Chapter 445: What must be hidden (9)

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The design of the team mark of the Oath of the Three Knights is of the symbols of the first team masters’ families.

Below the team mark, Mok Wooram’s name was clearly written.

Halfway through the envelope’s contents, I was stunned.

‘...They already tried to assassinate him!’

Included in what Seodol described as an ‘assassination plan’ is a report.

According to it, the failed assassination attempt was during the first practice of our class at the Olympic park.

Two elite members of the Oath of the Three Knights were personally there for the assassination.

One of the two planned to lure in Professor Ham Geunhyung with a tamed enemy while he entered the otherworld where Mok Wooram was in to kill him.

There was a backup plan in case Professor Ham Geunhyung wouldn’t be tricked, and the plan overall seemed thoroughly prepared.

‘But no one knew there was an assassination attempt that day... Is it because the Lake of Eternity Team was there?’

On that day, the Lake of Eternity team members appeared, adorned in their team capes, to cheer on Kwon Lena.

Kwon Jein’s silly actions get more frequent by the day, so it wouldn’t be strange if she appeared solely to cheer on Kwon Lena.

However, if she was actually there to protect Mok Wooram, it wouldn’t be strange too.

Jared Lee was previously a member of the Oath of the Three Knights, and Mok Wooram is a student of the master craftsman who made Kwon Jein’s violin.

The report also contained the reasons for why the assassination attempt failed, which, as expected, mentioned the Lake of Eternity team.

But that wasn’t the sole reason.

‘...Another variable aside from the Lake of Eternity?’

At that time, the assassins were said to have been watching the five otherworlds that spawned around the area.

They were to determine which side would the Year One Class Zero would attack, but what they saw was something unexpected.

Each of the five otherworlds contained strong energy waves, and those waves were said to have become a certain shape when viewed at a distance.

The figure that they saw was the seal of Sidelentium, the Crow Demon King.

‘The Crow Demon King was getting in contact with me...’

There’s no way to know if it’s a coincidence or not.

But one thing is for sure — even if the Lake of Eternity team hadn’t come that day, the assassination attempt would still fail.

The Crow Demon King was likely to sit on the sidelines and watch, but the assassins could never be sure.

It was wise to postpone the plan since there was an unignorable variable present.

‘What’s more important than this failed attempt is the future.’

These guys haven’t given up yet.

The first plan only ended in an attempt, but the assassins still seemed to be staying in Korea.

The report that should’ve gone back to the team’s base in England was now in my hands.

‘Mok Wooram doesn’t go out much, but he still does. It’s dangerous for him to go out alone.’

Mok Wooram has a lot of flaws, but the man is a good person.

Now that I know that someone’s trying to kill him, I can’t just stay put.

“I think you’ve read it all. How was it? You’re thankful for my present, right?”

This was the worst thing anyone could give as a present, but I was thankful for it.

My classmate is on the verge of getting assassinated, and it’s only natural for me, his class vice president, to be grateful to the person who provided me with the information.

I decided to thank him and dig up more info on the assassination plan.

“Yes, thank you. May I ask where you got this?”

“Some garbage back in China tried interrupting me, is it not? I looked for this the moment I stepped foot in England.”

Seodol, speaking in formal language, suddenly got serious.

His next words were informal, and anger and irritation were clear.

“Sigh, speaking of England reminds me of another bad memory. Why do I have to feel like trash?”

Come to think of it, Seodol and Heukma made a bet back in England.

I wasn’t curious about the result at all, but from the looks of it, it seems like Seodol was beaten by Heukma.

“Among the 12-point alliance, there’s a royal lineage called Heukma who’s ignorant and sensitive. You gotta be careful around her.”

Do I need to be careful?

I decided to nod since he actually gave me useful information in quite a while.

Seodol talked about Heukma’s background, making him sound like he’s resentful for losing to her.

As if he was satisfied that I was listening well, Seodol quickly looked relieved.

I answered without much consideration.

“I don’t want to.”

Seodol’s second gift wasn’t as pleasant as I thought it would be.

The moment I said my decision, Baekho-gun no longer went easy on Seodol.

“Jo Euishin expressed his disapproval.”

“Of course, I knew he wouldn’t like it. That’s why I’m here to persuade him! I’m hooked on the color black this time, but there aren’t many players who have black energy waves and...”

Fwaa....

A pure white energy wave rose around Baekho-gun.

Seeing that Baekho-gun’s hair was turning white, Seodol immediately shut his mouth.

I guess he wasn’t stupid enough to challenge Baekho-gun.

“Thank you for the first present. I’ll see you next time.”

“...I haven’t given up yet! I’ll call you again, and I’ll give you another gift!”

Grrr...!

After Seodol’s words, I heard a beastlike growl again.

The timing was odd, but it could be some excited noises from Seodol too.

Seodol eventually backed down as the density of Baekho-gun’s energy waves increased.

On the trail that became peaceful again, I thanked Baekho-gun for warding away Seodol, and Olmu who waited patiently.

In addition to that, I gave a suggestion.

“Let’s walk a little longer before going back.”

“Okay.”

Woof woof!

Today’s road home was eventful, but the end of my day was perfect.

That’s how I returned to my dormitory room.

It felt a little dark and cold, perhaps because I’ve been spending less time in it these days.

If I knew this would happen, I should’ve left the lights and heater of my room on before I left for the mansion.

I decided to quickly turn them on and use my device to check messages.

‘Ah, this...’

A message from an unfamiliar sender caught my eye.

It was from the Crow Demon King’s agent, the patissier from MITRON.

***

Hwangmyeong mansion, in the annex where Eunho stays.

Eunho was sitting in the living room with all the windows closed.

It was only after dark that someone arrived at the porch.

“Come in, you’re a little late. I guess your walk got a little longer.”

Baekho entered the annex and nodded silently, walking to sit across Eunho.

Eunho began to prepare some tea for him.

“You were originally a quiet person before, but it’s more intense now, Baekho hyungnim.”

Baekho didn’t respond, only tilting the teacup to his lips.

Eunho continued talking.

“A lot has happened since I fell asleep, but I think the Tiger Clan hasn’t changed that much. Even though Cheongho became human, she still has her old personality. But...”

Eunho cut off his words.

It was rare for Eunho, an eloquent speaker, to hesitate like this.

“...”

“...”

The two were silent as they drank their tea.

Instead of preparing another helping of tea, Eunho took out what he had prepared.

Baekho watched the objects unfolding on the table.

It was a case containing a chessboard and chess pieces.

Finishing setting up the board, Eunho spoke.

“Baekho hyungnim, please play chess with me.”

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