Chapter 21 : School is a fucking spectacle #16 - No Kidding, I’m an Extra

"Ryu Cheon Hwi? I told you to speak." "..." What is up with this guy? Instructor Lee Sora has just asked him to speak, yet he's sitting there, covering his eyes with his left hand and hanging his head low. Could it be he's in shock from hearing about my lack of parents? It makes no sense how this guy, who seems to realize he let Tallulah slip through his fingers, could have kicked my back. "Ryu Cheon Hwi. How long do you plan on staying silent?" ㅡTap-tap. Instructor Lee Sora repeatedly tapped her fingers on the desk and spoke. Tap. Tap. Rumbling. But what is this? Rumbling. Wait. What is with this sound like an earthquake? Upon investigating, the source was Instructor Lee Sora's fingers. That's not a sound a human can make...! This is unsettling! ㅡBang!!! In an instant, the desk split in two! "No!!! Noooo!!! Instructor Lee Sora!!! What on earth is this!!!" I mean, what the hell, how does she break a desk with her fingers! "Ah, calm down. I lost patience and misjudged my strength. Ryu Cheon Hwi? Didn't you hear me when I told you to speak?" Her calm interrogation in such a situation suggests this might not be her first time doing something like this. "Ryu—" And at that exact moment. ㅡBam! Ryu Cheon Hwi, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly stood up! "...!" Then he gave me a fierce glare! "What is it?" Does he intend to strike regardless of the instructor's presence? Of course, I'll just stay seated. Instructor Lee Sora will surely block him, so I'll just maintain my facade. My pride won't allow me to cower here. But my prediction was wrong. ㅡBang! In an instant, Ryu Cheon Hwi turned around and kicked the door fiercely, fleeing in haste. What? Is he running away? "No! Instructor! Shouldn't we catch him?" "Hmm... Well, we can just treat it as a refusal to speak." "But still! We should catch him and make him talk!" "Kim Geun Cheol? I'm not an investigator. I don't have the authority to forcibly interrogate a student." "Oh. That's right." Very sensible of her. I like it. "You accept it quickly. So, Kim Geun Cheol. What do you intend to do now?" Of course, I have plans. "I'm going to file charges against Ryu Cheon Hwi now!" I'll sue him! "This is clearly beyond reason! Brandishing a knife at a classmate in a classroom? It's completely abnormal! We cannot allow a place of learning to be stained with violence! A space filled with dreams and hope should not be tainted with blood...! Isn't that what a classroom is supposed to be?" A bright place of learning. The words evoke hope and beauty. But if such a space is stained with blood... Only despair will remain in this world. "Mm, you speak well. Well, I understand. It's only logical. If you're proceeding with charges, I'll assist you as the responsible instructor." "Oh, really! You're such a role model! I respect you!" I stood up abruptly and bowed at a 90-degree angle. "W-What embarrassing things are you saying?" Instructor Lee Sora, blushing slightly, urged me to sit down. She seems weak to gratitude. Good. I'll make sure to completely impress her on Teacher's Day. "There's nothing embarrassing about it. It's only right." "But I'm not sure how successful the charges will be." "Excuse me?" What does that mean? "He's a minor. It's a fight between awakened ones. There weren't any actual injuries. Criminal prosecution is unlikely, and even if you pursue civil charges, receiving compensation will be difficult." "What?" What nonsense is this? "But it was attempted murder or assault! And it took place in a bright place of learning, a beautiful space of dreams and constant laughter! This is a serious crime. He needs to be isolated from society. A tiger can't coexist with humans!" "Ugh...! Geun Cheol! Stop making jokes...!" Sihoo, who was sitting next to me, nudged my waist while covering his mouth. "What's funny? I’m stating the facts. A classroom is that important a space. Ryu Cheon Hwi, that beastly jerk, belongs not in a joyous classroom but in a dreary juvenile zoo surrounded by bars." "Geun Cheol, please...! Hmph!" Still, speaking outright about prison might require some censorship, so I replaced it with a zoo. "Isn't that right, Instructor?" "Y-Yes, that's correct... Hah, hoo! But there's no need for such a lengthy description... Ngh, ngh!" Instructor Lee Sora coughed, her shoulders shaking as if she were struggling with words. Soon she spoke on. "Anyway. You all are awakened ones. Not ordinary people." "That's true." "Under the Special Law for the Awakened, personal duels between awakened ones aren't easily punishable unless there are serious injuries or fatalities. Moreover, a knife wasn't even exchanged. It's closer to simple attempted assault, so punishment is even harder." What? "What do you mean? What?" "It's the Special Law for the Awakened." "What kind of law is that?" "It’s a law established by our proud war hero and Sovereign Lord, S-class awakened Kim Iksoo." What? "Awakened ones are different from ordinary people. Of course, if an ordinary person pulls a knife on another ordinary person, all sorts of charges apply, but not for awakened ones. They have a bit more legal freedom regarding force compared to ordinary people." So the laws that restrict the powers of superhumans... Are weaker than those for ordinary people? "Does that even make sense? What is this madness?" "Well. I'm not sure. Sovereign Lord Kim Iksoo has always been lenient towards awakened ones. After all, isn't he an S-class awakened absolute ruler himself? Thus, the special law he created guarantees the freedom and rights of awakened ones." I don't understand. This isn't a country where firearm regulations are just for show. "It's impossible to legally suppress the power of an awakened individual. The coup that occurred after the Dimension War proved that." "A coup?" Could it be that Park Chung-hee or Chun Doo-hwan staged a coup with superhuman powers? "Kim Geun Cheol, haven't you studied history?" "It's a bit challenging... Oh. I do have a lot of interest in world history." "Take an interest in your own country's history." And thus, Instructor Lee Sora commenced a brief history lesson. "After the Dimension War ended, numerous unjust laws were created to control the surge of awakened individuals. Naturally, Kim Ik-soo, the war hero, was furious. He and the other awakened ones rose up, questioning if this oppression was the reward for risking their lives for their country and neighbors. Suppression began immediately... and as you know, Kim Ik-soo and the awakened ones emerged victorious. Numerous congressmen, military generals, judges, prosecutors, and journalists were slaughtered, their heads displayed. They were easier opponents than the formidable killer beasts they'd been fighting for ages. Afterward, Kim Ik-soo rose to the position of Sovereign Lord, backed by the unwavering support of high-ranking awakened individuals." Could we not have this during lunch break instead of class time? Yet, it was intriguing knowledge, essential to understand. "That law created by Kim Ik-soo means that unless they cause major incidents, awakened individuals are legally given more leeway than ordinary people." When explained like that, it makes sense. I get it. "Is that so." Yeah. This wasn't my hometown. "Additionally, Ryu Cheon Hwi is a child of the Ryu Seong Group. He has political connections and numerous personal lawyers. By the way, Ryu Cheon Hwi's father, Ryu Seong, is a very close comrade to Sovereign Lord Kim Ik-soo. They fought together in the S-rank monster Land of Eternity suppression and the Void Princess defense battles." "Oh my." Oh, dear. I was in despair at how extraordinary Ryu Cheon Hwi truly seemed. "If you're considering hiring a lawyer to proceed with the lawsuit, I can recommend a good one, but you'll need to personally assess the lawsuit's chances and the legalities involved." "Um... Instructor Lee Sora?" "What is it?" "That guy Cheon Hwi turned out to be quite an impressive fellow, huh?" "He didn't become head of the class for nothing, did he? He's the co-valedictorian with Leona." "Haha, I see. So, you're telling me I've been messing with someone significant?" "Even if he's someone significant, not compromising is the spirit of a true man." ㅡClasp. Instructor Lee Sora placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "This instructor is moved. A rare manly fellow, you are, Kim Geun Cheol. I thought you were just a coward, what with all the squawking, but you do have some manly qualities." Why does she look so satisfied...! "Hm? Why that face? Regretting it?" "Never!!!" I have no regrets! I've lived my life this way! "Honestly, I was a bit nervous, but I usually don't compromise when it comes to dealing with humans! I never look back either!" "Quite the man." "Yet, the lawsuit seems a bit challenging!" "Challenging?" "G-Geun Cheol! Why has it become difficult to file the lawsuit...! Ngh!" "Just a practical judgment. If defeat is obvious, it's just wasting money. It's a strategic withdrawal." Honestly, regardless of how extraordinary Ryu Cheon Hwi is, I can confidently say again that his father is a damn jerk. I can call him an outrageous fool as many times as I want. I could say it proudly even before his father, Ryu Seong. "So instead of pursuing a lawsuit, I'll formally file a complaint with the school!" "Got it. Well, we would've had to convene a disciplinary committee anyway. Now that I understand the situation, I'll make sure things are handled appropriately. Even an academy for the awakened isn't welcoming of kids brandishing knives at each other." "Exactly! That's common sense! Haha! Meeting a sensible adult like you, Instructor Lee Sora! I'm deeply moved as Kim Geun Cheol! I have such respect for you! Please, shake hands with me!" "Oh dear, such boldness..." "A handshake!" "W-Well, alright." ㅡShake. I shook hands with Instructor Lee Sora and stood up. But lunch is almost over now. I didn't even get to eat. I'm so hungry, Ryu Cheon Hwi, you jerk!!! * * * ㅡDing. ――――――――――――――――― 「Quest Completed」 「Repel Hostile Cadet」 「Reward: 300 Coins」 「Consecutive Repel Bonus: 200 Coins」 [Total Coins (3,000)] ――――――――――――――――― As I stepped outside with Sihoo, the rewards came in. Wait, a bonus? Awesome! That's 3,000 won now! I can finally use the store! Yes! Ryu Cheon Hwi, you're a real blessing! I can't wait to try it at the dorm after school! I'm so excited! "Sihoo! Let's go to the classroom!" "Yeah. But Geun Cheol." "Hm?" "Are you okay?" What's up? Sihoo seemed to be looking at me with a worried expression. "About your parents." "What's there?" "Talking about parents that way is a bit harsh, but... I understand how you feel... it must be something like that." "What do you mean?" "Nothing. It's nothing." It seems discussing parental issues is difficult for him. But I'm fine. After all, my mom and dad are safe and sound back in my hometown. "Really? Anyway, Sihoo. Thanks for saving me today. Wow, your back looked so big. Like a mountain. You're truly a mountainous guy." "A-A mountainous guy... uh. Well, it's what any friend should do. Help when you're in danger." "True man quality. Helps friends well. Truly a real man." With such qualities, why does he have almost no friends? Is it perhaps because he has androgynous features? "Enough with the real man talk. Let's just go to the classroom, Geun Cheol." "Yeah. Oh, but Sihoo, if you ever have a reason to fight, just call me. I’ll back you up." "A fight? But Geun Cheol, you’re too weak. I doubt you'd be any help." "Hey, are you dissing me now?" "It's not dissing, it's just a fact. You're weak enough that I have to protect you. You'd just be a burden." This guy! "Ah! Hey! I've got the bigger build!" "Ha ha ha. Geun Cheol, all build, no substance." "Damn it!" With that banter, Sihoo and I walked down the hallway. "By the way, Sihoo, why are you just coming to school now? Did you sleep through the morning? I tried waking you up but got no response." "Uh, well... I had trouble sleeping last night." Trouble sleeping? Did the chicken not sit well with him? "Tossing and turning until it was 11:30." "So you finally fell asleep in the morning." "Pretty much." "Haha, the instructor will chew you out, won't she?" ㅡCreak. But as soon as we stepped into the classroom. "Kim Geun Cheol!" "Ugh!" Angel Leona suddenly scolded me like a thunderbolt! "Ugh? Ughhhh? Kim Geun Cheol, are you screaming again?" "What’s with the sudden shouting... Angel Leona, are you some kind of magistrate now? Huh?" "Stop the nonsense, Kim Geun Cheol!" "Yes." "What’s this!" ㅡThrust! Leona angrily thrust her smartphone screen in my face. "What’s this?" "Take a look!" The screen displayed some sort of post. [Grinning Extreme: A Man's World of Stepping on Harsh Legos.mp4] "What kind of title is this..." ㅡClick. Leona manipulated her magic to hit the play button in the center of the screen. Then what played was— ㅡAaaaahhhhhh! Attempted murderrrr! Aaaaahhhhhh! Instructooorrr! Aaaaaaaaah! It was me, screaming desperately like a madman, damn it! "You, those bastards! Did you record and upload that?!" I was shouting to alert everyone during the knife incident, and they recorded and posted it! "Kim Geun Cheol! What the heck are you doing during lunch? You weren't even at the cafeteria! Do I need to seal your mouth shut? Do you want to receive physical therapy with a double serving of punches and kicks from me and my physician?" "Spare me!" "As class president, it's so embarrassing! You're not just the Screaming Man, you're the Raging Man! Beyond that, Raving Maniac Man! Can you just stick to one thing! I’ve never seen anything like this even in wide Europe! What kind of freak are you, Kim Geun Cheol!"