Unexpectedly Becoming the Student Council President

To read until the final chapter. p atreon.com/casca02

The primary difference between the Old Humanity and the New Humanity lies in their magical responsiveness. While most of the Old Humanity struggled with even basic levels of magic despite awakening to it, the New Humanity could manipulate magic as effortlessly as breathing.

Magic is a mysterious energy that flows within the body, enhancing living beings and transforming them into stronger entities. This strength is categorized into the 'Nine Tiers.'

1st Tier.

At this level, individuals possess magic but cannot wield its power. This term also describes ordinary people. The New Humanity does not fall under this category.

2nd Tier.

This level can enhance physical abilities using magic. Depending on their skill, they might withstand gunfire or anti-aircraft guns. This is the starting point for the New Humanity.

3rd Tier.

This level can channel magic into objects with built-in magic circuits, augmenting their functionality or hardness.

4th Tier.

This level can convert magic into the power of a single element while maintaining the magic's enhancement effects. The element that can be converted depends on the innate nature of the magic.

5th Tier.

This level has awakened a 'Unique Ability,' a special power that only one individual can use. Those who reach the 5th Tier are considered geniuses.

6th Tier.

This level can simultaneously use a Unique Ability and elemental power, requiring excellent magic manipulation skills.

7th Tier.

This level's Unique Ability becomes powerful enough to cause calamities. Those who reach the 7th Tier instil fear in the world just by their name.

8th Tier.

This level reshapes heaven and earth. Among humans, the modern 'Argonauts' who once set out to subdue the Golden Sheep fall under this Tier. However, they all died in defeat to the Golden Sheep.

9th Tier.

This level refers exclusively to the 'Golden Sheep.' The Golden Sheep is an entity that has achieved the pinnacle of magic and is sometimes regarded as a god. No one but the Golden Sheep is expected to reach this Tier.

The concept of the Nine Tiers is based on the observed existence of these entities.

"Ultimately, it's the 4th Tier."

After watching the sparring video, several academies evaluated the Disciplinary Committee Leader of Ahsung High School.

"He seems strong in personal combat, but in an actual fight, he might be weaker than us. After all, he's only at the 4th Tier."

"How can we judge based on that brief spar? However, he does seem strong."

"His skills are considerable, but… it's still hard to say for sure."

They acknowledged Ahn Woo-jin's combat abilities but remained uncertain about whether he was suitable as the Disciplinary Committee Leader over Oh Baek-seo.

However, it was still difficult to gauge the full extent of Woo-jin's unrevealed 'capabilities.' They remained cautious of him.

Meanwhile.

"So, the Disciplinary Committee Leader of Ahsung High is at the 4th Tier…"

Mayeon High School's Disciplinary Committee Leader, Lee Jae-ho, muttered as he adjusted his glasses. His Vice, who also wore glasses, stroked his chin and replied.

"For a 4th Tier, he's exceptionally strong."

"Vice, this isn't something that can be measured just by the fact that he's at the 4th Tier."

"Pardon?"

Lee Jae-ho remained in a state of surprise.

His ability to manipulate magic was superior to my own. His dazzling combat style was on an astounding level, akin to an agent from the Federation Council's Black Ops performing covert operations within Academy City.

"Well, yes. I've never seen anyone this formidable in personal combat. It's surprising that someone like this is still at the 4th Tier."

"Perhaps."

Lee Jae-ho leaned back in his chair and sipped his hot espresso.

"He might have achieved many accomplishments while staying at the 4th Tier due to hitting an early wall of talent."

"Is that possible? That the wall of talent is so high?"

"It's possible."

Lee Jae-ho leaned back in his chair.

"If the conditions to acquire a new Unique Ability are exceptionally difficult. In other words, if his potential is at an insane level…"

If Woo-jin manages to break through the wall of the 5th Tier.

He might become a monster beyond the term genius.

"He might not be much now, but he's definitely not someone to be taken lightly."

Lee Jae-ho also considered Woo-jin's potential.

Perhaps Ahsung High's decision to appoint Ahn Woo-jin as the Disciplinary Committee Leader instead of Oh Baek-seo was appropriate, he thought.

"Hmm… So, you're saying it's favorable. That's a relief."

"What?"

Suddenly, the Vice handed a document to Lee Jae-ho.

"Vice, what's this?"

"It's a proposal for an exchange meeting with Ahsung High's Disciplinary Committee."

"?"

Lee Jae-ho looked at the Vice with a puzzled face. His eyes showed confusion.

"Mayeon High's Disciplinary Committee and Ahsung High's Disciplinary Committee have not been on good terms. This proposal aims to foster friendship starting this year. 'Peace forever,' they say."

"What the…! Do you think I'll approve such a thing, Vice!?"

"This proposal came under the Student Council President's directive. Who knows, if you handle this well, the President might favor you…"

Scratch!

Lee Jae-ho signed the approval line without hesitation.

The Vice naturally retrieved the document.

"Yes, it's approved."

"Grrr…. Listen carefully, Vice. I only signed because it was the Student Council President's directive… I would never get friendly with the Ahsung High Disciplinary Committee even if Neo Seoul were to collapse…!"

Lee Jae-ho's face turned red and blue in no time. He grasped the pen with trembling hands, solidifying his resolve.

"Yes, I understand. Well noted."

The Vice nodded nonchalantly.

Currently, the student council president of Mayeon High School was Lee Jae-ho's adopted sister.

He respected his sister deeply and sought her recognition.

…to put it nicely.

Lee Jae-ho was a sister complex, unable to refuse any of her requests and drooling over her photo every day.

"Then I'll submit this approved document to the student council. Since it's under the student council president's directive, the approval should be quick, so I'll notify Ahsung High in advance."

"Grrr…"

Lee Jae-ho's body trembled with frustration.

  *

"Leader, the views are off the charts!"

April 14th, in the Disciplinary Committee's office.

Ha Yesong cheerfully shouted as she held up her smartphone.

"As expected, you're a goldmine, Leader!"

"Isn't that an odd way to put it?"

"It's my way of praising you. Not everyone can be profitable, you know? Unless they sell their organs or something."

That's an inappropriate expression.

"Ha Yesong, as a Disciplinary Committee member, you should refrain from such immoral expressions."

"Hehe, sorry about that."

"Well… there's no reason to be happy. All the revenue generated from that video will go to the student council anyway."

"Still, if we're going to milk it, it feels better to squeeze out as much as we can, right?"

"That's totally the mindset of a predatory loan shark…"

Calling her a mosquito might also be apt.

"Besides, we're not even sure if we'll be able to confiscate it yet."

"That's true."

The revenue generated from the sparring video with the Sindo-rim Swordmaster was to be confiscated by the Disciplinary Committee, as it was considered illicit profit due to illegal activities.

Thus, Sindo-rim was in a position where he had to hand over the revenue generated from the sparring video to us every month until graduation.

In the end, Sindo-rim filed a constitutional appeal against this regulation with the academic court.

Having already discarded their pride, their resolve was quite impressive.

Eventually, the revenue confiscation was fully suspended until the constitutionality was determined.

If the decision was constitutional, Sindo-rim would have to pay back all the unpaid revenue.

If it was deemed unconstitutional, the confiscation would be canceled, and the regulation would disappear, but I didn't care. Since the confiscated money would go to the student council anyway, I had no vested interest. Only Sindo-rim would be troubled with proving the unconstitutionality.

Ding.

"Hmm?"

A text notification sounded from Yesong's school uniform pocket. She immediately checked her smartphone.

"Leader, I'm going to eat jjajangmyeon with the Gourmet Club members."

The Gourmet Club was a food exploration club that Yesong was part of in addition to the Disciplinary Committee.

"Jjajangmyeon?"

"Today, we have to eat jjajangmyeon. It's a significant matter!"

"?"

Not 'want to eat,' but 'have to eat'?

Ah, maybe she just phrased her desire differently.

"Enjoy your meal, Leader!"

Yesong left the office with a bounce in her step.

'Jjajangmyeon, huh… Now that I hear it, I want some too.'

Come to think of it, it's been a while since I had jjajangmyeon.

I decided to order it for lunch.

I pulled out my smartphone to order jjajangmyeon via the delivery app.

Just then, my phone vibrated with a message on CoconutTalk.

It was a message from Vice_ Leader Oh Baek-seo.

[Oh Baek-seo: Leader]

[Oh Baek-seo: Have you had lunch?]

Baek-seo's profile picture on Cocotalk was the back view of her in a hanbok in a flower garden.

Even through CoconutTalk, she exuded elegance.

[Ahn Woo-jin: I was just about to order]

[Ahn Woo-jin: What about you?]

[Oh Baek-seo: Not yet]

[Ahn Woo-jin: Let's eat together]

[Oh Baek-seo: Sure]

[Oh Baek-seo: Sounds good, haha]

[Oh Baek-seo: (Cat laughing emoji)]

[Ahn Woo-jin: Come to the office]

[Ahn Woo-jin: Is jjajangmyeon okay?]

[Oh Baek-seo: ?]

What's with the question mark?

[Oh Baek-seo: Really?]

What does she mean by 'really'?

[Oh Baek-seo: I like it]

Oh, just an exclamation, I guess.

[Ahn Woo-jin: Jja? Jjam?]

[Oh Baek-seo: Jjajangmyeon]

[Ahn Woo-jin: Got it]

[Ahn Woo-jin: (OK sign dog emoji)]

[Oh Baek-seo: I'll be there soon, hehe]

I ordered two bowls of jjajangmyeon and a tangsuyuk set from the delivery app.

Soon, Baek-seo arrived at the office, and 10 minutes later, the jjajangmyeon set was delivered.

After setting the food on the table, Baek-seo and I sat on the sofa.

'Oh, the smell is amazing.'

The aroma of jjajangmyeon I hadn't smelled in a while was very stimulating.

My mouth watered.

"You ordered tangsuyuk too?"

"Do you not like tangsuyuk?"

"Not at all. I love it."

Baek-seo shook her head, smiling gently as always.

I rubbed the wooden chopsticks in my hands to warm them up. Then, with a bit of force, they split perfectly in half.

…Wait a second.

'Oops.'

Had the act of heating the wooden chopsticks through palm friction been unrefined?

No, it was within acceptable limits. The purpose was to precisely split the chopsticks using a scientific principle. It was a logical and reasonable action.

'I should maintain my dignity even while eating jjajangmyeon.'

That was the appropriate demeanor expected of a Disciplinary Committee Leader.

Thankfully, I became aware in time. I almost shook the packaged jjajangmyeon to mix it, which would have been undignified. At least, it wasn't something to do in front of the Vice.

After removing the plastic wrap from the jjajangmyeon, I stirred the noodles and sauce with my chopsticks. The white noodles slowly turned black as they absorbed the sauce with a slurping sound.

'Yes, this is it.'

There was no way that a mere jjajangmyeon could tarnish my dignity, even slightly.

Finally, I lifted a chopstickful of jjajangmyeon to my mouth. Slurp. A rich, savory flavor with the right balance of salty and sweet burst forth.

'This is fantastic.'

As I was happily slurping the noodles,

"Leader."

"What?"

"Why jjajangmyeon all of a sudden? And with me?"

Baek-seo asked with a smiling face.

I didn't understand her intent.

"I wanted to eat it. And if I'm going to eat, it's better to eat together."

"Is that so…?"

Baek-seo tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and slurped a few strands of jjajangmyeon. A meaningful smile played on her lips.

'What's this?'

Something felt off.

I suddenly remembered Yesong shouting that she had to eat jjajangmyeon today. Baek-seo seemed to know something as well.

There were no significant memories related to jjajangmyeon within the Disciplinary Committee.

So then?

I took out my smartphone and accessed the internet. Upon searching for 'jjajangmyeon,' I found information I hadn't paid attention to before.

April 14th.

Black Day.

It's a day when men and women who didn't receive chocolates or candies on Valentine's Day and White Day gather to eat jjajangmyeon together.

All clothes and accessories must be black, and they should drink black coffee at cafes.

It's a day for singles to comfort each other and sometimes become couples.

"Ah."

I finally understood Yesong's earlier remark and Baek-seo's reaction.

Today was April 14th, Black Day.

It was coincidental that I decided to have jjajangmyeon today after a long time, and my company was Baek-seo. She might have interpreted my invitation differently.

[It's a day when singles become couples.]

That particular phrase lingered in my mind.

'Should I explain this…?'

Should I clarify that there was no hidden meaning behind my invitation to eat jjajangmyeon together? No, that would be undignified. It would make me seem desperate and pitiful.

"Hm…"

I was lost in thought, forgetting about the jjajangmyeon in front of me.

"Leader."

"Yeah."

"The jjajangmyeon is delicious."

Baek-seo said with a smile.

"Shall we make this our regular spot?"

"..."

Surprisingly, seeing Baek-seo's calm smile, my mind cleared instantly.

'Well… what does it matter if today is Black Day or not.'

Baek-seo must have known it was Black Day.

Normally, Baek-seo would not miss the opportunity to tease me in such a situation. How could she not take advantage of the funny scenario where I invited her to eat jjajangmyeon on Black Day?

Yet, she made no jokes about it.

This meant she wasn't concerned about Black Day.

'Paying attention to such things would be childish and undignified. Baek-seo knows this well.'

Making a fuss to explain myself would only damage my dignity. I didn't want to do that anyway.

I had worried over nothing.

"It doesn't matter."

I answered with a raised corner of my mouth.

Later, while eating jjajangmyeon without any particular thoughts,

Baek-seo quietly munched on a piece of pickled radish and said,

"Leader, you won't be eating jjajangmyeon again today, will you?"

"Probably not."

"Then that's good."

?

Slurp. Baek-seo finished her remaining jjajangmyeon.

To read until the final chapter. p atreon.com/casca02