No Lies, Just Extra

School Life is Freakin’ Spectacular #16

“Ryu Cheon-hwi? I told you to speak up.”

“…”

What’s with this guy? Instructor Lee Sora is asking him to speak, but he just covers one eye with his left hand and hangs his head low.

Could it be he’s in shock after hearing about my lack of parents? I can’t understand how someone who realizes they’ve made such a blunder, a ‘Tallulah’, could then kick me in the back.
TLN: Tallulah is a meme from Cool Runnings movie, it’s basically an awkward attempt to cover up a mistake

“Ryu Cheon-hwi. How much longer are you planning on keeping quiet?”

—Tap tap.

Instructor Lee Sora repeatedly speaks while tapping her finger on the desk. Tap. Tap. Rumble. But what’s that? Rumble. Hold on. Is that the sound of an earthquake?

Upon closer inspection, it was Lee Sora’s tapping finger.

That’s not a sound a human can make…!

Now this is unsettling!

—CRASH!!!

In an instant, the desk split in two!

“No!!! Nooo!!! Instructor Lee Sora!!! What in the world is going on here!!!”

Holy shit, she just smashed a desk with her finger!

“Ah, calm down. I was just getting a little frustrated and messed up controlling my strength. Ryu Cheon-hwi? Didn’t you hear me tell you to make a statement?”

Seeing how calmly she continues interrogating in this situation, it’s likely not her first time doing something like this.

“Ry-”

And right at that moment.

—Bolt!

Ryu Cheon-hwi suddenly stands up!

“…!”

And upon standing, he glares at me intensely!

“What now?”

Is this bastard planning on hitting me, shitting on the instructor’s presence? Of course, I stayed seated. If it’s Instructor Lee Sora, she’ll block it. Trusting that, I decided just to maintain my dignity. My pride won’t allow me to shrink back here.

But my prediction was wrong.

—CRASH!

Ryu Cheon-hwi immediately spins around to kick open the door fiercely and runs out like he’s escaping.

What? Running away?

“No! Instructor! Aren’t you going to stop him!”

“Hmmm… Well, I guess we can treat it as a refusal to make a statement.”

“But still! You should catch him and make him speak!”

“Geun-chul? I’m not an investigator. I don’t have the right to interrogate a student by force.”

“Oh. Of course.”

That’s surprisingly sensible.

I like it.

“Quick to understand, I see. Anyway, Geun-chul. What are you planning on doing now?”

Of course, I have a plan.

“I’m going to sue Ryu Cheon-hwi!”

I’ll sure as hell sue him!

“This is way out of line! To wield a blade against fellow students in a classroom! That’s clearly abnormal! I can’t accept sword-fighting in a wholesome place of learning! We must stop our space of dreams and hope from being stained with blood…! Isn’t that what a classroom is supposed to be?”

A wholesome place of learning.

What comes to mind with those words is hope and beauty.

However, if such a space were to be stained with blood,

There would be nothing but despair in this world.

“Uh, um. You speak well. I understand. It’s all true. If you want to proceed with a lawsuit, as the person in charge, I’ll help you.”

“Oh my goodness! Really? You’re such a responsible adult! I’m in awe!”

I stand up, bowing down at a 90-degree angle to show my respect.

“What kind of embarrassing talk is this?”

Instructor Lee Sora slightly reddens as she sits me back down. Seems like she’s weak to being thanked. Good. I’ll utterly move her on Teacher’s Day.

“No need to be modest. It’s nothing but the truth.”

“But whether the lawsuit will go through, I’m not sure.”

“Pardon?”

What is she talking about?

“Minors engaged in combat between Awakened individuals. Considering no actual injuries occurred, a criminal conviction is far-fetched, let alone getting any compensation from a civil lawsuit.”

“What?”

What kind of nonsense is this?

“But what about attempted murder or assault? Especially since it happened in a classroom – a sacred place of joy and laughter that’s dreamlike 24/7? This is a serious crime, demanding isolation from society. A tiger can never coexist with humans!”

“Keuh…! Geun-chul! Stop making jokes…!”

Sihu, sitting beside me, covers his mouth trying not to laugh, poking at my waist.

“What’s so funny? I’m just stating facts. That’s how important a classroom is. Ryu Cheon-hwi, that wild animal, does not belong in a joyful classroom but rather in a bleak juvenile detention surrounded by bars.”

“Geun-chul, please…! Uhugh!”

Still, saying ‘prison’ outright might need censorship, so I substituted it with ‘bars.’

“Isn’t that right, Instructor?”

“Ye-Yes, you’re right… Whew, whoo! But there’s no need to go into such detailed descriptions… Keuh, kheuh!”

Instructor Lee Sora tries to contain her laughter, her shoulders shaking, and stutters before she continues her sentence.

“Anyway. You all are Awakened. Not ordinary people.”

“That’s true.”

“Under the Special Law for Awakened, personal duels between Awakened individuals are hard to prosecute unless there are serious injuries or fatalities. Moreover, those involved haven’t even crossed swords. So it’s closer to being just attempted assault, making prosecution even more difficult.”

What is this?

“What did you say? Special what?”

“The Special Law for Awakened individuals.”

“And what law might that be?”

“It’s a law established by the proud War Hero and Sovereign President, the S-rank Awakened Kim Iksu.”

What.

“You mean the Awakened are different from regular people. Of course, if an ordinary person threatened another with a sword, they’d be charged with all sorts of crimes. But it’s different for Awakened. They have slightly more legal freedom when it comes to force.”

So, is there something like a law that limits the force of superhumans?

That’s weaker than what ordinary people get?

“But does that make any sense? What kind of farce is that?”

“Well. I’m not so sure. Sovereign President Kim Iksu tends to be lenient toward the Awakened. After all, he is an S-rank Awakened Sovereign himself. That’s why he created this special law. To guarantee the freedom and rights of the Awakened.”

Still doesn’t make sense.

This isn’t a country where guns are just for show.

“And you can’t legally suppress the personal power of an Awakened individual. The coups that have happened since the Dimension War prove that.”

“Coups?”

What, did Park Chung-hee or Chun Doo-hwan use superpowers to pull off a coup?

“No, Geun-chul? Don’t you study history?”

“It’s a bit difficult… Oh, but I’m very interested in world history.”

“Take interest in your own country’s history.”

Then Instructor Lee Sora began a brief history lesson.

“After the Dimension War ended, all sorts of unfair laws were established to control the surge of Awakened individuals. Naturally, the war hero Kim Iksu was furious, condemning the oppression as an unfair return for those who’d given their lives fighting for their country and fellow citizens. He rose up with other Awakened, and the suppression began immediately… Well, the outcome is well-known; Kim Iksu and the Awakened were victorious. Numerous politicians, military officers, judges, prosecutors, and journalists were slaughtered without resistance. They were an easier challenge than the powerful murder monsters they had been dealing with all along. Soon after, Kim Iksu, with the overwhelming support of high-ranking Awakened, took his place as the Sovereign President.”

Please save this kind of stuff for lectures, not lunchtime… Although it was interesting knowledge, it seemed necessary to know.

“So yes, that’s Kim Iksu’s law. Unless they cause serious trouble, the Awakened have a bit more legal freedom than regular people.”

Hearing that, it makes a bit of sense.

I get it.

“That’s how it is.”

Yeah.

This isn’t my hometown.

“And additionally, Ryu Cheon-hwi is the scion of the Ryu Group. He’s got political connections and a whole team of private lawyers. By the way, Cheon-hwi’s father, Ryu Seong, is a close comrade of Sovereign President Kim Iksu. They fought together during the S-rank monster ‘Land of Eternity’ expedition and the ‘Void Princess’ defense.”

“Oh my.”

What a world.

I’m in despair.

I despaired at the fact that Ryu Cheon-hwi is an even more formidable guy than I imagined.

“If Geun-chul decides to hire a lawyer to sue, I could introduce you to a good one, but well. You will need to look into the litigation’s chances and the legal aspects yourself.”

“That’s… Instructor Lee Sora?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Cheon-hwi turns out to be a bit more amazing than I thought, huh?”

“Why? Isn’t he a joint valedictorian? Joint with Leona, right?”

“Hehehe, I see. So that’s why I have to ask… did I seriously just provoke such a big shot?”

“Even if it’s a big shot, it’s the spirit of a man not to compromise.”

—Squeeze.

Instructor Lee Sora grabs my shoulder.

“I’m moved by you. A rare man, aren’t you? Geun-chul. I thought you were just a screamer and a coward. But you’ve got that manly side.”

Why are you looking so pleased…!

“Hm? But why that face? Having second thoughts?”

“As if!!!”

I don’t do regrets!

I’ve always lived like that!

“Honestly, I was a bit scared, but I never compromise when facing people! And I don’t regret things!”

“You’re a man, indeed.”

“But perhaps the lawsuit will be difficult!”

“Difficult, is it?”

“Geun-chul! Why has it become difficult again…! Kkup!”

“It’s just a human judgment. If defeat seems inevitable, then it’s just a waste of money. It’s time for a strategic retreat.”

Frankly, no matter how great this bastard Ryu Cheon-hwi is, I can say it again; your dad is a motherfucker. I can say it many times, your old man’s a whore-hustling pimp. Of course, I’m a man who would say that directly in front of that father, Mr. Ryu Seong.

“So, let’s cancel the lawsuit! I will formally protest to the school!”

“That makes sense. Anyway, we were going to have to convene a disciplinary committee. Now that I know the situation, I’ll make sure it’s handled properly. We don’t exactly welcome kids playing with swords at an Awakened school.”

“That’s right! That’s plain common sense! Yes! Instructor Lee Sora, meeting an adult with such common sense! I’m, Kim Geun-chul, deeply moved by you! Truly admirable! Please, give me a handshake!”

“Goodness, such temerity…”

“Handshake!”

“Fi-Fine.”

—Whisk, whisk.

Just shook hands with Instructor Lee Sora and stood up.

But lunchtime is almost over.

I haven’t had a bite to eat.

Damn, I’m starving, Ryu Cheon-hwi you bastard!!!

* * *

—Ding.

────────────────────────

「Quest Complete」

「Repel the Hostile Student」

「Reward: 300 Coin」

「Consecutive Repulsion Bonus: 200 Coin」

[Coins Possessed (3,000)]

────────────────────────

When Sihu and I stepped outside, the rewards rolled in.

Wait, there’s a bonus? Hell yeah! That makes it 3,000 coins! Now I can finally use the shop! Woo! Ryu Cheon-hwi, you truly are a honey pot! Gonna check it out after school in the dorms! Can’t wait!

“Sihu! Let’s head back to the classroom!”

“Yeah. But Geun-chul.”

“Hmm?”

“Are you okay?”

About what?

I see Sihu looking at me with worried eyes.

“About your parents.”

“What about it?”

“I mean, parent cursing is honestly a bit much… But I totally get where Geun-chul is coming from… It must be kind of like that.”

“What are you on about?”

“Nothing. Never mind.”

Seems he’s finding it hard to talk about the issue of parents. I’m totally fine, though. My parents are well back in my hometown.

“Really? Anyway, Sihu. Thanks for bailing me out today. Man, your back looked so broad. Like a mountain. You’re truly a mountain of a man.”

“A mountain of a man… Uhuh. But that’s natural since you’re a friend. Gotta help each other out in danger.”

“Manly attribute. Helping friends out. A real man.”

Why don’t such a guy have more friends?

Maybe it’s because he looks so androgynous?

“Let’s stop the man talk. Let’s just get to the classroom, Geun-chul.”

“Yeah. Oh, Sihu. If you get into a fight, just call me anytime. I’ll join you in dishing out a beating.”

“A fight? You’re weak, Geun-chul. You won’t be much help?”

“What the hell, man? Ya’ looking down on me?”

“It’s not disdain. It’s a fact. You’re weak. You’ll only be a burden that I have to protect.”

This guy!

“Ah! Hey! I’m bigger than you in size!”

“Hehehe, such a one-trick pony, Geun-chul.”

“Damn it!”

Snapping at each other, we walked down the hallway.

“Hey, Sihu. Why did you show up for lunch today? Slept in? I texted you but you didn’t answer, and when I went to wake you up, you didn’t say anything?”

“That’s… Hng. Couldn’t sleep well last night.”

Couldn’t sleep?

The chicken we ate last night didn’t sit well?

“After tossing and turning, it was already 11:30.”

“You ended up falling asleep in the morning, huh.”

“Pretty much.”

“Hehehe, you’ll get an earful from the instructor.”

—SLAM.

Just as we walked into the classroom,

“Kim Geun-chul you!!!”

“Wuaah!!!”

Suddenly, Angel Leona blasts me with a thunderous reprimand!

“Wuaah? Wuaaaaah? Is Geun-chul screaming again?”

“No, no, why the… Angel Leona are you a noble or what? Hey?”

“Stop the nonsense and listen, Kim Geun-chul!”

“Yes.”

“What is THIS!”

—Squeeze!

Leona angrily shows me the screen of her smartphone.

“What’s that?”

“Look!”

As I look at the screen, there’s some sort of post.

[Grinning Extreme: The World of a Man Who Stepped on a Lego.mp4]

“What the hell kind of title is that…”

—Press.

Leona activates some sort of magical operation and presses the play button smack in the middle of the screen.

And what appeared was—

—Aaarggghhhh! Attempted murder! Aaargh! Instructorrrrrrm! Aaaahhhh!

Me, freaking out and screaming at the top of my lungs… no!! You bastards!

“This… you fuckers! Did you record and upload that earlier!!!”

Desperate to alert others about the sword incident, I had screamed their heads off, and they went and posted it!

“Kim Geun-chul, what the hell do you keep doing during lunchtime! Couldn’t see you in the cafeteria! Seriously, I should perform a mouth-seal technique on you! Do you want to get beaten up by me and my doctor so badly you need physical therapy?!”

“Save me!”

“As the class president, I’m so embarrassed! Not Scream King, but Madness King! Move past Madness King to Madness-and-Plague king! Stick to one thing if you’re gonna do something! Even in vast Europe, I’ve never seen anything like this! Kim Geun-chul, what kind of freak are you!!!”