Chapter 71: The First Test (6)

Seeing the bizarre expression on Instructor Chu Il-hwan's usually playful face, I became certain.

'Damn it. So he really did have ulterior motives.'

I was glad I’d made it explicitly clear this time that I’m not interested in men.

Once he’d composed himself, Chu Il‑hwan cleared his throat and said, “Ahem. Anyway, congratulations on gaining enlightenment and improving your skills. I can’t wait to see you become one of the leading figures of the cult after you graduate from this place.”

Seeing his eagerness to conclude the interview, I bowed and quickly exited the pavilion.

‘He must be stung by the rejection.’

Just because someone leans that way doesn't necessarily mean they're a bad person.

No, most likely, the majority aren't.

However, that guy was a psychopath who practiced a Demonic Art. If I let my guard down for even a moment, there was no telling what kind of horrific things might happen.

***

After Il-mok left, Instructor Chu Il-hwan pondered.

When asked about his relationship with Bang Mi-hwa, he replied that he liked women. Putting together Il-mok’s recent behavior and the rumors circulating…

‘So he’s saying one Bang Mi-hwa isn’t enough to satisfy him.’

As expected of someone so talented, his desire matched his skills.

He'd been surprised by the sudden confession initially, but honestly, Instructor Chu Il-hwan didn't dwell on that part too much.

The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult didn't prohibit polygamy. They prioritized martial prowess and punishing evil, so as long as no one was forced into a relationship and training wasn't neglected for the sake of pleasure, it wasn't a concern.

‘Truly an interesting young master.’

Instructor Chu Il-hwan, who had been snickering, quickly returned to his usual smiling expression when he heard the door open and greeted the next disciple.

"Welcome. Disciple Dokgo."

"Greetings, Instructor."

Despite his generally self-centered behavior, Dokgo Pae showed proper respect to the instructor.

'Hmm.'

Chu Il‑hwan watched him sit without being prompted and thought, ‘Second in rank and the eldest grandson of the Dokgo Family. Normally, he would be considered the top talent of the year, such a shame that he falls somewhat short compared to the Eighth Young Master.’

He decided to probe a bit.

"What did you think of this test, Disciple Dokgo?"

"I was disappointed."

"Oh? In what way?"

Expecting some self-criticism, Chu Il-hwan was met instead with a baffling answer.

“Because we weren’t allowed to wound each other, I couldn’t fight properly and was easily defeated. If it had been a fight to the death, things would have been different, Instructor!"

Hearing that bold and confident answer, Chu Il-hwan couldn’t help but smile.

‘I’d like to kill him too, but for different reasons.’

The side effect of the Black Thunder Demonic Palm crawled up his right hand. But he shut the murderous impulse down and forced a smile.

“I see. Since you think that way, I won’t question your martial skill further. I’ll ask about the other aspects. What do you think about the other aspects of this test?”

"Other aspects, sir?"

Seeing Dokgo Pae's confusion, Chu Il-hwan elaborated.

"By now, you must understand that this test wasn't simply about competing in martial arts skills, right?"

"Isn't it enough for a martial artist to excel in martial arts?"

“After graduating from the Demonic Academy, you’ll be assigned to a unit. This training and test are designed to cultivate your ability to carry out the cult’s orders. Martial prowess isn't the end-all be-all in your missions.”

Only then did Dokgo Pae nod in understanding.

“I see what you mean, but it doesn't apply to me."

The moment he heard that stupid remark, Chu Il-hwan felt like the black dragon slumbering in his right hand might go berserk.

Exercising his patience to the limit, Chu Il-hwan forced himself to hear Dokgo Pae’s explanation.

"As the eldest grandson of the Dokgo Family, I’m destined to lead one day. I believe my role is to crush enemies with overwhelming force and leave such trivial matters to others. Ah, come to think of it, during this exam I did find a disciple particularly skilled in those fields. It wouldn't be bad to continue working with that disciple in the future."

Only then was Chu Il-hwan able to calm down the black dragon slumbering in his right hand.

‘Phew. So, his head isn't entirely for decoration.’

After organizing his thoughts, Chu Il-hwan spoke quickly like firing an arrow.

“Good. Recognizing and utilizing your comrade’s strengths and weaknesses is equally important, especially as you rise higher, that ability will become even more necessary."

"I'll be mindful, Instructor."

"Think more about this issue in the future, and you may go now."

Normally, he would have given more detailed criticism, but Instructor Chu Il-hwan quickly dismissed Dokgo Pae.

He feared he might actually kill him if their conversation continued.

***

Meanwhile, around the same time.

Just as Instructor Chu Il-hwan was conducting interviews for the Upper Class, Instructor Eun Ryeo was also conducting interviews for the Lower Class.

"Disciple Ju Seo-yeon."

In response to the typically prickly and cold-looking Instructor Eun Ryeo's call, Ju Seo-yeon answered with her usual bright face.

"Yes, Instructor."

“Hmm. I’ve heard you’ve improved greatly since enrollment. Was there a reason for this change?”

"It's all thanks to Young Master Il-mok!"

“…Have you forgotten that within the Hall, all disciples are equals? Using ‘Young Master’ may create an awkward atmosphere.”

"I'll be more careful, Instructor!"

Yet, her smile never wavered despite her response.

Instructor Eun Ryeo sighed softly and spoke in her usual curt tone.

“Still, I’m relieved to see you’re clearly on your way to improving yourself. Of course, you’re still a bit lacking in every area, but if you keep training like this, I believe you will catch up to your peers by the time you graduate from the Hall.”

"Instructor. Just catching up isn't enough! I must graduate as the second-ranked disciple!"

"Se-second...?"

For the first time, Instructor Eun Ryeo's icy composure cracked as she looked at Ju Seo-yeon with disbelief.

"Yes, Instructor! I must graduate second so I can be with him!"

"......"

Instructor Eun Ryeo began to spin. Who was this 'him' she was referring to?

'Could she be talking about the Eighth Young Master?'

Suddenly, everything clicked into place. No wonder Ju Seoyeon’s performance has shot up lately.

‘She’d been trying to win his favor all along.’

Having more or less grasped the situation, Instructor Eun Ryeo quickly resumed her usual curt expression and dismissed her.

“Very well. Keep working hard as you have been."

"Yes, Instructor!"

Ju Seo-yeon left the place with confidence in her steps.

"Whew."

Instructor Eun Ryeo let out a deep sigh and rubbed her weary face.

Hearing the arrival of the next disciple shortly after, Instructor Eun Ryeo spoke with her usual tone, "Come in."

At her command, the door slowly opened and a timid disciple cautiously entered.

"Take a seat."

"I, I, I pre-prefer to st-stand, In-Instructor."

Seeing Disciple Jeong Hyeon trying to maintain a distance of about ten feet, Instructor Eun Ryeo barely held back a sigh and maintained her cold expression.

"If that's more comfortable for you, then stand and listen."

"Ye-yes, Instructor."

However, contrary to her frosty expression, the content that came out of Instructor Eun Ryeo's mouth was full of praise.

She commended his long-range support during battles, his hunting skills in procuring food, and his excellent tracking abilities.

After recounting Jeong Hyeon's achievements during this test, Instructor Eun Ryeo concluded her praise by saying, "As far as this test goes, it means that Disciple Jeong ranked at least among the top five in terms of contributions."

In response to Instructor Eun Ryeo's consecutive praises, Jeong Hyeon, who had shrunk his entire body, answered in a small voice with a completely reddened face.

"I-it's all tha-thanks to Yo-Young Master Il-Il-mok."

Instructor Eun Ryeo felt a sense of déjà vu.

'Even though your manner and attitude are different, you're giving exactly the same answer as Disciple Ju Seo-yeon.'

Instructor Eun Ryeo thought that Il-mok somehow seemed destined to become a man with many sins.

For some reason, she gave Jeong Hyeon a different response than she had given Ju Seo-yeon.

"While Disciple Il-mok's leadership was excellent, it was your ability that perfectly carried out your mission, wasn't it?"

Instructor Eun Ryeo hoped that Jeong Hyeon wouldn't rely too excessively on Il-mok. Unlike Ju Seo-yeon, he seemed like he would crumble easily if Il-mok hurt him.

"Also, there's no guarantee that you'll be in the same team as Disciple Il-mok in every future test. Disciple Il-mok led you well because he knows you well, but others won’t. So, from now on, you need to learn to communicate your strengths to your teammates.”

Jeong Hyeon’s face, which had been flushed red, instantly turned deathly pale.

The thought of being paired with strangers and having to explain his abilities to them took his breath away.

Seeing the formerly rosy-cheeked Jeong Hyeon turned pale, Instructor Eun Ryeo sighed softly and gently said, "Would you like to take off your bandages for a moment? You seem uncomfortable.”

Despite the offer, Jeong Hyeon gently shook her head.

"I-I'm fine, Instructor. I-I'm used to it."

As she said this, Jeong Hyeon gently placed a hand on her chest, feeling the tightly wound bandages underneath her clothes, wrapped that way so they wouldn’t interfere with her archery. She also self-consciously touched her short hair, which had been cut for the same reason, and avoided Instructor Eun Ryeo's eyes.

Seeing her anxious appearance, barely managed to hold back another sigh.

“Go outside and take a moment to breathe where no one can see you.”

"Th-thank you, Instructor!"

Watching Jeong Hyeon’s retreating back after her quick salute, Instructor Eun Ryeo finally let out the sigh she had been holding back.

It wasn't a sigh of contempt. It was a sigh filled with pity.

"Haah."

Her expression completely softening, Instructor Eun Ryeo relaxed her tense facial muscles and thought, ‘How should I help that child?’

Startled by her own thoughts, she quickly shook her head.

The side effect of the Demonic Art that Instructor Eun Ryeo had learned was excessive compassion and an inability to refuse.

It was hard for her to bear seeing pitiful people or those who needed her help.

Her constant cold demeanor and blunt speech were a defense mechanism to avoid this very situation. More precisely, to avoid being targeted by those who would feign helplessness to exploit her.

When she used a cold face and a curt tone, the people often got intimidated and gave up asking for a favor. It was a kind of life hack.

Of course, while it was a side effect somewhat suitable for an instructor's position, which required taking care of young disciples, carelessly revealing such a side effect was dangerous.

The role of an instructor was to care for and teach all disciples, rather than focusing all attention on just one or two.

Moreover, if she was swayed by the side effect and succumbed to her excessive sympathy, there was a risk she wouldn't even be able to properly handle her basic duties.

“Phew. That was close.”

Thinking of Jeong Hyeon, who especially stimulated her sympathy, Eun Ryeo breathed out a sigh of relief.

She was certain that if Jeong Hyeon were to cry and tearfully plead for her help, she absolutely wouldn't be able to refuse.

"Ah!"

Instructor Eun Ryeo, who had barely gathered her composure, belatedly realized an important fact and made a regretful expression.

"I forgot about that."

It was something that needed to be shared with others as well, but it was especially important to inform Jeong Hyeon, and she had failed to convey it.

(TL Note: Well, as you can see, the cat is out of the bag, at least to us readers. From the beginning, the author didn’t use a masculine pronoun for Jeong Hyeon. He uses either ‘that person’ or just plainly and directly writes her name when it's from Il-mok's perspective. I’ll use ‘he/him’ on her until Il-mok finds out.)