Episode 48: The Clash and Clatter Student Council President Election Begins

Bracket

[Seong Arin] VS [Biyun Hong]

[Yun Se-ah] VS [Lee Seo-yun]

…

…

[Ecclesia] VS [Sujin Park]

[Noh Woon-hyun] VS [Yu Eun-ha]

Shit.

[Kang A-yul] VS [Choi Si-ra]

[Seo Jian] VS [Lee Myung-bok]

This is seriously fucked.

‘Ah, seriously, why the hell did I randomize the bracket?!’

To prevent first-years from being eliminated early by facing second-year elites or third-years, previous elections had student council members manually match opponents based on rankings.

A balance where they could showcase potential without threatening upperclassmen’s positions.

‘This is insane.’

But handling all that was tedious, and manually grouping Seo Jian with main characters while randomizing others might have raised suspicions. My past self who pushed for full randomization flashed through my mind.

If I could turn back time, I’d slap that idiot.

‘At least Kang A-yul is on the opposite side.’

Their bracket placements meant Kang A-yul and Seo Jian would meet in the semifinals.

To decide whether I’d forfeit or continue my second term as president… I needed to reach at least the semifinals.

Kang A-yul, as the second-year vice president and current vice council president, would easily reach semis… The protagonist would likely make it unless stabbed in his sleep.

‘Who’d win their semifinal match…?’

Seo Jian should win as the protagonist, but judging by their recent growth… it could go either way.

The real problem was my potential match against Seo Jian.

‘Our compatibility is terrible.’

Seo Jian seemed to have taken the Striker route—the worst possible matchup against a Magician like me.

He’d dodge most spells and close in. I’d have to prepare for close combat…

‘But if he beats Kang A-yul, that means he’s better at close-quarters than her.’

Both being Strikers, the winner would logically have superior melee skills.

I could handle Kang A-yul since I knew her style, but if she closed the distance, my victory plan would crumble.

Worse—what if Kang A-yul lost?

Could I beat the guy who defeated her in melee?

My head spun.

“Hmm… This seems unfair. Why am I facing such a strong opponent from round one?”

“Right? Of all people, I get matched against Seo-yun-yang first.”

Lee Seo-yun sighed, chin in hand, having appeared beside me unnoticed.

‘Ah, right.’

I was also facing an outlier in round one.

‘Lee Seo-yun… I suspect she’s hiding her true strength.’

Without protagonist-level growth cheats, she’d traded blows with Kang A-yul—Raon Academy’s current second strongest—even before fully recovering, recently scoring two wins.

While Kang A-yul wasn’t at her peak yet, neither would she be during the election. Personally, I’d hoped for Seo Jian vs Lee Seo-yun as the ideal matchup, but I got dragged in instead.

Amidst others researching opponents, Lee Seo-yun and I simply stared at each other.

‘Her eyes… they’ve changed.’

The worried tone and sighs from moments ago had vanished.

“……….”

‘I feel completely scrutinized.’

Like a viper seeking weaknesses, her gaze was relentless.

‘Unsettling. Gives me chills.’

Showing vulnerability here would be like offering my neck to fangs.

-Grooooooowl…….

“…Your stare is too intense, Seo-yun-yang.”

“Yet you show no openings despite my gaze.”

I quickly averted my eyes.

‘I’m not particularly gifted in psychology.’

Those skilled in psychology could predict actions from micro-expressions. The best counter was showing nothing.

“Aww, Se-ah-yang. Don’t look away~”

“I must be cautious against someone as strong as you.”

I walked toward the dormitory like a fugitive.

Absolutely not because I chickened out.

…

…

…

-Thud!

-Thud! Thump!

“…………….”

Significant noise came from above—likely spectators settling into seats. The problem was their sheer numbers.

“Comrade, why so troubled? The noise seems to pain you.”

“Quiet. Release crystallization unless you want to disappear.”

“Ahem… As you wish.”

Azathos materialized unexpectedly, but my reason was obvious—as council president, I had to announce the election’s commencement from this prep room beneath the stands.

‘Who puts a prep room under spectator seats?’

Last year’s president must’ve suffered here too. Pitiful.

‘Finally, the main story begins.’

The hopeful academy tale would soon reveal illegal drugs circulating, causing Hong Biyun to demonize into a lesser demon and rampage mid-match.

Though weaker than the Seven Archdemons I’d faced—who wielded immense power offset by heavy restrictions—lesser demons could unleash B-rank Hero-level strength freely.

‘Must stop it properly.’

The tournament-style election occurred after school hours. The “Election Period” system emerged so guild officials and parents could watch students vie for presidency.

Classes were suspended for this week—effectively a short vacation where students could train at home or explore dungeons…

Wait, participants wouldn’t leave. Most would relax in dorms or read in libraries.

‘Like me hiding in libraries during sports festivals.’

Non-participants had few options.

-Who’s fighting today?

-Today’s main event is Seo Jian—the new first-year top scorer—versus Seong Arin, who was top during entrance exams. Others are minor.

Most came to watch matches live. Or streamed them like me.

‘Though I’m stuck backstage.’

The demonization event would occur mid-match when Hong Biyun overdosed, interrupting Seong Arin’s fight. I had to save everyone in the packed stadium.

“President, it’s time.”

“Thank you.”

“I believe you’ll win again!”

“Thank you.”

Cheered by council members, I stepped outside to a colosseum roaring with applause.

‘All major Korean guilds are here.’

Chongun, Spiral, Golden, Myeonggeom, Taeyang, Topnibakwi, Gumi, Heukho… Why are Vultures here?

“SIS! look at me!”

“m, master…It’s too loud!”

‘So noisy. Can’t imagine sitting nearby.’

In the stands, Thomas Andrea waved boisterously.

‘Hoho… That woman is formidable. Could fight evenly with me at full power.’

‘That strong?’

‘Indeed. Haven’t felt such power in ages. Should’ve gone to her instead of chasing your aura.’

‘Right. Why did you come here just to die by Eunha-yang?’

I knew of Thomas Andrea—the S-Rank Hunter dubbed “One-Man Army” for soloing S-Class Gates. Her corrupted boss version was nightmarish, but I hadn’t realized her pre-fall strength rivaled Azathos.

‘Good thing I networked.’

Vultures’ potion purchases ranked third behind Chongun and Spiral Guilds—surpassing mid-tier domestic guilds.

I waved back casually before ascending the podium, microphone in hand.

“Welcome, everyone who has come to witness the Raon Academy Student Council President Election.”

Please let this be my final duty as president.