‘I’ve been reincarnated.’

When I grew enough to discern right from wrong in the arms of a nurturing robot, I realized that I had been reincarnated into the open-world game set in Academy City, which I had enjoyed for a long time. After enduring confusion for quite a while, I eventually accepted reality and adjusted my thinking.

‘Since I’ve been given a second life… I should live happily.’

That was the conclusion I reached after years of contemplation. It was a very simple conclusion, but the process of reaching it was exceedingly long.

‘To do that, I need to fulfill three conditions.’

For me to enjoy a happy life in this world.

‘First, get a decent job.’

The prerequisite was good grades and an impressive school record.

‘Second, eliminate the villains.’

I didn’t have to worry about the villains from the original storyline. They could be left to the main character of the original story. The problem was the event villains who acted independently of the original storyline and threatened Academy City.

Villains are entities that destroy the order of Academy City or the city itself. What happened when event villains were left unchecked in the game? They grew into an uncontrollable force and became Great Villains in Academy City.

The world outside Academy City is an apocalyptic one teeming with monsters. This is the only place where I can live peacefully. Therefore, I couldn’t just leave the villains alone.

‘Third, marry my childhood friend.’

My childhood friend was the first beautiful girl in this world to become my ally. With her looks guaranteed to become stunning in the future and her sharp intellect, I resolved to become a man worthy of her.

‘Great, perfect.’

I could meet those three conditions by utilising my game knowledge and past life experience. This much was manageable.

But things never go as planned in life.

“Woo-jin, you’re so pure. I hope you stay like this.”

I was just pretending to be pure according to my age. But my childhood friend left those meaningful words and suddenly disappeared.

Where could she have gone? I searched everywhere, leaving no stone unturned, but I couldn’t even find a clue about her whereabouts. It was only after I reluctantly accepted that my only ally was gone that I realised my shoe soles were worn out like rags.

Returning home, a deep sense of emptiness overwhelmed me. That feeling imprisoned me in my room for months.

And then, years later, an unfamiliar letter arrived at my house.

– To my friend Woo-jin

It was a letter from my childhood friend. The letter contained news that she had been recognized as a heinous criminal. The worst criminals in Academy City were called the ‘Five Sins,’ and with her addition, they became the ‘Six Sins.’ This was due to her continuously committing terrorist acts and building up a notorious reputation.

That’s when I realized who she was. She was one of the worst villains in the game, Kim Dalbi. The name she told me was a pseudonym.

It seemed that Kim Dalbi had planned this path even before she became friends with me.

‘How absurd…’

For days, I couldn’t help but laugh helplessly.

– Hello, Woo-jin. Congratulations on getting into Ahsung High School!
I wanted to give you many things, but I thought you might feel uneasy no matter what gift I gave, so I just prepared some flowers. Will you accept them…? ㅠㅠ
Even though I’ve become a piece of trash in this city… I’m always on your side. ^_^
So, I hope you’ll accept this. I really, truly congratulate you.
Take care in high school!

On the day I passed the high school entrance exam, a note was left in the house along with purple peony flowers. It was a congratulatory message from our notorious villain.

I didn’t harbor any ill feelings. I was just thankful and put the peonies in a vase.

That day, I felt astonishingly peaceful. I became convinced that I could eliminate one of the three conditions for a happy life.

It seemed impossible to keep the fresh flowers for long. Eventually, I pressed them flat and carried them around as a talisman.

Time flew by, and I became a second-year high school student. On a spring day when the chill had eased, I donned a black uniform and wore a red armband symbolizing the disciplinary committee on my left arm. Standing in front of the orderly students, I walked to the podium, slightly bowed my head, and adjusted my cap.

Beep.

When I touched the microphone, a feedback noise echoed. Drawing the attention of the disciplinary committee members to me, I spoke into the microphone.

“Greetings. I am Ahn Woo-jin, a second-year student, and the 45th disciplinary committee leader.”

It was the appointment ceremony for the new leader of the disciplinary committee. It was now time for the next leader to present their aspirations. The red armband with a golden border on my left arm was the symbol of the disciplinary committee leader, which I inherited from the previous leader today.

With a tone of respect and solemnity, I said,

“I won’t speak for long. All disturbances and illegal activities occurring within our jurisdiction, both inside and outside the school, will face the strictest sanctions and punishments ever. There will be no compromise. As the disciplinary committee leader, I promise to contribute more than ever to maintaining peace in the school.”

The disciplinary committee, the top in-school force, would eliminate villains ‘officially’ under my command. Since the committee’s activities also covered the surrounding areas outside the school, my school record would shine as a result.

I had seized the opportunity for the two conditions set for a happy life to synergize and be fulfilled.

Of course, this meant I would likely confront my childhood friend, Kim Dalbi. But I had already made up my mind. If left alone, she would become the worst villain, like a cancer, in Academy City.

I had to stop her.

“For the school, for the students, please fight alongside me. Thank you.”

As I bowed politely, hundreds of disciplinary committee members applauded. Today, I became the leader of Academy City’s disciplinary committee.