Correcting the Villainess of the Academy - Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Friction (1)

I ran out of Hwayangkwan and headed straight to the lake shore of the campus. All I wanted was to escape that suffocating and stifling place.

“Ha… Ha…”

Thanks to all the new students gathering in Hwayangkwan, the surroundings were quite deserted. I leaned against a tree by the lake, gasping for breath.

…You found it. The person you can finally rely on, the one you wanted so badly.

Still, I’m stuck in the mud, while you’re now happily living your life.

-I prefer a man I can depend on. But you’re not the one.

-You’re not strong or reliable. You… don’t deserve to be by my side.

-I wonder how happy that person’s fiancé must be? It seems the senior really loves her fiancé. She gets so radiant just mentioning him.

It wasn’t easy to calm my heart. The memories I had barely buried deep inside erupted again, tearing me to shreds. The scar burned fiercely as if on fire, and a throbbing pain was felt in my chest.

“Ugh… Hngh…”

My blurred and narrowed vision saw nothing. Everything was so dark that I couldn’t move forward at all.
T h i s was co p ie d f ro m k i ngmt l . o r g

I wandered aimlessly in pain, losing direction.

Drifting like that, just when I thought I might sink and never surface.

-Meow!

“…Huh…?”

A familiar cry of something I often heard long ago.

And the sensation of something rough licking my hand repeatedly suddenly pulled me out of the depths.

I raised my head to check its identity.

-Meow!

A cat with an appropriate mix of pumpkin and cream color, unusually small for an adult compared to its kind,

T hi s w a s c op i ed fr o m k in g m t l. or g
Was looking up at me with round, sparkling eyes.

***

“…Ddangkong…?”

-Meow!

As I unknowingly called its name, the cat leaped into my arms as if it had been waiting. It frantically rubbed its cheeks against my face, then stuck out its tongue and licked my lips exposed under the mask endlessly.

It seemed a mere mask couldn’t hide my identity from Ddangkong.

“…Ddangkong… How did you…”

Ddangkong.

The kitten Seoyeon brought, on the verge of death.

Trying to find a way to save the cat, I eventually decided to feed it my blood and sent it back.
T his wa s c o pi e d f ro m k i ngm t l. o r g

But even though I didn’t have much expectation, the cat somehow reappeared the next day, full of life.

That day, the cat was named Ddangkong, and it became a part of our daily lives.

And on that day two years ago.

Even though Seoyeon had locked it in the room, Ddangkong escaped and finally followed us to the hermit’s hut.

I remember returning to the village together, but after that, there was no trace of Ddangkong to be found.

No matter how much I searched, there wasn’t a single clue, so I eventually gave up, deeply saddened…

“You were alive… Thank goodness… I’m so relieved…”

-Meow!

My voice was damp with moisture before I knew it.

I hugged Ddangkong in my arms and gently stroked its fur for a while.

Ddangkong also didn’t refuse my touch and obediently surrendered its body.

Perhaps because I had found something precious I thought I had lost forever, I was able to somewhat settle my turbulent emotions.
T h i s w a s c o p i e d f r o m k i ng m tl . org

Th i s w as co p i e d f r o m ki ng mt l . org
Ddangkong is probably here because Seoyeon brought it and is raising it.

Considering the strange relationship between Seoyeon and Ddangkong, it was a bit puzzling, but perhaps she judged that a cat, unlike a person, wouldn’t be much of an obstacle to her future path.

…Anyway, it turned out to be a good thing for me too…

Thi s w a s c o p ie d f r o m kin g m t l .o r g
-Purr~

I was lost in thought, looking at Ddangkong purring contentedly in my arms.

Th i s wa s c o pi ed f r o m kin g mt l .o r g
There’s hardly any trace of my appearance from two years ago now.

I grew as tall as the captain, and my physique became incomparably fit.

My voice deepened after puberty, and I wear a mask on my face, so others can’t know what I look like.

But if Seoyeon were to witness a scene like this, she might discover my identity.

T h is w a s co p i ed f ro m k i n g m t l .o r g
Ddangkong never stayed close to anyone other than me and Seoyeon.

“…”

And in this situation, it doesn’t seem very appropriate for Seoyeon to become aware of my existence.

I have already become a past nightmare, and now Seoyeon is spending happy days with someone else.

Moreover, it’s been a long time since I accepted the principal’s request. I’m in a position where I must join forces with Seoyeon’s adversary and find ways to elevate her standing.

If she found out her rival and old nightmare were together, wouldn’t she put even more effort into eliminating them than usual?

If that happens, not only the principal’s request but also the captain’s order to graduate from Cradle with excellent grades would become even more difficult to fulfill.

…Come to think of it, I wonder if Seoyeon knows about my death. Probably not. What more interest would she have in someone she discarded like an old shoe? Maybe even if she knew, she might be happy that a nuisance disappeared.

It seems revealing my identity won’t change anything. No, it might even bring about a more extreme backlash.

What should I do? Should I cut ties with Ddangkong, even if it means using harsh methods?

But no suitable method came to mind. It’s not like I can use physical force…

“…”

Suddenly, I remembered Seoyeon complaining that Ddangkong was unusually good at understanding words.

On the off chance, I stroked Ddangkong’s head and said,

“…Ddangkong. Today is the last time we see each other. From now on, you must never come looking for… Ouch!”

-Meow!!

In the middle of speaking, a stinging pain suddenly hit the back of my hand.

Looking down, I saw Ddangkong lightly biting my hand.

It couldn’t be, but seeing this, it really does seem like it understands my words and is getting angry…

“…Pfft.”

But thanks to that cute action, I felt more at ease about forcibly trying to sever ties.

I gently stroked Ddangkong’s back again and said,

“…Sorry. I take back what I just said. You can come find me in the future too. But make sure Seoyeon… your mom never finds out. You have to come secretly. Okay? Promise…?”

-Meow~

As soon as I finished speaking, Ddangkong let out a small meow as if answering. Somehow, it feels like there’s a sense of satisfaction.

Having finished its response, Ddangkong got up and trotted away along the lake shore.

I watched its disappearing back for a long time.

Then, feeling a sudden emptiness, I raised my left hand to check.

The fourth finger, where something was once worn, was now hollow and empty.

The Seoyeon I knew truly no longer exists.
T hi s w a s c o pied f r o m k i n gm t l . o r g

The person I saw earlier is just a senior at the same academy whom I met for the first time.

“…Ugh.”

Abruptly, a corner of my heart throbbed achingly.

Suddenly, I had the illusion of the faint scent of forget-me-nots wafting from somewhere.

***

“Hyun-ah…! Where have you been, seriously! Do you know how much I searched for you…?”

On the way back to Hwayangkwan, I ran into Yena, who was fidgeting impatiently and running around in front of the promenade.

“Sorry. I just needed some fresh air because I felt stuffy.”

“…Really? You’re not feeling unwell or anything…?”

“…It’s nothing like that. Really, don’t worry.”

“Then that’s a relief… Well, I guess it could be suffocating with something covering your face. Anyway, let’s hurry…! They said they’ll briefly explain the upcoming schedule soon…!”

T h i s w a s c o p i e d fr o m k i n gm t l . o r g
I was led into Hwayangkwan by Yena, who seemed urgent. Fortunately, I no longer felt the same discomfort as before.

On the podium, one of the professors introduced earlier was preparing to explain something. He appeared to be middle-aged, with a neat mustache and a well-fitted suit.

“Ahem, everyone, listen comfortably from your seats. I am Professor Song Daewon, in charge of the magic tactics and PA control course for first-years. As you all know, the academic schedule starts tomorrow. Classes will proceed in order according to the original schedule, but as new students, you have additional tasks, so I’m here to notify you in advance.”

The professor began his explanation, looking around at the audience. The monocle he wore on one eye sparkled as he turned his body.

“Most of you probably haven’t even been awakened as magicians for a few months. So you won’t know what you’re capable of or the extent of your limits. Our Cradle focuses on identifying the unique characteristics of such young magicians and providing optimized education accordingly. Therefore, over the next two weeks, in addition to the official academic schedule, you will complete these additional processes.”

Having finished speaking, the professor stepped aside and pressed a button on the device he was holding to operate the projector.

Soon, a whirring sound was heard, and a chart organizing letters and diagrams began to appear on the wide white cloth behind the podium.

“First, you will measure your maximum internal particle quantity, that is, your Rubin value. After that, we continue with measuring the ratio of particles that can be externally discharged at once to compose magic formulas, known as the conversion rate. Then, through the attribute compass test, you will identify your constitution and the most optimal type of magic for you. Most new students will probably choose either the emission or circulation system as their main major here.”

The professor pointed to various parts of the chart with his pointer as he continued his explanation.

“These processes will be conducted sequentially along with classes. And on the 14th day, when the basic course curriculum ends, you will take your first test at the Cradle.”

Some commotion arose at the mention of a test, but the professor, undeterred, proceeded with his explanation.

“The topic of the first test will be announced later. And since the test content changes every year, don’t bother pestering your seniors in vain. Well, you don’t need to worry too much. The test will be conducted at a ‘very easy level of difficulty’ and cover content that doesn’t deviate from the basic learning you’ve acquired. If you can’t even handle this, it’s fair to say you’re a student who doesn’t deserve the quality education Cradle provides in the first place.”

The professor’s tone became slightly sharp.

“The score of the first test will be directly applied to your individual ranking, which you will receive for the first time at Cradle. And as you’ll soon find out, individual ranking is a very important factor at Cradle. The treatment of those who graduate from Cradle with excellent grades and those who don’t differ like heaven and earth even outside.”

Although he told them to listen comfortably, most of the new students stopped what they were doing and focused all their attention on the professor’s explanation.

“Of course, there are still three years left until graduation, so it’s possible to develop your skills as much as you want, depending on your efforts. However, even considering that, the score of the first test is more important than any other practical training or tests that follow.”

The professor stepped slightly to the side and pointed to a certain part of the chart with the pointer he was holding.

“Our Cradle operates a mentoring group system. It’s a system where second-year students who have undergone various training and practical exercises individually take charge of first-year newcomers and help them adapt. Typically, the second-year mentor selects the mentee they will assist, but new students who score in the top 10% on the first test are instead granted the authority to nominate their own mentor.”

“Huh…?”

“Really?”

Some students who quickly grasped the professor’s meaning murmured here and there. Seeing their reaction, the professor gave a small nod of satisfaction.

“Haha, it seems you’ve finally caught on to how things work. That’s right. If you get a good score on the first test, naturally, you can nominate an outstanding senior and receive their advice and assistance. Such a virtuous cycle, once started, will continue, and of course, the probability of receiving an even better final grade at the end of the year increases. For example… you may be able to team up with someone like Baek Seoyeon, the current top-ranked second-year student who gave you a welcoming speech earlier.”

The commotion grew even larger at the blatant remark. In the end, the professor had to raise his hand to calm the students down.

“Now, quiet! For reference, a mentor can only have a maximum of two mentees, so there aren’t many spots available. If you want to nominate your desired senior as a mentor, you’ll have to give it your all on the first test. Well, it seems you’ve roughly understood, so I’ll end the explanation here. Then, I wish you the best of luck going forward.”

Having finished his explanation, the professor turned off the projector and left Hwayangkwan. After he left, an uncontrollable commotion arose among the students. The sounds of them talking excitedly, each filled with dreams, were distinct here and there.

Among the second-year seniors, the name mentioned most was indeed Seoyeon’s. In addition, the names of several other seniors known for their exceptional skills and good backgrounds popped up occasionally. Beside me, Yena muttered in a slightly discouraged voice.

“Wow… Everyone’s so confident… Can I do well too…?”

“…You can do well. I’ll help you too. Let’s work hard together.”

“…Yeah! Thank you, hehe…”

When I offered words of encouragement, Yena lightly bounced in her seat as if she had gained strength.

But in my mind, a different kind of idea was forming.

The request the principal entrusted to me.

I couldn’t even fasten the first button, and I had no idea where to start in this situation.

But… maybe there’s a way.

End of Chapter