I Become a Mafia in the Academy

Chapter 25

As I trudge down the stairs, I can feel the gazes of those around me focusing on me one by one.

But such things are not important. Right now, the only thing threatening me is the person right in front of me.

Kang Seungtae, the President of the Incheon branch of the Republic of Korea Hero Association.

"Euhahaha! It's been a while since I last saw you, Yoojin."

As soon as he steps onto the stage, Kang Seungtae pats my back and laughs loudly as if he's happy to see me.

From the way he talks, it seems we have met in the past. For now, I respond to his words.

"......It's been a while since I last saw you."

Those around us might find it strange that I have a past acquaintance with Kang Seungtae, but it's not a big issue.

Given the wealth I have already shown around here, it's not strange that I know Kang Seungtae.

"Now, it looks like all the class representatives have gathered."

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, Z.

All ten class representatives stood in front of Kang Seungtae. It seems Jung Euihun is the representative of Class D.

Kang Seungtae briefly scanned our faces, nodded once, and then began to explain.

"The game I will play with you from now on is arm wrestling."

"......Arm wrestling?"

Other students question the idea of calling them here just to do arm wrestling. Kang Seungtae nods and gestures towards the back of the stage.

Then, four students carrying a heavy-looking iron desk approach this place.

"Yes, arm wrestling. Isn't it simple and good?"

As soon as the desk is placed on the stage, a dull sound of 'thud—' echoes.

Then, Kang Seungtae naturally sits in front of the desk and prepares for arm wrestling.

"As you know, my ability is to equalize with the opponent's physical abilities, known as 'fair play.' And I plan to use this ability when I arm wrestle with you from now on."

The students start murmuring at Kang Seungtae's words.

The idea of arm wrestling with equal physical abilities makes it impossible to guarantee victory, they think.

"During the arm wrestling, I promise to only defend against whatever abilities or techniques you use. How about it? Isn't it worth a try? Euhahaha! Now that I've explained the rules, is there no rookie who wants to challenge me first?"

The first to raise his hand is the Class President of Class C, a guy who stands out because of his height and build.

"Looks like he's got some strength! Come, sit across from me and grab my arm."

As instructed, Class C sits across and grabs his hand.

"Really, can we use any ability?"

"If you can."

As soon as Kang Seungtae gives permission, white steam begins to pour out from the guy's body.

"Gaaa......!"

As the guy's muscles start to swell slowly, Kang Seungtae briefly shows an interested expression.

"Didn't I tell you? Physical abilities become equal. And arm wrestling isn't just about strength."

As Kang Seungtae twists his wrist and lets out a 'hup!' sound, the guy's arm instantly touches the table, ending the match.

"Not bad. But if you had given up your pride and interfered instead of just relying on strength, it would have been better."

Kang Seungtae tilts his neck side to side and smirks as if it's funny.

Perhaps inspired by his friendly feedback, the other guys also start challenging Kang Seungtae one by one, but no matter what they try, they are thoroughly defeated.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk....... I had high hopes since they're the representatives of the young ones, but they're nothing special?"

Only Jung Euihun and I are left.

As I'm contemplating whether I should go next, Jung Euihun steps forward first.

"I will go next."

"Oh, it's Euihun. You should be able to entertain this old man, right?"

"I will do my best."

Jung Euihun immediately sits down and grabs Kang Seungtae's hand. At the same time, he tries to tilt the desk to the side by kicking it with his knee.

"Kheup!"

The desk doesn't budge and firmly stays in its place.

"Were you trying to make my arm touch the desk by moving it?! Ahahaha! Certainly! That's entertaining!"

"......It's not over yet."

Judging that moving the desk is impossible, Jung Euihun starts attacking Kang Seungtae directly.

But Kang Seungtae just looks at Jung Euihun, who is breathing heavily, with a relaxed yawn.

"Do you want to continue?"

"......I concede defeat."

Eventually, Jung Euihun lets go of Kang Seungtae's hand and stands up.

Although his face is not visible because he bowed his head deeply, I can imagine the expression he must be making.

"Now, then, it's Yoojin's turn. I heard from your father that you've changed a lot. How much have you changed? Will you show me?"

"......I will do my best."

Sitting across from Kang Seungtae, I immediately roll up my sleeves and grab his arm.

Kang Seungtae looks at me with a bright smile, as if he's looking forward to what methods I'll try.

But I have no intention of playing along with his games.

After taking a deep breath, I put force into my arm and push against Kang Seungtae's arm using the weight of my body and my arm strength.

The information about Kang Seungtae that only I know, which the guys who came here don't.

Character Codex

[Name: Kang Seungtae]

[Affiliation: President of the Incheon branch of the Republic of Korea Hero Association]

[Description: The President of the Hero Association branch located in Incheon. Having grown up in Incheon since childhood, he is said to have many connections. He values 'fair play,' 'guts,' and 'strength.' Because of these elements, he is also famous as an icon of integrity.]

The key words are these: 'guts' and 'fair play.'

So far, Kang Seungtae has never lost when others used their abilities or when he used his own ability.

But if it's a contest of pure 'strength' alone? He will face you with only his pure strength without using his ability.

"Khehehehe! This is fun! This is fun!"

As expected, Kang Seungtae's arm starts to tremble without using his ability.

It's evidence that he's holding on with only his own strength.

"So, do you think you can win with just your strength, without using your ability?"

"......Isn't it an unknown?"

Of course, it might be impossible to beat Kang Seungtae, who is at the top in physical ability, with just my pure strength.

But.

"......May I ask just one thing?"

"Haha! Go ahead and ask!"

"Are you here today as the President of the Incheon branch of the Hero Association?"

"That's right."

"Then, what would you do if you met my father during your work as the President of the Hero Association in Incheon?"

"......I would have to catch him first."

"Thank you for your answer."

At the same time, Kang Seungtae's arm tilts slightly.

"Huh, what did you do? I didn't sense you using your ability."

"Perhaps you were just watching closely."

Although I said that, right after Kang Seungtae's answer, a new interface appeared in the corner of my vision.

[Trait: [Executioner] is activated.]

[Executioner]

[1. Executioner - Those who deal with enemies of the organization. When fighting against an enemy recognized by the organization, physical abilities increase by 1.5 times.]

My trait [Executioner], which only activates when dealing with enemies of Calione.

Because of this, Kang Seungtae's physical abilities would also increase, but before he could adapt to his suddenly increased physical abilities, I gathered my strength to slam his arm down.

But skillfully, Kang Seungtae lowers his center of gravity to deflect my attack.

"Ugh....... I guess I need to take this more seriously."

......This old monster.

Having managed to gauge his strength in that brief moment, Kang Seungtae tries to push my wrist away as if he's used to it.

As expected, this alone is not enough to get a passing grade from him.

"Are you not going to interfere or use any other abilities?"

"I don't think the President simply arm wrestled with the other kids."

"Hmm?"

"The 'fair play' you mentioned. In fact, it's not about equalizing physical abilities with the opponent, but synchronizing your mana with the opponent's mana, isn't it?"

Kang Seungtae's eyes tremble at my words.

"Did you hear this story from your father?"

Although I knew this information through the game, I couldn't tell it directly, so I answered with as composed an expression as possible.

"I felt the President's mana flowing into my body. I also noticed that you are naturally moving to familiarize yourself with the path by circulating the mana in my body."

"......If what you say is true, it's astonishing. Only a few magicians can realize that I've interfered with the mana."

"Isn't it just talent? Blood doesn't lie, after all."

Kang Seungtae gives a slight smile at my words.

"Ha! With that said, I have no retort. Then, do you know the most efficient way to accept this opportunity?"

"Isn't it by resisting the President with all my strength?"

"......If you know, that's enough. Go on, resist with all your might! Hahaha!"

"I will do so."

After answering Kang Seungtae like that, I immediately showed the reason I hadn't stepped forward until this moment.

As all the opponents who had come forward with opposition votes have been defeated, I alone remain as Kang Seungtae's adversary.

This means that I have practically become the last representative on the student side.

From here on, the other students, whether they realize it or not, will have no choice but to support me as they leave the class.

And now, I am pushing Kang Seungtae harder than anyone else.

This is evidence that I am the last hope and different from the other children.......

This will soon turn into respect.

[The trait: [Successor of the Underworld] activates.]

[Successor of the Underworld]

[2. Baby Boss – Your overall abilities slightly increase in proportion to the number of beings that hold fear or respect towards you.]

If both [Executioner] and [Successor of the Underworld] are activated simultaneously, my strength will become incomparably stronger than usual.

"Hup......!"

With all my body weight and strength, I slowly push Kang Seungtae's arm. Kang Seungtae's arm begins to move back little by little. In this unbelievable situation, Kang Seungtae seems to be taken aback as he widens his eyes.

"Euraichaa!"

With a resounding shout, he......overturns my arm in an instant.

......I lost. But it wasn't all bad.

After all, I achieved my goal.

"Whew. That was a close call. It was really dangerous."

As Kang Seungtae wipes the sweat from his forehead and stands up, he pats my shoulder a couple of times.

And then, Kang Seungtae begins to tremble.

"Khak! Khak hahahaha! As your father said, you've changed a lot."

"......You flatter me."

As I shake my numb wrist, which almost got embedded in the desk, and give a slight smile, Kang Seungtae bursts into a full smile.

"I was taken aback by how long it's been since I was last startled like this. So, can you tell what changes have occurred in your body?"

Of course, I couldn't be unaware of it.

Not when a new window has appeared before my eyes like this.

[Explosive mana sweeps through your body.]

[It feels like your mana control has become easier.]

"It seems like my mana control has become smoother."

"If you understand, that's enough! Hmm, it seems the other kids only managed to achieve subtle results. With this, I've adjusted the bodies of the representative kids enough."

This is another ability that allowed Kang Seungtae to rise to the position of 'President'.

[Mana Shower]

It was a technique possible only for him, due to his explosive mana and insane mana control.

Given its cheating performance, it seems he can't use it often.

I knew it was only used on heroes with outstanding talent in the organization, but it wasn't an exaggeration to say that I had gained an unexpected opportunity.

"Well, I've granted all the requests of your friends. Unfortunately, since none of you managed to beat me, I'll have to proceed with the lecture. Hahahaha!"

At the mention of proceeding with the lecture, the students begin to buzz again. Kang Seungtae puts his index finger to his lips at this sight.

"Everyone, be quiet."

As if the previous comical appearance was a jest, Kang Seungtae speaks in a very cold tone, and the convention hall instantly falls silent.

"Now that the simple event before the lecture is over, let's start the lecture. All the kids who came up front can return to their seats."

As if transitioning from a friendly uncle to a cold boss, Kang Seungtae immediately picks up a board marker and stands in front of the whiteboard.

"You guys saw it too. The difference between me and the other kids is truly overwhelming. But each of the other kids tried to take me down in their own way......and Yoojin succeeded in chilling my heart."

Kang Seungtae begins the story by equating the short arm wrestling match to a battle between heroes and villains.

"But the villains you'll face in the future won't be as lenient as I was. Instead of laughing at your cuteness, they'll be the ones laughing while massacring civilians next to you. And, I want to talk about the mindset you should have when dealing with such villains."

The atmosphere in the convention hall changes in an instant.

As if the previous heat was a lie, the students watch Kang Seungtae with tense eyes in the now cold atmosphere.

"Well then, shall we begin?"

What he said wasn't anything difficult.

Information and mindsets that everyone knows if they know. But perhaps because it's 'Kang Seungtae' who is speaking.

Each word coming out of his mouth seemed sincere and sounded true.

[Notice: It feels like your head has gotten smarter!]

The increase in intelligence was an additional gain.

And so, after finishing all the third-day classes at the academy, I returned home.

"Young Master. The preparations for the hunt are complete."

Finally, night has arrived.