Inside the game, there were supposed to be only two students who belong to the Year 1 Class Zero; Hani and Dokgo Miro.
Kim Yuri refused to go continue going to school, and the other playable characters of Class Zero disappeared. However, thanks to the efforts of homeroom teacher Ham Geunhyung, a hopeful light remains shining on Class Zero.
In the game, whenever Ham Geunhyung was about to take on a quest, the Class Zero classroom was often visible. Inside that classroom, you’d often see Hani and Dokgo Miro in the background.
The image of Hani was always of a silent kid, while Dokgo Miro is often seen laying down on her desk helplessly.
They were often the topic of the gamers who used to play PMH.
[The description for that new NPC seems odd. “King of the Back Alley”? “Former Boss of the Back Alley”? What does that mean?]
[Maybe it describes that NPC’s past?]
At the center of all the debates was Dokgo Miro, but that character also stopped going to school after Hani’s departure.
Since then, there have been several incidents in the game that people believed to be caused by the light skill of Dokgo Miro, but those incidents do not appear directly in the story.
Contrary to that, this world’s Dokgo Miro seems to be very active.
“Attacked the police station? All by herself?”
“That’s right, and with great skill at that. She left very little trace. To prevent being identified by the Player’s Association, it seems like she overpowered all the police officers by mere physical strength. Looks like it’s not her first time doing such a thing.”
Hwang Jiho showed a hologram of the photos taken by his subordinate.
The scene was of the Gwangil Police Station overturned. Several items seem like they were smashed by a baseball bat. In one of the photos, the back of Dogko Miro’s back was visible.
‘Could she be the one that Saeum saw the day they were attacked?’
There’s no way to know for sure yet.
However, it’s very likely. No matter how lawless Gwangil District was, it’s unlikely that there’s more than one bat-wielding girl going around the area.
“Looks like I have one less trouble to attend to now.”
“Does it have anything to do with that police station?”
“Yes. This case involves Namgung Construction, Namgung Heavy Industries, and those police officers and public officials who have close ties with them.”
It’s clear now that Jiho deduced the situation with the details that Saeum gave to us.
There was only one reason why the group mentioned by Jiho might have hired a service organization to get rid of a single nursery.
“The area around the nursery will be undergoing redevelopment.”
“Correct. That’s the reason why they want to drive away the nursery. But there’s one more thing.”
Hwang Jiho nodded when he heard my guess.
The high-ranking officials who obtained information on the redevelopment plans must’ve wanted to help drive away the nursery for a handsome amount of money.
The Eungwang Nursery was located on a very large site. It was built in the days when there were only rice paddies in Eungwang. If they’re able to drive away the nursery and acquire that very large area of land, they’d be able to earn huge profits.
‘But why did the Namgung Group have to do all this? Either way, they’re already one of the largest groups in Korea… it’s impossible that it’s only profit that they want from this.’
I thought about the possibility of large companies being behind this incident, but I can’t seem to fathom why Namgung Group, one of the four largest conglomerate groups in Korea, would do this.
“Looks like there’s something even more important at stake aside from the redevelopment program.”
“Something important?”
There’s more to it than the redevelopment plans?
“In this world, the place with the highest access to intelligence is none other than Korea. And the center of Korea? None other than Eungwang.”
“Intelligence? What does that have to do with this case?”
“The only thing that can draw intelligence is the truth. It is because of that intelligence that the people of royal lineage flocked to the Korean Peninsula. Humans are also influenced by that intelligence, but they cannot use it in the way that the royal lineage can.
Why is Hwang Jiho talking about this?
It doesn’t seem like it has anything to do about this case.
‘Intelligence Terminal’
That was one of the businesses that the four major groups were doing inside the game.
I can’t just mention that name without seeming suspicious, so I had to beat around the bush for a while.
“Don’t tell me… is there going to be a facility built to manage the intelligence that you’re talking about? And at the same time as the redevelopment in Gwangil?”
“Exactly. I heard that it’s to be called an ‘Intelligence Terminal’ here in Gwangil.”
There’s still time left for the four major groups’ storyline to begin.
Although there was no way that they’d hold their battles in private, the beginning of that fierce battle seemed to be deeper than I expected.
“I made a hypothesis based on the information I gathered from the Guardian’s power. I gave instructions to my secretary, and the word “intelligence terminal” was mentioned when they looked into it.”
“Did you know about that ‘intelligence terminal’ from a long time ago?”
“Yes. The discussions about building some kind of intelligence terminal started a long time ago, but I didn’t know that they were planning on building it in Gwangil. It’s a major project that will bring a new phase to the second-tier industry in Korea. The budget would be equivalent to the cost of building a base station for Sejong City’s data center or the 1GG (1Gifted Generation) network service.”
After his explanation, Jiho glanced at me and said something.
“I will actively deal with this case as it also has to do with the security issues of the Eungwang district. As you know, what happens in Eungwang District is under the direct interest of the Hwangmyeong Group. Make sure to inform me before you do anything rash.”
I would’ve appreciated it if he just asked for help instead of talking to me as if I was a stupid child.
Still, I nodded in agreement.
Hwang Jiho said something with a satisfied look.
“Jo Euishin, what were you planning to do once you got back home to Korea? You didn’t seem to understand the full picture of this case at first.”
He was asking me with some sense of urgency.
In Hwang Jiho’s eyes, he must’ve thought that I was planning on doing something reckless.
Well, as soon as we arrived at the airport, I did declare that I would go back to Eungwang High.
The reason is simple.
“Those bastards tried to take Hani away. I know they’ll try to do it again, and I know Hani will try to go back to the nursery. We need to take precautions. I think we should watch and protect Hani first.”
Hwang Jiho frowned.
“I think Hani won’t be doing something that reckless.”
That is true, considering Hani’s usual personality.
However, the cool and calm Hani also had a weakness.
“It’s a different story if the bastards provoke Hani by threatening the teachers at the nursery.”
“…Shall we send someone to watch over them?”
“No, it’ll be fine even if you send them a bit later.”
I showed the message history on my device.
“Cos I’m already on it.”
* * *
At the Eungwang High First Year Dorms
Hani was now half-arrested in a dormitory room being watched by her classmates.
— Don’t think of doing anything weird!
— That’s right! You’re staying here with us!
After being embroiled in yesterday’s incident, Saeum and Lena watched over Hani in the dormitories.
Although Hani was considerate of the two, Saeum and Lena can’t afford to leave her to be all alone.
They took turns around the door to watch Hani because they were worried that she’d leave without saying a word.
Hani couldn’t sleep at all last night. She fell asleep at dawn and woke up late in the afternoon.
The same nightmare of someone covering her eyes occurred last night.
She had a long sleep, but she didn’t feel rested at all.
Bzz bzzz.
Her bracelet-type wearable device rang to notify her that she has received some messages.
Hani checked the message window that materialized in front of her.
[Lena] Let’s go eat! >_<
[Lena] Hey, Hani? You still asleep?
[Lena] Are you not hungry? TT_TT;;
[Lena] I tried to peek at your dorm room and it seems like you’re still sleeping… I’m just going to go with Saeum to buy some food. We’ll order some for you too!
[Lena] Hey, Hani… If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask Kwon Jein sunbaenim for help…
[Lena] There’s actually a player on the Eternal Lake team who has an international lawyer’s license, and he told me to contact him if I ever need his help!
[Lena] Think about it when you see this message! And don’t forget to reply too! We’re here for you! >_<
There were also messages from Saeum from when he and Lena stopped by MITRON.
[Saeum of April] (Photo)
[Saeum of April] (Photo)
[Saeum of April] We’re planning to buy one of these as a snack for tomorrow. Which one do you like?
[Saeum of April] Ah, should we just buy both?
[Saeum of April] Euishin is going to be here soon, so there’s no need for us to worry anymore!
…Why was Euishin suddenly mentioned?
Hani couldn’t understand, so she went ahead and checked the next messages.
The next ones were from Min Geurin.
[Geurin-ie] I’m sorry.
[Geurin-ie] It’s all my fault.
[Geurin-ie] If I weren’t such a coward, Lena and Saeum could’ve saved you.
[Geurin-ie] I’m really sorry.
Even after all the men from the service company disappeared, Min Geurin’s feet froze on the ground and she couldn’t muster the courage to move for a long time.
Geurin trembled very hard so Saeum and Lena had to stay with her.
She stayed immobile until Geurin’s family was able to contact Hong Gyungbok.
‘Geurin finally took off her AR glasses…!’
The faces of the men from the service company laughing at the terrified Min Geurin came to her mind.
Hani replied to Min Geurin first, assuring her that everything was okay.
Bzzz.
The bracelet buzzed again.
Hani’s face hardened when she saw the new message window.
There were several attachments in the message window.
The first one was a video of herself seemingly attacking a man from the service company.
The second one was a photo of a man with a plaster bandage on his arm, along with a scanned copy of a medical certificate.
Hani read the contents of the medical certificate and was immediately filled with shock.
‘Four weeks recommended to heal from a fracture? That’s ridiculous! I didn’t do that much damage…!’
She already had an idea of what was going on.
They filmed the video of Hani seemingly attacking a civilian, and then they caused self-inflicted injuries afterward to make it so that a “fracture” would come out in their medical certificate.
In the following message, there was a profile of Gong Cheonghwon and a link to the website of the Eungwang Light Nursery School.
The nursery school was like Hani’s family already.
What would the impact on the Nursery School be if her reputation becomes tainted?
If Hani becomes painted as a player who assaults civilians?
‘The nursery had already suffered a lot of budget cuts from the government… and teacher Gong Cheonghwon has just gained obtained a teacher’s license…’
Just before Hani fell into complete panic, a new message came up.
This time, it was an address.
[Unknown] Today, 8 PM.
There was no other message before that, but Hani knew exactly what this was.
A threat.
If she doesn’t go meet with this person, something bad will happen to the teacher and the nursery.
‘The others are right outside the door though…’
Instead of heading towards the door, she walked towards the balcony.
Her room was on the 7th floor.
It was quite high up from the ground, but considering Hani’s athletic nerves and skills, she estimates that it’ll be fine to jump.
‘I’m sorry.’
Hani apologized internally.
She’s sorry to her friends who are worried about her, but this problem was something she thinks that she has to face on her own.
This concerns the Nursery, which is the closest thing that Hani has to a family.
She can’t afford to ask for help from her friends anymore.
Hani quietly opened the balcony door…
And jumped using a leap skill!
Swiish! Swish!
Materializing platforms in the air, Hani was able to get down safely.
She skillfully used her leap skill, cutting through the damp wind and stepping on the balcony floors on the way down.
Fifth floor, third floor, first floor.
Hani reached the ground floor in an instant.
She tried to get out of the school using her leap skill once more.
However…
Someone blocked her way.
“Exiting the dormitory building through the window is a violation of the dormitory rules. Class Zero kids rarely follow the rules, but this is the first time that a Freshman Class Zero student violated the rule.”
“Teacher Gong Cheonghwon…!”
Cheonghwon smiled softly when he heard his name.
“It’s my first time seeing you breaking school rules or dormitory rules since you became a high-schooler, Hani.”
With his usual smile, Cheonghwon asked Hani something.
“Now, would you tell me what’s going on?”
* * *
At the same time, at the Eungwang High Light Skill Research institution.
After finishing today’s administrative work early, he headed straight to the research institution.
‘White Tiger-nim and the Shapeshifter are on my mind a lot lately…’
Yesterday, White Tiger blocked Shinrok from torturing the Shapeshifter.
He permitted the usual observations and records, but something was odd.
‘Since White Tiger-nim said he had no plans on coming today, I’ll just come in to review his records and conduct a brief interrogation.’
Kim Shinrok’s plans were interrupted by the appearance of someone unexpected.
Disguised as a human being, he saw White Tiger coming towards him.
“White Tiger-nim? I thought you said you’re not coming today…”
“…”
White Tiger had his mouth closed in a straight line as he stared at Shinrok silently.
Shinrok felt a cold wave running through his spine which made him stop talking.
“The Yellow Tiger is back in Korea ahead of schedule. I have no time to explain it to you.”
White Tiger said something mysterious.
When Shinrok was about to ask what he meant…
“I’m sorry.”
Fwaa!
White Tiger’s eyes became filled with a white energy wave.
Kim Shinrok’s face hardened as White Tiger used his glare skill.
Kim Shinrok, despite being a descendant of the Tiger Clan, couldn’t resist White Tiger’s skill.
Even if he could resist, he doesn’t have the courage to raise a blade against his teacher.
“White Tiger-nim, what…”
Shinrok barely opened his mouth when the intense pain swept through him.
White Tiger moved Shinrok’s collapsed body first before returning to the building.
He stood side by side with…
The Shapeshifter.
