episode_0058

Jekyll quietly observed the examination process of Team A.

As an instructor, he had authority and was unlikely to be suspected.

Moreover, he had the ability to intervene in the exam if he so desired.

And indeed, he did just that.

In that sense, he was an excellent instructor.

Even if his intentions were highly impure.

And the result of his efforts—

“Things have taken an unexpected turn.”

Looking at Cheolsu and Yeonghee, Jekyll’s lips curled into a sly smile.

From the start, Jekyll’s goal was for Cheolsu to get injured.

For Yeonghee, under hypnosis, to cause harm to Cheolsu through words.

Contrary to expectations, Team A ended the exam with lower scores than others anticipated.

This would likely lead to suspicion and discord among them— which was his plan, after all…

“Perhaps even if they secure first place, the team will collapse independently.”

There were two things Jekyll hadn’t anticipated.

First, Team A’s skills were overwhelmingly superior to those of other students.

Second, Yeonghee chose to inflict wounds on Cheolsu not through actions but through ‘words.’

Jekyll had not specified how Cheolsu should be harmed.

Giving too specific instructions could lead to failure and mistakes.

Therefore, he had only reinforced ‘dislike’ towards Cheolsu.

He never imagined that Yeonghee’s choice would yield such remarkable results.

“How intriguing.”

Honestly, Jekyll thought this plan would fail.

Cheolsu’s resilience was unexpectedly strong.

It was impossible for a mere female student to harm him while being with the team 24/7.

Driven by impatience, he even went as far as to involve ‘The Gemini Twins.’

Never did he imagine they would harm that monster.

Frankly, he was astonished at that moment.

However, The Gemini Twins sparked an entirely new conflict.

Ultimately, Yeonghee inflicted ‘wounds’ upon Cheolsu.

Wounds far more significant and fatal than physical ones.

“It may not be the outcome I desired, but this is certainly exploitable.”

Jekyll picked up a paper and examined the students’ profiles.

Detailed accounts of Yeonghee and Cheolsu’s past were written there.

They were even childhood friends from the same orphanage.

“Yeonghee and Cheolsu…”

Jekyll tapped the desk with his finger.

Yeonghee was now completely in his hands.

After prolonged hypnosis and manipulation as an assistant, her mind had collapsed.

She couldn’t even handle her emotions properly anymore.

Pushing her to the brink wouldn’t be difficult.

She was nothing more than a puppet he could manipulate at will.

“Next is Kim Cheolsu, then.”

This one would be challenging, honestly.

Dealing with Cheolsu was different from dealing with Yeonghee, who had been hypnotized.

His mental strength and abilities were not to be underestimated.

“Nevertheless, if it must be done, it should be done quickly.”

The timing is right now.

Currently, Cheolsu’s mental state is completely shattered.

He must be dealt with before he regains his strength.

“After all, Kim Cheolsu doesn’t fit Black Heaven’s ideology. Regardless of what Eugene thinks, he’s a person who needs to be removed beforehand.”

In that regard, Jekyll considered himself fortunate.

Yeonghee and Cheolsu.

What perfect pawns to manipulate.

“Eugene, I hope this trial will mold you into a person more fitting to succeed Black Heaven.”

With his thoughts concluded, Jekyll rose with a satisfied smile.

Now, when everyone is worn out, is the time.

Preparations have been more than sufficient.

It was time to unravel everything.

When faced with fighting against friends who have shared life and death experiences,

What expression would she wear?

****

“Hmm, how disappointing.”

Riding in Park Secretary’s car back home after a long time,

Eugene pondered with her arms crossed.

Well, as usual, it wasn’t a particularly profound contemplation.

“Since we finally ranked first, I wanted to celebrate.”

Everyone successfully completed a common task together.

Next, let’s all eat something delicious and have a party!

That’s the epitome of being an insider!

There’s no better event to get closer to friends.

“But it ended up in a disaster….”

Who would’ve thought that Chulsoo and Yeonghee would fight so badly?

Because of that, the party plans that were prepared for once in a blue moon became unnecessary.

“Oh no, I had made a special reservation at a nice restaurant.”

It was a fancy restaurant that even Yujin had never been to.

The first meal with friends.

Yujin had prepared for it to be a memorable experience.

It was too disappointing for Yujin.

…Of course, for the parties involved, Chulsoo and Yeonghee, it was a ridiculous story that might even make them laugh, but Yujin didn’t know the details of their situation.

At most, Yujin thought they just fought like close friends do.

Don’t friends usually make up after fighting?

“How long does it take to reconcile? They surely won’t end their friendship forever, right?”

It’s not uncommon for a single argument to lead to cutting ties completely.

But the ones involved are Chulsoo and Yeonghee.

Even Yujin understands that they hold each other in high regard.

They will definitely reconcile in some way.

Still, it’s hard not to worry.

As Yujin was pondering over trivial matters,

“Yujin, I have something to report.”

Secretary Park, who was driving, spoke up.

Yujin turned her head to look at Secretary Park.

Come to think of it, was there something that needed to be dealt with?

That’s why she hadn’t seen Secretary Park for a while.

Well, even apart from that, they had been separated for a few days due to the survival test.

“First, this.”

Secretary Park cautiously handed something to Yujin.

Seeing it, Yujin raised an eyebrow.

“A nameplate?”

It was a black nameplate made of wood.

You could tell it was high-quality at a glance.

Someone’s name was written in gold on it.

A name she didn’t recognize.

“These are the nameplates of two Black Heaven executives.”

“…?”

Why are you giving this to me?

Is it a decoration or something?

“Oh, they want me to remember the names.”

Ah, they want me to memorize the names.

In one way or another, she was the successor of Black Heaven.

If they were executives, they must be working hard for the organization.

It was proper etiquette to remember their names.

“Thank you, I’ll remember.”

Yujin nodded in response.

To her subtly dry reaction, Secretary Park felt a hint of puzzlement.

“She doesn’t seem very surprised.”

Those nameplates were obtained by Secretary Park by defeating the Black Heaven executives.

Black Heaven strictly follows a hierarchy between superiors and subordinates.

However, they also adhere to the belief that only strength defines justice.

This means that even if you’re a subordinate, you can challenge and defeat your superior.

In the organization, challenging someone in a duel is considered honorable, while refusing a challenge is seen as dishonorable.

This tradition dates back to the time when Black Heaven was known as “Makyo.”

Secretary Park took advantage of this to eliminate the executives who were trying to push Yujin out.

“Although it’s only two people, this might have dealt a blow to the anti-Yujin faction.”

The important point is that the executives were defeated.

Others might find themselves in the same position.

If that happens, even executives won’t be able to act easily.

Consequently, Yujin’s reputation will rise even further.

From that perspective, it’s quite a significant event.

“It seems she’s not particularly impressed.”

Of course, even though they are executives, Black Heaven is spread throughout the country.

The numbers alone amount to tens of people.

Does this mean that one or two of them are insignificant to Yujin?

Perhaps it’s a matter of mindset.

She realizes the difference in perspectives.

With her determination, she will surely reach great heights even without her help.

“No, I can’t rely solely on her for that.”

Secretary Park never doubted that Yujin would become the true leader of Heukcheon.

And not just any leader.

Surpassing all previous leaders of Heukcheon.

He believed she possessed the potential to reach the realm of a first-class celestial demon who had conquered the martial world.

That’s why he followed her without question.

“When she reaches the top of Heukcheon. The person who becomes her right hand must be me.”

But he was lacking at the moment.

He needed to work harder to have a vision like Kim Yujin’s.

He should say he stands on the shoulders of giants.

He needed to move forward even more.

“…Could it be that she saw through my subtle excitement and deliberately reacted that way?”

Of course, Secretary Park didn’t overtly show it.

But it was true that he became a bit arrogant by defeating the two subordinates.

Perhaps he thought, unconsciously, that the subordinates were nothing special.

Such thinking could be fatal to Yujin’s path ahead.

Underestimating opponents and approaching battles with arrogance could lead to unexpected defeats.

A true leader of Heukcheon does not let down their guard.

Yujin made him realize that.

“Wow, you’ve given me a lot of insight with just a few words.”

To think he was arrogant against just two subordinates.

Those kinds of things are mere obstacles on Yujin’s path.

Secretary Park realized this anew and regained his determination.

“Thank you, Yujin.”

“Huh?”

Yujin raised an eyebrow at the sudden gratitude.

Was it really that touching to remember her name?

It wasn’t that difficult a task.

“By the way, you overwhelmingly ranked first in this test, right? Congratulations.”

“Oh, that doesn’t really matter.”

Secretary Park nodded silently.

Yujin, who even looked down on Heukcheon’s executives, couldn’t be satisfied with just being the top student at the academy.

“Still, achieving the highest and most overwhelming score in the history of the academy and conquering the boss monster is truly remarkable.”

Yujin seemed to genuinely not think much of it.

If that was typical of Yujin, then it was quintessentially her.

Once again, due to Secretary Park’s misconception, Yujin’s evaluation soared without her realizing.

“Anyway, as you said, I’ve made a reservation at the restaurant today, but what should we do? Should we cancel?”

As Yujin was about to respond, she suddenly fell silent.

Upon reflection, it seemed like a somewhat valuable opportunity to let slip away.

Canceling the reservation would mean paying a fee.

“No, let’s just go.”

Yujin replied and silently added to herself,

“Lime, are you awake right now?”