Chapter 448: What must be hidden (12)

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After class.

Kim Shinrok was preparing to go home early.

He usually leaves work a bit late to help with Jiikhoe matters, but Kim Shinrok had no choice but to leave first.

‘I’d rather stay and work here though.’

Kim Shinrok wasn’t happy to leave.

When he thought about what awaited him after work, his eyes became distant.

After leaving Eungwang High, he has to go to Gwangil Elementary School.

His mission was to meet Hwang Yuho, the head of the Tiger Clan in the form of an elementary student.

However, it was only for ostensible reasons, and his actual purpose was to make contact with his old student, Sung Gukeon.

‘…Maybe those two won’t come.’

Kim Shinrok tried being optimistic, but the idea didn’t last long.

Sung Gukeon’s Eungwang District office was near Gwangil, and a recent photo of him in his office was up on SNS.

Considering that the two people appeared near the school last week, it wouldn’t be very different today.

“Are you heading home?”

“You’re going home early today.”

“You don’t listen to me when I tell you to go home though.”

Before leaving the teachers’ office, Kim Shinrok’s colleagues talked to him one by one.

Kim Shinrok smiled.

“I have some work to do. Sorry I have to leave early.”

“No, having days like this is good since you’re always working so hard.”

“But I went home early last week too…”

“Ey, don’t worry about that.”

The teachers had a light-hearted exchange with Kim Shinrok who was hesitating.

Wiiing.

The automatic door for the freshmen teachers’ lounge opened.

The teachers standing around Kim Shinrok took their seats.

It was Yong Jegun who entered.

Yong Jegun had a good relationship with the other teachers, but they do not wish to be involved in Yong Jegun’s acts of mischief toward Kim Shinrok.

The teachers disappeared like an ebbing tide, but no one, including Kim Shinrok, thought it was strange.

‘Well, it’s the dragon of mischief. Though teachers in managerial positions are maybe more used to him.’

Among teachers who only have a few years of experience, only Gong Cheongwon treats Yong Jegun like normal.

Of course, that teacher should be an exception.

‘…Will the others treat me like that if my identity is revealed?’

Kim Shinrok scorned bitterly at himself.

He won’t do anything as the mischievous dragon does, but one’s origin cannot be erased.

Because some records in the Myth of Gaecheon were erased, the story of the Bear Clan was not properly told in his world.

Still, the image of the Bear Clan was the worst.

The Bear Clan’s attack during Eungwang High’s last practical entrance exam was widely reported, and there were more incidents, both small and large, before that.

‘If I could hunt the Bear Clan with my own hands…’

While Kim Shinrok was eagerly thinking about the information he got from torturing one of the Bear people, Yong Jegun approached him while he packed his bag.

Yong Jegun asked with a smile, seemingly oblivious to the silent atmosphere or Kim Shinrok’s complicated feelings.

“Professor Kim Shinrok, where are you headed?”

Kim Shinrok was grateful that he was at least addressed with respect in front of their colleagues, but he felt annoyed at the same time.

It was difficult to ignore Yong Jegun now.

Kim Shinrok suppressed his rising energy waves against his will and responded.

“…I’m going home.”

“Already? Did something happen?”

“I have something to do.”

“I know you do, but I’m curious.”

“…”

Unable to answer right away, Kim Shinrok did his best to muster a smile.

He said something to the tune of “It’s personal so I don’t wanna tell you,” but in a more social manner.

As Kim Shinrok felt fortunate that he was able to deal with the mischievous dragon like an adult, Yong Jegun suddenly said some words that scratched something inside him.

“I guess you’re gonna do something you can’t say. Alright.”

Kim Shinrok was irked at Yong Jegun acting like he knew what he’d be doing.

If it weren’t for the watchful eyes around them, he would’ve thrown the compass lying on the table straight at Yong Jegun’s face.

Yong Jegun continued spitting out words.

“A new member joined Stalemate today. Too bad we can’t go together. Have a safe ride home, Professor.”

“…Yes, then I’ll be leaving first.”

Unlike Yong Jegun, Kim Shinrok wasn’t disappointed at all.

He liked that things didn’t go as Yong Jegun wanted.

With lighter steps, he joined Hwangho at the Gwangil Elementary School.

Soon enough, Sung Gukeon and Jeon Muyeong approached.

After greeting each other, Sung Gukeon offered the young Hwang Yuho some ice cream, which the head of the Tiger Clan accepted right away.

Sung Gukeon led the conversation, asking about Hwang Yuho’s school life.

“I see, did that happen after the homeroom teacher was replaced? Ah, if you have something else you wanna eat, just order up.”

“Yes!”

On the surface, it seemed like a warm conversation between a generous adult and a spoiled child.

A part-time worker at the cafe even smiled at the scene.

But the truth is, it was a tug-of-war between the head of the Tiger Clan and the lawmaker, both probing each other for information.

The strange meeting ended only after Hwangho emptied two bowls of ice cream.

Kim Shinrok finally relaxed.

‘…Sung Gukeon doesn’t seem to want to bring it up.’

The day they met in front of the Red Lion Team building.

Kim Shinrok acted very awkwardly and said things that didn’t add up.

After their encounter, Kim Shinrok regained his cool and thought of a plausible excuse, but it seems like his opportunity already passed.

“Alright, I’ll see you again next time, Professor.”

Sung Gukeon greeted Kim Shinrok as if nothing happened.

The secretary’s attitude was normal too.

He had been thinking hard about what to say to explain his missteps, but all his thinking became meaningless.

With a blank face, he and Hwang Yuho headed to the latter’s registered residence.

“Good work, Kim Shinrok. Just relax and talk. I think Jeon Muyeong is starting to worry about you.”

Kim Shinrok looked at the head of the Tiger Clan, the same kid who was eating ice cream with his old student.

Hwangho, who had been talking like an elementary student until now, changed his way of speaking.

“If we build trust and relationship little by little, there will be a day when we talk about our identities and finally be able to cooperate with each other.”

Hwangho’s words weighed down on Kim Shinrok.

The reason for this odd arrangement was so they could cooperate with Sung Gukeon someday.

In that case, Kim Shinrok will have no choice but to reveal his identity.

Even if Sung Gukeon doesn’t know that his old teacher was a descendant, he’d be aware that his current identity ‘Kim Shinrok’ is one.

Kim Shinrok’s face turned blue just at the thought.

“If this job is too difficult, you can change to your next identity any time.”

“…Huh?”

Hwangho looked at Kim Shinrok and spoke kindly.

“How about using the surname ‘Jeok’ for your new identity?”

Kim Shinrok mostly used the surname Kim when he creates new identities.

There were two reasons for it.

First, it’s the most common family name on the Korean Peninsula.

Second, none of the tigers use it for their fake identities.

As a result, Kim Shinrok had a fake name that seemed to have no connection to anyone from the Tiger Clan.

“That way you can have a family-son relationship with Jeokho. I wish you could use the first name that you did. Wasn’t that given by Jeokho?”

“…I think I should talk to Jeokho-nim about that.”

Hwangho’s suggestion was rather pleasant, but Kim Shinrok answered carefully.

Hwangho burst into laughter.

“Hahahaha! That won’t be necessary. Jeokho will be very pleased. No, he may already be working on the family register on his own.”

It’s not really certain what Jeokho actually thought and felt, but listening to Hwangho’s words, Kim Shinrok felt relieved.

‘…Yeah, I can change my identity just in case.’

Kim Shinrok wanted to hide his identity from his old student until the end if he could.

No, he has to.

***

It was quiet in front of the Jiikhoe Conference Room.

The Class Zero sunbaes were relatively calm today, so the Jiikhoe spent the day peacefully.

I thought I’d be able to talk with Gye Idam or Sung Siwan about the secret association.

‘Should I have come a little slower?’

Most of the dormitory students, including members of the Jiikhoe, seemed to have gone to the cafeteria for dinner or somewhere else for after-club activities.

Today’s work with the newspaper department ended early so I had an early dinner too.

Moon Saeron announced that her stay overseas would be extended, and it seems like her absence affected the entire department.

I don’t know who the hell she’s interviewing for it to take so long.

“What are you doing here, Euishin-ah? If you have an appointment with the Jiikhoe, we can go inside and wait.”

Park Seunghyun talked to me in a bright voice and led me to the office room.

It was incomparable to his passive appearance when we first met.

Park Seunghyun brought a lot of food and drinks, saying that a lot of them were received by Jiikhoe as presents.

The first thing I ate was a coconut ginger waffle, which tasted pungent yet sweet.

“This is delicious.”

“Hyungoo bought thing sone. He said his cousin gave him a lot of pocket money.”

Come to think of it, Kim Hyungoo is also a member of the Jiikhoe.

Snacks that come to the Jiikhoe are usually from seniors, but it seems like the younger members voluntarily fill them up too.

Park Seunghyun bragged about his friend.

Well, his friend was the ace striker who played the biggest role in the exchange match with the military academy, so he has a right to brag.

He talked about Kim Hyungoo for quite a while before changing the subject.

“Oh, right. Do you know the title of the song used at the opening ceremony of the exchange match?”

Which one is he talking about?

I decided to give a vague answer.

“I bet there’s a list of it on the broadcasting department’s website.”

“I checked all the songs there but… I’m curious about the whistle song during the sword dance.”

The whistle sound was my doing.

It was natural for Park Seunghyun, the original owner of the light skill, to be curious about it.

Though the timing of his question was a little odd.

“I guess Hyungoo’s cousin is curious too. Hyung said that after his cousin heard him whistle the song, his cousin said he’d give him more pocket money if he finds out the title.”

…Who is Kim Hyungoo’s cousin and why is he investigating?

Since Kim Hyungoo didn’t appear in PMH, I have very little information on him.

I should ask Hwang Jiho later on.

“Euishin-ah, how about joining the Jiikhoe next year?”

Park Seunghyun asked when I was almost finished eating the snacks.

Not too long ago, Yeom Junyeol and Cheon Dongha invited me to their organizations, and now Park Seunghyun was doing the same,

I’m very thankful for my playable characters’ kind invitation, but my answer remains the same.

“I dunno about that.”

“Yeah… If you get more free time just call me up!”

Park Seunghyun smiled and offered another drink.

At that time, someone approached the room.

The person immediately talked to Park Seunghyun.

“Park Seunghyun, how many times do I have to tell you to always close the door to the…”

The voice broke off in the middle when they found me.

‘…I’ve heard that voice before.’

Rather, it’s a voice I can’t forget.

How can I forget the voice of a senior who shouted my name several times a day?

It was the Gye Bastard.

“Ah, Idam hyung, sorry! I forgot.”

Park Seunghyun apologized in a shy voice, but Gye Idam didn’t seem to hear it.

Gye Idam was looking right at me.

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