Correcting the Villainess of the Academy - Chapter 70

Chapter 70

The Red Flower Falls (1)

I spent three full days in the ward before I could finally undergo the discharge procedure.

Yeon Minha seemed to want to keep me there longer, but I couldn’t endure it any further.

Then and now, the ceiling seen from a hospital bed remains the most dreadful and painful view in the world.

Although I still had residual effects from my injuries and medication, they wouldn’t interfere with daily activities, and I could gradually receive outpatient treatment if necessary.

Thus, I could return to the daily life at Cradle.

“…This concludes our class for today. Next, we’ll have the drawing for the ranking match-ups. However, before that, I have an important announcement. Listen carefully, as this is crucial information.”

Professor Kwon Chanyul, sporting a ponytail, glanced at the clock and then stopped the projector.

“Recently, several freshmen received severe disciplinary actions. These were the highest-level punishments, including score deductions and suspensions. The reason was for attempting to access specific keywords forbidden in the Cradle library’s database.”

Just as he said, there were conspicuous empty seats in the usually packed lecture hall.

“As a result, the faculty has decided to provide special education for the freshmen. Normally, this knowledge is acquired in the second year, but it seems many of this year’s freshmen have an unusual thirst for learning.”

The tired-looking professor turned toward the blackboard. A piece of chalk floated in mid-air, writing down large letters.

“Most of the magic formulas you know, whether general or unique, fall into two categories. The expulsion system, which involves extracting Vessel particles and reconstructing material forms externally, and the circulation system, which consumes particles internally to enhance physical abilities.”

The words ‘expulsion system’ and ‘circulation system’ written on the board glittered as if mixed with resonant stone powder.

Though he emphasized its importance, the information was very basic. Everything he mentioned was well within my grasp.

“However, there’s one more type of magic.”

Then, an unfamiliar term began to appear on the board.

-Interference System.

T hi s w a s c op i e d f rom k i n gm t l .or g
“Interference system mental magic directly affects the brain. It can manipulate neurons at will or attack the brain directly to cause behavioral disorders. Currently, all interference system magic is strictly prohibited for use and development.”

A ripple of curiosity spread among the students, who had been listening with some boredom.

“During the dawn of magic, there were serious considerations about the use of interference system magic. However, due to its potential to cause immense social disruption and severe aftereffects on neurons, all related formulas and data were destroyed long ago. Further research was also banned.”

“Professor, does that mean those punished students…?”

“Yes. Somehow, they tried to learn about the interference system in the library and triggered the alarm. They were quite bold. Not that Cradle’s library would have such knowledge anyway…”

The professor nodded a few times at a student’s question.

“The only thing you need to know about interference system magic is its harmfulness. Don’t be curious about its formulas, principles, or any related reasons.”

“Professor, what happens if someone secretly researches interference system magic?”

“Extermination.”

His blunt reply caused the lecture hall to fall silent.

“Upon discovering traces of interference system magic, an elite unit directly under the Supreme Council will immediately be dispatched to apprehend the implicated individuals. All discovered knowledge will be destroyed on the spot, and those found guilty will be executed.”

Th i s w a s c op ie d f ro m k ing m t l .o rg
“…”

“This applies not only to the individuals involved but also to anyone suspected of accessing the knowledge. Family, friends, children—none are exempt. This law is enforced strictly, even among the Twenty-Seven Magical Clans or the Five Families.”

The professor’s explanation echoed quietly in the silent lecture hall.
Th is w a s c o pie d f r o m k i n g m t l . o r g

“So, once again, I emphasize: do not be curious about anything regarding interference system magic other than its name and harmfulness. That’s all.”

***

“Hey, Hyun!”

On the way to Hwayangkwan for the ranking match-up draw after class,

I turned at the sound of someone calling my name and saw a male and female student walking towards me.

The male student, with a kind face, waved cheerfully, while the female student, with a lady-like demeanor, looked visibly displeased.

Their name tags read ‘Ryu Seunghun’ and ‘Moon Yeowool’ respectively.

“The medal suits you well! It sparkles so much that I can see it from afar.”

At his comment, I looked down at my chest. The ribbon of the Geumseong Martial Honor Medal was pinned to my right chest.

Just as he said, it indeed reflected the sunlight and caught the eye.

Th i s w a s co p i ed f r om k i n g m t l. o r g
While it felt good, it also made me a bit self-conscious. Was it really necessary to make it so obvious? It seemed like an unnecessary rule.

“You looked amazing at the award ceremony. The Geumseong Martial Honor Medal… I still can’t believe it…”

“…Seunghun, I’ll go ahead.”

As he spoke, the female student beside him grumbled and walked away.

“…Your fiancée seems uncomfortable with me. Is it okay for you to keep talking to me?”

“Ha ha, Yeowool’s just a bit sensitive these days… I’ll apologize on her behalf…”

The kind-faced male student scratched his cheek awkwardly.

“Why?”

“Her ranking hasn’t been great lately… She’s fallen behind Yeseo. Anyway, it’s a bit of a sore spot…”

At his words, I checked the first-year ranking board installed in the hallway.

Moon Yeowool was ranked 14th, quite a gap behind Jin Yeseo in 2nd place. Maybe she had a competitive streak. That Jin Yeseo girl seemed to set her eyes on fire every time she saw me.

My name was at the top of the first-year rankings. Thanks to the extra points from the Geumseong Martial Honor Medal, the gap between me and the second place was even wider than before. It felt quite satisfying.

My gaze naturally shifted to the second-year ranking board beside it.
T hi s was co pi ed f ro m ki ng mt l.or g

There, I saw Yeon Minha’s name at the top, having recently overtaken someone to claim first place.

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“Plus, Yeowool joined Baek Seoyeon’s mentoring group, so she’s feeling a bit pressured… But she’s really nice once you get to know her. Don’t think too badly of her…”

Honestly, I didn’t mind. I just found it fascinating how two people with seemingly opposite personalities stuck together.

Setting aside the fact that she’s Sehwa’s younger sister, I always thought he was genuinely kind.

Even when my reputation was at its lowest, he continued to talk to me.
T hi s w a s c op i ed f r o m kin g m tl . o r g

Despite not being able to visit due to Yeon Minha’s interference, he came to see me as soon as he heard about my hospitalization.

He also got along well with other students despite coming from a good family.

Perhaps this is what the commander meant by building connections…

“So, where did you say you went?”

“To exterminate the Mandarinaw Colony on the outskirts of the capital. You’d be shocked if you saw it. Hundreds of bees the size of houses buzzing around, and inside, human bodies turned into…”

We chatted lightly as we headed to the familiar Hwayangkwan.

In the large auditorium filled with freshmen, a peculiar machine was set up on the stage.

It contained dozens of colorful balls, floating as if in a vacuum.

Once all the freshmen arrived, Professor Shin Jae-yu clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention.

“Alright, is everyone here? You’re familiar with the ranking match rules, right? Let’s not waste time. Come up and draw your balls.”

At her instruction, the lowest-ranked students began drawing balls. The names on the drawn balls determined the match-ups.

The ranking matches are drawn randomly from the adjacent rankings. No chance of me facing someone ranked in the 200s.

Since I’m at the top, my opponent would be one of the students ranked within the top 10 below me. Who will it be?

“Ryu Seunghun-Choi Woojin!”

“Oh, no…”

“Puhaha! Hey, Seunghun! Looking forward to it? Haven’t we always fought Yeseo? First time against you, isn’t it?”

“Hey. If you put even a scratch on Seunghun’s face, you’ll…”

Realizing someone was laughing, I snapped back to reality. The drawing had already reached the higher-ranking students.

In the distance, I saw Seunghun scratching his cheek awkwardly, Choi Woojin patting his shoulder energetically, and Moon Yeowool glaring at him.

If those two are paired, then my opponent is…?

“Uh…”

Looking back at the stage, I saw a blonde, green-eyed girl walking up to the machine.

All the match-ups had been drawn, leaving only one ball.

She grabbed the floating ball. As she infused it with particles, a name began to appear on its surface.

“The final match-up! Yu Jinhyun-Jin Yeseo!”

***

“Of all people, I have to face Yeseo… What should I do…”

On the way back after the drawing, Seunghun muttered with a troubled smile.

I felt just as puzzled. I never thought I’d lose, but there was one person I found uncomfortable to face.

Jin Yeseo was known to be a devoted follower of someone.

I wanted to avoid troublesome situations, but who would’ve guessed I’d end up facing exactly that person…

“In this situation, I can’t even cheer for anyone… I just hope no one gets hurt… Huh?”

As he spoke, Seunghun suddenly widened his eyes.

Following his gaze, I saw a familiar girl with an aloof expression standing at the end of the hallway, arms crossed, looking our way.

A golden ribbon, like mine, sparkled on her chest.

“Ha ha, it looks like Senior has something to say to you. I better go calm Yeowool down…”

Seunghun bowed politely to her. Yeon Minha barely nodded in response.

After Seunghun left, I approached her.
T h is was c o p i e d fr o m ki n g mtl .o r g

“Good afternoon, Senior. Do you have something to say?”

Yeon Minha, with a displeased expression, glared at me.

“…Do I always need a reason?”

“Not really.”

“…I just came. I heard there was a ranking match draw… Wait.”

Yeon Minha stopped mid-sentence and stared at my chest.

“Really… What is this?”

Following her gaze, I looked down.

My tie was loosely knotted, and my shirt collar was slightly askew.

I thought I had gotten used to it, but I still had some clumsiness. Feeling a bit embarrassed at showing such a side to others.

“…Hold still.”

“What? I’ll fix it.”

“Hold still, I said. It’s loose and that’s why it gets skewed. You need to tie it tightly…”

Ignoring my protests, Yeon Minha began retying my tie with deft hands.

Feeling awkward, I glanced around. Luckily, no one was passing by.

With practiced movements, she quickly fixed my tie, even perfecting the dimple.

Despite her hands brushing against me occasionally, I felt no discomfort.

Maybe that’s why I didn’t stop her sudden actions…

“…There. If you twist it clockwise twice, it won’t come undone even with vigorous movement.”

“Thank you…”

Yeon Minha nodded with satisfaction. Her appearance was always immaculate, without a single hair or clothing out of place. Maybe that’s why she couldn’t tolerate such imperfections.

“…Ahem, about the ranking match. Your opponent is the Jin family girl…”

“Yes. It’s quite interesting…”

“Well… How about postponing the match?”

Yeon Minha’s unexpected suggestion caught me off guard.

“Pardon?”

“I know your skills, but your body hasn’t fully recovered… And I believe you can get a medical certificate to postpone the match for a few days…”

It seemed this was the real reason she came.

“You don’t need to worry. I’m almost fully recovered…”

“Why do men always act tough? I saw your walk earlier…”

“You’re worrying too much, Senior. And even if I’m not fully recovered, I can still win.”

“But…”

“And if I back out, wouldn’t it affect you negatively as well?”

“W-What?”

Yeon Minha, who had been firm until now, let out a startled sound.

I wasn’t lying. By the time the ranking match happens in two days, I’d be more recovered, and I had no doubt about winning.

Besides, even if postponement was possible, it would give those looking to find fault ample ammunition.

There was no need to give them any reason.
T h i s w a s cop i ed f r o m k i n g m tl . o r g

“…Alright. But don’t push yourself. I won’t mind if you lose.”

Yeon Minha, after a moment of silence, said quietly. It was fascinating how she now worried about me…

“Don’t worry. That won’t happen. I’ll definitely win.”

“…Okay.”
T hi s w a s cop i e d f ro m k in g m t l . o rg

***

Even after the masked boy left, Yeon Minha remained in place.

“Seriously… Is he doing this on purpose…”

She suddenly muttered, hitting her head against the wall.

“Why did I even touch his tie…”

A whirlwind of emotions overwhelmed her. Worry about his unrecovered state, competitiveness with Baek Seoyeon, gratitude for standing up for her.

She had no doubts about the outcome. Jin Yeseo might be an exceptionally talented freshman, but there was a vast difference between her and him.

So, the unease stemmed not from doubt but from unfamiliar emotions.

The anxiety imagining Jin Yeseo being defeated by him, and an inexplicable sense of unease.

End of Chapter