In a secret room lit only by a dim light, a man sat, rolling a cigar between his fingers.
"Where's Eugene?"
"Yes, Young Master just left for the academy."
"Is that so?"
His name is Vito Calione.
As he naturally cut the end of the cigar and placed it in his mouth, Farnello, standing beside him, took out a lighter from his inner pocket and lit the end of the cigar with great familiarity.
"Haa..."
The smoke exhaled from Calione's mouth covered the pale yellow light.
"I didn't think you'd really take care of Blunt... Did you really not help at all?"
"Yes, even I was surprised. The red aura emanating from his body was very similar to the Boss's."
"Hmm?"
Farnello's words seemed to surprise Calione, whose eyes widened.
"Eugene emitted a red aura?"
"Yes, it was very similar to when the Boss fights. It seems the Boss's ability has been inherited by Young Master."
"My ability inherited? Hahahaha! This is truly surprising. I didn't think my ability was a Bloodline Ability."
The Bloodline Ability, passed down only to second-generation Awakeners, is a symbol of rarity and a noble family's lineage.
Hearing that his power had been inherited, Calione burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Then most of his injuries must have healed?"
"There's still some muscle pain, but all external injuries have healed."
"Is that so? Truly, I'm proud of my son! Isn't that right, Farnello?"
"I think so too."
"Hahaha! We should prepare a new gift for Eugene."
Calione extinguished the cigar on a red lump beside him.
With a sizzling sound, the red lump began to move.
"B-Boss... P-Please... spare me..."
"Hmm? You still have the strength to move?"
"Mercy, mercy..."
The moment Blunt spoke, his mouth was crushed.
"Kraaaaaaah!"
Calione wiped the blood on his hands with a towel and looked at Blunt, who was holding his crushed mouth and sobbing, with a calm voice.
"Blunt, Blunt. You foolish man. Why don't you understand?"
"Huuuuu... Huuuuu..."
Calione grabbed Blunt's hair and lifted his head to look into his eyes.
"Shut up. Next time, I'll crush your vocal cords."
"Ku... Kuuu..."
"Hmm, good. Very good. You should remain silent. Information? You don't need it. You just need to pay the price for disgracing my name."
"Ku... Kuuu... Kuuuuu..."
"…Farnello."
"Yes, Boss."
"Crush it."
"Yes."
With a crunch, Farnello crushed Blunt's vocal cords.
Even with such a shock, Blunt, whose body had been enhanced, could not faint.
"Ku... Kuuu..."
"Preparations are complete. Let's continue the punishment."
Farnello whipped Blunt's body as if it were a routine task, while Calione, watching from the side, sipped whiskey to soothe the bitterness of the cigar and sighed, mixing the scent of whiskey and cigar.
"Still, I'm worried. I hope he doesn't overdo it with his new ability..."
As if to ease the Boss's worry, Farnello stopped whipping for a moment and smiled.
"I don't think Young Master will do that. He is the Boss's son, after all."
Farnello recalled the weapon Eugene had taken with him that morning.
When he mentioned the weapon to Calione, Calione's body shook.
"Really? You mean Eugene has the Chicago Typewriter?"
"Yes. I don't know where he got it, but it seems to be a genuine item."
"Hahahaha! If that's the case, he won't get beaten up anywhere. Farnello, I'm going home. Please handle things as usual."
"Yes, Boss. Have a good rest."
Calione left the secret room, accompanied by his most trusted subordinate and the traitor he had once trusted, with a smile still on his face.
* * *
"Be careful, Young Master."
As usual, Han Seo-joon stopped the car in front of the academy's main gate and opened the back door for me.
"Thanks."
Just like yesterday, the black sedans lined up in front and behind me, but there was one difference today.
It was the black bag in my hand, which contained my unique weapon for the academy.
"Other monsters will probably bring all sorts of cheat weapons."
This is an academy for future named NPCs. Most of them are well-supported and will likely bring all kinds of bizarre weapons.
I had to use my abilities and background to the fullest to deal with them.
"There's no other way to surpass those monsters."
I checked the reward for the hidden quest I had completed on the way to the academy.
【Hidden Quest Completed!】
[The Organization's Traitor]
[Carlo Blunt, realizing the power of the artifact he obtained, plans to collect more artifacts to absorb Calione. Eliminate Carlo Blunt!]
[Reward: Gauntlet of Midas]
[Unbelievable Achievement!]
[You successfully eliminated Carlo Blunt without any help.]
[Reward Details]
- New Trait: Enforcement
[1. Enforcer: An organization that deals with the organization's enemies. When fighting an enemy recognized as an organization's enemy, physical abilities increase by 1.2 times.]
[The trait evolves due to the unbelievable achievement!]
- Evolved Trait: Enforcer
[1. Enforcer: Those who deal with the organization's enemies. When fighting an enemy recognized as an organization's enemy, physical abilities increase by 1.5 times.]
Perhaps because I exceeded the quest requirements, I received an evolved trait.
This trait, useful for organizational work, was something I had never seen in the game.
"Just looking at it makes me feel full, really."
I smiled, put my smartphone in my pocket, and looked ahead.
Most of the named NPCs, known as CS, are graduates of this academy.
They are expected to grow significantly in the events to come.
I intended to maximize my gains by balancing the organization and the academy.
How much stronger can I become here!
As I was thinking about a golden future and smiling to myself, an annoying voice came from the side.
"Bringing weapons to the academy, even gangsters? The academy is really going downhill, isn't it?"
I glanced over to see Jeong Ui-hoon, twirling a white revolver and smirking.
"You're an interesting guy, Eugene Han Calione."
"What?"
Perhaps because of his background as the son of the police chief, he seemed to have already figured out my identity.
Well, after the chaos last night, it would be strange if he didn't know.
"How can you be so shameless to come to the academy after a massacre last night? It's really amazing."
Jeong Ui-hoon whistled and walked past me.
He seemed to think he had deflated my spirit with his words.
Just considering that as provocation...
I looked at the back of his head and smiled.
"Kids these days are just talkative."
"...What?"
"Did you hear that? Sorry. Just ignore the ramblings of a clueless mafia kid."
Jerk.
I said that and walked past him, heading towards the academy.
Challenging me with words after being trained in the gorge?
"Cute."
It would be nice if you stay this cute.
"New students, please register your unique weapons here!"
A woman's voice from the entrance of the main building. A female assistant and a long line in front of her were visible.
Since it was the first day to bring unique weapons, the academy was conducting a thorough management process, which always resulted in a long line on the first day.
Fortunately, the line moved quickly, and it was my turn soon.
"Hello."
"Yes, welcome, new student. May I open your bag?"
"Yes, that's fine."
When the staff opened the bag and checked the contents, she looked surprised.
"Oh, a firearm? Most other heroes prefer spears or swords."
"I find firearms the most convenient."
It was probably due to the [Trait: Hitman].
The reason heroes don't prefer firearms is simple: they are less efficient compared to other weapons.
First, the complex structure of firearms makes it difficult to use mana effectively, and the rapid rotation of bullets dissipates most of the mana, making them less powerful than other weapons.
Therefore, heroes who use firearms are usually of two types:
Those who use simple-structured firearms like revolvers, or those who use artifacts with history and mana.
"Alright, I'll check it."
The assistant's eyes began to glow blue as she held my unique weapon.
I assumed it was a detection or analysis ability. After a moment, she exclaimed in surprise.
"Al Capone's Tommy? What kind of artifact is this..."
It was surprising, and I was also surprised when I checked its stats in the compendium yesterday.
The assistant probably saw the information about my gun like this:
[Name: Al Capone's Tommy]
[Grade: Artifact]
[Type: Firearm]
[Description: The weapon of Al Capone, the king of the night who made 20th-century America tremble.]
【Skills】
[1. World-renowned Artifact: The original owner of this artifact is a world-famous person. It grants three effects:
a. The efficiency of imbuing bullets with mana is greatly increased.
b. The gun can be fired by charging mana alone.
c. Durability is significantly increased.]
[2. Chicago Typewriter: This weapon fires bullets at an incredibly fast speed, causing the 'Fear' status effect on opponents who hear it.]
[3. Mafia Exclusive: This weapon is a symbol of the mafia. When worn by a member of the mafia, overall abilities are enhanced.]
I glanced over and saw Jeong Ui-hoon biting his lip from a distance.
I just smiled at him.
"Check, you can go in now."
"Thank you."
I put the Tommy, which I received from the assistant, back in the bag, slung it over my shoulder, and walked past the dazed Jeong Ui-hoon.
Thinking about the expression he had just made made me want to laugh.
"Hey, Eugene!"
While walking down the academy corridor, someone called my name from ahead.
I looked up to see the glasses-wearing student from the deserted island waving at me.
"Ah, Glasses."
"Glasses? Now that you mention it, we never properly introduced ourselves. I'm Kim Young-je. Thanks for yesterday."
The goodwill I planted on the island is finally paying off.
I didn't expect such a quick response, but I smiled at him.
"Sure. I'm Eugene."
I shook hands with him and entered the classroom together.
"Is that your unique weapon in the bag?"
"Yeah. Is yours a fountain pen?"
"Huh? How did you know? Usually, no one does."
He chuckled and glanced at the fountain pen in his chest pocket.
"Just a feeling."
"Really? You're not ordinary..."
Although I said that, I actually knew about him.
'Elemental Conductor Kim Young-je.'
In the mid-game, he was known for wielding a fountain pen to cast various spells, earning him the nickname.
He was a frustrating opponent in the game, but he could be recruited as an ally in the academy route.
My smartphone buzzed in my pocket.
It seemed the information about Kim Young-je had been added to the compendium after meeting certain conditions.
"Ah! You're here!"
When I entered the classroom with Kim Young-je, I saw familiar faces from yesterday.
Some had bandages, indicating they had been injured, while others looked fine.
Kim Se-ah, who spoke to us, was among those who looked fine.
"Thank you so much for yesterday."
Kim Se-ah smiled and approached me. She, like Kim Young-je, seemed to feel grateful towards me.
"Thanks to you, I could return to the academy on time. Thank you."
Only then did I notice the goodwill in the eyes of the other students, excluding Kim Se-ah and Kim Young-je.
"Sure. You guys did well, too."
"Really? Did you see us after we left the island?"
Kim Se-ah asked, surprised, but I shrugged and sat in my usual seat.
Meanwhile, the empty seats began to fill up. Their appearances suggested they had a tough time yesterday.
"You! You!"
Then, a person approached me, making a fuss.
A blonde punk with piercings.
"Did you leave me behind and take the helicopter alone? Traitor!"
"You're here."
He introduced himself as Jin Woo Bivalt.
When I checked yesterday, he had definitely escaped by boat, right?
It seemed he, like me, had a GPS to track his location on the island.
"How much money do you have to call a helicopter to a deserted island? Where are you from?"
Jin Woo's eyes changed as he asked about my background.
"Silver spoon."
I gave him a vague answer and took out my vibrating smartphone.
[(NEW) Compendium Entry]
[Jin Woo Bivalt]
It was the compendium entry for the blonde punk.
"Wow, you're ignoring me again and reading some wiki. What is it, platypus?"
He couldn't see the compendium on the screen, so I looked at it calmly.
[Name: Jin Woo Bivalt]
[Affiliation: Bivalt Family under Calione]
[Description: The only son of Antonio Bivalt, the boss of the Bivalt Family. He inherited his father's excellent hitman skills but not his composure. He has been struggling with financial difficulties since entering the academy.]
I thought he was a distant relative of the Bivalt Family, but it turned out to be a direct descendant.
There are so many variables in this CS world, and I don't know how much more information I'm missing.
Antonio Bivalt is a well-known NPC, a renowned hitman.
I never expected his son to be such a punk.
I glanced up, and he was still staring at my smartphone with a stupid look.
"Laying eggs and venomous? Come on, let's check the related entries. Yeah?"
He naturally started a conversation. I hadn't seen his abilities yet, but I couldn't ignore the information in the compendium.
"Why are you trying to be friends with me?"
He put his hand on my shoulder and said,
"Because you look rich? The second reason is... just because. Something about you feels familiar."
The first reason seemed significant, but it wasn't entirely bad.
In fact, the more straightforward he was about money, the easier he was to use.
Well, I'd need to educate him a bit.
"If that's the case, Jin Woo Bivalt. Would you like to spar with me in today's practice session?"
"Spar? Well, friends fight to get closer, right? My dad said most of his friends were made through fights... but isn't that a bit old-fashioned?"
He looked genuinely confused about why he should do that.
I decided to give him a reason.
"I'm planning to start a club. I thought you might be a good addition."
"Huh? A club?"
"If you win, I'll make you the president, and I'll join as a member."
He frowned, not understanding the sudden club talk.
"Why would I join a club to be the president?"
This information would be very appealing to him.
"Didn't you know? The academy gives a monthly activity fund of 10 million credits to club presidents."
"Ten million... credits?"
Jin Woo Bivalt's face showed a gulping expression.
"Alright, deal!"
He immediately accepted the offer, patted my back a few times, and smiled brightly.
"Come on, don't worry. I won't beat you to death just because you joined my club. I'll hit you lightly, so it won't hurt."
...What kind of confidence is that?
"Still, remember that if you lose, you'll be my subordinate."
"Why worry about that now? I'll win. I'm looking forward to it."
He said that, smiled, and went back to his seat, fiddling with his smartphone.
Good, the bait is set. Now, as I was thinking about how to handle him, Kim Se-ah, who was sitting in front of me, turned around.
"Really, are you sure? Do you know who that guy is?"
Se-ah whispered, covering her mouth to hide from Jin Woo. Her expression was serious.
"Hmm? Is he famous?"
"Yes! There's a rumor that even crying babies stop when they hear the name of a Calione organization member."
A rumor that even crying babies stop when they hear the name of a Calione member? Where did she hear such nonsense... Well, I don't need to tell her I'm the heir of that organization.
"Jin Woo Bivalt has been famous for beating up all the notable villains since high school. He's not an easy opponent, no matter how much he looks like a punk."
Se-ah whispered, glancing at Jin Woo.
When our eyes met, she let out a small scream and quickly turned back.
"Is that so?"
If he's been dealing with villains, he must have some basic combat sense.
"I need to properly evaluate him."
Are you really good enough to be a member of my organization?