EX rank supporting role’s replay in a prestigious school - Chapter 8

Translator: Hong | Editor: Darling

Chapter 8 

 

“Okay. I get it.”

 

Yoo Sanghoon instantly nodded his head. 

Yoo Sanghee and Jang Namwook stared at Yoo Sanghoon’s face, appalled. 

 

“Hey, Yoo Sanghoon!”

 

Yoo Sanghee finally dropped her calm demeanor as she shouted with full force.

Jang Namwook turned his appalled face from Yoo Sanghoon to Yoo Sanghee.

 

“I am going to follow what Eushin said.”

“What, are you crazy?! Did you forget that you nearly died?”

 

Despite Yoo Sanghee’s fierce protests, Yoo Sanghoon continued to look at me and said;

 

“You better explain so that everyone can understand, Jo Euishin.”

 

With that, everyone’s attention fell on me. 

Perhaps Yoo Sanghoon had read my mind, or maybe just blindly decided to believe in everything I had said. 

I wasn’t sure, but I decided to speak up. 

 

“Son Minki is being treated like a hero at our expense. Meanwhile, we are being treated as his sidelined props. In the end, that narrative isn’t false anyway.”

 

Son Minki had lost his right arm and leg from the item I had thrown. 

He had gained public attention by presenting himself as a hero in interviews for having sacrificed his limbs to save his friends. 

 

Right now, Minki would appear as the main protagonist in a young boy’s heroic tale. 

 

“Even if we serve as witnesses in a case against him, it would only make us look like we’re trying to defame him out of jealousy since Son Minki is already the star. After all, we all came back in one piece compared to Son Minki who lost his limbs.”

 

The objective of the Player’s association was to “suppress enemies” and “protect its players”. 

For them, they have no reason or right to stand up for middle school students who were unregistered association members and not even considered formal players.

That day, the reason Hong Gyubin visited me was because I, an unregistered player, was connected to the wanted enemy. 

 

“It’s a dilemma for Hwangmyeong Foundation to solve.”

 

Just as much as Son Minki was the center of attention, the security matter of Eungwang High, which was run by Hwangmyeong Foundation, was equally drawing attention. 

Some of the players and members of the press shared the view that ‘Hwangmyeong Foundation is lucky to be unscathed, and the problem is dissolving with minor interference when they were against the royal lineage.’

As for the rest of the world, the only impression left was that a middle school student who had been on his way to the entrance exam of Korea’s most elite and prestigious high school had nearly died. 

 

“Fortunately a warrant was issued and the investigation went smoothly as they were able to obtain necessary evidence. However, Son Minki is a middle school student. In the face of the royal lineage, he is just a schoolboy who pulled off a deranged act. In court, as long as he puts up an act of repentance, even if he was guilty of murder, he will be let off with nothing more than probation.”

 

Even if this decision was to cause an uproar, this was the reality in Korea. 

Teenagers’ rights enable assaulters to win over victims.

Teenagers, even if they were the culprit, could easily hide behind the shield of pity and naivety at a young age. 

If the assaulter was born with a golden spoon, they often used the press to their advantage.

A portion of society was forgiving towards them. 

These people are the few ones who are drunk on their own feelings of benevolence.

 

“Son Minki managed to get his story to the press within a day. He probably has connections in the press. A fair fight results in a huge possibility of losses and it takes a long time. The chances of winning are low, and it’s a lost fight for us regardless if we win.”

 

My throat hurt after talking so much. 

Even during the battle with the Rhinoceron, I did not talk this much. 

I drank my plum tea that had turned cold to quench my throat. 

The lukewarm tea tasted bitter. 

Countless seconds had passed since I’d finished talking yet the room was silent.

I decided to wrap up my thoughts.

 

“Negotiate an agreement. Then….”

 

* * *

 

Son Minki’s side immediately agreed to the terms that we proposed. 

After all, it was Son Minki who turned into a star. 

The one who had epitomized the meaning of sacrifice by giving up his limbs for his friends. 

His background as a future student of Eungwang High, his more than average looks.

He was Son Minki who had recently received a love call proposition from the entertainment industry. 

Should he become a star player, a settlement fee of millions must mean nothing to him. 

 

‘He may think that his past would get in his way now that he had become successful.’

 

They tried to keep the case under control by offering a higher settlement fee. 

They immediately agreed to our offer to keep Jang Namook’s mouth shut if they raised the settlement fee. 

In return, they placed another condition: should the secret be disclosed, we were to return threefold the amount that they initially offered. 

The settlement agreement was closed, but it had taken a toll even on Son Minki and his family who operates several businesses. 

 

‘Materialistic savages.’

 

Son Minki raged, disregarding the presence of his lawyer and guardian. 

Son Minki, who had appeared in a wheelchair and kept quiet until he signed the agreement papers, finally showed his true colors. 

Once the agreement papers were signed, the 360-degree change of attitude in the opposite party no longer had any effect. 

 

‘He must have known this and waited until he had signed.’

 

Jang Namwook, who was also present in the settlement proceedings, was about to say something but I nudged him to keep him shut. 

Even Jang Namwook is like this… Imagine, if Yoo Sanghee had come, it would have resulted in a violent scene

 

“Are you really okay, Yoo Sanghoon…”

 

Namwook asked Yoo Sanghoon who seemed expressionless. 

Yoo Sanghoon answered him nonchalantly. 

 

“Yeah. Eushin’s face looks exactly as it did during the time he was discussing the strategy.”

 

What kind of face was I making?

I looked at my reflection in the window but didn’t notice any difference from usual. 

 

* * *

 

I am currently at Eungwang High after arranging an appointment to meet the chairman of Hwangmyeong Foundation.

Of course, he was not an easy person to meet, but once I pleaded to Jegal, I was granted an appointment. 

 

‘The chairman too has some personal stories he would like to share.’

 

Excluding the principal and vice-principal, Jegal, who was the head of the teachers’ department, had the closest connection with the chairman.

 

It was a stroke of luck to have received Jegal’s number that day

In the worst-case scenario, I may have needed to reach out to Hong Gyubin to make this arrangement. 

 

“Thank you for arranging this meeting.”

“I only made a phone call, that’s all.”

 

After a few minutes upon boarding the internal school air shuttle with Jegal –  

I wondered if we had boarded the shuttle meant for visitors as I did not see any school buildings or facilities throughout the first few minutes. 

I could only see air shuttles and people riding airboards passing by.

It was a missed opportunity to see the game environment in real life.

I was too busy to notice after the exam. 

 

‘Well, I’ll see it every day once I start attending school anyway.’

 

Just as I was having such thoughts, the air shuttle stopped in front of the main building of Eungwang High. 

 

A golden pillar supported the white building that drew a beautiful curve in the sky. 

The glass windows covering the external walls reflected the sun, giving the building the appearance of being wrapped in light. 

 

‘It looks just like the graphics in the game.’

 

As I was internally appreciating the building, we passed by a marble corridor and came to a door engraved with a tiger. 

A panel indicated the title ‘Chairman’.

 

“I’ll be outside so give me a call once you’re done.”

 

I wondered if he was really going to do so much for me, a mere middle school kid he had only met once despite his other pressing work. 

I wanted to thank him once more but he had already started walking away. 

 

The chairman was in a meeting that had overrun. 

 

“I’m sorry. The chairman is still engaged right now.”

 

The secretary advised me to take a seat and offered me some coffee. 

A mahogany oak sofa and table. 

An enamel-painted bone china cup. 

These were not things that looked good on a student. 

 

‘Perhaps this was a part of the Chairman’s test.’

 

The chairman of Hwangmyeong Foundation enjoyed observing people. 

If I didn’t satisfy his expectations, my future school life would be difficult. 

 

“Thank you.”

 

I replied curtly and sat comfortably on the sofa. 

The secretary smiled and it was hard to guess what she was thinking. 

 

“The chairman is expected to arrive in 10 minutes.”

 

Her smile suddenly jogged a memory. 

Even in the game, she was smiling like this as she stood behind the Chairman. 

If she was a character that appeared in the game, then perhaps I could verify her character information?

But….

 

<This character is not found in the database. There is no information on this person>

 

Just like the students and professors I had met in my middle school, I was unable to verify their personal information. 

 

‘The Hwangmyeong Secretary doesn’t have a line in the game, but she was definitely in it. Although, the menu says that she’s not registered.’

 

The secretary was not a character found in the settings home. 

Her existence was just to establish that the Chairman had a secretary. 

Could it be that the future is predicted by the transcendent world? I

f the character didn’t have a big role in the game, their personal information would not be accessible? 

With this assumption, I was left with a frightening prediction. 

 

‘The future has already changed when several characters that ought to have died were saved. One day, an enemy whose information I cannot read may show up.’

 

Even so, I couldn’t just stay put and do nothing. 

Out of fear of the butterfly effect, could I just stand and watch the likes of Jang Namwook and Yoo Sanghoon die?

No, I could not. 

 

“Student Eushin.”

 

I lifted my head to see Chairman Hwang. 

The signs of age were visible from his hair, but he looked visibly healthy to the point where it’s difficult to believe that he was in his sixties. 

No, he was not in his sixties.

 

‘Chairman Hwang is a part of the royal lineage.’

 

The lineage that existed over 5000 years ago even before the establishment of the country. 

 

<Viewing information on Hwang Myeong Ho.>

 

[Name] Hwang Myeongho.

[Title] Chairman of Hwangmyeong Foundation, Mythical Tiger, The Yellow Tiger from the Myth of Gaechon, The Guardian. 

[Order] God willingly blessed my wishes

[Light Skill] (Inactive)

[Condition] Normal

[Overall Ability] Lv.??

[Skill]

Leap Lv.??

Glare Lv.??

Roar Lv.??

 

(Failed to load partially)

 

[Explanation]

The Yellow Tiger that appears in the legendary Myth of Gaechon.

Blessed with the power to ‘exist anywhere’

As long as it is the land of god, he shall exist wherever he wishes.

He has locked up the white tiger voluntarily; he is one allowed by God. 

 

In the settings page, most of the royal lineage was marked as [unclear]. 

As expected the same is true here too. 

 

Just like I’d thought, most of the royal lineage were not playable characters so they did not appear on the settings page. 

 

‘Perhaps due to the royal lineage’s power, the transcendent universe was unable to perfectly analyze them.’

 

Hwang Meyongho was an exception even amongst the royal lineage as he had received power directly from God himself. 

 

“Hello.”

“Yes, please sit.”

 

I stood up from my seat and greeted him respectfully.

He sat opposite me and smiled as he offered for me to take a seat. 

 

“I’ve seen your great contributions. Your ability to base your situational analysis to resolve an unexpected accident was admirable. I am happy to have a student like yourself in our school.” 

 

The wrinkles across his face framed his smile. 

Had I not known about his identity, I would have perceived him to be a grandfather-like figure in a high position. 

As I was planning on how to bring up the favor that I wanted to ask, the chairman cut to the chase. 

 

“I assume you are here to ask a favor regarding student Son Minki?”

 

The chairman was still smiling.

I was unable to tell what he was thinking within the game.

The chairman never acted rashly regardless of how tragic the situation was. 

He simply observed leisurely thanks to his authority.

 

“All of the student’s practical exams are recorded on video, but I have no intention of revealing it without a warrant.”

 

Even when the white main building of the school was dyed blood red. 

Even during the dying moment of his comrade, Baekho, with whom he had shared 5000 years together, the Hwangho (Yellow Tiger) still did not show up. 

 

‘To be honest, one of the plot twists I’d anticipated was the surprise appearance of the Hwangho and him joining Baekho-gun.’

 

From a certain point in the game, he stopped appearing altogether, including in the final round. 

 

“The board of directors is looking to quickly dismiss the case.”

 

I could not understand Hwangho, but one thing was clear. 

He found this humorous. 

If not, he would never have agreed to a one-on-one conversation with a mere middle school student. 

 

“That is not why I am here.”

 

What he wanted was humor and unexpectedness to which he could react.

 

“I came to request you not to pay for any of Son Minki’s hospital expenses.”

 

There was a glint of light in his eyes.

 

“…Is that all?”

 

“Yes. Otherwise, I’ll abide by the final decisions of the board.”

 

The directors of the board were well aware of the Chairman’s identity.

If the Chairman wished it, all of the directors would agree unless they had a death wish. 

 

The chairman seemed amused by my words.

The lines by his eyes deepened.

 

“Then I have a condition.”

 

Condition?

 

“Enter class zero.”

 

Class Zero.

More commonly known as the special class, those famously labeled to have “dormant possibilities” or those seeking special attention were found in this class.

 

‘Even if the latter was acceptable, the former would be a problem.’

 

After causing trouble, entering the most elite school in Korea meant I must have the skill to make up for it. 

To enter Class Zero was the equivalent of hugging a bunch of time bombs that could go off at any time. 

Even so, there was only one answer for me.

 

* * *

 

Three days after my deal with the Chairman.

The news of the ‘small hero’ which had slightly subsided was brought back into the limelight. 

 

‘Chairman Hwang must have made his move.’

 

The earring-like wearable device, which I had bought with my bounty, transmitted a hologram. 

 

To practice wearing the wearable device that sprayed particles and formed the shape of the hologram, I read the news from various portal sites.

 

[Eungwang High Hwangmyeong Foundation refuses to compensate hospital fees for the Small Hero]

[‘Small Hero’ Son Minki, not eligible for players insurance…hospital expenses estimated to be around 20 billion Won]

[The bankrupt tragedy of our ‘Small Hero’ who tried to save his friend]

[Hwangmyeong Foundation’s change in terms, ‘investigation is in process’]

 

Among the many articles, there was an interview given by Son Minki’s parents. 

 

-’Overnight they changed their word, initially, a spokesperson from the Foundation visited and told us not to worry about the expense, and that we should focus on using all items for a speedy recovery. They had said they were sorry for the poor security of the school, but now we are unable to get treatment or be discharged from the hospital as we don’t have the money. The surgery for just his limbs is estimated to be a few million….’

 

I scrolled through related comments.

 

[The whole nation knows how rich Hwangmyeong Foundation is…seriously those with money are worse off.]

 

[Eungwang High School insurance covers accidents that occurred on school grounds yet they are refusing to pay up.]

[Eungwang high sucks. That’s why I never went there]

[Korea’s most elite school engaging in power play. What a disappointment. What a shame.]

 

There were also related articles on starting a fundraiser for Son Minki’s hospital expenses. 

 

[We are starting a fundraiser for Son Minki who became a cripple while trying to save his friend.]

[Son Minki stay strong, it’s a small amount but I would like to contribute.]

[Contributed]

[What a piece of trash~~~!!! Minki…I contributed. Stay strong mate!!!]

[I intend to start a one-person riot in front of Eungwang high….if there are others up for it we can all go together.]

 

A day or two passed since the articles were published. 

Even though days passed, the Hwangmyeong Foundation refused to make comments. 

Just when the press were at their peak and the civilians started a large riot in front of Eungwang high.

A video with a dark gym as the background was broadcasted via the public broadcast channel.