Episode 17: The Return of the Demon Instructor

The hall was as silent as a grave.

Everyone’s attention was fixed solely on the conversation between Ju Yu-cheon and Sa Bi-gang.

Ju Yu-cheon asked, “So, what are your conditions?”

“There are three.”

“Let’s hear them.”

“First, as the headmaster mentioned, I cannot forgive those who have slandered and humiliated me. If it is determined that I have not practiced demonic arts, I want Instructor Yeo Un-jin stripped of his position and myself appointed as the head of the cadets.”

The crowd murmured.

Some thought Sa Bi-gang’s demands were quite bold, but most found them reasonable. After all, he had been ambushed, even if no real harm was intended. And to be branded a ‘demon’ in front of so many people—it’s a wonder he wasn’t seeking more severe retribution.

The real question was whether the headmaster’s principles would allow such a decision.

Everyone awaited the headmaster’s response.

Finally, Ju Yu-cheon nodded. “Very well. If it turns out you haven’t practiced demonic arts, Instructor Yeo Un-jin will be stripped of his position. According to our rules, causing significant disruption can lead to such a consequence. As for appointing you as head of the cadets, that’s within my authority.”

“But, Headmaster! I was only trying to reveal that he’s a demon—”

Ju Yu-cheon turned his gaze to the protesting Yeo Un-jin. “Then you have nothing to worry about, do you? You were so certain, you took this reckless action. Conversely, if it’s proven that Instructor Sa is indeed a demon, he will naturally have to step down, and further punishment will follow.”

Yeo Un-jin couldn’t argue with the logic.

‘It doesn’t matter. I saw it with my own eyes. He claims I’m lying, but the real liar is him. Heaven knows, I know, and he knows the truth! There’s no need for me to be anxious!’

Yet…

‘Damn it, why do I feel so uneasy?’

Yeo Un-jin ground his teeth, a nameless sense of crisis slowly tightening around him.

“And the second condition?”

“From now on, I will conduct the special class training as I see fit. Today’s misunderstanding arose because other instructors doubted my methods. If it’s proven I’m not a demon, I ask that no one interferes with my teaching methods unless there’s clear wrongdoing.”

“But that might go against the rules…”

“It doesn’t. Article 17, Section 2, ‘Instructor’s Guidance,’ states: ‘When deemed necessary by the instructor, they may alter the teaching method with upper management’s approval.’ You can approve it based on this clause.”

“Hmm.”

Ju Yu-cheon pondered for a moment before nodding reluctantly. “Agreed. We’ll accept that.”

As time passed, Yeo Un-jin felt an inexplicable anxiety tightening around him.

‘I shouldn’t be anxious. I… but why do I feel so uneasy…?’

Then, as his eyes met Sa Bi-gang’s,

”……!”

Yeo Un-jin’s eyes shook violently.

For a brief moment, there was a mocking glint in Sa Bi-gang’s gaze.

Not an overt expression, but something in his eyes—a subtle, indescribable intuition.

‘Yes! My unease is because of him! There’s something about him! He shouldn’t be so confident! But why is he so unfazed?’

Yeo Un-jin took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure, convincing himself it might just be Sa Bi-gang’s bravado.

Meanwhile, Sa Bi-gang spoke again.

“Now, for the final condition.”

“Go on.”

“If Instructor Yeo Un-jin is stripped of his position, there will be a vacancy. I ask that you appoint someone I recommend to fill it. I will choose the department.”

This was an unexpected condition.

Not only Ju Yu-cheon but many in the crowd exchanged puzzled glances.

“A recommendation?”

“Who does he want to recommend? And choosing the department freely—does that mean it’s not for a martial arts instructor?”

“Well, there isn’t just one martial arts instructor, so it shouldn’t matter, right?”

After a moment, Ju Yu-cheon responded.

“That is not possible.”

“Why not?”

“It violates the rules. Your previous requests didn’t significantly breach the rules. But hiring someone solely based on your recommendation clearly does.”

“Very well. How about interviewing the person I recommend before making a decision?”

“Hmm. That much I can agree to.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Headmaster.”

Sa Bi-gang bowed respectfully.

All conditions were finally accepted.

The crowd watched with bated breath as Sa Bi-gang and Ju Yu-cheon faced each other.

Ju Yu-cheon approached Sa Bi-gang with the demon-detecting seal in hand.

“Shall we proceed with the test?”

“Please.”

“For everyone’s assurance, I will personally apply the seal to your forehead.”

“That’s fine.”

Sa Bi-gang closed his eyes.

Ju Yu-cheon dipped his finger in the ink and slowly pressed it to Sa Bi-gang’s forehead.

According to Yeo Un-jin, Sa Bi-gang had used demonic arts just moments ago. If that were true, the seal should reveal a red mark almost immediately.

‘This is it for you!’

Yeo Un-jin clenched his fists, glaring at Sa Bi-gang’s forehead.

Everyone’s eyes were glued to the spot.

Ju Yu-cheon also stepped back, watching intently.

The tension was palpable, like a taut string ready to snap.

If a red mark appeared, everyone would draw their swords and target Sa Bi-gang.

Ju Yu-cheon, too, was ready to unleash his power if necessary.

But…

‘Show up! Come on! Show up! Quickly!’

Yeo Un-jin bit his lip, waiting anxiously.

His clenched fists were slick with sweat.

Yet, Sa Bi-gang’s forehead remained unchanged.

‘Damn it! Why is it taking so long? Show up already!’

Yeo Un-jin was on edge.

The same went for Cheon Sae-myung and his group.

Every second felt like an eternity.

After what seemed like an agonizing half-hour,

“Ahem!”

Ju Yu-cheon’s cough startled everyone in the hall.

It showed just how focused they were on Sa Bi-gang’s forehead.

“If there’s no reaction after a quarter-hour, we’ll conclude that Instructor Sa is not a demon.”

No one objected.

In fact, they thought a quarter-hour was more than generous.

If Yeo Un-jin’s claim were true, the red mark should have appeared immediately.

Yet, Sa Bi-gang’s forehead showed no change.

The headmaster himself had applied the seal, leaving no room for trickery.

The one who couldn’t accept this outcome was Yeo Un-jin.

His pupils trembled as if an earthquake had struck.

‘This can’t be! It can’t be! The techniques I saw were definitely not orthodox! He must have learned demonic arts! Why… why…!’

Yeo Un-jin’s mind was in turmoil, leading him to consider the unthinkable.

Driven by desperation, he stood up and shouted at Ju Yu-cheon.

“Headmaster! Something’s wrong! I definitely… cough, saw it! Really… did you apply the seal to his forehead?”

Ju Yu-cheon’s brow furrowed deeply.

“Are you doubting me now?”

“N-no, but… isn’t it strange? He definitely used demonic arts! So why… why…! This can’t be! Unless the seal is faulty…”

“In all recorded instances, the seal has never shown false results.”

“B-but… he definitely…! Let me apply it! I’ll do it myself!”

“That is not allowed!”

Ju Yu-cheon’s voice boomed through the hall, infused with power, causing some to stagger back.

Yeo Un-jin was left speechless.

“B-but why… if I apply it, surely…”

“You’re essentially saying you don’t trust me!”

“N-no, I just need to be sure…”

“You’re completely blinded by this! Letting you apply the seal could lead to unforeseen consequences. Moreover, despite your public disrespect towards Instructor Sa, you still refuse to believe me, which is an insult.”

Thud.

Yeo Un-jin fell to his knees, defeated.

This can’t be happening.

If he could, he’d rip out his own eyes to show everyone what he had seen.

A cold wind blew through the hall.

Finally, Ju Yu-cheon delivered his verdict.

“A quarter-hour has passed. As everyone witnessed, no red mark appeared on Instructor Sa’s forehead. Thus, it is determined that Instructor Sa has not practiced demonic arts. Instructor Sa, I apologize for the disrespect.”

“No need, Headmaster. I understand you had no choice. I’m just disappointed that Instructor Yeo tried to slander me with such baseless lies.”

Ju Yu-cheon cast a cold glance at Yeo Un-jin.

‘No, it’s not true! That bastard’s lying! I’m telling the truth! You fools!’

Yeon Jin shouted internally as he scanned the faces around him.

Every gaze was filled with reproach.

Even Cheon Sae-myung and his close associates.

Joo Yoo-chun spoke with icy authority.

“You’ve committed an unforgivable breach of conduct! You baselessly accused a fellow instructor, orchestrated a cowardly attack, and caused chaos in front of numerous cadets! On top of that, you lied and refused to accept the rightful outcome! None of these offenses can be overlooked! Therefore, I hereby revoke your position as an instructor!”

“Dean! This isn’t right! There’s been a mistake! I swear I—”

“Silence! Don’t you dare address me with that filthy mouth of yours!”

At this point, Yeon Jin was grateful he hadn’t completely lost his mind.

Before he could utter another word, Joo Yoo-chun thundered again.

“What are you doing? If you have any shred of conscience left as a decent human being, you should apologize to Instructor Sa for your misconduct!”

Yeon Jin turned his dazed eyes toward Sa Bi-gang.

Sa Bi-gang looked back at him with a faint smile.

‘Why? Why can’t anyone see that mocking grin of his? Has he bewitched everyone here with some dark magic? How can they not see that sinister smile!’

Even as Joo Yoo-chun continued to berate him, the words were just a distant echo in Yeon Jin’s ears.

Finally, his gaze settled on Sa Bi-gang, who was slowly approaching.

‘Why is he coming over here?’

When Sa Bi-gang was right in front of him, he spoke.

“Instructor Yeon, I’m deeply disappointed by your false testimony against me, but I won’t pursue it further. Oh, and I apologize for not recognizing you and treating you harshly.”

“Wha… what…!”

Yeon Jin was at a loss for words.

The crowd, meanwhile, praised Sa Bi-gang for his magnanimity.

In the end, Yeon Jin was painted as the worst kind of person—one who makes mistakes and doesn’t even apologize.

And to top it off, he was the one receiving an apology.

Sa Bi-gang lightly patted Yeon Jin’s shoulder and whispered, though it was more accurate to say the words echoed in his mind.

[You should’ve known when to stop. What a disgrace you’ve brought upon yourself.]

Yeon Jin’s head snapped up in shock.

Sa Bi-gang walked away with a sly smile.

‘That… that bastard just…!’

But no one else heard the words.

Only Yeon Jin did.

It was actually a spell from the fourth circle of demonic magic called “Carve,” which imprinted words directly into the brain of the person touched.

No matter how keen an observer might be nearby, they couldn’t hear what Sa Bi-gang had conveyed.

By now, Yeon Jin was on the brink of a mental breakdown.

Joo Yoo-chun addressed him coldly, as if to a ghost.

“You will spend the next ten years serving at the main hall. Consider it your punishment.”

They called it community service, but it was no different from being a servant doing menial tasks.

This was the same fate Sa Bi-gang had faced after being expelled from his position as an assistant instructor.