The third day at the academy felt more like a regular school day compared to the others.
According to our instructor, Ji Suhyeon, the third day was meant to strengthen our mental aspects rather than physical ones, but it seemed more like giving the students a break from physical activities.
"Ha ha. It would be great if every day was as easy as today. Don't you think so, Boss?"
When I saw a guy who didn't do any physical work and just slept, I wondered if he knew about it too, but later I realized he was just that kind of person.
Was he perceptive, or really dull?
"Alright, class is starting, so everyone get ready."
The noisy classroom quieted down as the instructor, who had entered unnoticed, addressed the class.
It was still early in the semester, so most of the instructors who came to each class were new faces to us.
Of course, I knew who they were.
<Character Guide>
[Name: Park Yunho]
[Affiliation: Republic of Korea, Academy]
[Age: 34]
[Specialty: Villain Studies, Illusionary Magic]
[Description: An instructor at Seoul Hero Academy who conducts research on modern society's villains and has faced numerous villains in the past as a hero.]
As described in the character guide, Park Yunho appeared in the game as an NPC who provided information about villains and assigned missions at the academy.
His all-back hairstyle and sharp eyes seemed to indicate how cold and meticulous he was, but in fact, he was one of the few instructors at the academy known for his heroic values.
Indeed, he was the kind of person who always gave rewards when a student successfully captured, subdued, or eliminated a villain.
"My name is Park Yunho. I will be your instructor for Villain Studies from today. This class will be held twice a week, and the schedule may change according to my availability."
After writing his name on the smart blackboard at the front of the classroom, Park Yunho immediately sent data to the smart tablets on each desk.
"These are the textbooks for this semester. Now that the introductions are over, let's start the class."
Despite it being the first class, Park Yunho only gave a brief introduction before diving straight into the lesson.
The children in the class let out sighs mixed with complaints, but his expression didn't waver at all.
"Today, we will learn about the villains from 15p to 30p. The first villain we'll cover is 'Bloody Clown.' He was known as 'The Clown of Blood' in Korea. Does anyone know anything about him?"
No one raised their hand in response to the instructor's question.
That was understandable, given that his active years were from 2012 to 2014.
Most of the students here were babies at that time, so it was normal for them not to know.
"Hmm... right. There was a second-in-command in this class, wasn't there? Han Yujin, do you know anything about 'Bloody Clown'?"
Suddenly, the spotlight was on me.
What, I didn't raise my hand, and he's asking me because I'm the second-in-command?
Of course, I wasn't unfamiliar with the villain.
"His real name is Jack Cloud. He was a villain active in the United States and had the ability to turn his breath into a gas bomb and change his appearance."
Instructor Park Yunho nodded in approval at my answer.
"Correct. He was an A-class villain who toyed with the American Association using those abilities. Now, I'll send you a photo."
A photo appeared on the tablet on the desk.
A man with a face painted white and wearing a ridiculous outfit.
He looked like a deranged clown.
"Ultimately, he was captured by the American hero Luna Armstrong and our current instructor, Ji Suhyeon. He was sentenced to 235 years in Niflheim, the American Awakened Prison. Today, we will learn about what a 'villain' is through him."
...And he would later escape and come to Korea to seek revenge on Ji Suhyeon.
I remembered this because it was one of the events in the academy.
"Now, let's start with a question. What is a 'villain'?"
He wrote the word 'villain' in large letters on the board.
"Student at the front, your name is... No Yuun? What is a villain?"
Startled to hear his name called, No Yuun slowly opened his mouth.
"Well... aren't they awakened individuals who commit crimes?"
The instructor nodded at his answer.
"You're half right. A 'villain' is indeed an awakened individual who commits crimes. However, the precise definition of a 'villain' is an awakened individual registered as a villain in the 'Hero Association Database.'"
The children's faces showed confusion.
Only those registered in the database are considered villains? What does that mean?
Park Yunho seemed to notice the atmosphere and continued.
"Let's take an easy example. Vito Calione, the former ruler of the refugee area in Incheon, now the foreign area. Is he a villain?"
...Suddenly, my father's name was mentioned?
Indeed, Vito Calione, the father of this body, was one of the world's top awakened individuals not affiliated with the Hero Association. However, the world didn't call him a villain.
"He... I don't think he's a villain."
"Why not? According to what you said, Vito Calione runs mafia activities in the territory of the Republic of Korea and controls the global underworld. Isn't that a villain?"
"Well... From what I've learned, his existence brought order to a chaotic world, significantly reducing crime rates."
Park Yunho snapped his fingers, seemingly pleased with No Yuun's answer.
"Yes, that's it. Although I'm not defending Calione, his existence brought a form of order. That's why the Association defines 'villains' as awakened individuals who cause significant international and social harm and are registered in the database."
Park Yunho pounded the board, making a thumping sound.
As he put down the chalk and snapped his fingers, the classroom began to change.
Park Yunho used magic to overlay an illusion on the classroom's scenery.
The lighting began to transform into a more elaborate setting.
The podium where Park Yunho stood turned into a dining bar, and around it, people were seen holding bottles and toasting, and couples were passionately kissing in fancy outfits.
The strange thing was... everyone in the room appeared to be frozen in time, not moving at all.
"This is a reconstruction of the party scene where 'Bloody Clown' was last captured, using my abilities. The accuracy is 99%, making it almost identical."
He smiled and said to us.
"I'll give you a problem. The first student to solve it will receive one point in the store. Please try your best."
The mention of the store made the children's eyes light up.
The academy store points could be exchanged for equipment and potions owned by the academy, making them very valuable.
In my case, I had already received attitude points from Kang Seungtae, the head of the Incheon branch, so if I got another point, I would have a total of two.
"Among this crowd, one person is 'Bloody Clown.' Who could it be? All the clues needed for deduction are already here, so you should be able to find him quickly if you think carefully."
The children began to murmur upon hearing the problem.
How were they supposed to find Bloody Clown among all these people who almost filled the classroom?
Moreover, he was the type who only revealed his true identity right before committing a terrorist act, having changed his appearance beforehand.
In other words, it was a very difficult problem.
...That's what the other students were probably thinking.
When I raised my hand first, Park Yunho pointed at me.
"Yes, student Han Yujin. Please share your thoughts."
"Sure."
The problem Park Yunho gave was an event from the game that required deductive and concentration skills.
And most importantly, I had already cleared this event before.
"That man standing alone in the corner is 'Bloody Clown.'"
I pointed to a man standing quietly in the corner of the classroom and said so.
"Hmm, why do you think so?"
Park Yunho asked, looking surprised at my answer.
"Bloody Clown's 'breath' is very similar to a gas bomb. According to the book you sent, he couldn't control his ability in daily life."
I said this while observing the people surrounding the room.
"As you can see, most people at this American party are smoking while enjoying it. If he were to take a breath, it would cause a disaster involving himself. Therefore, I assumed that the person farthest from any fire hazards is 'Bloody Clown.'"
Park Yunho's eyes widened as he listened to my explanation.
"Is that all?"
"...If I were to add more, I noticed the white powder on his bulky clothes and shoes, which could hide his clown outfit, and the bag that is open but reveals nothing inside, leading me to suspect it's a pocket dimension artifact."
Clap. Clap. Clap.
The illusion that filled the classroom disappeared, and applause echoed.
"Excellent. As you said, 'Bloody Clown' avoided fire due to his inability to control his ability before committing terrorism. You can come to me after class to receive your store points."
"Thank you."
Now I have 2 store points.
If my memory serves me right, a useful potion cost 3 points, so I considered this a significant gain.
"According to what student Han Yujin said, he made many mistakes that could lead to him being suspected as a 'villain.' However, despite committing so many terrorist acts, it wasn't easy to catch him. Why? Because the information to suspect a 'villain' wasn't well organized."
He picked up the chalk again and drew an X over the word 'villain' on the board.
"And what you will learn from me in the future... are the habits, characteristics, and weaknesses of villains. I hope you will all do your best."
...Ah, if I said I already knew all of that, I'd probably get a penalty, right?