Chapter 19: The status window opened on the first day of enrollment (III)

Senior, dont you think its a little awkward for us to see each other here? An orphanage is nice. An orphanage. Thats where we should meet. Do you think Im a regular patron at your orphanage for nothing?

Its urgent.

Sigh You came in a rush. Why did you hit the boys again? Seriously, just convey the message.

Dmitri grumbled as he led Ivan to a nearby caf.

The second floor of the caf near the university was crowded with people waiting for the ceremony to end.

Or so it seemed.

As soon as Dmitri led Ivan up the stairs to the second floor, the bustling caf suddenly fell silent.

Ah, just do what everyone else does. Act normally.

As Dmitri waved his hand, the operatives who filled the caf returned to being regular citizens. In the middle, a table strategically placed out of sight from both the window and the stairs stood empty.

Sit. Ah, that place used to be a safe spot, but now we cant use it again. Do you know how hard it is to make a hiding spot in the middle of Frechenkaya?

Sorry.

Never mind. So, what did you bring?

Dmitri smiled and, extending his hand, Ivan pulled out three small explosive devices from within his coat.

Dmitris expression disappeared momentarily. Upon seeing his hand moving gently toward the explosives, Ivan spoke.

The detonators are removed.

Why didnt you say that first!! Ugh, you scared me to death!

If you had so many doubts about me, you shouldnt have hired me from the start.

Why such a petty remark? In our line of work, even our parents might harbor doubts about us.

Dmitri shrugged and inspected the explosives. After fiddling with them for a while, a broad smile gradually appeared on his face.

Interesting. This is inside Jans University?

Yes. Theyre experts.

Its obvious. Three. Judging by the power, it seems unlikely to be a building demolition or an assassination. This is about diversion, right?

Yes. Probably, there was a separate infiltration team.

We didnt miss anyone on our side. Definitely not the Royalists. Weve kept a close eye on them.

Dmitri chuckled and clapped his hands together. Soon, one of the operatives, disguised as an ordinary middle-aged woman, approached.

Send this to the headquarters magical department.

Yes, Lieutenant.

And the documents? Are they ready?

Yes.

She retrieved a thick stack of documents from her basket. Dmitri briefly glanced through the papers and pushed them toward Ivan.

This is what you asked for, and Ive really gone to the trouble of preparing it in a hurry, even if Her Royal Highness is sincere in her support of you, but, uh, well.

Thank you.

Dont mention it. Oh, Her Royal Highness wants to see you, when you free?

It might be difficult for the time being.

Ivan picked up the documents and stood. As he turned to leave, a voice came from behind.

Senior.

Yes.

You have dark circles under your eyes. You know that, right?

As Dmitri turned around, he looked at Ivan with a serious expression.

Shadows danced beneath his hat, and his eyes glowed with an intense and precise gaze.

Relax. This isnt a battlefield here.

Hmm.

Well, its a bit much for a retired man asking them a job, but its important for you to broaden your perspective and not feel pressured to be flawless, neither Her Royal Highness nor I anticipate perfection from you.

Without a response, Ivan gave a slight nod and turned away.

Dmitri chuckled and tilted his head. Thats why people should fall in love. Staying holed up, not even basking in the sun, how dreary it must be, right?

Lieutenant Petrovich indeed, the Little Ivan. Your reputation was not in vain. Impressive.

When I first saw him, I almost peed myself. To think someone who had been idling away for four years would have this capacity. Anyway.

Tapping on the table, Dmitri urged, Find someone for him. Dont let him be alone.

Do you want me to intervene if he goes too far?

What? Are you looking to get yourself killed? Just observe. But from a very, very safe distance.

Even if he crosses the line, how much further can he push? Perhaps hes eager to step in and uncover the person behind the explosives. At most, hell frighten a few studentswhats the purpose of provoking an irritated Ivan?

While Dmitri was pondering this,

Ivan was in the office, retrieving an axe and a healing potion.

***

It cannot be told to anyone.

The story that this world is, in fact, merely a kind of game and is rolling by a sophisticated system.

So, I have to do it myself.

Ivan sincerely believed that as he unfolded the report received from Dmitri on the table.

List of faculty members.

List of freshmen.

Personal information of undergraduate students.

This year, over 300 freshmen enrolled. Jans University is a three-year institution, so the total number of undergraduate students approaches around a thousand.

Taking into account all staff, including faculty, assistants, security, administrative staff, admissions office, and considering students who entered graduate school or postponed graduation due to reasons such as leave.

Total: 1733.

One more thing there.

He had to examine the families of students who have access to the entrance ceremony.

If theres enough likelihood for everyone to step onto the university grounds on the day of the induction ceremony, then all of them can be considered suspects.

That is, if considering dignitaries from various countries and the families of the students. Total: 2429.

I know youre in there.

Ivan organized the piles of documents classified by category and tapped them heavily.

Dont think itll be easy to find.

Arrogance is the sharpest dagger that kills operatives.

But it wont take long. Promise me.

The people who possess abilities in the academy can never lead a quiet school life.

Thats common sense.

Theyll repel attacks, monopolize skills, and somewhere, gain a vision.

Academy stories, in essence, follow the standard generic platform. It cant be helped. Who would like a story about simply going to school and graduating normally?

Hence, if this guy knows the original.

It was clear that hed undoubtedly mimic the movements of the protagonist in the original work. All those who possess abilities live like that.

Even Kim Sunwoos initial thoughts when he was first possessed were monopolizing skills and spreading modern culture.

So, all possessors are extremely selfish, filled with variables, and any sudden action from them wouldnt be surprising.

After the fierce war that the NPCs fought had ended, perhaps they wanted to peacefully enroll in the academy and enjoy a pleasant game-based story.

They probably wouldnt care or understand the lives of the countless people passing by in the background setting.

Theyd just enjoy it. Theyd feel like theyre in a well-made theme park.

The fact that this is just a vent, an aimless hatred, or even a baseless jealousy, has already been acknowledged.

Whats that, Santa Claus?

It was just a casual remark, but that one word made it clear how the guy dealt with others.

Hes not even hiding the fact that hes transmigrated, just enjoys it. That one word twisted Ivans heart.

That one word, looking at others as mere objects.

Lieutenant! Did you see that? I was incredible, right? I parried all seven attacks!

Dont talk.

Haha, if you ask me to, I might be able to do it again. Its a pity. I should have angled the shield a bit more to the right.

Chernovika. Dont talk.

If I had done that, maybe that fool Sasha could have been saved. Truly a shame, Lieutenant. Truly.

Were nearly there. Just hold on a little longer, please.

Ill go keep Sasha company. Even then, we wont be alone. Weve handled our relationships well.. whether its heaven or hell.

Please. Silence. The blood cools faster. Chernovika. Please.

Live long. Lieutenant. Come as late as you can. If you come early well be in trouble.

Their story is not just background settings.

Amid the scattered documents, Ivan was having a nightmare.

Its a memory from a long time ago.

Dont mourn those who leave first.

I stand alongside them.

Their story is not just background settings.

They were the finest men of their time.

We all are.

Their history isnt some sort of scenario.

No, it shouldnt be.

In the nightmare, Ivan muttered slowly.

Listening to Kim Sunwoos voice patting his back.

Kimchi stew, tteokbokki, nachos with melted cheese, pork stir-fry, raw fish bibimbap, Sokcho-style cold raw fish, warm ramen.

Hometown, home, Korea, Seoul, rooftop room, parents.

Subway stations, convenience stores, nightlife, hometown, need to return. Firmly set my heart, dont waver, face it head-on.

Its okay. Were not alone.

Picking up the things that calm the mind aimlessly.

Until the night ends.

After the start of the semester, Ecdysis found herself in a difficult situation.

Nobody wanted to eat with her. Despite the title of royalty at this school where nobles from all over the world gathered, it didnt exempt her from isolation.

However, having the royal guard (a middle-aged man, muscular, wielding an axe) always glaring could indeed be a significant burden for young students barely in their early twenties.

Ah, its all messed up because of you, Uncle!

Hows that my fault? Isnt the problem the ones flirting with my niece in the first place?

Then why are you stopping the girls too!

Uncle already heard those girls talking behind my nieces back.

Uwaaa my university life my life Dad I hate it!

The strongest music student, becoming a target on the first day of school, ran while sobbing.