After verifying their identity and admission docunts at the main gate, the trio finally set foot into the Azure Dragon Academy.
Oh! Im really entering the Azure Dragon Academy!
How long is this geezer going to be so touched?
Hahaha.
The enrollnt process took place at the main building of the Azure Dragon Academy. With their papers already inspected, registration proceeded swiftly.
The examiner, after checking and re-checking Gongson Sus age, asked with a bewildered expression, Are you truly here to apply? Youre not representing your child or disciple?
Though the examiners words were impolite, Gongson Su rely chuckled in amusent, Hohoho. Indeed, Im here to apply!
He then flexed his arm, displaying his muscles to the examiner. Youre never too old to learn. Feel it. I endured hellish training for this day!
Ah, yes
Just out of curiosity, has there ever been an applicant older than ?
In my ten years working here, youre the oldest.
Hohoho! See? I knew it! By the way, how old are you?
Im forty-four, but
Youre young. If you set your mind to it, you can achieve anything you dream of!
Oh, uh
Young man, you need to learn to articulate more clearly
After surmounting a few hurdles and leaving the examiner speechless, they concluded the enrollnt process and departed from the main building.
Now that youre done with registration, you two should explore the campus a bit more before leaving, Hyonwon Kang suggested, his expression akin to a sheep being led to the slaughter. He hadnt just accompanied the two as their guide to the Azure Dragon Academy; he had other business to attend to afterward.
Fuck. Why on earth would the Headmaster demand such a thing he grumbled.
As a condition for moving out of the dormitory, Hyonwon Kang had to provide regular updates to Mae Geuk-Lyom about his progress. Despite his efforts over the past month to appear confident in front of Mae Geuk-Lyom, it still felt like an impossible task.
Anyway, Ill see you guys later.
See you at the White Dragon Manor tonight, Senior!
Stay safe.
With a dejected face, Hyonwon Kang reluctantly shuffled toward the dormitory.
anwhile, Wiji Cheon and Gongson Su had their sights set on exploring the Azure Dragon Academy.
Shall we begin with the training grounds?
We probably cant access the library until were officially enrolled, right?
Excitent fueled their pace as they hurried along.
Wiji Cheon? An unfamiliar voice suddenly asked.
Wiji Cheon turned to face the speaker. He was a tall, slender boy with narrow, slanted eyes and thin lips that made him seem shifty.
The boy grinned. Looks like I guessed right.
Confused, Wiji Cheon tilted his head. I dont think weve t before Who are you?
Youre Baek Su-Ryong, no, Mr. Baek Su-Ryongs student, arent you?
Pleasure to et you. Im Cho Mak-Saeng. I receive martial arts tutoring from Mr. Namgoong Su. Cho Mak-Saeng bead, extending his hand.
Surprised, Wiji Cheon clumsily shook it.
Hah, what a clueless bumpkin. Hes nothing. Cho Mak-Saengs eyes flickered coldly for a mont before he casually resud his smile and nodded towards an expressionless boy and a bored-looking girl standing nearby. Those two over there are my classmates.
Oh, uh Im Wiji Cheon. Nice to et you. Wiji Cheon felt oddly uncomfortable, but since the three had started their introductions with smiles, he couldnt just ignore them.
I heard about you from Mr. Baek Su-Ryong, Cho Mak-Saeng remarked.
? Why?
What? You really dont know?
No?
With a chuckle, Cho Mak-Saeng turned to Namgoong Seok and Jin Jin beside him. It seems Mr. Baek didnt inform him about the bet.
Hmph, he was probably too embarrassed to admit that he had made a losing bet. Well be lucky if he doesnt flee, Namgoong Seok snorted, even as he silently observed Wiji Cheon.
Jin Jin looked away in apparent disdain.
Huh? What bet are you talking about? Wiji Cheon asked.
How is this kid so dopey and naive? Cho Mak-Saeng felt a mischievous urge rising in him. That was his nature. When he saw happy faces, he wanted to make them scream in pain, and when he saw innocent faces, he couldnt help but want to defile them.
Hey, I heard youre quite formidable. Mr. Baek Su-Ryong was boasting about you, saying youll definitely be this years top applicant.
M-? N-No, Im not Why would Teacher say sothing like that Wiji Cheon stuttered, waving his hands in genuine panic.
Cho Mak-Saengs eyes narrowed, his smirk deepening. How should I toy with this small, feeble animal? Make him piss his pants in front of everyone? Provoke him just enough to elicit a response, then beat him up in self-defense? Although with the exam rely three days away, blatant provocation would be unwise Well, there are plenty of tactics left.
Dont be modest. Your teacher must have seen sothing in you, right? he said with feigned concern, his smile tinged with sadistic glee.
Haha Thank you.
Hoho, now I rember. Namgoong Su is the Star Instructor of the Azure Dragon Academy, right? Gongson Su, who had been quietly observing the kids, suddenly chuckled and joined the conversation.
Seeing the unfamiliar old man, Cho Mak-Saeng eyed him with a hint of wariness. Who might you be, Elder?
Hohoho, no need to be so polite. Im an examinee like yourselves.
Huh? Sorry, could you repeat what you just said? Thinking he misheard, Cho Mak-Saeng asked again.
Gongson Su burst into laughter and extended a hand to Cho Mak-Saeng. Since we might soon be classmates, lets get to know each other in advance. Im Gongson Su.
Eh Cho Mak-Saeng dazedly shook hands with Gongson Su in a manner reminiscent of how Wiji Cheon had acted toward him. Are you really an applicant like us? he asked hesitantly.
Gongson Su chuckled and patted Wiji Cheon on the shoulder. Ive been learning martial arts with this young friend at Mr. Baek Su-Ryongs place.
Im sorry, but how old are you?
Im sixty-five this year. Still in the pri of my life! Gongson Su winked and flexed his muscles.
Caught off guard, Cho Mak-Saeng burst into laughter, Hahaha Oh, sorry. I didnt an to laugh
Its okay. Arent you at an age when you can laugh at anything and everything trivial? Gongson Su smiled kindly.
Cho Mak-Saeng awkwardly returned the smile, but inside, he was disgusted. What? This old man is a fellow applicant? I heard many rumors about it, but the fact that the Azure Dragon Academy has sunk so low never really struck until now. I cant believe theyve stooped to the level of accepting an old man who wouldnt be out of place in a coffin anyti soon. Ah, whatever, hell fail the test in three days anyway
Hohoho! Gongson Su chuckled as if nothing was amiss.
Cho Mak-Saeng narrowed his eyes. I changed my mind. Torturing this old man will be more entertaining. An old man who, despite his advanced age, is shalessly eager to learn martial arts. Just the thought of it is pitiful.
Elder, it seems fate has brought us together. Would you like to engage in a friendly spar to foster camaraderie between future classmates? he suggested with a friendly smile, though his eyes glead like a serpent. Theres no way the geezer will refuse, hes just another clueless old fogey. These types always gladly accept an invitation to play with the youngsters.
As expected, the old mans eyes lit up.
Oho, a spar? Sure, is there a suitable place for a spar here? Gongson Su agreed. Having sparred only with Wiji Cheon, Hyonwon Kang, and Shadow thus far, a match with a new opponent was indeed intriguing. Though, my reasons for accepting are not just because of that, hoho
I know one. Ive been here a few tis before. Wiji Cheon, care to join us?
Uhm Wiji Cheon hesitated.
Gongson Su grabbed the boys sleeve and pulled him closer. It should be fun. Why not co along?
!!! In that mont, Wiji Cheon noticed it. The smile Gongson Su directed at him. Unlike the warm and gentle smiles hed seen before, this one felt like a sharp blade against his throat.
Wiji Cheon gulped in terror. One thing was certain: Gongson Su had sothing up his sleeve. Sothing sinister and scary.
O-Okay he said ekly.
Cho Mak-Saeng laughed, Hohoho! Excellent! Then let guide you to the arena! Are you two coming too?
Are you crazy? Why would I go there? Jin Jin retorted bluntly.
With a shrug, as if expecting such a response, Cho Mak-Saeng departed with Wiji Cheon and Gongson Su.
Watching their retreating figures, Jin Jin grumbled in annoyance, Whats gotten into him all of a sudden? Even though hes the weakest among us Hey, Seok-orabeoni. Do you want to go watch them?
Namgoong Seok ignored Jin Jin. After a brief mont of contemplation, he silently followed after the others, his gaze fixed on Wiji Cheon.
Eh? W-Wait for ! Jin Jin hurriedly chased after him.
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