Chapter 100: Resolution (3)

One hour before dawn.

I was sitting at my dark desk, arms crossed in front of me, lost in thought.

The faint light coming in from the east, more than the artificial lights, helped organize my thoughts, so I didn’t turn on the room’s lighting.

Uncrossing my arms, I picked up a sheet of paper from the desk. It was a document that Speedweapon had printed, containing information about the suspected villains.

== ==

▣ Personal Information

① Herbal Jean – Assistant instructor for the 2nd-year character class.

② Gilgamesh – Supply manager in the administrative office.

③ Ebiya Shiro – Gardener of Joaquin Academy’s district 8.

④ Chae Seo-In – Assistant instructor for the 3rd-year justice class.

⑤ Ling Xiao – Supervisor of Dormitory D.

== ==

“…So it’s these five.”

As my gaze slowly scanned the list, I murmured to myself.

I knew they would be spread across different positions, but I didn’t expect such a wide variety of roles.

From instructors and staff to a gardener and a dormitory supervisor.

Even though there were only five, their positions allowed them to move freely and operate unnoticed within the academy.

‘Do they prefer jobs that don’t attract attention but give them plenty of mobility?’

However, I didn’t see the ‘professor’ that Choi Seol-Ah had mentioned before on the list.

According to her, this so-called professor was the stallion of Kuarne, the Commander of the 2nd Corps.

As I had said before, with the Commander of the 1st Corps sealed away, the most influential figure among the demons was Kuarne. Of course, this was a world where the Demon King was the final boss, but—

The Demon King was such an obscure figure that some even doubted his existence. For humanity today, the greatest threat was Kuarne. Even among demons, they treated the Commander of the 2nd Corps as their true leader.

That professor, being Kuarne’s stallion, was likely the core and mastermind behind the villains in the academy. If I could catch him, I could dismantle the entire network of villains within the school.

Resting my chin on my hand, I lightly tapped the paper with my nails.

“I hope it’s one of these bastards…”

Of course, considering the flexibility of a hidden identity, it was possible that the professor switched roles.

Additionally, according to Choi Seol-Ah, this guy was a pervert obsessed with his position as a professor. So, it was likely he wasn’t among these five.

‘What a hassle.’

I closed the document and stood up from my chair.

Turning my gaze toward the window, I saw the first light of dawn beginning to appear over the hills.

As I watched the scene, the thoughts filling my mind gradually faded.

I spent a while looking at the newborn glow of the sun before checking the time on the wall clock.

It was seven in the morning. Two hours remained until my meeting with Speedweapon at the director’s office.

When I had suggested accompanying me to Media’s office a few hours ago at the hospital, his reaction had been… exaggerated.

He asked if he needed to wear formal attire or something similar, to which I simply told him to come dressed comfortably.

Well, although Media occasionally visited me, it wasn’t common for a mere cadet to have a private meeting with the director. In fact, it was almost impossible.

…Even so, Speedweapon’s reaction was excessive. Sometimes, his enthusiasm bordered on the absurd.

My initial plan was to go alone to speak with Media, but I decided to modify it slightly and bring Speedweapon with me.

The reason was simple: Speedweapon, known for his ability to talk endlessly, would explain everything for me.

During the time Ryozo was hospitalized, Speedweapon played a crucial role as the brains behind the investigation to identify the villains.

He knew the details better than any of us and was a compulsive storyteller. Was there anyone more suited for the job?

‘…Though bringing Speedweapon isn’t just for that reason…’

While looking at the night sky from the hospital, I made a decision.

The stars twinkled timidly under the bright moonlight. The dim glow always attracted insects, but none dared approach the sun.

In the presence of something so overwhelming, any creature instinctively recoils. It’s a basic matter of survival.

When someone holds only a mediocre position or power, they easily get caught up in trivial matters. Having just one of those qualities isn’t enough; both must be present. I learned this by observing someone.

‘The Sword Master, Siegfried.’

Until now, everything had been a series of dangers. In every situation, I relied on my experience and cunning to get through.

But now, things were different. The people around me were starting to be affected.

Ryozo was injured. Leon became a target for the villains. All of this was a consequence of my actions.

I had no regrets. At that moment, I acted to survive and prevent the course of history from being altered.

If I were to blame myself for every one of these incidents, then even my arrival in this world would be a mistake.

“……”

I closed my eyes and then opened them again. The high sun cast its light over my face. Its intense rays felt like someone’s gaze pressing upon me.

Even so, I didn’t look away from the sun. My eyes burned under the direct light, but I didn’t blink. A strange determination ignited within me.

‘Power alone is not enough.’

A solid foundation is needed to support it, something so unreachable that no one would dare challenge it.

I recalled the absurd moments of the past when I did everything possible to adapt to this world’s rules. A slight sigh escaped my lips at the thought.

However, I can’t stop now. The decision is made. To move forward, I must accept both the responsibility and the risks.

I headed for the shower to get ready. The hands of the wall clock already pointed to eight.

***

Inside the office of the academy director.

Around a large central table, three imposing figures were seated. In the center, with the window behind her, sat the wise Media.

To her right was the Sword Master Siegfried, and to her left, Altair, the head of the Auditore family.

Even though they remained seated, their mere presence made the air in the room feel physically heavy. The atmosphere was so oppressive that an ordinary person would have had difficulty breathing.

Amid the tense silence, Media broke the ice, fixing her cold gaze on Altair.

“So, Altair, you’re saying all of this started because of that Cladi among the elders?”

“Yes, that’s correct. It seems he convinced the council of elders. Furthermore, the demon incident during the midterm exams was also his doing.”

“And the attack during the final exams? Is it related?”

“It’s too early to confirm; we only started the investigation a couple of days ago.”

Altair responded formally. Despite being known as the “Old Man of the Mountain,” he was two years younger than Media.

Altair added more details.

“We reviewed Cladi’s financial records and discovered that he hired the Undertakers, those human butchers specialized in clean-up jobs.”

“Undertakers? Those damned hitmen?”

“Additionally, we have reports that they were last seen near the port close to Avalon Island.”

“Even on Avalon Island…?”

Media’s face filled with rage. The cups on the table trembled, and an overwhelming murderous aura emanated from her, so oppressive it seemed to suffocate the air.

Crash!

Finally, one of the cups Siegfried was holding shattered. Siegfried observed the shards for a moment before letting out a sigh.

“Media, control yourself a little.”

“…You think I have a reason to calm down? What should I do, drink tea like you? I’m an educator. It’s my duty to protect all the cadets in this academy. But now, it turns out that one of the academy’s inner figures, an elder no less, is a traitor.”

Her tone was devoid of any hint of humor or lightness, and her gaze was as cold as her fury was intense. The air in the room was tense, like a string stretched to its limit.

Siegfried placed the broken handle of the cup on the table with a dry sound. His expression hardened as he spoke in a low, firm voice.

“You’re not the only one who’s angry. Did you forget that my granddaughter is also a cadet at this academy? And besides…”

Siegfried paused and directed his gaze toward Media, gesturing toward Altair, whose face was just as grim.

Media couldn’t help but fall silent.

“…”

Siegfried’s granddaughter, Abel, was also a student at Joaquin Academy and had been injured during the midterms.

It wasn’t just Media who was furious; these two men, both fathers of students, were also holding back a rage they could barely contain.

Until now, their patience had held thanks to their superhuman self-control, but even that had its limits.

Siegfried looked at Altair and asked.

“Do you have enough evidence?”

“Using the Auditore family’s resources, we gathered evidence for two months and verified it multiple times. We’re ready to act immediately without any issues.”

“Understood.”

For a moment, there was deadly silence. Then, a wave of killing intent emanated from Siegfried, causing the books on the shelves to shake violently before falling to the floor.

“This night…”

Knock, knock.

Just as Siegfried was about to speak, the sound of knocking echoed at the door.

“Director, sorry for the interruption, but I have an urgent matter to attend to.”

The tense atmosphere was abruptly interrupted by that voice, leaving the three momentarily perplexed.

From the other side of the door, the voice sounded again, clear and firm.

“I am Kang Geom-Ma.”

* * *

When Kang Geom-Ma identified himself, the door to the director’s office opened.

A cold chill swept across Speedweapon’s face from inside, making him shudder.

He was already stiff from the tension, but now he felt like he couldn’t breathe.

As he broke into a cold sweat, Kang Geom-Ma gestured with his head, as if nothing was happening, and said,

“What are you doing? Let’s go in.”

“Ah, y-yeah… okay.”

Kang Geom-Ma walked in calmly despite the heavy atmosphere, and Speedweapon, after wetting his dry lips, followed him.

Upon entering the office, Speedweapon’s eyes widened. The disorder was evident—books scattered across the floor, fresh cracks in the walls and floor.

But what shocked him the most was the presence of those seated on the sofas.

Media, as the director, was there, which was expected. But also present were the Sword Master Siegfried and an old man who exuded an overwhelming presence that was difficult to put into words.

Media, with a mix of discomfort and surprise on her face, asked,

“Our Geom-Ma! What brings you here?”

“I had some free time, so I came to report on what happened during the final exams and relay some important matters.”

“Ah, I see. And… the friend with you, is he… Speedweapon? The member of the exploration club!”

“D-Does the director really know my name?”

Speedweapon was genuinely shocked, stammering as Media smiled warmly.

“I like to learn the names of the academy’s students when I have time. Even if I don’t see their faces often, I am the director, aren’t I? They spend three years here, and it would be shameful not to know their names. Though, of course, my memory fails me sometimes.”

“That just shows you’re getting old, Media,” Siegfried chimed in, waiting for the perfect moment to throw his jab.

“Hey, Siegfried! Is that something you say in front of students?”

“And didn’t you embarrass me in front of them earlier?”

“Look at this shameless man! How can you be so petty even with all that gray in your hair?”

As Media and Siegfried bickered, Kang Geom-Ma turned to Altair and remarked,

“I thought you had returned to Sicily.”

“Media called me urgently, so I came on a private flight last night.”

“…The Auditores have private planes?”

“Of course. Don’t you have one?”

“……”

Kang Geom-Ma didn’t answer, but he clicked his tongue slightly. Altair let out a hearty laugh, and suddenly, his eyes gleamed as he said,

“By the way, your gaze has improved quite a bit these days. You’re definitely one of us.”

“…That’s an insult.”

“Ha-ha! It’s a compliment, kid, a compliment.”

As Kang Geom-Ma and Altair exchanged words, Speedweapon was left speechless. That cheerful old man was Altair, the head of the Auditore family? He couldn’t believe it.

His surprise quickly turned into anxiety as he remembered why he was there. Kang Geom-Ma had asked him to explain everything in his place.

Although he initially accepted because it was a rare opportunity to be near the imposing Media, he hadn’t expected to give a presentation in front of such an intimidating group.

His hands trembled slightly, and his eyes darted around, searching for an escape.

But then, Kang Geom-Ma shot him a look and gave him a few light pats on the shoulder.

“Just do it like always, Speedweapon.”

Kang Geom-Ma’s words calmed Speedweapon. His erratic gaze steadied, and the sound of his frantic heartbeat began to subside.

“If you put it that way, president, I’ll do it.”

Kang Geom-Ma gave a faint smile at Speedweapon’s determined response and then cleared his throat forcefully.

This gesture caught everyone’s attention, directing their gazes toward him.

“My friend here will explain everything to you in detail.”

Hearing those words, Speedweapon tilted his head slightly and stepped forward.

He swallowed to moisten his dry throat, cleared it a little more, and began preparing himself.

Speedweapon took a deep breath, summoning his courage, and finally spoke.

“I will begin the explanation.”

And so, it began.