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Chapter : 06
Ability Copy or Skill Copy.
Those who saw Seo Hyun-woo’s ability always mentioned those terms.
It could only be classified as a unique-type ability, and no one could surpass it.
Every time Seo Hyun-woo fought, he would copy all of his opponent’s abilities and techniques.
‘I don’t really need to help. The chairman is strong enough.’
Since Seo Hyun-woo had stepped in, there was no need to even consider the outcome of the fight.
However, the process still needed to be observed.
If he could learn even a little more about Seo Hyun-woo, it would make it easier to defeat him personally.
“GROOOAH!”
A transformation-type student roared and charged at Seo Hyun-woo.
However, Seo Hyun-woo remained completely unfazed and took his stance.
His strength and speed had increased due to the rampage of his wild instincts, but he had lost his reason.
Because of that, his openings were completely exposed, and it looked like it could be ended in one strike.
‘The barrier system is currently active. Ordinary attacks won’t even leave a scratch. But the pain will definitely be felt.’
Miterich operated a barrier system to prevent students from getting injured during training.
Even if an unexpected injury occurred, medical staff with healing abilities would respond immediately.
In other words, Seo Hyun-woo only needed to focus on subduing his opponent without worry.
‘If I try to subdue him after the Advance Battle ends, that student or others might get hurt. But there’s no need to worry too much. Even if I make a mistake, Choi Jae-yeon or the security department will handle it.’
With that conclusion, Seo Hyun-woo swung his sword without hesitation.
A white trail followed the tip of the blade, forming a curved arc.
Soon, sword energy was created and shot rapidly toward the transformation-type student.
Ziiing—clack!
“Keugh!”
The transformation-type student was pushed back by the sword energy and slammed into the barrier again.
However, the sword energy did not stop at all and continued extending forward.
At the same time, Seo Hyun-woo dispelled the mana-formed sword and closed the distance.
TAP, THUD!
[The Advance Battle has ended.]
[The barrier system will be deactivated.]
Seo Hyun-woo pinned down the transformation-type student and grabbed both of his arms tightly.
Then he used his legs to press down on his back, preventing any resistance.
With the copied enhancement-type ability reinforcing his body, there was no way the student could break free.
“Chairman, if you’re not careful, he’s going to get hurt.”
“I’m controlling my strength. Could you help me a bit?”
“Alright.”
Only after receiving help from Choi Jae-yeon did Seo Hyun-woo slowly withdraw his mana.
Since the barrier system had been deactivated, the opponent could get injured, so he reduced the output in advance.
“I’m sorry. We were late.”
Students wearing armbands labeled “Security” suddenly appeared and surrounded Seo Hyun-woo.
They were security department members who had arrived late to handle the incident.
Seo Hyun-woo and Choi Jae-yeon handed over the subdued student to them and stepped back.
The security members restrained the transformation-type student with mana ropes created by a shaping-type ability and injected a sedative.
Soon, the student lost consciousness and was dragged away.
“Fighting while holding back is more difficult than I expected.”
“If there was no barrier system, it would’ve been even harder.”
“If that were the case, the two of us would’ve had to fight together.”
Seo Hyun-woo and Choi Jae-yeon returned to their original seats under the gaze of the students.
They sat down silently and sipped coffee and lemonade respectively.
“You look pretty relaxed.”
“Do you think anyone can just become the chairman or the department head? You can only be that relaxed if you have that level of skill.”
“This is my first time seeing the chairman fight.”
“There’s not much to see when the chairman fights. It ends too quickly.”
Students scattered while glancing at Seo Hyun-woo and Choi Jae-yeon.
As top-tier talents within Miterich, it was only natural they attracted attention.
Especially Seo Hyun-woo, who had never once relinquished his position as student council president since taking it, was always a topic of discussion.
“You used my ability quite well. Your sword energy seems sharper too.”
“The base is good. It’s just copying after all.”
“That’s exactly why no one has ever won a Rank Battle against the chairman. He uses the same ability as his opponent but delivers stronger attacks.”
Rank Battle.
Unlike the Advance Battle, it is a struggle fought with departmental positions at stake.
A Rank Battle can be requested starting from regular members up to their direct superiors.
In addition, one must have achieved a certain score in Advance Battles, and their abilities must also meet the required standards.
Even if someone wins a Rank Battle and gets promoted, they can be demoted if they fail to properly perform their duties.
“I guess you could call it luck. If I had less mana, my ability wouldn’t be anything special.”
“That’s not true. It can be used flexibly depending on the situation, so it’s a very good ability. And now you also have a large amount of mana—no wonder you became student council president.”
“You’re not wrong. But this ability is also my limit. In the end, I’m forced to be influenced by other awakeners’ abilities.”
At that unexpected answer, Choi Jae-yeon fell silent, sensing something off.
He had never expected to hear something like that from Seo Hyun-woo.
Compared to what he used to say, it felt excessively humble.
“You once said this before. Even if abilities are the same, your mana quantity and application were superior, so no one could beat you.”
“Was I that arrogant? How conceited. That kind of mindset doesn’t last long.”
Originally, Seo Hyun-woo was known as the strongest in Miterich and later ended up drawing a tie with the protagonist in a duel.
After that, there was almost no mention of Seo Hyun-woo, but he did reappear by chance in a later encounter with the protagonist, showing a changed demeanor.
‘In the end, Seo Hyun-woo loses his left eye and ends up limping on his right leg. The result of recklessly relying only on his ability. I will never make that mistake.’
This was precisely why Seo Hyun-woo focused on growth.
He was undoubtedly an important character, but his narrative was relatively sparse.
Because of that, aside from his duel with the protagonist, nothing else about his fate was known—including why his left eye and right leg were damaged.
“So there is someone you like. Otherwise, there’d be no reason for such a change.”
“Wasn’t that topic already over?”
“If I’m right, you’ve never dated anyone before. Just be honest with me. I can even give you advice.”
“……I’m too dumbfounded to even laugh.”
Seo Hyun-woo frowned and sipped his coffee.
He had no idea what Choi Jae-yeon was trying to imply.
He decided he should explain properly and clear up the misunderstanding.
“Uh… hey….”
“Hm?”
A female student in a navy uniform stopped in front of Seo Hyun-woo, head lowered.
Sensing the atmosphere, Choi Jae-yeon deliberately looked away.
Seo Hyun-woo already had a rough idea of what was coming, but his answer was already decided.
“C-Chairman… if it’s not too much trouble, could I get your contact information?”
Seo Hyun-woo knew very well that the girl had gathered immense courage to ask.
There were many eyes watching, and she must have known the chances of rejection were high.
According to the narrative, Seo Hyun-woo had never dated anyone before Jin Se-se(?? wait name) → keep name: 진세희 before dating her.
‘…This is a bit annoying. Should I just settle this now? There are other students here anyway, so the rumor will spread quickly.’
Seo Hyun-woo briefly changed his mind from his original response.
He felt the need to leave a clear impression on this girl, the other students, and Choi Jae-yeon.
If done properly, he wouldn’t need to reject people one by one anymore.
“Sorry, but that’s difficult. I already have someone I’m dating.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Why would I lie about something like that?”
At Seo Hyun-woo’s answer, the surrounding students became agitated and started whispering.
The girl who had mustered the courage turned red and quickly disappeared.
Choi Jae-yeon, who had been listening quietly, widened his eyes and looked at Seo Hyun-woo.
“Chairman, is that true? You’re seeing someone?”
“Yes. These situations happen often, so it’s quite troublesome. It’s not a bad idea to draw a line early.”
Of course, it was a lie.
Seo Hyun-woo had no intention of dating anyone unnecessarily.
With his duties as student council president and personal training, why would he waste time on romance?
“I misunderstood. So it wasn’t to impress a girl you liked, but because you’re already dating someone that your personality changed.”
“…Yeah. That must be it.”
“So that’s why you didn’t speak harshly to that girl earlier.”
“Harsh words?”
“Rumor has it you said people of low level weren’t even worth exchanging contacts with.”
“I’m surprised it was that extreme.”
Even though he knew Seo Hyun-woo had a domineering and cold personality, he hadn’t expected it to be that severe.
From a realistic standpoint, it was the kind of attitude that could easily lead to social isolation.
“Then can you tell me who you’re dating?”
“I’ll pass on that. I don’t want to reveal my partner yet.”
“Hm…”
Choi Jae-yeon narrowed his eyes suspiciously but didn’t press further.
If his guess was correct, the partner would definitely be someone he already knew.
‘Who could it be? Transformation department head? Shape department head? Or attribute department… no, that doesn’t seem right. The vice president is the most likely.’
Miterich’s principal office.
A middle-aged man in a neat suit was reviewing documents.
The file contained the name “Kang Jin-ha” along with various personal information.
In the ability section, alongside “fox,” the term “nine-tailed fox” had been added.
‘A fox is a fox, but a nine-tailed fox… then it’s neither animal nor monster.’
Miterich’s principal, Park Do-woon, leaned back in thought after putting the document down.
Transformation-type abilities refer broadly to abilities where an awakener transforms into various animals or monsters.
However, cases of transforming into nonexistent animals or monsters had never been reported.
Ring, ring…
He picked up the intercom receiver and brought it to his ear.
The voice of his secretary came through.
After confirming the message, he responded:
“Let them in.”
It was one of the scheduled appointments.
The student council president of Miterich had requested a private meeting.
It was clearly not something suitable for an official document, so he must have wanted to speak directly.
“Good day, Principal. It’s been a while.”
Seo Hyun-woo entered the office and slightly bowed.
Park Do-woon nodded and stood up, moving to the sofa.
“Sit down.”
“Yes, sir.”
The two sat across from each other in silence.
After the principal’s secretary served coffee, Park Do-woon finally spoke.
“So, what brings you here?”
“Please return the Security Department to the Student Council. The Security Office has been using the Security Department like a subordinate unit. This is a clear violation of the Student Council’s authority.”