9. The Rain Stops (3)

Numerous article headlines mentioned the incident.

The most notable one was an interview with 'Ham Geunhyeong, the Heavenly Archer,' a full-time teacher and famous player at Silverlight.

[A Great Performance from Silverlight Teacher, 'Heavenly Archer,' Solo Suppression of Enemies in the Dozens Late at Night]

[Genius Marksman, 'Heavenly Archer,' Who Single-Handedly Blocked an Otherworld Disaster at a Hongcheon District Ski Resort 20 Years Ago, This Time He Protects Silverlight District]

They wrote that when Player SAT-K experienced a 'mysterious malfunction,' and Ham Geunhyeong was the first player to sense the Enemies and defeat dozens of magic beast-types alone.

Ham Geunhyeong's interview was short and concise.

'As a teacher, I just did what I had to for the safety of my students.'

As I thought about how Ham Geunhyeong really was a true teacher, I checked the interview's comments.

[Because there was someone like this, today I slept peacefully in heaven within this Hellish Peninsula.]

(tl/n: An allusion to "Hell Joseon," if you remember that from previous chapters.)

[Mr. Ham Geunhyeong is famous in the player industry. Yuh he's on top of the tier list. If he didn't become a teacher, he would've been a top-level team master. I'm pretty sure scouts still approach him?]

[It says the Enemy attack happened a little past 12pm… I live in Silverlight District, so I'm grateful to the point of tears… If something went wrong, I would've died without knowing anything]

[Player Association, are you watching? This is all thanks to Mr. Ham Geunhyeong. You get tax money, so do your job!]

It was as expected. After all, he was both my playable character and homeroom teacher.

Ham Geunhyeong was the one receiving praise, but it still made me feel good, so I bookmarked a lot of articles.

Of course, there weren't just articles about him.

There was no way to prevent Choi Pyeondeuk's name from coming up.

Just by looking at a copy of the real estate register, you could confirm who owned the buildings that collapsed right in front of Silverlight.

'But also, this case is related to the Fantasy Gate. After the recent period of silence, this will do well to rekindle the flames.'

What appeared in the article was as follows:

The disaster that fell on players who were lucky to be missed by the Fantasy Gate.

A brief overview of Choi Pyeondeuk's lavish business that was in Silverlight's educational area protection zone.

Also, mentions of the obscenely dressed players within the building that faced a 'mysterious collapse.'

'This time, everyone caught will be subject to criminal punishment.'

They were also responsible for the Player Association's staff working overtime, and were thus subject to their anger.

Hong Kyubin told me he was going to work with the police to thoroughly handle the matter.

He also said that he was able to easily cooperate with them thanks to a veteran senior of his.

'It seems like Song Manseok, the Iron Arm, agreed to help.'

He also assisted with the Fantasy Gate, but his involvement here was mostly because his grandson was currently attending Silverlight.

There's no way Song Manseok would find the infestation right in front of Silverlight High to be pleasant.

'Let's check out the comments.'

Did they set up notifications for every time 'Fantasy Auction' was written online?

The article's comments were overflowing with Yeon Joonyeol's fans, each one of them writing out the Fantasy List.

[There's a Silverlight teacher involved? A teacher at Joonyeol's school? Crazy, too crazy.]

[Korean's most elite school, Silverlight, has god tier teachers like the Heavenly Archer, so why is there also garbage… I'm glad he got caught lol ;]

[He should go make sure to very meticulously fuck off and die.]

[The latest version of the Fantasy AUCTN l i s t has been completed, everyone. I'll reupload even if it gets deleted, but quickly download it lesgo]

In addition to Choi Pyeondeuk, Lee Lena's parents were also included in the massive update to the Fantasy List following the incident.

'Finally, Lee Lena's parents are in here.'

In the ID photo, Lee Lena's parents looked very polite.

However, the remarks column of the Fantasy List described their recent actions, which weren't very polite.

[Showed signs of confusion after a half-naked suicide attempt on Hwangmyeong Tower. Currently being charged with vandalism, obstruction of business, and public obscenity by the tower's management team]

They also mentioned that the CCTV didn't record things well that day due to heavy rain and wind.

Red Tiger must have done it for me.

'Since they were given a major shock, they won't be bothering Lee Lena for a while.'

A journalist must have been lucky enough to find a good recording, because a photo of me was also posted to an article.

Its title was, 'Who is this Mysterious Person at the Collapse of the Lavish Business?'

It showed me, who was using Player's Vestige to take the form of Yong Jegeon, wearing a crow mask as I stood amidst red lightning.

'I wore clothes that hid my physique, so no one will recognize Yong Jegeon… probably.'

Enduring the discomfort, I wore thick clothes, had a mask, and even altered my voice.

It'd be fine.

'Hopefully, I won't get another weird title.'

I checked the status window, and fortunately, my titles hadn't changed.

The Heavenly Archer attracted most of the public's attention.

As expected, my homeroom teacher was great and wonderful.

* * *

It was Monday.

The sky was blue again.

Today's weather was clear and sunny.

Since spring was still just starting, there was a slight chill in the morning.

However, the weather was so nice that I wanted to endure the cold and ride a hoverboard through the sky.

After a pleasant morning training session outdoors, I went to the dorm cafeteria, where all the students were talking about Ham Geunhyeong.

"The student body director is awesome. Did you see the video of him defeating Enemies at the school gate? They were stunned the moment they hit the barrier, and after that, he one-shot them all. The editing was so good. It was only part of the entire footage, but just watching it was amazing."

"Was it Bestowed Light? I thought only his face was scary, but his Light is too. I don't want to mess with him."

"Isn't he the homeroom teacher of year 1, class 0? I'm jealous of the class 0 kids."

Yes, I'm glad that Ham Geunhyeong was assigned to my homeroom.

This morning, my pride in my homeroom teacher increased.

Besides Ham Geunhyeong, Choi Pyeondeuk was also a major topic of discussion.

Since the Player Association announced a bounty of over 1 billion won for him, the story became even bigger.

"Have you seen the public party recruitment forum? The only thing there are people recruiting for Choi Pyeondeuk hunting parties."

"You can sign up after the second semester of your first year, right? Choi Pyeondeuk's class was shit, I want to go catch him too. Can't first years make a party?"

"It's against school regulations. I'm just going to donate an item card."

Silverlight actively supported students attacking otherworlds on their own.

It was routine for Silverlight students to recruit parties for attacking otherworlds on the school's website. And although it was rare, there were also parties aimed at hunting wanted criminals.

'Even in the game, I was able to participate in player subjugation parties for bounties with Silverlight's forum.'

When I checked my hologram, I couldn't see any otherworld attack parties. Instead, it was overflowing with Choi Pyeondeuk subjugation parties.

[Going to catch Choi Pyeondeuk now ^o^ Bounty, Min 1 Insight User, People with tracking skills are welcome (7/10)]

[Party leader does not need the bounty. Instead, I hope to have a personal meeting with Choi Pyeondeuk for a day or so before handing him over to the Association. For more information, contact me via device. (9/10)]

[! The Great Bounty Hunter Era Begins ! ♡ 100% Le/gal ◑ ➫ UltraㅣBarehanded Pyeondeuk Party ☆★ Sharing ★ Fists Only ◐☞ NO Carrying ☜ Battle ♡ Free Healing Item Support § Sign € Up §★※ Open ※♬ No § Requirements ♬ (10/10)]

[Our time together was terrible! Let's never meet again! This is a support party for Choi Pyeondeuk subjugation parties. We're donating healing and auxiliary consumable item cards. I'll set up another party when this one's full (10/10)]

[Choi Pyeondeuk subjugation support party 2 (8/10)]

The parties were so pleasant that they made me want to ignore school rules and apply to join.

'It's a pity they won't be able to achieve their partys' purpose.'

The bounty would grow day by day, but no one would ever be able to claim it.

After all, Choi Pyeondeuk will be experiencing hell until he dies in the basement of Silverlight's Silver Shadow Hall.

'Besides Choi Pyeondeuk, all players involved in this case have been arrested. So, there aren't any other wanted criminals.'

Numerous players were captured.

Their biggest crime was their neglect towards and nurturing of a large group of Enemies. Not only did they cooperate with the Bear Clan to do it, but it was also within Silverlight's education protection zone.

Also, the amount of charges related to the illegal use of a lavish business as well as aiding in drug and human trafficking exceeded the two digits.

They weren't mentioned in articles, but some people were involved in manipulating Player SAT-K's satellite signals, so the Player Association must be dying.

'Hong Kyubin will probably work overtime all of March.'

Hong Kyubin was a sly, schemer type.

I was still wary of him, but I felt pity as I watched him suffer.

'I should send him a message saying hi.'

The Korean branch of the Player Association was in disarray, so there wouldn't be a response.

It probably wasn't a fun experience, but what could I do?

Work hard and create a clean association, Hong Kyubin.

I sent him a brief greeting.

[You] Hello. I saw the article. You're working hard. Hang in there.

After less than a minute after sending it, I got an immediate reply.

[Hong Kyubin] Thank you, Euishin ^^ Nowadays, the temperature varies heavily on a daily basis, so be careful not to catch a cold. Is there anything wrong at school? If something happens, tell me right away.

As usual, Hong Kyubin's response cut directly to the point.

Since I didn't want to disturb him, I didn't reply right away.

I wasn't intentionally ignoring him, but nevermind that.

'The Bear Clan Trainer was caught by Red Tiger, three Hwangmyeong Foundation directors were fired, and five Silverlight teachers were kicked out. Also, the Player Association will undergo reforms.'

Both Silverlight and the Association were getting cleaner.

After breakfast, my steps towards year 1, class 0 were infinitely light.

Until I saw Hwang Jiho waiting for me.

"You did a good job."

Was he actually waiting for me?

There wasn't much traffic around class 0's entrance, so there was no one else around.

"As the chairman, my head hurts. I need to get three new directors and five new teachers because of Choi Pyeondeuk. There's a huge vacancy in school administration now. I also have to double check the documents that Choi Pyeondeuk and his gang messed with. Did you know that he was in charge of the Youth Player Exchange Launch Committee with China and Japan? He tried to ruin it, so we have to restart from the planning stage."

What a headache.

Hwang Jiho's face was killing me with his twinkling eyes.

But since I was feeling very refreshed today, I was merciful.

I decided to be a bit helpful to Hwang Jiho, who was trying to feign being busy and having difficulties.

"Hasn't Choi Pyeondeuk been in charge of approving teachers up until now? There must be a lot of capable people who were rejected due to not using bribes. If you make them teachers, you'll increase the workforce."

"It looks like there's a teacher you want to recommend."

Hwang Jiho was quick-witted, as fit for a 5,000 year old Tiger.

'The teacher's major overlaps with Choi Pyeondeuk's, so he restricted him a lot.'

In the game, there was an exceptional part-time teacher who never became a full-timer due to a lack of money.

He's a good player, has great specs, and has spent over 10 years volunteering at an orphanage.

The teacher loves Silverlight, so he received a modest salary and worked while enduring Choi Pyeondeuk's gate-keeping.

He was also one of the few inheritors of Tai Ho Kwon in Korea.

"His name is Gong Cheonghwon."

Gong Cheonghwon, the benefactor of Han Yi, a student in year 1, class 0.

In the game, he died without becoming a teacher.

He'd be able to achieve his dream in this world.

'I'm sure Gong Cheonghwon and Han Yi will like it.'

I think it'll be a happy occasion for our class.

The thought of Han Yi's happy expression warmed my heart.

Choi Pyeondeuk's class, Introduction to Enemies, would soon have its instructor replaced by Gong Cheonghwon.

I finished telling Gong Cheonghwon's story and entered class 0 with Hwang Jiho.

When Kim Yuri saw Hwang Jiho and I arrive, she cheerfully approached us.

"Euishin, Jiho!"

What else was going on?

Kim Yuri's smile was the brightest one I've ever seen.

She shifted her body to the side to display the inside of the classroom.

"Our class attendance has gone up!"

Maeng Hyodon and Lee Lena were in class.

"Look! Our class has six people now."

Kim Yuri's voice was emotional.

She liked having a large classroom, but she also felt lonely with only four classmates.

So, Kim Yuri paid attention to attendance.

"Lena, please keep coming to school!"

"…Okay!"

Perhaps it was thanks to the disappearance of her parents' mental attacks over the weekend, but Lee Lena looked a little brighter.

I think it'll take longer for a full recovery, but I'm glad she's here today.

Since Lee Lena and Maeng Hyodon were both in school for the first time, attention was divided in half between them. So, Lee Lena will feel less burdened.

'Kim Yuri became friends with An Dain, who completely closed off her heart, so I'm sure she'll also get along with Lee Lena.'

Under the leadership of Kim Yuri, Han Yi and Lee Lena awkwardly exchanged names.

As expected of Kim Yuri, who had top-tier sociability, communication, and interpersonal skills in the game.

It seemed like the three would become friends soon.

On the other hand, Maeng Hyodon was looking up at Kim Yuri, who was significantly taller than him.

"She's the class president…"

At the fight club, he said he wasn't curious.

That's what he said, but he must have wondered about the class president who cared about attendance.

Kim Yuri, feeling Maeng Hyodon's gaze, approached him and gave a cheerful greeting.

"Hyodon, welcome! Let's take care of each other this year."

"U-Uh…"

As Kim Yuri took initiative speaking to him, Maeng Hyodon gave her a look of embarrassment.

He spent middle school floating around.

It must be a difficult for Maeng Hyodon, an innocent, male high school student, to suddenly talk to a stranger of the opposite sex.

Unable to answer properly, Maeng Hyodon immediately turned to the center of the class's electronic blackboard.

The year 1, class 0 precept.

'Come to school on time'

Just by looking at Maeng Hyodon's expression, I could tell he was thinking, 'What kind of shit is this?'

"What is this precept? Did the vice president come up with it?"

I actually didn't.

But before I could answer, Maeng Hyodon crossed the river of no return.

"What a stupid precept. Who made it?"

"I did."

Ham Geunhyeong, who had just entered the classroom, answered Maeng Hyodon.

He probably came a bit earlier than usual out of worry for Maeng Hyodon on his first day.

Maeng Hyodon saw Ham Geunhyeong and froze.

Indifferent to Maeng Hyodon, the class bell began to ring.

[I~t's bye bye bye~!]

The song, having been selected by the broadcasting department and the ensemble in charge of today's class bell, was 'It's Bye Bye' by 'So Myoung.' Maybe it was thanks to them getting high to open their creative minds?

(tl/n: For listening purposes: https://youtu.be/QAOrvz7cf8w, also, the "getting high" part is probably in reference to how a lot of popular artists in the 70's to 90's wrote music while taking drugs lol)

It was a Korean trot song about saying goodbye, and was often used to say 'fuck off.'

Choi Pyeondeuk disappeared, and a large number of corrupt directors and teachers were arrested, so they probably picked the song for them.

'The article was published on Sunday, so did they just record it now?'

It had a powerful arrangement of an electric guitar, drums, and a bass along with strong, husky vocals full of resentment.

'It's unnecessarily high quality.'

Since extracurriculars only started today, second and third years were responsible for this bell.

The class bell completely ignored the original song and endlessly repeated the lyrics of, 'It's bye bye.'

'It seems like Silverlight sunbaes have a lot pent up.'

Maeng Hyodon's remarks.

The timing of Ham Geunhyeong's appearance.

The song choice for the class bell.

The silly and messy atmosphere in class 1-0.

The class bell lasted exactly one minute, and instead of fading out, it ended with a shout of, 'It's bye bye byeeeeee!'

Step step.

When the class bell was over, Ham Geunhyeong moved from the front of the door to the class's podium.

The stiff Maeng Hyodon reacted to Ham Geunhyeong's movement and hesitated before sitting down.

Bang!

Maeng Hyodon was so embarrassed that he banged his face on his desk.

The sound of the super-reinforced ceramic desk and Maeng Hyodon's head colliding was loud.

If it was an ordinary wooden desk from a normal high school, it would've been broken into two.

"Let's take care of school equipment, Maeng Hyodon."

"…Yes."

Maeng Hyodon's ears were red as his face pressed into the desk.

"And make sure to follow the stupid precept."

"…Yes."

Ham Geunhyeong smiled as he dealt the final blow.

Maeng Hyodon's mental power dropped to 0 and burnt to a crisp.

"Hahahaha!"

In the end, all of the students in class 1-0 burst into laughter for a long time, excluding Maeng Hyodon.

Lee Lena was laughing hard enough that her eyes teared up a bit.

After Maeng Hyodon calmed down a bit, we used the morning debriefing to allow the six class 1-0 students to complete their introductions.

Maeng Hyodon and Lee Lena's first arrival to school ended very smoothly.

* * *

After school.

The first meeting for extracurriculars began.

I was in the Central District, standing in front of the club room located in the general club hall.

'Newspaper Club'

Standing next to me, Hwang Jiho spoke as he looked up at the sign.

"I never thought you'd pick the newspaper club. It doesn't suit you."

I read newspapers often, but I want to be a reader, not a journalist.

'I don't think I fit in with the newspaper club either.'

But I didn't answer Hwang Jiho, instead entering the newspaper's club room.

Hwang Jiho followed me, his eyes twinkling.

I chose this club for the sake of just one person.

'No, it's not really for just one person. Saving them will be for the sake of everyone in Silverlight High.'

There were about 20 first years and sunbaes in the room.

Name tags were attached to new students' seats, so it was easy to find where to sit.

"Cho Euishin, these are our seats."

"Yeah."

Hwang Jiho and I sat down.

The newspaper club's advisor was standing in front of a small electronic blackboard, speaking as they pointed to the device code written on it.

"I'm your advisor, Jegal Jaegeol. Contact me if you need anything. So, first years, won't you introduce yourselves first?"

The advisor for the newspaper club was the head of the Education Department, Jegal Jaegeol.

In the beginning of the game's story, he was a righteous teacher who took on a curse in a student's place before leaving school and slowly dying over the course of a year.

I decided that participating in this club would be the most effective method to prevent his death.

"Hello, I'm Cho Euishin from year 1, class 0. I look forward to working together."

I was paving the path to prevent the death of Jegal Jaegeol.

Choi Pyeondeuk disappeared from Silverlight.

Through Red Tiger, I secured a list of students that Choi Pyeondeuk illegally admitted with special admission screenings.

It was time for my next move.