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Chapter 70: An Unprecedented Transfer Examination (8)

* * *Even though the path to Manchuria was still blocked due to the North Manchurian Incident, it didn’t stop people from heading there—People who sought to turn the crisis into an opportunity.The first to make a move were the mercenaries seeking riches and fame—Foreign mercenary groups who were planning to use Manchuria as a stepping stone to reach the Kaesong Dimensional Portal, and all sorts of people hoping to come across a windfall like a dragon’s rib bones.With the mercenaries’ increase in activities, the Korean army also began to advance northward in earnest. Hence, the North Manchuria Incident was resolved more swiftly than expected.Normally, it would take at least a year for the state of affairs to return to how it was before the incident…However, this was an undeniably positive development compared to the initial predictions that Manchuria would become a lawless land for the next decade or so.And behind the blood and sweat of mercenaries and soldiers, there was another group that was secretly thriving in this situation.It was reporters.Whether they were genuine war correspondents with strong professional ethics or unscrupulous reporters simply chasing clicks, every day was a day to rejoice for the reporters who came up to Manchuria.Not only were incidents and accidents occurring almost on a daily basis, but there were also newsworthy stories involving famous figures like Tanahashi, a prominent figure in the mercenary world, and the Saintess, as well as stories that were directly released by the military and the government.For reporters, Manchuria was like a goldmine with new stories pouring in every day.And then, there was an incident that was the pinnacle of such news…A dragon.The giant shadow appeared above the heads of the reporters who had gathered at the base airfield after receiving a message from the Sonjuk Mercenary Group saying that they had something amazing to show them.- It’s a dragon! It’s really a dragon!- Oh my God.- I-is that for real?The dragon, with its wings spread wide and shimmering red scales, landed in the airfield and lowered its head to let someone descend to the ground.Some reporters recognized the person dismounting from the dragon.The man who had teamed up with the Saintess to fight against Kahal Magdu, cut off Jung Mapil’s arm, and even participated in a dragon-conquering mission while partnering with the military… the new recruit of the Sonjuk Mercenary Group.The subject of absurd rumors that would make even the most unscrupulous reporters, who wrote both fiction and news, scratch their heads in confusion.It reached a point where some of the reporters gathered here began to speculate that he might not even be a real person, or that he was a fictional hero created by the South Korean military for the purpose of propaganda.However, as soon as he arrived at the airfield, riding a dragon no less, the reporters were convinced that even the most exaggerated rumors about him were true.An Earthian riding a dragon? If he was capable of a feat like that, none of the things he was supposed to have done to date would be surprising.Anyway, as if they all had the same thought, the reporters began to bombard the dragon and the new recruit with camera flashes.Some reporters urgently called for filming teams or tried to gather any available information about the new recruit, but they were in the minority.Most reporters were eagerly waiting for an opportunity to draw his attention, trying to come up with ways to snag even a single line for an interview.And the dragon hadn’t been present, they would have used their numbers to push their way in and shoved a microphone in his face.However, none of the reporters present were bold enough to provoke the dragon. Hence, the dragon and the new recruit were able to exchange farewells amidst the camera flashes.Due to the considerable distance from the reporters, no one could hear what the new recruit said. But the voice that came out from the dragon’s mouth was clearly heard by everyone at the airfield.[Earthian, I hope we meet again someday.]With a farewell that carried a hint of goodwill, the dragon flew into the sky.Only three people didn’t watch the dragon leave the airfield: the Saintess under her Invisibility Cloak, the dwarf, and the new recruit.As for the rest, every reporter had their eyes glued to the sky until the dragon disappeared beyond the clouds.Only after the dragon’s long tail had disappeared beyond the horizon did the new recruit finally speak to the reporters.- Any questions?It goes without saying that all the reporters rushed at the young mercenary.- What is your relationship with that red dragon? How did you meet it?- Was that the same dragon that the military was said to have subdued? What is the military thinking?- Is the Saintess involved in this matter as well?Like a school of hungry fish, the reporters bombarded the mercenary with questions. The shouting was mild compared to those who kept shoving microphones into his face.Although it was extremely rude, the new recruit responded while maintaining his expression.In other words, instead of providing the information or clear answers the reporters desired, he stirred up their imaginations with ambiguous statements.Anyway, the interview went on until a dwarf, who introduced himself as a teacher from the academy, intervened.- Prospective student Cheon Yeomyeong, I am Margan, a teacher at Lord Howe Academy.With the reporters’ attention focused on him, the dwarf handed over a crumpled piece of paper while mentioning an unprecedented position.- As a Transfer Admission Examiner, I hereby authorize your transfer to Lord Howe Academy. Do you agree?As soon as he finished speaking, all the reporters present had the same thought.They would have no shortage of news for the next week.

『A Dragon Carrying A Human? Does Earth Finally Have A Dragon Rider?』

『‘I Hope We Meet Again Someday’—A Recording Of the Dragon’s Real Voice.』

The blue-eyed girl, Hong Seti, chewed on her thumbnail as she sifted through the numerous articles on her laptop because she was unable to calm her restless heart.

Was it because of the news about the dragon that flooded the media, including social and Superhuman-related news? No, that wasn’t it.

『New Recruit Of The Sonjuk Mercenary Group—His True Identity Is A Special Admission Transfer Student From The Academy?』

『Unprecedented Transfer Examination! Protests From Netizens And Parents, Why Is Lord Howe Still Silent?』

Then, was it because of the spotlight on Cheon Yeomyeong, who had surpassed her expectations? Of course, it was surprising, but that wasn’t the reason for her unease.

What troubled her was…『Shocking Interview With The Current Mercenary. Cheon Yeomyeong, Is He The Secret Escort From the Holy Knights? In-Depth Analysis Of His Relationship With The Saintess.』

It was a tabloid with a picture of the Saintess and Cheon Yeomyeong side by side.

Fortunately for her, the article didn’t have that many views. It was filled with nonsense about him being the Saintess’ secret escort from the Holy Knights and supposed romantic escapades with her.It barely had the same number of views as a propaganda piece titled ‘South Korea Respects International Protection Laws And Grants Freedom To Dragon’…However, seeing the Saintess’ photo was enough to make her blood boil.Seti knew it was foolish thinking.Yet the trauma and her feelings of inferiority were not something that could be erased by understanding alone.Only after she had gnawed her thumbnail into a ragged state did Seti manage to calm her mind a little.“…What a mess first thing in the morning.”She took a deep breath and covered her face with her hands.Feeling this unsettled just by seeing a photo the other girl was in—that was ridiculous even for her.“Huft! What? Am I some kind of girlfriend waiting for her conscripted boyfriend or something?”¹In a situation where she should have been making careful preparations for her revenge, this was an utter waste of emotions.Was she supposed to feel troubled that Yeomyeong managed to gain fame thanks to the Saintess? She should have been pleased about getting one step closer to their goal, shouldn’t she? There was no reason to feel upset.He was different from the gods beyond the Dimensional Portal. Yeomyeong wouldn’t have any reason or intention to abandon her…As Seti continued her train of thought, she slapped her cheeks and raised her hand to close the laptop. Or rather, she was about it.But the moment she heard the soft voice of her roommate waking up, she froze.“Huh? Dung Beetle?”Did she hear that wrong? Seti turned her head to see her blonde roommate, who had just woken up, staring wide-eyed at the photo of Yeomyeong on the laptop.“Wow, it’s really Dung Beetle-ssi.”Seeing her blonde roommate marveling as if she knew him well, Seti swallowed the curse that was about to come out.What now?

* * *At the Manchuria base airfield, inside the VIP waiting room.

As the blazing noon sun heated the waiting room, Margan sighed as he gazed outside.“Relentless. They are absolutely relentless.”A massive crowd had gathered outside the waiting room.Not only were there reporters trying to push their cameras through the waiting room windows but also soldiers with menacing looks as they peered into the waiting room.“I don’t understand why they’re creating such a fuss over a mere article.”Margan sighed deeply, unable to endure the gaze that felt like sitting on a bed of nails, while Darulma teased him from beside.“Well, even so, they’re actually being pretty restrained. Normally, they’d barge in and shove their cameras in your face.”“Are you telling me that now?”“Why raise your voice? You were the one who proudly announced yourself as the Transfer Admission Examiner in front of everyone.”“…”“And you’re not having it as bad as those two. Isn’t that right, Yeomyeong?”Darulma naturally addressed Yeomyeong. However, it was not Yeomyeong who answered him but the Saintess seated beside him and flipping through an academy pamphlet.“Even so, I must say, it was pretty impressive. ‘I hereby authorize your transfer to Lord Howe Academy!’ An academy teacher is definitely something else.”As the Saintess spoke with a smile, Margan turned away, trying to hide his mixed expression of embarrassment and shyness.Seeing Margan’s reaction, Darulma shook his head. Meanwhile, Yeomyeong slowly opened his eyes.“Darulma.”“What is it, Yeomyeong?”“Do you remember the conditions I spoke of back when we were in Manchuria?”Upon hearing that, Darulma immediately recalled the conditions that Yeomyeong had set before going to fight the dragon.“Of course, I remember them. The right to use the dwarf’s workshop and… the connection to the elixir vendor who sold the World Tree’s crystal.”Although he did find them a bit unfair when he first heard the requests back then, things were different now because the investment value on Yeomyeong had greatly changed.From a business perspective, some connections were valuable just by the virtue of having them. Connections like Yeomyeong and the Saintess were the type that fell under that category.If it was possible to maintain those connections through this deal, there was no reason to refuse.“Feel free to contact me anytime you wish to use the workshop. I’ll craft whatever you need from the dragon’s rib bones. As for the elixir vendor… I will need some time. Is that okay?”“Yes, waiting a bit is no problem.”Darulma stroked his thick, full beard and added.“Also feel free to contact me if you need anything else. Dungan Heavy Industries does not forget a favor.”While the two were exchanging pleasantries, a plane arrived at the airfield.The plane was adorned with a symbol of books, swords, and a staff standing beside it against the morning glow.It was one of the three planes of Lord Howe Academy that existed on Earth.“It’s finally here!”The Saintess smiled widely at the sight of the plane, but Margan could not bring himself to smile. Just the thought of having to push through those damned reporters to get to the plane was already giving him a headache.Since he couldn’t avoid boarding the plane, he got up and began to gather his belongings.It didn’t take him long to get ready. To begin with, the Saintess didn’t have much luggage, and both Margan and Yeomyeong only had one travel bag each.Just as the three were done with their preparations and were about to leave the waiting room, Darulma spoke in a wistful voice.“…Yeomyeong and Saintess… I hope we can meet once again in good health next time.”The Saintess replied ‘with a blessing from the gods’ and was the first to leave the waiting room. Ignoring the commotion caused by the reporters, she rushed towards the plane, going as far as to use her mana.Watching her back for a moment, Yeomyeong turned to Darulma and spoke.“Please give my regards to everyone in the mercenary group.”Perhaps surprised by the unexpected request, Darulma raised his eyebrows for a moment before responding with a grin.“If you want to send your regards, you can do it yourself. You know our mercenary group’s number, don’t you?”“…”“Well, if you’re too shy to do it, I could do it for you… but I don’t think that’s necessary.”It was a surprisingly playful response from the chaebol. Yeomyeong unconsciously grinned along with him. And with that, their farewell was over.Yeomyeong bowed his head to Darulma and left the waiting room.However, after passing through the corridor filled with reporters, the smile on his lips had long gone as he headed towards the plane.Lord Howe Academy.Finally, he was heading to the place where the Player would be.

1. What she actually says here is "Am I the girl who wears gomusin/rubber shoes?" This is a South Korean term for a young Korean woman who is waiting for her boyfriend to return from her two-year compulsory military service.