On a secluded path three minutes westward from the main building of the freshman hall, a forest emerged, devoid of streetlights or CCTV. Only then did Yeomyeong turn his head.

"…Why did you come to the Academy?"

His voice held no trace of friendliness; in fact, it barely concealed a restrained hostility.

A woman in a blue mask, who had followed him silently, sighed as she replied.

"…You make it sound as though I don't belong here."

"Morine. I have no intention of engaging in wordplay with you. Are you here to see your daughter? In that case, you’re on the wrong side of the campus. The girls’ dormitory is in the opposite direction."

Perhaps it was his unexpectedly sharp tone, but Morine glanced at Yeomyeong with a hint of surprise.

After a brief silence, she seemed to realize something, tapping her lips as she spoke.

"Ah, I see… You haven’t used the key I gave you yet. Why is that? There’s no reason to refuse an artifact of such value."

The Bloodtear Key.

Morine had given it to him as a token of apology and as part of a deal after shooting at him, invoking the Saintess’s snowy fields. But Yeomyeong had yet to use the key. More accurately, he hadn’t had the opportunity to use it.

In Manchuria, he’d been preoccupied with absorbing the Comet Sword, and once he arrived at the Academy, there had been no time at all. From the entrance ceremony to a terrorist attack, he had been entangled in one incident after another.

Even during his brief respite in the VIP room, he’d been half-detained, making it impossible to use the Bloodtear Key left in his dormitory room.

Regardless, Yeomyeong had no intention of explaining these trivial matters to Morine.

He looked coldly at the masked figure in front of him.

"…How I use my belongings is none of your concern."

Morine’s lips tightened slightly.

"True, but… It’s a shame nonetheless. Had you harnessed the key’s power, you wouldn’t be so hostile towards me."

"…."

"Still, do understand this. I paid quite a price to give you that key."

The conversation about the key went no further. Yeomyeong, fed up with the needless discussion, turned his back on her.

But just as he was about to leave the forest, Morine’s voice stopped him.

"Scarab… no, Chun Yeomyeong. Do you realize? As fame grows, so do the flies it attracts."

"…."

"There have been at least hundreds of requests to investigate your past sent to our company alone. Including other sources… there may be thousands, if not tens of thousands, pursuing your history."

Only then did Yeomyeong halt his steps and turn back to face her.

"Of course, there’s no need to worry. We’ve already taken care of your past on our end."

"…Such an arrangement wasn’t part of our deal."

A faint, uneasy smile formed on Morine’s lips.

"Consider it a small apology for my previous misstep, unrelated to our contract."

Though the mask hid her expression, her intentions weren’t difficult to discern.

A cautious tone, nervous gestures. She was feeling something akin to regret, or at least a semblance of it, toward Yeomyeong.

If it was genuine, it was chilling; if it was an act, it was revolting. Frowning, Yeomyeong spoke.

"…Let’s end the idle chatter here."

His tone softened slightly, the edge of hostility blunted. While Morine let out a sigh of relief, Yeomyeong continued.

"Returning to the beginning, why are you here at the Academy?"

"…Of course, I’m here as the CEO of Blue Rat Company. The Academy’s principal personally sought out our services."

So, she came for business. Yeomyeong glanced up at the sky, where the sun was barely setting.

"And your reason for seeking me out? Just hoping to see me while you’re on the job?"

Hardly had his question ended when Morine replied.

"While my daughter and the other students might not need to know… there’s something I need to inform you and Seti Hong about."

How does she know about Seti…? Yeomyeong swallowed the question that rose to his lips.

It was a pointless question. This was the kind of woman who didn’t hesitate to open fire for her daughter. Not knowing her daughter’s only friend would have been stranger.

"Where should I begin… First of all, are you aware of the recent situation at the Academy?"

She approached Yeomyeong slowly as she started explaining.

"The recent terrorist attack has put unprecedented pressure on the Academy."

The explanation began with the usual political discourse.

"Countries in urgent need of superhumans, regardless of whether they’re world powers or middle powers, are eager to exert influence over the Academy. Various organizations, instead of mourning the deceased staff, are eyeing the Academy’s resources…."

Just as her explanation seemed poised to stretch on, Yeomyeong cut her off.

"…How much longer is this story going to continue?"

"It’s just getting started… Why, do you have something pressing?"

Yeomyeong nodded.

"I have a personal appointment. It’s almost time."

"…Is it with my daughter, perhaps?"

Though her voice held a hopeful note, Yeomyeong firmly shook his head, shattering her expectations.

While Morine clicked her tongue briefly, Yeomyeong discreetly checked his phone.

‘…Still no word from Seti.’

Had things gone poorly with the Saintess? Or perhaps she hadn’t yet gathered her sisters?

So far, she’d only sent a single message: I’m back at the dorm.

Which likely meant she hadn’t yet met with her sisters…

Refocusing on Morine, Yeomyeong spoke.

"Please, keep it brief."

"I’ve already condensed it as much as possible… but if you’re in a hurry, I suppose there’s no choice."

Despite her words, Morine’s continued explanation wasn’t as short as he’d hoped.

The political circumstances surrounding the Academy were that complex.

The factions within the Academy staff and board members, some backed by foreign support, were in direct conflict.

Various forces aimed at obtaining the Academy’s martial arts and magic, applying blatant pressure.

And amidst this chaos, Principal Himena struggled to restore normalcy.

Only after this lengthy background did Morine finally come to the main point.

"The principal plans to implement a new educational curriculum to address both external pressure and to justify her actions."

"…Does she really think such measures will stop this uproar?"

It was a valid question.

The terror attack had left deep scars on the Academy, regardless of the students’ safety.

Introducing preventative education now was nothing more than locking the barn after the horse had bolted.

However, Morine shook her head.

"Such an approach might be valid for an ordinary school, but this is Lord Howe’s Academy. A prestigious institution that has never once accepted outside instructors."

"…."

"This institution, breaking with tradition, has announced it will accept external instructors. Half will be selected by the Academy, but the other half… will come recommended by foreign powers."

In the end, this would grant outside forces a foothold within the Academy, wouldn’t it?

"…Isn’t this a poor decision? If things go awry, the Academy could lose not only its traditions but also its autonomy."

"If it were solely about recruiting instructors, that would indeed be the case."

Yeomyeong crossed his arms, looking at Morine with a gaze that said, Explain.

She added with a hint of a smile.

"In truth, the recruitment is merely a façade. It’s a smokescreen for the principal’s true intentions."

"…A smokescreen?"

Yeomyeong’s eyebrows twitched in surprise at the unexpected statement.

"She’s discreetly inviting formidable figures to the Academy—renowned names, reclusive superhumans, active mercenaries…."

Secretly recruiting powerful individuals? Yeomyeong smirked, realizing the principal’s reason for contacting Blue Rat.

"…So Blue Rat is gathering information on these powerful individuals, as well as ways to draw them in."

Morine nodded silently.

So much for lofty talk of justifications and public opinion; in the end, the outcome was no different from usual.

If one is weak, they get bitten. To protect, one needs power, even if it’s a kind of strength others might avoid.

Yeomyeong, reaffirming this bitter truth about the world, asked Morine.

"So, is there anyone among these instructors who would pose a problem for Seti and me?"

"Perceptive as ever. Yes. And to add a bit more… one of the instructors targeting you isn’t from the Academy, but from a foreign government."

"…A foreign government?"

"South Korea."

The mention of his homeland’s name made Yeomyeong clench his fists to hide his reaction.

"They’re one of the nations leading the pressure against the Academy right now."

Morine elaborated. After a pause, Yeomyeong spoke.

"How much do you know about Seti’s connection to South Korea?"

"Only that the South Korean government wronged her. Beyond that, our reach couldn’t uncover more."

A lie, or the truth?

Yeomyeong scrutinized Morine’s face, but the mask obscured any hints.

Could he force her to divulge more? That might not be a bad idea, but he decided to settle for what he’d learned.

The information Morine had provided was already valuable enough.

An instructor sent by the South Korean government was coming—had he been unaware, it could have spelled disaster.

I’ll have to lift the restrictions tonight.

With that thought resolved, Yeomyeong answered Morine cautiously.

"…Thank you for the valuable information."

"Save your thanks for later. I haven’t finished yet."

Morine extended her hand, holding a large black feather.

"Among the instructors the principal invited… there’s one who could help with your and Seti’s troubles."

Though it resembled the crow feathers he’d seen countless times in his days as a cleaner, this feather was at least twice as large.

"Corvus. Master of Ravens, Seeker of Crossroads."

She didn’t seem like a famous figure, like the legendary holy sword bearers. Yeomyeong, who had even looked into documentaries on superhumans, had never heard of her name.

"Become her disciple. If you do, neither Seti nor you will need to fear any instructor from South Korea."

Yet, coming from the head of a grand information guild and the Saintess’s mother, her assurance likely meant this was no ordinary superhuman.

"…What kind of person is she?"

"Not quite on par with the holy sword you’re connected to… but formidable."

With that, Morine handed over the feather.

"Show her this feather, and she’ll gladly accept you as her disciple. Ah, and now, you may thank me."

Yeomyeong accepted the feather cautiously, sensing a faint mana around it.

After a brief moment of observing the feather, he let out a silent sigh and nodded to Morine.

"…Thank you."

With that awkward expression of gratitude, their conversation ended. Or, it should have.

But Yeomyeong’s offhand question extended the exchange.

"When will these external instructors arrive at the Academy?"

Morine, raising her invisibility cloak, answered lightly.

"The principal’s plan will be announced tomorrow, so the earliest they might arrive is the day after."

So, there was still time. Just as Yeomyeong breathed a sigh of relief, Morine added.

"But if anyone has caught wind of the principal’s plan… they may have arrived today."

Today? Yeomyeong frowned.

"Is there a chance that the South Korean government might have picked up on it…?"

"Fifty-fifty? It’s a highly secretive plan, so few would have noticed… but given the money South Korea is pouring into pressuring the Academy, it wouldn’t be surprising if they knew."

Morine added, as if to reassure him.

"Of course, there’s no need to worry. Even if it’s the South Korean government, they won’t stir up trouble on campus. Seti will be fine."

At that moment, Yeomyeong was certain of one thing.

Morine knew nothing about the restrictions placed on Seti.

If an external instructor arrived today and triggered Seti’s restriction…

The Academy would never be able to protect her.

Imagining the worst-case scenario, Yeomyeong frowned and immediately called Seti.

The dial tone went on, but the call never connected.

[The person you’re trying to reach is currently unavailable…]

Yeomyeong closed his phone, biting his lip. Half fearful, half hoping for nothing to be wrong.

He didn’t deliberate long. His actions were quick.

Addressing Morine, who seemed ready to leave, he spoke.

"Morine, can I ask you a favor? It’s important."

"…A favor? Out of the blue?"

Morine tilted her head in surprise.

And when she heard his request, a look of astonishment crossed her face.

"Lend me the invisibility cloak."

 

In the north of the academy, ascending the stairs toward the roof of Quini Tower, the academy's tallest structure.

“Hah… hah… Director… please… a little… slower….”

Holding onto the stair railing, Wallad was gasping for breath. He must have walked quite a distance, as his mouth tasted bitter from the exertion.

However, Medgar, the Admissions Director, who was ahead of him, didn’t even glance back.

“If it’s too much, take your time and follow at your own pace.”

Wallad stared at Medgar’s retreating back, leaving him with that hollow consolation, and forced his legs to move.

Being left alone in the academy was something he wanted to avoid at all costs.

‘…What if I run into Cheonyeom again, that bastard.’

He recalled the warning from the Saintess in Manju—more accurately, Yeomyeong's last warning delivered by her.

-Do whatever you must, but don’t meet Yeomyeong again. If you do, he said he’d kill you, no matter the reason.

Wallad didn’t take that warning lightly.

Yeomyeong was the kind who would follow through if he intended to kill.

Plus, he bore the original sin of having touched Elder Jang. If Yeomyeong got his hands on him, he certainly wouldn’t die peacefully.

So far, he had gone to great lengths to avoid facing Yeomyeong.

Even when obeying orders to launder Yeomyeong’s past, bribing reporters in Manju, he had exercised the utmost caution…

But of all places, things had gone awry at the academy.

‘They said I’d only have to stay around the harbor… damn it.’

While no students were expected to come to the northern island, where restoration work was ongoing, there was always the risk of the unexpected.

Wallad wasn’t willing to bet his life on probability, and he didn’t want to stray too far from his lifeline, Medgar.

Eventually, he dragged his aching body to the rooftop.

Seeing the wide expanse, he finally allowed himself a sigh of relief.

On the rooftop was the very person(?) they had been searching for with Medgar.

Under the dark sky, a large crow shimmered with black feathers.

“Corvus…”

With a sigh of relief, Wallad approached her.

Meanwhile, Medgar, who had already reached Corvus, spoke up.

“What are you doing here, of all places?”

Medgar’s voice was harsh. He’d spent all day chasing this crow from the harbor to the northern island, wasting precious time.

The crow, however, didn’t seem to care about his words.

She looked around at the academy’s scenery below and responded.

“Choosing a disciple.”

“…Choosing a disciple? What are you talking about?”

“If you want specifics, ask Principal Himena, not me.”

The next moment, as the crow scanned her surroundings, she stopped as if she’d seen something interesting.

“Oh.”

A brief exclamation.

Instinctively, Medgar looked in the same direction as the crow, but nothing noteworthy caught his eye.

The crow’s gaze was directed toward the freshman dormitory island across the sea.

Could she really see students from this distance?

Just as Medgar's brows started to knit together, the crow clicked her beak and spoke.

“The academy sure is open-minded these days.”

“Open… open-minded? What are you talking about?”

“A male student heading to the girls’ dorm at this hour. Has the school policy changed?”

A male student… at the girls’ dorm? Medgar’s face hardened.

"…Who exactly are you looking at?"

"How would I know his name? A fairly handsome young man. Hm, he seems familiar…."

Is she joking? Or serious? While Medgar was still confused, the crow extended her neck and added,

"Oh, he just climbed over the dormitory wall!"

Medgar pulled out his phone, his frown deepening.

Whether it was a joke or not, he had to address it.

With the recent upheaval due to the terrorist attack, the news of a male student sneaking into the girls' dorm could create a scandal. Medgar quickly called the dormitory supervisor.

"…Can you describe this male student you’re watching?"

“Certainly. Let’s see, neat hair, wearing a shirt… and….”

"…And?"

“Oh, he just disappeared.”

"…?"

Medgar, his focus on her words, looked astonished, his hand shaking as he held his phone.

Meanwhile, the crow continued to chatter.

"Could it be invisibility magic?"

Medgar was certain now that this crow was toying with him.

Invisibility? That was impossible magic for a student to pull off.

“Hah, hah… Lady Corvus… if I may… a word….”

In the meantime, Wallad, who had finally caught up, managed to speak through his heavy breaths.

“A… a message… from the Blue Rat…”

Whatever he was mumbling in his exhausted state, the crow spread her wings wide without so much as a glance back.

“I’ve decided. I like that kid.”

“W-wait!”

Realizing what she was about to do, Medgar reached out, but the crow was already leaping off the edge.

Her enormous wings flared, her massive form gliding across the night sky, leaving black feathers in her wake.

She soared straight toward the freshman girls’ dorm.

Left alone on the rooftop, Medgar stared in shock, while Wallad gasped for breath in the background.

After watching the crow disappear into the night, Wallad muttered miserably to himself.

“…Well, damn.”