# Chapter 2
Jin-ho woke up before sunrise, as had been his habit since his long years of training. He sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, regaining his consciousness and organizing his thoughts. Today was his first real day of classes at the Academy, and he knew how important it was to establish a good first impression among professors and students.
He rose and opened the window, letting the cool morning breeze slip into the room. The Academy was still asleep, except for a few guards moving between buildings and a small number of diligent students who had started their day early.
After his usual stretching and breathing exercises, he headed to the shared bathroom at the end of the hallway. The place was empty at this early hour, which gave him the opportunity to shower in peace and think about his plan for the day.
He returned to his room and put on the Academy's official uniform – a dark purple jacket that distinguished the Strategy and Politics department, with a white shirt and elegant black trousers. He pinned the admission badge to his chest and made sure to hide the silver ring in his secret pocket.
He examined the class schedule he found on his desk. The first lecture was "History of Magical Politics" with Professor Yang, followed by a lecture on "Fundamentals of Strategy" with Professor Choi, then a practical lesson in "The Art of Negotiation and Persuasion" in the afternoon.
*A perfect start*, thought Jin-ho. These subjects would provide him with an opportunity to better understand the current political system and develop his skills in manipulation and persuasion, essential tools for his plan.
Before leaving the room, he took out his notebook and wrote a list of his goals for the day:
1. Visit the old library and meet Mr. Ko
2. Get closer to Su-yeon and Song-min
3. Observe Choi Min-ah and evaluate the possibility of using her as a source of information
4. Avoid direct confrontation with Lee Jun-ho and Won-sik
5. Begin mapping alliances and conflicts within the Academy
He closed the notebook and hid it under his mattress, then left for the dining hall to have breakfast.
The dining hall was a spacious building with a glass ceiling that allowed sunlight to filter inside. The long wooden tables were arranged in neat rows and gradually began to fill with sleepy students. Jin-ho noticed that most students sat in groups according to their departments, with a clear division also based on social status.
He took a tray and selected a simple breakfast – fresh bread, some fruit, and a cup of green tea. He looked around for a suitable place to sit and was about to head to an empty table when he heard a familiar voice calling him.
"Jin-ho! Over here!"
Jung Hae-jin was waving to him from one of the tables, where she was sitting alone. He smiled and walked towards her.
"Good morning," he greeted her as he placed his tray on the table, "you're early."
"A countryside habit," Hae-jin laughed, "waking up with the roosters. And you?"
"An old habit too," he answered simply.
Hae-jin was wearing the purple uniform like him, but she had added a personal touch – a small green scarf decorated with traditional patterns from the south. Her brown curly hair was tied in a simple braid, and her green eyes radiated natural warmth.
"How was your first night at the Academy?" she asked him while nibbling on an apple.
"Quiet," he replied, "and yours?"
"I couldn't sleep much," she admitted, "I was thinking about the lectures and whether I would be able to keep up with the others. Most students here studied at the best preparatory schools, while I..."
"Learned in the village?" Jin-ho completed her sentence.
She nodded, "Yes. One teacher for the whole village, and old books, most of them torn. But I worked hard to get here."
"And that's what makes you stronger than them," Jin-ho said sincerely, "You had to struggle for what they got easily."
Hae-jin smiled gratefully, "Thank you. You're... different from what I expected."
"And what did you expect?" he asked curiously.
"I don't know exactly. When I first saw you, I thought you would be like the rest of the students from the capital – arrogant and condescending. But you're... not like that."
There was a sincerity in her words that made Jin-ho feel a pang of guilt. Hae-jin was honest and straightforward, the kind of person he had rarely met in his life full of deception and manipulation.
"Maybe because I'm not really from the capital," he finally said, trying to maintain some truth in his lie, "I grew up in a distant place, like you."
Before Hae-jin could respond, a third person joined them – Song-min, who looked tired and exhausted.
"Good morning," he yawned as he placed his tray full of food on the table, "I didn't sleep well last night."
"Hello Song-min," Hae-jin smiled, "were you reading late again?"
"How did you know?" he asked, surprised.
"You have ink marks on your cheek," she pointed out, laughing.
Song-min's cheeks reddened as he quickly rubbed his cheek, "Ah, yes. I was reading an old book about the history of the Five Families. I found it in a forgotten corner of the library."
"Which part of history specifically?" asked Jin-ho, trying to hide his excessive interest.
"The period before the Great Treaty," Song-min replied enthusiastically, "when the Kim family was at the height of their power. Did you know they were the only ones who mastered shadow magic? It was a unique hereditary ability that made them stronger than the other families combined."
"Song-min!" Hae-jin whispered anxiously, "You shouldn't talk about these things out loud. Shadow magic is forbidden, remember?"
"Sorry, sorry," Song-min apologized, lowering his voice, "but it's fascinating history. The official narrative says the Kim family tried to seize power by force, but the book I found tells a completely different story."
"And what is it?" asked Jin-ho, unable to curb his curiosity.
Song-min looked around cautiously, then whispered, "It says the other families conspired against the Kim family because they feared their growing power. They lured them into a false peace treaty, then gradually restricted their authority."
This was very close to the truth Jin-ho knew from his father. He felt his heart rate accelerate, but he maintained his outward calm.
"Interesting," he commented simply, "who wrote this book?"
"That's the strange part," said Song-min, "the first page is torn, no author's name. But the handwriting resembles old manuscripts from that period. I think it might be a personal diary of a Kim family member."
Before Jin-ho could inquire further, a new group of students entered the dining hall. Among them were Lee Su-yeon and Choi Min-ah, followed by Han Su-min. Su-yeon noticed their presence and headed towards their table, leaving the others behind.
"Good morning everyone," she greeted them with a smile, "do you mind if I join you?"
"Of course not," Hae-jin replied enthusiastically, "please do."
Su-yeon sat next to Jin-ho, placing her tray that contained an elegant breakfast – neatly arranged fruit slices, toast, and fragrant tea.
"Are you ready for the first day of classes?" she asked excitedly.
"I think so," Song-min replied, "we have History of Magical Politics first, right?"
"Yes, with Professor Yang," Su-yeon nodded, "he's strict but fair. My advice: pay close attention and take accurate notes. He likes to ask surprise questions."
Jin-ho noticed that Min-ah and Su-min sat at another table with a group of wealthy female students. Min-ah was reading a book while eating breakfast, while Su-min was talking enthusiastically with the others.
"Are you and Choi Min-ah friends?" Jin-ho asked Su-yeon.
"Sort of," Su-yeon replied hesitantly, "we're... very different. Min-ah is obsessed with studying and research, and I'm more interested in the practical aspects of politics. But we respect each other."
"And Han Su-min?"
Su-yeon smiled diplomatically, "Su-min... is complicated. She's very clever at building relationships and alliances. Her father is a wealthy merchant who aspires to enter elite circles. She uses all means to achieve that."
"All means?" Jin-ho asked curiously.
Su-yeon lowered her voice, "Let's just say she doesn't hesitate to use... her personal charm to get what she wants."
"Ah," Jin-ho nodded, understanding the hint, "interesting."
This was information that could be useful. Someone like Su-min, ambitious and willing to use any means, could be a useful tool in his plan... or a dangerous threat.
Everyone finished their breakfast and headed together to the lecture hall. The hall was built in the traditional style – semicircular tiers surrounding the lecturer's platform. The walls were decorated with ancient maps of the kingdom and portraits of the Five Families' leaders throughout history.
Jin-ho noticed his father's portrait hanging among the historical images – Kim Sung-jin, the last head of the Kim family before the "Great Betrayal incident." He was looking with dignity and majesty, his gray eyes exactly like Jin-ho's. He felt a slight pain in his chest but quickly pushed it aside.
The students took their seats, and Jin-ho was careful to choose a seat in the middle – not in the front where he would attract attention, nor in the back where he might appear uninterested. Su-yeon sat beside him, with Song-min and Hae-jin directly behind them.
After a few minutes, Professor Yang entered the hall. He was wearing an elegant black robe, and the scar on his face was more visible in the daylight. He carried a huge old book which he placed on the platform.
"Good morning, students," he began with his quiet voice that carried clear authority, "I am Professor Yang Sung-ho, and I will be your lecturer for the History of Magical Politics this semester."
He scanned the hall with his gaze, pausing momentarily at Jin-ho before continuing.
"Before we begin, let me clarify something important: History is not merely a narration of past events. It is a study of decisions and consequences, of patterns that repeat over time. Understanding history means understanding the present and predicting the future."
He opened the huge book, and a three-dimensional image appeared above the platform – an animated map of the kingdom from hundreds of years ago.
"We will start from the beginning – the founding of the kingdom five hundred years ago, when the warring tribes united under one banner."
Professor Yang began to narrate the history of the kingdom in a captivating style, moving between different eras, explaining how the five major families were formed and how they shared power. Jin-ho listened with intense attention, comparing what the professor was saying with what he had learned from his father and from the secret history books he had studied.
There were subtle but important differences. The official narrative portrayed the Kim family as power-hungry, while Jin-ho knew that his family had sought reform and resistance against the corruption of the other families.
"Now," said Professor Yang, "let's move to a more... controversial period. The Great Betrayal incident twenty years ago."
Silence fell over the hall. This was a sensitive topic, rarely discussed openly.
"The Kim family, led by Kim Sung-jin, attempted to seize absolute power," the professor began, "they planned to assassinate the leaders of the other families during the kingdom's council meeting. But the conspiracy was uncovered at the last moment, and the conspirators were captured."
He paused for a moment, looking directly at Jin-ho, "That is the official narrative, at least."
Jin-ho felt his heart pounding strongly. Was the professor doubting the official narrative? Or was he testing him?
"Professor," Choi Min-ah raised her hand, "are there alternative accounts of what happened?"
The professor smiled enigmatically, "Excellent question, Miss Choi. Yes, there are alternative theories. Some suggest that the Kim family was the victim of a conspiracy by the other families, who feared their proposed reforms. Others say the truth is more complex, and that there was a third party pulling the strings from behind the curtain."
"And what is your personal opinion, sir?" asked Jin-ho, unable to stop himself.
The professor looked at him thoughtfully, "My personal opinion, Mr. Kim, is that history is rarely black and white. The truth is often buried under layers of lies, distortion, and justification. Our task as scholars is to dig for it, no matter how disturbing it may be."
There was something in his way of speaking that made Jin-ho feel the professor knew more than he was saying. Perhaps he was a potential ally... or a dangerous enemy.
The lecture continued for two hours, during which Professor Yang covered the evolution of the political system in the kingdom and how magic influenced the balance of power. Jin-ho took detailed notes, not just about the content, but also about the way the professor presented the information – what he emphasized, what he avoided, and what he alluded to without explicit statement.
At the end of the lecture, the professor asked the students to write a short essay on "Truth and Power in Writing History," to be submitted in the next lecture.
"And remember," he said as he closed his book, "history is not only written by the victors, but also by those who have the courage to question accepted narratives."
The professor left the hall, leaving the students to discuss the lecture and the required essay enthusiastically.
"That was an interesting lecture, wasn't it?" Su-yeon commented as she gathered her books.
"Definitely," Jin-ho nodded, "Professor Yang is... unconventional in his approach."
"That's what makes him special," said Su-yeon, "most professors stick to the official narrative without questioning. But he encourages us to think critically."
"And that's what makes him controversial too," added Song-min, joining the conversation, "I heard that some members of the Academy council are unhappy with his style."
"Really?" Jin-ho asked curiously.
"Yes, especially representatives of the major families," Song-min whispered, "they say he plants seeds of doubt in the students' minds."
"And is that bad?" Hae-jin asked innocently.
"Depends on who you ask," Song-min smiled, "for those in power, doubt is the first enemy."
This was another valuable piece of information. Professor Yang was an interesting figure, perhaps worth further investigation.
"We have a short break before the next lecture," said Su-yeon, "would you like to have some tea in the cafeteria?"
"I'm sorry, I have something to do first," Jin-ho apologized, "I'll catch up with you later."
"Alright," Su-yeon smiled, "we'll be in the eastern cafeteria."
Jin-ho separated from the group and headed towards the old library. This was a perfect time to look for Mr. Ko and the book Song-min had mentioned.
The old library was an isolated building in the northern part of the campus, surrounded by ancient trees that cast dense shadows on its stone walls. Unlike the other buildings in the Academy, this one looked older and more mysterious, as if it belonged to another era.
He pushed the heavy wooden door and entered a world of books and ancient manuscripts. The place was strangely quiet, with a distinctive smell of old paper, dust, and old wood. Tall shelves extended from floor to ceiling, loaded with thousands of books arranged by subject and era.
He moved slowly between the shelves, pretending to look for a book, while observing the place in search of Mr. Ko. There were a few students scattered in the corners of the library, most of them engrossed in reading or research.
He reached the information desk in the center of the library, but it was empty. He continued wandering until he reached the "Ancient History" section, where the oldest and rarest books were preserved in glass cabinets.
As he was examining the titles, he felt someone behind him.
"Looking for something specific, student?"
He turned to find himself face to face with Mr. Ko. Up close, the resemblance was more obvious – the same wise eyes, the same upright posture despite his advanced age. This was undoubtedly the loyal servant who had saved him from the massacre twenty years ago.
"Yes, I'm looking for a book about... the history of the Five Great Families," Jin-ho replied, trying to control his emotions.
Mr. Ko watched him with piercing eyes, as if searching for something in his features.
"The history of the Five Families... a broad subject," he finally said, "which period specifically interests you?"
"The period before the Great Treaty," Jin-ho replied, "especially... the role of the Kim family."
Mr. Ko's eyebrows raised slightly, "An unusual interest for a new student. Most students prefer modern history."
"I find ancient history more... truthful," said Jin-ho, looking directly into Mr. Ko's eyes, "time reveals the truths that power tries to hide."
Mr. Ko stared at him for moments, then nodded slowly, "Rare wisdom for someone your age. Follow me, I have some books that might interest you."
He led him through a maze of shelves to a small room at the back, dedicated to rare manuscripts. He closed the door behind them, made sure no one was nearby, then turned to Jin-ho.
"I have waited for this day for a long time, young master," he said in a low voice, "I wasn't sure if you would recognize me."
Jin-ho felt his heart pounding strongly, "So you really are..."
"Yes, I am Ko Jin-su, your father's loyal servant," the old man nodded, "the person who carried you away on that ill-fated night."
"How... how did you recognize me?" asked Jin-ho, amazed despite anticipating this meeting.
Mr. Ko smiled sadly, "Your eyes. You have exactly your father's eyes. And when I heard your name on the list of new students... I suspected, but I was hoping."
"Why are you here? At the Academy?" asked Jin-ho.
"After I handed you over to the family that raised you, I returned in disguise to search for evidence," Mr. Ko explained, "I knew your father was the victim of a conspiracy, and I wanted to prove it. The old library was the perfect place – full of documents and records that no one thought to destroy."
"And did you find anything?" Jin-ho asked eagerly.
"Yes and no," Mr. Ko sighed, "I found scattered evidence, hints and allusions, but not the conclusive proof I had hoped for. The conspirators were careful to hide their tracks."
He paused for a moment, then added, "But I found something that might interest you. A diary written by your father months before his death. He suspected a conspiracy and began recording his notes and suspicions."
"Where is it now?" Jin-ho asked excitedly.
"Hidden in a safe place," Mr. Ko replied, "I can't give it to you here. There are eyes and ears everywhere in the Academy."
Jin-ho nodded, understanding the need for caution, "When can we meet safely?"
"There's a small cottage in the Forbidden Forest, a mile east of the Academy," Mr. Ko whispered, "I'll wait for you there after sunset on Friday. Make sure no one follows you."
"I'll be there," Jin-ho promised.
Mr. Ko looked around cautiously, then took an old book from one of the shelves and handed it to Jin-ho.
"Take this in the meantime – 'History of the Great Treaty'. It's the official book, but if you read it with a critical eye, you'll find contradictions that point to the truth."
Jin-ho took the book, feeling its weight in his hands, "Thank you, Mr. Ko. I thought... I thought I was alone in this."
"You were never alone, young master," Mr. Ko said with an emotional voice, "there are those who remained loyal to the Kim family, waiting in the shadows."
They heard footsteps approaching, so Mr. Ko quickly moved away, pretending to arrange books on one of the shelves.
"This book will be useful for your research, student," he said in a normal voice, "make sure to return it before the end of the week."
"Thank you, Mr. Ko," Jin-ho replied in the same formal tone.
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