Unexpectedly Becoming the Student Council President

Chapter 24: Chapter 22 – Rule 12. The Leader Receives Top Marks (1)



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

The day the Anomia incident was reported.

"Wow…"

Lee Se-Ah, naked, let out a gasp of admiration while soaking in the bathtub and watching the TV mounted on the wall.

She had already received information about Anomia's capture before the news broke. Yet, no matter how many times she heard about Anomia's capture, the news still amazed her.

"Unbelievable…"

Ahn Woo-jin. This man was truly extraordinary.

From the beginning of his term as the Disciplinary Committee Leader, he had utterly destroyed Anomia, a notorious villain group that had been a thorn in the side of several academies, including Hanyang Federal Academy. The word 'amazing' was not enough to describe his feat.

This event significantly elevated the status of the Ahsung High Disciplinary Committee in Academy City.

It wasn't because of Oh Baek-seo, a 6th Tier girl hailed as a genius. It was due to the remarkable efforts of Ahn Woo-jin, a 4th Tier boy.

"I owe him big time."

─ Yes, thanks to him, things will proceed smoothly.

The voice of Lee Jung-mi came from the communication device on the table beside Se-Ah.

"I really like him. We need to express our gratitude, don't we?"

Anomia had been a significant problem for the Do-hwa Group mafia as well.

With the most troublesome obstacle gone thanks to Woo-jin, it was only right to express their gratitude multiple times over.

The organization owed Woo-jin twice now. Se-Ah had no intention of ignoring this debt.

─ Should we prepare monetary compensation? Or perhaps a rare magic tool? Maybe even an artifact? Thanks to him, it's only a matter of time before we generate significant profits.

"No, giving such things to the Disciplinary Committee Leader would be considered a bribe…. It would cause trouble."

─ It depends on how it's given, doesn't it?

"Oh, that senior wouldn't like that. He has a very strong sense of legality."

Se-Ah twisted her long, wet black hair as she spoke.

"Then, how about this?"

Se-Ah's slitted eyes curved into a fox-like smile.

Candidates for Platinum Mileage are limited to a maximum of five each semester.

Two are awarded after midterms, and three after finals. They are awarded on specific days and can sometimes be fewer or none at all.

Regardless, I would receive my Platinum Mileage after midterms.

But for now, I had no time to think about mileage.

I recalled earlier today, while eating a sandwich Baek-seo had made for me on a bench behind a deserted building. Through an open window, I overheard a conversation between some girls.

"This new Disciplinary Committee Leader is something else."

I unconsciously held my breath and listened intently to their conversation.

Eavesdropping isn't good, but since the conversation was about my reputation, I couldn't help but listen.

"I was skeptical about the subway incident, but after hearing he took down Anomia too… I've gained a new respect."

"I agree. He's really skilled."

I nodded. They had good judgment.

"Still, it's a bit disappointing that Baek-seo isn't the leader."

What?

"It would have been the best if Baek-seo was leading the Disciplinary Committee."

"The current leader is fine, right? Sure, Oh Baek-seo is a 6th Tier genius…."

"You just don't know Baek-seo well. I swear, no one at our school can match her. It feels like she lives in a completely different world. Seeing her made me wonder how someone can be so perfect."

"Is she really that amazing?"

"She is, you fool. Honestly, the achievements of the current Disciplinary Committee Leader, if Baek-seo were the leader, they would be even greater, not less."

'These kids…'

Even Baek-seo doesn't know about the game knowledge I possess.

Intellectual superiority. That's the power I have.

Although Baek-seo is superior to me in every way, without my game knowledge, Anomia wouldn't have been captured.

…Of course, I couldn't argue that point. I couldn't talk about my game knowledge.

From their perspective, it's natural to have such opinions. Oh Baek-seo is indeed extraordinary.

"Moreover, Baek-seo has always been number one academically. The current leader isn't a slouch, but there's nothing where he surpasses Baek-seo…. I might be biased because I know Baek-seo, but I feel a bit disappointed. I think things would have been even better with her as the leader."

Grades, huh….

Midterms were approaching.

I had no intention of spending the exam period dazed and overshadowed by Baek-seo again.

And now.

I was reading a textbook in the Disciplinary Committee's office.

'Aaaaah…!'

Internally, I was fiercely studying.

There was a lot to cover: Korean, English, Math, Social Studies… Not to mention practical subjects like Magical Practice and Combat.

Due to the overwhelming workload from the Disciplinary Committee, my study time had been severely lacking. If I hadn't done thorough preparation during the vacation, I couldn't imagine how it would have been.

As the leader of the Disciplinary Committee, ranked number one in combat power among about 400 students, achieving top grades was essential to maintain my dignity.

In any situation, I had to set an example.

Moreover, this was the only way I could surpass Baek-seo.

I needed to excel in at least one thing more than her.

Being a leader without any advantage over the vice leader would be humiliating.

However, with the other members present in the office, I couldn't study like a dog devouring its food. I had to maintain my image, so I read the textbook calmly, pretending to be at peace, while internally, a storm raged.

"Ha Yesong, enters like the wind!"

Ha Yesong abruptly opened the door to the Disciplinary Committee office and walked in.

"Welcome."

"Hello."

"Hi."

Without looking up from my textbook, I greeted her. The vice leader, Oh Baek-seo, who was tidying up the pantry, also greeted her.

Yoo Doha, the treasurer, was lying on the sofa with a book over her face, showing no reaction as she was deeply asleep.

Park Minhyuk, the secretary, sitting opposite Yoo Doha, typed on his laptop while greeting her.

"Wow, Leader! Are you studying?"

With eyes like a rabbit spotting prey, Yesong approached my desk.

"Midterms are coming up. Just skimming through the textbook."

I replied nonchalantly, emphasizing my calm demeanor.

"As expected of the second-ranked student!"

"..."

It hurt. It felt like a dagger to the heart.

"Of course, it's only natural. Our Leader's intellect is unrivaled."

"Ugh, there's that praise again…."

As Minhyuk interjected, Yesong glared at him.

"But Yesong, aren't you studying?"

You were talking about me being relaxed.

"No, not yet. I review regularly, so I'm fine!"

Yesong answered confidently.

"So, what are you doing these days?"

"I usually spend this time visiting the restaurants I've wanted to try."

Yesong placed her hands together on her chest as she answered.

"So, you're not studying."

In summary, that's what she was saying.

"Leader, playing during exam periods is the most fun!"

"Well, that's true…."

That was… a fair point.

Turning away from the immediate and painful obstacles and indulging in some escapism was the best way to maximize dopamine release. It was a privilege of life that could only be enjoyed during exam periods.

"Hehe."

Yesong had chosen to live 'happily' rather than endure the pain of exams. That was one way to enjoy youth, wasn't it?

'Carefree…'

It made me a bit envious. Here I was, tirelessly working to prevent a dystopian future…

But there was nothing I could say. Despite appearances, Yesong's grades were good enough to not tarnish the image of the Disciplinary Committee members.

In reality, she was genuinely diligent in her studies, hidden behind that carefree smile. I wished she would put that effort into work as well.

"Leader, here."

"Thanks."

I took a sip of the warm coffee Baek-seo had brought.

Caffeine, the essential buff during exam periods.

I had already had an energy drink, but sleep was a luxury I couldn't afford right now. I needed to consume more caffeine to push away any lingering desire for sleep, even at the cost of my health.

"By the way, Park Minhyuk, aren't you studying?"

Yesong asked Minhyuk.

"My priority is work. Reducing the Leader's workload is much more valuable and important than some exams."

So he's putting studies on the back burner.

"Even without extra studying, I can still outperform you."

"Yesong scoffed. "Acting all high and mighty with that memory advantage of yours?"

She snickered.

"Did you forget? You suck at math."

"I don't suck…"

"Come on, Minhyuk? Don't you lag behind in problem-solving and arithmetic despite your memory skills?"

"No… I don't…"

"Yes, you do. Shall we compare grades?"

Even Minhyuk couldn't withstand Yesong's teasing.

"Yeah, you're right… I suck at math…"

Minhyuk quickly bowed his head and fell into a state of self-loathing. He was back to his usual depressed state. His mental fortitude was weaker than a thin potato chip. He needed to learn to fight back a little.

Yesong, satisfied with her victory, shot me a triumphant look. What for?

"Just kidding, Minhyuk! Cheer up, okay?"

Yesong giggled as she grabbed Minhyuk's shoulders and shook him back and forth. Minhyuk swayed helplessly like a reed in the wind.

"Leader. Here's something the student council gave us earlier. Want to try it first?"

Just then, Baek-seo naturally picked up a snack and brought it to my mouth. Her gentle voice was quite pleasing.

"Sure."

I ate what she offered without hesitation. It was a sweet chocolate pastry. Delicious.

"…"

Baek-seo's smiling face looked like that of a kindergarten teacher feeding a child something tasty and feeling content about it.

I ate reflexively, but it somehow damaged my pride.

'Come to think of it, I've never seen her studying…'

Oh Baek-seo. She had always held the top spot in the school rankings.

Yet, I had never once seen her study.

In my past life, there were types like her too. They didn't seem to study at all, but when exams came, they always topped the charts.

She must be studying diligently in secret, with stacks of reference books and problem sets.

She was exceptional in every way, academically and in terms of abilities. It made her even more of a burden for me. Like an ant standing before an elephant. It was overwhelming.

"Leader."

"?"

As Yesong continued to playfully shake Minhyuk's shoulders, Baek-seo suddenly leaned in, covering her mouth with her hand, and whispered to me in a soft voice.

"Do you want to study together later?"

"Hm?"

What?

'Together…?'

A momentary thrill was followed by clarity.

This was… an incredible opportunity.

Caught up in my competitiveness, I had forgotten the basic fact that friends often study together. Baek-seo must have suggested it because she considered me a friend she could be comfortable with.

The idea of studying with Baek-seo was as tempting as a juicy fruit, one I wanted to bite into immediately.

Because.

'I could see how Baek-seo studies…?'

There was no way I could pass up this chance.

Everyone in this office was my rival. No exceptions.

I had to be the only one to observe how the top student, the unparalleled Baek-seo, studied. Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will never be defeated.

Even if it seemed petty, there was no helping it. In the face of exams, there's no room for pride. This was a form of battle.

Before Baek-seo could change her mind, I quickly put my hand over my mouth and whispered back into her ear. The urgency to seize the opportunity made my actions hasty.

"Yes, definitely. Let's study together later."

"…!"

As I whispered, Baek-seo flinched. Then, very subtly, her body seemed to tremble.

…No way, did her body really tremble? Did I see it wrong?

"Yes…"

Baek-seo, unlike her usual relaxed manner, pulled away from me a bit hastily.

"?"

What's going on?

Baek-seo's face held her usual graceful smile. Nothing seemed different.

Was the odd feeling just my imagination?

"Zzz…"

Suddenly, Yoo Doha began to snore. Everyone's attention turned toward her.

A brief silence followed her snoring.

Doha was asleep on the sofa, her skirt slipping to reveal her shorts. She looked like an old man at a sauna.

"She'll probably get perfect scores in math again."

Yesong remarked.

Not just in math.

Do-ha excelled in her elective subject, accounting. At least in subjects related to numbers, she was unrivaled. Even Baek-seo couldn't compete.

However, because she only studied subjects she was interested in, her grades in other subjects weren't great. Fortunately, her combat abilities were decent enough to keep her overall grades in the upper-middle range.

'At least she's better than Baek-seo at something.'

I felt a bit deflated.

'I need to study…'

My eyes returned to the textbook.

"Weren't we supposed to study together?"

"We are."

"Then why are we here?"

Baek-seo and I were alone in the training room.

It was a private training space that we had reserved for today.

"Because it's more private here?"

Baek-seo smiled meaningfully.

I couldn't understand her true intentions.

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


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.