043 – Wolf Among the Sheep #5
When the boy was young, he used to attend a Taekwondo school.
Being a boy who excelled at anything he tried, he quickly gained everyone’s attention.
One day, a six-year-old girl who was the same age as him entered his sight.
Unlike him, she was awkward and clumsy at everything she attempted.
He was astonished to discover someone so clumsy and lacking in the world.
“Why don’t you try taking care of her, Yiseon?”
His parents made a small suggestion to the boy.
It was the beginning of experiences that would completely change the boy’s values later in life.
“Leg split! Success! Thanks to you!”
The boy diligently and attentively cared for the girl.
With a patience beyond his years.
This was possible because the boy was intelligent and understood that he was somewhat special and had favorable circumstances.
The boy came to enjoy the labor and effort of helping others and caring for those in need.
But one day-.
“The police have made an urgent arrest of Taekwondo instructor Kim Gwang-ji. Mr. Kim is accused of- six children including Jeong, at his Taekwondo school-.”
A 15-year sentence in exchange for ruining six lives.
However, he realistically only served 10 years.
The once exemplary boy began to question justice and experienced an epiphany about what he needed to do.
“You’ll be pierced to d*ath. Six times.”
“Khhh! Save me! Monst- monster kid! Monster!”
At 16, when the morning sun rose on his first execution of justice, the boy felt the sunlight, the breeze, and the sounds of people more vividly and brilliantly than ever.
That day, he realized.
There were many people in the world who needed his help, and it was his duty to assist them.
“Kekeke! I really am smart!”
When a male classmate was being rowdy in front of him, memories of long ago surfaced in Jung Yi-seon’s mind. It was triggered by the punch he received to the face.
It was stronger than expected.
Jung Yi-seon wiped the bl**d flowing from his nose with the back of his hand and stood up.
“Nam Jin, I still have much to do. There’s too much in this corrupt world that needs to be excised. No one else can do this job. It’s something only I can accomplish.”
Zzzzsch-.
Jung Yi-seon pulled out a pointed fountain pen.
It was a “Bogu” he had permanently borrowed from the Treasure Exhibition.
“That’s why I can’t let you stop me. I need to become a symbol. A symbol of justice and fear.”
Jung Yi-seon placed his hand on his chest, activating his concept.
It felt like all the bl**d in his body was rising like lava, and all his senses became sharper.
Pfft, Yi-seon jumped lightly.
Due to his suddenly enhanced physical abilities, Hanamjin couldn’t react, resulting in the fountain pen piercing his abdomen.
“Aaaaah!”
The male student screamed loudly and collapsed.
This was likely due to the “Pain” concept embedded in the fountain pen shaking his brain and burning all his nerves like lightning.
Even Yeomra, who was called an S-rank wanted criminal and ruled like a demon, would cry like a child at the “Pain” contained in this fountain pen.
“I’ll ask you one last time. Hanamjin, won’t you come with me? The large evils I will face ahead seem to take time to conquer alone.”
Jung Yi-seon didn’t trust anyone besides himself.
However, it seemed he could compromise and join hands with the male student in front of him.
He could call them of the same kind.
“Shut up.”
But the male student, who struggled to rise despite the excruciating pain that shook his brain, rejected Jung Yi-seon’s offer. Jung Yi-seon was more surprised by the endurance that overcame such pain, than the rejection itself.
The problem was not just that.
“Class representative, you better start running. People will soon gather here, feeling the disturbance, and chase you like a dog. From now on, you’ll have to hide for the rest of your life.”
“That doesn’t matter. I’ve already sufficiently prepared myself for this level of sacrifice and danger.”
“Isn’t that funny? According to you, you’re doing the right thing, but the one who needs to hide is you.”
“…”
“You think you’re doing the right thing, but in reality, that’s not the case. I’m the one who is right, and you’re wrong. You’re no different from the villains you’ve killed.”
# # #
Long ago, I was shot in the abdomen.
Pain like being shot by an enormous insect shook my skull, and I had to lie in agony for several days.
It was the same now after being stabbed by the fountain pen.
My hands and feet trembled, and it felt like all my cells were shouting, “Lie down and thrash around while screaming!”
I wanted to do that.
However, if I lose consciousness here, the class representative will surely escape into the deep darkness. If that happens, I might never be able to catch him again.
Then he would keep ruining my plans in the future.
Therefore, I held on to my perforated abdomen with desperate effort and provoked the class representative.
“Class representative, you’re still a child, mimicking the superheroes from TV and movies.”
“Nam Jin, is your intention to provoke me so that I don’t run away? I won’t listen to whatever you say.”
d*mn it-!
That’s why smart kids are annoying.
Wouldn’t it be easier if they just fell for the provocation?
I wanted to buy some more time.
Yu Yeo-reum and Prince Juhyun should be somewhere nearby.
Once they arrive here, we’ll instantly gain numerical superiority, 3:1.
“But Nam Jin, if you won’t become an ally, I think it’s best to deal with you here. I feel you’ll become my greatest obstacle in the future.”
Zzzzsch-. Flash.
The tip of the fountain pen flashed.
This time, I was certain I could dodge it—
Thinking that, when I regained consciousness, the class representative’s fountain pen had already pierced my thigh.
“Hyghik!”
A speed impossible to react to.
If we’re talking speed, Jung Yi-seon is on par with that Yu Yeo-reum.
Fittingly the “Night Brooch” of Class D, filled with problem children, is competent enough to hold the position of class president.
Honestly, he’s more difficult to handle than Yeomhun, who was a 3rd-grade wanted criminal.
GrumbleGrumble-.
The “Bogu” he holds also annoyed me.
It was clearly imbued with a concept that amplifies pain.
“You wretched sc*m! Using a Bogu? In that case, I’ll use my Bogu too!”
While enduring the pain, I pulled out my “Ketchup Bottle.”
The look in Jung Yi-seon’s eyes, who saw my Bogu “Ketchup Bottle,” was tinged with slight tension.
“This? This is the Ketchup Bottle of ‘d*ath.’ Whoever comes into contact with the ketchup from this bottle will certainly d*e. From intense food poisoning! Norovirus!”
Chhhhhuuuu-.
I squeezed the ketchup to create a boundary all around.
In fact, this ketchup bottle has the concept of “Recharge” and has the ability to fill up completely once every hour, approximately. But it seems the class representative doesn’t know this.
Trust my “Deception” embedded in my ring and my acting skills!
“The concept of ‘d*ath’? There’s no way they would lend something that dangerous to a student.”
“I’m not just a student! I’m a super-class prospect who defeated Yu Yeo-reum during group projects and took down the 3rd-grade wanted criminal Yeomhun!”
Chhhhhuuuu-.
When the ketchup boundary was finally completed.
We faced off like butterflies trapped in spider silk.
Whoosh-.
A wind blew, cooling the cold sweat streaming down my forehead.
And then Jung Yi-seon started laughing—Puhahah!
“That’s just a ketchup bottle with recharge. I was wondering what you were about to do, but it’s quite impressive really. If someone who didn’t know saw it, they might have easily fallen for it.”
Wah? So, he already knew this ketchup bottle only has the concept of “Recharge.” It seems he just wanted to see what I’d do with the ketchup.
But it’s fine. My purpose in pulling out this ketchup bottle was to buy time.
“Friend! What is the meaning of all this?”
“Nam Jin!”
A familiar voice rang out near the abandoned factory.
It was the voice of Team “No Leftovers Day.”
“Of course! I knew you guys would patrol around this abandoned factory! I wasn’t sure when you’d come, but you arrived sooner than expected!”
“Hanamjin!”
PataPata-.
Bangdaengi Baekyeoul came running.
I raised my trembling hand, pointing at the class representative.
“This brat’s a really bad guy! A serial killer! Super evil! That’s the Judge!”
Though my vocabulary ability dropped to below that of Bangdaengi due to the pain, it seems my message was sufficiently delivered.
It must be due to the camaraderie developed among friends who’ve crossed the line of d*ath together.
“Class representative, you!”
Baekyeoul got angry.
Zzzzsch-.
Baekyeoul, with mysterious talismans attached, raised a frying pan.
“Finally showing your true colors! You perverted wolf-like fellow!”
“Wolf? Me?”
“There’s no way such a perfectly handsome and kind person who’s good at studying can exist in this world! I always thought there must be something terribly wrong with you, just like Seugal. Turns out, I was right! You bad guy!”
Bangdaengi’s intuition and observant nature were sharper than expected.
Soon, Geum Tae-sung arrived with Deoksun, and even a calm look started appearing on the class representative’s face.
“As for the others, that’s fine, but fighting Tae-seong is out of the question. Our abilities don’t mesh well. Sorry, but I have to leave now.”
“That, that guy is trying to escapeeeaaaah! Kuaaaaah!”
I wanted to run and grab him, but the wound in my thigh pierced by the fountain pen hurt so much I felt like I was going to cry.
Does that mean I just have to watch as the class representative escapes?
“Should… should I activate my ultimate weapon now?”
Zzzzsch-.
At that moment, Baekyeoul pulled out a lunchbox from her bag.
When she picked up chopsticks with a “clink,” I wondered what she was planning to do.
“Chopstick throwing!”
Swoosh-.
The chopsticks were thrown like a Korean special forces soldier, piercing the class representative’s abdomen like an arrow.
Phuukk-.
“Did… Did I hit it!?”
Baekyeoul herself seemed surprised after throwing the chopstick.
Naturally, the class representative was also taken aback.
“What is this….”
“Name: Jung Yi-seon
Possession: 《Justice Lv.3》 – Possesses superhero-level justice. His indomitable spirit fuels immense power.
Condition: 《Progressive Anger》 – He’s angry because the extras he wasn’t paying attention to have gotten into trouble.”
“Baekyeoul, you insignificant extra—!”
Yes, he has reason to be angry.
To Jung Yi-seon, the members of “No Leftovers Day” must have been like common NPCs, insignificant people. But such people blocking his way—how infuriating would that be?
Gooorrrkkkk-.
At that moment, a strange sound came from the class representative’s stomach.
“Uuuugh…!?”
“T, that chopstick is coated with a special food poisoning made by Baektang! Though it wasn’t originally meant for you! For the next five minutes, you’ll… lose… your dignity!”
Gooorrrrrkkk-.
As his stomach churned more, a deathly pale hue spread across the class representative Jung Yi-seon’s face, completely losing his composure. Seeing that expression, Baekyeoul excitedly began shouting.
“You’re not the dark hero ‘Judge’ that people talk about but just… just someone who poops! You’ll just be a laughingstock to the world!”
The “Judge” who mocked the judiciary, becoming a symbol of radical justice, is about to become just someone who poops.
Baekyeoul was trying to destroy his identity.
It was an incredibly scary attack, and I wondered who she’d originally planned to use that food poisoning on.
“Baekyeouuuul!”
Jung Yi-seon howled like a raging wolf.
Seizing the moment, I shouted.
“All the brat’s nerves are focused on his sphincter now! Now! Now! Go kick his a**!
PataPata-!
Everyone lunged at the serial killer.
Having performed this joint attack several times already, our movements were perfectly in sync this time around as well.
ThudThudThudThudThudThudThudThudThudThud-.
“Aaaaaaaah! This b*stard! There’s no way I can be caught like this! At least not this way—!!!”
Truthfully, Jung Yi-seon looked somewhat pitiful.
At the same time, a spine-chilling shiver ran down my spine at the sight of someone maintaining “dignity” until the end.
Even though he was the enemy, his superhuman endurance deserved admiration.
“I just called Captain! The instructors will be here soon!”
“Namjin! Pull yourself together! Namjin!”
At that moment, my vision started to blur.
I felt like someone was pulling me closer.
“Namjin Student! Pull yourself together! Captain! Let me take this student to the infirmary—.”
And thus, I went out cold for a bit.
When I regained consciousness, I was lying in some bed, and Nurse Cogo sat nearby, with an eye patch over one eye.
Trying to sit up, a sharp pain surged through my thigh and abdomen, making my eyes well up with tears.
“Aaaaaargh!”
“Stay still. The wound isn’t deep, but the pain from being stabbed by the ‘Pain Pen’ will last for at least four days.”
“What about that guy? Did you catch him? How much time has passed?”
“We’ve caught him. He’s currently detained in a special holding facility. It’s been three hours since you lost consciousness. It’s 5 PM, so it’s about time to head home.”
He’s been captured! I felt a wave of relief wash over me.
All my efforts finally paid off.
“The only problem is that no matter how much we interrogate him, he won’t say a word. He insists on speaking only to you, Namjin Student. You’ll have to meet him, I guess.”
SwishSwish-.
That’s when I tried to sit up in bed.
“Namjin Student, if you’re honest, you can come back to F class. Just let me know.”
“Will Nurse Cogo give me kisses if I come back?”
“No.”
“Then I won’t come back.”
“Would you if she kisses you?”
“I wouldn’t. Nurse Cogo smells of cigarettes.”
Crink-.
Nurse Cogo scowled so deeply it didn’t matter if she had “Emotion” or not.
