Chapter 13 – Editor’s Authority (2)

Likewise, the rectangular marking on the back of his hand became visible immediately after using the skill. It wasn’t a tattoo or a scar from a burn that appeared on his skin, but a light, metallic line.

‘I’m glad it turned dim again, but how can I cover it?’ 

Faced with mysteries and revelations after another, and his body still slowly assimilating into this strange world, the boy felt tired. Thus his lethargy prompted him to sleep again.

When Jeongjin woke up on the fourth day, a Friday afternoon, he finally felt refreshed. Suddenly, he realized that it was his roommate Nebo Yarbi who had been keeping an eye on him while he was sleep.

The big boy before him was now calm, different from his violent outburst a few days ago. He had also asked Jeongjin for an apology regarding his brash actions.

“I’m sorry,” Nebo said in a quiet tone.

“Yes, I understand,” Jeongjin replied back with an impassive gaze.

Nebo then clarified, reluctant to look at him. “I was wrong at that time.”

“I understand.”

“Really? Do you forgive me?”

“What.”

Jeongjin, who felt quite disquieted inside, only returned a vague answer with the boy’s apology that may or may not be genuine.

As a result of his encounter with Ishiel before, Nebo was now sporting bruises on his cheekbones and forehead.

‘Ah, yes. The law is cumbersome and lengthy but the fist is quick.’ Jeongjin thought.

Because of Nebo’s current changed attitude, Jeongjin surmised Ishiel must have given him a warning. The big boy must have probably been admonished not to bother the weak boy anymore.

‘That girl’s really to be feared. Thanks to her my stay might be comfortable for the time being..’

While he was thinking, he observed Nebo was being careful with his words. Probably because he didn’t know the relationship between Ishiel and Jeongjin. Thus he couldn’t help but think,

‘That girl’s smells trouble. I should keep my distance.’

“That f*cki—i mean… I also fed that fierce cat,” Nebo added after some time.

“Thank you.”

But the cat protested, “Meow! (Hey, I object because he ate my chicken!)”

“Say your thanks to Behemoth too,” Clayo said.

“His name is Behemoth?” asked the big boy.

“Yes. I can’t shorten it.”

“Isn’t that ugly? What an odd name–”

“Meow! Meooow!”

“Ouch! Don’t hit me, this son of a b*tch!”

Nebo, who had just been beaten by Ishiel recently, was striked down by the cat’s giant paws.

A peaceful ambiance began to settle between the two boys who had reconciled after their falling out. Nebo was relieved from the burden of his guilt and felt comfortable now. Shortly after, he pulled a chair beside the bed, sat down, and asked Jeongjin.

“Did you really lose your memory?” He asked curiously.

“That’s right,” Jeongjin answered.

“D*mn. Then I was really being a…”

“Yes, yes. It’s like that.” Jeongjin interjected, then directly asked, “So who called you and gave you a hard time?”

Jeongjin chuckled. It was a weary kind of laugh that of an overworked staff. Nebo felt a subtle omniousness from the boy’s strange expression.

Oh, my God! What is this? I feel awful. Nebo thought.

The big boy replied quickly, trying to clarify the situation, “No, it isn’t like that. Dean Jebedi called me. But we have settled the whole thing already. Really, there’s nothing to fuss about.”

Jeongjin nodded, “Well, all right.”

Nebo scratched his head and stared outside the window. This kid, whom he had shared a dorm for several months now, acted strangely different this time.

A sickly Clayo would usually remain inside the dorm for a whole day. But of course, it was only an excuse to escape from his classes and consequently avoid other people. He was a timid boy who was afraid of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

He was a child who couldn’t leave school because of his father, Baron Asser, who had poured out huge donations for the school and had high expectations for him.

Eventually, Clayo became involved in the river incident that occurred during a particular night, turning the school into a mess.

Nebo was not accustomed to Clayo to act with ease like this, mainly when the smaller boy would be fearful of him.

Jeongjin continued in a calm tone. “Nebo, do you have anything to do this afternoon?”

Nebo answered, “Yes. I’m going to do an important practice with Mr. Fehitte.”

Jeongjin suddenly asked him a suprising favor, “Could you miss out this one day of practice?”

“… Why me?”

“I’m going to the bank, and I want you to guide me. Besides, teacher Ryuba had told me to ask you if I have any favors,” Jeongjin replied with a small smile.

Nebo was reluctant at first. But a moment after, he finally acceded lest Ishiel and Ryuba bother him.

“Thank you, Nebo.”

“It somehow doesn’t look like you just lost your memory. You’re like a different person now.”