I Entered an Academy in a Ruined Game

Chapter 97 : Field Trip (1)

Three days before the field trip.

While all first-year cadets were excited about this rare fun event, only one person, me, didn't feel particularly at ease.

'Another intense event is coming.'

The Ma-in attack was already very dangerous, but this attack also carried a high risk of leading straight to a bad ending with a mass slaughter if something went wrong.

'That bastard is the problem, as usual.'

The second-in-command and figurehead of the 'Sword of Belphegor'.

The true identity of this veiled guy was none other than Hwang Won-jae, Hwang Ji-su's uncle.

'No one knows this fact. Not even his older brother, Chairman Hwang Yong-jae.'

Hwang Won-jae, an outside director and once the troublemaker of the family.

The process by which he established his position and gained the trust of his much older brother to obtain an independent domain.

The subsequent process of achieving overwhelming results without arousing anyone's suspicion was truly like a drama filled with all kinds of schemes.

'He's a troublesome guy.'

Hwang Won-jae was an extremely cunning and intelligent schemer.

Moreover, his mind control ability, enhanced after becoming a Ma-in, was truly terrifying.

Without defense against it, even the strongest awakened ones would find it nearly impossible to resist.

'The problem is that this guy keeps trying to mess with the academy.'

Why do these guys, who are powerful and have sufficient influence and wealth, target academy cadets who aren't even adults yet instead of fighting the Execution Force directly?

'Because it's such a symbolic institution.'

Just as hunters are the forces that suppress demonic beasts, the Execution Force is the force that suppresses Ma-in.

The current state of affairs is that highly trained, talented members maintain the social system by defeating, tracking, and subduing scattered Ma-in through systematic tactics and systems.

And the foundation of that talent pool is EFAC, which boasts the highest status among academies.

'More than 90% of young talents making names for themselves in active service are from here.'

Moreover, with Principal Min Jeong-gap, who has already built legendary achievements and retired, as the central figure, and instructors who possessed team leader to battalion commander-level skills during their active service supporting this place.

The symbolism of EFAC could only be mouth-watering prey for them.

'Ultimately, they want to cause distrust and anxiety about the Execution Force, creating social chaos.'

They were guys who acted with quite a grand plan.

Of course, the academy side, having been attacked by Ma-in once before, is naturally preparing for this field trip with enhanced security.

Nevertheless.

The guy will once again display skill that exceeds the academy's expectations.

'Until about the 15th playthrough, I didn't even know what that guy's identity was.'

That's how cautious and sinister he is.

'In terms of current firepower, there are several Ma-in organizations with power not far behind the Sword of Belphegor.'

But it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the existence of that schemer, Hwang Won-jae, plays a big role in making the Sword of Belphegor the most threatening Ma-in organization.

'Because of that one guy, the Execution Force's characteristic tactical advantage hardly works.'

By now, he's probably controlling the MK-1 guys and directing their operations.

'This will be another life-or-death battle.'

It's dangerous.

But cadets can become stronger once more by overcoming this hardship.

'I can't ruin the play with some half-baked emotional appeal.'

Of course, I was planning to prepare several arrangements to minimize casualties.

Above all.

'I'll catch that guy with my own hands.'

The leader of MK-1, Chu Jinhong.

He's an enemy with tremendous speed that far exceeds the cognitive speed of ordinary humans.

'Even with my current abilities, it's impossible to completely match his speed.'

Therefore.

I'll use the skill points I've accumulated to enhance my Eye Power.

"Good."

Today, I skipped my sparring session with Yu-jin and came into the capsule alone.

What I see before me is a Ma-in holding a rifle.

The NPC who will help with my training today.

The speed of bullets fired from a rifle exceeds 900m per second.

Seeing and avoiding such things is simply impossible for humans.

'That's how it's been until now.'

But from now on, things will be a bit different.

[Would you like to enhance the skill, Eye Power?]

"Yes."

[Using 20 skill points to enhance Eye Power!]

[Eye Power has risen to level 2!]

[You can now activate Tachypsychia Mode!]

Tachypsychia.

It's a term that refers to the phenomenon where time seems to flow slower in very urgent situations, like traffic accidents.

Scientific research suggests it feels like time slows down because the brain processes all visual stimuli that it would normally filter out—which connects to the principle of how the current Eye Power operates.

'Later on, I'll be able to do things like clairvoyance and precognition.'

Of course, it would take an enormous amount of skill points to enhance it once more.

"Well then."

Skills you acquire should be tried right away.

'Eye Power, activate.'

Kiiing!

My vision dimmed to black and white.

'Tachypsychia Mode.'

Thump!

My vision greatly fluctuated.

Data received by my optic nerves rushed into my brain like a flood, making my brain hot.

"Start!"

As the command was given, the NPC slowly raised the gun and aimed at me.

'Like slow motion.'

Tadang!

The scene of the muzzle spitting fire.

The scene of a small bullet flying.

Even the spiral rotation of that bullet was clearly visible to my eyes.

'Slow!'

Whisk whisk.

As I moved my upper body twice, the three bullets had already passed where I had been and lodged in the wall.

Pababak!

'Good feeling.'

My body still couldn't fully keep up with the time my eyes were seeing.

Nevertheless, I could easily avoid the bullets.

'With this skill, I can keep up with Chu Jinhong's speed.'

"Haha."

Smiling at the rising elation, I said to the NPC who had stopped moving.

"Where are you shooting? That's just my afterimage."

"......"

"Ahem."

I just wanted to say this line once.

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The academy's preparations to safely conduct the first-year cadets' field trip were truly stringent.

"Understand? We absolutely cannot allow a second attack to occur."

"Of course!"

The instructors responded with grave expressions to Vice Principal Gong Gi-jeong's words.

"This isn't simply a matter of our pride. Remember that the very situation of us being continuously threatened gives anxiety and fear to the public."

"Understood."

"Now, brief me on how preparations for each class are progressing."

"Yes."

Kim Cheol-han, the homeroom instructor of Class 1, stood up first.

"First, our class will conduct a field trip on an island with a two-day, one-night schedule."

He pointed to a spot on the map.

"On the map, it appears as just empty sea, but it's actually an island used as a retreat for government agents. Not even its existence, let alone its exact location, is known."

"Hmm."

"Since there are several more islands like this domestically, even second or third-year cadets cannot know this location. Only the instructors know."

In other words.

"Unless there is a spy, Ma-in cannot know that we are going there."

"Hmm."

Vice Principal Gong Gi-jeong's gaze momentarily swept over the instructors.

'No one's expression is changing.'

"...Of course, this isn't all. We have specially requested armed police and two units of the Execution Force to patrol the coastline with high-speed boats. They're also equipped with radar that detects magical energy."

"Oh?"

"You're even deploying patrol boats?"

"Yes."

The instructors exclaimed in admiration.

"Finally, we will set up guard outposts around the island to monitor."

Therefore.

"I dare say it's impossible for an attack from outside to bypass our awareness."

"Indeed."

The instructors nodded.

In their opinion too, it seemed impossible to launch a surprise attack through such preparations.

"Additionally, the instructors will also be on standby for emergency deployment. This is to enable rapid engagement along with the Execution Force on patrol in case of contingency."

"Excellent."

Gong Gi-jeong nodded.

"This seems more than adequate in preparations, so everyone remember to maintain vigilance and ensure thorough preparation."

"Understood."

"Good, then next let's hear about Class 2's preparedness..."

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"Hmm."

Ma-in Hwang Won-jae twisted his dry lips as he looked at the document reported by Assistant Jo Jinmyeong.

"They seem quite confident."

"Well, theoretically it is a flawless security posture."

Vampire Queen smiled.

"True. It's not bad. But perhaps because they've been away from active duty for a while? Their vigilance is lacking."

"But that's thanks to you coming up with such an ingenious operation, isn't it? I don't know how you can be so clever."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Huhu, it is a compliment."

Hwang Won-jae checked his watch.

"They should have started by now."

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Dawn, with only faint starlight filtering through the clouds illuminating the sea's surface.

Three rubber boats were quietly cutting through the water, advancing.

"Leader, 10 minutes until arrival."

"Good."

They were the elite executives selected from MK-1 for this operation.

"Everyone get ready. We'll climb up the cliff on the opposite side of the dock."

"Yes!"

'Damn those bastards.'

Leader Chu Jinhong, recalling Hwang Won-jae, ground his molars.

[Their alert posture starts tomorrow. That means right now, there's only a small number of staff on duty without proper security personnel. Infiltrate at dawn, then hide and wait for two days.]

Hwang Won-jae, who somehow knew the academy's schedule and operational plans in great detail.

'Crazy bastard. If you know that much, why don't you just do it yourselves?'

Of course, he knew well how they were treated.

A disposable knife.

Worms who couldn't even resist when those men came right into their headquarters, cut off their members' necks, and warned them to be careful next time.

'Son of a bitch.'

He ground his teeth.

'You think I'll do as you want?'

He would succeed somehow.

He would cut off all their heads and return proudly.

Then quietly sharpen his knife and build his power, and someday meticulously cut off the prominent noses of those detestable faces and put them in formalin...

"Leader, will this be okay?"

He smirked at his subordinate's voice that broke his crazed thoughts.

"Of course. Those bastards may be X, but the operation is perfect. If we follow it exactly, we can completely catch them off guard."

"But..."

"You know, kid, no one can keep up with my speed."

Chu Jinhong revealed clear confidence and said.

"The only ones we need to watch out for are the instructors. And we have a plan to tie them up too, right?"

"That's true."

The simple-minded subordinate easily relaxed at those words.

"Then I trust only you, Leader!"

"Yeah, kid. Just watch this brother's back and follow well."

Shortly after.

The MK-1 members who arrived at the back of the island discarded the rubber boats, climbed up the cliff, and reached the forest.

"Well, let's start right away."

"Oh!"

At Chu Jinhong's words, one man stepped forward.

"Have a cigarette, I'll finish this soon."

"Sure."

The Ma-in's body went through animalization and turned into a mole.

"Dig deep. About 10 meters."

"Yep!"

"Five rooms in total. Make sure each has a bathroom and air hole."

"Hey, is this my first time doing business? Don't worry."

Pabababababak!

Every time the Ma-in swung his hands, tunnels were dug at an incredible speed.

"Wow, really fast."

"If he wasn't here and had joined the military, he would have been loved by A-rank drill sergeants."

"He chose the wrong career path."

"Kukukuk!"

The waiting Ma-in giggled and laughed.

"Quiet, you fools! Is there any reason for a Ma-in to hang around the military and get shot in the head?"

"That guy always has sharp ears."

"And I think this suits my aptitude better!"

"Kekeke. That's true."

"Mm. Guerrillas and tunnels have an inseparable relationship."

Shortly after.

"All done, Leader!"

"Good job. Rest well."

"Yes!"

In less than 30 minutes, a complex and sturdy tunnel system like an ant colony was created.

"You and you go to point A, and you guys go to point C."

"Got it!"

"Just hold out for two days eating emergency rations. Don't cause any trouble."

"Don't worry!"

"Right. The execution date is at 1 AM, two days from now. Don't forget."

"Yes!"

"Kids, no, comrades."

Chu Jinhong looked into the eyes of each member one by one and implored in a solemn voice.

"It's time to bare the fangs we've been sharping. Don't be too careless just because they're young. Even young beasts are still beasts."

"Keep your worries in check!"

"Right."

The man's eyes burned with twisted sense of mission.

"Then everyone, let's meet again alive."