I finished my presentation with a round of applause from everyone, the sound of appreciation echoing in the classroom. After the professor delivers his adjourning remarks, signaling the end of the World History class, a wave of relief washes over me. The weight of historical narratives and holographic displays lifts, and the cadets disperse, freed from the confines of the lesson.
I happily make my way to my next class, a different course that promises a diploma attesting to my prowess as a legitimate science enthusiast who can invent things—a title I've already earned, given my recollection of past accomplishments. The subject is Tech Innovation II. With each step, I move at a leisurely pace, still feeling the residual fatigue from my earlier presentation.
While on my way to the next class, a voice calls out to me, and I pause, scanning my surroundings. It's strange because there's no one in sight.
"Hey, here, look!" The voice, with a child-like quality, echoes in the air, making me uneasy. My instincts, honed from a combination of training and experience, kick in, but I can't discern the source. Stealth is my specialty, and someone out-stealthing me is disconcerting.
"Oh, shit, is it a ghost or something?" I mutter, a hint of genuine fear coloring my words. Despite being possibly one of the strongest individuals in the world, the unknown has a way of unsettling even the bravest. I strain to detect where the voice is coming from, but it eludes me.
"Please don't call the cops or heroes... I want you to look to your left," the mysterious voice pleads a plea that adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
"Okay," I respond cautiously, my curiosity overcoming my fear. "What's next?"
"Go to it, and look down," the voice instructs, and skepticism creeps into my thoughts.
"Are you sure you're not a ghost who's about to drag me outside? This is the eleventh floor!" I retort, my imagination running wild with the possibilities of the supernatural.
"I am not a ghost! We've met already! Ok?" The voice insists, and a tinge of familiarity registers in my mind.
"S-sure, I will trust you," I stammer, taking a tentative step toward the window, the mystery of the voice urging me to unravel the identity of my mysterious ghost.
Holy crap! Isn't that Aileen, the Human Dragon!? My eyes widen in surprise as I spot her, floating just under the window, inconspicuously hiding her small frame, possibly avoiding the wandering drones around Cube. Aileen is currently a wanted figure, and Cube's security is renowned for being top-notch. It's a testament to the prowess of Master Rank Heroes that they live up to their titles, but to think Aileen is also quite capable of espionage adds another layer to her already formidable reputation. The unexpected encounter raises questions about her motives and the potential ramifications of her presence in such a heavily guarded place.
A smug grin plays on my face as I recognize Aileen, the Spirit Speech Master, floating just beneath the window. The memories of our last encounter after the Djinn Attack flood back—a time when I was a suspect and she apprehended me for being a potential Djinn. The irony of the situation isn't lost on me.
"So, how is the criminal life?" I taunt, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "If I turn you in, won't I receive lots of money?"
"Hah!? 200 Billion Won is chump change to you, buddy," Aileen retorts, clearly unimpressed. "You are literally so famous just by the amount of wealth you have! A bit more, and people might label you the King of Seoul!"
"Bah! Most of my assets are abroad! King of Seoul can suck his dick," I dismiss her jab, maintaining my smug demeanor.
"I need help," Aileen admits, her tone shifting to one of desperation.
"Why should I help you? You were complicit in dirtying my good name," I remind her, a tinge of bitterness in my voice. "Do recall who it was that cuffed me and sent me to the Association? Karma is such a bitch."
"I didn't cuff you, I thought you were smart! I used Spirit Speech on you!" Aileen defends herself, frustration is evident in her words. "Come on, you don't like the Association, right? And that's why I came to you! I am being wrongly accused here. So how about this? Let's screw the Association together!"
A pause hangs in the air before I relent, "I will help you, but I have a request. Let me call you 'dwarf' from now on."
Aileen stunned into silence, wears an expression of disbelief as she contemplates my unexpected request.
With calculated precision, I've ordered my AI System to subtly manipulate Cube's intricate security measures, ensuring Aileen evades detection. I observe her discomfort, aware that the term 'dwarf' is another taboo word for her. It's a deliberate choice, playing hard to get, a tactic that might seem contradictory to the goals of my organization.
Aileen squirms under the weight of my request, visibly suffering, yet I maintain my resolve. There's a reason behind this deliberate play of reluctance. In my experience, people tend to value things more when they're attained through struggle and challenge. It's not about making it easy for her; it's about making her truly appreciate the help.
I keep a watchful eye, allowing her discomfort to linger, all while ensuring she remains undetected within Cube's highly secure premises. My actions might appear contradictory or even harsh, but there's a strategic intent behind it. Sometimes, the hardest lessons are the ones that leave the deepest impact and foster genuine appreciation.
"I... I..." Aileen stammers, visibly struggling with my demand.
I contemplate whether I've pushed too far, considering Aileen's seniority in age. "Hmmm... I feel bad now. Fine, I will help you. Come inside, the winds must be cold," I relent, my empathy momentarily overshadowing my calculated demeanor.
"No!" Aileen vehemently rejects the offer, almost tearful.
"Huh? I'm sorry! Okay?" I backtrack, realizing I might have misjudged the situation.
"No! I will allow you to call me dwarf, but you will have to help me till the end! Also, you have to trust every word I say from now on!" Aileen declares, her terms firm, her emotions in turmoil.
"Sure..." I agree reluctantly, a pang of guilt hit me. I reflect on my manipulative tendencies, acknowledging the many times I've played puppet master in the past year.
"Let's go, dwarf..." I finally say, attempting to lighten the mood, but Aileen growls in response, suppressing her anger in a childish manner.
“You better keep your word, boy,” Aileen says almost condescendingly, except she looks like a middle-schooler, so it doesn’t have much effect on me.
I grin mischievously as Aileen reluctantly makes her way inside the building.
"You know, dwarf, it's not every day someone of my stature decides to help a criminal mastermind like yourself," I tease, the playful banter a feeble attempt to ease the tension.
Aileen shoots me a glare, her frustration evident. "Just remember, you're stuck with me till the end, and you better trust every word I say!"
I chuckle, a mix of amusement and guilt lingering in the air. "Oh, I'm fully aware of the delightful predicament I've gotten myself into…"
Leading the way to my lab, I navigate through the hallways with a careful eye on my smartwatch. Its display acts as my guide, ensuring we tread the less frequented paths, avoiding encounters with other Cube personnel. Slinking around unnoticed is a skill I've honed, and today is no exception. I glance around, checking for any signs of unwanted attention.
In my cautious journey, I activate my Gift—Nobody Knows—a power that allows me to erase our presence from the awareness of those around us. It's a subtle manipulation of perception, something I've mastered to perfection. I hope Aileen doesn't notice this additional layer of secrecy. Despite my seemingly careless demeanor, protecting my secret identity is a priority.
I glance at Aileen, a casual grin on my face, concealing the strategic moves I've taken to ensure our clandestine journey through Cube remains undetected.
As we continue our silent journey through the labyrinthine corridors of Cube, Aileen breaks the silence with a question. "Where are we going?" she inquires, her voice a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
"I'll tell you, but let's keep moving first," I respond, my tone conveying a sense of urgency. There's a weight of unspoken words lingering in the air, but my priority lies in ensuring our safety before divulging more information.
Rachel, my trusted comrade, had alerted me about the sudden bounty on Aileen's name. It's a puzzling turn of events considering her dedication as a Hero. Despite her seemingly childish side, Aileen is a good person, and I hold genuine respect for her. But recent developments have placed a target on her back, making our covert movement through Cube even more crucial.
Moreover, I really cannot have others see me with Aileen. The best thing I can ask for is that no one recognizes Aileen. My identity as Hyon Hyung will be compromised! The worst thing that can happen is that people might think I am abetting a criminal.
I finished my presentation with a round of applause from everyone, the sound of appreciation echoing in the classroom. After the professor delivers his adjourning remarks, signaling the end of the World History class, a wave of relief washes over me. The weight of historical narratives and holographic displays lifts, and the cadets disperse, freed from the confines of the lesson.
I happily make my way to my next class, a different course that promises a diploma attesting to my prowess as a legitimate science enthusiast who can invent things—a title I've already earned, given my recollection of past accomplishments. The subject is Tech Innovation II. With each step, I move at a leisurely pace, still feeling the residual fatigue from my earlier presentation.
While on my way to the next class, a voice calls out to me, and I pause, scanning my surroundings. It's strange because there's no one in sight.
"Hey, here, look!" The voice, with a child-like quality, echoes in the air, making me uneasy. My instincts, honed from a combination of training and experience, kick in, but I can't discern the source. Stealth is my specialty, and someone out-stealthing me is disconcerting.
"Oh, shit, is it a ghost or something?" I mutter, a hint of genuine fear coloring my words. Despite being possibly one of the strongest individuals in the world, the unknown has a way of unsettling even the bravest. I strain to detect where the voice is coming from, but it eludes me.
"Please don't call the cops or heroes... I want you to look to your left," the mysterious voice pleads a plea that adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
"Okay," I respond cautiously, my curiosity overcoming my fear. "What's next?"
"Go to it, and look down," the voice instructs, and skepticism creeps into my thoughts.
"Are you sure you're not a ghost who's about to drag me outside? This is the eleventh floor!" I retort, my imagination running wild with the possibilities of the supernatural.
"I am not a ghost! We've met already! Ok?" The voice insists, and a tinge of familiarity registers in my mind.
"S-sure, I will trust you," I stammer, taking a tentative step toward the window, the mystery of the voice urging me to unravel the identity of my mysterious ghost.
Holy crap! Isn't that Aileen, the Human Dragon!? My eyes widen in surprise as I spot her, floating just under the window, inconspicuously hiding her small frame, possibly avoiding the wandering drones around Cube. Aileen is currently a wanted figure, and Cube's security is renowned for being top-notch. It's a testament to the prowess of Master Rank Heroes that they live up to their titles, but to think Aileen is also quite capable of espionage adds another layer to her already formidable reputation. The unexpected encounter raises questions about her motives and the potential ramifications of her presence in such a heavily guarded place.
A smug grin plays on my face as I recognize Aileen, the Spirit Speech Master, floating just beneath the window. The memories of our last encounter after the Djinn Attack flood back—a time when I was a suspect and she apprehended me for being a potential Djinn. The irony of the situation isn't lost on me.
"So, how is the criminal life?" I taunt, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "If I turn you in, won't I receive lots of money?"
"Hah!? 200 Billion Won is chump change to you, buddy," Aileen retorts, clearly unimpressed. "You are literally so famous just by the amount of wealth you have! A bit more, and people might label you the King of Seoul!"
"Bah! Most of my assets are abroad! King of Seoul can suck his dick," I dismiss her jab, maintaining my smug demeanor.
"I need help," Aileen admits, her tone shifting to one of desperation.
"Why should I help you? You were complicit in dirtying my good name," I remind her, a tinge of bitterness in my voice. "Do recall who it was that cuffed me and sent me to the Association? Karma is such a bitch."
"I didn't cuff you, I thought you were smart! I used Spirit Speech on you!" Aileen defends herself, frustration is evident in her words. "Come on, you don't like the Association, right? And that's why I came to you! I am being wrongly accused here. So how about this? Let's screw the Association together!"
A pause hangs in the air before I relent, "I will help you, but I have a request. Let me call you 'dwarf' from now on."
Aileen stunned into silence, wears an expression of disbelief as she contemplates my unexpected request.
With calculated precision, I've ordered my AI System to subtly manipulate Cube's intricate security measures, ensuring Aileen evades detection. I observe her discomfort, aware that the term 'dwarf' is another taboo word for her. It's a deliberate choice, playing hard to get, a tactic that might seem contradictory to the goals of my organization.
Aileen squirms under the weight of my request, visibly suffering, yet I maintain my resolve. There's a reason behind this deliberate play of reluctance. In my experience, people tend to value things more when they're attained through struggle and challenge. It's not about making it easy for her; it's about making her truly appreciate the help.
I keep a watchful eye, allowing her discomfort to linger, all while ensuring she remains undetected within Cube's highly secure premises. My actions might appear contradictory or even harsh, but there's a strategic intent behind it. Sometimes, the hardest lessons are the ones that leave the deepest impact and foster genuine appreciation.
"I... I..." Aileen stammers, visibly struggling with my demand.
I contemplate whether I've pushed too far, considering Aileen's seniority in age. "Hmmm... I feel bad now. Fine, I will help you. Come inside, the winds must be cold," I relent, my empathy momentarily overshadowing my calculated demeanor.
"No!" Aileen vehemently rejects the offer, almost tearful.
"Huh? I'm sorry! Okay?" I backtrack, realizing I might have misjudged the situation.
"No! I will allow you to call me dwarf, but you will have to help me till the end! Also, you have to trust every word I say from now on!" Aileen declares, her terms firm, her emotions in turmoil.
"Sure..." I agree reluctantly, a pang of guilt hit me. I reflect on my manipulative tendencies, acknowledging the many times I've played puppet master in the past year.
"Let's go, dwarf..." I finally say, attempting to lighten the mood, but Aileen growls in response, suppressing her anger in a childish manner.
“You better keep your word, boy,” Aileen says almost condescendingly, except she looks like a middle-schooler, so it doesn’t have much effect on me.
I grin mischievously as Aileen reluctantly makes her way inside the building.
"You know, dwarf, it's not every day someone of my stature decides to help a criminal mastermind like yourself," I tease, the playful banter a feeble attempt to ease the tension.
Aileen shoots me a glare, her frustration evident. "Just remember, you're stuck with me till the end, and you better trust every word I say!"
I chuckle, a mix of amusement and guilt lingering in the air. "Oh, I'm fully aware of the delightful predicament I've gotten myself into…"
Leading the way to my lab, I navigate through the hallways with a careful eye on my smartwatch. Its display acts as my guide, ensuring we tread the less frequented paths, avoiding encounters with other Cube personnel. Slinking around unnoticed is a skill I've honed, and today is no exception. I glance around, checking for any signs of unwanted attention.
In my cautious journey, I activate my Gift—Nobody Knows—a power that allows me to erase our presence from the awareness of those around us. It's a subtle manipulation of perception, something I've mastered to perfection. I hope Aileen doesn't notice this additional layer of secrecy. Despite my seemingly careless demeanor, protecting my secret identity is a priority.
I glance at Aileen, a casual grin on my face, concealing the strategic moves I've taken to ensure our clandestine journey through Cube remains undetected.
As we continue our silent journey through the labyrinthine corridors of Cube, Aileen breaks the silence with a question. "Where are we going?" she inquires, her voice a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
"I'll tell you, but let's keep moving first," I respond, my tone conveying a sense of urgency. There's a weight of unspoken words lingering in the air, but my priority lies in ensuring our safety before divulging more information.
Rachel, my trusted comrade, had alerted me about the sudden bounty on Aileen's name. It's a puzzling turn of events considering her dedication as a Hero. Despite her seemingly childish side, Aileen is a good person, and I hold genuine respect for her. But recent developments have placed a target on her back, making our covert movement through Cube even more crucial.
Moreover, I really cannot have others see me with Aileen. The best thing I can ask for is that no one recognizes Aileen. My identity as Hyon Hyung will be compromised! The worst thing that can happen is that people might think I am abetting a criminal.
