Chapter Ten – The Day That Began in Silence
A few days passed…
and the day of the escort mission arrived.
Jin rode his horse with his head lowered, his gaze fixed on the ground as if it carried every question he could not find an answer to.
The world around him moved on… while he remained still.
The luxurious carriage was positioned at the center, the noble's banner fluttering, knights and attendants surrounding it cautiously.
Whispers spread among them, their eyes glancing at him from time to time.
Knight 1 (in a low voice):
What's wrong with that kid?
He's been absent-minded since we set out.
Knight 2:
It's like he's not even here.
The past few days had been pure hell for him.
He hadn't left alcohol behind, nor his thoughts.
A harsh turning point… for a boy who had never lived in cruelty long enough to inherit cold-heartedness.
One of the knights rode closer to him.
Knight:
Hey, kid…
What's wrong with you? You don't look troubled usually.
Jin slowly lifted his head. His eyes were unfocused, his voice quiet, as if he wasn't speaking to the person in front of him at all.
Jin:
…What did you feel
when you killed a human for the first time?
The knights exchanged surprised looks.
Knight:
What do you mean?
Jin turned toward him.
Jin:
What do I mean?
My question is clear.
A brief silence.
Jin:
What did you feel…
when you killed someone for the first time?
The knight looked ahead at the road, thought for a moment, then spoke.
Knight:
It wasn't easy…
but it wasn't as hard as you imagine.
He sighed.
Knight:
That's life.
And he was someone who deserved to die.
So… I didn't break.
Then he added honestly:
Knight:
But believe me…
it wasn't easy at all.
Jin looked down at the ground, his face shattered.
Jin:
I can't adapt.
No matter how filthy they were…
no matter how evil…
He tightened his grip on the reins.
Jin:
I can't accept it.
Back to the Tavern
Five days passed.
The mission ended.
Jin returned to his usual tavern.
He had recovered a little… but the traces remained.
Hans looked at him for a long moment, then spoke calmly.
Hans:
Don't think too much… whatever it is.
He poured him a drink.
Hans:
If the person deserved to die, then you took your revenge.
And if it was a mistake…
He raised his gaze.
Hans:
Atone for it by saving other lives.
Jin looked at him in shock.
Jin:
How… did you know?
Hans smiled the smile of a man who had seen far too much.
Hans:
When you grow up…
you'll see many things.
Hans:
You'll experience everything…
except peace of mind.
He sighed.
Hans:
I didn't need much to understand how you feel.
Jin thanked him and asked to leave.
Return to the Academy
He went out.
Got into his car parked near the Tower.
He drove in silence…
until he reached the academy parking area.
He parked the car.
Entered the administration office.
Received the key to his room.
He entered the room…
didn't look around.
Drank a cup of water.
Collapsed onto the bed.
Slept.
Without thinking.
Without dreaming.
The Beginning of Classes
Two days passed.
The students gathered in the main square within the academy grounds.
Five hundred students… perhaps more.
On a raised balcony stood an old man, white-haired, his eyes calm, his presence natural and unforced.
He was not from any noble family.
This was the academy's headmaster—Eldir Merov.
He gave a long speech about the future, responsibility, power, and discipline.
Time passed slowly for Jin.
He wore the academy's official uniform,
his jacket closed—unusual for him.
His name now: Kim Suho.
He wasn't thinking about anything.
He headed to his first class.
In Front of the Classroom
Several students his age stood before him.
Stares…
whispers…
smirks of disdain.
Student 1:
Huh?
How did this ragged guy get into the academy?
Student 2:
Even his shoes look second-hand.
Student 3:
Is this a school or a shelter?
This wasn't cruelty—just pure childish bullying.
Suho didn't respond.
A boy stepped forward from the center, seemingly the leader.
Student:
Why aren't you answering?
Don't you know who this is?
Another (proudly):
That's Liu Xing-Han.
Third Student:
From the Liu-Tiang merchant family.
Suho looked at them indifferently and turned to leave.
A hand grabbed his shoulder.
Liu Xing-Han (voice changing):
Stop.
Suho turned slowly.
He didn't speak.
He didn't frown.
Just—
One punch.
Liu fell to the ground…
unconscious.
The others staggered back in fear.
Suho left without a word.
The Grand Lecture Hall
He entered the main lecture hall.
A massive hall that could hold more than five hundred students.
He sat in the back rows, facing forward, silent.
Waiting…
for the beginning of his first day.
End of Chapter