Chapter 38: Discipline.

“I can’t sell it for dozens or hundreds of billions, miss.”

With Tak Woo-hyun’s words, the air around them froze in an instant.

Tak Woo-hyun was a merchant who made money by selling weapons. However, before that, he was a craftsman who

took pride in being a blacksmith.

He had immense pride in the weapons he created and found great happiness in the act of making them. At this point,

crafting had become such a significant part of his life that it could be said to define him.

—Creak

Because of this, Tak Woo-hyun felt an enormous blow to his pride. It was due to Yoo Hee-yeon’s childish words.

—“Since I bought the weapon, just toss it into the Artemis Guild warehouse.”

—“Why are you saying that? Are you short on money?”

Her arrogant attitude treated his weapon as if it were mere baggage, and her mindset that money could buy anything

was infuriating.

As a blacksmith, it was a stark contrast to Lee Hyun-seung’s reaction, who had respected him. In that moment, anger

surged within him, and he nearly exploded, but Tak Woo-hyun held it back. After all, she was the daughter of the

Artemis Guild leader. If he resorted to violence just because he felt offended, it was clear that Artemis wouldn’t let it

slide either. That would lead to the worst possible outcome for both Lee Hyun-seung and the Blacksmith Association.

Thus, he chose to endure it this time. However, he couldn’t hide his expression. Tak Woo-hyun’s face contorted with

rage, turning red as if he would burst at any moment.

“W-why do you insist on giving me money to such an extent…?”

Taken aback by Tak Woo-hyun’s sudden reaction, Yoo Hee-yeon tried to say something, but Lee Hyun-seung intervened.

“Yoo Hee-yeon, how about you stop there? There’s a limit to being rude.”

“What?”

Yoo Hee-yeon looked straight at Lee Hyun-seung. He didn’t shy away from her gaze and spoke directly.

“What you should say now isn’t ‘what’ but an apology. Both when you accused me of being a criminal and now,

you’ve clearly trampled on someone’s pride and are ignoring it as if nothing happened. People can make mistakes.

But if you do, at least you should apologize. Your attitude is just disgusting.”

“W-what? Are you crazy?! Are you really saying that to me right now? Are you planning to leave now?”

—Tremble

Yoo Hee-yeon shouted, her body trembling. However, Lee Hyun-seung approached Tak Woo-hyun, ignoring her,

and bowed his head.

“I’m sorry for causing you to experience this due to me, even though you came with good intentions. I truly

appreciate the weapon you crafted. It’s best if you leave now; it doesn’t seem like staying here will bring about

anything good.”

“Hmm…”

Tak Woo-hyun glanced at Yoo Hee-yeon, as if he had something to say, but shook his head, sighed, and turned away.

“I shall take my leave then. Hyun-seung, we will talk separately later.”

Tak Woo-hyun left without saying a word to Yoo Hee-yeon. She stared at him with a dazed expression.

Jeong Eun-seo spoke to Yoo Hee-yeon.

“What are you staring at me like that for, as if you don’t understand anything? Do you really not know what’s wrong?”

Yoo Hee-yeon spun around in annoyance, ignoring Jeong Eun-seo’s words as she headed into the academy building.

Jeong Eun-seo, looking incredulous, remarked, “Seriously… What on earth is wrong with that person? It’s hard to

understand. Does she lack empathy?”

Yoo Hee-yeon walked on, disregarding her words.

—Thud, thud, thud

Yoo Hee-yeon had always looked down on others. Until now, people had adjusted to her every action. When she said

she disliked something, people held back, and when she expressed her enjoyment, most would flatter her by doing

what she liked.

For her, the various incidents involving Lee Hyun-seung had been nothing short of shocking. How could a mere non-

awakened individual dare to challenge her opinions? How could anyone bring up Artemis in front of so many

people? Such absurdities were unfolding before her eyes.

“What on earth… What have I done wrong? I haven’t done anything wrong.”

Her father had told her:

“Hee-yeon, those in high positions should never apologize carelessly. Once the lower ones start apologizing, they’ll

begin to look down on you and try to tear you apart. So, don’t apologize recklessly. If someone raises a problem,

suppress them with strength and make them submit. Make the difference between you two clear. You can do that.

You’re my daughter. With this father’s power, people won’t treat you carelessly. So, act as you wish. Don’t be

cautious. That’s the attitude someone born into the upper class should possess.”

The world her father had taught her and reality were too different. No, in fact, they were not different at all. When

she focused her gaze on someone, they trembled in fear, and everyone was busy being cautious around her.

“Lee Hyun-seung… Why are you…”

Lee Hyun-seung and the people around him did not fear Yoo Hee-yeon at all. While everyone else was intimidated by

the power of the Artemis Guild and cautious, it was strangely the people surrounding him who acted with

confidence.

As if there were some force guiding them, Lee Hyun-seung was steadily gathering those similar to him into his ranks.

Yoo Hee-yeon didn’t realize it, but this was no illusion. Lee Hyun-seung was genuinely forming his power around

those who were strong-willed and not easily swayed.

But without knowing this, Yoo Hee-yeon felt increasingly conflicted.

“Ugh… So annoying…”

Nothing seemed to go her way. Her complex emotions boiled over.

As she closed her eyes, the deep voice of a man echoed in her mind.

“You must never fall short of being first in any field. Use any means necessary to secure that first place. It doesn’t

matter how dirty or disgraceful it may be; use your abilities to take the top spot, do you understand?”

Her father’s words. The shouts she had heard when he lost the top score in the written exam to Lee Hyun-seung. She

shook her head, reflecting on it.

“Don’t think useless thoughts. I need to focus on what lies ahead. If I waste time on someone like him, I’ll disappoint

my father again this time.”

She felt afraid. Afraid of her father. Afraid of disappointing him.

She quickly turned around. It was time to prepare for the upcoming written and practical exams. She resolved to take

the top spots in both this time.

Class F at the academy. Jeong Eun-seo and Lee Hyun-seung entered the classroom.

Jeong Eun-seo spoke to Lee Hyun-seung.

“Isn’t that person just the worst? I wanted to slap her, but I figured you’d stop me, so I held back.”

As Jeong Eun-seo reacted strongly, Lee Hyun-seung nodded and replied, “There’s no need to resort to violence first;

after all, you’ll have a chance to confront her legally soon.”

“Are you talking about the class extermination match?”

As she spoke, Lee Hyun-seung nodded.

“Honestly, I think there won’t be any problems as long as I’m with you, but A-Class won’t just sit back either. Given

how impressive you were in the F-Class representative selection match, they might not ignore you and could even

strategize against us.”

“I don’t care. I haven’t shown all my abilities yet, and we’re more than ready.”

“What kind of preparations are you talking about?”

“First, we need to gather the members of our class who are scattered.”

Lee Hyun-seung looked around. Among the F-Class members nearby, some were glaring at him with resentment,

while others were trembling in fear after their brutal defeat in the F-Class selection match.

‘Neither option is good.’

A-Class had a clear alliance centered around Yoo Hee-yeon. They could be considered one cohesive unit. Orders were

conveyed firmly under the command of Yoo Hee-yeon. But F-Class was different.

F-Class consisted of those who were mere lackeys receiving money from Yoo Hee-yeon, along with individuals trying

to get noticed by her through foolish antics. There were also those who took pride in looking down on others.

‘The best scenario would be for everyone, except the ones getting paid, to unite as one. Of course, it would be great

if we could form a team with them too, but if not, it can’t be helped.’

The factions already receiving money from Yoo Hee-yeon were treated as expendable. After all, there weren’t many

of them, and more importantly, they were nothing but trash with no hidden talents, so it didn’t matter. What

remained were the opportunists in the middle or those with no connection at all.

Was there a way to capture them all at once? No, there wasn’t. Trying to accommodate everyone’s differing opinions

and concerns wouldn’t allow for efficient teamwork in the upcoming class representative selection match, which was

less than a week away.

So, what would be the effective method? It was subjugation.

He had to make them submit. To ensure a smooth command structure. And Lee Hyun-seung knew better than

anyone how to make people submit.

“Wait here for a moment.”

Lee Hyun-seung pushed Jeong Eun-seo aside for a moment and surveyed the inside of F-Class. Some were still

glaring at him with cold expressions.

He addressed the people in front of him.

“Now that I’m the representative for F-Class, I’d like to have a moment of your attention.”

Though Lee Hyun-seung spoke, no one turned their gaze toward him. Was it because he was speaking too softly? Or

perhaps their pride was hurt since they had suddenly been overshadowed by Lee Hyun-seung, who had just

transferred to F-Class? It didn’t matter either way; he had expected this reaction. He had also thought of how to

respond in this situation.

‘Huff…’

Lee Hyun-seung took a deep breath and slammed his hand down on the desk in front of him.

—BAM!

“What… what was that?!”

“Are you… are you crazy?!”

In an instant, the surrounding crowd began to stir, and their gazes focused on Lee Hyun-seung. With a satisfied look, he continued to speak.

“Listen up. I have something to say.”