I Entered an Academy in a Ruined Game

Chapter 25 : Spy (2)

"One! Two! Aren't you opening your chest!"

"Maintain your core!"

"Urrrgh."

After the still not-adapted-to hellish morning roll call ended.

"Hey."

Hong In-hyeon approached Su-hyeon who was returning to the dormitory.

"What is it?"

Resentment, jealousy, competitive spirit, and embarrassment appeared on Hong In-hyeon's face in succession.

"......About yesterday's match."

Hong In-hyeon bit his lip, recalling the overwhelming defeat he experienced for the first time in his life.

"Next time we fight, it won't be like yesterday."

"Really?"

"We're awakened, not boxers."

"Hmm."

'No need to concern myself unnecessarily.'

Su-hyeon muttered inwardly.

Hong In-hyeon's true value lay in his ability to manipulate wind freely while utilizing his excellent combat sense, not the type to go around beating everyone with his fists like Oh Chang-seong.

'He accepted it quickly. He's got great tenacity, but not narrow-minded enough to be stubborn.'

"You're right. In the end, the side that maximizes their power by making good use of their characteristics wins."

Su-hyeon said.

"Seo Jun-seong, Lee Yu-jin, Hwang Ji-su. I thought I just had to surpass those three."

Hong In-hyeon's expression became complicated.

"Maybe I'll have to get past you first."

At those words, Su-hyeon couldn't help but smile a little.

"Is that so?"

Hwang Ji-su, who was watching Su-hyeon yet again today, clicked her tongue at their conversation.

'Hong In-hyeon, you think you can surpass me?'

It was an absurd dream.

'That will definitely never happen. Because I'm the one who'll be the best.'

She didn't want to be a daughter struggling within her parents' intentions and calculations.

To avoid that, she first needed to become the best here.

Seo Jun-seong, the one she needed to surpass; Lee Yu-jin, the one she needed to measure against; Hong In-hyeon, the one whose pursuit she needed to shake off.

And Jeong Su-hyeon, who seemed to fit into none of these three categories.

She had many competitors to worry about.......

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Instructor Lim Ye-sun's class continued today without flexibility or humor.

"Why is the current generation classified as the third generation? What exactly is the difference from the second generation? The answer is simple. It's because the relationship between the Execution Force and Ma-in has changed."

Her dark circles had descended even further than last class, making it look like she was wearing sunglasses when viewed from a distance.

"The Execution Force, and professional Hunters who formed a joint front with them. The Ma-in purge led by these two forces was largely successful. The balance of power clearly tilted toward human society. However, that doesn't mean the resistance of Ma-in disappeared."

'That's the problem.'

"The war gradually took on a form closer to one-sided hunting. However, the truly strong and sinister Ma-in joined forces among themselves and hid in the shadows."

The method of fighting had changed.

"Ma-in destroyed social order and killed people. Therefore, the mission of the Execution Force also changed. It became important to track and capture Ma-in that appear at every moment, while also identifying and suppressing Ma-in groups operating in the underworld like armed terrorist organizations."

This was the general flow of the third generation of the Gate Era.

Hunters and demonic beasts, Execution Force and Ma-in.

Numerous battles and events unfolding as the four axes competed.

This was also the theme that ran through the scenario of Edge of Gate.

"The current situation can be described as a civilized society exposed to guerrilla attacks by resistance fighters. The problem is that the higher-level Ma-in are more cunning, persistent, and stronger than humans."

Instructor Lim Ye-sun roughly sketched a world map on the blackboard.

"As you know, the story so far is limited to South Korea. The situation in other countries isn't very good. Look at this."

For instance, Italy with its rugged mountainous regions suffered great damage, and in the UK, only England survived, but it was heavily isolated after its proud naval power took a severe hit from demonic beasts.

The Balkan Peninsula, Europe's powder keg, suffered great damage as various conflicts grew due to the rise of demonic beasts and Ma-in.

China was like a Warring States period with warlords of mixed humans and Ma-in, while Japan was close to an east-west division structure with only the Kanto region maintaining proper civilization.

"South Korea was a country that could be considered at the top in terms of social stability. But now it can no longer be called safe."

Lim Ye-sun's words were neither exaggeration nor fear-mongering.

"The offensive of the Ma-in is getting stronger. Perhaps they have already acquired power beyond our calculation."

"May I ask why you view it that way?"

Seo Jun-seong asked.

"It's simply a matter of statistics. Attacks by Ma-in are becoming more frequent. Just a few days ago, there was an incident where an Execution Force branch was attacked by a group of Ma-in."

"!"

"Of course, the attackers were close to being a ragtag bunch of misfits. I guess there must be an entity that sent them, but due to some sort of restriction placed on them, they're not making any confessions. More specialized measures are planned to be taken for this case."

'It's their doing.'

Though it would still take time for this fact to be revealed.

The forces behind the attack on the Execution Force branch and those who infiltrated Assistant Jo Jin-myeong were the same group.

"Also, a week ago, Hunters who entered a dungeon were all killed due to the emergence of Ma-in. The Execution Force on standby nearby ultimately failed to capture the Ma-in."

'It seems the recovery unit was deployed.'

Recovery unit.

A special force that some high-ranking Ma-in organizations operate on their own, like the Execution Force, to increase their comrades.

'Imitation and overcoming directed at each other. That's how tactics on both sides are refined and become sophisticated.'

Just from this, one could tell they were no ordinary opponents.

'......That's why Edge of Gate is a ruined game.'

"The two incidents I mentioned have not yet been reported in the media. But you are cadets who will eventually become Execution Force members anyway. It would be good to know how serious the current situation is."

"Yes, ma'am."

The cadets' faces grew serious.

"Remember. The longer the chaos continues, the deeper the darkness grows. It's been nearly a hundred years since the Gate Era began. We've won victories after two long wars, but."

Lim Ye-sun's words were almost prophetic.

"Perhaps future generations will say that this period was nothing more than a short era of peace."

The 50-minute class soon came to an end.

"Hmm. The talk went on too long. As expected, a one-hour class ends too quickly."

Instructor Lim Ye-sun, checking the time, organized her simple attendance book.

'These kids.'

She smiled inwardly at the cadets whose bottoms were fidgeting, ready to rush to the cafeteria as soon as the bell rang.

Only her expression was colder than ice.

"Just in case, I should remind you that you know not to use your characteristics when running, right?"

"Yes!"

"Rushing me with your eyes won't make me end before the bell rings."

"......!"

"What's on the lunch menu today?"

"Onion soup, donburi rice bowl, salad, and kimchi!"

Kim Ho-su, who might not know the textbook content but knew this information better than anyone, answered immediately.

"Not bad."

Lim Ye-sun nodded and said.

"Today's class ends here. In the next class, we'll start getting into heavier topics as we introduce the current state of affairs. I hope for an active class based on the materials each of you has prepared in advance."

"Understood."

"That's all for today. Class President...... don't you have one yet?"

"We do!"

"Then let the Class President conclude."

Lee Yu-jin stood up.

"Attention. Salute to the instructor."

"Thank you for your hard work!"

At the same time, the bell signaling the end of class rang.

'That's an eerily accurate timing.'

Su-hyeon inwardly thought while looking at Instructor Lim Ye-sun.

'Talk about being precise like Kant.'

"Move!"

"I'm first!"

Wooooosh!

The first to dash out was Kim Ho-su, Class 1's fastest man, followed by Kwon Seung-yeon, Jeremy McGarr, and Hong In-hyeon.

"Get away! I'll be the first to eat!"

"No way!"

"All of you, get lost!"

After they rushed out like a swarm of locusts, only Su-hyeon, Nam Tae-hoon, Lee Yu-jin, and Seo Jun-seong remained.

"Let's go too."

"Can I eat with you guys?"

At Lee Yu-jin's question, Su-hyeon turned around and thought.

'I guess she doesn't have close friends besides Song Yu-ha.'

Since lunch, unlike dinner, was eaten by class units, it was natural to be concerned about such things.

'What a student-like event.'

"I don't mind."

"Me neither."

Lee Yu-jin smiled broadly at Su-hyeon and Nam Tae-hoon's words.

"Thanks."

"Hmm."

Then Seo Jun-seong, who had been quietly standing beside them, cleared his throat.

"......Can I eat with you too?"

"......Sure."

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Crack!

"Keeeeeek!"

In what they called the Catacomb, a secret bunker of the Ma-in.

Somewhere in an underground space built to avoid the eyes of the human world, a Ma-in who had killed numerous fellow Hunters and fled a week ago was now screaming in fear with one arm crushed.

"If you squawk one more time, I'll pluck out your eyes right away."

"Keuruk......."

Once driven mad by murderous impulses, he was now no different from a cowering dog with its tail tucked, trembling before enormous beasts.

"Useless."

The man sitting in the center dismissed him.

"Below grade F."

Just as not all mutations are improvements.

Not all Ma-in transformations are successful.

"He can be used as cannon fodder. Just isolate him appropriately."

"That's a shame."

The Vampire Queen with pale skin and unusually long fangs crossed her legs.

"He's a chess piece for Him. We can't just put any pebble on the board."

"Who's saying anything? I'm just saying it's a shame for a new recruit."

The Vampire Queen smacked her lips at the man's words, which overflowed with loyalty to someone.

"By the way, how is Jo Jin-myeong doing?"

"I heard he might have trouble meeting the deadline."

"Really?"

"Useless trash."

A Ma-in with the form of an Asura, having three faces and six arms, dismissed.

"One who cannot even perform his own task is worthless."

"Then this is a mission failure. Shouldn't we slice off at least one ear?"

A man wrapped in a black cloak muttered.

"Be patient."

The Vampire Queen smiled.

"His face is to my taste."

"She's going crazy again."

"My, that's harsh. I'm joking."

The Queen waved her hand.

"Why so serious?"

"No. This is a serious matter. He didn't complete his mission on time. Appropriate punishment is necessary."

He muttered compulsively, cracking his neck.

"It's not like he's really failed yet."

"Then at the very least. We should warn him of severe punishment."

"You just want to cut people up."

At that.

His cracking neck stopped.

"Is that wrong?"

"Ugh, what am I doing talking to you."

"If you cut him up, give me a piece too. I'm hungry."

A man with an abnormally large face and mouth compared to his skinny body said.

"No. That can't be done. That would be aggravating the punishment. It's not fair."

"Then just one bite."

"Impossible."

"No matter how many times I see it, I can't get used to the conversations here."

The Vampire Queen chuckled.

"Anyway, that Jin-myeong boy is quite skilled. I wonder what's going on."

The Vampire Queen muttered, flicking her long fangs with her tongue.

"......He says some cadet keeps appearing during patrol time."

"A cadet?"

The man seated in the center said.

"Whether that guy knows something or not, it doesn't seem to be a situation we can ignore and proceed."

"Hmm. Surely that kid hasn't betrayed us, has he?"

An old man in a lab coat with all his hair fallen out and skin grotesquely decayed asked suspiciously.

"Have you forgotten what my ability is? He's my chess piece. It would be faster for him to burst his own brain than to escape from me."

"True. I'd rather surrender to the Execution Force than have my brain kneaded by that guy."

To the words of a man holding a rusty, gapped longsword, the seated man coldly replied.

"Hmph. Don't worry. I won't harm even worm-like comrades. Everything is for Him after all."

"You annoying bastard. If your head flies off someday, know it was me."

"Try it if you can."

"Yes, yes. Go fight outside."

"More importantly."

A skinhead man who proudly emphasized his body scars with tattoos said.

"That cadet guy. Can't we just kill him without making it complicated?"

"An assistant killing a cadet? That would be a disaster, spy or not. Think before you speak."

At the skinhead man's ridicule from the man with the rusty sword, the skinhead tilted his head.

"......Then can I kill you instead?"

"Try it, you idiot."

"Stop it, all of you. I'm getting annoyed."

"That's what I'm saying. What are you, middle school kids?"

"I'm hungry. I want brain fluid. Crunch crunch slurp."

Looking at the behavior of everyone saying whatever they wanted, the Vampire Queen laughed.

"Hahaha, truly nothing but madmen here."

But.

'Any of the executives here are strong and twisted enough to cause terrible massacres if released into the human world.'

She could hardly contain herself from wanting to see that sight as soon as possible.

"Ah~ Anyway, I want to tear the unripe flesh of cadets. I want to see the faces of the little brats who think they're something, terrified and whining for their mommies and daddies."

Everyone excitedly chattered at someone's candid malice.

"I agree with that!"

"It's deserved retribution."

"I've been waiting for this moment for a very long time!"

"I have a grudge against the instructors. That bastard must die."

"It'll be entertaining to watch anyway."

The man seated in the center displayed an unstoppable murderous intent on his otherwise composed face.

"The sight of hanging the necks of those little brats, exalted as future pillars and heroes, and those instructor bastards who have harmed countless of our comrades, on the school gate."

"That would be quite a spectacle!"

Everyone in the gathering burst into laughter.

It was a sound so terrible and shrill that it could hardly be considered human laughter.

"I'll take care of the camera!"

"Hahahaha!"

From far, far away.

A wave of deep and dank malice was quietly surging in.