Academy's Silver Gatekeeper
Ch. 97

The Association President's reaction in the conference room wasn't bad.

Even though it was just a hypothesis I threw out without any evidence. His attentive listening with a serious expression was impressive.

'Was it that he's Ma Hakjun's cherished junior? Certainly, he's worthy of the Association President position.'

As people age and reach high positions, they often become stubborn. Because they have their own secrets to success, they're confident about it. It's fine if that's maintained moderately, but if it goes further, they become 'old-fashioned.'

From that perspective, the Association President wasn't that type of person. An Association President is at the ministerial level. No, I heard it's even higher. Yet I couldn't find even the slightest trace of authoritarianism.

Unlike the superior who received disciplinary suspension, if the Association President had been my boss, it would have been really nice. If that had been the case, I might have lived well without quitting the civil service.

'Let's see. First, I've informed them about the great transformation to some extent.'

The growth of monsters. The literally 'great transformation' that will soon strike. The definitive countermeasure is ultimately the clearer growth of ability users. I clearly conveyed that point to the Association President, Ma Hakjun, and the professors.

I'm not in a high position in politics, just an Academy examiner. Within the bounds of not arousing suspicion, I informed them of the future. I had to be wary of the possibility that things might get twisted in a strange direction if I got too involved.

'More than that, it wasn't intentional, but somehow it turned out that I was prepared in advance.'

Don't just look at Silver and advance as Bronze. Don't be complacent just because you've reached Silver, don't just try to stay there. The actions I took while receiving criticism finally seem to have found their reason.

It wasn't drawing a big picture like the female professor said, but it worked out well. Because of this, I might be able to change the future of even more students.

"The Bronze students are shedding blood and sweat! The Silver students are gritting their teeth! What are you all doing!"

What students wouldn't feel hurt in their pride hearing those words? Especially if they can see those Bronze and Silver students growing day by day?

Even Gold-rank students are anxious and keep coming to me.

Brief conversations, or sparring. Beyond that, even evaluations risking demotion.

Some regretted it slightly, but most had relieved expressions. They finally had an opponent to clash with while burning with passion. Their eyes were sparkling with the thought that this was exactly what they wanted.

The Academy's work, examining students, is now perfectly on track. It would be nice if Platinum and Diamond ranks came more often, but that's the end.

I have no intention of forcibly dragging down those who are already doing well to match my standards. If they come, I'll evaluate them; if not, that's fine. They're already doing well enough.

'Now what remains is... how prepared I am. That would be it.'

- The Third Eye is Activated.

◎ Baek Seojin: Silver Gatekeeper

◎ Details: Without the gatekeeper's permission, no one can pass.

The trait section remains the same. The content that no one can pass without the gatekeeper's permission. Although there haven't been major changes like Suhyeon's, this is sufficient. I've benefited greatly from this trait. Especially against the Elder, I really felt it keenly.

Besides this, quite a few sub-traits have accumulated.

◎ Sub-trait: Sole Examiner

◎ Details: Recognizes all those who haven't received promotion from you as examination subjects.

◎ Sub-trait: No Pain, No Gain

◎ Details: Stacks accumulate in proportion to the designated opponent's promotion failure count. Upon successful promotion later, the designated opponent's abilities are enhanced by the stack amount.

◎ Sub-trait: Overtime

◎ Details: When Gatekeeper trait conditions are met, examination becomes possible even in undesignated locations.

◎ Sub-trait: Gatekeeper's Heart

◎ Details: You cannot firmly block the Silver gate forever. After tremendous effort, it's natural for someone with proper qualifications to emerge. Individuals deemed to have 'qualifications' are not included in penalty calculations.

'The basic trait is overpowered, but all the sub-traits are also overpowered.'

Making the Gatekeeper trait usable anywhere, being able to enhance others. Even being able to eliminate penalties despite violating trait conditions. If this were a game, I would have said, "What kind of ridiculous character is this?"

"..."

Am I really fully prepared now? A sudden doubt. And the answer I give myself immediately after is, 'No.'

'It's strange.'

The trait is certainly overpowered. But that alone isn't enough. Not just enduring future battles, but also explaining everything I've shown so far.

A trait is just a trait. If it exceeds what the body can handle, death is the same. I took fatal blows from the Elder. Not once, but twice!

But despite that, I survived perfectly fine. They said it was a serious injury, but the recovery speed was tremendous.

As if there was something else special from before, regardless of traits.

Sensing a presence, I looked ahead and saw Suhyeon in the examination hall.

'I expected it, but as expected.'

She probably rushed over as soon as the lecture ended. It seemed like she was waiting for when I would return since I wasn't back yet.

"Suhyeon."

As soon as I called, she came running like a puppy. Then she smiles brightly, so happy about something. It's a look that doesn't match her Crimson Witch trait at all.

"Did your business go well?"

"Yeah. It went well."

At that answer, Suhyeon nodded and stuck close to my side. Others might have asked what kind of business it was. But Suhyeon, who had taken the spot beside me, didn't seem curious at all.

"Aren't you going to ask what kind of business it was?" 

"If the Examiner tells me, I'll listen; if not, that's fine. What if I ask a question and then the Examiner makes a troubled expression because it's difficult to answer?"

She was being silent because she was worried I might feel uncomfortable. That meaning. Grateful for that answer, I unconsciously patted Suhyeon's head.

"Ah."

Suhyeon looks at me with wide eyes. Wondering if I had made a mistake at that reaction, I immediately withdrew my hand.

"Sorry. If that was too sudden..."

"No! Not at all. I was just, just surprised. The Examiner's touch was so warm." 

"...Don't say such things so carelessly. Others might misunderstand if they hear."

I'm an adult and Suhyeon is also an adult, and there's not much age difference. There's nothing wrong with it, but hearing such words makes me feel a bit guilty.

That aside.

"Suhyeon."

"Yes, Examiner."

"Can I ask you for one favor?"

I want to resolve the doubt I've been having.

"Yes! Just tell me! I'll do anything for you!"

"Let's have a sparring match." 

"Sparring?" 

"Yeah. With real swords, giving our all."

"...Huh?"

A bewildered sigh flows from between Suhyeon's lips.

I expected this reaction. I know well that she shows tremendous interest and affection toward me. I even worried, thinking 'Lee Hyunwoo would be better than Suhyeon for this.'

But after examining various aspects. I concluded that Suhyeon would be better than Hyunwoo.

'I've fought too much with that guy. In a familiar state, optimal results won't come out.'

The reason I want to spar now is to check my abilities as much as possible without using traits. How far my abilities extend.

In that case, rather than facing Hyunwoo, who I'm already unconsciously familiar with. It would be better to face Suhyeon, who I've clashed with less than Hyunwoo.

"E-Examiner? Wouldn't that be too dangerous? Just like during promotion evaluations..."

I shook my head at Suhyeon's words. That would be useless.

I want the most intense sparring possible. The more spine-chilling, the better. And incidentally, I also want to see Suhyeon's full power once.

I know she grew tremendously while sparring with Irina. That's why I promoted Suhyeon to Silver first. With more time passed, I was curious how much she had grown.

"Please, Suhyeon. Really seriously, with all your might. I want to fight once."

I asked earnestly, even holding Suhyeon's hands while speaking seriously.

In a state where I suppress my traits as much as possible, she was the best sparring partner. How far I've come. How much further I need to go. There was no one better than her to objectively face that level.

"...If the Examiner asks like that, there must be some reason."

Yes, there must be. If I refuse here, it absolutely won't do. Suhyeon, muttering like that, makes a determined expression.

"Let's do it. Sparring. As the Examiner said, I'll do my best."

*

A vehicle enters through the Academy's main gate. It was clearly an extremely luxurious car at first glance.

"..."

Ma Hakjun, watching from afar, let out a sigh. Damn friend. I thought he'd been too quiet recently.

Screech— Clunk—!

'That temper. Why is he opening the door when the car hasn't even stopped properly?'

A high-end vehicle like that would have locks engaged while running. Can't even wait for that, wanting to get out like that?

"Hakjun!"

The person who spread both arms wide in greeting as soon as he got out was none other than Kang Minseong. The head of the Kang family, South Korea's greatest weapons lineage, and a past hero. Even now in his advanced age, he's skilled enough for villains to call him the Sword Demon.

"Please. How many times have I told you to be quiet?"

But to Ma Hakjun, he was just a friend who still hadn't matured.

"What's the sudden occasion? Did something happen?" 

"That's not it. You don't have to have something happen to come." 

"I'm sure I told you to only come when something happens."

Despite Ma Hakjun's words, Kang Minseong just laughed heartily. Kang Minseong, who prioritized his family above all else in the world, treated Ma Hakjun as preciously as his family. No, even more preciously.

"You'll have to wait a bit. Business isn't finished yet."

"Is that so? Then I guess I'll take a simple walk around the Academy."

"How about just sitting quietly next to me instead of causing a commotion?"

Kang Minseong shook his head at that suggestion.

"I should go see my granddaughter's face." 

"What if she's in class?" 

"She's not in class. I even checked the schedule before coming!"

Isn't that obsession rather than affection at that point? Those words lingered at Ma Hakjun's lips, but he barely held them back.

"Please be careful not to be too disruptive. If talk about special treatment comes up for no reason, only your granddaughter will be at a disadvantage. You understand what I mean?" 

"Of course. Am I a child?"

Then you are a child, not an adult, you fool. Ma Hakjun, shaking his head, went back inside.

Meanwhile, Kang Minseong left all his attendants in place. He walked alone into the Academy interior.

'It seems to be around here. My granddaughter's energy...'

Clang—!

It was a sound no one else could hear. But the 'Sword Demon' caught every moment of that clash.

Kang Minseong cautiously headed toward the source. Before long, the scene he encountered was:

Clang—! Clash—!

Kim Suhyeon swinging her sword earnestly, and Baek Seojin facing her.

"Hmm..."

Looking at that scene, Kang Minseong thought: Did they perhaps fight?

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