novelraw Chapter 206 : Night Goblin (1)
Chapter 206 : Night Goblin (1)
The debate over Su-hyeon's early graduation was a very serious one.
"What's clear is that he's not yet an adult," said Vice Principal Gong Gi-jeong.
Principal Min Jeong-gap nodded.
"That's right. Su-hyeon is still only 17 years old."
"Yes. This is a separate issue from his remarkable abilities."
Instructor Lee Ho-seung added a comment.
"If Su-hyeon wanted it, that would be one thing, but he doesn't particularly want that, right?"
"Correct."
Instructor Kim Cheol-han answered instead.
"He says he still has things to learn."
"Heh."
Oh Chang-seong let out a dry laugh.
"That bastard could probably beat me in a fight now."
"No need to be overly modest."
Principal Min Jeong-gap chuckled.
"Of course, his technique is impressive, but that's largely thanks to that... technique passed down by the master who appeared in his dream, allowing him to reverse the situation with one strike. It's somewhat different from pure skill."
"Yes. He apparently still considers himself lacking in many ways."
"Good grief. His ambition is too great."
"It's that ambition that made him what he is today."
The instructors each commented with a laugh.
"There's another reason," said Instructor Kim Cheol-han.
"Graduating him now would be a decision based on the assumption that the current quasi-wartime situation will be prolonged."
"Hmm."
"That's true."
"However, despite the difficulties, we are clearly making every effort to prevent this situation from becoming drawn out."
"I understand what you mean."
Principal Min Jeong-gap nodded.
"Yes. Once this situation is resolved, we should be able to maintain the system and protect citizens' safety without requiring the strength of a genius boy who is still only 17 years old."
"Right. This isn't a full-scale war requiring the mobilization of student soldiers. Appropriate measures for each stage are necessary to avoid problems later."
Principal Min Jeong-gap clapped his hands together to conclude the discussion.
"Very well. Then we won't consider early graduation at this stage. Does anyone object?"
"No."
"Not at all."
"Good. But it's remarkable that we even had to seriously discuss such a matter."
"Indeed."
Vice Principal Gong Gi-jeong said.
"Ten years since the Samcheok Incident. The Ma-in may have unwittingly cultivated their most formidable enemy with their own hands."
"Hmm. The ways of the world are truly complex and mysterious, making it impossible to know what kind of boomerang might return."
"True. However, there's one more thing I believe we should discuss."
Instructor Kim Cheol-han said.
"Please, go ahead."
"One thing that has become clear through this incident is that we need to elevate Cadet Jeong Su-hyeon to the status of a definite outlier and special cadet with the skill and achievements qualifying for early graduation."
"Hmm."
"I agree."
"That's right. I've been thinking about this issue as well."
"How about this? I'll grant Su-hyeon two special privileges."
Principal Min Jeong-gap held up two fingers.
"First, like third-year students, the authority to freely determine his intern schedule and off-campus access."
"...!"
"And second, the guarantee of the right to participate in or abstain from any classes or curricula of his choice."
"This... is truly unprecedented."
In response to someone's dry laugh, Principal Min Jeong-gap said:
"That's because Jeong Su-hyeon's very existence is already unprecedented."
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Two days later.
[There will be a special commendation for Cadet Jeong Su-hyeon. Cadet Jeong Su-hyeon, please come forward.]
Su-hyeon walked proudly to the front as all first, second, and third-year students gathered in the main auditorium watched.
"Wow. He really made a big splash."
"I thought he was different from the first day when he was the only one to survive the physical training."
"Is this even possible? Did he lie about his age?"
"From now on, he's our senior."
"He's so overwhelming that I don't even feel jealous."
[Cadet Jeong Su-hyeon has repeatedly performed remarkable feats against Ma-in to protect citizens, and recently achieved the distinguished accomplishment of defeating 'Spear Devil' Lim Se-jin. Through this incident, the Execution Force seriously requested Cadet Jeong Su-hyeon's early graduation.]
"...!?"
"Early graduation?"
When the unexpected words came out, the cadets were greatly surprised and began murmuring.
"That's..."
Yu-jin's face darkened.
"Early graduation?"
"Good Lord."
Hwang Ji-su and Seo Jun-seong muttered in disbelief.
"Wow. This is actually possible?"
"That's insane."
Kwon Seung-yeon and Hong In-hyeon each expressed different emotions.
"Hic!"
Kim A-yun was so surprised she started hiccupping.
[However. Considering various factors, including the cadet's own wishes, we decided to provide different benefits instead of graduation. First, like third-year cadets...]
As the instructor continued speaking, the auditorium began to stir.
"Wow, that's crazy."
"This is beyond special treatment."
"Wouldn't it be better to just graduate at this point?"
"They said there are adult circumstances."
[...These benefits will be guaranteed to Cadet Jeong Su-hyeon, and furthermore, we have established a new title called 'Special First Place' to be recorded in the academy's history.]
"Special First Place?"
"What's that?"
[Unlike the regular First Place, Special First Place is not a position that can be earned simply by achieving the best grades among all cadets. This means that if no cadet achieves accomplishments of the appropriate caliber, it may not be awarded to anyone in the future.]
"......"
By this point, the cadets were speechless.
[Additionally, the qualification criteria for Special First Place will be none other than Jeong Su-hyeon's achievements as the standard.]
"......"
Clap, clap-clap, clap-clap-clap-clap.
Applause that began in shock spread throughout the auditorium, filling it completely.
"Su-hyeon, congratulations from the bottom of my heart."
Principal Min Jeong-gap offered his hand.
"It's an honor."
Su-hyeon bowed slightly as he accepted the handshake.
"This time you're not declining the commendation?"
"This goes beyond that level, so it seems I have no choice."
"Hahaha! Despite earning such an honor, you remain so detached. No wonder Hae-na likes you!"
"...!?"
Su-hyeon's hair stood on end at this sudden development meant to subtly set him up.
[Unprecedented achievement! You have earned the honor of 'Special First Place' as a first-year cadet!]
['Special First Place' is a special title created solely to commemorate your achievements!]
[Everyone admires this unbelievable accomplishment!]
[Achievement points 2800 awarded!]
'Holy shit.'
Su-hyeon's eyes widened like saucers.
This was beyond a jackpot.
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"Deputy Squad Leader."
While Su-hyeon was being granted the unprecedented honor of Special First Place.
Jo Sujin deliberately sought out the Deputy Commander to confront him.
"Why such a serious face again?"
"Because I'm going to talk about something serious."
"Fine. Go ahead."
"How long are we going to keep plugging holes whenever situations pop up here and there, just watching as kids get ground down?"
"......"
"I realized something this time. Ah, if we keep getting dragged around like this, we'll all end up fucked. It's just a matter of when we fail, not if."
"......"
"Am I wrong?"
The Deputy Squad Leader sighed.
"Even a broken clock is right twice a day."
"What the hell are you saying?!"
"It's a joke, you idiot."
The Deputy Squad Leader's forehead, which spoke without a hint of humor, had receded even further than before.
"You're right. And, of course, our Captain has already suggested to the Chief of Staff that this can't continue."
Sujin's wrinkled expression relaxed a bit.
"I knew it! So what did they say?"
"The problem is, we're in a position of defending in the open, while those bastards hide in the shadows, running away and repeatedly causing trouble. I agree with that assessment."
"Right. That's the fucking problem."
"Until now, we've been able to control that dynamic with our strength. But the enemy's forces are gradually growing stronger, while our strategy has remained similar. We need change."
The Deputy Squad Leader rolled a cigarette.
"Ah shit, indoor smoking."
"It's my office. If you don't like it, you can leave."
The Deputy Squad Leader cackled.
"You've read history books? Even the superpower America, after pouring in money and soldiers, eventually withdrew because they were determined to hide in the jungle and wage guerrilla warfare."
"I know. So?"
"If we could just draw them all out and wipe them out at once, we would still have a clear advantage in terms of strength."
"Are you saying...?"
"Yes. They're preparing a massive operation."
"Hehehe. Now that's more like it! That's the Execution Force I know!"
Sujin pounded the desk in excitement.
"It's not far off, so keep the kids' mouths shut. Let's hang in there until then."
"How can I keep their mouths shut when you haven't told me anything? All I know is that something's happening!"
Sujin grumbled.
"I don't know the details either, you idiot."
"Come on. What do you know?"
"I told you not to speak informally."
"Huh?"
"Sigh. I should just stop talking."
Cigarette smoke mixed with the Deputy Squad Leader's sigh, and.
Whiiiiing!
The sylph summoned by Sujin created a wind barrier, giving the Deputy Squad Leader a taste of his own secondhand smoke.
"By the way, that Jeong Su-hyeon, he's really something."
"I know, right? What did I tell you?"
"You were bitching about why we had to bring such a troublesome asset when we were already struggling to death."
"Well, that was then, this is now."
Sujin switched her stance as naturally as breathing.
"Anyway, he's an amazing kid. After training him under you for a bit, maybe later we can make him a separate Squad Leader..."
"Are you crazy!? That would mean death for both you and the Deputy Squad Leader!"
Sujin screeched.
"This brat's insubordination comes as naturally as breathing now."
"I don't care! You can't take him until there's dirt in my eyes!"
Sujin's eyes changed.
"Do you really want to see me throwing a tantrum while lying down here?!"
"There you go again."
"Are you saying you're making me like this right now!?"
"I was just considering the possibility."
"Don't consider it!"
"Aiyoo."
Sure enough, meeting strong opposition, the Deputy Squad Leader sighed and changed the subject.
"Anyway. Encourage the kids and hang in there a little longer."
"Can I really have expectations?"
"You should."
The Deputy Squad Leader smiled.
"Humanity's counterattack will begin soon."
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Chairman Hwang Yong-jae was having busy days due to the recently increased workload.
"It's a problem when things go too well. I'm going to die from overwork."
"Chairman, it's harmful to your health if you push yourself too hard."
Despite Chief Kim's concerns, Chairman Hwang Yong-jae merely shrugged.
"You have to row when the tide comes in. You can rest when the tide goes out."
"......"
"I wonder when our Ji-su will grow up and take over her father's work."
Chairman Hwang Yong-jae smiled as he thought of his diligent and obedient second daughter.
"Our Ji-a is working hard, so there's nothing to worry about."
"Indeed."
"Hmm."
Chairman Hwang Yong-jae, who had been thinking with his eyes closed, opened his mouth.
"Has there been an increase in impulsive actions from the PMC side?"
"Yes. It seems that because there are many differences compared to hunting demonic beasts, some Awakened ones are showing excessively violent behavior."
"I see. This was an anticipated risk, but it's not good if such stories keep coming up."
"Should we create and distribute related guidelines?"
"That's not enough. We need to develop specific measures. Let's put it on the agenda for the afternoon meeting."
"Understood."
"...Also call Won-jae."
"Do you mean Director Hwang Won-jae?"
"Yes."
Chairman Hwang Yong-jae nodded.
"I want to see my brother's face after a while."
"I'll contact him right away."
"Yes, do that. Tell him to cancel his schedule if possible and come right away."
"Understood."
"Haha. My brother is calling me?"
Hwang Won-jae, upon receiving the secretary's report, grinned widely.
"I should go, of course. Absolutely."
"Then I'll cancel your external meeting schedule."
"Of course. I'll contact them personally to ask for understanding."
"Yes. Understood."
Hwang Won-jae, darkening his pupils and containing the fluctuating magical energy in his heart, said:
"Prepare whiskey. I should drink with my brother."