# Chapter 4:
Three days had passed since the beginning of studies at Haniyol Academy, and Jin-ho was quickly adapting to the daily routine. He would wake up before dawn, practice his secret exercises in his room, then head to lectures and practical lessons, maintaining the image of a diligent average student—neither exceptionally outstanding nor pitifully behind.
On the morning of the fourth day, he sat on his bed reviewing his plan. He had begun mapping the relationships and alliances within the academy, identifying strengths and weaknesses of each person he had met. The time had come to move to the next phase—building his own network of informants and allies.
He took out his notebook and wrote a list of people he had identified as potential targets:
1. Song-min: An excellent source of historical information and rumors, easily influenced through interest in his research.
2. Hai-jin: Eyes and ears in rural circles, honest and loyal, can earn her trust through support and protection.
3. Han Su-min: Connected to a wide network of wealthy students, ambitious and willing to cooperate for personal benefits.
4. Nak Song-min: The weak student bullied by Ji-won, can be won over with protection.
5. Merchant Wu: A potential source of resources and information from outside the academy, should be sought in the black market.
He closed the notebook and hid it, then put on his academic uniform and headed to the dining hall for breakfast.
The hall was crowded as usual, but he noticed Song-min sitting alone in one corner, engrossed in reading a massive book. Jin-ho approached him with his food tray.
"Good morning," Jin-ho greeted him, "do you mind if I join you?"
Song-min raised his head, smiling happily, "Of course not! Please do."
Jin-ho sat down and glanced at the book, "'Secrets of the Five Families'? A rare book."
"I found it yesterday in a forgotten corner of the old library," Song-min nodded enthusiastically, "It contains fascinating information about the secret rituals and traditions of each family."
"Really?" Jin-ho asked with genuine curiosity, "Like what?"
Song-min lowered his voice, "Like how the Lee family practiced an annual ritual involving the sacrifice of a rare animal to enhance their magical power. And how the Park family hid a secret treasure in the northern mountains. And how the Kim family..."
He suddenly stopped, looking around cautiously.
"What about the Kim family?" Jin-ho asked, trying to hide his eagerness.
"They possessed a hereditary secret for learning shadow magic," Song-min whispered, "A special ritual performed when the family heir turned sixteen. It's said the ritual opens a spiritual channel to the shadow realm, granting the heir unique abilities."
Jin-ho already knew this—he had undergone this ritual himself weeks before the massacre. But he feigned surprise.
"Interesting. Does the book mention details about this ritual?"
Song-min shook his head, "Unfortunately not. This part seems to have been deliberately torn from the book. Entire pages are missing."
"Strange," Jin-ho commented, "As if someone wanted to hide this information specifically."
"That's what I think too!" Song-min nodded enthusiastically, "I believe there's a systematic attempt to erase everything related to shadow magic from historical records. But why?"
"Perhaps because it's too powerful," Jin-ho suggested, "Or too dangerous."
"Or because it threatens the current balance of power," Song-min added with a knowing look, "Imagine what would happen if someone with shadow magic abilities appeared now?"
"They would be a threat to the established order," Jin-ho nodded, "Especially if they were a descendant of the Kim family."
"Exactly!" Song-min whispered excitedly, "That's why I think the official narrative about the complete eradication of the Kim family might be... inaccurate."
This was an interesting development. Song-min was smarter and more skeptical than he initially appeared. He could be a valuable ally... or a potential danger if he discovered the truth on his own.
"Fascinating theory," Jin-ho said cautiously, "But dangerous too. You should be careful who you share it with."
"I know," Song-min nodded, "That's why I'm only sharing it with you. I feel... I feel you're different from the others. Like you understand the importance of these matters."
"I appreciate your trust," Jin-ho smiled, "And I'm interested in your research. Perhaps we could work together? I'm good at connecting scattered information."
Song-min's eyes widened with happiness, "Really? That would be wonderful! Most students mock my interest in ancient history."
"They're wrong," Jin-ho said seriously, "Those who don't understand the past cannot understand the present or predict the future."
"Exactly what I always think!" Song-min nodded enthusiastically, "You... you're the first person who truly understands me here."
This was the opening Jin-ho had been looking for. Song-min, with his historical curiosity and sense of isolation, was an easy target for manipulation. With a little attention and encouragement, he would become a valuable source of information and a loyal assistant.
"How about we meet in the library after classes today?" Jin-ho suggested, "We can discuss your research in detail."
"That would be great!" Song-min agreed enthusiastically.
At that moment, Hai-jin entered the dining hall, looking tired and troubled. Jin-ho noticed her and gestured for her to join them.
"Good morning," he greeted her as she approached, "Are you alright? You look tired."
Hai-jin sighed as she placed her tray on the table, "Good morning. I'm fine, just... some problems."
"What kind of problems?" Jin-ho asked with an interested tone.
Hai-jin hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I received a message from my village yesterday. The harvest is poor this year due to drought, and my family is facing financial difficulties. I might have to leave the academy if I can't find a way to pay the fees."
"That's terrible!" Song-min said sympathetically.
Jin-ho thought quickly. This was a perfect opportunity to gain Hai-jin's loyalty.
"Perhaps I can help," he offered quietly.
Hai-jin looked at him in surprise, "How?"
"I know there are special scholarships for outstanding students from rural areas," Jin-ho said, "And I also know that Professor Li from the Martial Arts department oversees the scholarship committee. I can speak with her, or help you apply."
"Really?" Hai-jin's eyes widened with hope, "But... why would you do this for me?"
Jin-ho smiled warmly, "Because we're friends, aren't we? And I know what it's like to struggle for education."
There was a small part of him that felt a twinge of guilt for exploiting her situation, but he pushed this feeling aside. In a harsh world like this, emotions were a luxury he couldn't afford.
"Thank you," Hai-jin said with genuine gratitude, her eyes glistening with tears, "I'll never forget this."
"No need to thank me," Jin-ho shrugged, "We'll go to Professor Li's office after classes today."
As they ate their breakfast, Jin-ho noticed a thin young man entering the hall, carrying a food tray and looking for a place to sit. He appeared nervous and vigilant, his eyes moving quickly as if fearing a sudden attack.
"Who's that?" Jin-ho asked, nodding toward the young man.
"That's Nak Song-min," Song-min answered, "A second-year student in the Science and Medicine department. Poor guy, he's a constant target for Park Ji-won's mockery."
"Why?" Jin-ho asked, though he already knew the answer.
"Because he's smart but physically weak," Hai-jin sighed, "And also because he's from a middle-class family, neither wealthy nor noble. Ji-won forces him to write reports and essays for him."
Jin-ho watched the young man as he sat alone in a distant corner, hunched over his tray as if trying to be invisible.
"I'll invite him to join us," Jin-ho suddenly decided, and stood up, heading toward Nak Song-min's table.
"Hello," Jin-ho greeted the surprised young man, "You're Nak Song-min, right? I'm Kim Jin-ho, a new student. Would you like to join us?"
Nak Song-min looked astonished at the invitation, "Me? Really?"
"Yes, of course," Jin-ho smiled, "Why are you sitting alone?"
Nak Song-min hesitated, then said in a low voice, "Most people... prefer to avoid me. Because of Ji-won."
"Well, I'm not 'most people,'" Jin-ho said confidently, "Come, join us."
After a brief hesitation, Nak Song-min picked up his tray and followed Jin-ho to their table. Jin-ho introduced him to the others, who welcomed him warmly, making the nervous young man gradually relax.
"I heard you're in the Science and Medicine department," Jin-ho said, "Do you specialize in a particular field?"
"Yes, magical chemistry," Nak Song-min replied, his voice beginning to gain some confidence as he talked about his passion, "I study how to combine natural materials with magic to produce remedies and enhancers."
"Interesting," Jin-ho nodded, "Can these techniques be used for purposes other than medical ones?"
Nak Song-min thought for a moment, "Theoretically, yes. The formulas can be modified to produce substances with different effects—like materials that temporarily enhance physical abilities, or mask a person's magical presence, or even affect memory."
This was very valuable information. Someone with Nak Song-min's skills could be very useful in Jin-ho's plan, especially if he needed unconventional means to achieve his goals.
"That's amazing," Jin-ho said with genuine admiration, "You seem to have a real talent."
Nak Song-min's cheeks reddened at the unusual compliment, "Thank you. Most people consider my work boring."
"Because they don't understand its true value," Jin-ho said, "Scientific knowledge can be a more powerful weapon than any traditional magic."
Nak Song-min looked astonished at this understanding, "That's... that's exactly what I'm trying to prove in my research!"
"I'd like to know more about your work," Jin-ho said, "Perhaps we could collaborate on a project?"
"Really?" Nak Song-min's eyes widened in surprise, "That... that would be wonderful!"
At that moment, Park Ji-won entered the hall with his group. When he saw Nak Song-min sitting with Jin-ho and the others, he paused for a moment, then headed toward them with confident steps.
"What's this?" he said sarcastically, "Collecting outcasts, Kim?"
Jin-ho stood up slowly, facing Ji-won calmly, "I prefer to call them friends, Park. A concept that might be foreign to you."
One of Ji-won's followers laughed, but quickly stopped when Ji-won shot him an angry look.
"Watch your tongue, new student," Ji-won warned, "You don't know who you're challenging."
"And you don't know who you're insulting," Jin-ho replied calmly, but with a firm tone that made everyone feel a change in the atmosphere, as if the air had suddenly become heavier.
For a moment, it seemed Ji-won would respond violently, but he noticed several professors entering the hall. He smiled a forced smile and said, "We'll see how brave you are in the dueling arena, Kim. Soon."
Then he walked away with his group, leaving a palpable tension behind him.
"That was... brave," Nak Song-min said in a trembling voice, "But dangerous. Ji-won doesn't tolerate those who challenge him."
"Don't worry," Jin-ho reassured him, "I can handle his type."
This confrontation with Ji-won was calculated. Jin-ho knew that defending Nak Song-min would earn his loyalty, and would also build him a reputation as someone who stands against bullying, which would attract more marginalized students to him.
After breakfast, everyone headed to their different classes. Jin-ho had a lecture on "Theories of Power and Influence" with Professor Park, Ji-won's father.
The lecture hall was buzzing with students when Jin-ho entered. He noticed Su-yeon sitting in the front row, and Choi Min-ah in the second row, engrossed in reading a huge book. He decided to sit in the third row, near Min-ah but not directly beside her.
After a few moments, Professor Park entered—a man in his fifties, tall, with gray hair and sharp features resembling his son's. He wore an elegant dark blue robe and carried a thin silver staff he used as a pointer.
"Good morning, students," he began in a strong, confident voice, "Today we will discuss a fundamental concept in magical politics—the balance of power."
Professor Park began a detailed explanation of how power was distributed among the five major families, and how this balance had led to the kingdom's stability for centuries.
"The fundamental question is: What happens when this balance is disrupted?" the professor asked, pausing for effect. "History teaches us that a disruption in the balance of power inevitably leads to conflict. This is what happened twenty years ago, when the Kim family attempted to seize more power than the traditional balance allowed."
Jin-ho noticed how the professor presented the official narrative as absolute truth, without any reference to alternative viewpoints, unlike Professor Yang.
"But sir," Choi Min-ah raised her hand, "Couldn't one argue that the official narrative of the 'Great Treason Incident' might be biased, being written from the victors' perspective?"
A sudden silence fell over the hall. Min-ah's question was unusually bold.
Professor Park's face tensed slightly, "That's an... interesting question, Miss Choi. But let me clarify something: What we're discussing here aren't 'narratives' but documented historical facts. The Kim family planned a coup, and it was thwarted. This is a fact, not a perspective."
"But sir," Min-ah continued with quiet persistence, "The historical documents themselves point to inconsistencies in the official narrative. For example, why was no physical evidence of the alleged conspiracy found? And why were the accused executed so quickly, before a full public trial?"
Professor Park's face began to redden with anger, "Miss Choi, this lecture is about theories of power and influence, not a forum for conspiracy theories. I suggest you save your skeptical questions for Professor Yang's lectures."
There was a clear rebuke in his voice, and an awkward silence fell over the hall. But Min-ah didn't seem bothered; she simply noted something in her notebook and nodded quietly.
This exchange was interesting to Jin-ho. It was clear there was a division in the faculty about how to present the history of the "Great Treason Incident." Professor Yang encouraged critical thinking, while Professor Park insisted on the official narrative.
After the lecture, Jin-ho noticed Min-ah gathering her books quickly and preparing to leave. He decided to seize the opportunity to approach her.
"Brave question," he said to her as he approached, "I didn't expect to hear anyone challenge the official narrative so openly."
Min-ah looked at him curiously, "Truth doesn't fear questioning. If the official narrative is correct, it should withstand scrutiny."
"I completely agree," Jin-ho nodded, "But not everyone appreciates this kind of critical thinking."
"I've noticed that," Min-ah smiled dryly, "Professor Park is a staunch conservative. He sees the world only in black and white."
"And you?" Jin-ho asked, "How do you see the world?"
"In all its complexities and shades of gray," she answered confidently, "History is rarely as simple as they present it to us."
Her answer indicated an open and independent mindset, making her another potential target for Jin-ho's network. But she was also very intelligent and cautious, meaning he would need a different approach with her.
"I'm interested in your perspective on the Great Treason Incident," Jin-ho said, "Do you have a particular theory?"
Min-ah hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I have more questions than answers. But I believe there were parties who benefited from the fall of the Kim family more than the official accounts show."
"Like who?" Jin-ho asked with genuine curiosity.
"That's what I'm trying to discover," Min-ah answered, "I'm working on a private research project on this topic. But reliable sources are rare, and many important documents are either missing or forbidden."
"Perhaps I can help you," Jin-ho offered, "I'm also interested in this aspect of history."
Min-ah looked at him thoughtfully, as if trying to read his thoughts, "Why? Most new students are interested in the future, not controversial old events."
This was a difficult question. Jin-ho needed an answer that seemed sincere without revealing too much.
"Let's say I believe that understanding the past is the key to understanding the present," he finally answered, "And that truth is worth seeking, no matter how disturbing."
Min-ah smiled a small smile, "A diplomatic answer. Well, I'll tell you something: I work in the old library three times a week, in the evening. If you're really interested, you can join me. I have access to some rare manuscripts that might interest you."
"I'll be there," Jin-ho agreed quickly, recognizing the value of this opportunity.
After they parted, Jin-ho headed to his next class, his mind working rapidly. His day had been successful so far—he had begun building relationships with four different people, each of whom could be useful in their own way.
Song-min would be a source of historical information and rumors. Hai-jin would be reliable eyes and ears, especially among students from modest backgrounds. Nak Song-min could provide valuable scientific skills. And Min-ah, the most complex among them, might be a key to accessing forbidden information about his family's past.
After classes ended, Jin-ho kept his promise to Hai-jin and accompanied her to Professor Li's office. The professor was a woman in her forties, with an athletic appearance and stern but fair features.
"Ah, the new student," she said when they entered, "Kim Jin-ho, correct? I've heard about you from Professor Yang."
"Yes, ma'am," Jin-ho nodded his head respectfully, wondering what Professor Yang had said about him.
"And you are Miss Jung Hai-jin," the professor turned to Hai-jin, "How can I help you both?"
Jin-ho explained the situation, describing the financial difficulties Hai-jin's family was facing and the potential danger of her having to leave the academy.
"I understand," Professor Li nodded, "Miss Jung, have you ever applied for a scholarship before?"
"No, ma'am," Hai-jin answered shyly, "I didn't know they existed."
"There's a special scholarship for students from rural areas affected by natural disasters," the professor explained, "Drought falls under this category. I'll give you the application form, and I'll personally speak with the scholarship committee."
"Thank you so much, ma'am!" Hai-jin said gratefully.
"No need to thank me," the professor smiled, "The academy values talent regardless of social background. At least, that's what it should be."
There was a slight bitterness in her voice at the last sentence, which Jin-ho noticed.
"Is there anyone who opposes this principle, ma'am?" he asked cautiously.
The professor looked at him thoughtfully, "You're smart, student. Yes, there are those who prefer the academy to remain exclusive to children of wealthy and noble families. But there are also those who resist this trend."
"Like Professor Yang?" Jin-ho suggested.
"And others," the professor nodded, "The academy is not a homogeneous block, as you might think. There are different currents and alliances, some seeking change, and some clinging to the status quo."
This was more valuable information. There was a division within the faculty that Jin-ho could exploit.
After Hai-jin completed the form and handed it to the professor, they left the office. Hai-jin was almost flying with happiness.
"I can't believe this!" she said excitedly, "If I get the scholarship, it will solve all my problems! How can I thank you?"
"No need to thank me," Jin-ho smiled, "I'm glad I could help."
"You're... you're di