30 Years Have Passed Since the Prologue

18 – 6. On the first day of school, the status window opened. (2)

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Many students don’t even think about it, but in fact, the category of university staff includes many workers other than professors and teaching assistants.

For example, security guards handle campus security and safety,

Or administrative assistants manage administrative tasks overall.

Just like how the person cleaning the restaurant during meals is not easily noticeable, there are people who appear and disappear from the peripheral vision if you don’t consciously pay attention.

Gardeners are the same. That’s why Elizabeth assigned Ivan as a gardener.

Not a conspicuous position like professors or teaching assistants, and at the same time, a position with no defined duties. Originally, a gardener is needed where there is a garden, but Jansk University had no gardens.

“Hmm.”

It’s only natural. There’s no reason to waste land on a garden or a flower garden in the middle of the city.

So, even if a princess made a space, no one could suspect anything.

If it were a truly important person, or if Elizabeth was plotting something behind the scenes at the university, she would have assigned an agent to a more critical position.

Prince Pa probably considered that one of Elizabeth’s subordinates had discreetly employed an acquaintance.

This level of wrongdoing is nothing more than a trivial offense prevalent in the kingdom, involving the common practice of securing employment for friends and reaping benefits. (It is not illegal; in noble circles, such minor irregularities are even considered virtuous.)

“As expected, it was here.”

Therefore, the gardener at Jansk University has plenty of time.

Enough time for leisure activities.

At this point, the leisure activity of the gardener at Jansk University was bomb disposal.

“They considered the patrol routes of the guards, the movement radius of the campus population, and the line of sight of each building.”

These guys are ‘experts.’

Ivan narrowed his eyes as he removed the third explosive device. It was a crude magical bomb, making it difficult to identify the culprits.

The reason Ivan identified and searched for the explosives was as follows:

First, it is ‘common sense’ for an attack to occur at the Academy’s entrance ceremony.

Second, with bombers in the sky and the surveillance of the reconnaissance headquarters sharply heightened at this moment, only an ‘expert’ organization could attack the Academy.

Thinking like this and reverse engineering the opponent’s movements allows one to identify the location to plant the bomb.

A place not noticeable to the guards.

At the same time, a secluded area not exposed to civilians.

Plus, an angle not captured by anyone from the windows of each building.

By exploring the intersection of these conditions, the bomb is found. At this point, it’s not much different from harvesting potatoes.

Once the location is roughly determined, walk over and pick it up casually.

“Now, who’s responsible for this, that’s all.”

The problem lies in this.

There were too many suspects.

Demons, although the least likely, are suspicious precisely because of that.

These guys had enough motivation to terrorize Jansk University. But at the same time, if they were not scum, there would be no reason for them to commit such acts again immediately after the previous failure.

Elves, on the contrary, are suspicious. But the motivation was faint.

As they are still floating a battleship in the airspace above Jansk University, it is the easiest for them to carry out such actions.

However, even if the elf were to commit such acts, the gains would be too small, considering it would jeopardize the favor of Crasiloph.

Prince Pa. Presumably, he is the closest to being the culprit.

These guys have the means and motivation to attack Jansk University. But today would have been difficult for them. The reconnaissance headquarters, directly hit by Elizabeth’s anger, is on high alert and guarding the area around here.

So, there are too many suspects.

A secretive organization that cannot be identified has planted a very capable operative within the academy.

“This is just your average academy story.”

At this point, Ivan felt somewhat relieved.

Yeah, it’s only fitting for an academy story to have an attack during the entrance ceremony, with secret agents planted within the academy. Without a doubt.

As if that wasn’t enough, among the new students this time, there were no guys challenging others to duels, introducing themselves as centaurs, cowboys shooting pump-action rifles with leaves in their mouths, or peculiarly foul-mouthed little girl tankers. Ivan was uneasy because they were all missing.

Ivan shook his head, smirked, and headed towards the next expected explosive area.

And then, at that moment, a strange voice reached his ears.

Very faintly.

“What’s that again? Santa Claus?”

Ivan’s eyes sharply widened. Without showing any sign of noticing, he bent his waist.

There was just the right amount of gravel.

Casually, as if tying his shoelaces, Ivan grasped the gravel in his hand and threw it in the direction of the sound.

“Bang!”

A sound of something bouncing off, simultaneously, Ivan’s body shot out like lightning. Straight towards the direction of the sound.

Thud, thud! The sound of swift footsteps echoed, and Ivan eventually came to a stop.

No trace remained. Disappeared without a trace through the multitude of people waiting for the entrance ceremony to end outside the Jansk University.

“Santa Claus, huh.”

Ivan chuckled mockingly as he turned around. Returning the same way, after a short while, neatly split gravel came into view.

He meticulously broke down and reassembled the information.

-Swordsmanship.

-A young male or female, if male, at least pre-pubescent age.

-The voice is too blurry to identify precisely; it might take a couple more listens.

-Height, couldn’t confirm.

-Quick reflexes, rapid reflexes. Probably, sensing from an angle.

-An ability hard to possess at a student level, but the possibility of being a student is highly likely.

He turned and changed direction. This time, towards the campus.

Towards the most dangerous place in the Jansk University. Towards the auditorium where Elizaveta was attending the entrance ceremony.

And towards the nearby field control room of the surveillance headquarters, which must be there.

“Santa… Claus.”

In this world, there is no folk legend called Santa Claus.

Naturally, Christmas doesn’t exist. There is no righteous old man like a red rogue who puts candy and toys in socks.

That’s why even a mere muttered soliloquy triggered such a sensitive response.

So.

So.

“Possession.”

Did this guy also write the [Gratitude 5,700-character Critique]? Or is it a product of some coincidence? Hit by a truck, perhaps? Let’s not consider diving into the Han River; that’s too outdated. Of course, it could be the original author. There are many cases like that.

For what reason, and in what manner did he land in this world?

But one thing can be certain.

He knows that this game is an academy genre. The only reason for the possessor to enter college or get a job is that.

In that case, this guy…

Knows the [original].

Knows what will unfold later.

Knows the ending.

“Hey, wait! Stop there! This is a restricted area!”

“Call Dmitry.”

“What? Where did you hear what from just now?”

Thunk!

Ivan broke the arm of the uniformed soldier blocking his way. As soon as the reacting soldier drew a pistol from his sleeve, Ivan disassembled it like water flowing, turning it into pieces.

The soldier whose arm was caught stared blankly at the grip left in his hand.

In the next moment, click, click. Gun barrels sprang out instantly.

Five. Good training condition. Also, good disguise.

The five soldiers surrounding him each had a different appearance. Like ordinary civilians you could see anywhere.

After scanning the surrounding soldiers once, Ivan took a deep breath. Exhaled briefly.

Anger surged. Anxiety gnawed at patience.

“Call Dmitry.”

“Do you know Lieutenant? Please don’t cause a disturbance here, and let’s go to a quiet place…”

“Ivan.”

“…Yes?”

“My name is Ivan Petrovich. Special Operations Unit veteran. Are you here?”

“I was the last runner, sir. Excuse me, but may I confirm your face…?”

The soldier, who had been kneeling, held by Ivan, cautiously raised his head. Slowly lowering the grip he had been holding, he spread his hands wide.

He scrutinized Ivan’s face with a perplexed expression for a while, then raised one hand to gently cover Ivan’s nose.

“Good Lord. Is this really… the ‘small’ Ivan…?”

Cold sweat dripped from the soldier’s face as he examined Ivan’s eyebrows, nose bridge, forehead, and more.

He quickly gestured with his eyes to signal the surrounding soldiers. Bowing politely, he spoke.

“Lieutenant Petrovich, it’s an honor to meet you.”

“Name?”

“Ossip Solenov. You probably don’t know me. I come from the 3rd Strike Unit, and we’ve only met once, a long time ago.”

“I remember now. Ossip.”

Ivan released the soldier’s arm and stepped back. Ossip brushed his knees off, stood up, and extended his hand politely. Ivan shook hands with him.

“Do not mourn those who left first.”

“I stand in the same ranks as them.”

“I heard you perished, Lieutenant. I distinctly remember seeing Lieutenant’s nameplate at the national cemetery…”

“I, too, didn’t think there would be survivors in the 3rd Strike Unit.”

“The finest men of our time are the ones who survived.”

“All of us are like that.”

The last mission that every Strike Unit of the Annihilation Division received was the ‘Chil Yong Jang Assassination.’

Therefore, including Ivan’s Strike Unit, the only one that survived, if there were any other survivors.

They were just remnants indebted to the most outstanding men.

Ivan patted Ossip’s shoulder twice and spoke again.

“Bring Dmitry. And inform the personnel office that we need the list of all students and staff. The list of everyone attending the entrance ceremony, VIPs, their families, acquaintances, relatives. Get the list of everyone who can access Yansk University right now.”

“Yes, Lieutenant. Hey, tell Colonel Cherkatov! It’s an emergency!”

Agents who had missed the unfolding situation and wore confused expressions hastily left their positions.

Looking at the crowded auditorium where the entrance ceremony was in full swing, Ivan took a slow, deep breath.

The possessed.

Whether Korean or not, it didn’t matter. They were Earthlings.

Compatriots from the homeland. Sadly, that was the case.

Yes, it was bitter. Kim Sunwoo and Ivan both felt it.

But they had to be eliminated.

Information about the ending was needed,

Variables leading to the ending had to be eliminated, and

The most important thing is.

“I’m not an NPC.”

Ivan closed his eyes.

I’m not an NPC. My memories, my experiences, my skills are not just part of a prologue. I’m not some NPC.

My life isn’t just a fleeting background story. I am, I am.

To survive, I must go back.

So, I’d say there are more reasons to kill you than to keep you alive.

Before I hear the story of ‘Ivan Petrovich’ in your damn ‘original work’.

Before it’s too late. Absolutely.

*

“Gasp, cough… What the hell is wrong with that crazy guy…! A first-strike monster? Damn it, I’ve never heard of such a thing! Damn it, damn it, where did things go wrong!”

Gasping for breath, drenched in cold sweat, suddenly a familiar voice was heard.

‘Father.’

“You’ve come. What have you done… Nevermind. Pathetic.”

“Father…”

“Sit down. Creating such a fuss just by going to the bathroom, you’re still the same.”

This damn ‘mischievous youngest.’

If it’s ‘mischievous,’ isn’t it supposed to be the classic fantasy where you’re beaten up right after possessing someone?

I was supposed to brilliantly thwart this ‘Academy Assault’ and start a turning point in the atmosphere, but suddenly the quest got canceled!

[“D-Rank Quest” Academy Assault – Canceled -]

[The academy is under attack by an unknown group! Please stop the attack on the auditorium and undergraduate facilities during the admission ceremony!]

[Objective: Remove explosives within the campus 3/3 (Removed)]

[Optional Objective: Eliminate Intruders – Canceled -]

[Optional Objective: Protecting Freshmen 0/322 – Canceled -]

[Reward: – Canceled -]

“Damn it.”

Lost an important early quest. Wasn’t this ‘Academy Assault’ supposed to be the protagonist’s debut stage?

It was a golden opportunity to give heroines and future allies a clear impression, and gain favor with the instructors…!

The quest suddenly got canceled just for me, and when I hurriedly ran over, I bumped into a giant resembling Santa Claus!

And what’s this now?

[“S-Rank Quest” Gardener of Saint Jansc University.]

[You catch his eye. Requesting luck.]

[Objective: Deal with the gardener of Saint Jansc University, Ivan Petrovich.]

[Optional Objective: Persuade Ivan Petrovich.]

[Optional Objective: Conceal information.]

[Additional Objective: Survive.]

[Failure Penalty: Death.]

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