Chapter 72: Would You Like to Engage in a Friendly Spar?
After verifying their identity and admission documents at the main gate, the trio finally set foot into the Azure Dragon Academy.
Oh! Im really entering the Azure Dragon Academy!
How long is this geezer going to be so touched?
Hahaha.
The enrollment process took place at the main building of the Azure Dragon Academy. With their papers already inspected, registration proceeded swiftly.
The examiner, after checking and re-checking Gongson Sus age, asked with a bewildered expression, Are you truly here to apply? Youre not representing your child or disciple?
Though the examiners words were impolite, Gongson Su merely chuckled in amusement, Hohoho. Indeed, Im here to apply!
He then flexed his arm, displaying his muscles to the examiner. Youre never too old to learn. Feel it. I endured hellish training for this day!
Ah, yes
Just out of curiosity, has there ever been an applicant older than me?
In my ten years working here, youre the oldest.
Hohoho! See? I knew it! By the way, how old are you?
Im forty-four, but
Youre young. If you set your mind to it, you can achieve anything you dream of!
Oh, uh
Young man, you need to learn to articulate more clearly
After surmounting a few hurdles and leaving the examiner speechless, they concluded the enrollment process and departed from the main building.
Now that youre done with registration, you two should explore the campus a bit more before leaving, Hyonwon Kang suggested, his expression akin to a sheep being led to the slaughter. He hadnt just accompanied the two as their guide to the Azure Dragon Academy; he had other business to attend to afterward.
Fuck. Why on earth would the Headmaster demand such a thing he grumbled.
As a condition for moving out of the dormitory, Hyonwon Kang had to provide regular updates to Mae Geuk-Lyom about his progress. Despite his efforts over the past month to appear confident in front of Mae Geuk-Lyom, it still felt like an impossible task.
Anyway, Ill see you guys later.
See you at the White Dragon Manor tonight, Senior!
Stay safe.
With a dejected face, Hyonwon Kang reluctantly shuffled toward the dormitory.
Meanwhile, Wiji Cheon and Gongson Su had their sights set on exploring the Azure Dragon Academy.
Shall we begin with the training grounds?
We probably cant access the library until were officially enrolled, right?
Excitement fueled their pace as they hurried along.
Wiji Cheon? An unfamiliar voice suddenly asked.
Wiji Cheon turned to face the speaker. He was a tall, slender boy with narrow, slanted eyes and thin lips that made him seem shifty.
The boy grinned. Looks like I guessed right.
Confused, Wiji Cheon tilted his head. I dont think weve met before Who are you?
Youre Baek Su-Ryong, no, Mr. Baek Su-Ryongs student, arent you?
Pleasure to meet you. Im Cho Mak-Saeng. I receive martial arts tutoring from Mr. Namgoong Su. Cho Mak-Saeng beamed, extending his hand.
Gongson Su grabbed the boys sleeve and pulled him closer. It should be fun. Why not come along?
!!! In that moment, Wiji Cheon noticed it. The smile Gongson Su directed at him. Unlike the warm and gentle smiles hed seen before, this one felt like a sharp blade against his throat.
Wiji Cheon gulped in terror. One thing was certain: Gongson Su had something up his sleeve. Something sinister and scary.
O-Okay he said meekly.
Cho Mak-Saeng laughed, Hohoho! Excellent! Then let me guide you to the arena! Are you two coming too?
Are you crazy? Why would I go there? Jin Jin retorted bluntly.
With a shrug, as if expecting such a response, Cho Mak-Saeng departed with Wiji Cheon and Gongson Su.
Watching their retreating figures, Jin Jin grumbled in annoyance, Whats gotten into him all of a sudden? Even though hes the weakest among us Hey, Seok-orabeoni. Do you want to go watch them?
Namgoong Seok ignored Jin Jin. After a brief moment of contemplation, he silently followed after the others, his gaze fixed on Wiji Cheon.
Eh? W-Wait for me! Jin Jin hurriedly chased after him.
Why is such a beautiful Miss drinking here alone? Did something bad happen to you?
This must be the fifth time, Shadow sighed as a sleazy-looking man approached her.
Looks like youve had your heart broken. Tell me, whos the idiot who made this beauty cry?
Without waiting for permission, the man plopped down next to Shadow. Then, glancing at the people outside the window, he started rambling, So, I defeated those five villains and saved the kids. See this scar on my arm? Its from that time
As the Azure Dragon Academy entrance exam approached, the city buzzed with visitors. Some came for the exam, some to find temporary work, and some to scam or flirt.
Im tired, please leave, Shadow coldly replied and resumed drinking.
However, the man was persistent. Snatching Shadows bottle, he spoke earnestly, Trying to drown your sorrows in alcohol is like drinking poison. Why dont you share your worries with me instead? Ill listen to everything
Subtly, he wrapped his arm around Shadows shoulders. Then, seeing that Shadow didnt resist, he slowly slid a hand down to her buttocks.
Haa With lightning speed, Shadow broke the mans wrist and slammed his head down on the table.
THUNK!
Before the man could even scream, he was silenced by a bottle to the back of his head.
Leaving the man foaming at the mouth, Shadow stood up and strode out of the tavern. Why do these pests keep bothering me when I just want to think quietly? Was it a mistake to buy new clothes from the market? The merchant strongly recommended this red dress, saying that it suits me, butmaybe its a little too flashy? Sigh, I miss my black martial arts uniform already.
As a special agent, Shadow was trained to perfectly disguise herself as anything from peasants to courtesans. However, since becoming Gongson Sus guard, she had worn only the black martial arts uniform for years and had become accustomed to her daily routine.
Shadow, if you feel uncomfortable, Ill give you an order. Take the day off today.
It was her first-ever day off. She had no idea what to do.
Go eat anything you want, buy some pretty clothes and accessories, and go tour any places youve been wanting to visit.
She did as she was told. She ate snacks, bought clothes, dressed up, and drank alcohol she hadnt touched in years. Still, she didnt feel like she was enjoying herself, more like she was being abandoned.
Ever since he started learning martial arts at the White Dragon Manor, he relies on me less and less No, thinking like this is disrespectful. I need to go back to his side.
If you disobey me, youre fired.
So be it. If I get caught by a master from the Azure Dragon Academy Ill commit suicide to avoid causing trouble for him.
Her decision made, she turned a corner, only to bump right into the person she least wanted to see right now.
Shadow? Baek Su-Ryong stared at her in shock. As if he had just finished shopping, he had bags on his shoulders and in his hands. Wheres the elder? And you Whats with the clothes?
Shadow suddenly wished she could just disappear.