[85] "Concerns and Disclosures"
[Dining hall of the affiliated students of the Korea academy].
In a beautifully decorated hall with wide glass windows, several students were seated at tables as they enjoyed their meal.
The place was filled with murmurs and conversations.
"Did you feel that tremor?" one of the students asked.
"Yes, it shook the whole island," replied another, still surprised.
"The powers we witnessed were immense. I never imagined seeing abilities on that scale," commented another student, trembling.
"Did the teachers get into a fight?" someone else asked, trying to understand what happened.
"Mr. Dusik disappeared, Principal Han was injured, and so was Jiwoo," another student reported, sharing the news that had circulated.
"Even the unaffiliated training arena was destroyed by that immense power," added another student, astonished by the magnitude of the event.
"The teachers ask us not to worry, but...," another student mentioned, hinting some uncertainty in his voice.
The students continued to discuss the recent events and the consequences they had had on the island, although there was a hint of concern in the atmosphere, despite the teachers' attempts to reassure them.
At four tables isolated from the rest of the students, three students were seated at each table.
At one of the four tables, Sucheon was seated next to the two other Baekdu members who had been invited to the academy.
At the remaining tables, Gangseok, Jisuk and Subin were seated next to members of their respective organizations.
With serious looks on their faces, Gangseok, Jisuk and Subin watched Sucheon, who was at another table with a nervous and worried face.
They had realized that the events that led to the destruction of the unaffiliated training area and the injuries suffered by Jiwoo were not as simple as they seemed.
....
[Han Seongik Office]
Two young men sitting side by side calmly observe the old man across from them, whose facial expression reflects seriousness.
"I never expected to meet the two of you here, especially you, Kayden. You've been missing for a while," Han Seongik said in a soft voice. Then he continued, "And you, Ares, have recently starred in a fight that has caused a stir all over the world."
"These are things that happen," Kayden replied as Ares nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.
"I want to ask you a question... Will you stay in this country from now on?", Han Seongik asked with seriousness in his voice.
Kayden sighed and replied with a smile. "Nah... I just came to witness Jiwoo's confrontation. You know how alarmingly rumors spread here."
Han Seongik nodded and turned his gaze towards Ares.
"It will depend on what Jiwoo decides. If he wants to stay, it's possible I'll stay here for a while too. But if Jiwoo wants to explore the world, I'll take him around," Ares stated.
Han Seongik's face wrinkles momentarily, but quickly changes to a friendly smile and says. "Oh, I would have loved to have both of you here in this country."
"Yes, of course," Ares replies wryly.
"I would have thought you would have asked us to leave this country as soon as possible," Kayden replies.
Han Seongik sneezes and says. "Ahem... Maybe," he then adds. "Your presence in a country like this could be a big problem, you know what I mean. The world is in chaos right now, and if the confrontation you had with Baekdu leaks out, I'm sure this country would wallow."
"That only happens because they're weak," Ares says disinterestedly, crossing his legs one on top of the other.
Han Seongik frowns and opts not to respond.
Kayden nods, showing agreement with Ares' words.
"But don't worry, keep your awakened ones quiet and I won't do anything about it," Ares replies.
"Thank you for your understanding," Han Seongik says, then turning his gaze to Kayden.
"Don't worry about me, I won't do anything unless they attack me. Although that will depend on whether you can control them," Kayden replies.
"Don't worry, nothing will happen. I'll take care of protecting Jiwoo myself if necessary," Han Seongik states in a serious but serious voice.
Kayden and Ares nod in agreement.
After a moment of silence, Kayden stands up and heads for the door.
Han Seongik quickly interjects. "Leaving so soon?"
Kayden, before turning the door handle, turns and looks at Han Seongik, replying. "We have no more to talk about."
Kayden opens the door and leaves.
Ares follows Kayden and comments. "Perhaps we can talk another time, when the atmosphere is not so tense and you don't have so many worries and concerns to resolve. It would be better for you if we leave and you settle this mess here."
Han Seongik watches Ares leave and close the door, being perplexed and stunned. Then he sits back in his seat and reflects.
'This is a serious problem...'
'I need to have a conversation with the professors representing their respective organizations.'
'If this information leaks out, it would be a terrible and immense problem for our country, and we would be constantly in danger'
'Many awakened would do anything to gain favor with Kayden or Ares and establish a relationship with them. If what happened here is revealed, a large number of awakened could come to this country to destroy them and try to curry favor with them.'
'Although they left that warning... I don't know if they'll follow through.'
Suddenly, the door opens, bringing Han Seongik out of his thoughts. Suhan enters with a serious expression.
"Mr. Director, is everything okay?" asks Suhan.
"Yes..." replies Han Seongik.
Suhan remains silent and watches Han Seongik lost in thought.
"Call all the teachers at the academy and tell them to gather in the meeting room. We need to talk about what happened," says Han Seongik.
Suhan understands the seriousness of the situation and responds. "Understood, I will inform them immediately."
....
Ares closes the door to Han Seongik's office and quickly catches up to Kayden and asks. "Is something wrong?".
Kayden, walking with his hands in his pockets, slows down and replies. "I'm feeling strange. All this time, I've been forcing myself not to transform into my cat form, but I think it's doing me more harm than good."
Ares raises an eyebrow and says. "According to what you mentioned, your body is severely damaged internally and, as a precautionary measure, your body is looking for a way not to continue its destruction, hence the urge to transform into your cat form. "
Kayden pauses for a moment, analyzing the information. "Are you saying that because my human body is so severely injured it is looking for a healthy vessel and that is my cat form?"
"Exactly. Perhaps the key to your recovery lies within your cat form. Lately, you have been straining to stay in your human form, putting tremendous strain on your already injured body. You should focus on further exploring your cat transformation," explains Ares.
"Yes, I was thinking the same thing. I should explore and learn more about this transformation while gradually eliminating any lingering energy and slowly recovering," agreed Kayden.
"Exactly," said Ares, and asked. "Should we go to Arcadia?"
"Not yet. Let's wait a little longer, and then we can take Jiwoo there to interact with more young awakened ones, gradually bringing him into the awakened world," Kayden said in a calm voice.
Ares nods and the two walk down the hallway, heading towards Jiwoo's room.
....
1238 Words.
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