Chapter 25 - Why Is This Here?

* * *

「Expulsion List.」

Haeryeon held the list out to Hyeonyul.

"Here, Hyeonyul."

For a moment, Hyeonyul felt his heart plummet. Was this what it meant to feel faint?

'Expulsion... list?'

He felt as though he might break into a cold sweat.

"What have I... done wrong?"

"Huh?"

Haeryeon blinked, then looked down.

"No, no! It's not that! The incident involving you turned into an investigation into collaborators, remember? This contains what we found through the group chat you handed over to Team Leader Juhyeon. It's absolutely not what you think!"

"... Ah. My apologies."

Only then did Hyeonyul's expression return to normal.

'That was... quite a scare.'

She was the one who ought to be clinging to Hyeonyul's trouser leg, begging him not to leave.

Keeping her expression under control, Haeryeon gave him a brief summary.

"Our investigation has caught thirty-four people so far, including two Black Eagles and the White Sparrows. The ones we've firmly identified are on the White Sparrows' side."

At first, she had thought it was simply an incident born of resentment toward Hyeonyul for being a former villain. She had expected that much resistance herself.

But it was nothing so trivial.

'Without Hyeonyul, we would still be in the dark about this.'

Why had they singled Hyeonyul out?

Several theories had been proposed. Hyeonyul knew a certain villain's face, and they wanted to prevent him from revealing it. Or they intended to put him at the center of a deepening conflict between the Black Eagles and the White Sparrows.

Whatever the reason, it was unacceptable.

"What have you decided to do?"

Hyeonyul asked for the conclusion.

"For now, we'll throw them out, ostensibly for causing internal unrest."

"That will leave you short-staffed. Will that be all right?"

"It still has to be done. Every Team Leader agreed to this."

Just thinking about the meeting gave Haeryeon a headache. It had been so fierce that all she wanted was to keep taking annual leave.

"Hyeonyul."

"Yes, Team Leader."

"Do you know what I find terrifying about this?"

"The possibility that one of the Team Leaders is a collaborator?"

"Exactly."

Haeryeon let out a long breath and swept her hair back.

"To expel that many people, we had no choice but to reveal that there were collaborators. That's how we got this decision approved, so we've lost something too."

If a Team Leader was involved, they might have to bury the matter without ever finding out who it was.

The culprit would leave no more evidence now.

"Even so, I believe we must cut away what we can. The blade we've swung this time may not reach the roots, but the same goes for their side. Starving them out like this should work as well. I think they'll probably resign within a month at most."

Hyeonyul spoke as he examined the list.

Two Black Eagles.

'It would be dangerous if these bastards became villains.'

He had been told he was the first villain to become a Black Eagle. But there had been many cases of the reverse.

For the Black Eagles' sake, too, he had to nip this in the bud.

"Team Leader. Why is one of the Black Eagles crossed out?"

"He's dead."

"Dead?"

"There was a murder at a club, and he was the victim. He was the Black Eagle we were pursuing."

'Ah... So they included the bastard I killed last time.'

Hyeonyul nodded, then stole a glance at Haeryeon.

Did she not suspect him this time either?

"Don't worry. What happened last time won't happen again. Nobody suspects you."

"Then who is the other Black Eagle?"

"The White Sparrows were easy to identify, but tracking down the Black Eagle has been difficult. I suspect it might be one of the Team Leaders. Anyway, Hyeonyul."

"Yes."

"I'm sorry."

Hyeonyul stared at her, his face stiffening at her apology. He grew anxious.

What was it this time?

"I meant I'm sorry you got dragged into this. When people gossip about you... it's exhausting, mentally and physically."

Haeryeon lowered her gaze, repeatedly clenching and unclenching her fingers.

Ah.

Only then did Hyeonyul relax.

"I'm always surrounded by rumors, so it's all right. It isn't something I was unprepared for. Whether I like it or not, my existence will always give people plenty to talk about."

He was a test subject who had survived against horrific odds. That alone was enough to cause a stir.

Haeryeon's gaze grew intent as she watched him. He sounded as though he were talking about someone else.

"I know I must seem strange. In how I speak, how I act, and in various other ways."

Hyeonyul had been about to say something else, but recalled Jeongmin's advice and the passage in 101 Ways to Make Workplace Life Run Smoothly that said it was better to clear up misunderstandings before moving on.

"No. You aren't strange at all."

Haeryeon shook her head.

That was a lie. There was no way he wasn't strange.

"You may have heard from Dr. Jeongmin, but the aftereffects of the drugs have damaged various aspects of my reasoning, thoughts, and behavior. I'm still undergoing treatment. I have a long way to go, but I'm working to become more natural."

Hyeonyul looked directly at Haeryeon. He understood that things like this were best said face-to-face.

"What do you like, Hyeonyul?"

The sudden question made him hesitate. Questions like this were terribly unfamiliar.

He had never been asked such a thing as a villain. It was like the strange questions Jeongmin always asked him.

"My senses are sensitive, so I like doing small, quiet things."

"What sorts of things?"

Haeryeon simply smiled.

"I like knitting and making accessories. I've always wanted to keep a turtle."

Even talking about these ordinary things seemed to make Hyeonyul quite happy.

"Those are all... things you do at home, aren't they?"

Haeryeon had spotted a common thread.

"Yes. With my sensitive senses, home is comfortable. That doesn't mean I have difficulty going out."

"I know that... Oh, right. Hyeonyul, would you consider moving?"

"... I've considered it, but I don't have the money."

Haeryeon pressed her lips together as though she had expected that. Practical worries showed in Hyeonyul's gray eyes.

"Most of my salary goes toward interest on money I borrowed for hospital bills and medication, so things are quite tight. I considered taking assassination commissions, but the schedule would be too irregular, so I chose to go hungry instead. I always have to look after my health."

Every time she heard him say that, Haeryeon was shaken.

Had Hyeonyul chosen to become a test subject? Villains had made him one, so why did he have to bear all the consequences?

She thought it was a blessing that he had retained this much sanity, that he had been warped no more than this.

"Still, I'm glad you're willing to move. I'm thinking of applying for housing assistance for you."

Hyeonyul looked stunned.

Housing assistance.

Even the bridge of his nose stung.

"Of course, there's something we need to do first."

"... I'll do it."

Strength filled Hyeonyul's voice. He knew it was bait to make him work hard, but he had no choice but to snap it up.

"Hyeonyul."

"Yes."

"We'll need to reissue your ID. Is that all right?"

"Is there a problem with my identity?"

"No."

Hyeonyul's identity was clearly documented. But judging by Sinu's information that his recorded age differed from his actual age, and that he had never attended school, it was a fabricated identity.

From his expression, Hyeonyul seemed unaware of this.

'That man must have created it for him, right?'

Dr. Lee Jeongmin.

Villains preferred people without identities, so they would never have created one for him. Jeongmin had been with Hyeonyul for a long time.

"Everyone goes through this process when they become a Black Eagle. You become someone special."

Haeryeon smiled brightly.

It wasn't untrue. He had to be registered anew as someone the Empire was obligated to protect.

"And you have a lot of gaps in your history from being a test subject, don't you?"

"Yes, quite a few."

He had spent both his childhood and adolescence as a test subject.

"We'll enter the fact that you were a test subject in those records. That way, you'll be eligible for all the benefits the Empire offers. Is that all right?"

"Will I be officially recognized as a test subject?"

"Not a test subject. A victim. That's what you'll be recognized as. You don't have to do it if you don't want to. There are plenty of other ways."

"... If it's entered..."

"Hmm?"

"Never mind. I'll do it."

"You'll be able to choose an Empire-owned home of eighteen pyeong or less. If you live there for around three years, you won't have to repay anything."

"..."

Hyeonyul's lower lip trembled visibly, and his eyes wavered.

He wouldn't even have to repay it.

As though proving there was a reason excessive kindness made people anxious, he spoke up at the question that suddenly surged within him.

"Why... are you doing all this for me?"

None of this had been in his employment contract.

"You've saved countless people, Hyeonyul. And you'll save even more in the future."

Haeryeon grinned.

Capturing the Poison King had brought down one pillar of their enemy's power. Her only regret was that she couldn't see just how many lives he had saved.

"Honestly, I think you could even become a noble. Imagine how proud I'd be then."

The Black Eagles were practically the only route to becoming a noble. Though it brought no change in social standing, he would become a symbol. How wonderful would that be?

"A noble?"

"Oh dear, I've kept you too long."

Haeryeon checked the clock and startled.

"You need to see Dr. Jeongmin, don't you?"

"Yes. I need to stop by before theory class."

She wanted to let him rest, but theory training was held for everyone together, so she couldn't take it off his schedule.

"Anyway, take your time thinking it over and let me know. Oh, Team Leader Juhyeon is examining the Poison King's phone you gave us. I'll tell you if anything turns up. That's all."

Haeryeon made it clear they were finished. But Hyeonyul stood there blankly.

"What's wrong? Is there something you want to say?"

"There's something I didn't tell you yesterday."

"... Yesterday?"

As Haeryeon's eyes widened, Hyeonyul held out his phone to show her the pictures.

"The villain I made contact with yesterday is known as the Gravity Mage or the Red Witch. Shin Daeho called her Asan."

"...?"

Haeryeon stopped breathing for a moment.

The Poison King was gone, and now the Red Witch?

'Seriously... Is he some kind of catnip for villains?'

She couldn't understand why he kept encountering them one after another. Heavyweights weren't supposed to be this easy to meet.

Shin Daeho, the Poison King, the Red Witch.

In truth, no one but Hyeonyul could have approached that lineup.

'How is this a coincidence?'

Haeryeon screamed inwardly.

"After encountering her, I wounded her in the back. I tried to find out where they'd come from through her subordinate, but the subordinate was highly loyal and committed suicide."

Having finished his report, Hyeonyul showed his disappointment. He had wanted information about the test subjects, but that loyalty had been strangely intense.

To think there was someone even stupider than he was.

"Wait. You wounded her?"

Haeryeon was horrified by a different part of the report.

Did he have no fear?

"Yes. I wounded her as a warning. Though my arm was twisted as well. Heavyweights truly are in a class of their own."

Hyeonyul spoke as though describing some fascinating discovery. Wondering whether his explanation had been insufficient, he offered further justification.

"She seemed to be trying to swallow up the forces left behind by the Poison King and Shin Daeho. I wounded her to prevent her from growing into a larger power. If there's a problem..."

"There is a problem! You said you weren't hurt!"

"Yes. I wasn't hurt. My arm was merely twisted."

"If it was twisted like that, it's broken!"

Haeryeon immediately looked at his arm. It appeared oddly unscathed.

"I'm fairly resistant to impacts. I'm about to see the doctor now..."

"Go see him! Now!"

For some reason, Haeryeon's expression was dark. Wondering what mistake he had made, Hyeonyul walked away with heavy steps.

'... This is difficult.'

People's emotions were difficult. Hyeonyul kept wanting to look back.

But afraid he might upset her, he left without doing anything.

Only after confirming that Hyeonyul had left did Haeryeon bang her head on the desk.

THUD.

'... This is insane. Seriously insane.'

To kill the Poison King, you had to be immune to poison.

The Team Leaders used to joke about that. Hyeonyul accomplishing it had therefore caused a tremendous stir. He didn't seem to realize it himself, but it was nothing short of a miracle.

Immune to poison.

Easy to say, but was it even possible?

'And now... he wounded the Red Witch too?'

The Red Witch was a mage. Was there anyone who didn't know how difficult mages were to deal with?

Simply being a mage earned applicants bonus points with the Black Eagles.

'... Did I set my expectations too low?'

Hyeonyul's abilities exceeded anything she had imagined. With no living test subjects, there had been no data showing how strong they were.

'He's strong. Far too strong.'

The smile gradually faded from Haeryeon's lips, and she swept her hair back with both hands.

That sort of strength wasn't a good thing. An unbidden bitterness washed over her.

["I like knitting and making accessories. I've always wanted to keep a turtle."]

Everything about Hyeonyul's words had been sincere.

'... The villains ruined someone like him.'

If he hadn't become a test subject, wouldn't he have lived as an ordinary person?

* * *

"... Doctor."

Hyeonyul spoke as he looked at Jeongmin.

Jeongmin's voice had an edge to it as he examined the X-ray.

"I'm listening."

"Are you angry?"

"Hyeonyul. What have I told you since you were little?"

Jeongmin asked, pointing at his arm.

"To take care of myself. I've continued to follow that advice."

"And someone doing that joined the Black Eagles?"

"Would you like me to answer that again?"

"Ah, forget it. Don't say any more. My ears are burning."

Jeongmin refused with something like a shudder.

Excellent benefits and money.

What could he say when Hyeonyul brought those up? They were what Hyeonyul needed most urgently. When he had heard they would cover medical expenses, Jeongmin himself had thrown both arms up and cheered.

"Doctor. I'm always careful."

"You call this careful?"

Jeongmin pointed at his arm again. There was the faintest bruise.

Anyone else would have called it a scrape that would heal with a dab of spit, but not on Hyeonyul. Even this had to be taken seriously.

"My body's structure differs from other people's. Even having my arm twisted by magic left nothing more than a bruise."

He might be resistant to impacts, but he was vulnerable to cuts because stopping his bleeding was difficult.

Jeongmin applied medication and wrapped the arm in an excessive amount of bandage, far out of proportion to the bruise.

"... Well, haven't you become eloquent? You'd never know who taught you."

"You taught me, Doctor."

When Hyeonyul smiled, Jeongmin's sarcasm gave way to a little swell of pride.

It had already been fourteen years. Having watched him since childhood, Jeongmin had come to see Hyeonyul as far more than just a patient.

"Anyway, what did you want to ask?"

"Doctor. Do people dislike efficiency?"

Pursuing efficiency was Hyeonyul's way of doing things. In other words, disliking it was the same as disliking him.

"Who... Who says they dislike you? Which bastard is it?"

Jeongmin raised his voice.

"There have always been plenty of people who dislike me."

"Then there's something wrong with their damn eyes."

"Most people must have poor eyesight, then."

Jeongmin laughed loudly at Hyeonyul's dry retort. He was even good at making jokes now. Jeongmin was immensely proud of him.

"Please answer my question."

"Even if someone prefers efficiency, they won't always feel that way. They might just be in a bad mood that day."

"... Ah."

Only then did Hyeonyul understand.

A fairly notorious villain had appeared. Naturally, that would be a headache. Wasn't Haeryeon a Team Leader? With more work piled on top of her already heavy workload, she had every reason to be irritated.

'I gave her more work.'

At last, Hyeonyul could shake off his unease.

"You'll need to come back after training."

"Have my levels dropped?"

"Yes. You'll need an injection today."

"Doctor."

Jeongmin raised both eyebrows at Hyeonyul's call and looked at him.

Hyeonyul hesitated for a brief moment.

What was he about to say? The uncharacteristic behavior made Jeongmin nervous. Was he hurting somewhere?

"Now that I can get my medical expenses covered, I'll repay you first."

His enormous medical bills had driven him into debt. When he had nowhere left to borrow from, Jeongmin had covered the cost of treatment for him.

He had always wanted to repay what he owed Jeongmin. Only now had it become possible.

"... You've been worrying about that all this time?"

Jeongmin asked in surprise.

"Yes."

The answer moved him.

"Forget it. I did it because I wanted to. Don't worry about it."

"Doctor. I earn a good salary now. And nobody will withhold my pay."

"Hyeonyul. I earn more since coming here too. You should save that money, find a new home, and get yourself a turtle."

Jeongmin patted his arm.

Everyone had said he would die, but Hyeonyul had lived.

He had held on.

He had endured with everything he had and grown into an adult.

Jeongmin decided to consider the money the price of getting to witness that.

"But that's my debt..."

"Oh, you'll be late for training. Mr. Latecomer, shouldn't you hurry?"

Jeongmin pointed at the clock. Following his gaze, Hyeonyul had no choice but to stand.

What was he supposed to say at times like this?

After a moment's thought, Hyeonyul smiled.

"I'll buy you a meal."

"All right. I'll get ready to eat something expensive."

When Jeongmin smiled, Hyeonyul smiled too, bowed his head, and left.

Jeongmin took off his glasses and covered his face with his hand.

That tiny child. That child who had known nothing of emotions. He had grown so much.

'I don't know whose child he is, but he makes me so damn proud.'

No matter how discouraged he became, Jeongmin could never stop.

Because Hyeonyul was alive.

"Oh, Doctor. About the festival..."

Hyeonyul opened the door and came back in, but stopped at the sight of Jeongmin and spoke quietly.

"My levels must be bad. I'll pretend I didn't notice."

He wasn't unaware that Jeongmin sometimes cried when his levels were poor.

As always, Hyeonyul quietly closed the door.

"W-wait, Hyeonyul! That's not it!"

Jeongmin got up to explain.