Chapter 99.1

Chapter 99 – Rule 31: The Leader Restores Order in Academy City (1)

Somewhere in the world.

A land of night where goblins roamed and lanterns floated in the dark.

In the main hall of the Goblin Palace, a goblin sat on the throne, resting his chin on his hand.

Two towering goblins, both holding magic clubs, stood guard around the king. They wore modified hanbok uniforms resembling those of military officers from the Joseon Dynasty.

The Goblin King’s thin eyes turned toward the intruder who had entered the main hall.
A girl in a school uniform.

With flowing golden hair, she walked forward.

She had the appearance of a human.

[What business does a Fragment of the Golden Sheep have in my realm? I don’t recall inviting you, nor granting you permission to enter.]

The Goblin King asked in a calm tone, but his wariness was palpable.

“Spatial restrictions are meaningless before me.”

The intruder with golden hair, Geumyang, stopped and folded her arms, responding with a sullen attitude.

“You’re the Goblin King, right? I’ve got something to discuss.”

Geumyang had been closely watching Ahn Woo-jin and Kim Dalbi. She had noticed something unacceptable and, seeking to resolve it, had crossed space into the goblins’ realm.

This was another world, separate from the one Woo-jin lived in.

A place inhabited by beings beyond human perception, high-ranking entities often regarded by humans as ‘gods.’

“Kim Dalbi. The cost of using her power seems incredibly unfair.”

[Does being a Fragment of the Golden Sheep give you the right to meddle in others’ affairs?]

The Goblin King retorted in a voice laced with subtle dissatisfaction.

[What I desire are vivid resources born from intense memories and emotions. I fail to see what about that offends you. In fact, the ability to use my power to such an extent should be cause for joy.]

A Unique Ability.

As Geumyang had explained to Woo-jin, it is a branch of power bestowed by higher-dimensional beings.

The Unique Ability Kim Dalbi possessed was derived from the Goblin King.

[But why are you so concerned with our affairs?]

“It’s simple—I find it irritating.”

[Huh?]

“Seeing her lose her memories isn’t exactly pleasant from my perspective.”

The Goblin King let out a deep sigh.

[I had no intention of making a contract with that human in the first place.]

“…I didn’t expect that answer. What do you mean?”

[There was a human who made a proposal. I found it intriguing, so I graciously considered it. That human offered the memories and emotions of Kim Dalbi, a magic-wielding human, as collateral. It wasn’t much to me, but it seemed amusing, so I agreed to the contract.]

A human had orchestrated the contract between the Goblin King and Kim Dalbi.

“Who made that proposal?”

[I don’t know. I have no interest in human affairs. Besides… I don’t see why I should be telling you this.]

“You don’t need to understand. You just need to answer. And be thorough, even down to the human’s appearance.”

Crack!!

Geumyang’s eyes blazed as numerous cracks formed around her.

The Goblin King furrowed his brow, and the goblins guarding him instantly took up a combat stance.

This was a different world from the one where Woo-jin had received his power, so Geumyang’s authority was fully effective here.

Geumyang glared at the Goblin King and spoke.

“My questions don’t merely ask—they demand answers.”

[…]

“Fix the cost associated with Kim Dalbi’s power, and answer my question. I won’t repeat myself.”

The corners of the Goblin King’s mouth curled into a smirk.

[What is this human to you that would make someone like you attempt to overturn our contract? You and I both know how heavy and sacred contracts are to beings like us.]

“She’s my subordinate’s woman.”

[Understood… Simple enough.]

The Goblin King rose from his throne.

Hwaaah!

He extended his arm, and a magic club appeared in his grasp.

[Defeat me, and I will grant your wishes. However, if I win, you must fulfill my demands.]

“You arrogant brat.”

Geumyang laughed, and the Goblin King’s face lit up with excitement.

[It’s been a while since I’ve had some fun…!]

Immediately, their powers collided.

Geumyang and the Goblin King clashed.

…

─ “Baek-seo, I have a favor to ask.”

Near the Zero Zone.

After confessing his harem-like feelings to Oh Baek-seo, Ahn Woo-jin made a request while she was still flustered: to take Kim Dalbi to his home and hide her.

He briefly explained that Dalbi was not a threat as she was currently drained of magic power.

Woo-jin had anticipated that even Baek-seo would need some convincing. After all, it was an irrational request for the Disciplinary Committee Leader to hide a notorious terrorist.

But Baek-seo quickly composed herself and followed his orders. She was already thinking of hiding Dalbi anyway.

Given the magnitude of the incident, anything could happen to Dalbi from now on, and it wouldn’t be surprising.

When Baek-seo complied so readily, Woo-jin was the one caught off guard.

─ “Let me ask before you go.”
─ “What?”
─ “Did you find anything at the hideout?”

Baek-seo shook her head.

─ “So you came straight to find me… I see. Investigate again when you get the chance.”
─ “Sure, I will.”

Baek-seo left, taking Dalbi with her.

Shortly after, the Disciplinary Committee arrived on the scene.

Ha Yesong led the committee members into the Zero Zone, while Park Minhyuk and the emergency response team attended to Woo-jin.

The ruined Zero Zone.

Woo-jin, covered in injuries.

It was evident that a fierce battle had taken place.

Minhyuk quickly loaded Woo-jin into the car and released healing magic to begin his recovery.

The Disciplinary Committee vehicle headed toward the hospital, but—

Screech!

─ “Stop!”

Police academy vehicles blocked the road, preventing the Ahsung High School Disciplinary Committee from proceeding.

Woo-jin, barely conscious, watched with blurry vision as the Disciplinary Committee and the police academy argued. Their words drifted in and out of his hearing.

One thing was clear:

The police academy had realized that a major incident had occurred and wanted custody of Woo-jin to conduct their investigation. Since the Zero Zone was under the jurisdiction of the police academy, they had grounds for their request.

Woo-jin told Minhyuk that it was fine and walked over to the police academy officers. Though Minhyuk was unsure of Woo-jin’s intentions, Woo-jin reassured him repeatedly.

Thus, the police academy took Woo-jin into custody, treated his injuries, and placed him in a detention center.

…

Oh Baek-seo’s house.

“Ugh…”

Kim Dalbi groaned in pain as she opened her eyes.

The sensation was different from before—soft and comforting.

It didn’t take her long to realize she was lying on a clean bed, not in a hospital room.

“You’re awake?”

“!”

Dalbi flinched at the gentle voice that resonated in the room.