
“Have you ever entered one?”
“No. I’ve lived with my master in the mountains all this time.”
“Have you fought monsters before? You lived near Mount Taebaek, right? You must’ve had encounters.”
“Well… yes, plenty.”
“The test will involve defeating monsters in the Gate. Since you have real experience, I don’t think you’ll have trouble. Secretary Oh.”
“Yes, Madam Chair.”
“Take Student Kang Han-byeol to the Dimensional Hall and prepare the test. Do you remember the Gate?”
“Yes, the gray one. I’ve already booked the Gate key.”
“Excellent. I’ll remain here. You’ll be in charge of evaluating him.”
“Understood.”
“Then, Kang Han-byeol.”
“Yes, Madam Chair?”
“Follow Secretary Oh. I wish you success in your challenge.”
As So Hye-yul reached for the box on the table, she gave him a nod of encouragement.
Han-byeol stood, ready to depart—but then turned back with a sheepish grin.
“The snacks were so good… Do you mind if I take some with me?”
“By all means. You’ll need the energy for the trial. Do Gyeon-woo did the same, after all. At your age, you should eat well and grow strong. It’s good to see.”
Chapter 87 — A Walk Through Rodeo Street (Part 2)
In District 23 of the Academy City, where Geumgang Academy was located, vibrant commercial zones stretched endlessly in every direction.
We hopped on a bus from the academy’s rear gate and headed for the nearest downtown area.
Eun-gwang-dong Rodeo Street, District 23.
Shops and entertainment venues lined both sides of the street, bursting with color and noise.
As expected from an academy town, students our age swarmed the streets in groups and on their own.
‘Most of them are probably out shopping for dorm life essentials,’ I thought, watching young students carrying bags in both hands, many still wearing the awkwardness of youth.
Posters plastered storefronts with slogans like:
“Must-haves for Academy Students!”,
“Top 10 Essentials for Dorm Life!”,
and “Dormitory Necessities — Limited Sale!”
Even restaurants boasted banners:
“10% Off for District 23 Academy Students!”
The entire street pulsed with youthful energy.
“There are so many stores… I don’t even know where to start,” someone murmured.
“Hold up. I heard from a senior that there’s a spot nearby that’s pretty cheap and has a lot of cute stuff. It should be this way!”
“A senior? You’re not even enrolled yet and already have connections? Impressive. You’re such a social butterfly.”
“Oh, come on. I just happened to meet one by chance. And if we’re talking about connections, isn’t Do Gyeon-woo the one who knows all the seniors? I mean, he’s from the Sword Path clan…”
“I don’t really hang out with them.”
“Oh… yeah, I guess that’s fair.”
“You were thinking I have no friends, weren’t you?”
“Eh? No, not at all! That never even crossed my mind! And even if you don’t have friends, it’s fine! You’ve got us, Gyeon-woo!”
“Would someone like Do Gyeon-woo even have friends with his personality?”
“He probably just throws out snarky comments to people from the Sword Path clan.”
“It’s practically a miracle we still talk to him. Who else would put up with that attitude?”
“What did you just say.”
“Ah! Eun-bi! Is that the place?”
“That’s it! Let’s go!”
“Geum-dong! Eun-dong! Wait for us!”
Clearly afraid I’d scold them, the triplets bolted ahead at full speed.
I didn’t bother chasing after them. Instead, I walked calmly.
Beside me, Yeon Ha-neul giggled as if everything were a comedy show.
“What’s so funny?”
“The triplets. Just their banter is hilarious. Honestly, I might be the only one patient enough to handle your personality. Which makes me a saint. A Bodhisattva, even.”
“You’re being weird.”
“Wait—did you just bump me? Hey!”
“Yeah. Hey back.”
I gave her a gentle nudge with my hip. She stumbled slightly and retaliated with a bump of her own.
We walked along the lively street, playfully bumping hips.
Apparently, Lisa wanted in.
She tapped my hand with her hip.
“Hey!”
“…?”
“I-It just looked fun… Sorry if I overstepped…”
“Hey.”
“Ah.”
“That’s it? Weak.”
“Let’s sandwich him! You go left, I’ll go right! Let’s get him, Lisa! Hey!”
“Hey!”
…Cowards.
With Yeon Ha-neul bumping into me from the left and Lisa from the right, I was practically bouncing between them.
“You three are having fun without me! Let me join!”
“You’re supposed to be finding the shop, not playing.”
Go Eun-bi pouted but eventually resumed her role as navigator.
Though not for long.
“Hey! Hip attack!”
Without warning, Go Eun-bi—walking ahead—thrust her hips backward, landing a cheeky shot between my legs.
Her face beamed with mischief, clearly pleased with her sneak attack.
I sighed.
“You’re such a kid. You really wanted in that badly? Fine, here—take this. Hey.”
“Eek!”
She jumped in shock at the light bump I returned.
It wasn’t hard, but her exaggerated reaction made it all the more amusing.
I wound up again, swinging my hips forward rhythmically.
“Hey.”
“Eek! Quit it!”
“Hey!”
“O-okay, okay! I give up!”
Go Eun-bi spun around and threw her hands behind her, covering her rear as she scampered forward to escape.
Watching her waddle protectively away made me laugh out loud.
Then I felt a stare from the side.
“…What is it?” I asked.
“You enjoying yourself?”
“….”
“Is it fun?”
“…Not really. It’s getting old.”
Yeon Ha-neul was looking at me, her eyes oddly frosty.
‘Did I do something wrong?’ I wondered.
No matter how I turned it over in my head, I couldn’t figure it out.
At times like this, the best course is silence.
I decided to seal away the power of my hips.
And with that, my behind returned to its formal, composed posture—as if nothing had ever happened.
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