I Became the Traitor in an Academy Story

None of us studied enough to answer questions like Blanca or Ageha did.

Minho chimed in, subtly lifting my spirits. Sure, I was grateful, but honestly, I wasn’t that thrilled.

Being praised for just moving my legs seemed sort of ridiculous.

Getting complimented for something that should be a given? I was at a loss for how to respond.

“You all better start getting confident enough to nail those answers someday. Right now, it might not seem like it, but soon enough, the kids in the back will be breathing down your neck.”

So instead of thanking them, I reminded them of what they were probably forgetting right now.

“Hmm, true. We did make a sort of declaration not too long ago. If we don’t step up, we’ll get left behind in no time.”

“Ugh… If only I were as strong as Grandma, then I wouldn’t have to bother studying!”

It seemed like Lapiz had lost herself in the thought of studying for three years and snuggled into my arms to escape reality.

We also had Ageha and Yeonhwa around, so why was she constantly leaning on me?

I guess you could say our little friend circle was successful, but it still felt odd.

I gently nudged away the horn poking my chest, and maybe it gave Lapiz the courage to face reality, as she finally let go.

“Ugh… I wish I studied well too…”

“It’s alright, Lapiz. Nobody can do everything perfectly.”

While packing my bag, I gave Lapiz a comforting pat, only for Yeonhwa to look at me weirdly.

“Huh? Blanca, you’re leaving for lunch already without eating?”

“Yeah. The pharmaceutical company called, so I need to head out early. Don’t worry about it; it’s just about making money.”

Crafting a decent excuse, the kids looked worried but eventually accepted I had to go.

So naive and sweet every time I look at them.

Minho seemed a little suspicious, but that was typical of him.

If he had no special insight, he probably would’ve just seen me as an average but clever girl in need.

…Or maybe he’d be wondering how on earth I managed to grow up in that environment.

Though he was never overt about it, Minho always kept an eye on my physical state, so I guess he wasn’t entirely off.

As I strolled toward the parking lot while thanking the kids for their effort on the exam, I hopped into a black sedan.

“How did the exam go, Blanca?”

“I think the teacher would know better than I would.”

“Oh, come on, I’m not playing teacher right now. Besides, sharing that info would be illegal.”

“Y-Yeah, I know. How boring. But I definitely did well. I’ll probably rank 2nd or 3rd in class once the grades are in.”

“Not first?”

“There’s this incredibly entitled brat in the mix.”

“Ah, you mean Changwon. Well, he’s got a bit of a bad attitude, but he likely has his reasons. So try not to hate him too much.”

I didn’t just dislike him; I utterly loathed the guy. He flaunted everything, yet pretended to be sad.

“I’ll try. But enough about that… Boss, when’s he arriving?”

Not wanting to ruin this day with negativity, I shifted the topic to the Boss.

I’ve got word that he should be showing up today.

“Around 5. If you head to the airport now, grab some food, and wait a bit, you’ll be right on time. Excited, Blanca?”

What kind of question is that?

He’s the only person I trust and my one and only benefactor. Of course, I was thrilled!

If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t even be breathing today.

Had he not taken me in, I’d probably have been scraping by on the outskirts of Heros Town, or worse.

If he hadn’t guided me, I would have ended up a killer or a drug dealer, probably hunted down by a Hero.

This man was literally the reason I existed as I am now.

How could I not be happy?

“Goodness, it’s been only a few months since we last saw each other. Alright, let’s hurry, Blanca. Buckle up!”

Just then, Justitia chuckled at my enthusiasm as she pressed the accelerator.

“First, let’s swing by my place. Someone might recognize me in uniform… and I really don’t want to be seen in this.”

“Oh wow. Our Blanca, now caring about fashion?”

Justitia said this with an air of surprise and pride.

Her comment made me flinch, but I quickly thought up a decent excuse.

“Everyone has one person they want to look good for, don’t they?”

“But when you were at the mansion, you didn’t care about any of that.”

“…Ugh, just let it go, okay? Why are you questioning me so much?!”

“Aha! Alright. Let’s get you changed first.”

As we got closer to the outskirts, I thought about how the safety here was actually only half true.

While crime does increase as you head to the edges, the safety right at the border can rival that of the city.

It’s not like there are more people living here. So why so safe?

It’s because it’s at the front lines.

While it might seem stable, it’s still an unstable zone with sporadic gates popping up, hence the military, Hunters, and Heroes are stationed here.

Ironically, the presence of these forces makes this place safer, leading to airports, research labs, and correctional facilities being built out here.

Which is why we found ourselves near the outskirts.

Compared to the city, the area lacked skyscrapers, and if you tried to head in, everything was blocked off by steel fences or guarded by Heroes, Hunters, and soldiers, making it impossible.

Not that I felt like trying.

Even with all my powers, I definitely couldn’t break through that.

Besides, things like security turrets were way out of my league.

Sitting in the car, I stared out the window at the military base near the airport, my boredom showing all over my face.

“Why does time drag on only when you want it to speed up…?”

“It’s just how it is when you’re desperately waiting for something, Blanca.”

“I know, Justitia. Are you going to play teacher even here? You just said you’re not in that role right now.”

“Haha, it’s a habit. Just humor me.”

I grumpily pushed away Justitia’s hand that was messing with my hair, only for her to apologize and pull out a comb to tidy it up.

Hmph.

“By the way, Blanca. Is that outfit yours?”

“Huh? No, my friends bought it for me. Ageha, actually.”

“Ageha… I see, she’s really making the most of her school life, huh?”

“Yeah, she’s doing great… but don’t worry, I remember my responsibilities.”

“You’ve always managed everything well. What’s there to worry about?”

…True.

There really isn’t anything to worry about.

Even if I was close with those guys, it was all just an act.

Yup.

The only person I truly care for and follow is…

Just the Boss.

So it should be fine. Probably.

While I was briefly caught up in gloomy thoughts, I soon spotted the familiar face I had been waiting to see at the terminal.

Not that I needed to, but I’d probably run over as they approached.

“Boss!!!”

“Blanca, it’s been a while… oh wow…!”

As soon as he saw me, the Boss opened his arms wide to greet me.

I rushed in for a hug, nearly knocking him over while he let out a strained laugh.

“Anyone would think it’s a family reunion after months apart, Blanca. Could you let go of me for a sec?”

“Not a chance!”

I knew he’d be flustered, but I just wanted to be a bit spoiled.

It’d been so long since I’d been able to relax with someone like this.

This was what I missed so much.

“I’ll take care of the luggage, Boss. I’m just keeping the cat entertained. Wei, wake up and handle this.”

“Just because I’m older doesn’t mean you can boss me around…”

“Hey, I could’ve been your dad, okay?”

“If that were true, I’d have probably fallen from the cradle…”

“Ouch, that one stings a bit.”

Hanchō and Wei were bickering as they dragged the Boss’s luggage.

While I rubbed my head against the Boss’s cheek, Justitia slipped her hand underneath my arm, separating me from him while greeting him.

“Long time no see, Immanuel.”

“I can’t remember the last time someone called me by my name. What do you mean ‘long time no see’? You called just a few weeks ago.”

“Seeing you in person is different from just hearing your voice. Blanca, this one says she’d mess up your hair and not allow you to touch it, but what’s up with her hair?”

“Ehehe…”

Ah, busted. But who cares.

For now, I just want to enjoy this moment.