Correcting the Villainess of the Academy - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Encounter (4)

I clenched the silver locket around my neck unconsciously, feeling a surge of intense rage whitening my mind.

I had long ago dismantled and killed those detestable creatures one by one. Witches were entities that should never reappear in Sa Jaehyuk’s life.

Yet, here they were, showing themselves before him again.

Sa Jaehyuk instinctively cast a murderous glance at the boy, intensifying the boy’s trembling. His face turned as pale as a corpse.

Yet, the fact that he did not avert his gaze only fueled Sa Jaehyuk’s anger more. He gripped the handle of the blade he had sheathed.
T hi s was c op i e d f r om k i n g m t l . o rg

Just as he was about to strike, Yejin suddenly blocked his path.

“Commander! What are you doing suddenly! Have you lost your mind?”

“…”

Halted by Yejin’s intervention, Sa Jaehyuk looked back at the boy. His eyes were still filled with fear, but they met Sa Jaehyuk’s gaze directly.

“…If you’re going to kill me, just do it.”

The boy barely managed to speak in a trembling voice, sounding as though he had resigned to his fate.

Hearing this, Sa Jaehyuk felt the tension in his body slightly ease. He regained some composure and was able to think rationally again.

Before him was just a boy who had given up on life.

There was not a single trace of the mocking and destructive behavior witches had shown.

Moreover, although quite handsome, it was clear that he was not a woman.

“…What’s going on…?”

Yoon Chaewon, who had returned, looked stunned. She glanced back and forth between Sa Jaehyuk and the boy, trying to gauge the situation.

T h i s w a s c o p i e d from ki n g m tl.or g
Sa Jaehyuk then sheathed his blade again and turned towards Yoon Chaewon.

“It’s nothing. More importantly, how did the interrogation go?”

T his wa s co p i ed f r o m ki ngm tl. o r g
“…Sorry. He was tighter-lipped than I thought.”

Yoon Chaewon reported in a whisper. The captured warlock had begged for his life pitifully, but remained silent on other matters.

Criminals of this sort sometimes showed an unexpected sense of loyalty in the most unlikely aspects. It seemed this was one of those times.

“But it wasn’t entirely fruitless. We confirmed a three-leaf clover tattoo on his body, and his magic was very potent. He’s definitely a member of the Night Brigade.”

“…The Night Brigade, not just some wandering marauders?”

The Night Brigade was a rapidly growing criminal organization. Their main clients were not the riff-raff but several mage families.

The Brigade was renowned for cleanly handling their dirty work, which often meant assassination.

Initially, it was thought that the boy, having run away from the hospital missing his hometown, had unfortunately encountered marauders rummaging through the ruins.

However, the Night Brigade was a group where only skilled criminals could enter, and their members, who received considerable pay, were unlikely to be looting ruins on the frontier.

Considering all these circumstances, there was only one conclusion: someone with significant influence, enough to hire the Night Brigade, had plotted the boy’s demise.

“Um…”

Sa Jaehyuk let out a light grunt, feeling a headache coming on.

Although the disturbance had ended, nothing had been satisfactorily resolved.
T h i s wa s c o p i ed fr om ki n gm t l . o r g

Suspicious as it might be, the boy was, on the surface, nothing more than an unfortunate sole survivor of a remote residence.

It was hard to think of a compelling reason why influential people would target such a pitiable boy, especially those who hardly had time to spare for their own political and financial battles.

After much deliberation, Sa Jaehyuk turned back towards the boy, who still looked at him with empty eyes.

Seeing this, Sa Jaehyuk offered an apologetic smile and spoke.

“Sorry, kid. I must have misunderstood something earlier. We are soldiers of the Republic, tasked with eliminating such criminals and stabilizing the frontier’s security.”

“Soldiers?”

“Yes. We have no reason to harm you. On the contrary, we’re here to help. You can relax now.”

Warmed by Sa Jaehyuk’s softened tone, the boy’s guard slightly dropped. Seizing the moment, Sa Jaehyuk continued.

“It’s regrettable what happened to your village. Just asking, but do you have any relatives or a place to turn to…?”

“…No.”

“…I see.”

Before Sa Jaehyuk could finish, the boy shook his head, his mournful gaze directed towards the ruins of the village behind them.

Sa Jaehyuk thought, to uncover the truth behind these inexplicable events, the boy’s survival was essential.

The best course of action was to take him under his protection. This would enable a continuous investigation into the witch’s powers vested in the boy and the mastermind behind the assassination order.

And, just in case, if things went awry, being nearby would allow for quick action.

Of course, there was a definite sense of sympathy for the boy. On some level, Sa Jaehyuk felt a strange kinship.

The boy’s current plight clearly indicated he was swept up by an unwelcome, massive wave.

However, revealing his survival would make him a target again. No criminal organization would want to blemish their reputation by failing their mission.

“Kid, what’s your name?”

Finally deciding, Sa Jaehyuk approached the boy, who hesitated before speaking.

“Hyun. My surname is Lee, and my name is Hyun…”

“Not a bad name.”

“…My mom…gave it to me…”

Upon Sa Jaehyuk’s compliment, Lee Hyun bowed his head low. For a moment, Sa Jaehyuk chided himself for not possessing such tenderness.

“…I see. How old are you?”

“I just turned 16…”

Relieved by Lee Hyun’s response, Sa Jaehyuk felt more at ease. At 16, he would be legally an adult in a year.

He had been worried due to the boy’s frail appearance, but a year was enough time to cover with his abilities.

“Let me ask you, do you have any plans for the future?”

“…”

Lee Hyun shook his head silently, then subtly moved one hand behind his back.
T h i s w a s c o p ie d f ro m ki n g m t l .o r g

But Sa Jaehyuk noticed the glint of glass shards slipping through the boy’s fingers. That alone gave him a rough idea of the situation.

“Even if you think of following your family, think again. Consider this: if you were already dead and saw a family member wanting to join you, how would you feel? They would want you to live your best life.”

“…”

Shocked by Sa Jaehyuk’s words, Lee Hyun bowed his head lower, and a couple of small droplets fell to the ground.

The team members’ harsh stares bore into Sa Jaehyuk for deliberately touching the boy’s sore spots.

However, it was a necessary persuasion for their objective. Sa Jaehyuk, ignoring their glares, spoke to the boy again.

“…So, kid. I have a proposal for you.”

“A…proposal?”

“Yes, a proposal.”

Lee Hyun echoed back, prompting Sa Jaehyuk to nod.

“You’ve been through a lot. Words can’t fully express the devastating experiences you’ve endured.”

“…”

“But that’s how unjust this world is. Waves always come suddenly, taking away those we cherish. I’ve experienced something similar.”

Sa Jaehyuk fidgeted with the silver locket around his neck unconsciously.
T h i s w a s c o p i e d f ro m k in gm tl . o r g

“…But if you have the power to avoid those waves, then you wouldn’t need to go through such sorrow.”

At the end of Sa Jaehyuk’s words, Lee Hyun flinched, unable to hide his disappointment and longing.

Of course, that would be the case. Sa Jaehyuk observed his reaction and continued.

“So, here’s my proposal. Follow us. If you do, I’ll help you.”

“Help…me…?”

“Yes. I’ll help you overcome your powerlessness. I’ll help you gain the strength to resist the unjust waves. I promise to pour all my knowledge and strength into it.”

“…”

“I said earlier, but if you really want to follow your family, I can’t force you. But if you plan to keep living…perhaps my offer is worth considering?”

Lee Hyun was deeply touched by every word Sa Jaehyuk said, exposing the most vulnerable parts of his heart without filter.

After a long silence, Lee Hyun finally spoke up.

“…If that’s the case, okay.”

“Okay. Then it’s a deal… Now…”

Hearing the response, Sa Jaehyuk seemed relieved. However, every matter needed closure.

Sa Jaehyuk turned to approach his team members who were watching.

“…Commander. What’s all this about? And what ability?”

“It seems I need to explain…”

“Sorry. I’ll tell you everything later. Let’s wrap up the scene first. Sehwa. What about that guy?”

“I just subdued him. It seems pointless to interrogate him further.”

“Bring him here with Chaewon. A use for him just came up.”

“…You’re going to explain later, right?”

Sehwa and Chaewon reluctantly left to fetch the warlock, though their expressions were not too pleased. Sa Jaehyuk had no intention of hiding anything from them, his team who knew his circumstances all too well.

“…Commander. Could it be…?”

Yejin, who had also witnessed the mysterious events earlier, caught on faster.

She wore a serious expression, then, suddenly showing wariness, she looked towards Lee Hyun.

Sa Jaehyuk chuckled and reassured Yejin.

“No, it’s not that.”

“But…”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll explain later.”
T h i s w as c o pi ed f r om k in gm t l . or g

“…Alright.”

As they spoke, Chaewon and Sehwa returned, dragging the warlock, now in a far worse state than before.

The warlock, covered in blood and bound tightly, had blisters on every exposed part of his skin, and the area was filled with the smell of burning flesh.

“…You really went to town on him.”

Sa Jaehyuk frowned slightly upon seeing the signs of torture, then turned to address Lee Hyun.

“Kid. Do you have anything to prove your identity? Like an object or a symbol?”
T h is w a s copi e d f r om k i n g m t l . org

“An object…symbol…”

Just as Lee Hyun was about to shake his head, he paused and looked at his left hand.

Following Lee Hyun’s gaze, Sa Jaehyuk noticed the ring on the fourth finger of his left hand.

Seeing the boy’s hesitation, Sa Jaehyuk said.

“If it’s a precious item, just…”

“…No.”

“Hm?”

“…It’s not anymore…”

Hearing Sa Jaehyuk, Lee Hyun shook his head and timidly removed the ring, handing it to Sa Jaehyuk. His voice was thick with emotion.

“…You might regret this.”

“…It’s okay.”

“Alright then.”
T h i s wa s co p ie d f r o m k i n g m t l .or g

Sa Jaehyuk didn’t press further. If it was the boy’s decision, there was nothing more to say.

Taking the ring, Sa Jaehyuk approached the bound warlock, Rang, and crouched before him. Rang, terrified, questioned him.

“Cough…! What…what are you going to do…?”

“You’re lucky. A piece of society’s trash like you gets to die somewhat usefully at the end.”

“Wha…what do you mean last…!! I clearly surrendered…”

“Did I ever say I’d spare you?”

Rang was stunned into silence by Sa Jaehyuk’s words.

Regardless, Sa Jaehyuk adjusted Rang’s position, searching for his left hand to place it in front.

He then attempted to insert Lee Hyun’s ring onto Rang’s fourth finger, but it was impossible for a child’s ring to fit an adult.

“Ah, it won’t work. Then, what to do…”

After struggling for a moment, Sa Jaehyuk sighed. Though he seemed to give up, he suddenly applied force and shoved the ring deep in.

-Crunch!

T h i s w a s c o p i ed fr om k i n g m t l . o r g
“Aaaack!!!”

The already burned skin easily gave way under the pressure, and Rang writhed on the floor in agony.

“…He’s still got plenty of energy. Chaewon. Just burn him. Leave nothing but ashes.”

“Got it.”

Despite Sa Jaehyuk’s strange actions, the team, understanding his intentions, did not object.

Sa Jaehyuk was planning to fake the boy’s death.

The others stepped back, leaving Chaewon to prepare the magical formula.

“Hold on, Commander.”

“Why?”

“That…in front of the kid, maybe…”

Sehwa momentarily blocked Chaewon, making Sa Jaehyuk reconsider his insensitivity.

“…That makes sense. Then, if it’s not too much trouble, take him back over there and…”

“No.”

The voice from behind made everyone turn. Lee Hyun had stood up and was watching intently.

“…I want to see.”

“Kid. What’s the point of watching this? Just wait here for a bit and…”

“…No. I want to see.”

“Really…”

Lee Hyun’s stubbornness caused discomfort among the team, but Sa Jaehyuk unexpectedly supported him.

“Let him be. It’s his choice. He’ll handle the consequences himself. Let’s hurry up and finish. We have a lot to do.”

“…Sigh. Fine.”

Reluctantly, the team members stepped aside, allowing Chaewon to resume her preparation. The magical circle began to form around Rang, burning the ground beneath him.

“Wait…wait!! What are…!”

“What do you think? It’s your funeral. Farewell, trash.”

Chaewon coldly responded without even looking at Rang.

“No…no!! I’m still…!”

Before Rang could finish, a pillar of fire engulfed him completely.

“Arghhh!!”

Before the fire pillar rose, it seemed like Rang’s eyes met mine for a moment.

Now, he was trapped in the flames, screaming hoarsely and endlessly.

“It hurts…! It hurts…!! Hot!! Ahhh!!”

“Ah, so noisy…”

“Should’ve pulled out his tongue first…”

In front of Lee Hyun unfolded a bizarre scene. A man was burning to death, yet the women in front of him engaged in mundane conversation as if they were cooking meat.

Strangely, Lee Hyun found no pity in watching the warlock scream. Instead, a small sense of satisfaction crept up.

“It hurts…! It hurts…! Ah…mother…”

Lee Hyun thought to himself, even a villain seeks his mother in death.

Soon, the screams ceased. The fire pillar blazed high into the sky for a long while.

After some time, the fire died down. Where Rang had been, only a pile of ashes remained, with the ring Lee Hyun had once worn twinkling at its edge.

Lee Hyun was staring blankly at the ashes when the man known as the commander approached him again, extending his hand.

“Welcome to the 66th Crow Squadron.”