*Minutes Later — Jeju Island Resort Grounds*
After the students checked in, received their ID tags, and were handed keys to their rooms, the formal part of arrival melted into pure excitement.
Now scattered across the vast, picturesque resort, the students broke into their own little cliques, exploring and taking in the island air like kids at summer camp.
Some gathered near the outdoor pool, splashing each other even in their clothes. Others were already headed to the gift shops lined with traditional Jeju souvenirs. A few students with vlogging gear had rushed straight to the observation deck, eager to get scenic footage of the coastline for their socials.
"*Damn… I think I'll ask my dad to buy this island for me.*" a tall boy with sunglasses said, arms crossed like he already owned it.
"*Bro chill, this ain't no birthday cake.*" his friend replied, laughing as they walked toward the snack booths.
***
*Beachside — Ria's Little Team*
The sound of waves crashing softly against the shore set a peaceful tone.
The beach area was quieter than expected—maybe because the others were still off doing their luxury shopping or chilling at the pool.Here, the ocean spread wide like an endless canvas, meeting the clear blue sky at the horizon. Gentle wind whipped their hair back as they stepped into the open sands.
Nao, Ria,kaze, Ryan and Sato walked leisurely, letting their feet sink into the cool beige sand as they neared the water's edge.
"Damn…" Ryan muttered, mouth slightly open. "This place is unreal."
"It's so pretty," Ria twirled, arms out. "And peaceful! Look—no one's even here!"
Nao stood a little behind the others, quietly soaking in the beauty. The ocean breeze pushed her bunny hoodie back a bit, revealing her wide, curious eyes.
Kaze watched her from the corner of his eye.
"Yo, Nao," he said, nudging her shoulder lightly. "You sure you've been here before? You look like you just discovered Earth."
Nao blinked, turning to him. "I just think it's… breathtaking."
"So are bunny rabbits apparently," Kaze grinned, motioning to her hoodie. "Planning to start a kawaii cult on the beach?"
Sato laughed while Ria nudged him playfully.
"Leave her alone, she's adorable."
"Adorably slow," Kaze teased again, this time ducking as Nao swung a lazy slap at him.
"I swear, you're getting more annoying by the day." she said, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her tone."Which means I'm doing my job," he shot back with a wink.
Ryan chuckled, hands in his pockets as he stared out toward the sea. "Let's stay here a bit. This spot's got main character vibes."
That's definately Kaze"
Ria said laughing.
For a moment—just a moment—it felt like freedom.
And that, in Imperials… was rare.
*Jeju Island – Imperial's Reversed Campus*
After the initial excitement, the students were led in a steady line along the stone-paved path from the parking lot into a vast open courtyard surrounded by modern yet traditionally-inspired architecture. Jeju's version of the Imperial Campus was a stunning glass-and-stone structure with curved rooftops, hanging lanterns, and a perfect view of the shoreline in the distance.
The wind carried the scent of the ocean as the group reached the massive front doors, which slid open automatically into a spacious, polished lobby. Large panels of digital signage welcomed them:
*"WELCOME TO IMPERIAL'S JEJU CAMPUS"*
At the far end stood *Mrs. Marion*, clipboard in hand, her expression firm but motherly.
"Alright, everyone, eyes forward," she said, clapping once to settle the growing noise. "I know you're all excited—some of you a little too excited—but let's keep it together."
A few chuckles slipped from the group.
"You've been brought here not just for rest, but for purpose. The international competition is closer than ever, and the debate will play a major role in your final assessment before the Decidal."
She looked over her glasses."However, the first *three days* of this trip are for exploration and bonding. Consider it… breathing room before the fire starts."
More murmurs of excitement spread. Even the students who acted bored looked up at that.
"You are to treat this campus with the same respect as the main grounds in Seoul. After the three-day break, I expect full participation in training, preparation, and of course, the *Class 4A Debate*."
She paused to glance at her clipboard.
"Now for housing."
An assistant beside her tapped on a device and the digital sign behind them shifted to show the dorm assignments.
"*Group A* will be staying on the *second floor.*
*Group B* will be on the *first floor.*
Girls' dorms are on the *left wing*, and boys' dorms on the *right.* Each wing is monitored, and every entry is logged."
Then her tone sharpened a little.
"*Rules:*
– No alcohol, regardless of age or rank.
– No switching rooms. What's assigned stays.
– Under no circumstance should a boy be found in the girls' dorm, nor a girl in the boys' dorm. Any violation of this rule will result in *immediate disqualification* from the trip and a permanent mark on your Imperial record."
Some groans, a few whispers of "they're always so dramatic," but mostly respectful silence.Mrs. Marion scanned the crowd.
"If you don't want to be here, the airport is still open."
No one moved.
"Good. Your keycards will be handed to you shortly. Roommate lists are also posted on the door of each dorm wing."
She stepped aside.
"Welcome to Jeju. Make the most of it… and remember—this isn't a vacation. It's the beginning of judgment."
The students slowly started dispersing, murmuring about who they'd be rooming with, already planning beach visits, Instagram shoots, and late-night talks.
Behind it all, however, an undercurrent of tension was beginning to stir.
And not everyone was just here for a debate.
*LIVE BROADCAST – KBN NEWS NETWORK*
*Morning Segment: "Election Watch 2025"*
The news intro rolled with patriotic music and a sleek animation of the national flag transitioning into a split-screen showing images of the current presidential candidates. The camera cut to the studio.
*ANCHOR:*
"Good morning, this is *KBN News* and you're watching *Election Watch .* The presidential race is heating up as five key candidates move forward into their public campaigns. Among the top names:
— Madam Eun Seo of the Unity Reform Party
— Mr. Jeun, Chairman of Mirea Industries
— Defense Strategist Han Kyul
— Humanitarian Activist Mae Rin
— And the most controversial of all… Mr. William—business tycoon and current chairman of Imperial Institution."
The screen behind the anchor changed, showing charts with rising and dipping statistics.
*ANCHOR (cont'd):*
"As of this morning, early polling puts Madam Eun Seo in the lead with 34%, followed by Mr. Jeun at 29%, Mr. William at 26%, and others trailing behind."
The screen shifted again to a press conference earlier that day—crowded, buzzing with media.
*CUT TO: LIVE FOOTAGE – MIREA INDUSTRY HEADQUARTERS*
Mr. Jeun stood at a podium, surrounded by flashing cameras. His expression was sharp, laced with disdain.
*MR. JEUN:*"I honestly don't know why William's name is even among the candidates. We *all* remember what happened 30 years ago. The records may have been cleaned, but stains like those don't just disappear."
The crowd murmured.
*MR. JEUN (cont'd):*
"We cannot have a *murderer* leading this nation. He might wear a suit now, but let's not pretend his hands haven't been soaked in blood."
A journalist stepped forward.
*REPORTER:*
"But, Mr. Jeun, wasn't that incident later classified as an unfounded allegation? The court—"
*MR. JEUN:*
"William is a *snake*, and like all snakes, he slithers into places he doesn't belong. He makes people believe what *he* wants them to believe… and uses every bit of power to make it truth."
*REPORTER:*
"And you speak from personal experience?"
Mr. Jeun looked straight into the camera.
*MR. JEUN:*
"*Literally.*"
The clip paused. The anchor came back on screen.
*ANCHOR:*
"Strong words from Mr. Jeun today. Though no formal charges were ever brought against Mr. William in the past, his history remains a source of debate among voters. We reached out to Mr. William's camp for comments, but no official statement has been released yet."
The news faded into a new segment.
*Meanwhile…*
*INT. BLACK VEHICLE — MOVING*
Mr. William sat in the backseat of a sleek black car, watching the interview on the in-car screen. A smirk tugged at his lips.
"I hope i would be welcomed ...Jeun"