"Are you saying these kids are our reinforcements?"

"… Yes sir."

"Weren't we one of the elite corps in the army? Notorious against the Japs? We even got to be on the TV."

"That's why we got this many kids in the first place. There are battalions that received only one or two boys as reinforcements."

"This is nuts."

Joon-young surveyed the underprepared, underage soldiers cowering. Watching them trying their best to avoid eye contact brought a deep sigh from within. They were most likely conscripted by force from the neighbouring towns. Joon-young wondered how many of them actually volunteered to be here.

Irritated, Joon-young spat at the ground and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. It was a rare find from a nearby grocery shop, which was looted clean by the refugees.

"Hehe, Captain…"

Sergeant Min Won-hoo of the first platoon was quick to respond after seeing the pack, rubbing his hands together as a gesture for begging. The supply lines had been cut for a while now. They had to scavenge for their supplies, pillaging and foraging nearby shops and houses for food and clothes.

Joon-young pulled out a cigarette, then threw the entire pack at Min Won-hoo.

"Oh! Thank you!"

"Don't be stingy and share it with your squad in your final moments."

For a brief second, Min Won-hoo's face darkened at the talk about their eventual demise before brightening up again.

"Our final moments?"

Joon-young pointed at the reinforcements with his chin.

"We've got generals telling us to fight with child soldiers. We have nowhere to run and there are rumours in the headquarters that we've been labelled as rebel forces. The only upside is that the Japs are forced to use their own army. They are scared that if they use the surrendered Korean army against us, they will just switch sides to join us again."

Min Won-hoo's face crumbled as he swore at the sky, then joined Joon-young as he lit a cigarette of his own.

"When?"

"Soon."

Joon-young replied as he pulled out another pack of cigarettes. Min Won-hoo's eyes brightened at the sight of another pack, but Joon-young ignored him and kept it for himself.

When the great leader of the North suddenly passed away, their army began to mobilise south. China joined in using their alliance as a reason, while Japan began to create beachheads using their alliance with South Korea as pretext.

It was a pre-emptive strike against South Korea, but the Americans jumped ship the moment it happened as if there was a pre-war arrangement. They only defended their embassy, allowing select politicians and billionaires to enter and be escorted into America while shooting at the rest of the refugees. The president of South Korea immediately declared a surrender and was exiled to America. Ironically, the war clearly distinguished the traitors from the patriots.

Some of the few politicians and generals of the army refused the declaration of surrender and formed a provisional government. They seemed to show some resistance, even managing to score a few victories at the start of the war.

But the continuous assault from multiple frontlines forced them into a perpetual retreat, and the remaining politicians were split on the decision to surrender. Ports and airports were flooded with refugees attempting to escape the war, while the desperate cries of ambassadors for assistance went unheard amongst other nations. South Korea never had the capabilities to fight alone against China, North Korea and Japan.

While the lack of manpower could be managed through volunteers and conscription, it was impossible to replace the officers who died in battle. Like a headless chicken, the army had no aim, no objectives, and no strategy. The lack of officers was so severe that Joon-young was temporarily promoted from Sergeant to Captain during the reorganisation of the depleted army.

On the Expo Plaza, there wasn't a single building intact, and the ground was littered with craters from artillery fire.

"Rechhhh. Urech."

Joon-young was close to joining the recruit when he saw him vomiting as he was tasked to gather the body of a soldier who was hit directly by an artillery shell. As the brave and the patriotic officers died in droves, the selfish and cowardly officers, too timid to escape the war, were left to give orders.

The army, once fighting for the noble war of 2nd independence, devolved into marauding bandits pillaging and forcefully recruiting from nearby villages for the war.

"How much ammo do we have?"

Min Won-hoo scratched his oily head at the difficult question.

"We're doing our best, looting through the dead bodies and all but after a single fight we're gonna have to use bayonets."

"Grenades?"

"Likewise. Each squad has about 3 of them."

"Anti-tank weapons?"

"We threw that heavy baggage a long time ago."

"This is insane."

Min Won-hoo's replies brought a sigh from Joon-young. It was the worst-case scenario. They are running low on ammunition, but the headquarters are still ordering soldiers to stand their ground to the end. Thankfully, they are managing on the food department, but seeing how well the food in the guts of dead comrades, it didn't give much reassurance.

Defeat was certain. The Japs will be making a push with their armoured vehicles on the front, infantry at the back and airforce for support, and they only had rifles to fight against them. It was the Kamikaze spirit of the 2nd world war, Tennoheika Banzai all over again. Joon-young was determined to not see that.

PR Note: Tennoheika Banzai refers to a Japanese battle cry during World War II that translated literally into "Long live His Majesty the Emperor," commonly shouted right before a suicide attack referred to by American soldiers as a "banzai charge."

"Get the boys ready."

Min Won-hoo immediately understood the underlying meaning and made a small smile.

"Who and where?"

"All the kids who have a bright future ahead of them. Not the crazy bastards like you or sane but old ones like me. The rest are to run on their own."

"The battalion's gonna shrink significantly if you do that. The commander won't like it."

"How the hell would you know the commander when I've never seen him? Did we get a new commander in place of the one that surrendered?"

"I've never seen him."

"Then do as I say. Ah! Give this to the squad leaders as well."

Joon-young threw two more packs of cigarettes at Min Won-hoo. Min Won-hoo wondered where all these cigarettes were popping up from, then ran off to the defensive line. Soon, around 30 boys came out to meet Joon-young.

From a middle schooler wearing sneakers and oversized uniform to a high schooler wearing just a grey shirt and a helmet, they were children who still had much to look for in life. Tension filled the air, as the kids weren't sure if this was okay.

Deserters were executed the moment they were caught in the act, and how it was done became much harsher the more desperate things became. These kids had seen the brutal ends of those who had been caught, and were worried despite it being the order from Joon-young himself.

Joon-young handed a white flag to the oldest looking boy.

"Take this and cross the bridge. If the Japs have any shred of humanity, they will let you pass if only young ones surrender."

"C, Captain…"

"What? Don't say some bullshit like fighting to the death and piss off."

"B, but…"

"Scram! Now!"

While the boy hesitated, a sound of an engine could be heard from behind. Joon-young turned to see that it was a car commissioned to the battalion commanders.

"Is that the new commander?"

While the soldiers stood restless, Joon-young muttered as he calmly faced the car.

The car stopped in front of Joon-young, and a lieutenant-colonel came out of the car, decorated with two hibiscus epaulettes on his shoulders. He shouted the moment he came out, his face filled with anger.

"What are you doing gathered all around here, and why aren't you preparing for combat! Who's in charge here?"

"Me, sir."

Joon-young was surprised to see a senior commander still fighting on the field. But one brief look of his brand new equipment and he understood immediately.

'Kuk, so the rumours were true.'

A rumour had been going around amongst the veteran soldiers and officers in the army. Officers who continued to fight until the end are guaranteed of their position and pension, in hopes that it would lower the desertion rate. When these words spread, missing generals and officers began to pop up left and right. The war was over anyway. By joining at the last second, they get to secure their jobs and retirement while avoiding martial court at the end of the war.

Joon-young had never seen this commander before. As a veteran who had been fighting since the start of the war, he not only knew most of the veteran officers in the army, but could also tell if an officer had field experience just by looking at their faces. Joon-young confirmed the rumours once more as he looked back at the commander.

Joon-young gave a rather limp looking salute to the commander, which agitated the commander even further and brought him face to face.

"So you're the famous Crazy Terrorist, Sergeant Kim Joon-young. I know you've achieved some feats on the battlefield, but to think a mere NCO is taking the role of a company commander…"

"I believe I'm currently a Captain."

"Tsk! Do you think having that title means anything? And why aren't you preparing for imminent battle with the Japs at this moment!"

As the colonel raged on and on, he caught a glimpse of the white flag the boy was holding. The boy's eyes met the commanders. He dropped the flag as fast as possible while the colonel reached for his pistol.

Click!

The squad leaders reacted faster, aiming their guns at the colonel before he could pull out his pistol. They had been fighting with Joon-young since the start of the war, and they were going to see his intentions through until the end. A newcomer wasn't going to change their mind, no matter their rank.

While the newest recruits shakily looked between Joon-young and the platoon leaders, the veterans simply laughed and treated it as entertainment.

"Is this a revolt?"

"Those are harsh words, sir. I'm just trying to let the kids live at least, since we're all about to die."

The baffled commander shouted, while Joon-young replied casually.

"You should know that desertion is not forgiven!"

"Desertion? These kids were surrendering to the Japs under my orders."

"Cowards! How dare you run from this war instead of fighting to your last breath for this nation!"

"Those words might be true for us, but they are just children. Using child soldiers… what kind of a joke is this? You forcefully brought them here in the first place. These kids who never had basic training are just baggage. They'll get us killed instead."

"You think those excuses will work in the court!"

"Excuses? Then let me ask, why did the higher ups run from this nation? The entire world knows we've been labelled as the rebel forces, and I sure as hell won't let them die as one. Their family won't even get compensation, since they fought for the rebel army. I guess it doesn't matter since you still get your pension."

"Bullshit! No matter what you say, what you've done is an unforgivable crime! It doesn't matter what you've done until now! It's the death sentence for you now!"

Joon-young breathed deeply with a cigarette in his mouth. The smoke filled his lungs, and the children watched helplessly as the smoke escaped his mouth.

"Death sentence… It is a good day to die. Shit, I don't know who said that, but I'm sure he's in hell right now…"

With those words, Joon-young pulled out his pistol and aimed at the head of the Colonel.

"Why do you think they call me the Crazy Terrorist?"

"Wha-"

Joon-young's pistol fired before the colonel could finish his words. The bullet came out the back of his skull, scrambling his brain on its way.

"Eeek!"

The children screamed. They didn't think Joon-young would actually pull the trigger.

The battalion commander's body dropped to the floor, blood oozing out of his head. Joon-young spat his cigarette at the body, the blood extinguishing what embers remained in the cigarette butt.

Joon-young turned to ask the boy again.

"Would you like execution for mass desertion and the murder of higher ranking officer? Or would you prefer surrender?"

The kids had no choice.

They began to cross the bridge, while the rest of the soldiers watched them off with a straight face.

"Oi! You guys better be strong!"

"Don't give up! You have to live for us too!"

"…We're not filming a war movie guys."

As the soldiers shouted their last farewells across the bridge, the children began to cry. Their faces contorted with a mix of guilt and relief. Joon-young watched the scene without a shred of emotion. His tears have dried out long ago. He's lost too many men and lived through their sacrifices. He soon noticed that the squad leaders made a circle around the colonel's dead body, snickering towards Joon-young.

"Crazy bastards."

"Not as much as you, sir."

Joon-young smiled at Min Won-hoo's words. These squad leaders had survived the initial onslaught with Joon-young, and had been following him ever since. They were true brothers in arms, ready to die for each other.

"What do we do?"

Joon-young asked the driver of the transport car. His face was familiar to Joon-young, meaning he had been in the fight just as long as he has.

The driver answered back.

"Which one shall we say, sniper or misfire?"

"How about suicide?"

Joon-young ignored Min Won-hoo's words.

"Let's go with sniper. I doubt they'd believe it anyway."

"Yes sir. I'll report that the Japs sniped him during the inspection."

The driver dragged the body back into the car, then drove back to the headquarters.

Min Won-hoo asked as they watched the car drive into the distance.

"Won't we get in trouble when they investigate?"

"How can they have time for that when the battle's going to start tonight."

"But are we really dying for the nation?"

"You retard. We're going to survive until the higher ups declare surrender. If we die now, it's all for nothing. Our family won't get their compensation, if you have any left."

Joon-young's family were in Busan.

Busan was destroyed during the initial landing of the Japanese forces. As the urban warfare raged on against the South Korean army, the Japs managed to bring a MOAB to speed up their landing. His family were at the centre of the explosion. The army tasked with defending Busan were routed when they saw the mushroom clouds the bomb made. Not even ashes remained of his family.

PR Note: A MOAB is a large-yield bomb developed by the U.S. Technically, it isn't nuclear so it is cleared for use internationally.

Joon-young no longer had a reason to live on anymore. But he wasn't interested in suicidal tactics either. He was a machine, ever in search of battles to fight.

The Japanese assault began at dawn with an artillery bombardment softening the defences. It also meant their forces would arrive soon.

Joon-young tucked himself into the corner of his trench, humming in sync with the dropping shells as he chewed on some dried squid.

"Heek!"

The man next to Joon-young screamed each time a shell landed, burying his head between his legs. Next to him was a broken two-way radio, buzzing with reports and orders from the headquarters. The front line forces screamed for permission to retreat, but all that came back were orders to delay the enemy for as long as possible.

"Hm? The bombardment stopped. It's time to move!"

Joon-young's men peeked their heads above the trench. With the thundering bombardment halted, there was only tension in the battlefield. But just as their ears adjusted to the sudden silence, they could feel the earth vibrate under their feet. Soon, the Japanese tanks could be seen over the horizon.

"Tsk… our bullets won't even leave a scratch on that."

Armoured with top-of-the-line plating, these tanks could withstand a rocket from an RPG-7. Joon-young scratched his head. He knew friendly tanks and anti-tank guns had been cut off a long time ago, and it was hard to expect any assistance from them.

It seemed that fear had taken over another trench. Gun shots could be seen, firing at the tanks too distant to do any harm. The tank's turret turned and fired, making a direct hit on the trench.

"Well, at least it's not a chemical bomb. I guess it's the aftermath of Busan."

Japan was criticised by the world for dropping a bomb comparable to a nuclear bomb on civilians. With their reputation in the world tarnished, using a chemical or biological weapon was out of question. So they had to resort to traditional method.

"They even brought a helicopter?"

Joon-young remarked with his head leaning on his arms. His men were impressed at his attitude. Here they were, scared for their life, while Joon-young looked like he was watching a movie.

"I guess it's time to run."

As the tanks drove closer, Joon-young made the decision to retreat. It may have seemed cowardly and dishonourable to some, running without firing a single bullet. But his men were relieved to hear those words.

Joon-young and the rest of the frontline forces knew they were a sacrificial pawn. They were a group of conscripted soldiers without proper supplies or support from the rest of the army. The real defence line was behind them, stocked with all the supplies they could gather. Their job was to make the job of the real defence line easier by taking the initial charge from the assault. To them, retreat was the only option.

Joon-young's messengers ran to their designated trenches, while the rest of them gathered at the rally point. He lit a cigarette as he waited for them.

Noises could be heard as they gathered, one by one.

"Hm? Where's the 3rd squad leader?"

Joon-young's company was cut in half after all the children surrendered. The 3rd squad had the most children in their squad but after the surrender, only 7 remained. However, only 3 came to the rally point. One of the soldiers from the 3rd squad replied.

"A shell landed directly on his trench, sir."

"Tsk. Unlucky bastard. What about the 2nd squad leader?"

"Um… One of the recruits fired his gun at the tank. The tank made a direct hit on them."

"Fucking bastard. If you're going to die, don't take others with you."

There was a sudden ruckus as a man was carried back to Joon-young.

"It's fatal."

"Kuku, they got me."

It was Min Won-hoo. A metal plate had driven itself into his stomach, leaving a giant gash and a pool of blood under him. Min Won-hoo asked about the missing squad leaders.

"Where's the rest?"

"…They left before you."

"Kuk, those bastards."

Min Won-hoo shook off the assisting hands and leaned his back on to the trench wall. As his face tensed with pain, Joon-young asked.

"Does it hurt?"

"Bloody hell it does."

"How do you want it?"

"Kukuku. It hurts so much, but I still don't have the courage. I'm a Catholic, you see."

"Is that so?"

Joon-young pulled out a pistol from his waist. He pulled the slider, and aimed at Min Won-hoo's head.

Click!

Min Won-hoo pulled out a cigarette with a patch of red from his pocket. As his bloody and shaking hands struggled to light the damp cigarette, one of the soldiers quickly pulled out a lighter of his own to help him. He took one deep breath then began to cough violently, dropping the cigarette.

"Shit! I wanted to at least die like a badass, but my body's not helping."

A soldier picked the cigarette and gave it back to Min Won-hoo.

"You lot, at least die a SUGOI death like me."

Min Won-hoo smiled at the rest of the soldiers.

Joon-young replied,

"You do know right?"

"What?"

"Sugoi is Japanese."

Min Won-hoo snickered at those words, and then made a smile. Not a shred of regret could be seen in his face.

"Hoo… It was fun serving with you."

"Ah, I had fun too."

"Kuku, I'll be waiting."

"Be there soon."

Bang!

Joon-young placed the pistol back in its holder. Shells, gunshots and screams echoed all around them, but there was only silence where Joon-young stood.

"We are retreating."

"Where to, sir?"

Joon-young smiled at that question, and pointed toward the sky. A glimmer of sunlight could be seen just beyond.

"We will run toward the sun."

As his men stood confused, Joon-young scolded them.

"I swear this war made the kids dumber. How can they not understand this joke?"

"…"

For a moment, these soldiers looked like they were about to murder Joon-young.

"We are going to wherever the higher ups are hiding in. It should still be safe there. Well, until it turns into our grave. But it's better to live even for a second longer right?"

The Korean Army's headquarter was situated within the heavily-forested mountain, far from any civilization. It was a giant tunnel, leading deep into the mountain itself. Joon-young wondered when and how this place came into existence when he saw it.

At the gates was a sign. Considering it had the name 'New Energy Research Centre,' Joon-young guessed it was originally a research facility, not a military one.

The generals and officers were dumbfounded when they saw Joon-young and his men knocking on the front gate. The orders to stand ground were given only a moment ago, yet they came back so confidently as if they belonged here.

The newly joined officers and generals fumed with rage and stated they should be executed for insubordination, but the veteran generals and officers simply shook their heads to that idea. They were in a desperate time for survival, and every soldier mattered. They also felt sorry for using these infamous, battle hardened veterans as sacrificial pawns. Some suggested they should be sent back to the front lines, but it was met with the argument that they would simply desert their post again, and aid in the collapse of the front line. They had no choice but to incorporate Joon-young's men into the research centre's security force.

Joon-young had a good reason to come here. There was a rumour about a new weapon under development in this facility. This information was given to him by his now-deceased regimental commander, to cheer up Joon-young with the hope of victory when he was grieving for the loss of his family in Busan.

Joon-young wasn't aware of the details, but the rumour suggested that its completion could change the war, and that Japan was aware of its development. The Japanese forces would only harass the research centre instead of an all-out attack, waiting for the results of the weapon's development. If this rumour was true, Joon-young believed that the Japanese forces were attacking now because its development was nearing completion.

"You've got to give it to them. They're putting up a good fight."

The battle still continued in the darkness of the night. The artillery shells echoed in the mountain like the beating of the drum, while tracer ammunitions lit up the night sky with its dazzling display.

"Can I have one too?"

"Hm?"

As Joon-Young sat on an ammo crate on top of the guard tower, admiring the battle like it was a movie, a beautiful researcher wearing black rim glasses and a lab coat approached. Her face was pale, and her eyes were soaked in depression as if she had no will to live on.

"Have a sit."

Joon-Young moved to the side of the box, making some space for her and handed her a cigarette. The moment he lit her cigarette, she began to cough furiously. It seemed like this was her first time.

"Kuh! I don't understand why people enjoy smoking if it's so bad for you."

"What does that matter when you could die at any moment?"

The woman smiled back at Joon-young's reply.

"Huhu! You must be that famous sergeant."

"Hm? Do you know me?"

"Of course. Even the researchers know about the sergeant who fled the battlefield with all of his men. Most of them call you a coward but strangely, many in the army don't seem to be bothered at all."

Joon-Young simply shrugged. It seemed the woman had nothing more to say as well. They just sat there and watched the battlefield together in silence. Despite the constant struggle, the woman continued to smoke. When she finally finished the cigarette, Joon-Young asked a question.

"How's the research going? I can imagine that making a weapon that can turn the tide of this war would be difficult."

Her eyes turned cold as she stared back at Joon-Young.

"Where did you hear that?"

Joon-Young snorted as he replied back at the defensive woman.

"Well, let's just say it's the reason I ran here with all my men."

With his words, the woman's eyes softened and began to have a soft smile, with a hint of ridicule.

"Huhu, I see you've heard the rumours. I guess it would be impossible to hold on like this without some kind of hope like that."

"Did the research meet a dead-end?"

"Have you heard about the Rainbow Project?"

"Isn't that the famous mystery? They call it the Philadelphia experiment right?"

"That's right. The technology we've been working on even before this war was teleportation. Haha, it was an impossible project from the start. How can we develop something from a sci-fi movie when we've only just managed to begin testing for nuclear fusion technology? Impossible. Do you know why the Japanese army suddenly attacked after the countless offers to surrender? The research director took the results of our project and defected. Japan realised it was all a bluff, so they had no reason to wait anymore. There is no hope now. Even if I survive somehow, I'll be locked away in a laboratory as a slave until I die a lonely death…"

As her voice slowly turned into a sob, Joon-Young looked around awkwardly. He was alone with her on the roof, but he could not get close to comfort her.

He was sure there were snipers watching this facility at all times. If he tried to comfort her with an alternative goal in mind, a jealous sniper might pull the trigger on Joon-young's head.

"Have you heard the phrase, 'Those who seek to die will live, and those who seek to live will die'?"

"Yes. Didn't Admiral Yi say that?"

"Well, it originally comes from China's Wu Zixu, but let's just say you're right. That phrase used to work when we fought with swords and spears but not in modern days you see."

"What do you mean?"

Joon-Young smiled as she wiped her tears and looked back with intrigue.

"Those who seek to live tend to make openings in search of a way out without repercussions. That means they are easy picking for their enemies. But for those who fight to the death, enemies will think 'ah, I might die trying to kill him' and tend to avoid them. Your enemies are humans too. They want to live just as much as you do. They would rather take the safe choice of killing the runners instead of getting bogged down in a life-or-death fight."

It was a rather distorted understanding of the phrase, but had some logic behind it. The woman nodded hesitantly. Joon-Young quickly pulled out another cig, trying to hide the fact that he thought her nod looked cute for a second.

"But that doesn't work anymore. Enemies can't tell if you're coming to fight or surrender, because their range is too long. That range also keeps them safe from combat injuries too. Who orders the infantry to charge into battle these days anyway? The artillery strikes first, the planes follow with their bombs, the tanks run through the ruins and then the infantry does the clean-up."

"So what's your point?"

The woman asked, unable to understand his words.

"Well, the key point is if you want to live, surrender properly and if not make sure it's a 'if I die, you die too' situation. The way to the afterlife is better when it's crowded after all. Come on baby, I guess?"

PR Note: Bolded text will henceforth refer to text that was in English in the raws.

The woman laughed, baffled by that answer.

"Do you even know what that means?"

"I may have only graduated high school, but I am rather proud of the knowledge I've gathered from movies and books. I don't know nor do I care about the theory on nuclear fusion or fission. At the end of the day, they are both nuclear. Just do it."

"Do you have any idea of what you're saying? If we did that from this research centre, the radiation will encompass the entire southern half of Korea, including Daejeon."

"Even better. From what I know, radiation can spread with clouds and rain, which would mean Japan would get hit too right? Then every time they are hit by the irradiated rain, the Japanese will think of this: 'Ah! Those bastards. We should have left them alone.' At the end of all that fighting, we shit all over the land they fought so hard to take, making it useless."

"What about the Korean citizens who will suffer from the radiation?"

Joon-Young laughed at her question.

"Korean citizens? How can there be Korean citizens when Korea doesn't even exist?"

She was lost for words from Joon-young's outrageous answer. Joon-Young couldn't stop himself from patting her head as she sat there with a blank expression.

"If you don't want to see that, live on. Whether it means you live on as their slave in a laboratory or as their toy. My point is, don't die later with regret. Either die now, or live on until the end. You must not regret. For the soldiers who died and will die out there believing in the false hope."

Her eyes followed as Joon-Young pointed toward the battlefield, the explosions encroaching ever so slowly. As Joon-Young tried to leave quietly, she stood up and called out to him.

"Wait!"

"Yes?"

"… Can I ask your name?"

"Joon-Young. Sergeant Kim Joon-Young."

Joon-Young gave her a proper salute. She gave a bright smile.

"My name's Han Yoo-Ra. Remember it."

"Are you out of your mind? You want me, a deserter, to make the battle plan for the army?"

Joon-young looked back at the questioners, puzzled. In front of him were many of the officers in Headquarters, their ranks ranging from sergeants to colonel.

Joon-young was in the cafeteria for his rations. He could tell he wasn't appreciated by the kitchen staff, as he was given the coldest meal in the kitchen with a complimentary icy glare. That was when the officers entered. When he first saw them enter, Joon-young was preparing himself for a lynching. Instead, what he got was a baffling plea from them. A sergeant making the battle plan for the entire army to follow is nonsensical at best. He neither had the knowledge nor the experience to do such a thing. That was when the colonel, the highest ranking officer in the group, stepped forward and began to read the document in his hand.

"We've heard a lot about you. Full name, Kim Joon-young, 18th regiment, 3rd Division. Fought for the defence of Cheorwon during the initial attack from North Korea. While your regiment was routed by the enemy's use of biological weapons, you've rallied nearby troops and prolonged the battle, managing to hold the North Korea's 743rd Army in place for 3 days. You then proceeded to retreat when the North Koreans halted their advance, waiting for the Americans' complete withdrawal of their forces from South Korea. For those achievements, you were promoted to First Sergeant. Afterwards, you were transferred to the Capital's defence force. You were tasked with protecting America's withdrawal by leading one of the platoons manning the anti-air defences. 2 days later, you seized full control of the entire division by force. You then proceeded to shoot down an American transport plane which held the family members of politicians and shareholders of major corporations. You were arrested immediately and sent to martial court. You confessed in court that "I couldn't stand the fact that while we were completely fucked down here, those rich bastards could continue living like they owned the world." You were demoted to Private and sentenced to death by firing squad…"

Ah, those were embarrassing times.

Joon-young slowly turned away to avoid eye contact with the colonel. He continued to read through his document.

"… 1 hour before the execution, you were pardoned by the military officials who refused to follow the president's declaration of surrender. You were promoted back to sergeant, and joined the Navy's 1st division in Pohang to prevent the 7th division of the Japanese Self Defence Force from landing. You refused the order of retreat when the Self Defence Force successfully took control of half of the city. You continued to fight urban warfare and proceeded to detonate the fuel stations, LPG tanks and oxygen tanks in the city, thereby destroying the Pohang city and the Japan's 7th division as well. You then chased after the retreating 7th division and proceeded to use chemical bombs against them, turning their retreat into a rout. You were promoted back to First Sergeant for carrying out plan 'Diarrhea,' which routed the enemy forces. However, by using the chemical weapons, you gave justification for the world to label us as 'rebel forces'. You were sent as reinforcement to retake Incheon from the Chinese. You requested to use chemical weapons for the plan, but it was denied as the higher-ups noticed the deteriorating public opinion due to Pohang. You then took your troops and officers who agreed with you and commenced the plan. The success of plan 'Lightning' promoted you to Sergeant Major. After retaking Incheon you were given the nickname 'Crazy Terrorist.'"

"Ahaha… They didn't call it the poor man's nuclear bomb for nothing. It was damn impressive. Kukuku."

"7 cases of disobeying orders."

"Ordering to engage an armoured division with just rifles isn't a proper order on my watch."

"10 cases of deserting the battlefield."

"How do you expect your men to fight when the commanding officer is the first to run?"

"Multiple cases of violent behaviour directed at higher ranking officers, which lead to disciplinary actions."

"I was going through some late puberty back then…"

"Although you were suspected of killing many of your officers, there was insufficient evidence from soldiers. You were in a cycle of promotions and demotions. Although you are currently Captain, you continue to call yourself Sergeant."

"It didn't feel right, since I only got it temporarily to lead a Company."

Joon-Young scratched his head. During his promotion spree, he even held the rank of Major at one point.

"You ambushed a Japanese convoy transporting our national treasures as spoils of war. You then proceeded to burn it in front of an English war reporter, stating 'If I can't have it, no one will.' This helped spread your nickname, Crazy Terrorist, far and wide."

"Aahaha, I do regret that a little…"

"Is that why you burned the Bulguksa?"

"He didn't believe me."

While many of the officers in the group were appalled by his answers, the colonel pulled out a voice recorder.

"…. You must not regret. For the soldiers who died and will die out there believing in the false hope."

It was the conversation he had with Yoo-ra.

"I knew you were monitoring them, but you were recording them as well?"

"Ever since the research director ran, we increased the level of surveillance on all researchers. Han Yoo-ra, the Chief of Research is our most valuable personnel."

"Well since you've done your research, you should know I'm quite insane. Why do you want me to make the battle plan?"

"The generals of Headquarters have decided to surrender. They are people who would be satisfied with being written as the last commanders of the resistance in the history books. Most of them have already made a deal with the Japanese. They will keep their ranks as Generals in Japan and will not sit through a trial for their war crimes. The Chinese and the US have noticed it too and have started negotiating with their own terms. Currently, China's 237th Armoured Division is advancing to this region. The US and Japan became desperate and began to negotiate more generously in response, and Headquarters took it. Some have decided to join with China instead."

"And I thought they were some of the better generals in our army. Tsk tsk."

"Those who continued to refuse the deal have been relieved of their command."

"The rolling stone takes place of the old one huh."

Joon-young sighed at the colonel's words. He knew something was off when generals began joining halfway through the war, but he didn't know they completely took over the army like this. As soon as their own safety was guaranteed, they had no qualms with surrendering. For the officers and soldiers, those who gave up everything to fight, those who were labelled as 'rebels,' all that awaited them were death and destruction. These men had all the reasons to revolt against the decision to surrender.

"But why me? As you know I'm just a meager Sergeant. I'm sure there are many who have received proper military education from the Military Academy here."

"That's the problem. I'm sorry to say this, but we aren't as insane as you. When we make a plan, we tend to leave one or two backups and escape routes, intentional or not. We don't want that. As you've said, I want them to think 'those bastards' when they think of us. We've finished our talk with the soldiers. We have no wish to live anymore."

The colonel's eyes glared back at Joon-young. It was twisted and bloodthirsty. The very same look Joon-young sees when he looks in the mirror.

"Kuku, so the Colonel will listen to a Sergeant's orders? Man, I guess things do go crazy when a nation falls."

"That's right. This would be a great example."

An eccentric, somewhat sinister laugh echoed within the cafeteria.

"We've lost contact with the 3rd Battalion! The 2nd battalion is requesting for retreat!"

"There is no retreat. Hold the ground until the end."

The makeshift HQ within the laboratory was bustling with the continuous exchange of sitreps and orders. Tension was rising in the HQ as bad news arrived one after another, but some of the last rebel commanders leading the Korean army seemed indifferent to what was happening.

"Urgent news from the 209th regiment of the 1st Battalion! Airborne troops landing behind them! The front line has collapsed!"

"Fall back to the 2nd line! Send in the reserves to help their retreat!"

One of the generals stopped giving orders and turned to face the other commanders who were simply watching the situation.

"What the hell are you guys even doing!"

"Huhuhu, you don't need to be so mad."

"What!"

"Shall we begin?"

As one of the commanders gave the order, a group of soldiers barged into the HQ, pointing their guns at the generals and officers.

"Are you starting a coup at this point in time!"

"We've done all we can. You should know just as much as we do that any further resistance is futile. Now is the time to step back and negotiate."

"What were you promised by the Japanese?! I don't care what they offered to you, but do you honestly think they will uphold their end of the bargain!"

"Huhu, we've received their confirmation. We even have proof so they can't go back on their words."

"Traitors!"

The enraged general tried to pull out his pistol, but the commander was faster.

Bang! At the single gunshot, the enraged general grabbed at his chest. His body trembled, but his eyes were still on the surrendering commanders.

"Our ancestors will never forgive you, you hypocrites…"

The general's body collapsed on the floor, his eyes wide open with anger. The commanders looked somewhat disturbed by it. They didn't surrender because they wanted to. But the situation was hopeless, and when their last ray of hope crumbled, their survival instincts kicked in.

"Dear oh dear. I guess we're late."

"Hm?"

Joon-young entered the room and the commanders were quick respond.

"Who are you? State your affiliation."

"Affiliation? When everything's falling apart?"

"That's insubordination!"

The commanders refuted in anger.

"Tsk, you are the most annoying of them all. If you were going to surrender, you shouldn't have made such a mess in the first place. How are you going to look at everyone else who died because of your fuck-ups?"

"How dare you! Shoot him!"

The soldiers hesitantly aimed at Joon-young at the order. Joon-young however, smiled fearlessly.

"Shall we die together?"

Flinch

Joon-young took his coat off, exposing the claymores stuck all around his body. In his right hand was the detonator. At that sight, all of the soldiers lowered their gun and slowly backpedalled into the corners. If those claymores exploded in this confined room, the best-case scenario was a fatal wound.

"A, are you insane? Drop that thing right now!"

With his face pale as paper, one of the commanders shouted.

"How did you know I was insane? With one click I'll guarantee a spot in heaven by killing all you traitors. I think that's a net profit for me."

"Shit!"

"Ah! There's no point in subduing me either. It's wireless as well. Well, even if that fails, the fellows behind me will happily throw a handful of grenades in here."

Everyone looked where Joon-young was pointing. Outside the room was a group of soldiers watching menacingly. In their hands were a pistol and a live grenade, primed and ready to be thrown.

Clap!

Joon-young quickly gained everyone's attention.

"Now! Will you die with me or surrender?"

"You crazy bastard! Don't you know that any more resistance is futile!"

"Humans are foolish creatures, you see. They love to do something they are told not to do. Now! Last warning. Drop your weapons! Or I'm pressing the button!"

"Y, you will die too!"

Joon-young snickered at those words.

"Even better. Three! Two! One! I'll see you in the afterlife."

Click!

Everyone inside the HQ dropped to the floor as Joon-young pressed the detonator.

"Huh? What's going on?"

Click! Click!

Joon-young repetitively pressed the detonator, wondering why it wasn't going off.

"S, stop!"

"Surrender! We surrender!"

Everyone inside the HQ threw their weapons in fear and raised their hands while Joon-young continued to smash at the detonator.

"Oi. This is a dud. Are you really in charge of the explosives?"

"No shit it's a dud! I've cut the line just in case but I didn't think you'd really press it."

At this point, even the soldiers on Joon-young's side realised just how insane he was. There aren't many in the world who wouldn't hesitate to kill themselves with a smile on their face.

"What do we do with them?"

A captain of the air force asked as he watched the commanders shake in fear.

"What do you mean? Wasn't this the whole point?"

Joon-young reached for one of the rifles and loaded the gun.

Click!

The commanders began to plead for their lives at the sound of the gun.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Joon-young ignored their pleas and hummed as he massacred the commanders and everyone who were in their league.

"Damn, that felt like shit. We've really crossed the line now!"

Joon-young grumbled with a cig in his mouth. He just killed multiple high ranking officers, many of them being generals.

"Let's take that thing off you first. I can't stand you wearing it."

As one of the sergeants approach to help Joon-young take the claymores, some of the high ranking officers quickly took command of the HQ.

"Send the word to all the battalions we can! All personnel are allowed to surrender at their own judgement! But all volunteers will gather here! This is our grave! Only those of you prepared to be buried here are allowed to gather!"

The soldiers in the HQ began to move instinctively at the sound of those orders.

"Now! Shall we make a plan? Let's make them curse our names for all eternity!"

With the surrender of the Korean troops on the frontlines, there was a brief moment of silence and tranquillity. But when they lost contact with the Korean Army's HQ and received news of what had happened from the surrendered Korean troops, Japanese troops initiated an airborne assault on the research centre. The security forces of the research centre resisted with their utmost efforts, but the sight of the continuous stream of parachutes forced them to retreat into the tunnel.

Bang!

An explosion accompanied by the scorching flames filled the corridor. Many suffered burns from the fire and troops were sent to rescue them.

"Chikusho!"

PR Note: "Chikusho" is a Japanese derogatory term that translates literally into "dumb animal" or "beast," but can be generally used as an expletive.

"Ah ah, Korean please…"

Ratatat! The rescue team screamed as Joon-young fired blindly around the corner, which was followed by a storm of bullets by the Japanese as they returned fire.

"Charge is set!"

A combat engineer from the air force came to Joon-young and handed him the detonator.

"Is that so? Let's move."

After watching his remaining troops retreat in order, he approached a man with a wound on his chest, gasping for air.

"Is it my turn?"

"Seems like it."

"Kukuk, feels good to have some company for my death."

"Don't forget. You have to let them get as close as possible."

"What are you even worried about. You're just gonna detonate it remotely if I failed anyway."

"Well then… You've done well."

"Kuku, I'll see you soon."

With the retreat finished and the resistance gone, the Japanese began to encroach slowly.

With an ok sign from the scouts, the main army began to move. Once most of the squad entered, the man who had been lying flat on the ground turned his body and shouted.

"Kuhaha! Hello, mother fuckers!"

Bang! The improvise claymore exploded, sending mountains of shrapnel flying into the tunnel's confined space.

Joon-young's intent wasn't to cause as much deaths, but to cause as much wounded as possible. To give them a scar to remember for the rest of their lives.

"Uhahah! Let's die together!"

"…"

"Tennoheika Banzai, fuckers!"

Suicide bombers had been hiding amongst the corpses, waiting for their chance. Whenever they could, they would jump into the midst of the Japanese squadron with improvised bombs made of chemicals from the research centre. Just as Joon-young had wished, the Japanese were terrified, and their push became slower.

Booby traps were sprinkled across the entire tunnel, and the Japanese began checking nearby corpses by shooting at them. This had allowed Joon-young and his men to survive inside the tunnel for a whole week. At one point, the Japanese used chemical weapons but Joon-young retaliated by burning the oxygen with a napalm. This had caused the ventilation system of the research centre to break down, but he had no wish to live in the first place.

Despite having the option to starve them to death, it seemed their sense of pride wouldn't let them do it. The Japanese continued to send in their troops despite heavy casualties.

"Kukuku, I guess this is it."

They no longer have anything to make bullets or bombs. Food and water had run out long ago.

"We did pretty well huh?"

Joon-young spoke as he looked at the firmly closed steel doors behind him. There were a total of 10 combatants left. After sacrificing one after another, they had been pushed and pushed again up to this point. Behind that door is the nuclear fusion research centre holding the researchers inside. What will happen to the researchers after he died was a mystery.

They may die to the enraged Japanese soldiers, or taken prisoner as valuable human resources. Whether they surrender or die is up to them. Joon-young had no intent on forcing the researchers to sacrifice themselves.

"Have you got any bullets left?"

Joon-young asked as he started to hear footsteps from afar.

"… We might have one."

The colonel answered, taking out a bullet from his chest pocket.

"Ha, You can't even commit suicide with that thing."

The bullet's cartridge was crushed significantly, which probably happened during combat. Joon-young snickered at the pathetic bullet and the colonel followed. Soon the snicker spread to other soldiers and it turned into a giant laughter.

Once the laughter stopped, the soldiers looked at each other and began shaking hands.

"Now! The climax of a battle is the hand to hand combat, isn't it?"

"Ofcourse! You seem to know a few things about wars!"

The soldiers busied themselves with attaching bayonets onto their rifles when suddenly they heard broken Korean coming from the other side of the barricade.

"Surrender! If you surrender now, we will let you live!"

"They're saying they'll let us live."

"Funny bastards. What should we do?"

"What else? We should let them live instead."

"Huh?"

Joon-young made a wicked smile at the confused colonel, and shouted back.

"Hey! You know we're the last ones right! We've got some biological weapons in our hands! Since we're dying, why don't we die together! According to the researcher who gave it to us, a single drop can wipe half a city! And we have an entire barrel! Uhahahah! Ya scared?"

"Kukuku."

Other soldiers tried their best to stop their laughter. It was a bluff. If a biological weapon were to be used within the tunnels, which also had its ventilation destroyed, death was a certainty for both sides. Sending someone who could speak Korean was a mistake on Japan's part.

If they simply made the final push, Joon-young and his men would have made little resistance. But all the despicable acts Joon-young and his men had performed until now would convince them to believe the bluff.

Soon, they could hear dismayed voices, and their footsteps began to fade.

"Now! Let's go! This will be the last time we'll see them run!"

"Iyaha!"

"Wahaha!"

Joon-young and the soldiers charged over the barricade. With that, the Japanese forces ran hastily, even throwing their guns away.

"Ahahah! Good!"

As Joon-young laughed to his heart's content, a heavy thud echoed through the entire tunnel.

Then the giant steel doors behind him smashed open, covering Joon-young and the soldiers in bright light. A gust of wind swept their bodies, making them fly for a brief moment. Then as the burning heat came, Joon-young remembered the bright smile Han Yoo-ra made.

'Did that lady really do it?'

The sickening smell of blood brought his consciousness back. He sluggishly looked around as if he had just woken up. The sky was black with a faint light of dawn helping him to see that he was on an open plain. Around him were flags with symbols he had never seen before; moreover, dead bodies covered the entire plain.

He could smell burning flesh in the air. He looked down to see his body drenched in blood from head to toe. But strangely, he did not feel any pain.

How much time had passed? As he sat with a blank face, a group of men began to approach him atop the pile of bodies. These men, clad in armour, were checking the bodies and respectfully moving them over.

Soon, one of them noticed him and approached quickly with a surprised face.

"Hey! Are you alright?"

"…"

"Doctor! There's a survivor!"

He called out for others to come, then asked again.

"Hey! Child, wake up! Shit… Is he in shock? Child, what's your name?"

"…Name?"

As the child's voice just barely escaped his mouth, he began to moan and touch all over his own body as if he could not believe it.

The soldier who had found the child tried to ask as gently as possible, fearing that the child may have gone insane from shock.

"Can you remember your name?"

"My name… Joon-young? No, my name is Isaac. Isaac Rondart."

"What a strange world."

Joon-young expressed his thoughts as he watched hot water pour out from the sink. In the old world, science was what brought the human civilization to its peak. In this world however, it was magic. Reading a setting where magic reached similar heights as modern science was common in fantasy genres, but experiencing it in person was a different thing.

When Joon-young looked into the mirror, a scrawny child looked back at him. When Joon-young smiled, the child smiled too, and the same happened when he made a sigh.

"Are you confused? I'm confused too."

After having a quick wash, he went back to his room. The room was quite extravagant for a hospital. He relaxed on the chair and intentionally emptied his mind. Slowly, Isaac's memories seeped into his head. He didn't know why, but Joon-young's consciousness took place in Isaac's body, and Isaac's memories were filling in the blanks for him. Thanks to that, Joon-young didn't have the problem of learning the language and culture of the new world. It also helped to keep his sense of identity through the sudden change in the environment after his death. However, this only happened when his mind was blank. It forced him to empty his mind as often as possible, making him look as if he's about to lose his mind. The staff in the hospital mistook that behaviour as PTSD after the recent massacre and left him alone, giving plenty of opportunities for Joon-young to work through Isaac's memories with haste.

"Tsk. I can't tell if this is good or bad."

Joon-young snickered as he remembered Isaac's childhood. On one side, he was lucky; on the other, he was pitiful.

He was the firstborn son of the Rondart Family, which held the title of Baron. This fact alone would set him up for an easy life as a noble. Unless, of course, you were the son of a concubine. The problem started when his father met his mother, a commoner, during his vacation and fell in love at first sight. If it was just a one-night stand, a cover up could have taken place to hide it. But his father was so persistent that the only way to silence him was to marry her. The position of wife was impossible due to her birth status, so she ended up as a concubine, and Isaac was born between them.

Although his father and mother were deeply in love, the family's elders and vassals pressured his father into remarrying. The woman was the daughter of a Count. This marriage happened when Isaac was 1 year old.

Obviously, the new wife wasn't so happy about the existence of Isaac and his mother. When she gave birth to 2 sons of her own, she acted as if Isaac and his mother didn't even exist. At this point, this would have been a common family problem within a noble's family. The successor to the name of Baron would go to the legitimate son from the wife instead of Isaac, while Isaac gets to live as the 'son' of Baron. It was a good compromise for both sides. But it all crumbled when the current emperor came into power.

The current emperor was also the eldest son who was born from a concubine. He also had a younger brother who was born from the Empress, but it was clear those two cared more for each other than Isaac and his brothers. When their father passed away, his brother willingly gave the throne to him. He stated that, according to tradition, the eldest must take the throne. The 2nd prince forfeited his claim to the throne and the eldest prince, born from a concubine, took the throne without any issues.

If a mere Baron were to elect their second son as heir due to the bloodline of the firstborn, it would be taken as public insult to the emperor himself. It is at this moment that the wife's harassments began, and her sons soon followed in the bitch's actions.

On Isaac's 10th birthday, his mother and father passed away from an accident, destroying his life completely. Since the lord of at the center the feud died, an heir to the title must be declared, but all the candidates were too young to take the title. Following the rule of crown to the eldest, Isaac should have been declared heir, but no one would try to support Isaac, who had neither power nor lineage. In fact the vassals tried to make his existence a secret.

And so, without proper education and at the mercy of even the servants working in the mansion, he grew to the age of 15. It was on this day that his life turned around.

All sons and daughters of nobles are automatically enrolled to the Empire's greatest educational facility, the Campus. The capable officials of the empire pointed out Isaac's status of imprisonment in his own home and continued to ask Isaac to attend for 5 years. But the Baron's family even used the Count's power to delay it as long as possible. What they wanted was the loss of Isaac's title as the legitimate successor.

'We were too embarrassed to send him as he isn't so bright, but you can try your best.' That was all they needed to say at this point. The age of 15 was too late to learn anything. Only a genius or extreme effort could catch up to those who had 5 years of head start.

Not only that, but the second son of the Baron, Isaac's little brother, managed to enroll in the College. This was an honour only given to the brightest minds and talents within the Campus.

'Our first son is a little dim. But look at the second son, he's bright enough to attend the College. So for the future of our family, we have no choice but to declare the second son as heir.' This was their plan.

Joon-young wondered why they had this completely unnecessary plan when they could have simply killed him in an accident or poison him, but it seemed that the investigation bureau in the Empire held incredible power.

They would scour the Empire for any information when it came to succession of power, making it difficult to forge any incidents. There was a case of a Family of a Viscount who had an issue similar to Isaac's situation. When it was found out that the death of the eldest son was a murder orchestrated by his brother and his relatives, the entire family was confiscated of all their possessions, while their family's name was removed from the nobility. This made it difficult for Isaac's family to scheme any plots against him, resulting in his isolation.

But the family also had no interest in making Isaac's travel comfortable either. Isaac, was shoved into a wandering merchant's wagon like luggage to be transported to the Campus, as the family saw no reason to organise a convoy for his travel. This band of merchants was the victim of the first monster attack in 10 years, taking everyone but Isaac's lives. As soon as the combat started, Isaac hid under the wagon, cowering in fear then fainting when something knocked him in the head.

"Then I came about."

After the quick review of the memories, Joon-young, no, Isaac sighed briefly. It was a fresh start, albeit a problematic one. The biggest problem was his future.

"First of all, am I really Joon-young? Or am I Isaac with Joon-young's memories?"

After a brief search for his own identity, he snickered.

"Whatever it is, I have to live on again."

There were countless ways to kill himself if he wanted it. But he couldn't do that. Those who died before him acted as shackles to keep him going. But he had no reason to live to his fullest either. Experiencing so much death in the battlefield had left him empty inside. He would try to live on as a husk, only because he can't die.

"A new life… I don't know why I got dropped into this place but I'll take it as my vacation."

Joon-young, no, Isaac's empty eyes looked up into the sky. Whether it was god or the devil who dropped him into this world, he would simply live on for now.

Brief report on surveillance target 728

Surveillance level 4

It has been declared the target is currently suffering from PTSD after the incident, but it is unsure whether this is due to the shock from the incident or due to Type 3 invasion.

His fluency with language is acceptable, and the records of his past do not provide enough evidence to prove whether his personality has changed. Requesting for further investigation.

Although he needs continued surveillance, surveillance level will be dropped to Level 5, considering his age and the teaching schedules of the Campus.

It took 1 month for Joon-young was discharged from the hospital. It was a time well spent for him, as he managed to absorb most, if not all, of Isaac's memories. Thanks to that, he was able to blend in to the society of the new world without a problem.

According to the rumours, the Baron Rondart's family were in a troublesome spot when Isaac's identity was found out in the hospital. A serious investigation was put in place to find out why the heir of the family was travelling without any escorts. The family responded that their intent was for him to experience the outside world without any shackles since he had a late start.

Isaac couldn't stop himself from laughing when he heard that excuse.

They've labelled him as dim-witted and locked him in the mansion for his entire life. Yet they didn't find any problem with allowing him to travel alone to experience the outside world? Anyone with a shred of intelligence would find the fallacy in that logic, but the Rondart Family used the Viscount's influence to pass through the questioning with minimal difficulty. It would have been much worse if Isaac had died, but since he's alive they can still use that excuse.

"This is a really strange place."

Isaac looked around the city like a small child seeing the world for the first time. The view of the world was quite limited in the hospital, but it became harder and harder to explain this world the more he found out about this world. The road was clean and small blocks were lined at the side, separating the pedestrians from the set of trams that ran in opposite directions.

In this continent of Lorasia, the Empire is the only nation. Its denizens were not just humans, but contained many other races such as elves and dwarves and even the almighty dragons.

The Empire was untouchable, with no opposition in sight. The Emperor and the royal court were at the top of the hierarchy, nobles and rich merchants below them, and at the bottom were the commoners who made the majority of the population.

What confused Joon-young first was the caste system. At a glance, it had the social structure of a feudal Europe, but inheritance had little value as the Empire worked like a meritocracy. The five ranks of nobility, Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount and Baron, were given to those who managed the Empire. Executives of the Empire received a title of nobility, and anyone who served under them, whether they were wizards or warriors, were given the title of a Knight. Basically, Knights were the Empire's Officials.

What's even funnier is that there are hereditary nobles as well. Those who made great achievements or served the Empire for an exceptional amount of time are given some land to rule when they retire.

As it wasn't a rigid system, anyone could rise through the ranks with enough effort. Commoners can become nobles if they become Empire's Executive, and nobles can lose their nobility if they commit a crime. Although it was much more common to see someone lose their nobility than to see someone climb the steps of the hierarchy, the fact was that there was the possibility. This world that ruled through a caste system had created the perfect social infrastructure where even Joon-young did not not feel any discomfort.

'This world developed in a completely different way…'

The history of humanity is a history of wars. Civilizations developed by surviving the wars it fought. But strangely, this world which boasted such amazing social infrastructure comparable to modern times had the military strength of a medieval kingdom. Simply put, they had infantry armed with swords and spears, archers with bow and arrow, wizards who were considered strategic weapons and healers. It was a weird world where civilization was highly developed, while their military was akin to medieval fantasy.

"Was it the delicate balance of social structure? Or was it just a miracle?"

The people of this world have the opportunity for education. The rulers of the old in the previous world didn't limit education to public without reason. As the saying says, 'the pen is mightier than the sword.' The expansion of education leads to reflection and dissatisfaction within the populace.

Allowing equal level of education in a strict caste system was like openly allowing rebellions to happen. It's just that the social and political structures were holding it down.

Although difficult, it was possible to climb the hierarchy. It may be impossible unless you put extraordinary effort, but if you searched for an example, there were plenty to be seen in the Empire.

There was also an organization called "Freedom," whose activity focused on making a world ruled by the commoners, but it had very little support from the populace.

But at the end of the day, he was free now. Freed from the prison of his family's estate. His new home was a school, which was a great opportunity for him to gain more information. His grades meant little to him; information was his priority. Inheritance of the Baron title was just a hassle. To go through life and death for the lowest ranking nobility title was laughable to him, and even if he did become the baron, more problems would be coming for him after his inheritance. He was not one to walk into more work. His aim was to find a cozy yet well-paying work and live the rest of his life in leisure.

He also had another goal in mind. This was a fantasy world and in fantasy, there's the dream of magic. If he were to become a wizard, he wouldn't run into any financial problems, and if he happened to become powerful enough, he might even be able to take revenge on his family. If magic wasn't possible, maybe he could become a sword master instead.

However, it only took a few days for his dreams to be shattered.

The Campus was a giant island shaped like a semi-circle that could be reached by sailing for an hour from the Empire's capital, Gavelin. At the centre of the island was the College, the most prestigious school of the campus, while other schools were spread across the entire island.

The Campus was home to many schools such as magic, military, sailing, finance, art, technology, and others. It was designed to enroll talented individuals into a specific school with the goal of producing the finest professionals into the Empire, and only those whose talents had been approved by the Empire could enroll into the Campus.

The Campus was sometimes called the Duchy of Campus due to their independence and isolation from the outside world, which was to make sure their students would focus on education and education alone. In fact, the Campus was run by a Committee made up of the Student Council members and the professors and lecturers of the Campus.

"So this is the Campus."

After the short cruise across the ocean, Isaac disembarked onto the empty port. It was different from what he expected. The port was empty, containing only the necessities such as the docks, a few warehouses, and lodges. There was a wall separating the inner and outer port, and the only way into the Campus was through a gate atop a gentle slope. The sailors busy with unloading the goods looked at Isaac, who stood alone.

"You lot! Stop wasting time and get back to work!"

The loud and rugged voice prompted the sailors back to work, and the sailors began to move faster than before.

"Hm? What's this? Did no one come to see you? Well, don't worry. I'm sure someone will come to check the unloading of the supplies."

"Thank you Mr. Gonzales, for letting me know."

Isaac gave his gratitude to the middle-aged sailor who comforted him. Mr. Gonzales scratched his beard, unaccustomed to words of gratitude from a noble.

"Are you really a noble? I guess I'm weird too, talking so casually to a noble like this."

The first monster attack in 10 years had gathered much attention from the Empire. As the sole survivor, Isaac became famous, along with his current family situation.

"Well, none of that will matter since you're set for life after you graduate from the Campus, so perk up you hear. Ah! There he is."

Gonzales gave his encouragements as he patted Isaac's shoulder. Isaac turned to look where Gonzales was looking, and he saw a car slowly approaching them.

'It's so strange to see them every time. Using mana… It's basically the cleanest fuel imaginable.'

A familiar object in an unfamiliar world. Isaac was dumbfounded when he saw it for the first time, but soon accepted it. If the social infrastructure is at a modern level, so too must their transportation.

"Oh! Is that the new automobile that everyone's been so noisy about? Heard they were planning on selling them to the nobles, but it seems like they're already up and running in the Campus."

As Gonzales struggled to contain his excitement, the car gently stopped in front of Isaac and Gonzales.

"Hello. You've arrived early today."

A handsome young man with a blonde hair stepped out of the car and greeted Gonzales.

"Yes. We were blessed by lady luck with a good wind."

"That's good to hear. I assume the supplies are fine?"

"You can bet on it, sir. We checked them before we sailed here. We're currently unloading them into one of the warehouses; would you like to observe?"

"I'll deal with the documents first. But who is this young man? This isn't enrollment season and I believe no one left the Campus to my knowledge."

Gonzales was perplexed at the boy's question and replied.

"He was supposed to enroll into the Campus, was he not?"

"Huh? I've never received report on a transfer student."

"Hello, my name is Isaac Rondart. Nice to meet you."

"Rondart? From the Baron Rondart family?"

"Yes."

"Ah, so you must be Kainen's little brother."

"… I'm his older brother."

According to Isaac's memories, his two younger brothers were Kainen and Kaizen. Of the two, Kainen had already entered the Campus through normal procedures and was now enrolled in the College. If this man in front of Isaac knew Kainen, he must be from the College as well.

Confused, the young man tilted his head and replied.

"Older brother? I've never heard that he had an older brother?"

"Uh, Master Mazelan, just a moment."

Gonzales couldn't stand how the conversation was heading and took Mazelan into a corner. He began to whisper into his ear, letting Mazelan know what situation Isaac was in.

After the explanation, Mazelan sighed deeply and approached Isaac.

"You did well in making all the way here."

"It was nothing."

"Just wait a moment. I need to find out something."

Mazelan excused himself and entered one of the buildings in the port. He soon came out with a serious expression as he talked to Isaac and Gonzales.

"Come with me for now. This isn't something I can handle alone. Ah! Mr. Gonzales, tell the captain I'm sorry. I'll also leave the documents to you."

"Don't worry sir. I'll have it ready. Kid… I mean, farewell, Master Isaac."

Despite how casually Gonzales treated Isaac, he was still a noble. Gonzales couldn't treat him as he usually did when Mazelan was watching. He bowed toward them and then headed for the warehouse.

"We should get going too. Get in."

Mazelan got into the driver's seat and opened the passenger seat for Isaac. As Isaac hesitated to get in, Mazelan smiled.

"You don't have to be so scared. This is the newest invention from the Empire's Institute of Technology. It's still in its testing phase, but there haven't been any accidents yet."

"…"

Isaac reluctantly entered the car. As he watched the trees pass by him through the window, Mazelan began to talk.

"I think you should know about this. From what I know, we've never had a case like this before."

"What…"

"I know it might sound cruel, but the Campus teaches their students that you can only make the best decisions when you have a firm grasp on the situation you're in. So I'll be straight about this."

"… Yes."

"In truth you aren't the only person to be in a situation like this. Seeing how Kainen never mentioned anything about an older brother, I can suspect what's happening. Schemes and plots for the inheritance is a common thing in nobility. Especially since the number of nobles who have an estate have dropped significantly in the recent years. The profit that comes with it is incredible."

"So I'm just an unavoidable casualty."

"No. When you have neither support nor any protection for your claim as the heir, you're just shit out of luck."

What a straightforward, almost cruel way to teach the reality.

Isaac thought to himself with a bitter smile. If his consciousness was Isaac's not Joon-young's, he would have been bawling his eyes out at this point.

Mazelan glimpsed at Isaac. He was surprised at how calmly Isaac was accepting it all.

"The real problem right now is that the Rondart family brought their family feud into the Campus. I'm guessing they've tried to keep you as secret for as long as they could, and you're only here now because they couldn't handle the interrogations anymore."

'An amazing analysis.'

Isaac mumbled to himself as he watched the streets outside. They had passed many buildings, schools, plazas and fields. They were now on a road leading up a mountain.

"Where are we going?"

"Uh…. Well. It's weird to say this, but you can take it as an honour. It's not common for someone who isn't associated with the College to enter it."

The College… Isaac's eyes brightened with curiosity as the building came into view. The College stood like a castle on top of the mountain. Its imposing figure matched its reputation as the pinnacle of education in the Empire.

But in Isaac's eyes, the College seemed like a complete waste. You could learn any kind of art or skills in the College. The same applied for the Campus. Separating the greatest geniuses from others and placing them in a separately-run institute would only end up increasing the maintenance required to run the Campus as a whole.

"Here we are."

Passing through the magnificent gate, Mazelan lead Isaac to the building in the center. Isaac was very close to whistling in admiration when he entered the building. The ground floor was full of artistic wonders. He almost couldn't tell if this place was a school or an art gallery.

"Beautiful, right? These are all the graduation projects made by the College students in the school of Art. Some say that if we sold all of the works here, we would easily make a profit equal to 5 years of the Empire's total revenue."

Even Isaac who knew nothing of art could tell each and every piece was a treasure on its own. There were brilliant paintings, elegant statues, and beautifully crafted sets of swords and armour.

"I'd love to give you a tour, but sadly, we don't have much time. There's someone waiting for you."

"Who would that be?"

"The Headmaster would like to see you."

Just as the Campus is called the Duchy of Campus, the Headmaster of College who sits at the top of the Campus is given the title of Duke when he is appointed. The title is a temporary one lasting only as long as his appointment, but the honour of receiving it lasts throughout one's bloodline.

The current Headmaster, Corduroy was a legendary figure who received the title of Headmaster as a commoner. He was both a symbol and a goal for many of commoners.

After a long wait in the waiting room, a voice called Isaac and Mazelan in to the Headmaster's room.

The room was elegantly decorated, with shelves upon shelves of books arranging both sides of the wall. At the end of the room was a window and a lavish desk, where an elderly man sat and looked through some documents.

'He looks like a grumpy old man.'

Just one look was enough to give Isaac the impression that he was difficult to work with, had a short temper, angry, and one to hold a grudge.

"Headmaster, I have brought Isaac."

Corduroy briefly looked at the two standing at the entrance then turned back to the document at hand. The two could only stand still and wait.

How much time had passed? Corduroy was engrossed at working through the documents and completely ignored Isaac and Mazelan. Isaac thought to himself 'what the hell is this' and approached the desk Corduroy sat.

"The name's Isaac Rondart."

"…"

Isaac introduced himself with a bow, and only then did Corduroy take his eyes of the documents and look at Isaac.

"…."

A brief, but awkward silence filled the room. Suddenly, Duke Corduroy asked a question.

"What do you want to do after you graduate the Campus?"

"I would like to become an administrator or a solicitor in a small village."

A hint of curiosity could be seen in Duke Corduroy's eyes. It seemed the answer was unexpected.

"Why?"

"I'd like to live out my days as peaceful and leisurely as possible."

"Wouldn't a mayor or chief of the village be more suitable?"

"It's much better to be a powerful second-in-command than a leader who needs to take responsibility for his actions."

"For a brat, you seem to know how the world runs."

Corduroy smirked at Isaac then waved Mazelan to come closer. After handing out a document to him, he waved his hand again, this time telling them to leave. Mazelan quickly looked through the document, and his face twisted with disbelief. Sadly, he wasn't in a position to question Corduroy's actions and quietly led Isaac out of the room.

When Corduroy saw Isaac disappear behind the closed doors, he mumbled to himself.

"A strange one."

"Did you find something?"

One of the shelves in the room split in two, and a man entered the room.

"His eyes, they're dead. In my experience, ones like that are those who became insensitive to death because they've seen too much of it. They also don't think much about lives of others or themselves."

"He did go through that incident. It must have been quite a shock"

"I'd be relieved if that were the case."

"If you suspect it that much, you could increase the level…"

"We lost too many agents from an unprecedented incident. There aren't enough agents to watch a mere level 5. Let's just leave it for now."

"Man, I'm starting to see you in a new light! It's been a while since I've seen a student act so boldly in front of the Headmaster."

Mazelan spoke as they exited the room. He ruffled the hair on Isaac's head with much enthusiasm.

"Is he really that scary?"

Isaac pushed Mazelan's hand off. He may have looked young now, but Mazelan was still much younger than he was from his memories of his past. It didn't feel nice to be treated like a child by someone much younger than him.

"Of course! He is the Headmaster of the Campus! Most students freeze on the spot or shake so badly they can't even utter a proper sentence."

"Well, I guess the life-or-death situation I went through had dulled my nerves."

Isaac muttered as he recalled his memories as Joon-young. He was a man who would engage in direct conflict with his superiors if things went sour between them. Intimidation from a school's Headmaster was nothing to him.

"Is that why your dream is so weird?"

"What do you mean?"

"What else? A man should dream big after all."

"I assume the goal of that dream is to be successful?"

"Uh, yes?"

"Is it a successful life if you become rich or gain a large fiefdom as your own?"

"For the most part, yes."

"And in order to achieve that successful life, you will need to fight both physically and mentally against countless challengers. If you lose, that's the end of the dream, but even if you win, you will need to constantly fight other challengers off to keep that success, right?"

"That's right."

"The point of going through all of this is to live an easy and comfortable life right?"

"…Maybe?"

"That's why I've decided to achieve my successful life by skipping the process. Sure I will lose out on the amount of riches I'd make but that's a loss I can deal with."

"I, is that so?"

Although confused at first, Mazelan quickly saw through Isaac's misconception. He smirked and messed with Isaac's hair a second time.

"And where did you learn to speak like that? I almost fell for it."

Just as everyone has their own views and perspectives, everyone has their own personal dream of success. Having an easy-going life wasn't the only type of success in the world.

"Well that's the successful life I dream of. This is what happens when you're tired of all the schemes and plots you've dealt with since childhood."

"No. I think you're wrong on that part."

Mazelan was sure of it. Those who had been isolated and removed from their family either come back with bitter vengeance or disappear after failing miserably. Not many of them were like Isaac, who would rather ignore and stay away from it all. He was indeed special, and it may have been why the Headmaster gave him such special treatment.

Once they both got in the car to head out of the Campus, Mazelan began to explain what was written on the document.

"First thing's first. I'll let you know what position you're in."

"Please do."

"Your existence is a nuisance for the people in Campus."

"… Do people ever tell you that you're a bit too straightforward with your words?"

Isaac knew that fact deep inside him, but it still hurt to hear it from someone else.

"Hm? My friends do say that sometimes."

"Continue."

"It's not that we don't receive new students who are as old as you. But those students are usually transferred here from other schools after showing great prowess or talent in their field of expertise. You, however, entered the Campus without any education purely because you are a noble."

"Sounds like I'm the perfect villain."

"That's right. The commoners will hate you because you bypassed all the pain and effort they went through to get in the Campus thanks to your heritage. Nobles also won't like you, as they may feel that you are tarnishing the reputation of the nobles in the Campus as a whole. The professors and lecturers are proud of teaching the finest and most talented young minds in the Empire and they will certainly hate to lower their teaching standard for a specific uneducated individual."

"This may sound harsh, but do you have any friends?"

"Huh? How did you know? I've been trying to become friends with everyone, but they all tend to avoid me. But I still have a few close friends."

What heroic souls they have.

The people who have acclimated to this man's direct way of words must not be ordinary. Isaac replied with his heartfelt expression.

"I don't know who they are, but they are your truest of friends. Treat them well."

At first Mazelan was confused when Isaac spoke his words of wisdom, but then he made a playful expression and began to shake Isaac's head.

"And who do you think you are giving advices like that? You're still too young to give life lessons to me."

"Uaah! Look! Look where you're going!"

"Uhak!"

As a result of getting distracted by Isaac, Mazelan had to put all his effort in dodging the tree in front of them. After they managed to avoid the tree and come to a stop, they made a sigh of relief.

"Phew, Our names would have been recorded in history if we died here."

Isaac muttered. Mazelan, finally calming down from the shock asked.

"Why would we be recorded?"

"We would be the victims of a fatal accident while testing the newest transportation device. On our headstones they would write something like this: 'Here lies Mazelan, who had given his life to show the possible dangers of the newest transportation device…"

Mazelan tried to say something back at Isaac but decided to stop halfway.

"Sigh, I got nothing to say. It was my fault after all. I'll have to make a report on this. The driver's carelessness can lead to a fatal accident and will need safety measures to prevent it."

Mazelan started the car again, but this time, he seemed more careful with his driving.

"So where were we again?"

"That everyone will hate me."

"That's right. Basically, no school in the Campus will accept you."

"Does that mean I can just play around all day here?"

Mazelan shook his head.

"That's why the Headmaster gave a special set of rules for you. You will not be enrolled into any of the schools within the Campus, but you can learn anything you wish for 5 years. If you manage to last 5 years within the Campus, you will graduate as a student of Campus. If you wish to leave the Campus before the 5 years, however, the Campus will remove all records that you were ever enrolled in the Campus."

"What a special treatment. Giving out a graduate certificate after 5 years of nothing? So you're not going to check my grades or anything?"

"That's right. It seems favourable at first glance doesn't it?"

"Isn't it?"

"It states 'if you manage to last those 5 years.' Does that give you a hint?"

"They'll do whatever it takes to kick me out."

"That's right. And your brother Kainen will be at the forefront of it all."

"That was probably his original goal when I was sent here."

"Well, don't worry so much. You see, I'm starting to like you. They won't be able to do anything extreme when I'm watching your back."

"That's cool."

"At least put some more feeling into it."

While Mazelan seemed unsatisfied with Isaac's half-hearted thanks, the car arrived at their destination.

"We're back at the port?"

"Yep. You better go and unpack now."

"Are there any students who live here?"

"No. You're the only one. Students live in dorms run by the schools they are enrolled in, but you're not enrolled into anything."

Mazelan led Isaac to a lodge at the side of the port. It was a lodge for temporary visits, for sailors of the supply ship which visit the Campus every two days who cannot leave on schedule due to poor weather.

But with Gavelin and Campus being only one hour apart, a time when the weather would impact the schedule is when the ship shouldn't be placed on water in the first place. The lodge was only made due to regulation, and it was always empty.

"You better thank me for real this time. I had to pull some strings to get you this place. Otherwise, you would be sleeping on the streets."

"Hm, thank you. I won't forget this."

Acts of kindness deserves gratitude. If Mazelan didn't like Isaac, he would have ended up as a homeless beggar.

Happy with Isaac's sincere display of gratitude, Mazelan smiled and showed Isaac his room.

"I'm placing you in as the manager of the lodge, so you just need to clean and repair the lodge whenever you can. Your room's originally designed for ship captains too, so you shouldn't find it too inconvenient."

The room may not have been luxurious, but it was much better than the room Isaac used when he was young.

"Have a rest once you're done unpacking. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

Isaac was confused. Was there still more after this?

"Ah, did I forget? The document specifies that a representative be chosen to watch over you. It seemed fun, so I decided to do it myself."

Mazelan was indeed a strange one.

"So what do I do from tomorrow onward?"

"That's on you to decide. What do you want to learn?"

"Magic."

Isaac replied immediately. Becoming the grand magus was something everyone wished of if magic existed. The only thing that bothered Isaac was Mazelan, who looked on with eyes of anticipation and doubt.

"Hopeless."

"Sorry?"

"I said it's hopeless, brat! What? You want to learn magic? That's easier said than done. Did you think any simpleton could just learn it if they wanted to?"

"You could still give me a chance…"

"All the students here can feel and use the mana within them. Have you ever felt your mana?"

"If you teach me how, I could give it a…."

"Our schedules are packed from start to finish. We do not have time to give a lecture just for you."

It was the most insulting response imaginable. Isaac's face went red with embarrassment as all the students in the class snickered away. But that didn't stop Isaac. He steeled himself from the mocking laughter of the students and tried to ask for permission to listen to the lecture. Before he could however, the lecturer had already answered his question with his stare. A stare of irritation and disdain. All Isaac could do was leave without a word. Mazelan's wholehearted laugh was starting to test his temper.

"Fucker. Do you think I'm that desperate for magic? I'll just become a Sword Master instead."

"You want to learn swordsmanship?"

The next day, Isaac visited the School of Military for their permission. The lecturer seemed reluctant at best.

"It annoys me that you came to us after being rejected by the School of Magic, but we won't kick you out yet. We aren't as stingy as those bookworms, you see."

"Thank you!"

"Let me introduce myself. I am Casey. I am the lecturer of the 3rd military school in Campus. You know that both wizards and swordsmen must know how to use mana right? I'm going easy on you, because I heard that you were rejected before you were given a chance for this test. If you can't feel and use mana, we can't help you. Let's see if you can at least feel it. I suggest you give up if you fail."

"That will never happen!"

Isaac's shout was full of confidence, but it didn't seem to impress Casey. He simply shook his head.

"Sword and magic. Their properties may be polar opposites, but their foundation is the same. How much you've trained and strengthened your mana is what's important. Therefore, the only way to strengthen yourself is through constant training coupled with talent. Mana always gathers just below the chest of the user, and we call that the 'Core'. At first, it's no larger than a single grain, but through training it will become larger."

"I have a question."

"What is it?"

"Don't swordsmen and wizards store their mana in different locations?"

"Hmm. I don't know where you've heard that nonsense. Why would the position of the Core be different when they both use the same mana?"

"I guess you're right. Then does that mean anyone who trains their mana can use both magic and sword ki?"

"That's right. Let me guess. You just thought that you'd become invincible if you used both sword ki and magic at the same time right?"

"… Yes."

"Well, you're not the only person to think that. But they all failed."

"Why?"

"Do you think you'd have time to idly cast your magic when a sword is flashing before your eyes? It's much more efficient to stab the bastard one more time than try to cast some magic."

"B, but maybe you could mislead them or break their stance or…"

"For such basic spells, it'd be much simpler to use a weapon enchanted with such magic. That doesn't mean it's effective either. Your core can naturally resist such simple spells, and even if it doesn't, you would usually wear magically enchanted armour to defend you against such things. As they say, if you run after two hares, you will catch neither."

"…"

Breath in… breath out… Fill your lungs, and then slowly let it go. In… out… Forget everything and reach ascension.

Ah, am I finally catching a glimpse of it? It feels so so sweet.

Smack! A sudden blow to Isaac's head had brought him back from his sleep. His eyes went wide and a scream echoed into the air.

"Ow! Oww! My leg!"

Casey watched Isaac writhe on the floor in pain. He had been sitting still for quite some time, and a sudden flinch of his leg from the pain had caused a muscle cramp.

"What a fiasco this is."

It took some time before Isaac finally calmed down from the cramp, but the cramp wasn't the problem now. As he slowly turned to meet Casey's eyes, Casey stated his harsh opinion.

"Rejected. There is no hope for you. Just give up. How can someone who sleeps whenever he meditates train his mana?"

Mazelan's irritating laugh echoed in Isaac's mind.

In… out… Gather the mana through your breathing, and store it within. In… ou….

"Ah, Hot!"

A bump protruded in the middle of Isaac's forehead.

"Weren't you so sure you wouldn't fall asleep this time?"

"W, well…"

"We decided to train with a candle in front of you because of your constant nagging, and now look at yourself. Don't you think now is the perfect time to give up?"

"But there's still regret in giving up so soon…"

"How can someone who can't even gather mana from his surrounding learn swordsmanship or magic?"

"…"

"Gasp… gasp."

At this point, Mazelan exhausted was from all the laughter. Isaac felt his anger rise as Mazelan lay on the floor struggling to take a breath in between his laughing.

Sword master! Staple of the Isekai fantasy! What heart pounding emotions that word brings!

Wizards! Fire balls in one hand, priceless magical artifacts in another. Well, he never intended on becoming so powerful that nothing could oppose him. It would have suited him fine if he was strong enough to take care of himself.

Sadly, he had to give it all up. After all, he had no knowledge of even the most basic breathing techniques, let alone some secret breathing technique that had been passed down for generations. All he had were small pockets of wisdom he had gathered from the many novels he'd read.

No matter how much he tried to sense his mana through meditation, all he felt instead was drowsiness and a cramp on his leg. He was in every aspect, normal.

Isaac's dream and talent had met a dead end before it even began. But he told himself that it's ok. There was no point in training mana, because working in an office with a pen in hand is much less taxing on the body. Isaac convinced himself with that rationale, but he couldn't help but remember the story of the fox and the grapes in the corner of his mind.

PR Note: The Fox and the Grapes is one of Aesop's fables in which a fox attempts to reach a delicious bunch of grapes hanging from a vine to no avail. In the end, the fox gives up and dismisses the efforts, saying that the grapes were never worth it. To read the full tale, click on this link to the Library of Congress.

Isaac was surprised to hear that there was no grades on magic such as 'circle' or 'class' when he did his research on this world's magic. Only one thing was necessary, which was the amount of mana the caster held in his body. That meant even a child could cast catastrophic spells like Hellfire or Meteor if they had the mana.

The more he learnt about magic, the less he understood the people who trained for magic. There was no need for any revelation or epiphany to cast magic. Of course, in order to cast devastating spells, you needed knowledge of complex magical theories and invocations to match it, but there was nothing stopping an amateur wizard from using a famously destructive spell on their own. However there was a catch; if the magic they cast was beyond their capabilities, death was certain.

Difficult spells required considerable mana to cast and sustain it, and if the caster could not provide for it, the magic will begin to drain the energies of the caster themselves. Like a loan shark collecting due debt.

By the time the spell had absorbed the energies of the caster, not even a corpse would remain of them. Magic was a skill that killed you the moment you overestimated yourself.

This fact helped Isaac let go of the last of his regrets on magic. He also understood that it was impossible for him to become proficient with a sword. The day after he was rejected by the Military school, Isaac headed for the School of Administration.

"You want to learn administration?"

"Yes. My dream is to become an administrator in a small rural city."

"… That's a rather special dream."

"I think it suits me, considering the position I'm in."

"Hm. Well I guess there's no need to reject you if you want to learn."

"Thank you. I'll do my best."

"No need for your thanks. I have nothing to teach you anyway."

"What?"

"You know that you will be a Campus graduate if you survive for 5 years right?"

"That's right…"

"Once you graduate the Campus, you are given the rank of a Rank 2 Knight. The Empire's basic administrative jobs begin from Rank 2 Knight, so you can pick and choose any rural administrative work you want."

"So you're saying I can get any administrative job so long as I graduate?"

"That's right."

"B, but I'd still need to know something…"

"That's basic knowledge on administration. It's mandatory that you know the basics before you enter the Campus, so there are no lecturers who would teach such thing in here. Nor would we make a special lecture just for you."

"…"

"I'd also like to add. Even if you are the administrator of a rural village, if the Inspection Bureau of the Empire deems you inadequate, you will be given 3 warnings before you are fired. Once you're fired, you cannot reapply for the job for 3 years. And if we find a hint of corruption at any time, you are fired immediately, punished by the Empire, and it will be impossible to apply for any jobs related to the Empire itself. Understand?"

"…Yes."

"If you still have the desire to learn, then go to the library. There should be some books on basic administration in there."

"Thank you for your advice."

The 7 days of Calamity.

On early summer, a disaster of a scale that had never been or ever will be recorded swept across the continent. Holy men and women went mad, the wise old sages went senile and the mana of the world was whipped into a turbulent storm. All sense of order had disappeared and in its place was greed and frenzy. Although this disaster lasted only 7 days, its aftereffects lasted for many more years.

The world changed. Deities from heaven, hell and the spirit realm had disappeared and the pathways which they travelled through were severed. Societies broke down and nations fell.

While all of the sentient races despaired at the sight of impending doom on this world, a hero rose from its ashes. It was the first emperor Erukaph. His sole aim was the preservation of this world, and he rallied citizens of all races under his banner of Phoenix. All the memories of ideology, history and grudges were swept aside for the survival of this world. And within the fence called the Empire, the world united.

In order to recover from the massive death toll the disaster created, all the races shared their secret knowledge to be taught in a single school, and that was the beginning of the Campus.

To make a school befit for the most talented individuals in the Empire to become its leaders, they had created the College.

While many in the Campus questioned the establishment of the College, the Empire deemed it necessary to create an institution capable of proving that certain individuals are indeed suitable to be the future leaders. And so the College became a prestigious school which all wish to enter yet many are denied their…

"You call this a history book?"

Isaac muttered to himself as he quietly closed the book. Isaac had followed the rude and unhelpful advice from the last School he asked for permission, The School of Administration.

There was no need for him to obsess over power like a sword master or a grand magus. It's just that it's much more convenient to have power. Those who have strength can be relaxed in the face of danger, but the weak can only hide from the dangers or suffer the consequences. He just wanted to act ouf a clichéd scene where the main character would send an arrogant man flying after the man boasted how strong he was.

So after a month of constant rejections from all of the schools, Isaac lost all interest and began to visit the library frequently. He believed knowing the history of this world would help him make future decisions, but it only added to his confusion.

All the history books started on the same day – 300 years ago when the 7 days of Calamity began. Not a single piece of history before that time remained. Well, let's say that is possible since they believed the world would end back then. But achieving this kind of civilization in just 300 years? Impossible. Plus, there was not a single history book which even mentioned anything before 300 years ago.

All historians dream of finding an artifact of a lost civilization. If they truly couldn't find any, then it would mean the world really was that close to ending or the Empire as a whole was hiding it from public.

Isaac was convinced it was the latter, but he could do nothing about it nor did he feel any reason to. His survival was his main goal after all.

"What do I do now?"

Isaac muttered again. He couldn't find any books worth reading in the library. Just as the Campus was a place full of die-hard scholars, all the books in the library were textbooks or thesis. All fiction books were artistic literature, and to Isaac, it was just page after page of incomprehensible poems, similar to poems in medieval time in the old world.

When Isaac attempted to read a book about the theory of magic, the book was filled with equations more complex than what he remembered in a calculus textbook. Isaac was convinced that students who treated this as basics weren't to be looked down upon.

Isaac's attempt at learning administration was futile. It was a given since he was never a studious person in the old world. His lack of passion coupled with the knowledge that he will get what he want in time had led him to a life of indolence. He had no reason to do anything.

Isaac's daily life was a routine of 3 course meals and chatting with Mazelan whenever he came to visit.

Just as Mazelan had promised, there weren't many attempts or schemes to kick Isaac out of Campus. Isaac's first year in Campus had been a peaceful one.

Smack! Smack!

A light flashed in his eyes. A well placed blow landed deep in the sides, making it difficult to breathe.

"We'd better stop now. Or we're going to be late."

"Che, fucking lucky bastard."

"He was born lucky."

"Is he? I guess it is a miracle that such a dipshit of a noble managed to squirm himself into the Campus."

"We're quite lucky too. Where else could we beat up a noble like this?"

"You call that a noble? I heard his slut of a mother made that thing to climb out of her job as a pub whore."

The group disappeared, continuing to chat amongst each other. Isaac turned over to see the sky. As he watched the dotted clouds leisurely move across the blue sky, Isaac muttered to himself.

"Ah, fucking hell."

The past year of peace had gotten to him. He enjoyed the boring and uneventful days. He loved to ponder about what he should do to pass his time. He relished in taking his time on the cafeteria menu.

"Oi, are you alive?"

"You said you'd watch my back."

"Ahaha. Kids these days are quite scary, you know."

Mazelan helped Isaac get up on his feet apologetically. When a new wave of students came with the start of another year, Isaac found out why nobody had bothered him until now. One reason was because Mazelan was always with him, but the real reason was because no student had the courage to attack a student who had received special treatment from the Duke Corduroy himself.

As the Campus was isolated from the outside word, there was no way anyone could receive news from the outside unless it was an emergency, and that included Isaac's past. But new faces came with new information, and the freshmen of the Campus had revealed Isaac's situation at home.

Violence between students is punished. But Isaac was not associated with any of the schools. So Isaac was not protected by the rules.

Man I feel like shit. Let's shit on Isaac.

Shouldn't we be careful? I heard his brother is in the College.

The word is they treat him like he doesn't even exist. In fact, they are instigating it in secret.

Really? Then let's go. Haha hoho!

At first it was petty harassments like a shove here and there, but after 6 months without repercussion, Isaac had turned into the Campus' punching bag.

Isaac had considered murder in retaliation, but that was not even an option. When an act of violence is found out, expulsion is the final and immediate action. When Isaac, who isn't in a school attacks another student who is enrolled in a school, the act of violence checks out. But when other students hit Isaac, no matter how bad it is, the act does not go through. It was extremely unfair treatment, but they didn't tell him to survive without a reason.

With the continued bullying, Joon-young's frenzy which had been calmed by the peaceful days had begun to resurface.

"At this rate, I think I'll starve to death before anything else."

He had been using the student's cafeteria but the harassment also happened during his meals. Students would ruin his meals by flipping his plate and the cafeteria would refuse to refund it or give him a new plate when it happened.

"The students can't enter the port, so don't go around too much and stay there. There's a kitchen in your residence, so you can cook there as well."

"No. I can't stand being like this."

"Hm? Then what are you going to do? I'm sorry, but I'll be graduating soon, so I can't visit you much more."

"Have you heard this phrase? Men rule the world, but women rule over men."

"… You? Seduce someone? With your status? The girls in Campus have really high standards you know."

Mazelan truly was brusque with his words.

"You want me to get you a perfume?"

Gonzales was confused at such a sudden and unexpected request.

"Yes. You should be able to buy a bottle with this ring."

The only thing Isaac had in possession was his mother's ring. It was his mother's wedding ring that had been given to Isaac when his mother died. The ring was well-crafted with a small gem imbedded in it. As long as Gonzales didn't get scammed, he should be able to buy what Isaac requested.

"Getting it isn't the problem but…"

Gonzales finished his question with a stare. What is he planning with a perfume for girls?

"I need to survive too."

Gonzales' confusion deepened with that answer. What has perfume got to do with survival?

"I've been telling you this whole time. Just join me on the ship. Don't look down on the sailor's loyalty."

"Thank you for your words, but I have my own dreams too."

"Administrator in a small city?"

"A petty dream right?"

Gonzales shook his head. He could never beat Isaac in an argument.

"But this ring's going to sell for quite a bit. Do you need anything other than the perfume?"

"You'd be struggling to buy a perfume if you meet the wrong merchant on the streets. I think you should ask your daughter for this."

When would a sailor ever buy a perfume? From a sailor's point of view, the price of that small bottle of fragrance was equal to a great night out in the pubs.

"Hm. I guess I can ask her for that. Well, I'll give it to you on the next trip."

"Thank you."

"No need for thanks."

Gonzales took on Isaac's request without a problem.

"Now it begins."

Isaac muttered to himself as he watched the supply ship sail away. The Campus, which is isolated from the outside world, needed some sort of resupply in order to preserve itself. Isaac chose Gonzales as his supplier.

The way Gonzales treated Isaac was one thing, but the biggest reason was his current financial status. He was an officer of the Empire's navy back in the day, but he invested his entire savings to open a small inn next to the port. Sadly, without anything to stand out from the rest along with the competition from existing inns, Gonzales' inn suffered quite the financial crisis.

They did make a little earning thanks to Gonzales' connections, but he was the father of two daughters and two sons. As they grew up watching other children enter the Campus, they naturally grew up wanting to go to the Campus themselves. When a commoner wishes to join the Campus, they first needed to register to a private school to prove their talent. This meant he had much to pay for, but little to earn it with.

Gonzales had no choice but to work as a sailor again while leaving the inn to his wife. He managed to become a deckhand of the supply ship using his connections as the Empire's naval officer, but it was not enough to feed 4 children. He was the perfect candidate for Isaac. There was no way he could refuse once he tasted the money.

One of the first things Isaac noted was the strictness of the Campus. He couldn't tell if the Campus was a school or a military camp. All students were to be awake and assemble at 6 o'clock. After a roll call, they would perform Drill & Ceremony and a jog around the school field. He wondered why a medieval school required such training but accepted the reasoning that it was meant to help the students stay fit.

PR Note: "Drill & Ceremony" were not especially clear in distinguishing between a regular noun and a proper noun.

But what truly confused him was that the clothes, food, and even their school items were commissioned by the school. All it did was restrict the freedom of the students in the middle of their puberty, but their excuse was to train their patience as part of their curriculum; as such, they restricted their freedom to the level of a military camp.

Isaac abused that fact. From Joon-young's point of view, all the students in the Campus were diehard scholars. There were many private schools spread across the Empire, but only the most talented from those schools could join the Campus. Nobles were an exception, and they used their lineage to skip past that stage and enter the Campus directly.

When in the Campus, students are expelled after receiving 3 failing grades, no matter their lineage. This forced the students to study with their life on the line. Isaac wondered how much of a monster the students in College would be when even the students in Campus were at this standard, but looking at Mazelan didn't really help Isaac figure out what their standards were for entry.

But no matter how much you restrict the students, girls would never be satisfied with wearing the same clothes every day. They would all be eager to show off their beauty with accessories like ribbons, hairbands, bracelets, rings, and necklaces.

A girl's vanity was the perfect target for Isaac. The ratio between boys and girls always changed in the Campus, but on average, it was 2:1; at times, it was even 10:1. The girls were always at the centre of attention no matter where they went, but even within the girls there was competition fierce enough to shame the men's fight for power.

"That Eliza. How do I get back at her?"

Selina stomped her way to the library, each step a product of her jealousy. As a 3rd year in the 3rd Magic School, her graduation was coming soon; that also meant it was time for marriage. She had recently been decorating herself in hopes of finding a suitable spouse to take back to her manor. In all honesty, she was hoping she could seduce a male student of the College, but she had little opportunity to meet them in the first place. And unlike her extreme vanity, she was well aware of her own place. A daughter of a Viscount was a common sight in the world of nobles, and even dreaming of a prince from the College was a farfetched one.

So she had little choice but to look nearby. With some confidence in her appearance, she picked and compared many of the male students until she found the perfect candidate to be her spouse.

Philip. He was also a 3rd year in the 3rd School of Magic, and he held the best grades in the school. Although his birth as a commoner was a small flaw, everything else was perfect for him to be the candidate. She had been making moves on him since the start of the year, but there were many competitions. The greatest rival was Eliza. Even today, Eliza somehow found out about Selina's plan of seducing Philip in a private study group and took him away when Selina dropped her guard for a moment.

"Could there be some other way?"

Eliza's beauty was lacking compared to Selina's, or at least that was what Selina believed. But since the situation has reached this point, she had to find some way to capture Philip's heart. This was easier said than done when everything is given equally to all in the Campus, limiting her options.

"Ahem, excuse me."

"Huh?"

Selina made a guarded look when Isaac suddenly appeared and blocked her way. Although Campus was inhabited only by students, it didn't mean it was completely safe. As they are currently exploding with hormones through puberty, many violent events, accidents from failed magical experiments, and even crimes of vengeance occurred within the Campus, to a point where the Campus created the Student Disciplinary Council to watch over them.

Isaac was especially famous within the Campus. There had been rumours that he may end up performing a crime out of desperation among the female students.

Selina remembered the rumour and quietly began casting fireball in secret just in case Isaac tried to do anything to her.

Noticing Selina's guard, Isaac spoke as he stepped backwards.

"You don't have to be so guarded. The reason why I have stopped you is because I have something that can help you, my lady."

Selina kept her stance, but her eyes opened wide when she saw the bottle Isaac pulled from his pocket. The purple liquid within a small, clear but well decorated bottle was something Selina knew well. It was her favourite after all.

"That's the Spring's Whisper!"

Greed beset Selina's eyes. She was confident she could grasp Philip's heart with that in possession. While the Campus commissioned everything, they did not control the bags which students bring when they come to Campus. But when they can only leave the island once a year, it was difficult to last more than 2 months with supplies from a single bag.

This was even worse for the female students, as the Campus never commissioned makeup, perfume, and accessories, so they were always in high demand within the Campus.

"Sell it to me immediately!"

Selina cried out. Her eyes still fixated on the Spring's whisper.

"That would be 50 Giga."

"What! Preposterous! Who do you take for a fool? Did you think I wouldn't know the Spring's Whisper never goes above 10 Giga in price?"

Selina argued against Isaac's exorbitant offer, but Isaac talked back with the attitude of 'if you ain't buying, you ain't a customer.'

"I'm sure an educated lady such as yourself would know that rare items are sold at a premium. It's basic business. Plus, this is the newest version of the Spring's Whisper, which came out just a month ago. That would mean that this is the only bottle in existence within the Campus. You should know the true value of this bottle, right?"

Selina was conflicted. It was true that if she got that Spring's Whisper, she would not only be able to seduce Philip, but she will also be at the centre of attention amongst her friends.

After some thought, Selina made the decision and threw the ruby brooch she wore on her shoulder to Isaac.

"You should at least be able to get 100 Giga with that."

"I'm sorry, but I'm not in a position to give you your change…"

"There is one condition. If you accept, you can keep the change."

"Hm?"

"You are banned from selling this Spring's Whsiper to Eliza. That is my condition."

"That's a condition I can bear."

"So, is that a deal?"

"Ha. Thank you for your patronage."

Isaac placed the Spring's whisper on the floor and slowly stepped backwards. There was no need to act friendly so soon. Taking a polite and reserved stance was more than enough.

Plus, there were so many more things he could sell. If her condition banned Isaac from selling perfumes as a whole or demand he only sell to her, Isaac would have denied her request without hesitation and looked for another customer. But when it only prohibited the sale to a specific person, it was not a problem.

"And it's not like Spring's Whisper is the only perfume out there."

As expected of a student from the Campus, she was resourceful enough to come up with such an idea in such a short time, but the students in Campus were still lacking in experience.

"Man oh man, this is a good start."

Isaac began to play with the brooch, throwing and catching it. This was a business model based on profiteering through monopoly. The starting funds would always return in factors as revenue, so the more funds he had, the larger his revenue would be.

Unlike most commoners, Philip was walking a steady path to success. His talent in magic was confirmed by the private school he attended and led to his enrollment in the Campus.

When Philip first arrived at the Campus, he believed it wouldn't take long before he would stand amongst all the other students and may even attend the College. It wasn't long before Philip realised just how large the world was.

He may have been well renowned as a genius in his hometown, but in the Campus his level of talent was a common sight. Philip's family sacrificed everything for his chance in the Campus, and he could never disappoint them by coming back empty-handed. He spent all his time and energy on the study of magic.

Magic was a costly subject. There is bound to be a difference between someone whose infinite budget can support any experiment to someone who is not. Thankfully, the Campus' policy of commissioning had given Philip an equal starting point. And he utilised that fact to his fullest. Even when he managed to become the top student at his school, he did not show arrogance or lower his guard.

But when did it all start? Many of the daughters from noble families, ladies Philip couldn't even dream of making eye contact with, started to approach him with trivial excuses. Philip may have been lacking in experience with those of the opposite sex due to his studies, but he was well aware that his status as the top student was what was bringing these girls to him.

But romance was not his priority. He could always have it once he graduated. What was more important was his status as the top student. He steeled his resolve and like a stone statue, stayed firm on his studies.

"Geez! You've studied enough. Let's take a break. I've brought my favourite tea leaves this time. A tea break between study sessions can help you focus later on."

Eliza had been on Philip's side, pestering him to come outside for a break. Philip turned to see her and with a complicated yet firm voice, he rejected her.

"I'm sorry, Lady Eliza. I still have much to prepare for the next class."

"Che! You always say the same thing."

Philip's mind was in a conflict as he watched Eliza turn away from him with a pout. He never hated having girls next to him. He was a man after all. But none of it mattered to him when his family had put everything on the line for him. Plus, the lack of makeup in the Campus' list of rations significantly helped Philip keep his resolve.

Other than personal hygiene items, the Campus did not commission makeup; students had to bring them themselves. Makeup was a consumable, and a quickly exhausted one at that. So even a beautiful girls such as Eliza couldn't hide her dry hair and uneven skin tone when they spent their time in the Campus.

"Oh! You were here."

"Ah! Greetings, Lady Selina."

As Selinah approached Philip in the library, Philip greeted her with a bow. At the same time the corner of Eliza's eyes sharpened.

After a brief staring contest between Eliza and Selina, Selina scoffed to her heart's content and sat opposite to Eliza. There was no need to brag. All she needed to do was sit close and let the fragrance do the work.

"Hm?"

A sweet yet enticing fragrance tickled Philip's nose, shattering his focus. He instinctively continued to sniff for the origin of the smell, which led his eyes on to Selina. When their eyes met, Selina feigned innocence and just smiled.

"What? Is there something on my face?"

Philip's face turned red as he wildly flailed his arms. She was just one of the distractions before, but that smile from Selina rattled his heart into chaos.

"Ah, it's nothing."

"Hm. How boring. Ah! I have some questions about the Copying Magic Theory. Can you teach me?"

"Huh? Yes, of course."

As Selina leaned closer to Philip with that excuse, more of the fragrance ensnared Philip. At this point, his focus was at Selina's mercy. Eliza could do little but bite her lips in rage while Selina sent the victor's stare at the enraged girl, laughing in her heart.

"… Those girls are vicious."

Isaac had been watching from the windows in secret. Witnessing Selina's change in personality compared to when she met him, Isaac firmly believed his business was a success.

"Beauty products always have the best margin of profit."

The competition between women for beauty is beyond imagination. For now, Selina had taken the lead with that perfume, but other girls would search far and wide to find out where she got it from. Selina would have no choice but to reveal Isaac to at least her friends from the constant questioning, and at that point, Isaac's business would turn into a goose laying golden eggs.

"Monopolies have always been the best kind of business."

"Tsk! Selina, that fox…"

Eliza's face was boiling with frustration as she bit her lip. The stalemate between Selina and her had turned completely to Selina's favour because of the perfume she obtained from who-knows-where. She was heartbroken by the fact that Philip was so easily tempted by a mere perfume, but the most difficult part was watching Selina seduce Philip like a fox wrapping her tail around its master.

Plus, all of the girls have begun flattering Selina in an attempt to find out the source of the perfume, so Eliza had to continue the battle alone. Sadly she couldn't think of a method to turn the tides once more.

"Huhuhu. You seem to be in a dilemma."

"Hm?"

Eliza was surprised by the sudden voice behind her. She turned, only to see Isaac's face. A hint of disgust could be seen in Eliza's eyes.

"What is it?"

"You don't have to be so tense."

"Hm. I'm not being tense. I'm just irritated by the fact that I have to talk to you."

Isaac felt his temper flare at Eliza's blunt insult but he reminded himself of the saying 'the customers are always right.'

"I had a proposal to help you in your fight for your love, but if you refuse then…"

Eliza called out to Isaac, who began to turn around as he stopped finishing his sentence. He may not have been trustworthy, but she was in no position to refuse help.

"Wait! What do you mean by that?"

'She took the bait!'

Isaac continued speaking nonchalantly, trying his best to hide his grin.

"It's nothing. I just got the urge to help you when I saw you in such distress. Of course, I will ask for some payment in return."

Eliza began weighing her options. It was clear that she was conflicted on whether to trust Isaac or not.

"Fine! Let's hear you out first."

"Huhu, you are well aware that Selina has come one step closer to victory thanks to the perfume, don't you?"

The moment Isaac mentioned that accursed name, Eliza's eyes lit up and she grit her teeth. An act so ferocious that even Isaac flinched and backed off.

"Ahem, you will need an item of your own to compete against Selina's perfume."

Eliza's expression changed, and soon, she nodded as if she understood everything.

"To think I couldn't think of such a simple thing. You must be the man who gave that Selina her perfume. I don't care how much it costs. Bring me a perfume that will put the Spring's Whisper to shame."

'It's a problem that everyone's so smart here.'

Isaac felt threatened when Eliza managed to deduce he was the main culprit in such a short moment. Isaac might be able to run the business with this new idea, but these smarty-pants could attempt to steal his business at a moment's notice. Isaac waved his finger left to right as he thought to be more careful next time.

"That's no good. What's important is being first. Since Lady Selina used the perfume already, using a similar method will make you seem like you're just following the trend. You must approach this from a new direction."

"What would that be?"

Isaac smiled at Eliza's question.

"Do you like cooking, by any chance?"

The chefs who run the student cafeteria were cooking instructors hired to teach the students. Due to the restriction in the Campus where only students and instructors are allowed in the Campus, they created a subject for cooking and filled the instructor spots with the most famous chefs within the Empire. Although they were instructors in name, all they did was prepare the meals for the students. It was bending the rules, but if they didn't do this, everyone in the Campus would have to eat the disgusting and awkward meals made by the students themselves.

A sweet and delicious aroma filled the student cafeteria's kitchen, which had been reserved thanks to the efforts from Mazelan.

"Huh, I must say it's unexpected."

Isaac stated his surprise as Eliza brought the final products to him. When would a noble lady ever need to get their hands dirty? Isaac ate one of the cookies to find out what it tastes like.

It was crispy on the outside, but the inside had the perfect softness to it. The small nuts sprinkled within the well-baked cookie enriched the flavour to a new level.

"Mmm, delicious."

"Of course! Baking cookies with my mother has been my hobby ever since I was a child."

Eliza proudly smiled as she watched the cookies on the table, but Isaac shook his head and spoke the cold truth.

"But it's a failure."

"What! What could possibly be wrong with my cookies?"

"There is nothing wrong with them."

"Obviously! Even the famous bakeries in Gabelin begged me for the recipe."

"That's the problem. It's too delicious."

"Huh?"

"A noble lady baked some cookies, but the cookies taste like they were made from a famous bakery. Would the people truly believe that you baked it yourself?"

It was infuriating, but she had to admit it. Many of the nobles thought food was something that simply comes out when you order the chefs. Even Eliza would have known nothing about cooking if it weren't for her mother.

"The most important thing is the person who will eat your cookies!"

"…?"

"Think about it. A woman asking a man to eat some cookies she baked herself. This alone is akin to confessing 'I have feelings for you!' But those cookies taste like they have been made by a professional! Then it's a total failure. He will never believe that you made it yourself."

Eliza nodded her head in agreement. She asked Isaac to continue, so Isaac began his speech with a passion.

"Now, think of this! You approach the man with a hint of embarrassment. You pause for a moment, then give him some cookies that had been lovingly wrapped, and ask him to eat the handmade cookies. The man will seem hesitant in appearance, but his heart will be taken over with happiness."

"Oh!"

"But there's a key! The key is clumsiness and passion."

"Clumsiness and passion?"

"That's right! Which do you think leaves a stronger impression? Giving the cookies with perfectly fine hands or with hands that has cuts and wrapped in bandages?"

"Obviously the…"

"Yes! The cookies that had been made despite the injuries are sure to garner more interest. The man will clearly notice the injured hands and will ask you why. You then hide the hands in shame and try to avoid the question. But even the slowest of the idiots will figure out that the injuries happened while making the cookies. Then the man will fall into a pit of emotions knowing that you had gone such lengths to give him those cookies!"

"Ohoh!"

"The taste is not important. No, as long as it's not disgusting and is edible, it will be fine. This plan shouldn't be done in a single day! Twice, thrice you will cook and the taste will get better each time! Then, the man will have no choice but to feel the love in the cookies. That this girl is putting her heart in her cooking to improve the taste just for him."

"Ohohoh!"

Feeling emboldened by Eliza's positive reactions, Isaac preached to Eliza like a cult master brainwashing his followers.

"Now! Are you ready to win over the love of your life!"

"Yes!"

"Are you prepared to injure your hand no matter what to win your love!"

"Yes!"

"Love does not come to those who wait! It is something you fight for! Are you ready to give Selina your revenge?"

"Yes!"

"Then make it again."

"Yes chef!"

Eliza was so captivated by the speech that she forgot that she started to call him as chef. And those feelings soon turned into her motivation for her cooking.

Isaac contemplated on his life choices, wondering how he ended up in a situation of giving dating advice for a high school romance. But it was fun nonetheless.

At the end of the day, Isaac's plan was a success. Philip fell for Eliza's cookies of love, and all Selina could do was watch in anger as her love was taken away, for she had nothing to retaliate with.

And unlike Selina, Eliza boasted to everyone who both provided the perfume for Selina and advices for Eliza. Thanks to Eliza's advertisement, Isaac's business started to take off.

"You want me for your business?"

Gonzales couldn't hide his confusion. These were the first things Isaac said to him when he took Gonzales to a corner to talk about something.

"Sigh, sorry to disappoint you, but the Campus is strict with its commissions."

"I am aware."

"No, I'm telling you this because you don't seem like you know it. I did bring that perfume for you because it was hard to reject you, but it was very dangerous. Do you think nobody tried to bring goods from the outside to sell to the students at a high price? If you're caught, you are punished on the spot without a court hearing."

"I didn't know the punishment was that severe."

"That's why I'm telling you to stop with the pointless schemes."

"But do those rules apply when an outsider, a man who is not a part of the Campus, tries to make a profit off the students right?"

"Hm? Y, yes."

"Will the Campus have rules banning trade between students?"

"Do they?"

"They do. Trading goods for money is banned for the students."

Gonzales cringed. He couldn't help but think Isaac was making a fool of him.

"I am both a student and not at the same time. Since I am not enrolled in any of the schools, they can't apply any rules on me either. That's why I couldn't say anything about the bullying as well.

Gonzales was well aware of the beatings Isaac's regular beatings. He was feeling quite sorry for him since there was nothing he could do for him.

When Isaac saw Gonzales nod, Isaac smiled as if he was holding the trump card.

"You know about all the goods I asked for you to bring?"

"Hm?"

"I sold them all already."

"In just two days?"

Gonzales' eyes opened wide from Isaac's words. They were all small goods, but the amount he brought wasn't something that could sell out in a mere two days.

"It just means they are that popular. Of course, I have made a decent profit while including the fees for getting the goods, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs."

"H, how much?"

"At least three to four times my costs?"

'That's amazing!'

"I've heard your inn wasn't doing too well. I'm also aware you are worried about your childrens' education too. I'll give you an opportunity. I will pay you back double the total cost of the goods you bring."

"Deal!"

Those final words from Isaac helped Gonzales make up his mind. The entire reason why Gonzales started to work as a sailor again was because of his financial crisis. His heart burnt black whenever he watched his wife sigh about their uncertain future. The offer of double the profit for just delivery was a temptation he could never resist.

Midterm report on Surveillance target 728

Surveillance level 5

Unlike our expectations of him giving up in the Campus due to the lynching from the students, the target started a business targeting the students. According to the discussion with the Law team, the target's business is illegal from the standpoint of the Empire's law but made legal due to his special standing. Field agents have decided that the target is extremely resourceful and prone to abuse the loopholes of the law for profit. They are requesting further analysis to see if his old personality matches the current and an increase in surveillance level.

Return

Orders on Surveillance Target 728

The target had been widely known as stupid, dumb, introverted, and suicidal but considering these facts were deliberately leaked by the family itself, there is a possibility that the target purposely acted out those accusations.

If so, the target is extremely intelligent and wise and is devious enough to hide his true self at such a young age. But due to lack of accurate intelligence as a whole, it is not enough to judge the target purely on analysis of his mental capabilities. Orders are to continue surveillance without the increase of the surveillance level.

One of the field agents has already approached the target 728 prior to the headquarters' orders. Unable to withdraw to prevent leaking classified information. Requesting on increasing the level as initiating close surveillance.

Return

Unable to raise the target's level. Although approved for close surveillance, rejecting the mission to confirm on target. Disobeying this order will result in a warning.

"Is it about time to start?"

Isaac watched the sunset while submerging himself on the cushions of the chair. With a cup of orange juice in hand, he looked as if he was on a vacation.

His business had finally stabilised after 6 months with the end of the year close by. Isaac's main clients for his unofficial business were women. He did not abuse the fact that it was a monopoly but simply sold slightly higher than what everyone would have accepted as fair price after considering the costs for delivery and the isolated nature of the Campus. In truth, Isaac's share after paying Gonzales for his troubles was so small it may as well be considered an allowance.

The main goal for this plan wasn't to make money in the first place. The goal was to seize enough power within the Campus so that no one would dare bother him, giving him the peaceful life he always wanted.

The nobles of the Empire could enter the Campus without an exam, and that is their privilege. But if they don't have the talent, their names will be removed. That is why there are nobles who had given up early on and transferred to another school or those who put in the effort for the honour of their family. But there are also those who entered the Campus purely for the sake of it, only to realise the difference between them and others and gave up on everything.

Shuren, Louise and Bohrden were the latter case and they would deal with the inferiority complex and depression by bullying commoners or harassing female students of commoner birth.

"Ah, I'm bored. I haven't had a good exercise since Isaac that bastard hid himself."

"I know. We can't go to see him since we are banned from entering the port, and it seems he's too scared to come out anymore."

"That's fine but have you guys noticed all the girls got prettier lately?"

"Yeah. I don't know how, but it seems like they are putting on makeup."

"Where could they possibly have gotten them?"

"Who cares? It's good for us at the end of the day. Am I right?"

They snickered amongst themselves and changed the subject to more vulgar subjects. They talked of how one of their maids were pretty or how one of them peeked at a girl when she was getting changed or how someone else grabbed another girls breasts – a conversation full of shameful boasts.

But at one point, Louise noticed a familiar face.

"Huh? Isn't that Isaac?"

"I can't believe it feels nice to see him after so long."

"We better give him a warm welcome then!"

They came as a group and threw a flying kick at Isaac. Isaac rolled on the floor, thinking to himself that he was lucky those three weaklings were from the School of Administration. Isaac believed he would be hospitalised at this point if they were from the Military School.

"Oh! Nice kick!"

"Maybe I should have gone to the Military School instead of the School of Administration."

Isaac felt sad that those three were his juniors. He was prepared for this, but it still irked him.

"Oi."

"Oi?"

The three looked back in bewilderment. No matter how smart they are, they are still just children. When a toy behaves differently from what was expected, their reaction is always the same.

"I think he finally lost it."

"Hey, hey. Don't be so mean. Who knows? Maybe he practiced some martials arts to fight back while he locked himself in the port."

"Oh dear, I'm scared. Maybe I should let him hit me a few times."

Isaac sighed, watching the three laugh like hyenas.

"Oi, you juniors."

"Juniors? Who are you to act superior to us?!"

Slap! Shuren's hand swung mercilessly across Isaac's cheek. Isaac's tongue tasted the rustic blood.

After spitting the blood on the floor, Isaac looked around to make sure no one was around. Then he talked back at the three with a cold stare.

"I know you fucktards are rubbing at me because of your damn inferiority, but why do you come outside to ruin this beautiful world? Go back to your room where you belong and have a good look in the mirror to see how incapable and useless your existence is in this world."

The three were in such shock that all they could do was gape silently like goldfish. Isaac continued with a smile.

"Was that too difficult to understand? Maybe I shouldn't try to talk like a noble to you guys. Shall I bring myself to your level? Go fuck your mother, you shitters."

"You Fucker!"

Their rage was at its tipping point. Isaac taunted at the three angered students to come at him.

"Come at me, fuckers. Or are you scared? I guess those balls are just for show."

"Kuaaak!"

As the three screamed at the top of their lungs and jumped at Isaac, he curled himself onto the floor.

"What do you mean you're going to stop the business?! I'm running low on my perfume!"

"Do you think you can get away with just a refund?"

"I've waited for so long and you're telling me this now?"

There was an outrage among the female students around Isaac. On the outside, he seemed like he couldn't handle the commotion by the girls, but on the inside, he was smiling.

Almost a year had passed since this business had started, and now Isaac was irreplaceable to the women of the Campus.

How drug dealers sell their drugs is simple. They sell their drugs extremely cheap at first. And as the addiction begins to build, they also raise the price along with it. The customers who have become addicted have no choice but to buy the drug no matter the price. That is why addiction is to be avoided at all cost and such offers must be refused at the start.

Isaac's business was similar to a drug deal. They all fall in a dilemma of the high price and the real price, but once they taste it, they always come back.

It was too heavy to bring everything in a single bag once every year. Servants could only help them up to the Gabelin and the moment they get on the ship, they had to move the bags themselves. The hardest part was disembarking the ship and moving the bag all the way to their rooms in the boarding house. Even after all that trouble, they couldn't last a few months with what they brought.

But now thanks to Isaac, they could bring any goods at any time, lowering the unnecessary baggage they needed to carry. It was true they had to pay much more than what was required, but it was a small price for the extreme convenience it brought. But now he talked of stopping his business out right. This was not happening on their watch.

"As you can see, I am quite injured."

Quite wasn't even close to what had happened. Isaac had purposely taunted them to receive as ferocious of beating as possible. He was beaten so badly that he was on the brink of death. If it weren't for Mazelan who found him, Isaac might have died.

"T, that is regrettable. If you want I can introduce you to a friend of mine who specialises in medicine. You can take the orders once you are treated, right?"

Those words brought hope in the eyes of other girls. Despite their optimistic eyes, Isaac slowly shook his head.

"The problem isn't treating wound. In honesty, it takes great courage to even step out from the port. The thought of leaving the port scares me greatly, but I mustered the courage for you ladies, who have no idea as to why I hate to leave the port. I have no choice but to come here since you ladies can't enter the port, but there are those who would lay in ambush each time I leave the port…"

"Who are they?"

"To think there are people who still stoop to violence in the Campus, the centre of academics! It is an insult to the name of Campus!"

"As you are well aware, I cannot fight back due to the situation I'm in. But there are three who would go to extra lengths to abuse me. I've been beaten by them so much that it became natural to remember their names. They are Shuren, Louise and Bohrden from the School of Administration."

"Ah! I know them! They are the trash who gave up the moment they enrolled!"

"I've heard of them too! They follow and harass commoner girls like dogs in heat!"

"Shuren is the second son of the Earl Borco Family right?"

"Louise and Bohrden are from the Viscount Segan and Baron Luco Family who are the vassals of the Earl Borco Family."

"Hmph! I guess birds of a feather flock together."

While the girls insulted them without pause, Isaac added a few more words to add fuel on their anger.

"And they somehow managed to find out about the orders you were making, and told me to hand it over to them. They said they will deliver them instead… I've managed to hear their plans to use them as weapons by giving them to girls they like and try to seduce them…"

"What! Those pieces of trash have really lost their minds! How dare they even attempt to look at me like that?!"

"Ah! I've never been so insulted!"

"Vulgar curs!"

"They even said they might even seduce the women from College…"

PR Note: A "cur" refers to an aggressive dog, typically in poor condition, and it can be otherwise referred to as a mongrel. In essence, the girls are calling the three "horny dogs."

Those final words were the decisive strike. The students of College were like idols to the students of Campus. When the girls felt their idols were insulted by the lesser beings, their feelings surged beyond anger and transformed into murderous intent.

"Don't you worry. We'll take care of it. Can you take the orders again when it's settled?"

"Of course. I'll happily wait for that moment."

Isaac smiled, watching the women leave in unison.

"You're quite scary, aren't you?"

Mazelan, who had been watching from a corner, spoke to Isaac. He knew that this exact moment was the reason why Isaac started his borderline-legal business. He knew that this moment was the reason why he purposely provoked those injuries on himself. Isaac had used those injuries as evidence to hide the lies in his confessions. He watched Isaac painstakingly spend a full year to build his reputation amongst the girls in the Campus, making it impossible for anyone to ever doubt him. This exact moment in time was when Isaac's revenge came to fruition, and those three would become an example for all the men in the Campus that Isaac cannot be messed with. Mazean saw that Isaac had finally grasped the goal he wanted, a peaceful life.

"Do you know what the easiest thing in the world is?"

"…"

"Turning people into idiots."

Mazelan suddenly felt uncomfortable at the accompanying smile on Isaac's face.

A month had passed since Isaac made an example of the three. The school holidays were just around the corner and the Campus was bustling with excitement. The three were clueless as to the sudden change in behaviour of all the women in Campus, and there was nothing they could do about it. Unable to endure the degrading treatment from the girls, Shuren ended up slapping one of the female students in the Campus. He was expelled for his action, and upon hearing of the disgrace, he was also disowned from his family. With Shuren gone, Louise and Borden began to panic and dropped out of Campus as if trying to run away from the institution.

Rumours of Isaac's involvement in destroying the lives of the three had spread quickly within the Campus. It didn't take long for Isaac to become the one person not to mess with amongst the boys within the Campus. He was like a piece of turd to them. All you'd get for messing with shit is a stain on your hands. They would avoid him as best as they could, ignoring him at a distance if they happened to meet him. Meanwhile, Isaac continued to solidify his position amongst the girls.

He would approach the commoner girls with poor backgrounds and give them goods which they could never pay for themselves to them as gifts. While some of them refused outright, Isaac would try to convince them, telling them how they would be on the road of success while he would be stuck in a rural town or a city unable to surmount to anything and that they can help him later when they have more capabilities in the future. Many of the girls reluctantly accepted the gifts after that. Since support amongst the girls was the main goal, Isaac never recorded the goods that were given to them, which helped him achieve his goal faster.

Amongst the many women in the Campus, there were also female lecturers and professors that Isaac needed to please. They were few in number, but their influence within the Campus was significant. Isaac used Mazelan's connections to gift expensive perfumes and makeup to them.

Even the professors and lecturers had to use what was provided by the Campus just like the students for fairness's sake. They were plenty curious as to how the female students suddenly got hold of these beauty products, but their pride prevented them from questioning the students. They were quite pleased when Isaac took the initiative and began giving gifts without being asked to.

Even the boys who sought attention from the girls began making orders. Isaac, however, gave them prices which were ludicrous beyond measure. If any of them tried to negotiate, he would simply say 'Are you really trying to get a discount on the gift for the love of your life?' That one sentence was enough to end the conversation. If Isaac were to even slip the word that they are stingy, who knows what monster that rumour would turn into. The boys had no choice but to empty their wallets and their tear ducts.

Isaac finally got the peaceful life that he wanted, but after a few days of enjoying the dull and uneventful life, Mazelan visited him.

"I'll be receiving guests?"

"Yeah. So you're going to have to empty some of the storage rooms in this building."

"I didn't know the Campus received guests."

"It's a special case. In truth, it should be me handling this situation, but as you know, I'm doing my final thesis for my graduation and I don't have the time for this. Think of this as paying back for all the times I've helped you out."

"Tsk. Fine. But I don't have to show them around the Campus as well right?"

"Ahahaha…."

Watching Mazelan avoid his question with an awkward laugh, Isaac made a deep sigh.

"Just how special are they for them to break the Campus' tradition of not allowing outsiders like this?"

"Technically, they aren't outsiders."

"Hm?"

"They are enrolled in the College."

"Was it possible to enter the College without going through the Campus?"

There are about 30,000 students in the Campus. Although it seemed large at first, they made up less than 10% of the entire continent's population. Students of the College were rarer; they made up less than 1% of the population.

PR Note: For reference, in 2018 there were 56.6 million students in elementary and secondary educational institutions in the U.S., which has a population of roughly 327.2 million in 2018 (~17% of total population). That is not counting those enrolled in college, university, or other post-secondary educational institutions. Sources: National Center for Education Statistics and Google Search (which is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and compiled into a convenient graph).

"That's why I'm saying they are special."

"Hmm?"

"It's been a while, but the Elves and the Beastmen have decided to send their children to the College."

"Elves? Beastmen?"

Elves. Though often considered the symbol of beauty, their imagery differs between western and eastern cultures. It seemed the elves in this world are more akin to that of the Asian literature.

"Yes. Not just any elf or beastman either. They are the daughters of the Elder in the Elf Reservation and Chief of the Northbear Tribe."

"I think I know what an Elf is, but what's a Northbear Tribe?"

"They literally turn into a bear when you piss them off. If you want to get technical, I guess they are a carnivorous race."

"Now that you mention it, I don't think I've seen any other races before."

"Non-humans rarely leave their own Reservations; they are extremely reserved and secluded. Their enrollment into the Campus is entirely dependent on the approval of the Reservation themselves, and they've been refused enrollment many times. However, their most talented individuals are an exception. There are actually many non-humans in the College. They only socialize within themselves because of their secluded nature, making it hard for any of us to actually see them."

"So why are these amazing people coming during the holidays, instead of coming like a normal person on the enrollment day?"

"You could say it's because of the distance?"

"Distance?"

"Yep. Because most of the Reservations are in isolated pockets throughout the Continent, it takes an extreme amount of time for them to travel to Gabelin. You know that right?"

"Even after using the trams?"

"That's the cause of the problem. The trams have been in use for about 10 years now, but the non-humans are so secluded that they weren't aware of their existence. They left their Reservations earlier, but because of the trams their travel time was cut short quite significantly."

"So you're saying they came too early."

"Yes. And since we can't just leave the students of the College unattended in Gabelin, the Campus has decided to welcome them as guests until enrollment season."

"Ha… Understood. So I just need to empty two rooms and prepare for them?"

It also meant that he needed to live with them until the Campus opened again. Even if they are non-humans, it's still very inconvenient to share the house with them.

Once Isaac accepted his request, Mazelan vigorously shook his hands with a bright smile. He then looked around to check if anybody was watching, and whispered in Isaac's ears.

"This is just a rumour, but apparently both of them have something wrong with their personalities."

"…"

Isaac was sure that Mazelan dumped this work to him because it seemed bothersome and that his thesis was just an excuse. Non-humans were difficult enough to deal with, but if they have a screw loose in their head, there was no telling what disasters were awaiting him.

The Campus was quite the tyrant even during the holidays. They would forcefully kick out all students, even if they volunteered to stay to study. The College was of course, the exception. What was unexpected was that the Campus would provide insubstantial financial support in the name of a 'travel allowance', and just as its description, provided insubstantial amount of money for the students.

The only catch was that if they refused this support, they are given priority in riding the ship leaving the Campus. The students from rich families gave up the aid without a second thought in hopes of tasting the freedom that much faster. And the aid would then be delegated to the poorer, commoner students instead. This was a prime example of how well the Campus was run as an organisation, matching its fame.

With all the students leaving, there wasn't any need for lecturers or professors either. The Campus would basically turn into a ghost town. A giant fleet was assembled to transport all the students out of the Campus. Isaac thought just how efficient this was when he saw this for the first time in the last holiday season.

The holidays of Campus were akin to a public holiday in the continent. The capital, Gabelin, will be met with a tidal wave of visitors. Not just the students, but all their families will gather to greet them at the harbor. The Empire used this event to train their Navy, performing a large military exercise. They participate in maneuvering, transporting, and landing exercises. And the amount of money raised from the visiting students and families was astronomical.

Isaac was curious as to how the Capital could handle such a large influx of people in such a short time, but that was part of the training for the military as well. It was training in preparation for a large influx of refugees entering the city during a world crisis, which would increase the Capital's defence force's tasks of controlling the mass traffic to maintain public order. Isaac was astounded as to how efficiently the Empire used this event.

While the entire continent was fired up for the holidays, Isaac was left back in Campus alone. It suited him perfectly. There was no longer a need for him to leave the port to deal with the girls with a forced smile.

The only thing Isaac wasn't happy about was that even the student cafeteria closes during this time, forcing him to buy food en masse to last the holidays. He had no problems keeping himself well-fed, but cooking and doing the dishes was a hassle.

"Yawn! I wonder how many I'll catch today."

Lately, he had been spending most of his time fishing. He wasn't particularly fond of the activity nor was it his hobby, but it was the best way for him to past time.

Watching the wide and open sea calmed him. It prevented him from remembering. The memories, the past… It's why he liked fishing.

"Hm?"

A small dot appeared out of the horizon, and as the dot came closer and closer Isaac began to wonder. There was no need for a supply ship to come to Campus when it's empty. Yet what sailed in front of him was the supply ship he was very familiar with.

"Ah! Is she coming now?"

Realising he had a guest to receive, Isaac began to clean up his fishing tools. By the time he was finished, the ship arrived at the port.

"Hey! Isaac, you're still alive!"

As soon as the ship finished docking, Gonzales came out of the ship to give Isaac a big hug.

"Ow! It hurts!"

Trained by the rough seas, Gonzales was strong enough to beat most men when it came to strength. And all that strength was used to squeeze the life out of Isaac.

"Hahaha, I guess I got too excited."

"Have you been getting more guests for your inn?"

"Of course! Thanks to you, the dining area is packed from top to bottom!"

Gonzales gave a heartfelt laugh and Isaac followed.

Isaac was Gonzales' greatest treasure. Thanks to him, Gonzales managed to save his family and gain the respect from his children. Isaac had been constantly reminding him that this business was only lasting 5 years and that he shouldn't waste his money in luxuries tempted by the sudden boost of income. At the same time, Isaac had been recommending Gonzales' inn to the commoner students, saying that they'll receive a warm welcome if they mention Isaac's name.

"Anyway, I doubt you came here alone, so where is she?"

Gonzales' face turned strangely at the mention of the guest, and quickly took a more formal stance.

"Ahem. I have to return immediately after dropping this guest. So um, take care."

"Huh?"

As Gonzales quickly ran back to the ship, something began to come out from the ship.

'… A teddy bear?'

It was a small bear. Other than the fact she was wearing clothes and walking on two feet, she was most definitely a bear. Not just a normal looking bear too but one that looked like a teddy bear doll. Her white and fluffy fur peaked out from the edges of her clothes, and her small hands and feet tempted Isaac's petting instinct.

'Man, this is in a way, incredible temptation.'

If there were any girls around, they would have reacted so fiercely to her cuteness that they would have fainted.

"Hello, my *Hubae. My name is Isaac, and I have been tasked with showing you around until you enter the College."

TL Note: "Hubae" is the romanization of the Korean word for "underclassman," and it has the Japanese equivalent of "kouhai."

"…"

As she looked up to Isaac with her large sparkling eyes without a word, Isaac stopped his urge to pet her head and continued his words.

"Not going to speak your name? Then out of convenience, I'll call you Teddy Bear."

"…Kunette."

"Kunette? A pretty name."

The bear nodded without a word. Isaac was starting to wonder if all North Bears were like this until he remembered Mazelan's mention of how their personalities are special.

"It'll be short, but let's try to get along."

The new bizarre life together with Kunette was unexpectedly ordinary. Kunette was a quiet child. Or was she a cub? She never spoke or showed any expression. But strangely, she didn't have a problem with following Isaac around. In fact, she was always following Isaac.

When Mazelan came down to check on how they were doing, he fell head over heels for Kunette's cuteness and tried to give her a hug. She immediately retaliated with a single swipe from her paws, breaking one of Mazelan's ribs. Other than that small incident, there was no change to Isaac's life.

"Phew! Now that's a catch."

Isaac finally understood the feelings of a fisherman as he pulled out an arm-sized fish after 10 minutes of struggle. It was a fish he'd never seen before. Then again, he wasn't familiar with any kind of fish since the only fish he'd ever seen were on a plate in a sushi restaurant.

"Do you want some?"

Isaac asked Kunette who was squatting next to him, watching the ocean's tides ebb and flow. After a single glimpse at the fish, she turned away and shook her head. Isaac was bothered at first by Kunette's silent yet constant trailing, but soon got over it since he didn't care much about being social either.

Isaac took out a knife and began cutting the fish for sashimi. He chopped its head off, cut its stomach to remove its organ and finished the process by removing its tail and scales.

"You're not cooking it?"

"A fresh catch tastes best when you eat it raw."

The cut was amateur at best and thicker than it should have been, but none of it mattered as it tasted irresistible. It must have been the result of this clean environment which was untouched by pollution, unlike the world in his former life.

"Kuh, delicious."

It was a shame there wasn't any sashimi sauce or soju to go along with it, but he was still satisfied with the tender and delicious sashimi that melted in his mouth.

"Hm?"

It seemed Isaac was too convincing with the way he was eating. Kunette placed her adorable front paws on Isaac's knees.

"You want some?"

She nodded.

"Then say ahh."

"…Ahh."

Watching her open that small mouth of hers, Isaac placed a piece of sashimi in Kunette's mouth.

'I feel like I'm working in a zoo now.'

While Isaac made some pointless thoughts to himself, Kunette took a few bites then spat out the rest of the fish from her mouth.

"Ew. Isaac lied…. Bad."

"Tsk tsk, it's a taste only grown-ups can understand."

Crack!

"Ahhh! My fishing rod! That was my only one!"

Kunette stomped her way back as Isaac's cry echoed behind her.

Isaac had realised that Kunette hated to be treated like a child or be told she's adorable. He considered ignoring that fact at first, but there was no benefit to annoying someone from the College.

When it was so obvious that Kunette's popularity would soar due to her cuteness in the Campus, Isaac's friendly relationship with the girls in the Campus would end abruptly if Kunette openly stood against him. He needed to find a way to appease her.

"What are you making?"

"Some cookies to have as snacks."

"Cookie?"

"Yeah. Have you eaten them before?"

"Cookies tasty. I want to help."

"Then can you knead the dough for me?"

Isaac believed the dough tasted best when it's hand-kneaded, but that was impossible with a bear's paws. Her furs would end up making up half the content of the dough itself, making it inedible. So he threw a wooden spoon along with the bowl of flour, and Kunette sat down on the floor and began mixing the dough with all her strength.

Kunette was no expert and much of the contents in the dough splashed all over the kitchen. Only half of what Isaac had given remained, but Isaac couldn't say no to Kunette's eyes sparkling with an expectation of praise.

"Well done… Thanks."

Embarrassed, Kunette ran out of the kitchen. Isaac contemplated on what to do with what was just a clump of flour, but then decided to go ahead anyway. It wasn't like he knew how to bake cookies properly anyway. He's just acting like he knows what he's doing by remembering what Eliza did when he watched her cook.

"Let's see. Would 5 minutes be enough?"

It felt like he was skipping a step, but whatever. After shaping and arranging the dough in order, he placed them in the oven and turned the clock.

As the dough began to rise, it began to release delicious fragrance in the air. The problem was that it only smelled good.

"Tastes like flour."

The cookie was rock hard on the outside, dry on the inside. The perfect failure. As Isaac wondered on what to do, Kunette appeared next to him with her adorable eyes once again, this time asking for the cookies. It was obvious she would get mad if she tasted this.

"It's expensive but I guess I have no choice."

Sweets were not common in this world, as sugar didn't seem to exist yet. Fruit jams did exist, but the glucose content in the jam was lacking with the absence of sugar, making it quite bland for Isaac's taste.

After shuffling through the cabinet, he took out a pot the size of his hand. After opening the pot he dipped his finger and licked it. The taste was acceptable.

"I, is that honey?"

"Hm?"

This was the first time Kunette stuttered. Her eyes were fixated on the pot of honey Isaac was holding.

'Bears do like honey, don't they?'

His thoughts drifted to Winnie the Pooh as he spoke.

"Do you want it?"

Kunette nodded with such enthusiasm that Isaac had never seen before. It was true that honey wasn't especially rare, but it was no common food either.

Honey as a whole was a luxury and its main use was as an ingredient for desserts, so the market was too small to meet the demand of the Empire as a whole. This drove its price up, making it accessible to all but too expensive to eat to one's heart's content.

The only reason Isaac had some in hand was thanks to his business. There was a girl obsessed with honey. Her family ran a beekeeping business. Sadly, she could never get any while she stayed in the Campus, which drove her mad. Isaac was like a saving grace to her.

She couldn't last a month with the amount of honey she was allowed to bring in with her. But if she brought the honey through Isaac and stored it, she could have it whenever she wanted. Since honey was quite popular amongst other students as well, Isaac received some of that honey as payment from her which he sold to other students.

"It seems like I didn't even need to make cookies."

Isaac quietly disposed of the cookies as he watched Kunette devour the pot of honey. He was relieved to find a way to appease and if need be, tempt Kunette for future reference.

The second guest came at night time as the holidays' end drew near. She was from the Elven Reservation, which is at the southern part of the continent. Her family was called the Mist Family, which was held in high regard amongst many other renowned elven families. As expected of an elf, she was a beautiful maiden. Her figure was like that of a statue, with a slim figure and well-endowed breasts.

"Hello, Sunbaenim! My name's Reisha! Ah! Kunette!"

TL Note: "Sunbaenim" is a formal way of referring to an individual, typically older. You might think of it as the Korean equivalent of the English word "upperclassmen." In this context, "sunbaenim" has a similar meaning to the Japanese "senpai."

"Hiss!"

It seemed the two of them were well acquainted with each other. Reisha approached Kunette, picked her up, and began to spin around with her while Kunette roared as she struggled with her stubby arms and legs.

"How did you get here?"

Isaac never saw a ship approaching. Other than the scheduled supply ship, there was no way to get to the Campus. That's why he was confused to see her here.

"I'm hungry. What's for dinner tonight?"

After playing with Kunette to her satisfaction, Reisha placed Kunette back on the ground, only to start running away from Kunette as she began to charge toward Reisha. She asked the question while she was on the run.

"I was thinking of having some bulgogi but…"

TL Note: Bulgogi is Korean marinated beef, which can be eaten with various other foods.

"Ah! Sounds delicious!"

"Are elves allowed to eat meat in this world?"

Common knowledge about elves was that they are vegetarian. But watching Reisha drool from the corner of her mouth with an expression like that seemed to tell Isaac the elves in this world were different. What does it matter? Even Kunette calmed down after hearing the word meat.

Isaac began to cook the meat as he ignored Reisha and Kunette's constant nagging. Like baby birds, they constantly chirped at Isaac hurry with his cooking.

Since there was no way to get soy sauce in this world, he just made the marinade with salty water, a spice called Shapran, onions, carrots, and other vegetables. He finished it off with plenty of honey and placed the beef in the marinade.

Despite Isaac's lack of experience, the beef that had been marinated since morning had absorbed much of the flavour, and the moment it was placed on the frying pan, an enticing aroma began to make its way through the kitchen.

"Wow! I've never smelled this before! Mmm! Smells delicious! Give it now!"

"… Me too."

"Here, let's eat!"

It was a good thing Isaac over-prepared to account for Kunette's voracious appetite, which was befitting of a bear. Throughout the entirety of their dinner, Isaac made as much conversation with Reisha as he could, hoping to learn more about her as a person.

She had originally arrived much earlier than Kunette, but only just arrived because she spent all her time playing around in the neighbouring regions. When Isaac asked how she got here without a ship, Reisha showed him her control over the water spirit.

Isaac was baffled at the fact she surfed all the way through the sea using a small plank of wood as a surfboard. Even Reisha admitted that she would never have attempted it if Gabelin wasn't that close to the Campus, but still added that it was fun.

"Wait. But there wasn't a single ship that stopped you?"

Isaac quickly noticed something was wrong and cut her off mid-sentence. The Campus is one of the most important facilities in the Empire. The Navy regularly patrolled its borders, preventing any ship that wasn't a supply ship from entering it.

No matter how small and bizarre Reisha's maneuvering was, it was bound to be scouted out by the Navy's watch. Even if she's a student of the College, entering the premises without permission was not acceptable behaviour.

That would mean there were two possible ways she managed to get to the Campus, and both had devastating consequences. One was that Reisha managed to find a hole in the Navy's surveillance and infiltrated her way in, while the other was that the Navy was negligent with their duty. As a man who was experienced with the ways of the military, Isaac found the latter to be more convincing.

This was bound to happen when one repeats tasks in peaceful times. They would depart late, take some time off without arriving at the destination or find other ways to slack off. Whichever it was, it was more than enough for the Empire's Navy to turn upside down.

"Sigh, the peace and quiet I had…"

The Empire's Navy had completely overrun the Campus port, showing off their might and grandeur. Their presence was intimidating enough to bring out a deep sigh. Reisha, the culprit of the situation, was hopping across the dock to look at the ships more closely with Kunette. All of it was starting to give Isaac a headache.

"How is that the College's fault?!"

"Entering the Campus without permission is a great offence to the Empire's law, and being a student of the College does not make anyone an exception! Hand over the student immediately!"

"Isn't it the Navy's fault that a neglected defence line was infiltrated?"

On the other side of the dock, Mazelan was arguing with an aggressive-looking old man wearing a grand uniform. He was the admiral of the Empire's 7th fleet, tasked with defending the borders of Gabelin. Behind him, a small group of sailors lined up with their heads planted on the ground – they were the ship captains under his leadership.

"How are we expected to find a single person on the sea when spotting a whole ship is difficult enough as it is!"

"Oh is that so? Can I send that exact phrase back to the Empire's Special Forces? The Navy rules the waves but can't find a single person that's floating on the ocean?"

"Why you! What year are you?! I'll see you when you graduate!"

"I'm sorry but I'm enrolled in logistics and don't have any plans on joining the Navy. Shall I give you the experience of horrible logistics and supply chain management?"

"Wow! You used to follow me around calling me uncle when you were a kid and now you're coming back to bite the hand that raised you?"

"Are you playing the family card now? Handing over a student of the College is nonsense, not to mention she's an elf. An elf! What are you going to say to the Elven Reservation? 'The eldest daughter of the Mist family had been arrested for entering the Campus without permission. She will be punished according to the Navy's laws.' You know their entire race will not take this lightly when things get sour! Do you really want to make this bigger than it needs to be?"

"Kuk!"

"Let's just go over it with a warning for now, uncle."

The admiral finally seemed convinced by Mazelan, and he began walking back toward his ship. On his way back, he made sure each captain tasted his burning anger with a kick to their ass. Mazelan approached Isaac, drained from the long exchange of words, to now complain to him.

"I'm really having a hard time with my thesis right now. Please just help me out here."

"I believe you're talking to the wrong man. Why don't you tell that to them instead?"

Mazelan sighed deeply as he glimpsed at Reisha. The moment the fleet left the dock, Reisha immediately dragged Kunette towards the edge of the docks and began to fish.

"What do you think an elf's main strength is?"

"Archery and spirits?"

"Right? Do you know what that girl is majoring in the College? Hand to hand combat."

"Hand to hand? Like fist-fighting?"

"Yes. There was a noble who was invited to the Elven Reservation, but one of the guard knights that noble brought kept harassing Reisha, so she challenged him to a duel. The confused knight who expected archery or spirits, was beaten like a bloody pancake. The duel itself brought no complications; however, the children of the Reservation saw the disaster that had happened at first hand. They started having seizures after watching Reisha paint her hands bloody with a face as innocent as a baby. That's why she was sent here to the College."

"That really is a special personality."

"Right? That's why I'm too scared to even get close to her."

"What about Kunette?"

"Kunette is…"

Mazelan quickly looked around his surroundings and then began to whisper back to Isaac.

"This isn't confirmed, but there's a rumour that Kunette can see the true nature of what she sees."

"The true nature?"

When Isaac responded back with a confused look, Mazelan nodded as if he understood how Isaac felt.

"It's as I said. She can create and see an image of the personality and thoughts of the individual she's looking at."

"Now that's a special power."

"The problem is that this is the perfect power if you want to be isolated in a community. Plus, the Northbear Tribe never had an individual like this in their long history, so the word is that they exiled her to College because they found her existence disturbing."

"I guess even the guilty and the innocent will find that power bothersome."

"So please, I'm leaving it to you."

"Are you running away after dumping all of your responsibilities on me?"

"What! It's not running! It's called begging, and I'm begging you here. Just keep them from any incidents until enrollment day. That's all I'm asking, please."

As he finished making his plea, Mazelan quickly dashed away. The moment he disappeared, Reisha and Kunette were next to Isaac.

'So that's why he ran away.'

"Sunbaenim, Look!"

Reisha proudly held a fish the size of her arm and handed it to Isaac. Another fish he'd never seen before.

"It seems ideal for sashimi."

"Sashimi? What's that? Is that food?"

Isaac took the fish to the kitchen, and soon, Reisha tasted an entirely new world.

"Sunbaenim, let's go fishing!"

"Sunbaenim, make me some sashimi!"

"Sunbaenim, make me a spicy fish stew!"

Isaac was at the edge of a mental breakdown. It's true that it's difficult to refuse a request from a beautiful woman, especially when she's using all her charms. But that's only if it happens once in a while. When it happens all day every day, it quickly becomes annoying. His only hope was the coming enrollment day.

That day Isaac dreamed of coming had finally arrived. Just like the start of the holidays, the Empire carried out its massive transport mission to move all the students in a single day, and the seasonally empty dock was filled with people once more.

Before Isaac was here, students would head straight toward the Campus after leaving the ship. But things had changed with the start of Isaac's business. They would hand over all of their baggage in a warehouse situated in Gabelin and pay a fee to Isaac. Isaac would then use Gonzales to move the goods from Gabelin and keep it safe in the Campus dock until the student who stashed the goods ask for their return.

It was supposed to be a side business at the start, but it had become so profitable that from that year onwards, they would only use the warehouses Gonzales had bought and the rental fees that they collected from it became very lucrative.

Until now, it was the students who were doing business with Isaac that stayed in the port, but this time, the existence of Kunette and Reisha were also holding the students from moving on to Campus.

"Roar!"

"Kyaa! So cute!"

"Ah! I want to hug her!"

Kunette's popularity among the girls was explosive. Her attitude was extremely hostile, baring both her fangs and claws out to intimidate anyone from approaching her. Because of that, no one was foolish enough to actually get close, but even her guarded look was so adorable that any form of conversation were made impossible by the screams of the female students.

Meanwhile, the male students were so captured by Reisha's beauty that they were at a standstill. Sitting on the rooftop of the lodge with a short skirt, her fair thighs were in plain view to those underneath. Instinctively, all the male students began staring at her legs, but Reisha seemed oblivious to their actions and was busy watching the waves of people enter the port en masse.

The students were eventually pushed into the Campus as more and more students entered the port. They would, however, try to stand their ground for as long as possible to watch that view for a second longer, delaying the movement as a whole.

As a result, Admiral Raymond, the commander of the 7th Fleet and Uncle of Mazelan, glared at Isaac for giving him the honour of the deplorable transport mission in history. While Isaac wondered how he could bribe him to pacify his rage, Mazelan came to see Isaac after confirming all of the students had successfully returned to the Campus.

"Thank you for making my last assignment in my College life so memorable. I'll never forget this."

"… Congratulations?"

"Kuuk! I'd honestly eat her up if I could."

"You want to eat what, Sunbaenim?"

Reisha quickly approached him as soon as she heard the word eating. Surprised and embarrassed, Mazelan slowly backed off.

"Ahaha. It's nothing. Why don't you get ready to head to College now?"

"Hmm?"

Reisha seemed to suspect something was off about Mazelan, but soon dropped her interest and began to pack her things. She was last seen heading to the College while dragging Kunette behind her, who was throwing a tantrum out of a reluctance to leave. After witnessing her departure, Mazelan sighed out of relief and went to Isaac, who was sorting out documents for the goods he's tasked with stashing.

"Honestly, you've done well until now."

Those words from Mazelan brought back memories for Isaac. All the incidents and problems he had faced because of the duo.

"Sigh. Kunette wasn't much of a problem, but Reisha is like a wild donkey. I can just imagine what colorful lives they'll have in the College."

"That's none of my business now."

"Aren't you being too irresponsible just because you've graduated?"

"Huhuhu. If Reisha came even a year earlier, I would not be graduating at this point."

The College had their own symbols for each subjects. For swordsmanship, it was a sword and shield; for magic, it was a hand with a spiral representing the mana; for sailing, it was a mast within a circle representing the sea; and for Mazelan, who was in supplies and management, it was a carriage.

It also represents how many years it took them to graduate. For Mazelan, on top of the carriage symbol were 8 stars, showing that he'd graduated from his major of supply management within 8 years.

Considering that it takes an average of 10 to 13 years to graduate from the College, Mazelan's graduation at 8 years meant that he was one of the most talented individuals. Rumours had already spread that he was a candidate to become the Empire's future Director of Supplies.

Unlike the College, the Campus used a similar system where it shared the emblems but would have the year of graduation and a single silver star instead. However both the Campus and the College determined who were the Sunbaes and Hubaes by looking at the year they graduated, so it was a common courtesy to show deference to the Sunbaes even if there was a significant gap in their abilities.

"What'll you do now that you've graduated?"

"I'll take a break then get myself a place in the Capital's Department of Supplies."

"Will they accept you right away? Don't you usually require experience from rural departments before you're allowed in?"

"Huhuhu, that's why I've sweat blood and tears to get these 8 stars here. They won't let you in unless you graduated at most in 8 years."

"I guess there is fierce competition for it."

The Department of Supplies controls the flow of all goods within the Empire, from its production to distribution and restrictions. They could make a village starve to death while its neighbours were drowning with overabundance of food if they wanted to.

The Department of Supplies held great power within the political scene. It was a giant establishment with more than 100,000 employees hired under their name, and each employee held great pride in their position, not to mention that the number of talented individuals in their department was like counting how much sand there was at a beach.

"Well, I'll be in your care once I graduate."

"Hahaha, do you finally see the true value in me?"

"Not really."

Mazelan could only watch as Isaac coldly responded. He was well aware of Isaac's personality after knowing him for so long. He could ignore things completely if it wasn't related to him. Even if it does affect him in some way, he would draw a line preventing him from becoming closer than he needed to be.

"Che! I am quite wanted in the world you know. Just one word from me would set you up for… Shit, you don't care about that at all. Damn it! I feel cheated."

As Isaac teased Mazelan who was muttering to himself, the ship which Mazelan was waiting for finally arrived.

"Oh! There it is."

"I guess the College students do get special treatment."

"It's one of the few factors that actually make attending the College worthwhile."

"But that's odd. I only saw a few College students last year. Why would you need an entire ship to transport them? How many of you are there?"

"Hm? Didn't you see last year?"

"See what?"

"Ah, of course. The College students moved during the night for both last year and this year's holidays."

"What are you on about?"

"There was a new student that enrolled in the College last year. And all the males in the College immediately fell in love the moment she stepped foot in this place."

"Heh? There was another student that entered the College directly last year as well? And it was a girl too? What was she?"

"Human."

"Must be a genius."

"Genius doesn't even begin to describe it. She is the greatest of all geniuses. And she's got one hell of a family name behind her."

"Just how amazing is it for all the College students to follow her around like this?"

"Rivelia El Pendleton. She's the eldest daughter of the Duke Pendleton and a genius swordswoman. The professors within the College expect her to graduate from swordsmanship in no more than 5 years. She is the best of the best."

"Graduate the College in 5 years?"

"Don't forget, that's the most skeptical prediction. One of the professors of swordsmanship is one of the 7 Sword Masters in the Em… Crap! Details about the professors in the College are classified, so let's just skip over that part. Anyway, the task he set for her graduation is for her to ascend to a Sword Master. That's how talented she is. And even Reisha will have to fold against her when it comes to beauty."

"So she's a genius swordswoman with the beauty of a goddess and is the daughter of one of the three Dukes in the Empire?"

"That's right."

"Hm, so she's a protagonist. I can see why so many men chase her around."

"She's a what?"

"Ah, didn't you know? Have you ever heard the phrase 'you are the protagonist of your life'?"

"What about it?"

"I mean, everyone would consider themselves to be the main character but that fact suddenly changes when you're put in the stage called the world. There's the protagonists: side characters, extras, villager 1 and 2, tree 1, and rock 1."

"What theory is this?"

"This world is so unfair that lives are determined on how much talent each individual holds. And that talent could be measured up to the size of an ant for some while others may have that of the ocean. Talentless fools could never catch up to those brimming with talent, no matter how much they try."

"And through their talent their roles are decided in the stage called the world?"

"Why? You don't think so?"

"I feel like it's an insult to those who put in the effort to climb their way through."

Isaac laughed at Mazelan's irritated look.

"Wow, such an innocent answer from someone who just graduated from the College."

Mazelan couldn't say anything back. The Campus and the College were establishments which clearly demonstrated the difference talent made.

"I didn't mean to insult the hard workers. They've put that much determination and the pain that comes with it. But did you know? Hard work is talent too."

"Ugh, stop. I'm done. Why's a child like you talking like an old pessimist who had lived out his life?"

"Let's just say I've experienced the cold realities of the world a little earlier than others."

Mazelan shook his head, his mouth closed firm. His conversations with Isaac always ended up this way. That pessimistic attitude of his was enough to make one wonder why he's even trying to live at this point. The most annoying part is that his fallacy sounds somewhat believable. There have been many times where Mazelan would cut a conversation short in fear of ending up like Isaac if he listened to him a little longer.

*Whistle! "As expected of a protagonist, I feel like there's an aura about her."

Isaac spoke out his impression as he watched a girl exit the ship with a group of men trailing behind her. She was indeed a beautiful woman. Her stiff expression seemed cold, but it seemed to suit her well. With the sunlight reflecting her long silver hair that flowed all the way to down to her waist, one could easily feel the aura of intimidation that naturally tailed her.

Considering that they lived in two different worlds, Isaac decided to enjoy the eye candy while he could and leaned back on the chair with both his legs on the table.

Their eyes met for a brief moment when Rivelia passed Isaac, but she moved on without saying anything. Amongst the many men who followed Rivelia like baby ducklings, there was a familiar face.

Isaac contemplated on what to do and decided to at least notice him. He was his brother after all. When their eyes met, Isaac waved at him, but Kainen's face crumbled and he violently turned away as if he'd seen something he shouldn't have. Isaac simply shrugged at his reaction.

"Don't you feel anything after seeing Rivelia?"

"She's pretty for sure. I may have ogled at her if I wasn't so used to beautiful girls thanks to Reisha."

"You don't sound very serious."

"I follow the motto 'just admire which you can't have.'"

"You really are a weird one."

"I could say the same thing to you. You didn't seem that interested in her either."

Mazelan seemed surprised at what Isaac had said, then laughed.

"I guess I've only told you my name but not the family I'm from."

"Huh? Hm, don't tell me you're that Lady Rivelia's brother or something."

"No, not her brother but her cousin. I guess I can tell you now that I'm graduating. My official name is Marvelia Zelion Lankast Hugh Gabelin. My father is the youngest brother of the previous Emperor, and my mother is the sister of the current Duke Pendleton."

"…"

Isaac could only stare at Mazelan. It meant he was of royal blood. Satisfied at Isaac's reaction, a beaming smile came on Mazelan's face, when Isaac suddenly snatched his hands and began to speak.

"I'll be in your care, Hyoungnim."

TL Note: "Hyungnim" is the formal way of saying older brother in a respectful manner. The equivalent to Aniki in Japanese. For reference, the other two forms of respective reference mentioned have been Sunbaenim (upperclassmen, senior, respected individual) and Hubaenim/Hubae (underclassmen, junior, respected youth).

"I thought you weren't interested in a successful career?"

"It's always nice to have a strong help in these tough times."

"That's different from what you said before."

"It's better to have it and not need it than vice versa. Once again, I'm in your care."

Mazelan felt like he'd made a mistake when he revealed his identity to Isaac. Already a crude and sinister smile was starting to show.

"Shameless bastard. By the way, what do you think I'll become on the world's stage?"

"Ah! Shouldn't you take Reisha and Kunette with you now?"

"So what am I on the stage?!"

Isaac refused to answer him till the end, which only irritated Mazelan even more.

The students of the Campus went back to their academic life with the start of the new semester. Their lives were made busy by the tight schedules the Campus dictated, and even Isaac had much to work on. He had the task of moving all the goods left by the students at the warehouse into Kunette and Reisha's rooms, which were now empty. This arduous project of moving and confirming the arrival of these goods had taken nearly 10 days for him to complete.

"Guess I could drop the side business and just go on with the warehouse rental fees."

The students of the Campus were no fools. They quickly realised that it was much cheaper to bring the goods themselves and pay the warehouse fees rather than buying it through Isaac himself. Isaac instinctively knew his disgustingly exorbitant business had ended when most of his customers had started renting the warehouses instead.

It went as planned for Isaac, but perhaps not for Gonzales. Isaac knew many people who had fallen from grace when they couldn't adapt their expenditure with the fall of their profit, continuing their lavish lifestyle to the point of bankruptcy. Isaac didn't want Gonzales, the first person to show him kindness in this world, to follow that path. He had given multiple warnings to him and changed the direction of their business from sales to warehouses. Profits dropped significantly, but it was still worthwhile considering the male students continued to use his overpriced business when encouraged with a hint of blackmail.

Isaac already had a solid backup plan called Mazelan, and he had already received approval from him that if things turned to the worst, he would be received as a guest in the family. Since money was no longer an issue for Isaac, he considered dropping this business entirely; but it was obvious both Gonzales and all the females in the Campus would rise up against it. In truth, it was a good way to waste time, and it was also easy on the eyes. The only downside was that it was bothersome.

With a handful of paper and a wooden board in his hand, Isaac left the lodge. Today is the day his business will start accepting orders again. Opening the business every day was too difficult, so the orders were received every 3 days but Isaac knew he'd be receiving many more requests today than normal since it's the first day of the year.

Isaac ran his business at the field in front of the library. It was the perfect place to do business since almost every student must visit the library at least once a day to keep up with their studies.

"Ah! There he is!"

"It's been a while."

"Are you accepting orders from today onwards?"

"Nice to meet you."

The mass of girls who were flocked in their own little groups greeted Isaac warmly. Isaac pulled out his business smile and tried to walk to the centre when he noticed someone was running at him from his back. As soon as Isaac tried to turn his head, he felt a heavy blow and dropped on the ground.

"Kyaa! What are you doing!"

"How could you hit someone from their back?!"

"You! Who are you? Which school are you from?"

"Are you a freshman? How barbaric of you to do something like this?!"

The screams and cries of the girls were beyond Isaac, as he was too focused on trying to get back on his feet. But he was quickly stopped from doing so with another kick on Isaac's stomach.

"Ugh!"

"Kyaa!"

"What did this fucking retard do for all of you to make such noise?"

Isaac struggled to breath on the ground, but he was still able to hear the familiar voice and remember who it's from.

Kaizen. He was the youngest son of the Rondart Family and the person who bullied Isaac the most. Most of the time, Kainen would usually treat Isaac as if he didn't even exist, but when he didn't, this asshole would actively seek out Isaac to harass him.

'Is he already at the age to enroll?'

Since Kaizen was also a noble, he had the right to enroll in the Campus. How long he was going to survive was an entirely different matter.

Isaac took a quick glimpse at Kaizen, who was troubled by the reaction of the girls around him. It seemed he had no idea what position Isaac was in within the Campus. Isaac remembered that Kaizen had always been the all brawn and no brain kind of guy.

If he was at least good at the brawn part, it may have been okay. But in truth, he was just as pathetic when it came to fighting, and all his victories were because his opponents yielded to him in fear of his status, not his skill.

'How did I not know he was here?'

Isaac wondered to himself, but it would have been even stranger if Isaac managed to find him in the tidal wave of students back at the port.

It had been a while since he'd felt the nostalgic sensation of pain. Isaac curled up and began to think. He knew that his life in the Campus was going to be difficult if he let Kaizen leave scot-free. None of the girls could stop Kaizen either. The only thing he knew how to do was causing a tantrum and use his fist to get what he wanted, and it was obvious he would use them to beat Isaac this time.

"I guess I have no choice."

Isaac muttered to himself and got back on his feet.

When Kaizen noticed all the girls stopped their angered cries and flinch, he turned his head with them. In that moment, he felt a blow at the back of his head accompanied by a strong 'thud'. Isaac quickly followed up with many kicks when Kaizen dropped on the ground.

Smack! Smack!

When a decisive kick made contact with Kaizen's forehead, all he could do was make out a whimper as his breath became faint.

"Aaah!"

The girls could only watch in despair. Isaac had finally committed assault. No matter how much they tried to hide it, there were too many witnesses here. The rumours would spread and it meant Isaac's expulsion, along with all the conveniences and benefits he brought with him.

"Why would you do this…"

When one of the girls begrudgingly complained to Isaac, he simply smiled and wiped the dirt that was on his shirt.

"It's a family problem."

"What?"

"This is Kaizen, and he is my younger brother."

"…"

"Therefore, this is a family issue for me to deal with. I'm embarrassed to say this, but my family is not the most harmonious in the world."

The students of the Campus were quick to figure out what Isaac was implying. An act of violence between students meant expulsion, but it was different when it was caused due to strife in the family. It was a common sight within a noble's household after all. They all knew what position Isaac was in back in his mansion, but he was still technically the heir to his family.

"Oh, I see. It's a family problem. Ohohoho, I guess we have no business here."

"E, even the Campus wouldn't stop the mature older brother from disciplining his younger siblings with some punishment."

They warily agreed with his rationale. With some form of justification on Isaac's side, all they had to do was ignore what was happening. It was much better to turn a blind eye than lose Isaac's convenient service.

"Kuk! You fucker! Die!"

Kaizen finally got back up and began to swing his fists at Isaac. Isaac blocked the punch with one arm, while hitting Kaizen's throat with his other arm.

"Uughh!"

A man's throat was one of the most vulnerable areas. A man could die from such a blow if it was strong enough, but Isaac showed no mercy with his blow. Kaizen struggled on the ground with tears and snot covering his face. The sight was at best pitiful. All of the girls frowned and turned away from the disgusting sight they had to witness.

"Kuk! Do you think you'll be fine after this? You've always been my toy!"

Kaizen shouted at the top of his lungs the moment he managed to get his breath back. But Isaac just sighed and shrugged his shoulders as if he was trying to show what he meant.

"I am embarrassed to say that is my brother. The fool is a disgrace to my family."

"Oh dear! How true."

"He is a disgrace to all nobles."

"I would hate to ever associate myself with him in any way!'

"How barbaric."

Kaizen was bewildered by the cold looks and sharp voices from the girls surrounding him. The voice in his head was telling him to rip Isaac to shreds, but the stares from the girls were stopping him from doing so.

Kaizen glared back at Isaac once more. He was innocent. He didn't do anything wrong. All he did was beat Isaac like he normally did back at home; Isaac should be begging for mercy on his knees at this point. But now he's hitting him back, and the girls seem to disapprove of his actions. This seemingly irrational situation had brought only confusion in his head, and he decided it was time to leave this uncomfortable situation.

"It's not over yet! You just watch, I'm telling my brother!"

Isaac clicked his tongue as he watched the boy, who was bigger than most around his age, run away with tears in his eyes.

'Dumbass.'

The students in the Campus were not only capable but also had a strong sense of independence due to their life away from their families. They would try to solve their problems to their best of their own abilities. Kaizen would later learn that taking off from that fight the way he did was the worst possible action he could have taken.

A woman's gossip was a terrifying weapon. The incident between Isaac and Kaizen had spread across the entire Campus within hours. Some of the colleagues and seniors of Kaizen in the 2nd Military School rose up to defend him but faltered when the girls in favour of Isaac clashed against them.

Not only were they inexperienced in dealing with the girls, the rumour about Isaac's background had begun to change. After the shameful display of running with his tail between his legs, it was now Kaizen who was labelled the fool of the Rondart Family and that Isaac was mislabelled as such because of his birth and the lack of support within the family. With such rumours taking shape, the students who tried to defend Kaizen stayed quiet to avoid being grouped together with Kaizen.

In fact, some of the students were enraged at Kaizen. All of the girls began treating the students in the 2nd Military School as insects, and the boys were mad that Kaizen had destroyed their chance at romance before it even started.

While the Campus was in a turmoil with this incident, Isaac himself was enjoying a leisurely life within the port lodge. The Student Council investigated what had occurred on the day of the incident and placed him under house arrest.

Isaac welcomed this decision. As someone who found just walking to the Campus from the port bothersome, he now had a reason to stay at home. But it didn't take long before the peace was broken.

"Don't you guys have classes to attend to?"

"What, is that the first thing you say to your cute Hubae?"

Disappointment was clearly visible on Reisha's face. She came to visit Isaac early in the morning with a large fish in her hand. Next to her was Kunette, who was quietly staring up at Isaac.

"What are you here for? Students are banned from entering the port, you know."

"That rule only applies to the students of the Campus. They said that College students are exempt from that rule."

"Really? Then why did they never… I guess there is no point in them coming here."

The College was an institution for the gifted, and it held the responsibility of assigning the most tremendous amount of work to challenge them in any way possible. Kunette and Reisha would be the only people who'd have the time to visit the port to play in the entire College.

"… Isaac, I want honey."

"Hm?"

Kunette began tugging on Isaac's pants as she asked for the honey. It seemed Kunette's goal in this visit was the honey.

"Then why don't we have some honey tea?"

There was nothing special about the honey tea. Calling it tea was overselling it; it was just a spoon of honey mixed in warm water. But Reisha headed to the kitchen instead and decided to make sashimi for herself with the fish she had just caught and Kunette simply heated the honey itself and started devouring it with her spoon.

At this point, Isaac didn't care what Reisha and Kunette were doing. He wasn't one to feel loneliness, for he never really cared about having social contact. For Isaac, these two were just entertainment if they were around and nothing more.

"Do you not like honey?"

Reisha seemed to have a mixed feeling to Isaac's question.

"Rather than hating it, I just find honey made by humans bland."

"Bland? The honey?"

"… Elven honey, tasty."

Watching Kunette, who was obsessed about honey, talk in a lucid state seemed to give credence to Reisha's words.

"Hm, I'm starting to get curious as to how they taste?"

"Ahem! If you really, REALLY want it that badly, then I just might try extra hard to ask for some from home."

"No thanks, I'm not that desperate."

Sadness enveloped Reisha's face as her somewhat arrogant attitude was cut short by Isaac's remark, but then she quickly perked up again.

"Oh yea, I heard you did someone in already. That's too bad! If I was there too, I would have fucked him up good along you."

"And where did you learn to speak like that?"

While Isaac was baffled by Reisha's crude choice of words, the door opened without a knock and a boy came barging into the lodge.

"Hey! I didn't think you'd come to visit me personally? Should I say it's been a while, brother?"

"Don't act so friendly, trash."

Kainen's rudeness quickly came into Reisha and Kunette's attention. Reisha jumped off her chair while Kunette began to growl with her fangs in plain view. After a quick loathing look at the two, he turned back at Isaac to continue his words.

"Are they your new guardian angels since Mazelan Sunbae is gone?"

Isaac stopped Reisha and Kunette, who tried to speak against Kainen.

"These two aren't very useful as guardians."

"Huh? Sunbaenim!"

"… I'm useless?"

Isaac quickly calmed down the two from crying before looking back at Kainen.

"So why is someone so noble visiting a piece of trash like me?"

After a brief pause and a cold look, Kainen smirked at Isaac's question.

"Family business."

"Family business… Is it because of Kaizen?"

"No. I'm just here because the name I'd forgotten had begun to come to my ears lately. It really is strange. Your personality is completely different from back home. It's as if you're a different person."

The two stared at each other, neither yielding an inch.

"Ha, if I acted like this back in the mansion, I would have been buried in the Night of Tranquillity long time ago."

"Impossible. The Nameless Desert is too good for you."

The Night of Tranquillity was the tomb for the members of the Rondart Family, while the Nameless Desert was a public graveyard for the criminals and the poor.

"Well, try to struggle as much as you can."

Kainen stopped his sentence to take another look at Reisha and Kunette with his gaze.

"I won't stop you if it's just some immature curiosity, but don't get too involved with them. They live in a different world to us."

"Hmph! That's none of your business!"

Reisha reacted immediately while Kunette claws began to emerge.

"Hmph, You'll learn your lesson once you've burnt yourself to those non-humans."

Kaizen gave one last look at Reisha and Kunette and then snorted as he left the lodge.

As soon as he disappeared, Reisha started complaining to Isaac.

"What kind of human is that?"

"I hate that man."

Isaac muttered to himself as the two continued their grumbling.

"What do you want me to do?"

With their mood completely ruined by Kainen, Reisha and Kunette started to annoy Isaac to relieve their anger. In order to escape their clutches, Isaac gave them his secret stash of snacks only for it to be devoured in its entirety within moments. But Isaac considered it a small price to pay to escape from them.

"What's for lunch today, Sunbaenim?'

"Why are you asking me? I'm sure the students of the College get much better food in the cafeteria than the students of Campus, right? And how are you hungry again after eating all of my snacks?"

"But I want to eat something special."

"Well I want to eat the usual."

"Hiing, Can't you just make that bulgogi again? Please?"

"No."

"Aang! Sunbaenim!"

Reisha started her usual tantrum for some food. Kunette didn't seem to care as long as there was honey within the ingredients. Cooking was a bothersome task for Isaac, but because of the sudden house arrest, there weren't many ingredients in the lodge as well.

Unable to withstand the constant nagging, Isaac headed into the kitchen and poured some brandin powder in a pot of water. Brandin was a type of grain that was nutritious and had a long shelf life. It was the main source of food for the commoners in this continent.

It was normally baked into bread or made into porridge, and this time Isaac decided to make some porridge with some meat in the mix. With the right amount of salt, the porridge began to boil and release its savoury smell.

Kunette and Reisha were already in the kitchen before Isaac had realised. Seeing them drool at the sight of the porridge, Isaac started to wonder why he was tasked with feeding them. He then took out some bowls and split the pot equally into 3 portions.

"Wow! It looks delicious!"

Isaac had no idea as to what Reisha saw in this plain old porridge. But Kunette seemed to just stare at the porridge with a frown on her face.

"Here! You should find it more to your taste with this honey."

Smile returned on Kunette's face once Isaac handed her a small pot of honey.

"… Thanks for the meal."

It seemed Kunette was finally attached to Isaac after the constant feeding, and she put up little resistance as Isaac continued to pet her head. He was thinking of asking Gonzales to bring in some more honey. At that moment, someone began knocking on the door.

"I'm having a lot of guests today."

Isaac couldn't ask Kunette or Reisha to answer the door since they were technically his guests now, and it would be rude for him to ask them to open the door.

"You better leave my share alone."

Isaac gave his warning to Reisha, who already finished her share and was now aiming for the ownerless plate that was next to her.

"Who…"

Stab! The moment Isaac opened the door, the sharp edge of the knife made its way through Isaac's chest. Stunned, all Isaac could do was look at the culprit. It was Kaizen, his eyes filled with hatred and vengeance.

'I let my guard down.'

Cough! Cough! The knife seemed to have made its way to his lungs. He could barely breathe as he continually coughed out blood and was soon met with excruciating pain that followed. With blood painted on his face, the vengeful man that was once here was now gone; all that was left was a bumbling fool, not understanding what he had just done. Kaizen staggered as he took steps backwards and then turned around to make a sprint back where he once came. All Isaac could do was watch as his knees began to give in and collapse on the floor.

"Sunbaenim!"

"Isaac!"

He could hear Kunette and Reisha's voices. While his consciousness began to fade away, Isaac muttered to himself.

"The porridge is going to get cold…"

This is a dream.'

That was the first thing that came to Joon-young's mind as he watched the battlefield. His dead comrades stood next to him, laughing. Their heads shattered, pierced by numerous bullets that found their mark. Shells and grenades sent their limbs flying into the air. Their skin melted in the face of chemical weapons. But they laughed on, and Joon-young laughed along with them.

They were the phantoms of the battlefield. Those who would walk the line between life and death. Unfazed by the mountain of corpses that they'd built and now reside in.

"What are you doing here?"

Sergeant Min asked. He still had the cigarette in his mouth and the gaping hole in his stomach.

"I believe you're missing a word at the end?"

Sergeant Min giggled at Joon-young's reply and threw his cigarette to the side.

"There's a limit to how much you can slack off, sir."

Just as Joon-young was about to reply to Sergeant Min who was doing a quick salute, his eyes opened and a familiar ceiling came into his view.

"Fuck that dream."

It made him remember. The mounting tension as the first battle was about to take place. The growing fear as his senses about life and death began to dull. The despair when he realised something in him had already twisted beyond repair. When that emotion disappeared, all that stood was a lunatic. It wasn't a pleasant thought. As he tried to get himself off the bed, an agonizing pain from his left chest flared.

"Kuk!"

A torrent of coughs overwhelmed his body, which aggravated the pain even more. When the coughs finally began to dissipate, he took off his shirt to have a look on his wound.

"Did it get my lungs?"

Breathing was difficult. A red line ran right across the middle of his left chest.

This world's medical technology was quite fascinating. He had seen it during his time in the hospital – how a glowing white hand would come close to the wound and it would begin to heal immediately. At that time, he was amazed at technology that would only be possible in a sci-fi movie, but he never thought he'd be the one on the receiving end.

"Why the hell does it hurt so much? Why didn't they just heal me completely when they were at it?"

There was a constant reminder of pain whenever he turned his body, when suddenly the door to his room opened.

"Who is it?"

Isaac turned his head to find a woman he had never seen stand before him, his eyes wide in amazement. Her godly beauty was unmatched by anything he had ever seen before, including his previous life. Her hair was sunrise-gold with amber eyes, and her body was golden in every proportion.

Isaac was in a daze as he continued to stare at her, wondering as to where this beauty came from. The woman, however, didn't seem to show much interest and left the room after glancing at Isaac for a brief moment.

"What the? Why's she just leaving? Ah! Was she the healer? But why haven't I heard about her before? She should be famous by now with looks like that."

While more questions popped up in his head, there a sudden ruckus and Reisha barged into the room.

"Sunbae-nim!"

Reisha threw herself to Isaac with a hint of tears on her eyes. Isaac caught her out of reflex, only to be paralysed by the impact of Reisha's reckless leap.

"Are you trying to kill me?"

Isaac put all his strength in his shaking arm to peel Reisha off of him.

"Do you know how worried we were? We thought you were going to die!"

"Well, I'm alive now. How long has it been?"

"You've been unconscious for the last 3 days! Do you know how much of a struggle Kunette and I went through to look after you?"

"Then who was it that healed me?"

"Kunette."

"Kunette? Then who was that lady that came in the room?"

There was a pause, a head tilt, then a mysterious smile on Reisha's face.

"Uhuhuh, do you want to know? You're curious right?"

"No, not really. I'll know when the time comes."

Reisha muttered menacingly at Isaac's apathetic behaviour when Kunette walked into the room this time.

"Oh, Kunette. I heard you're the one who healed me. Thanks. You saved my life."

Kunette didn't say a single word to Isaac. There was only her usual stare. She then handed the bundle of brown leaves in her hand on to Isaac.

"Hm? What's this? A present?"

"…Choyu leaves."

"What's that?"

"It's an herb we use to heal the lungs, heart or airways when they are damaged beyond the initial healing."

"Does that mean I'm not fully cured yet?"

"Umm…"

Reisha hesitated to speak, unsure what Isaac would do if he heard it.

"… The Campus refused to treat you since only its students are allowed to receive its services."

"Oho?"

Isaac was surprised at Kunette. The aggressive tone in her voice was something he'd never seen from her. Reisha also seemed quite mad as she quickly joined in loudly.

"It was horrible of them! We quickly did some first aid and went through the trouble to bring you to the infirmary, and they refused us outright! So Kunette and I just rampaged through their infirmary! At least the students who were there for practical lessons were kind enough to treat you!"

"Huh, now that is harsh."

Were they just headstrong or lacking the morality? For a healer who saves lives to refuse treating a patient seemed outrageous. Was it because Isaac didn't have health insurance?

"Then why do I need these choyu leaves?"

"We managed to heal the cut, but it was impossible for us to treat the organs to fully. The only way to treat you completely is to visit the mainland but…"

"I'll be expelled the moment I step a foot outside Campus, so that's out of the picture."

"…"

"So that's why it hurts."

"…Does it hurt that bad?"

Kunette came closer and looked up at Isaac. You could tell how worried she was with the look in her eyes. Isaac simply smiled and began patting her on the head.

"I can't die before I let Kunette eat all the honey in the world."

Kunette seemed sold on his words, and accepted Isaac's hand on her head without any resistance.

"Che! You only like Kunette. Maybe I'll just tell you everything."

"Hm? Tell me what?"

"Ahaha! It's nothing."

"Whatever. By the way how am I supposed to take the choyu leaves? Do I make it into a tea?"

Isaac looked closely at the herbs. It was a circular leaf about the size of his palm. There was a hint of blueness, suggesting it had been processed in some way. If it weren't for its leaf-like texture, Isaac wouldn't have considered it to be a plant just by looking at it.

"What you do is you roll it up and light it on one end while sucking up the smoke from the other."

Reisha took one of the leaves to show Isaac what she meant. She rolled up the leaf into a cylinder and placed one end of it in her mouth.

"Once you light it, you have to breathe in the vapour. You have to breathe deeply, or it won't reach far enough. Do you get it?"

… That's just a cigarette.

Smoking was a taboo for patients with an injured lung, not to mention that this was the extremely toxic, unfiltered kind of cigarette that was used in the old days. Isaac remembered that cigarettes were once considered a medicine in history and believed that this world had yet to find out what devastating health issues cigarettes caused.

Cigarettes are devastating poison to those suffering from lung disease. But that wasn't stopping Isaac from taking them. How could the possible chance of death stop him from smoking when he enjoyed it to its fullest back in the old world?

His heart began to pound with anxiousness and excitement as took back the cigarette and took his first breath.

There wasn't any dizziness from the nicotine in the cigarette, which is commonly experienced when someone smokes for the first time. Instead, it tasted like menthol cigarette. The only difference was that it didn't just taste like mint, but actually felt like the lungs themselves were being cleaned by the smoke.

"Huh? This is pretty good."

The dull ache in his chest disappeared immediately. There wasn't any bad breath that typically came after smoking a cigarette but rather a refreshing feeling in his mouth.

"Really? Most people find it quite strong."

"Strong? This? It feels really good for me."

It felt like a breath of fresh air was being directly injected into his lungs. No, it didn't just feel like it. His chest truly did feel clean, and his mind felt like it had just awakened from slumber. With his brain now fully active, the name Kaizen came to his mind.

"What happened to Kaizen?"

"We caught him of course! I made sure to turn him into a bloody pancake so you can go and hit him yourself if you'd like!"

"Where is he now?"

"Hehe, he's in the infirmary."

"You really did turn him into a pancake."

If a suspect who should have been detained was in the hospital, it truly meant that he was injured to the point where he couldn't move on his own will.

"So what are they saying at the top? I'd imagine the Campus is in a bit of a ruckus?"

"Um… they say it will end as requesting him to drop out willingly."

"Just to drop out when he tried to kill me?"

Dropping out from the Campus meant he was officially dead within the society of nobles, but it was still too light of a punishment for someone who attempted murder.

"… Isaac isn't enrolled in any school."

Kunette's words explained everything to Isaac. He was well aware of his lack of rights when he became the Campus' official punching bag a few years ago, but he didn't think it would carry on to this extent. Then again, who in the right mind would try to murder someone in the hub of intelligence that is the Campus?

In the history of 300 years of the Campus, there had been 5 cases of murder between students, and they were closely related to the feudal wars that had been going on within the continent. It was like a butterfly effect.

The fight between children soon became one between adults, and since they were all children of high standing families, they began gathering their allies, friends, in-laws and cousins until the Empire nearly succumbed to a civil war between 2 factions.

That's how serious this incident could have become, but all he was getting was a request to drop out from Campus because Isaac wasn't enrolled to a school. It seemed both this world and the old found people's lives to be less than expendable.

"B, but everyone was mad about it. They were saying how the youngest son of some nameless family called Rondart… Ah! I , I mean they were writing to their parents that the members of the Rondart family are a group of depraved… N-no! I mean, that's…"

With each attempt at comforting Isaac ending in failure, Reisha's eyes were starting to swell up with tears. Isaac quickly put a stop to this by patting her on the head.

"I know, I know. You were worried about me. Thanks."

"Eheh!"

A few gentle pats quickly changed Reisha's expression to a smile.

The palm sized leaf quickly turned to ash after a few puffs. Just when Isaac finished his first bundle of leaf and began rolling up a new one, Kunette placed her paws on Isaac's knees.

"Hm? What, you want me to pat you too?"

"…I healed Isaac."

"Yes, thanks. You did well. You saved my life. I'll let you have all the honey you want."

Kunette's cheeks flushed red. Isaac wasn't sure if it was because of his patting or the fact he mentioned the word honey.

"By the way, how much do these cost?"

"They aren't that expensive. It was originally developed for the poor who couldn't afford proper treatment, so they sell for about 1 Giga each."

There were 4 types of currencies in this world and arranged from the smallest to largest, they were the Bit, Byte, Mega and Giga. It was simple to just think of them as 1 U.S. dollar for a Bit, 5 dollars for a Byte, 10 dollars for a Mega, and 100 dollars for a Giga. Therefore, Isaac just smoked a hundred-dollar cigarette. You could try saying it's cheap for some, but is it really affordable to the commoners?

"Isn't it too expensive?"

"Why? Even the most heavily damaged airways can be healed after 5 of those."

Reisha's reaction made Isaac realise that this cigarette wasn't just a consumable.

"It's really medicine?"

Isaac looked at the cigarette in between his fingers. Can he really quit after his lungs have fully healed? Maybe if he was never fond of smoking, but how can he when he was a chain smoker in the past? Plus! Unlike the old world's cigarette, this thing is actually beneficial to the body. He could already feel his body becoming lighter and his mind clearer. Could he truly quit after this? Impossible.

"So where did you get these from?"

"We asked Mr. Gonzales to bring them."

"I thought I was unconscious for 3 days? The supply ship only comes once every 2 days, so the time doesn't seem to match there. The day I got hit by the knife wasn't the day the supply ship comes either. So how did you do it?"

"Mazelan Sunbaenim helped us for that. He personally authorized these goods to be transported for emergency purposes, disregarding the original time schedule so Mr. Gonzales could pick them up on his own."

"Well, man. If he's helping me out already, I'll have a harder time getting his help later in the future."

It must have been possible for Mazelan who worked in the Capital's Department of Supplies. He was a valuable asset for the department since he was selected from the College to be one of the managers. His royal status must have helped in some ways as well.

"But what about the money for this?"

The bundle that Kunette gave to Isaac held about 100 leaves in total. It wasn't that significant of an amount of money for Isaac, but there was no way Kunette or Reisha held that much money themselves.

"Eheh, the truth is we didn't have any money on ourselves. So we just gave the safe that was in your room to Mr. Gonzales so that he can give it to Mazelan Sunbaenim."

"…!"

That safe held Isaac's entire savings; an estimated 20000 Giga was stored in it. Would Mazelan give back the change to Isaac? Probably in an emergency, but he'll most likely slowly leak it back to Isaac like drops of water from a faucet that wasn't shut off properly and tease Isaac with it for a long time while nothing else was happening.

Meanwhile, Reisha seemed to be expecting some words of praise, her eyes wide with anticipation like that of a puppy.

"Do I have to quit smoking now…?"

Isaac knew that wasn't happening any time soon.

For someone as lazy as Isaac, the injury provided him with a great excuse to avoid his responsibilities and extend his free time, staying on his bed for as long as possible. By the time he got out of his bed, everything had already been resolved. Kaizen went into a hysterical outrage after learning that the Campus could do nothing for him and offered him the opportunity to drop out. To his disbelief, even his brother, who he desperately sought out for support and defence, had ulterior motives. Kainen had convinced the Campus to remove Kaizen from its premises through expulsion instead.

The news of this incident had yet to spread across the entire continent because of the isolated nature of the Campus, but once the holidays come and the students returned home, it would only be a matter of time before the entire continent realised what had happened. The Rondart Family's reputation and integrity would be questioned by the public, which would jeopardise Kainen's future.

The fight for inheritance was present within many noble families, but for such a disgusting act to transpire in public was universally frowned upon. Although Kaizen acted out of retaliation to Isaac's "disciplinary action," it could easily be misinterpreted by the public as their attempt at removing the heir for the title of Baron in plain sight. It was more than enough to cause public outrage. They had to demonstrate some form of apology before rumours could start, which would mitigate the damage and save what little honour they had left.

"Now they'll really try to kill me," Isaac said to himself.

When Isaac heard what had happened, his mind immediately thought of the baroness of the Rondart Family, who was the true ruler of the mansion. But even the status of becoming mortal enemies with the Rondart Family seemed to have little impact on Joon-young's consciousness, who couldn't care less.

He casually threw his fishing line into the calm sea, burying himself deep into his chair as he took out a cigarette. The inhalation of the refreshing smoke made its way into Isaac's lungs just as quickly as the white puffs of smoke dissipating into the air upon exhaling.

"Ah, this is heaven."

He had been smoking whenever he had any spare time, and his lungs had healed completely thanks to it. In fact, they were probably in better condition than before the incident.

He didn't need its healing effects anymore, but Isaac could only fall further into addiction, unable to break this habit of his. To him, there was a difference between sitting around idling and having a calm and leisurely day. Cigarettes were the perfect way to spend his leisure time. Plus, it was bought in bulk thanks to Reisha.

He watched his surrounding and made sure no one was around before flicking the burnt-out cigarette into the sea. Once he was sure, he clicked his fingers. A small flame emerged on the tip of his finger.

"Is it because this body is special, or because I'm from a different world?"

Isaac had felt the refreshing essence that flowed within him whenever he smoked the Choyu leaves. At first, he believed it was the medicinal effect of the herb, but he couldn't have been more wrong. Ironically, it was something he had given up a long time ago; it was the essence of mana.

Whenever he smoked, mana would begin to flow inside him and would linger around for 10 minutes before it would dissipate. There were no obvious withdrawal symptoms or side effects. The feeling of mana flowing in his veins felt like someone scrubbing the rust off his body; It was an addiction he could not fight against once he had experienced it. He could feel his body become light and he had total clarity in his mind. His physical prowess doubled, his field of vision wider, muscles more vigorous, and mind sharper.

"I'd be a billionaire if I could sell this back in my old world."

He was sure that all the students in the old world would flock in mass to even get one of these to help their studies.

"But what's the point when there are no customers to be had…"

Isaac remembered what had happened to his home, which was just a pile of rubble now. Even if he were to change nationalities now, there would still be a hint of discrimination no matter where he went.

Isaac shook his head, keeping away from the bitter regrets of his past. It was a place he could no longer visit. Remembering it would only hurt him in the long run, so forgetting it was the best thing to do.

"Well ain't that nice? I can at least use magic now, but the problem of becoming strong is still an issue. Well, at the very least, it'll be convenient for daily activities."

The mana he'd gain was only enough to use a single, the simplest of all basic spells, once. He'd use it to light a fire for his next cigarette or to make a cube of ice to use in for his tea. But there were also other reasons Isaac didn't give up and continued to train by buying more of these herbs. The use of magic in this new world piqued his interest greatly; he had thought that magic had some form of theory or catalyst as a requirement but had found that it could be cast and controlled by willpower alone.

"The scientists would go mad researching this. Creating fire and ice out of thin air like it ain't anything."

It was a power which completely contradicted the laws of physics.

Even he, the man who slept through every single physics class back in high school, found this fact amazing. There was no telling what any scientist would do to get their hands on this kind of power.

"Aaah, please let the day end like this."

Exercising his usual lazy behaviour, Isaac muttered to the sky when Reisha's voice echoed from afar.

"Sunbaenim!"

Reisha and Kunette moved back to the port after Isaac's stabbing incident. Isaac wondered if these two ever attended any classes in the first place, as he hardly saw them leave the port since then. Isaac kept the fact he could gain mana through smoking to himself. Calling it a secret was questionable at best since the amount of mana gained was miniscule, but having at least one trump card in his sleeve would go a long way in keeping his life especially when enemies are on the prowl.

In order to analyse the situation further, he tried to make more alone time for himself. He once again used his injury as an excuse to delegate his business to Reisha and Kunette. In return, they both would receive bulgogi and honey, respectively. There was nothing complicated about delegating this job, since all they had to do was make a list of orders and bring the goods to them from the port. On top of that,Isaac's loyal customers preferred to interact with Reisha and Kunette rather than himself.

"You delivered the goods intact right?"

"Yep! And I even received more orders on the way back! I'm starting to think of moving into business in the future."

"Go right ahead."

While Reisha continued to chatter with excitement on how she was making the profit, Kunette stumbled her way next to Isaac and sat next to him. But there was one more person who had visited Isaac with Reisha and Kunette this time.

"Who are you?"

Isaac had never seen him before. He wore the College's dark blue uniform emblazoned with an emblem depicting a stack of gold coins on his chest, complemented by a handsome and charming appearance.

"You must be the famous Isaac Sunbaenim! Nice to meet you."

The man approached Isaac and grabbed onto Isaac's hand for a firm handshake. Isaac looked back at him in confusion. Not only was he wondering why a student of College visited him, he also didn't know anyone in the College who was friendly towards him in the first place. At best, they were partners in trade due to his business, but they were nothing more than that.

"And you are?"

"Ah! Sorry for the late introduction. My name is Krent Rivolden."

"Rivolden? As in the Rivolden Merchant Guild, one of the Seven Grand Merchant Guilds in the Empire?"

"Wow! It is an honour for you to have heard my family's name!"

"It would be stranger if I didn't know it."

The Rivolden Merchant Guild was a confederation consisting of many other merchants with the Rivolden Family as its pillar. While the other merchant guilds operated on the main roads of the Empire, they found their niche in delivering the goods to the smaller villages in the rural areas. This turned out to be their greatest strength, as it led them to having one of the largest numbers of merchants within their Union; at the same time, it gave them an upper hand in information gathering due to their wide trade network. They were one of the three strongest organizations within the entire continent when it came to intelligence.

"Your name will forever be recorded in history with the achievement of creating a market within the Campus, something no one had ever managed to do."

"It wasn't that big of a deal…"

"Not that big of a deal?! Do you have any idea how many merchants came into contact with me to send you their regards? Having a business with a 200% profit margin is every merchant's dream!"

"Heeh, I didn't know you had such reputation, Sunbaenim."

"I wonder myself too…"

Reisha seemed to see Isaac in new light.

"Hm…"

Just watching Krent's respectful behaviour towards him caused Isaac to raise an eyebrow. He could instinctively sense that something bothersome was about to happen. Krent, on the other hand, continued to use his social skills to chat with Reisha. Their conversation went on forever before Isaac finally found an opening for his question.

"So…why are you here at the port?"

"Ah! In truth, I didn't know."

"Know what?"

"That College students were free to enter the port. If I had known sooner I would have introduced myself to you much sooner! It is my biggest regret as of late!"

"So you came here to see me?"

"No. It was because someone had ordered me to."

"Ordered you?"

"Yes. Rivelia Sunbaenim asked me to deliver this to you."

"Wow! Is that the legendary love letter I've only heard in rumours?"

There was a spark of light in Reisha's eyes when Isaac took the letter in his hand.

"What do you mean love letter? I haven't even spoken a word to her yet. Please don't put me in trouble by spreading baseless rumours."

Isaac warned Reisha in fear of her actions before opening the letter. Curious of its contents, Reisha peeked beyond Isaac's shoulders to have a look while Kunette simply made her way onto Isaac's lap and took the letter for herself.

"… Boring."

"Ei, what the. It's nothing."

Isaac sighed at their disappointment. Just what were they expecting?

"So why does the famous lady of the College want to see me?"

Krent shook his head at Isaac's question.

"I have no idea."

The letter couldn't have been more plain and straightforward. Isaac was told by Rivelia to come see her in the College as she has some tasks for him. Isaac snickered after reading the letter's contents and passed the letter back to Krent.

"Tell her that if she has business with me, then she should come to me instead. I'm a busy man too."

"… Really?"

Krent couldn't believe what he just heard. This was a message given to him by the Goddess of the College, Rivelia. To ignore her, who stood on a different league in comparison to those prideful students of the College! Krent's respect toward Isaac was growing ever stronger.

"I respect you, Sunbaenim!"

"Hm?"

"I'll make sure to give her your message! 'It is the thirsty that digs the well! If you have business with me, then come visit me yourself.'"

"Are you trying to kill me?"

Krent couldn't hear Isaac's last words. He was already far away, his excitement pushing him faster toward Rivelia.

For a second Isaac, considered running after him, but he quickly realised that his physical capabilities weren't up to scratch to catch up to a student of a College. Reisha burst into laughter while Kunette began napping on Isaac's lap. After watching the two for a moment, Isaac sighed.

"I want to give up on everything now."

Krent fulfilled his mission splendidly. He blasted Isaac's words in the cafeteria during lunch time for everyone to hear, reaffirming Isaac's rejection of Rivelia's call and demand that it should be her that visit him instead.

The aftermath could be felt within that day. He had earned the rage of all the male students in the College, and the rules exempting College students from visiting the port had been common news now. This resulted in one or two of them visiting Isaac everyday, declaring their discontent along with insults and threats in an oddly elegant manner.

Isaac was quite thankful of his injury, for it gave him a good excuse for him to escape from this situation relatively unharmed.

"Shit, my money. That damn Mazelan Sunbae."

Isaac had sent a letter to Mazelan through Gonzales asking for his left over money after buying all of the Choyu leaves, but just as Isaac expected, all that returned was a letter containing three infuriating words.

Ha, ha, ha.

"How do I get my money back?"

As if losing his entire retirement fund wasn't problem enough, but Krent had recently joined the troublemakers Reisha and Kunette in making Isaac's life busier. Isaac could only survive each day thanks to the cigarettes. But there was one last unexpected guest who visited Isaac on one night, just when Isaac was about to sleep.

"Well… I didn't think you'd actually come here yourself."

Rivelia stood in the doorway, her silver hair illuminated by the moonlight. Her beauty was enough to make anyone's heart pound.

"Well, you should come inside for now."

"No, we'll speak here."

Isaac shrugged at her rejection to enter.

She was the all-important protagonist whose words carried absolute authority. Getting on her bad side was sure to invite trouble in the future.

"Do what you will."

Isaac sat on one of the chairs in the living room. He was prepared to listen, with his arms and legs crossed and his back sunk deep into the cushions. Just when Rivelia was about to speak up against Isaac's poor attitude, Kunette came down the stairs. Wearing her blue and green checkered patterned pajamas and a cone shaped nightcap on her head, she looked just like a giant teddy bear.

"… Isaac, is that a guest?"

"You haven't gone to sleep yet?"

"… Give me honey."

"You'll get fat if you eat just before you sleep."

Crack!

Angered by Isaac's words, Kunette proceeded to chomp on one of the legs of the table. It was a cute little threat from her. If Isaac were to refuse again, it'd be him in those jaws next time.

"Tsk tsk, you shouldn't be eating that. There's some honey on the kitchen table. You can take one. And make sure to clean yourself before you go to bed!"

Isaac quickly shouted at Kunette as she skittered into the kitchen, then looked back at Rivelia.

"So what was it that you wanted to tell me?"

"…"

"Hm?"

"Ah! Ahem, you are to follow my orders from now on."

"Huh?"

Isaac was befuddled by Rivelia's sudden demand for his obedience. Rivelia seemed to notice Isaac's confusion, and she rephrased her declaration with more detail to make Isaac understand.

"I have been selected as the President and Administrator of the Student Council since Mazelan sunbaenim has graduated. I will be managing all goods which enter the port from now on."

"So?"

"I will stop any goods which has not been approved from entering the Campus."

"Do what you will."

Rivelia's eyes narrowed, unsatisfied by Isaac's indifference.

"Do you understand what this means?"

"Sure I do."

Watching Isaac nod halfheartedly at her words tested Rivelia's patience. Who else would have the courage to treat her like this in the world?

This time, Rivelia spoke back against Isaac's sluggish acceptance with more strength behind her words.

"If we are to discover that banned goods have been sold within the Campus, the Student Council will take you to the Student Court."

"Go ahead."

"Umph!"

The judge of the Student Court, which determined the punishment for breaking the rules, was Rivelia herself, and with her authority as the President of the Student Council, she could hand out an expulsion as a form of punishment as well. But Isaac's continued lack of interest was pushing Rivelia further into rage.

"And I tried to give you a last chance! The Campus doesn't need someone like you! You will be expelled, mark my words!"

"Sure thing. But I don't think that's possible."

"Hmph! Do you think I can't? You've been breaking the rules for the past 3 years, I have more than enough power to give you an expulsion."

Isaac unconvinced, refuted back at Rivelia with a snicker.

"Which school's rules did I breach exactly?"

Rivelia confidence seemed to burst out as soon as Isaac said those words, as if she'd been expecting it.

"Hmph! Do you think I wasn't aware of your special status? It is clearly stated within the Rules for all in the Campus to follow: the President has the authority to stop any student who would cause disorder within the Campus."

Isaac pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and began muttering to himself.

"Oh man, an expulsion. Such dishonour for my family's reputation. The youngest brother was expelled for stabbing his brother, and the brother who had been stabbed now lives with permanent damage to his lungs because the Campus refused to heal him, resulting in an inferior treatment done by the students themselves. And now the Campus is trying to kick me out by saying I broke their rules. I wonder what the students will think."

"Uuck…"

It's exactly as Isaac had said. The large incident Kaizen had caused already spread through the entire Campus, along with what had happened to Isaac afterwards. Isaac was pitied by the students when the infirmary refused to treat him. Groups of students even spoke out against them, claiming that the Campus valued their rules over a human life. And now they even want to kick him out. Rivelia, who proposed all this, would have the image of a tyrant that was only interested in carrying out her own justice.

"Well, I doubt any student would challenge your authority as the President, with the Duke Pendleton behind your back. I guess the weak suffer what they must."

"Are you insulting my family's name?"

"The public opinion will give you the answer. I wonder who they'll badmouth more? Don't worry. I don't think there's a single noble who's brave enough to publicly denounce you. It'll be just be talk behind your back at best."

Rivelia grit her teeth as her glare focused on Isaac. There are many who hated and envied the Pendletons. Rivelia could only hold back her emotions, making sure that she showed no signs of weakness. Just talking with that man infuriated her to no end. She couldn't stand his arrogant and shameless behaviour. Her urge to hit him on the back of his head only rose every second.

"I am Rivelia, daughter of the Duke Pendleton."

"So?"

"I'm sure you're aware that Baron Rondart is a vassal to our family? That means you are my vassal."

"Ah! So you think that I, a man who has no supporters or any power of my own, am now in a position that could possibly take the title of Baron because I've somehow won a fight against my brother for power, so I should now treat you as my master, as presumed of a vassal? You should know what position I'm in if you have any ears."

Rivelia was speechless against Isaac's passive aggressive reply. She could only stare at him. She was well aware of his situation since her cousin Mazelan had told her all about it.

"Even if you have no interest in such matters, I am still the daughter of the Duke Pendleton. You should be more respectful."

Isaac smirked and began talking down to Rivelia with a tone as if she was a child.

"Oh dear, my little Hubaenim. I've heard a lot from Mazelan Sunbaenim you see. Our status do have effects in an official setting, but in private matters, the Campus still follows the sunbae-hubae relationship. And I don't think this situation is an official matter right now."

"Hmph! Do you really think you have the right to be my sunbae?"

"Thankfully, both the Campus and the College separates that distinction through which year we graduated. And I'm graduating in as little as 2 years. Hubaenim? I heard you're a genius? But even a genius such as yourself would find it hard to graduate from the College before me right? Wow! Does that mean I'll forever be the sunbae of the daughter of the Duke Pendleton? It is such an honour, my hubaenim."

"Kuuk…."

Rivelia was now at her breaking point, her lips firmly pressed and a deathly glare looking straight at Isaac. That arrogant face of his was begging for a strike from her.

"You should head off if that's all you have to say. Ah! Are you mad that I'm not treating you like all the other boys? I'm so sorry about that."

The followers of Rivelia would number in the thousands if the students of the Campus were included as well. Many coveted her, for marrying Rivelia meant that the Dukedom of Pendletons would be their wedding gift and their name would forever be carved into the royal bloodline. And with a beauty such as her as the icing on the cake, there were many who would do anything to gain her attention.

Isaac's words cut deep in her pride, and the only thing left on her face was the deathly stare of a cobra.

"I have put much effort to carry the name that is Pendleton, and I have also proven my worth without its influence. If you are to treat me as a vain and ignorant girl, then I can't help but take it as a personal insult."

Isaac shrugged at Rivelia's warning, passing it over as if had no value.

"Whatever. Should I give you a warning too? Don't treat me like those boys who follow you around for your attention. I'm not interested in you. Well, don't take that in a wrong way, because I'm not gay either. You and I live in a different world, so it's best for both of us to stay away from each other."

"Remember! If I were to see any goods which has not received permission to be sold within the Campus, I will punish you myself."

"How could I even dare to go against your orders? But why do I get the feeling you'll be coming back soon to take back what you've said?"

"Hmph! That will never happen."

"Really? You can't be so sure about everything that happens in this world. Shall we make a bet?"

Isaac's disrespectful behaviour caused Rivelia to simply turn around and slam the door behind her as she left Isaac.

"… Is it fun to bully her?"

Kunette walked next to Isaac with patches of honey around her mouth. Isaac smiled at the little bear and started wiping her mouth.

"Bully her? Such dangerous words. I'm just playing along with her because she's acting so cute. How could I ever treat the daughter of the Duke Pendleton like a fool?"

"….You're not doing your business anymore?"

"Hm? But haven't all my goods been approved?"

"… Isaac, you're mean."

Rivelia was on her way to the port, her anger seeping out of her from every angle. Her path to the port was uninterrupted, for everyone she met steered away to avoid her overwhelming anger.

'How could the Committee make such a decision?'

Rivelia could not accept it at all.

She remembered the conversation that happened in the Headmaster's room.

"This is unacceptable!"

Rivelia slammed both her hands onto Corduroy's desk, and Corduroy couldn't hide his displeasure on his face. It was his favourite desk.

"Are you disobeying the decision from the Committee?"

"How can you let that man roam free like this?!"

In response to Rivelia's outburst, Corduroy opened one of the cabinets on his desk and began pulling out documents, one pile after another. By the time he was done, there were stacks upon stacks of documents covering his desk in its entirety.

"These are the complaints we've received since Isaac had stopped his business for just 3 days."

"They will demand for more exemptions once they get used to their current life."

"Well, that is only if Isaac's business were to continue. But he will be graduating in 2 years from now."

"Even if he were to graduate, the students will protest for the business to continue."

"It is easy enough to reject them at that point. I am embarrassed to admit it, but the situation had come to this because we were all too lazy to make a response. It is most definitely the Committee's fault. But we will not shy away from the mistakes we've made and will bear the responsibilities that come with it."

"So you're happy to simply watch from the side?"

"That's exactly what we did when refused to treat him on the brink of death."

"…"

Rivelia was at a loss for words. Even she felt some pity for Isaac for what had happened in the infirmary. But the Committee only made what they believed was their best course of action.

"This will all come to pass in time. Isaac has taught us a valuable lesson, and we won't make the same mistake in the future. In fact, we are quite satisfied with how little damage it caused."

"Uck! So I have no choice but to approve his actions."

"It never needed approval in the first place. In truth, most of the professors are on good terms with Isaac, with all the gifts he had been donating. We are just as bound to the rules as the students, and it is we who are most at loss from those rules. He has much talent when it comes to scheming. It's a relief that he doesn't seem interested in politics."

Rivelia was only left with frustration. This was the first campaign she had eagerly started since she had taken office as the President of the Student Council, but none of the students seemed to agree with her plans and follow the same vision as her. She was well aware that the students seemed cooperative while she was around but were very much reluctant otherwise.

It couldn't have been a worse beginning for her as the President of the Student Council, having no choice but to take back her words, just like Isaac had told her before. Reisha and Krent had spread the word that Isaac wouldn't continue his business until Rivelia came to visit Isaac once again to tell him personally that the ban had been lifted.

He was a type of man Rivelia had never encountered before. She was well aware that many men approached her because of the name she carried. She despised that fact, which motivated her to become what she is now. She proved her strength to those who mocked her because of her gender. She did all she could to live up to her reputation as the daughter of the greatest noble family in the Empire. But that man saw nothing in her. Not her family, her skill or her beauty. He saw her as a stranger in every way. It was exactly what she craved for, but now it only agitated her. She was also confused and disgusted by the hypocrisy within her.

Mazelan had told her all about Isaac before. He was a child with the mind of a pessimistic old man, but underneath lies an uncanny resourcefulness which only surfaces when he is in trouble. She never listened to his words, believing it had no value to her. Now she realised just how aggravating Isaac's resourcefulness could be when he was an enemy.

Her rage peaked once more when she saw him fishing leisurely at the edge of the port. Kunette, who was eagerly eating honey next to him, noticed Rivelia and quickly told Isaac to turn his attention to Rivelia.

"Hey! It's a shame we didn't make a bet last time."

Rivelia replied in a cold voice, but underneath it was a burning desire to kick that smug face of his.

"I see why you were so indifferent last time. I admit, you were too big of a fish for me to catch as a student who had only been here for 1 year."

"Should I say it is an honour?"

"Hmph! But you only have 2 years now. That attitude of yours will end once you graduate."

"That's why I'm well under way in preparing my retirement right now. But thank you for being worried about me."

"W, who do you think is worried about you! Tsk! Remember that I have my eyes on you! The moment you break any of the rules, I will make sure to expel you!"

"Man, for such a beauty to say she will be watching me always. I think my heart just skipped a beat?"

"Uck! You better lay low if you don't want any trouble!"

Rivelia could no longer stop her anger controlling her face. Her family would have been shocked to see her this way, for her face was twisted beyond recognition from anger. Kunette, who watched all this, spoke to Isaac.

"… Don't tease her too much."

"Hooh? Do you like her that much?"

"… A scared little girl holding a burning ice."

"Ha! Her? Scared? And what do you mean by a little girl."

Isaac laughed. But he remembered what Mazelan said about Kunette's special power.

'He said she can see true nature right?'

He overlooked it the first time, but he became curious after Kunette saw through Rivelia. What do her eyes see in me?

"What about me?"

Kunette looked deep into Isaac's eyes when he asked that question. Isaac could see his reflection in her puppy like eyes. She stared at him without a word, and Isaac smirked.

"If it's too difficult to say it, then don't bother. I'm not that curious."

"… Lazy."

"Lazy? I think that's perfect."

Isaac laughed once more, but Kunette hadn't finished speaking.

"… Lazy. A lazy, sleeping monster that has shackled itself until someone bothers it."

"…"

Isaac had a complicated look when Kunette finished her words.

"Monster you say? Well, I guess you're right. But none of it matters if nobody bothers me right?"

Kunette didn't say a word back to Isaac, only a slight nod. As the mood became increasingly awkward, Isaac pulled out another cigarette as he watched the horizon.

"Yeah, as long as nobody bothers me."

The Committee, which was one of the two major governing bodies in the Campus, was made up of the principals and most notable professors of each school within the College. It was a governing body in name; in truth most of their meetings were just a friendly gathering between the greatest masters and intellects within the Empire. The majority of the work was done by the Student Council and the Committee only discussed problems beyond their capabilities, but such incidents were few and far in between since the Campus had been founded. However within the last few years, so many incidents had to pass through the Committee that the professors were in quite a conundrum.

Since the head of the Committee is always the Headmaster of the College, there was no struggle for power within the Committee, and what little conflict there was in there was mostly the fight of pride between the muscle heads and the bookworms, just like a rivalry between knights and wizards. Most meetings started in a friendly manner and finished as such, but right now, all the members of the Committee were struggling to wrap their heads around the current problem they faced.

While the cold and uncomfortable silence filled the meeting room, the Head of the Committee and the Headmaster of the College, Duke Corduroy, sat on his chair with one hand on his chin and the other tapping on the table. His displeasure was quite apparent on his face.

"In just 3 years, he has grown to a point where we can't do anything against him."

Corduroy's words held both discontent and admiration. Some of the other members showed their displeasure to his words, while others nodded in agreement.

"He really is one of a kind."

Corduroy muttered as he tapped his table with the document that was on the table. Those documents held the records of all the actions of Isaac Rondart.

"I think we've let him be for too long. Shouldn't we start to restrict his actions at this point?"

Those careful words were immediately met with Corduroy's grunt.

"And who will take that role? Only to receive all the blame and the infamy for their actions? Even I'm too scared to handle the consequences. Is there anyone else up for the job?"

Stopping Isaac wasn't an issue for the Committee; they held absolutely authority in the Campus. The real problem was the aftermath it would bring. Isaac had so firmly taken root in the Campus that removing him would lead to devastating consequences. Everyone knew about what had happened to Rivelia, whose attempt at stopping Isaac ended in complete failure.

About a third of the students in the Campus were female. The ratio was about the same for the female professors in the Campus. And it is in their instinct to take care of their appearance, but even the most basic form of makeups was impossible in the Campus. To the girls who only want to show their beautiful side, walking around the Campus without any makeup was the ultimate humiliation. But everyone in the Campus was only allowed to use what was given by the Campus, and makeup were obviously not included.

Some brave women rose up against this rule and asked for them to be added in their regular supplies, but all that returned was a harsh scolding telling them to get back to their studies. And just when they were about to waste their youth and beauty, Isaac came like a saving grace.

The price was steep, yes. But they were willing to trade their wallets for beauty. It was true that there were many times Isaac's business could've been found out. But the girls were well aware that although Isaac wasn't technically breaking the rules, it was very likely that his business would stop the moment it was found out.

So they unanimously agreed to keep it a secret. But even if they were to close their mouths about it, the boys were quick to notice the sudden change in the appearance of all the girls in the Campus. But hey, it's much better to look at prettier girls, so they feigned as if they didn't notice. If Rivelia didn't expose Isaac to the public like this, all of the girls in the Campus would have lived like princesses with the fairy god parent that was Isaac supplying them for the 5 years.

"I'm sure some of you also feigned ignorance after you've noticed it. You are still men, no matter what age you are."

Some of the principals blushed in embarrassment and began to cough dryly in response. There was no way the professors didn't notice the change in their students. They just ignored it with the excuse that it wasn't affecting their studies. But the biggest reason would be the bribes which Isaac gifted them through Mazelan.

The title of principal or professor in the Campus is one full of honour, but the responsibilities which came with it were just as heavy. They must lead with examples, so they too must follow the rule to only use the supplies which the Campus had given them. As the greatest intellectual elites in the Empire, they were very much used to using the finest products the Empire had to offer. With Isaac easing their inconvenience so willingly, it was inevitable for them to exhibit some positive feelings toward Isaac.

"What is there to worry about? We should bring him to justice immediately!"

Those impatient words were from Principal Mildrey, who was in charge of the 1st military school and the Dean of all the military schools in the Campus. Since Isaac was already well acquainted with the ways of war, the military school received much less gifts from him. Mildrey seemed to have no ill feelings in going against Isaac because of that.

Corduroy simply looked at Mildrey with a blank face.

"On which crime?"

"It's just breach of the rules, plain and simple! How could a student make a business targeting other students! This is an incident that had never happened since the Campus was founded!"

"I'm asking which school's rules did he break."

"Well…"

Mildrey couldn't say a word back. Isaac was a student of the Campus, but one who isn't part of any of the schools. It was because nobody wanted to take in a student who was so obviously going to have the worst grades in the entire Campus, but nobody would have even dreamed that he would become such a menace.

"We refused to heal him as he was about to die because of the rules, and now you've decided on using the rules against him?"

"Then if we were to take him into one of the schools…"

"Is that so? Does that mean you'll be the one taking him in?"

Mildrey shook his head before Corduroy even finished his words. It would only cause a headache to take in a student who couldn't even gather mana in his body, plus his lack of talent in swordsmanship. Plus, if Isaac was a hot potato before, he was now a scorching boulder. Taking him in would put his title as a principal in jeopardy, and he wasn't ready to take that adventure yet.

"You may have forgotten, but all of the schools rejected Isaac's application using excuses such as lack of talent and whatnot. But if you were to take him in now, it would mean that our decision back then was wrong. Are you ready to take the blame when that happens?"

"Then why don't we just expel…"

Unable to let go of the situation, Mildrey put out another idea, which only earned Corduroy's contempt.

"And are you ready to handle the aftermath?"

In truth, he very much preferred the eyes of admiration from the cute and beautiful female students rather than those sweaty boys. Imagining the girl's eyes of admiration turn to that of hatred was enough to even scare him.

Corduroy sighed at the sight of all the professors, who were clueless as to what could be done. They indeed deserved respect in their own field of studies; they have put much time and effort to reach their position. But maybe because they've only been digging a single well, they were hopeless in anything that wasn't their field of expertise.

The brutes of the Military School weren't even a factor at this point, and the same could be said for the professors of magic. The only ones that showed some insight were the professors from the administration field, but even they were only able to just grasp the current situation. To Corduroy, his only hope was the Dean of the Administration School. The infamous Kranjit, the 'Racoon of Politics,' who had entered the Campus to teach the students after he had retired from the political world.

"Speak your opinion."

Kranjit shrugged his shoulders when Corduroy asked for his advice.

"There isn't much to think about actually."

"Not much to think about?"

"Yes. We can simply cover up his shortcomings with his great achievement in the name of the Campus."

"What achievement did he accomplish in the Campus?"

"You are well aware that all the students in the College are the greatest talents in the Empire in their own field right?"

"What are you playing at? Aren't you one of the College graduates yourself?"

"I'm saying it because I've been there. I personally know what monsters those students are."

Even the royal family cannot enter the College if they didn't have the talent for it, which is why entering it is the greatest pride and honour to those in the Campus. The College was where countless feats of accomplishments beyond the scale of average men were made.

"But because of their overflowing talent, many of them are too proud and self-centered."

"They have the talent to make up for such things."

"It's nice that they have so much talent that they can afford to be arrogant, but they also lack the drive for their studies. I mean they do put some effort, but not many of them are, how to say, desperate."

"We can't blame them since they've never been put into such situation. Isn't that what it means to be young?"

"Do you know the number of stars College graduates get on average?"

"It's 9 to 12, is it not?"

"That's right. But our estimates show that the number of College students that will graduate this year and the next will skyrocket."

PR Note: If you remember from chapter 15 (Mazelan's graduation), stars are used to denote the number of years it takes for individuals to graduate the college. If you have 8 stars on your emblem (like Mazelan did), it means you graduated in 8 years. In essence, the author is implying in a very roundabout way that for the current and next year, more students will graduate with less stars on their emblem. Those students with less stars on their emblem mean that they graduated in an even shorter time period, which adds even more prestige to the students and the teachers that taught them.

Kranjit's words put the meeting room in a commotion. The more students graduate the College in each year, the more it will bolster the reputation of the College and the professors in it. But there was no way these numbers would rise without reason.

"It is indeed something we should congratulate, but why is that happening?"

"Kranjit smiled bitterly at Mildrey's question.

"It's because of Isaac."

The professors fell into a deeper confusion. The College indeed had some interaction with Isaac, but it was nowhere enough to make any impact of significance.

"It started with Rivelia. Were you aware that Rivelia had even stopped her duties as a Student Council to prioritise her training?"

"Oh! For the genius such as Rivelia to show so much effort even in the College, she is indeed miles above everyone else. I guess she has become the shining example for all the students to follow."

Mildrey and the other professors nodded in agreement and started to compliment Rivelia and the Pendletons.

But what Kranjit spoke afterwards stopped them on their tracks.

"You are aware that both the College and the Campus distinguish who the Sunbae and Hubae are by looking at which year they graduated right?"

"Who in here wouldn't know of that?"

"That is what made Rivelia desperate. She said she would rather die than become Isaac's Hubae."

"…"

Silence fell in the meeting room. Becoming a Hubae to Isaac, the greatest troublemaker, whose lack of talent was unmatched by all. The students of Campus may go over it without much issue, as they have a strict schedule to follow. But what about the students of the College? Those who can choose when they can graduate just by putting more effort into it? It was obvious that internal discrimination would take place in the College based on whether they graduated before Isaac or not.

"Her training has become so intense that even her master, the man who would drive the students to near death in the name of training, is telling Rivelia to rest. But Rivelia continues her training because of Isaac, and other College students who have heard of this quickly realised that they too may become Isaac's Hubae if they go about like they've always had."

"That's an unexpected series of events."

As Corduroy muttered those words, all of the professors were in deep thought. They weren't sure If they should be happy or sad about this. But what was important was that being professors in the year which the highest number of College graduates were produced would do well to raise the reputation of the professors and their family.

The Campus may seem detached from all this, but any benefits that have been missed by the College would all trickle down onto them.

"Ahem. Why should we bother about him when he'll be graduating in 2 years anyway? He can continue his noble deed for us and we will be there for our students who are very motivated."

Everyone agreed on Mildrey's words and decided to overlook on Isaac's actions as long as it wasn't too significant. There was more to gain from keeping Isaac rather than to remove him.