Star Instructor, Master Baek

TL: FoodieMonster007

"Sit down."

"Okay."

Bang Baekhyun sat across from Baek Suryong, his face tense. His gaze flickered around the room, taking in the chaotic piles of documents that threatened to spill from every surface. The sheer volume was overwhelming.

They say he's as much of a workaholic as Mr. Namgung Su… but he does this much work even after coming home? Does he even sleep?

Baek Suryong grinned, as if he had read Bang Baekhyun's thoughts. "I do it in my spare time," he said.

"Wow… I truly respect you. Not only do you have incredible martial arts skills, you also teach at the academy and personally supervise the daily training of the students here. Even if someone had three bodies, I doubt they would be able to pull all that off," Bang Baekhyun gasped in sincere admiration.

Baek Suryong merely shrugged. "Want some tea?"

"I'm fine… No, actually, if you're offering, I'd love some." Bang Baekhyun initially wanted to refuse, but quickly changed his mind, chuckling awkwardly as he scratched his cheek, "It's not every day I get to drink tea personally brewed by the Azure Dragon Hero. I'll be bragging about this for a long time."

As he poured the tea, he carefully observed Bang Baekhyun, his eyes gleaming.

He's an interesting guy.

It wasn't only Bang Baekhyun's martial prowess that intrigued Baek Suryong, but also his effortless social grace. The boy feigned nervousness with convincing skill, stoked an instructor's ego with subtle flattery, and seasoned the interaction with perfectly timed humor.

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No wonder they say he doesn't make enemies.

His ability to navigate social situations was exceptional, far beyond what one would expect of a student. Additionally, with his striking appearance and carefree smile, it was no surprise that no one at the academy seemed to dislike him.

These were excellent qualities for a spy.

"Alright, you pass."

"…Excuse me?"

"Just talking to myself, don't mind it."

Baek Suryong smirked in satisfaction, and Bang Baekhyun awkwardly smiled along.

Now, let's see if he's actually reliable.

Rather than diving straight into the main topic, Baek Suryong planned to use this career consultation as a way to learn more about Bang Baekhyun.

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"There are several entrance exams for the Murim Alliance. What's your first choice?"

"Well…" Placing his teacup on the table, Bang Baekhyun answered seriously, "I'm preparing for the Heavenly Martial Corps' open recruitment exam."

"The Heavenly Martial Corps? Not the Omniscient Bureau?"

"…The Omniscient Bureau? Isn't that the Murim Alliance's intelligence unit?"

"I was just a little surprised by your choice, that's all."

The Murim Alliance was organized into five divisions, each with five corps. These twenty-five combat units formed the backbone of the Murim Alliance.

However, the Heavenly Martial Corps was different. They were the personal guards of the Murim Alliance Chairman, tasked with escorting him, meeting with the murim's highest authorities, and carrying out secret missions under his direct orders.

It was a prestigious and honorable unit, making it the most coveted position for young martial artists who wanted to join the Murim Alliance, but…

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"Aren't most members of the Heavenly Martial Corps graduates of the Heavenly Martial Academy?" Baek Suryong asked.

Bang Baekhyun nodded with a slightly bitter expression. "…That's correct."

Originally, the Heavenly Martial Academy and the Heavenly Martial Corps had no real connection other than their similar names. However, over time, the number of Heavenly Martial Academy graduates in the Corps had increased to the point where it was now considered an implicit requirement for entry.

Of course, Bang Baekhyun was well aware of this.

"Still, if you look at past recruits, it's not only Heavenly Martial Academy graduates. A small number of Vermilion Phoenix Academy and White Tiger Academy graduates have made it in as well," he explained.

"So, there hasn't been a single Azure Dragon Academy graduate?"

Bang Baekhyun forced a smile. "…I'm prepared to try again even if I fail the first or second time."

Baek Suryong folded his arms. "What do you plan to do after you join the Heavenly Martial Corps?"

"I'll build up achievements and climb the ranks. I'll become a squad captain, then a division commander, and eventually reach the pinnacle of the Murim Alliance—the Chairman," Bang Baekhyun replied without hesitation.

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He had given the same response during his career consultation with Namgung Su, but Namgung Su had told him it would be difficult. Now, he was curious to see how Baek Suryong would react.

"Stop lying," Baek Suryong snapped sharply.

"…What?" Bang Baekhyun blinked in confusion.

He had thought that Baek Suryong would either encourage him by saying that it was possible with effort or suggest a more realistic alternative. To have his goal dismissed outright as a lie while being regarded with such cold eyes was the last thing he expected.

"W-What do you mean…?" he stammered, unsure what expression he should be making at this moment.

Should I be angry? Laugh it off as a joke? Judging by Baek Suryong's face though, he isn't joking…

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Baek Suryong chuckled and took a sip of his tea. "You're an excellent actor, but you're not good enough to fool me."

He gazed steadily at Bang Baekhyun, whose eyes flickered with uncertainty.

That's the look of a spy whose cover has just been blown.

Bang Baekhyun bit his lip. "Are you saying I'm lying?"

"Obviously."

"Even if you're a teacher, that's…"

"You say you want to be the Murim Alliance Chairman, but your eyes tell a different story. Do you really think I'd believe you?"

"What's wrong with my eyes…?" Bang Baekhyun asked, visibly frustrated.

He had thought his performance was flawless, and to most people, it probably was. Unfortunately, Baek Suryong wasn't most people.

Baek Suryong laughed, "All I see in your eyes is doubt and a lack of self-awareness. There's no hunger in them. Where's the desperate madness, the burning ambition and conviction that consumes all else?"

"……"

Baek Suryong shook his head. Whether it was the sect leaders and clan heads of the murim, the blood demon, or other leaders of powerful organizations, they all shared one trait - an overwhelming, almost terrifying certainty in their own beliefs. Even the chairman of the Murim Alliance he had met earlier was a prime example of this extreme self-centeredness and arrogance.

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Of course, being calm and collected didn't mean that one couldn't be Chairman. However, Baek Suryong didn't sense any burning desire in Bang Baekhyun to achieve his supposed goal.

"Bang Baekhyun. You were last year's Student Council President, well-liked among your peers, responsible, diligent, and an exemplary student. If we just go by that, then your goal of becoming the Murim Alliance Chairman makes sense. However, that's just what everyone knows about you…"

"……"

Baek Suryong reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a painstakingly detailed student profile that he had received from Namgung Su.

"Bang Baekhyun. Shows acute sensitivity to others' emotions and moods, enjoys observing and taking advantage of his surroundings. Rarely takes the lead in class, but strives for perfection in practical exams and field missions. Excels in most subjects, but shows the most interest in espionage, subterfuge, and information sciences."

Baek Suryong closed the profile and fixed his gaze on Bang Baekhyun. "To me, this feels more like the real Bang Baekhyun."

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"…Mr. Namgung was very thorough, huh?" Bang Baekhyun let out a dry chuckle, surprised that Namgung Su had analyzed him so carefully.

His faint smile faded, replaced by a cold indifference.

"…Well, it's true that I'm interested in intelligence work," he said plainly.

"I knew it." Baek Suryong smiled.

He much preferred this version of Bang Baekhyun. On a certain level, their personalities were even similar.

Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "Let's go back to my original question. Do you really want to be the Murim Alliance Chairman? Why aim for such a tiresome position?"

"The Murim Alliance Chairman is a tiresome position? Hah! Hahaha…!"

Finally, the mask cracked, and Bang Baekhyun laughed so hard that tears welled up in his eyes.

Once he managed to stop, he said, "Believe me or not, it's true. I do want to become the Murim Alliance Chairman."

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Baek Suryong studied him in silence for a while, then nodded. "That wasn't entirely a lie. Fine, I'll take your word for it."

"……"

"Anyway, your plan is to start in the Heavenly Martial Corps, slowly work your way up, and eventually become Chairman, right?"

"Yes."

"Alright, but… wait a minute." Baek Suryong tilted his head. The more he talked with Bang Baekhyun, the more something felt off.

"Hey, why did you enroll in the Azure Dragon Academy in the first place? Wouldn't achieving your goal be much simpler if you had enrolled into the Heavenly Martial Academy right from the beginning?" he asked.

Bang Baekhyun certainly did not lack for talent. In fact, his current skills seemed on par with, if not slightly better than, Dokgo Jun's.

In other words, he was more than capable of enrolling into the Heavenly Martial Academy.

So why the hell did he deliberately chose the harder path?

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Bang Baekhyun's decision to stay at the Azure Dragon Academy, rather than transfer to the prestigious Heavenly Martial Academy like Peng Sahyuk, defied logic. The difference in status between the two schools was immense.

"…I have personal reasons," Bang Baekhyun muttered darkly.

Normally, Baek Suryong wouldn't pry into a student's private matters, not today.

He doesn't seem willing to talk about it, but… I think I already know why he's like this.

Baek Suryong sighed, "You know, if you don't share your problems, I won't be able to help you."

"Help me?" Bang Baekhyun chuckled coldly, as if asking: What could you possibly do to help me?

Baek Suryong shrugged. "What I mean is, I have the ability to get you a position in the Murim Alliance, whether it's the Heavenly Martial Corps or the Omniscient Bureau."

Bang Baekhyun stared at Baek Suryong in disbelief. He can get me any position I want within the Murim Alliance? What kind of bullshit is that?

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"That's impossible," he argued. "The Murim Alliance entrance exam is infamous for being immune to connections. Even a recommendation from the most prominent sect leaders are useless. My mother looked into every possible avenue, but…"

Ever since Yayul Hwang had become Chairman, the Murim Alliance had completely banned all external recommendations and influence from their hiring criteria, so what strings did Baek Suryong have to pull?

Baek Suryong explained, "There's one exception. If a Murim Alliance officer of Commander rank or higher vouches for someone, they can be specially recruited."

Bang Baekhyun's sharp mind immediately understood the significance of Baek Suryong's words. "…Are you saying you'll get me hired through your connection with the Chairman?" he asked.

Baek Suryong casually nodded. He doesn't even consider the possibility that I could do it myself, but I'll forgive him for that. How could this boy possibly imagine that, at this very moment, the great Murim Alliance Chairman is in deep discussion with his Chief Strategist, seriously considering my proposal?

"So, are you ready to be honest about your career plans now?"

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"Hah…" Bang Baekhyun grinned, struck by a sudden realization that this man in front of him might be the benefactor who changed his life.

Still, it was too early to celebrate.

"Why are you helping me? I doubt it's for free," he asked suspiciously.

Baek Suryong smirked in satisfaction. It was time to cut to the chase. "You're sharp," he said. "I like that you see the bait, but don't bite without first questioning it. Here's the deal: I can open any door for you, land you a spot in the unit of your dreams. All I ask in return is… information."

"…Are you seriously asking me to be your spy?"

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For a brief moment, Bang Baekhyun's breath hitched, and his eyes sparkled with excitement.

Looks like this job suits him after all. Baek Suryong laughed, "If you want to put it that way, sure. Rest assured that I won't ask you to do anything dangerous though. I'm just making sure a competent graduate gets a job while also planting a contact within the Murim Alliance."

"Oh. So it's not dangerous…" Bang Baekhyun sighed gloomily.

Baek Suryong twitched slightly. Wait… is he actually disappointed that it's not dangerous? He's definitely a weird one…

Regardless, he continued, "As you know, before we can conclude this agreement, we need a certain level of mutual trust…"

KNOCK KNOCK!

Both teacher and student turned their heads at the sound of knocking.

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"Come in," Baek Suryong replied nonchalantly. He had already sensed an unfamiliar presence approaching.

"Excuse me."

A woman wearing a pristine white dress stepped into the room. Her skin was pale as snow, and her expression exuded an air of aloofness. Despite being over forty, she barely looked older than her late twenties, her sharp features making her beauty all the more striking.

Bang Baekhyun's face instantly stiffened. "M-Mother…"

Baek Suryong's eyes gleamed with certainty.

I see. That's the look of a child who's just been caught doing something they shouldn't have. So this is the heart of the problem.

It seemed that one who really needed counseling wasn't the son, but the mother.

Translator's Note: I think I can finish one more tonight… maybe… check back in 8 hours or so.

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