Chapter 15: Suspension Released…

“President, I need to discuss the preservation and use of evidence, so could you please talk with me for a moment?”

As Nam Jin-seok spoke, the President of Broad Academy, Choi Yi-seul, nodded.

Then, Nam Jin-seok looked around at those present and said, “Those directly involved in the case should come in as well. You all need to have a general understanding of how things will progress, right?”

When Nam Jin-seok sought permission from the President with his gaze, she nodded silently.

Yoo Hee-yeon, Seong Hyun-wook, Jung Eun-seo, and Lee Hyun-seung, who were directly involved in the case, followed the President into her office.

“Please have a seat, everyone.”

With a wave of Choi Yi-seul’s hand, numerous chairs appeared instantly.

Once everyone was seated, Nam Jin-seok began to speak.

“As the President knows, from what I’ve observed, there seems to be a lot of conflicting narratives surrounding this stalking case. The only way to resolve this issue is to find out whose two unidentified mana traces they are. They are likely the ones who orchestrated the crime.”

Choi Yi-seul responded, “Yes, I think the same. However, requesting the mana database is quite difficult, even for the Magic Tower, isn’t it?”

Nam Jin-seok nodded and continued, “It’s a topic that most civilians aren’t aware of, but the mana database contains a wealth of information. Thus, it is treated as highly confidential. It is only permitted to use the mana database to identify criminals in cases of terrorism or similar emergencies. However…”

Nam Jin-seok emphasized his point. “The Magic Tower is different. The Magic Tower consistently helps with government-designated projects and necessary personnel without fail. We maintain a very close relationship. I believe the same goes for the Artemis Guild. Nevertheless, what I want to convey is that the government will usually accommodate our requests at least once. Of course, I think it’s a bit excessive to use this opportunity in such a place… Still, I believe the Tower Master will request it from the government if I ask.”

Choi Yi-seul responded to Nam Jin-seok’s words, “…If possible, it would be best to do that. Then the truth will definitely come to light.”

“Yes, that’s right. So, may I ask you to hand over the evidence, specifically the mobile phone, to us at the Magic Tower?”

Bang—!

Suddenly, Yoo Hee-yeon slammed her hand on the desk and exclaimed, “What do you mean by that? You want to take the evidence? This incident happened at our academy, so it should be managed by the academy. External transfer to the Magic Tower is absolutely out of the question.”

Nam Jin-seok calmly explained, “It’s merely a precaution to protect the evidence. If we request the use of the mana database from the government and go through the necessary processes, there will be a waiting period of about a month or two before we can actually use it. However, if the evidence were to disappear during that time, it would create trouble for both you and us, wouldn’t it?”

-Swish-

Yoo Hee-yeon glared at President Choi Yi-seul and spoke coldly, “President, I’ve been holding back until now, but I will not entertain such an absurd request. This incident occurred within the academy. It’s only right that you, as the President, keep the evidence. It should be stored within the academy.”

“If the evidence goes back to the Magic Tower, then no tricks or variables can be made. However, if it remains within the academy, we can respond flexibly should any issues arise. That’s why Yoo Hee-yeon stubbornly opposed the external transfer.”

Lee Hyun-seung thought to himself,

“Yoo Hee-yeon, you foolish girl. What do you think you can do with the evidence? Not a chance. I’ll do whatever it takes to prevent that.”

Choi Yi-seul replied to Nam Jin-seok with a troubled expression.

“Unfortunately, due to regulations, since the incident occurred within the academy, the evidence must be kept within the academy. However, I promise to manage it carefully so that it won’t be lost or stolen.”

“Hmm… If that’s the case, I suppose there’s nothing we can do. So, for now, can we say there won’t be any issues regarding the future use of the evidence?”

“Yes. You may use the evidence in front of all of us. There’s no other way to clarify the truth of the incident, so it’s unavoidable.”

After a moment, the President seemed to recall something and spoke up.

“Oh, and it goes without saying, but while Lee Hyun-seung’s innocence isn’t fully proven, a significant amount has been established, so I will take measures to ensure he can return to the academy. He can start coming back from tomorrow. I sincerely apologize for the suspension.”

Lee Hyun-seung nodded at President Choi Yi-seul. Even though Yoo Hee-yeon was ranting beside him, the fact that his suspension had been lifted remained unchanged.

As Nam Jin-seok listened to the conversation and sensed that things were coming to a conclusion, he said, “Then we will contact you later from the Magic Tower and come back.”

-Swish-

As Nam Jin-seok stood up, Jung Eun-seo and Lee Hyun-seung followed him out.

-Creak -Creak

Walking behind Nam Jin-seok, Jung Eun-seo spoke up, “Thank you. Honestly, I didn’t expect you to help this much… Since I’ve asked for more than was initially agreed upon, I’ll make sure to give you a generous bonus.”

Upon hearing her words, Nam Jin-seok smiled slightly and replied, “You don’t need to give me a bonus.”

“Huh? But…?”

“Miss, I think you’re misunderstanding something; I didn’t come here today for money.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well… it’s about your grandfather. The first guild master of the Theor Guild, Mage Jung Young-sik. He helped me a lot when I was young.”

He seemed lost in thought as he reminisced.

“He taught me when I didn’t have the skills to get into the Magic Tower, how to survive on the streets, and how to trust people. If it hadn’t been for him, I would probably be living as a homeless person, far from the Magic Tower.”

“You mean my grandfather taught you?”

“Ha ha, that’s right. I certainly wasn’t this skilled in magic from the beginning. Anyway, I came today because you are the granddaughter of Mage Jung Young-sik. Ever since he went missing, I’ve wanted to repay him, but I had no way to do so until I received a request for help from his granddaughter. To be honest, the assessors from our Magic Tower, not just me, have very tight schedules, and everything we have to do is important and cannot be postponed. Just paying money won’t solve everything, and the amount you provided doesn’t even cover the penalty for the canceled schedule.”

Jung Eun-seo had already paid most of her available funds to Nam Jin-seok. However, to learn that it didn’t even cover the penalty was quite shocking for her.

“I didn’t mean to worry you, so please don’t make that face. I just wanted to convey that I received a lot of help from Mage Jung Young-sik and came with the thought of repaying that debt. You can think of my suggestion regarding the mana database access at the Magic Tower as an extension of that. I’ve already received a favor, and this time, I’m repaying it. One thing I’m curious about is, how is Mage Jung Young-sik doing? I couldn’t find any news about him, no matter how hard I looked.”

Hearing Nam Jin-seok’s words, she lowered her head and replied,

“I’m not sure either… After he went missing, he only told me the location of his inheritance and then disappeared without a trace. I think… he might have passed away by now…”

Nam Jin-seok adjusted his fedora, suppressing his emotions as he spoke.

“I see… Understood…”

Jung Eun-seo looked at Nam Jin-seok and said, “Thank you for your help.”

“You don’t have to say that. Anyway, I will do my best regarding this matter. Then, I’ll take my leave, so please continue your conversation.”

With that, Nam Jin-seok left for somewhere. His expression looked somewhat sorrowful.

Once they were alone, Jung Eun-seo asked me, “What are you planning to do now?”

“I will return to the academy. And I will make them pay for what they’ve done.”

“If you return to the academy, does that mean you’ll go back to Class A?”

“No. That’s not possible. If I return this time, I’ll be transferring to Class F.”

“Transferring to Class F? Is there really a need to drop to such a low class?”

“Yes, there is.”

I thought to myself,

“If I drop to a lower class, it will be even more humiliating for those little brats when I beat them.”

Just wait. Class F. Even being called the most worthless gunner. Everyone in Class A will face brutal humiliation.

Now, it’s their turn to pay the price.

I will make them feel it. The trash who stood by and laughed when I was treated as a criminal will taste the bitter despair.

And you, Yoo Hee-yeon.

“Yoo Hee-yeon, you will be thoroughly crushed in every aspect, whether it’s theory, practice, or any field.”