Baek Han-gyeol and Kim Han-byeol
“Please, forgive me! I’m so sorry!”
“Sorry isn’t going to cut it.”
“Ah! Don’t worry! By the time I graduate, I’ll definitely bring him along! I promise!”
“Cha Yuna, can you really take responsibility for your words? Haven’t you noticed something strange about that guy lately?”
Cha Yuna shook her head vigorously, her body stretched out on the ground, her braided hair swaying with the motion. As Park Hwan-hee resumed his movements, her cries pierced the air. She managed to steady her breath and replied in a shaky voice.
“He, he said we should join the mercenary clan together.”
The man’s movements paused for a moment. He chuckled dryly and asked her again.
“And?”
“I told him to stop talking nonsense. I said if he keeps it up, we should just break up and never see each other again…”
“Good job. But what if you really end up breaking up?”
Park Hwan-hee resumed his thrusts, and Cha Yuna responded with a pleased moan.
“Don’t worry. Han-gyeol will definitely follow me. He would never betray me.”
“You’re awfully confident. I don’t think I can trust you, Yuna. Maybe we should reconsider our relationship too.”
“No, no! I can do it! Before graduation, I will definitely… Ah!”
“Heh. I wonder if Han-gyeol would still trust you if he saw you like this.”
Park Hwan-hee sneered, but Cha Yuna’s reaction was different from before. The sharp glare she used to give him was nowhere to be found. Now, she was just a woman lost in the moment, her cries echoing with each collision of flesh.
“No, I’m doing this for Han-gyeol…”
“Sure, sure. It’s all for Han-gyeol. Just bring him to me quietly, okay? Stop resisting. Got it?”
“Yes, yes! I understand!”
“Good. Very good.”
Park Hwan-hee laughed, but his face was full of mockery. He seemed to revel in the absurdity of her self-justification.
After a while, the two of them reached a temporary lull, the man’s body trembling and the woman going limp.
And then, a figure who had been watching the scene unfold from the shadows collapsed to the ground. Though appearing female, it was actually a man, his face a mask of disbelief. As the woman went limp, he too fell, his expression vacant.
His raised arm flailed meaninglessly in the air, and his bloodless lips moved silently.
I spent quite some time trying to calm Baek Han-gyeol down. I used magic to soothe him internally and forced him to eat some calming snacks I had brought along. Eventually, he stopped crying.
When I asked him to tell me what happened, his words poured out like a waterfall. It seemed he had been holding it all in, unable to confide in anyone, and his words were almost a wail.
In short, Baek Han-gyeol had been trying to win Cha Yuna back, just as I had advised. But she was unyielding. Even when he mentioned the possibility of joining a mercenary clan, she wasn’t swayed. He kept trying to reach out to her, but eventually, he was banned from entering the women’s dormitory.
Then one day, while lingering near the dorms hoping to see her, he saw Cha Yuna leaving alone. Afraid she would avoid him if he approached directly, he quietly followed her. She walked to a secluded area filled with trees and bushes.
I immediately thought of the secret spot where I had once seen Park Hwan-hee and Cha Yuna together. As expected, Baek Han-gyeol found them there. What happened next was what I had suspected all along.
Baek Han-gyeol couldn’t clearly articulate how Cha Yuna had betrayed him. His emotions were too overwhelming, and his words were often incoherent, but I got the gist. Honestly, I had sensed something was off since I first saw them together.
After pouring out his heart, Baek Han-gyeol looked momentarily relieved. But it didn’t last. He soon collapsed in front of me, tears streaming down his face again. Witnessing his girlfriend’s betrayal with his own eyes had clearly been a massive shock.
“Don’t cry, Han-gyeol. You did nothing wrong.”
“I feel so sorry for her… Oh…”
“Sorry for Cha Yuna? Why?”
“Even while being treated like that, she kept apologizing to Park Hwan-hee… I can’t believe it… She was always so kind and strong… Why… Why!”
Watching Baek Han-gyeol’s confusion, I felt a familiar stirring inside me. Something was bubbling up from deep within, but I quickly suppressed it, fixing him with a steady gaze.
‘Maybe this is for the best. For both of us.’
I felt a bit guilty thinking it, but in a way, it was true. I never liked Cha Yuna much myself. This incident might be the chance to change Baek Han-gyeol’s mind and separate them. It would be problematic if he continued to rely on a girlfriend after joining my clan.
“Sigh. Han-gyeol.”
I called his name with a heavy sigh. His tears had stopped, but he was still sniffling.
Silence stretched between us. As his sobs gradually subsided, I spoke again, watching him lean against me.
“I’m sorry.”
”…What?”
“I shouldn’t have left you alone. I should have paid more attention.”
“No, it’s not that… I thought about coming to you, but you seemed so busy lately…”
‘Ah, this is awkward.’
But the person in front of me was none other than the “Shield of God.” If enduring a bit of awkwardness was what it took to win Baek Han-gyeol over, I could handle it. I forced my fingers to uncurl and gently patted his head. He closed his eyes, his voice calmer but still tinged with despair.
“Hyung…”
“Yeah?”
“Did my sister abandon me?”
“Probably. If what you saw and heard was true.”
“Then what should I do now?”
Join my clan. Of course, I wasn’t going to blurt that out. I needed to phrase it in a way that seemed like I was looking out for him. As I pondered how to say it, I heard the sound of people coming up from the first floor. They were probably returning from dinner. I quickly spoke up.
“As I said before, you need to think and decide for yourself.”
“I can’t make decisions on my own right now. But I can at least ask for advice… I don’t know…”
Baek Han-gyeol was likely feeling lost after losing the person he relied on most. I considered his state of mind and spoke slowly.
“Have you had any contact with Cha Yuna since then?”
“No. I don’t even remember how I got back to the dorm. I’ve just been crying every day…”
“I see. Then I think it’s best to end things with Cha Yuna. It’s the best course of action.”
“What about after that?”
“That’s for you to decide. I’ve said all I can about Park Hwan-hee and Cha Yuna. Do you remember what I told you before? At the dorm and outside.”
“Yes. That there’s nothing more to be done…”
Baek Han-gyeol nodded. Seeing his response, I slowly stood up. He quickly grabbed my hand, looking at me with eyes like a wounded puppy, silently asking where I was going. But I gently removed his hand and gave him a reassuring smile.
“Don’t go. Please don’t leave me. Don’t abandon me.”
“I’m not abandoning you.”
“Then…!”
“Han-gyeol, just once, try to think it through on your own. Consider if your girlfriend is really doing this for you or not. Forget the memories and focus on the reality.”
”…”
“I think deep down, you already know. But you don’t want to admit it. You want to avoid facing the truth.”
My words seemed to hit home, and Baek Han-gyeol flinched. The sound of people chatting loudly was getting closer. Baek Han-gyeol glanced down the hallway, then back at me. I decided it was time to make my move.
“Next week marks the end of the academy training. After that, those who receive offers will join a clan, while those who don’t will have to venture out on their own.”
“What? What do you mean?”
“And as I told you before, I plan to stand before you on the day you graduate. If your feelings haven’t changed by then, that is. I hope to see you not as someone barely hanging on, but as someone who’s sorted out their relationships and made up their mind.”
As I spoke, I noticed a flicker of uncertainty in Baek Han-gyeol’s eyes. Internally, I smiled with satisfaction and turned away, leaving him to ponder my words. And then—
“Hyung, wait! Please, just answer me this one thing. Why are you so good to me? We’re not even close, so why…?”
He took the bait immediately. I recalled a conversation I’d had with Kim Han-byeol, which Han-gyeol must have overheard from outside the room.
“Because you’re in the secret class? No, that’s not it. What did I tell Han-byeol back then?”
Scratching my head, I stared into the empty air and replied, “Well, to be honest, I’ve been through something similar myself. Maybe that’s why I can relate to what you just said.”
“You have? Really?”
“Yeah. And if I had to give another reason… there was someone a lot like you when I went through my own rite of passage. We’re still together, but I couldn’t leave them alone for a second. Seeing you reminds me of them, I guess. Haha.”
I feigned awkwardness, and Han-gyeol’s expression began to show signs of life. Emboldened, I added, “New recruits are coming, so I should get going. Sorry I can’t stay to listen more, but I understand your situation and hope you stay strong.”
“Hyung.”
“Oh, and leave that behind. Take care of your health, and make sure to attend the extra training this weekend to make up for what you missed. Get back to being yourself. Sulking here alone won’t change anything.”
Han-gyeol didn’t respond. He seemed to want to say something but couldn’t find the words. I gave him a gentle smile and quickly left the room. The sound of new recruits approaching was getting louder, and I could see the intensity growing in his eyes. I reminded myself repeatedly that Han-gyeol was just a guy.
As I walked down the corridor and descended the stairs, I saw the new recruits coming up. They glanced at me, but I ignored their stares and headed outside.
Walking, walking, and more walking.
During my conversation with Han-gyeol, I felt a sudden surge of emotion. As I pondered why, I recalled his surprised expression when he asked, “Hyung, you too?”
The truth is, I wasn’t lying about having a similar experience. The reason I felt a sense of familiarity was because I genuinely empathized with him. Although our situations were different, I too had lost someone I loved, admired, and cherished.
As I made my way to the instructors’ quarters, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Park Da-yeon, Han So-young. Park Da-yeon had taken her own life after being assaulted by Belphegor and becoming pregnant with a demon’s child. And Han So-young…
“Damn it.”
Recalling those painful memories filled me with emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time. The anger that had been simmering earlier was now boiling over, and it carried a clear intent of violence.
I stopped in my tracks and changed direction, needing time to calm the murderous intent that had suddenly flared up. I thought I had suppressed it well since the “Cave of Screams,” but Han-gyeol’s words seemed to have struck a nerve.
“Belphegor is dead. Belphegor is dead. Belphegor is dead.”
I kept reminding myself of the moment I killed Belphegor, trying to steady my inner turmoil.
Darkness had descended around me. I checked to make sure no one was nearby and slipped into the shadows, sitting cross-legged. I closed my eyes and began to meditate. I couldn’t afford to return to the quarters radiating such hostility.
… … … … … …
I don’t know how much time passed, but when I opened my eyes, the world was cloaked in complete darkness. It seemed it had taken a while to calm the rage that had surged after so long.
“I came back to change things, yet I’m still haunted by old memories. I have a long way to go.”
Feeling powerless for not being able to control a single emotion, I let out a bitter laugh and stood up. I brushed off my pants and quickly headed toward the instructors’ quarters.
“This week is the 13th week. The academy ends on the 100th day, which is next week…”
The conflict between the clans won’t end this week. And by the 14th week, it’ll be too late to act. Any unexpected variables will be hard to manage. So, I need to wrap up as much as I can this week.
Thankfully, tomorrow is Sunday. Having overseen both morning and afternoon training sessions today, I have no scheduled duties tomorrow. I thought of those who were likely still confined and reviewed my plans for tomorrow.
As I walked, the main building came into view, and I quickened my pace to enter. I turned down the familiar corridor leading to the instructors’ quarters, which I might soon leave behind for good.
“At least I managed to secure Han-gyeol. After meeting them tomorrow, all that’s left is to wait. All the effort I’ve put in is finally paying off.”
I turned the doorknob and sighed in relief. But as I opened the door, I was met with an unexpected sight that stopped me in my tracks.
“Oppa, do you have time this weekend?”
“You’ll still come back to the quarters… right?”
Kim Han-byeol’s words from earlier in the night, when I was lost in thoughts about the matriarch’s murder, echoed in my mind. I hadn’t expected it to be today, and honestly, I hadn’t taken it seriously.
Inside, Han-byeol was sitting alone at the table, drinking. I could understand the drinking, but her attire was shockingly different from usual.
She was wearing a revealing outfit that exposed more than necessary, and the room was filled with an inexplicable, suggestive atmosphere. It was a scene I could never have imagined from the usual Han-byeol.
I stood there, unable to step inside, and called out to her in disbelief.
“Han-byeol…?”
“Oh, oppa. You’re finally here. I’ve been waiting.”
Her voice was slurred, as if she were drunk. When she looked up at me, her cheeks were flushed with a soft blush. It seemed she had been drinking alone, waiting for me to return late at night.
She gave me a seductive smile and gestured to the empty chair beside her, inviting me to sit.
But a faint sense of unease brushed past my mind. Something about her behavior felt off. Instead of stepping forward, I instinctively activated my third eye and heightened my senses.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
First, I apologize to readers who may have felt uncomfortable with the NTR scene. (__) I originally planned to write more about the transition, showing how Cha Yuna ended up with Park Hwan-hee. But a reader pointed out that genre fiction should consider the readers’ emotions. NTR is a sensitive topic for me as well, so I decided to wrap it up with the scenes I had already set up and move straight to the outcome. I included this scene because I didn’t want to continue the “raising a child” narrative. I hope you’ll understand as you see Baek Han-gyeol’s behavior change over time.
I thought I could wrap up the academy arc with two updates on Saturday and two on Sunday, but it seems that’s not possible. There are about three or four more updates needed, depending on the length. So, I might have to do three updates on one day, or maybe both days this weekend, to keep my promise. Hahaha. Haha. Ha. Ha. Ha.
It’s okay. I’ve mixed half a can of Red Bull, half a can of Hot Six, and half a bottle of Bacchus. It’s surprisingly effective. I recommend it to you all! (Just kidding. If you actually drink it like this, you might experience a mental breakdown. Like me. Heheh.) Anyway, a promise is a promise. I want to finish the academy arc soon, so I will definitely wrap it up by the end of this week. Heaven, grant me the strength to write!
PS. BrokenFan has updated another fan art! If you visit the forum, you can see Kim Soo-hyun, and the lovely Kim Han-byeol and Lee Yoo-jung! (I’ll update the story settings gradually after the academy ends!) Thank you, BrokenFan! Personally, I really love the second version of Kim Han-byeol. 😢
『 Reader Replies 』
Miwolya: Congrats on being first! And I’m so, so sorry, but I love you! (?!). Once I wrap up Han-byeol’s storyline, things should move quickly. I can manage the rest simultaneously. Thank you for your patience. 🙇♀️
Hyun-oh: Thank you. My grades are good, but the stress is no joke. I basically did everything myself. I thought I was going to lose it. 😂
Feranado: Thank you for your valuable advice. Reader Replies is a way to communicate more smoothly with readers. However, I’ll keep in mind that “readers prefer the story content over Reader Replies.” (NTR is a sensitive topic, so I added this note. 😢)
Siryong: Seeing your username reminds me of Dangryong. 😢 Haha. The academy will wrap up on Sunday. 🙇♀️
Gyeolbinghwa: The answer will be revealed in the next chapter. Some sharp readers have already figured it out. Honestly, I’m surprised. 😆
Chohyeoni: Yes, you got it right. It’s usually not possible, but I’m making it happen. You’ve pinpointed the flow accurately. The reasons will be explained in the next chapter. :)
Goksd: Actually, you’re the most correct, Goksd. Yes, you’re right. The protagonist’s plot armor is mighty! Mighty indeed! Haha! (Thud, thud!)
Astrain: Of course. I will definitely keep that promise. If I break it even once, I’ll do a 10-chapter marathon that day.
SleepingCat: Whoa. Whoa… Whoa… Whoa… One of the reasons I’ve been holding back! 😢… Sob, sob…
Hwiya: An explanation for that part will be out by the weekend. 😂 Personally, don’t worry about Soo-hyun. With 10 years of experience, will he really fall for it? He should show his seasoned side. :D
Your recommendations and comments are the driving force behind continuous updates. (This is the truth.)
I always read all the comments repeatedly.
Please don’t feel too disappointed if you’re not mentioned in Reader Replies.
If you’re really curious about something, feel free to message me, and I’ll respond!
With that, I’ll take my leave for today.
I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.
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