Chapter 32: Thread
“Then, I have a class now, so I’ll be going.”
Even though a considerably long time had passed since Yoo jin left the principal’s office with a brief smile.
The Vice President was not getting up from his seat.
No, he couldn't.
It was the first time.
For a situation to deviate this much from what he had predicted.
‘Money, strength, power, position. If you have those things, can a dead person come back to life?’
How many people had he met, and how many psychological battles had he waged to climb to this position?
That is why he knew.
That this was not a test, a probing, or a push and pull.
‘So, I don’t need it. I don’t.’
It was a statement without an ounce of falsehood or regret.
The Vice President’s eyes, which had been staring into space, drew a diagonal line.
An expression contrary to the look he had shown in the principal’s office until now.
It was a look he would never show in front of people.
Anger?
Frustration?
A sense of humiliation felt for the first time?
All of those would be correct.
But the emotion most deeply etched in his fierce, dark brown eyes was.
“He was not merely a tool.”
The thrill of certainty.
It was true that he had pushed him on purpose to test him.
The usual him would not have cornered someone this much.
However, while investigating the terror incident, he also looked into the person named Yoo jin.
A person with mediocre specs.
Ten years with no information.
That is why he was full of questions.
Especially since the information he found out was completely different from what he had seen with his own eyes.
Then what remained was...
A hollow laugh escaped the Vice President’s lips, which had been set in a serious expression.
“It’s a ridiculous story.”
It was a story that made even him laugh in disbelief.
No matter how much the world had changed with the appearance of Awakened individuals and monsters.
“Ten years is too long. Even the Heavenly King was only gone for a year.”
As it was a preposterous story that left no room for doubt, the Vice President immediately erased that thought from his head.
He had to face reality.
It had been a long time, hadn't it?
Since his first son.
Such a...
A toy that made his heart pound.
The Vice President, who was wearing a faint smile, straightened his clothes and rose from his seat.
Walking toward the door.
“My direct visit was not in vain. However...”
I know people who possess one thing that cannot be exchanged for anything else in the world.
For example, the President and the Ignis Guild Master.
That sort of something exists for this man named Yoo jin as well.
The only thing he couldn't understand was.
“Why a teacher, of all things?”
No matter how much he thought about it, he could not understand why he chose to be a teacher, regarding those amazing things that people are bound to be swayed by as mere stones.
***
The Vice President left the school.
“I was worried, but I’m glad nothing happened.”
“That feels a little offensive, doesn’t it? If someone heard you, they’d think I cause accidents all the time.”
It was Yoo jin meeting Lee Si-wang on the school rooftop.
Lunchtime, which was relatively free.
There was no more appropriate time for catching up on postponed conversations.
“I don’t think that’s wrong.”
“What did you say?”
“Did you forget about the Goblin Fighting Ring?”
“……”
“There was also the kids’ forehead flick incident. Do you know how much I got chewed out by the Guild Master?”
“I already said sorry for not telling you beforehand.”
Despite Yoo jin’s apology, Lee Si-wang did not even make eye contact, like a sulking child.
“Seriously, I’m not someone who should be doing stakeouts. The all-time genius. How did the A-class Rank 1, who was called the best in the Republic of Korea just by his Unique Skill, end up becoming a punching bag?”
“Wow, I didn’t know you had so much self-love? I feel embarrassed complimenting myself out loud.”
Lee Si-wang abruptly turned his head further away at Yoo jin’s playful remark.
“Honestly, you’re not a child.”
It was Lee Si-wang clearly revealing his emotions more than usual.
When I first saw him, he was wearing a hypocritical mask and giving a false smile.
Now, even Yoo jin could see he was expressing genuine emotions.
It must have accumulated over time, although it wasn't that long.
It was understandable, as Lee Si-wang was the second person Yoo jin saw after his return.
He had always been by his side since then.
Cleaning up after the trouble Yoo jin caused.
‘Now that I think about it, I’ve never said something like this before.’
Yoo jin smiled faintly and placed his hand on Lee Si-wang’s shoulder.
“I’m always grateful to you.”
At Yoo jin’s warm words, Lee Si-wang’s gaze met Yoo jin’s.
“Hmph, I didn’t say that to get praised. I’m just asking you to please tell me in advance when something that big happens. I feel like I’m constantly being scolded, and I’m not a child.”
He spoke curtly, but the corners of his lips twitching were clearly visible in Yoo jin’s sight.
‘Tsk. Getting excited over just this much praise. He’s not a child.’
“Anyway. Please be a little more careful about solo actions. A Returnee, no, Teacher Yoo jin’s power is beyond imagination. If you’re not careful, attention could be drawn to you in no time.”
“I know, I know. Don’t worry, I won’t need to use my power unless it’s about the students.”
“It’s a real promise.”
“Oh dear, I know, I know. Want me to pinky swear?”
“Why would I pinky swear, I’m not a child, honestly.”
Although he said that, Lee Si-wang’s expression was now completely relaxed.
Yoo jin, who was smiling lightly while looking at Lee Si-wang, opened his lips.
“Then, shall we get to the main point now? You came here because you had something to report, didn’t you?”
“Ah!”
Lee Si-wang adjusted the sunglasses he was wearing, as if to hide his surprised mouth.
“First, I have something to give you before the report.”
“What? To me?”
“I’m not giving it to you personally.”
Lee Si-wang took something out from inside his pocket and handed it to Yoo jin.
“What is this?”
“I was told to deliver it as a token of appreciation for the Goblin Fighting Ring incident.”
“What? I said I didn’t need any compensation.”
“Please tell that to the Guild Master directly. I was only commanded to deliver it.”
“Honestly, isn’t this a bribe?”
“Oh come on. You wouldn’t fall for a bribe this small.”
“Oh really?”
“Ha ha ha ha. If I don’t deliver this, I’ll get chewed out again.”
“Hah, seriously. I said I don’t need this. But what is it?”
Yoo jin picked up the necklace in Lee Si-wang’s hand.
A silver-shining necklace.
A red gem was embedded in the pendant at the center.
“Not my style? Isn’t this a woman’s accessory?”
“What is a woman’s and a man’s accessory these days? And that necklace, even if it looks like that, is a pretty good Item.”
“This cheap-looking thing?”
Lee Si-wang’s head moved from side to side.
“Teacher Yoo jin, you don’t know much about Items, do you?”
“What do you take me for...”
“Did you wear any Items properly before you went to the Otherworld?”
“……”
Yoo jin stroked his chin.
Now that I think about it.
“I’ve never properly worn an Item in the real world.”
“See? This is such a great Item. If you register it on the market, it’s worth at least 500 million won... Hup!”
Lee Si-wang quickly raised his hand and covered his mouth.
Yoo jin’s eyes went straight.
“Ha... ha ha... I was told not to mention the price... Ha ha ha...”
Thud.
Lee Si-wang’s head drooped.
“Please don’t give it back. I was told absolutely not to mention the price because you wouldn’t accept it if you knew how much it was. This time, I won't just get chewed out. Please...”
“Hah...”
Yoo jin rubbed his forehead roughly.
500 million won?
Is 500 million won some dog’s name?
‘An Item like this just for catching a gang of thugs.’
Yoo jin shifted his gaze from the necklace and looked at Lee Si-wang again.
A tearful face.
No, a face of death.
“He said you could use it however you want. Whether you give it to someone, or sell it somewhere... so please...”
It would be a lie to say I didn’t feel burdened.
The price was one thing.
Receiving something always carries an equivalent weight and meaning.
Still, how could I not accept it looking at that face?
“Tell him I’m thankful. Well, I don’t think I’ll need it... but I’ll use it for something good.”
Lee Si-wang’s face brightened at Yoo jin’s voice.
‘Fine. I’ll just think of it as the reward money for putting those thugs in jail.’
Yoo jin sighed and looked at Lee Si-wang.
“Now then, let’s talk about the real matter.”
At Yoo jin’s voice, Lee Si-wang composed his expression and posture.
“Last weekend, Teacher Lee signed a contract for a penthouse.”
“That cheapskate?”
“Yes. In Gangnam, a place worth over 20 billion won.”
Teacher Lee, who was in charge of lifting the barrier during the terror incident in Year 2 Class A.
Only Yoo jin had suspected Teacher Lee.
As a result of Lee Si-wang’s weeks of stakeout, day and night.
“I believe you already know from the report that he is a ‘saving man,’ contrary to always wearing expensive clothes. We can assume he might overdo it because he likes brand-name clothes, but...”
“Not a penthouse. And definitely not a 20-billion-won one with a teacher’s salary.”
“Yes. No matter how high the annual salary of a teacher at Taewoon High is. He couldn’t have earned 20 billion won in less than 5 years of working. He has no Guild experience, nor is his Rank high.”
“He wasn’t originally from a rich family or anything... was he? I assume you investigated that much.”
Lee Si-wang nodded at Yoo jin’s words.
“At first, I was also suspicious, but after staking him out for a few weeks, I came to the conclusion that he definitely received a large sum of money from someone to do the job.”
Yoo jin had a degree of certainty, but as it turned out to be true, his mind was full of thoughts.
Although it was taken care of in one hit anyway, it was a moment of danger that could have left his students with trauma.
The bastard behind Teacher Lee couldn't have just played with the barrier.
He probably summoned that monster too.
Since the students almost died, a death sentence is already confirmed in this situation.
Nevertheless.
The question would not go away.
Why Year 2 Class A, of all places?
His homeroom class.
‘Why, exactly?’
As Yoo jin remained silent for a long time, Lee Si-wang spoke.
“What are you worrying about? You must have a feeling about it now.”
“……”
“The fact that there was no contact even after this much stakeout means they might have already cut off the tail. If that guy runs away overseas or somewhere else, we might never find him.”
That was not wrong.
Judging from what other people said, there had never been an Awakened individual who could summon a monster of that caliber until now.
Then, naturally, he couldn’t be found through conventional methods.
If he hid, it would be over.
Definitely.
But.
“No. He won’t run away. That guy.”
Lee Si-wang’s face crumpled at Yoo jin’s words.
“Huh? What are you talking about?”
Yoo jin turned his body and moved to the edge of the rooftop, to the railing.
“I don’t know who he is, but I think I figured out what he’s after.”
Lee Si-wang, who didn’t understand Yoo jin’s words, slowly headed toward where Yoo jin was.
“Ten days. Just ten more days, watch that Teacher Lee.”
“Again? What will change if I stake him out for ten more days when they haven’t met until now...”
“After ten days, I’ll go meet him, Teacher Lee.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know if I can hold back, but I’ll have to ask him directly. I can’t let our A-class Rank 1 genius suffer any longer.”
The corners of Lee Si-wang’s lips lifted up at Yoo jin’s voice.
Freedom!
Liberation!
It felt as if a bell was ringing in the sky.
“Is that true! Really! You promised! Ten days! Just ten days!”
“I know. I know!”
“Yahoo! After ten days, I’m free! I don’t have to do stakeouts! Yes! I’ll take a leave! I’ll play all day! Should I go to the public bathhouse! Sweet rice drink after a long time...”
Lee Si-wang raised both hands high like a child.
Who would have imagined?
A-class Rank 1 in the Republic of Korea.
A Hunter who ranks among the top five in the Republic of Korea.
That famous Ignis Vice Guild Master, Lee Si-wang.
To be so delighted, shouting about just a public bathhouse and sweet rice drink.
A grin.
Yoo jin smiled, watching Lee Si-wang jump up and down like an excited kangaroo.
Then.
“Oh, I have one more thing to say.”
Lee Si-wang’s eyes, which were jumping, turned toward Yoo jin.
“That, the sunglasses don’t suit you.”
Clomp.
Lee Si-wang’s feet landed on the ground.
Ding-dong-daeng-dong—
The bell signaling the end of lunchtime echoed on the rooftop.
***
“Well then, you all worked hard in class today. See you tomorrow.”
As soon as Yoo jin’s voice rang out, the Year 2 Class A classroom was filled with cheers.
No matter how much they are Awakened individuals and attend a prestigious high school.
Kids are still kids.
To be so happy that class is over.
The students gathered in groups with their friends and exited the classroom door.
When most of the Class A students had left the classroom.
Swoosh.
Yoo jin stopped in front of a child who was organizing his desk.
“Kid.”
Jin-ho was captured in Yoo jin’s sight.
“Follow me to the rooftop.”
It was the start of the School Violence, Bully Master Education Project.