“Ahseong High Disciplinary Committee….”
There was no way that a disciplinary committee from a major academy wouldn't recognize the members of another major academy’s disciplinary committee, especially when it involved Ma Hyun High and Ahseong High.
So the platoon leader of the Ma Hyun High School disciplinary committee immediately recognized Ahn Woo-jin, Oh Baek-seo, Ha Ye-song, and Park Min-hyuk.
From the surroundings, it was clear that a large-scale battle had taken place. It was certain that the Ahseong High disciplinary committee, along with several collaborators, had caused a major incident within Ma Hyun’s jurisdiction.
Woo-jin and Baek-seo had been loaded into the vehicle by then. Woo-jin barely lifted his head to observe the situation.
'We planned to leave right after securing Moon Chae-yeon. They arrived much earlier than expected...'
Since Woo-jin, Baek-seo, and Ye-song were in terrible condition, the volunteer club was sent to secure Moon Chae-yeon's custody.
Initially, Min-hyuk wanted to accompany them, but Woo-jin sent only the volunteer club.
They needed to leave as soon as possible.
Sending a non-combatant like Min-hyuk might delay the mission, and the task was simply to transport Moon Chae-yeon, so Woo-jin made that decision.
Ultimately, only the executives of the Ahseong High disciplinary committee and members of the Dowa faction faced the Ma Hyun High disciplinary committee.
If the volunteer club came out with Moon Chae-yeon, there was a high chance she would fall into Ma Hyun’s hands.
'What should I do?'
Woo-jin frowned.
Moon Chae-yeon was a very valuable individual. She had information about the Headmaster.
They had to secure her.
Step by step, the Ma Hyun platoon leader approached the detachment.
“Go, Park Min-hyuk! I choose you!” “Huh? Me!?”
Following Ye-song's shout, the relatively unscathed Min-hyuk stepped forward to face the platoon leader.
As mentioned, Min-hyuk wasn’t good at fighting, so he was particularly nervous in front of the platoon leader. The difference in their physiques was also significant.
“You've engaged in a large-scale battle. And within our jurisdiction, no less.”
The platoon leader bluntly spoke.
“It was… an unavoidable situation…”
Min-hyuk stammered, glancing around for help. His eyes pleaded for assistance.
But no one could explain the circumstances concretely.
It was a clear illegal act to invade Ma Hyun’s jurisdiction and capture a villain without any report to the academy in charge, Ma Hyun High.
“An unavoidable situation… We’ll hear about that during the investigation. Ahseong High disciplinary committee executives, and other collaborators. You are hereby detained for unauthorized combat activities within Ma Hyun’s jurisdiction.”
The Ahseong detachment displayed their wariness.
Ahseong and Ma Hyun did not have a good relationship.
The platoon leader’s attitude was also evidently hostile towards Ahseong.
His expression and tone were dripping with contempt, enough for everyone present to notice.
Click, click. Ma Hyun disciplinary members began handcuffing the Ahseong detachment.
‘No. If this happens, we can’t take Moon Chae-yeon...!’
As the worry became reality, Woo-jin bit his lower lip.
If the Ahseong detachment was detained, Moon Chae-yeon’s custody would go to Ma Hyun for the investigation. During that time, anything could happen to her, and Ahseong High's disciplinary committee would be at a disadvantage.
That was why they needed to escape quickly before Ma Hyun’s disciplinary committee arrived.
If they could secure Moon Chae-yeon’s custody, they could take time to plan the next steps despite the jurisdictional issues.
“……”
Meanwhile.
Lee Se-ah’s bodyguard, Lee Jung-mi, narrowed her eyes in dissatisfaction as the injured students were handcuffed.
Then, Se-ah approached Jung-mi and whispered.
“It seems senior Woo-jin wants to secure the technomancer’s custody. I’d like to do that too. If we get out of this situation, I think we can manage it…”
“…Understood, Se-ah. I’ll try.”
Jung-mi answered Se-ah, who was smiling slyly, and stepped forward to the platoon leader.
“You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney…” “I’m from the Hanyang Federal Academy’s Student Council Audit Department. Stop the detention immediately.” “What?”
Everyone looked surprised as Jung-mi pulled out her student ID.
Under the Federation Council. The top academy in Neo Seoul, without a doubt. Hanyang Federal Academy.
The student council at the top of all academies was the General Student Council.
Given the appearance of such an elite member, everyone was taken aback.
“Ha, Hanyang…!?”
Ye-song and Min-hyuk's jaws dropped at the unexpected revelation of Jung-mi’s identity.
The platoon leader was also surprised but quickly checked Jung-mi’s student ID and verified her identity.
“Your identity is confirmed.”
Since the opponent was a member of the General Student Council, the platoon leader addressed her respectfully.
‘So she was from the General Student Council...’
Woo-jin observed Jung-mi as if studying her.
Later, a member of the General Student Council would disappear. That person seemed to be Lee Jung-mi from the Dowa faction. It was when the Dowa faction collapsed and Se-ah met a mysterious death.
‘It’s reassuring to have the Audit Department, but I doubt that Ma Hyun's platoon leader will back down easily.’
It was not advantageous to be on the bad side of the General Student Council, especially the Audit Department.
If an academy got on the wrong side of the Audit Department, a retaliatory audit could destroy it. It was practically an object of fear.
Even Ahseong’s Student Council President would be submissive in front of the Hanyang General Student Council. But this was all about understanding and balancing interests.
“Why is a member of the Hanyang General Student Council here? We’ll discuss that later. Present your reasons if you want to oppose the detention.”
The platoon leader was adamant.
‘A model student, indeed.’
Woo-jin thought it was a proper attitude for a disciplinary committee.
Maintaining rules and laws without being swayed by the opponent’s status or position was a basic virtue of the disciplinary committee.
‘He won’t back down easily.’
Woo-jin sighed slightly.
“From the badge, I see you’re the platoon leader of Ma Hyun’s disciplinary committee. Shouldn’t you prioritize transporting the injured first? Rescue should come first, right?”
Jung-mi spoke aggressively while glaring at the platoon leader.
It was clear that the platoon leader had animosity towards Ahseong. Jung-mi guessed it was due to previous conflicts over jurisdiction before Woo-jin became the head of the disciplinary committee.
So Jung-mi deliberately showed displeasure on her face.
Her strategy was to suppress the opponent by flaunting her affiliation with the Audit Department. It was petty, but there was no other choice in this situation.
“Moreover, we have no intention to flee or destroy evidence. Our vehicles were damaged during the battle, and we plan to fully cooperate with the investigation. Additionally, we captured one of Neo Seoul’s biggest nuisances, a heinous criminal among the Six Sins. Illegal acts committed for the public good do not constitute a crime. There were no civilian casualties here, so our actions were not excessive compared to the public interest we protected. Detention is not a reasonable action. The battle is over, so calling us in flagrante delicto is misplaced, isn’t it?”
It wasn’t incorrect, but it was all a distraction.
In this situation, the power to arrest lay with Ma Hyun’s disciplinary committee, specifically the platoon leader standing before them.
The situation favored Ma Hyun, so Jung-mi planned to exploit any sign of fear in the platoon leader.
“Exactly! We caught one of the Six Sins! Instead of thanking us, you’re... Ah, my muscles...!”
Ye-song agreed but then rolled on the ground in pain from her muscle cramps.
Jung-mi glanced at Ye-song, who was rambling without thinking, with a disdainful look and continued speaking as if nothing happened.
“Even if there are other issues to discuss, the detention itself is unjustified. If you proceed with the arrest, we will formally protest. So let’s focus on resolving the situation first. We will fully cooperate with the investigation, so there’s no need to worry about that.”
Se-ah had said that once they got out of this situation, they could somehow secure Moon Chae-yeon.
Jung-mi guessed what Se-ah was planning.
If they weren’t detained, they could transport Moon Chae-yeon to Ma Hyun for investigation and then use the remaining organization members to steal her away.
It might cause problems later, but Se-ah could slip away cunningly and have enough time to extract crucial information.
But.
“Then prove it.”
The platoon leader responded monotonously.
“…What?”
Jung-mi narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms and tilting her head in confusion.
“It’s your responsibility to prove that there’s no risk of flight or evidence destruction, Ma Hyun’s disciplinary committee. Didn’t you know that?”
“No, that’s not what I meant. Don’t pretend to be ignorant.”
The platoon leader shook his head and looked at Jung-mi with a fierce gaze.
“You invaded our jurisdiction without any report to Ma Hyun High and disrupted order. Capturing a member of the Six Sins is commendable, but you ignored laws and procedures without any urgent threat, and you’re still in Ma Hyun’s jurisdiction. So prove that your actions are not illegal.”
“We were protecting the public…”
“Hasn’t your ‘Six Sins capture’ mission ended yet?”
The platoon leader pointed towards the entrance of the underground facility while keeping his eyes fixed on Jung-mi. Her gaze followed his.
At that moment, the volunteer club leader appeared, carrying the unconscious Moon Chae-yeon on his back, followed by other club members.
“Look at this sinister woman getting what she deserves…!” “Justice served…! Wait, what’s going on…?”
The volunteer club was shocked by the scene.
Jung-mi sighed.
“Discuss the public good and all that at the trial academy. Since the Ahseong disciplinary committee was involved in this incident, securing the technomancer is part of achieving your goal. In other words, we interrupted your ongoing illegal activity. The results of your public good argument aren’t in yet, are they?”
“……”
“Moreover, your goal might not be ‘public good through capturing the Six Sins’ but simply ‘securing the technomancer.’ There’s still a possibility of that. Clearly, we can’t justify arresting you as in flagrante delicto.”
Jung-mi clicked her tongue.
‘He figured it out.’
The platoon leader seemed to have noticed that Woo-jin and Se-ah aimed to secure Moon Chae-yeon.
‘It’s understandable. The Ahseong disciplinary committee moved discreetly and worked with other collaborators. He would know we handled this cautiously.’
The Ahseong detachment moved secretly mainly to rescue Baek-seo.
How did they find the hideout to rescue Baek-seo?
The basis was the goblin sent by Kim Dal-bi, one of the Six Sins.
It was a reason so absurd that it couldn’t be used as an official defense.
Thus, the situation was disadvantageous for Ahseong.
‘This guy won’t be intimidated by threats either.’
Even a hint of a retaliatory audit from the General Student Council’s Audit Department didn’t faze him.
Jung-mi disliked this type the most.
‘We just need to get out of this situation…!’
If they could escape from Ma Hyun’s grasp, they could achieve their goal.
Jung-mi was anxious but didn’t show it. However, her silence was enough for the platoon leader to feel victorious.
“If there’s nothing more to say, we’ll take custody of you and the technomancer. Detention will proceed.”
The platoon leader motioned to his subordinates, and the detention continued.
Ma Hyun’s disciplinary members took Moon Chae-yeon from the volunteer club leader.
“And Ahseong’s disciplinary committee leader.”
The platoon leader addressed Woo-jin, lying in the back of the vehicle.
“You’ll have to take responsibility for this incident. I’ll recommend disciplinary action to Ahseong’s student council and Hanyang Federal Academy. Having abused your authority and committed illegal acts, you should feel ashamed as the head of the disciplinary committee.” “……”
“Consider yourself lucky if you’re merely dismissed.”
Woo-jin’s abuse of authority in this incident was severe.
Deploying the bombardment unit and other disciplinary members in another jurisdiction. Conducting disciplinary activities without reporting to Ma Hyun or even Ahseong’s student council.
Such a significant incident would likely result in Woo-jin being labeled as a ‘lawless disciplinary committee leader’ and removed from his position.
But Woo-jin didn’t react particularly.
He had already prepared for this.
“…Hmph. Acting indifferent.”
The platoon leader grumbled quietly.
He had hoped to see Woo-jin’s disheartened face, but his expectations were dashed.
“Huh?”
At that moment.
Brrrr!
Another Ma Hyun disciplinary committee vehicle arrived, kicking up dust. The Ma Hyun members were startled and stopped what they were doing to salute the vehicle.
A male student with brown hair and a female student got out. The male wore the disciplinary committee leader’s armband, and the female wore the deputy leader’s armband on her left arm.
Ma Hyun High School disciplinary committee leader, Lee Je-ho. Deputy leader, Shin Ga-yeon.
“You’re here, sir!”
The platoon leader greeted Je-ho with a disciplined posture.
Je-ho adjusted his glasses and surveyed the surroundings. He noticed the detained Ahseong detachment and the severely injured Woo-jin and Baek-seo.
“Phew.”
Je-ho sighed deeply and then.
Smack!
“Ouch!”
He kicked the platoon leader in the shin.
The platoon leader let out a scream, bending one knee. His face showed he was barely enduring the pain.
“What were you doing until I got here?”
Je-ho looked down at the platoon leader with a cold expression.
“Uh, uh…”
“Have you forgotten the primary duty of the disciplinary committee?”
“No, sir, but…”
“I command the disciplinary committee. Release the detainees and transport the severely injured to the hospital immediately! Have the healing sorcerers provide first aid!”
The disciplinary members responded with a loud “Yes!” and began unlocking the handcuffs.
The platoon leader was bewildered. Then Je-ho spoke.
“The primary concern of the disciplinary committee should be casualties. And they captured one of the Six Sins, a significant public threat. They didn’t cause any major damage to the city. Their injuries are severe, so there’s no risk of flight. It would be highly contradictory for those who went to such lengths to capture a villain to destroy evidence. So, is prioritizing detention really the right call, platoon leader?” “But they…”
“Let me guess. Were personal feelings involved?”
“……”
The platoon leader’s reasoning was not wrong. It was legitimate.
From there, various judgments could be drawn, and those judgments were his responsibility until a moment ago.
However, the disciplinary committee is a hierarchical organization.
Regardless of the platoon leader’s decisions, he couldn’t defy a legitimate and reasonable order from the disciplinary committee leader.
The platoon leader’s voice weakened.
“…No, sir.”
“Don’t let personal feelings cloud your judgment.”
“Yes, sir…”
Je-ho clicked his tongue and walked away.
“……”
“……”
I was being transported to the hospital in an emergency transport vehicle.
A healing sorcerer from Ma Hyun had provided first aid, so I remained conscious.
Also, since Ma Hyun’s disciplinary committee was escorting us, there wouldn’t be any dangerous incidents. I was reassured.
But there was one discomfort.
“It’s a late question, but.”
I looked at the person sitting next to me.
“Why are you here?”
Ma Hyun High School disciplinary committee leader Lee Je-ho.
For some reason, he was sitting next to me.
After providing first aid, Je-ho had sent the healing sorcerer to the passenger seat, leaving us alone.
“I sent your deputy leader to Baek-seo. Why are you taking such care of us?”
It was unsettling.
“Hmm, no need to thank me.”
Je-ho adjusted his glasses dramatically.
“I just thought it was the right thing to do…” “No, it’s unsettling.” “Hmm, if you must thank me… what?”
Je-ho was taken aback, and a vein popped on his forehead. His hand, adjusting his glasses, trembled.
“Ahseong disciplinary committee leader, you’re truly ungrateful…!” “Why did you help us?” “?” “We aren’t on good terms.”
Didn’t we growl at each other while arm-wrestling at the first semester exchange?
Even when we met at the campsite, we didn’t build any good memories. We were busy glaring at each other.
So it was puzzling.
Why did he reprimand his subordinate who was hostile to Ahseong and help us?
“……”
Je-ho looked out the window. The vehicle following us carried Oh Baek-seo.
“It didn’t feel like someone else’s problem.”
“Huh?”
What was he talking about?
“Seeing your pitiful state, I could tell something happened to your deputy leader, and you did your best to save her, didn’t you? You moved discreetly to avoid our interference.”
“Yeah… no point in hiding it now.”
“If Ga-yeon were in trouble in your jurisdiction, I’d have acted no differently. I’d have been just as desperate.”
Thinking about it...
In a way, we were the only ones who shared each other’s secrets.
It was funny, but it seemed to have created a sense of empathy.
‘Ugh, that’s creepy…’
Je-ho adjusted his glasses again.
“You also managed to capture the technomancer. That’s undeniably a public benefit. I don’t know what punishment you’ll face, but we won’t raise jurisdiction issues.”
“Isn’t invading another academy’s jurisdiction an absolute offense?”
I knew that was the rule to maintain order in Academy City.
So, regardless of Ma Hyun’s stance, I would be punished.
“At least it won’t go to trial.”
“That’s significant.”
The sensitivity around jurisdiction was mainly due to the trials.
The academies are the parties in such lawsuits. It causes trouble for them. This is why Ahseong and Ma Hyun didn’t get along after numerous disputes over jurisdiction.
If it didn’t go to trial, the severity of the punishment might decrease. Ahseong might cover it up.
Considering my unprecedented achievements, they might find a way to mitigate the punishment.
“I appreciate that. But…”
I looked into Je-ho’s eyes.
“That’s not the only reason, is it?”
No way he’d help just because he felt empathy.
In the original work, Lee Je-ho liked to flaunt his knowledge and, unlike the head-in-the-clouds president of Ma Hyun, was thoroughly calculative.
He wasn’t unscrupulous or selfish, but he certainly had something he wanted from me.
Je-ho paused for a moment, folding his arms. Then, he looked at me seriously.
“Who’s targeting you?”
Of course.
From the beginning, Je-ho was more focused on the essence of the situation than the immediate one.
“I can’t say. There are reasons I can’t.”
“I figured. It didn’t make sense for a member of the Six Sins to target Ahseong’s disciplinary committee deputy leader, especially not someone like Oh Baek-seo.”
‘It’s natural to think that way.’
A criminal targeting the deputy leader of a major academy’s disciplinary committee was highly irrational.
Especially someone as talented as Oh Baek-seo?
Even a powerful member of the Six Sins targeting Baek-seo would create a lot of noise.
Unless someone much stronger than Baek-seo, like Goliath, was involved, it would be hard to understand this situation.
But it was just Moon Chae-yeon, the technomancer.
So.
Je-ho seemed to have guessed that there was someone stronger involved in this incident.
‘If he thought that way, he’d also consider that major academy disciplinary committee members might not be safe.’
He might have thought that what happened to Baek-seo could happen to Ma Hyun’s deputy leader, Shin Ga-yeon.
‘It wasn’t just empathy, then.’
I finally understood what Je-ho meant.
He had envisioned a grim scenario.
“Who are you fighting?”
Je-ho asked sharply.
Revealing the secret was risky. But there was no reason to hide it from him.
I pointed upwards.
“Heh.”
Je-ho smirked and closed his eyes.
“So, you were hogging all the fun alone.”
“If it seems fun, I recommend changing your glasses first.”
“This incident, while illegal, will be recognized as legitimate disciplinary committee activity. Post factum, there’s a provision that allows for retroactive approval of jurisdiction breaches for special circumstances. That authority lies with the disciplinary committee leader, which is me. That would make the technomancer’s custody legally Ahseong’s.”
“…The price?”
It was clearly a give-and-take situation.
Je-ho adjusted his glasses again and spoke.
“When the time comes to catch those bastards up there, let me help. That’s my condition.”
“……”
I widened my eyes slightly at the unexpected answer.
Lee Je-ho. Nicknamed the Dark Strategist.
He was a valuable asset, given his prowess.
If he wanted to help, there was no reason to refuse.
But.
“Why take the risk?”
“Because that’s what a ‘disciplinary committee leader’ does.”
“……”
I understood his answer for some reason.
But the overly dramatic response left me unsure of how to react for a moment.
“……”
“……”
A silence fell between us.
The atmosphere grew awkward, and Je-ho remained poised with his fingers on his glasses.
“…Say something, Ahn Woo-jin.”
His words replayed our recent conversation in my mind.
A shiver ran down my spine.
“Ah, that’s unsettling…”
“What are you saying!?”
The night was growing deeper.