Academy's Silver Gatekeeper-Chapter 100

[Tomorrow morning, we'll have all the luggage moved. Examiner Baek Seojin.]

[If you wait after work, we'll escort you to your residence.]

Finally, that day came. The last commute to my original home. From tomorrow, I'll be commuting to a place provided by the government. They even say if I just pack my things, they'll handle moving the rest.

'They recommended moving to a special residential area for safety.'

Honestly, I thought they'd just say that and let it slide. Since my ability measurement result came out as B-rank, not even A-rank.

B-rank isn't personnel that needs state-level management. They'd miss it if it were gone, but they wouldn't put their heart into taking care of it.

Moreover, those living in special residential areas are experienced A-ranks. Plus S-rank ability users who could be called the nation's ultimate power. Finally, their families live under the highest level of protection.

So I thought they might quietly make it disappear. But looking at the text that just arrived, that didn't seem to be the plan.

'Going crazy and risking my life was worth it.'

I didn't know that going crazy and charging at an Elder would benefit me this much. I thought it would be good enough if just the Academy students' and professors' perception changed.

- Special Residential Area Search -

I suddenly became curious about what kind of place I'd be living in. So when I searched, various lists were generated.

A place more livable than any wealthy area in South Korea. The residents are much stronger than the security guards protecting the surroundings. That makes sense. At least A-rank ability users, and S-ranks too.

I wonder if Han Jiyoon and Irina also live there? As soon as that curiosity arose, I unconsciously shook my head. Han Jiyoon might, but Irina doesn't seem like she'd obediently follow government orders.

Special residential areas aren't just safe housing for important people. They also serve as surveillance of the nation's top resources.

There's no way Irina doesn't know this, so there's even less reason she'd comply.

'Conscious of that, the government emphasized there was no coercion, probably?'

There really was no coercion. But they made the pros and cons so clear. It felt like they were emphasizing 'you're the only one at a loss if you don't follow.' In the end, I unconsciously said okay!

'I will pass this road for the last time now.'

The small room I barely found after passing the civil service exam. To Baek Seojin, who had no family or relatives. No, to the past me, it was the only sanctuary. Though there are no particularly good memories or shining moments, I can't help feeling wistful.

Reaching the front of the room, I saw the laundry on the first floor. I had already finished greeting the laundry owner, who was also the building owner. Saying I'd be leaving soon. Thank you for everything. Take care.

I remember him being not particularly generous but not a bad person either. So at least a farewell greeting wouldn't be bad.

I took out my key and entered the room. What I saw upon entering was the narrow interior that made me wonder how I lived. Various secondhand items were positioned here and there inside.

"Your belongings are quite old, but if you just say the word, we'll dispose of everything. Everything to replace existing items is prepared at your new residence. Of course, it will become Mr. Baek Seojin's property, not state property, and ownership will be maintained even if you leave the residential area later."

They're offering to buy all my things on top of grateful moving service. I'm not materialistic, but too many things are barely hanging on to life. Like the refrigerator that makes noise like a vacuum cleaner or the washing machine that might explode...

'Huh.'

Suddenly, I felt all my muscles tense up. The foolish thought 'am I getting a cramp?' briefly occurred to me. But that thought disappeared from my head in 0.1 seconds.

Beyond the dark room where I hadn't turned on the lights yet. Someone of unknown identity is positioned there. I definitely feel it.

Suhyeon? No, no. She's not that twisted. Then Irina? But the aura I'm feeling now isn't hers. She's a terrifying woman, but she's never shown such sharp hostility in front of me.

'Could it be an assassin sent by villains?'

Spine-chillingly, that possibility is very high. My name and appearance are already spread everywhere thanks to the media. Finding out where I live wouldn't be difficult. This is why the state created special residential areas, I thought.

I quickly rolled my eyes to look around. Something that could be a weapon. Anything that could cause damage. But unfortunately, I couldn't see anything suitable nearby.

Maybe it's because I got used to using items provided by the Academy. Tomorrow I must buy at least one sword to carry with me.

Of course, if I get through today safely.

'Going back and quickly escaping would be the best, but...'

Is it possible? The moment I show my back, might I be cut in half? Should I back away? Would the opponent just watch that?

Above all, the only card I can play in this situation. Even for trait manifestation, retreating is something that must be avoided. I need at least an extremely trivial goal, like protecting my home.

Creak—

I made up my mind. I took a deep breath inside and clenched my fist. Once hesitation disappeared, my turbulent heart became strangely calm. Is this what they call the clear mirror state in martial arts novels?

"Come out."

Looking at the empty room, with all my body's tension pulled taut. I tried saying something experimentally, and it was effective.

'Right side.'

I momentarily felt an alien presence from the right side of the room. So when I silently stared at that spot, I could soon identify the intruder.

'...Fuck. Really, is there honey smeared on my body or something?'

The lights faintly shining through the window. Thanks to that, I could see. The shadow squirming on the right side.

If I'm not mistaken, the identity of such a living shadow is just one. Elder Hyeon Sujin, who like Kwak Hyuk also turned her back on her entire past.

'Why do terrifying things keep lurking around!'

As I bit my lips, the shadow gradually took human form. I thought about turning around and running now, but it was too late. If I really turned my back here, I don't know what end I'd meet.

Rather, it's better to grit my teeth and endure once from the front. I blocked Kwak Hyuk's attacks, so another Elder's attack should be possible once or twice. Then if the Irina who's good at smelling Elders luckily comes... free𝑤ebnovel.com

Wow. Now I have to rely on Irina? This is maddening.

"It's been a while."

Meanwhile, the shadow that completed transformation into human form. No, Hyeon Sujin, with eyes that were chilling just to look at. Glided forward and muttered like that.

"..."

I could tell at a glance. This woman's current aura was quite low pressure. Anyone else would agree if they saw this.

Is she angry because of what I did to Kwak Hyuk? No. Thinking about that time, she rather took my side. There's been no contact since then, so why is she so angry?

I glanced toward the kitchen.

Since delivery or eating out costs more money than expected. I've done quite a bit of cooking, so I do have at least a knife. Since I don't have a sword at hand, I'll have to fight holding a kitchen knife.

"Give it up."

Damn. Did she notice? Is she going to attack first? No more hesitation, I need to quickly prepare for battle...

"We'll fight someday. But not today. Yeah, at least not today."

As if proving her words, Hyeon Sujin stood still in place.

But I can't let my guard down. This woman has the ability to manipulate shadows. Precisely, she gained the 'shadow' attribute in the magic category.

Either way, it's definitely an absurdly overpowered ability. She can attack with shadows as much as she wants without doing anything herself. If she sets her mind to it, a surprise attack at this distance would be nothing.

"I heard you're leaving here."

I almost asked 'how did you know?' Did information leak somewhere? Could there be Hyeon Sujin's spy in the government...

"You're giving up this room. The laundry owner said so."

"..."

Right. If the laundry owner said so, it's understandable she'd know.

"You're leaving suddenly. Did you accept that proposal?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

This damn habit. I want to stop using honorifics now. I'm already so used to it that speaking informally would be more awkward.

"Don't pretend not to know. You fought Kwak Hyuk. That water ghost, everyone knows about it now. They naturally designated you as a special management target. Right?"

"..."

"And they're going to use you as a dog that suits their taste."

From the last words, I could get a hypothesis close to certainty.

This woman didn't betray for idiotic reasons like Kwak Hyuk. She's trying to hide it, but she has great anger toward those above.

Otherwise, there'd be no reason to say such things. About being used, about being a dog. There'd be no reason for eyes blazing with fury, even if briefly.

"Whatever proposal you received, it would be better to refuse."

"You have no reason to advise me."

"I didn't come to give advice. Baek Seojin."

When Hyeon Sujin took one step closer, I stepped back one step. The moment I feel even the slightest hostility, I'll charge without hesitation. Even if I can't win, at least I won't lose helplessly.

Hyeon Sujin, who had been staring at me briefly, slowly raised her hand. Just as I was clenching my fist thinking it was finally time.

"I'll make you a proposal."

"A proposal...?"

"Come with me, let's get revenge."

...What is this crazy woman saying now, fuck.

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