The Academy’s Time Stop Player

Midnight.

In the office of the Korean Hero Association's chairman, Kim Jeongyong gazed at the night sky through the window, a look of concern etched on his face.

He had dispatched heroes in response to the apartment terror attack and even asked Hajoon for assistance, anticipating other possible incidents. But he had received no updates.

'Why would the executioner and the puppeteer target that apartment?'

As he pondered, there was a sudden noise.

His face hardened instantly.

He heard the sound of someone entering the office and taking a seat on the sofa. It was unmistakably the presence of another person.

Someone had entered his office. Could it be a villain?

Kim Jeongyong's expression darkened with anger.

Though retired, he was once a top-tier hero.

Who would dare come to the association, and even enter his office?

Turning around, the chairman was taken aback when he saw the intruder.

“Hajoon... is that you?”

Seated on the office sofa were Hajoon and a young girl, looking sheepish.

The girl, looking as flustered as Kim Jeongyong, sat quietly.

With a puzzled look, Kim Jeongyong addressed Hajoon, "What brings you here? If you'd informed me, I would have come to greet you."

“We had something private to discuss.”

At that, Kim Jeongyong calmly took a seat opposite Hajoon, his face serious. "What do you need to discuss? Is it confidential?"

Hajoon nodded. Without hesitation, Kim Jeongyong pulled out his smartphone and began making a call.

"Yes, understood. Make sure no one else enters. Thank you."

Ending the call, he looked at Hajoon intently, “Before you speak, who is this young lady?”

Hajoon began to explain the situation calmly, and as he continued, Kim Jeongyong's expression became increasingly grave.

By the end, Kim Jeongyong let out a sigh that sounded almost like a groan and passed a hand over his face. With a troubled look, he spoke again.

“So you’re saying this girl is the 'Puppeteer' and the informant who revealed the location of the villains' negotiations, including the festival?"

"Yes."

"And now she’s being pursued by the alliance because her betrayal has been exposed?"

Hajoon replied with another, "Yes."

Kim Jeongyong's gaze momentarily settled on the Puppeteer. With a nod, he indicated he had grasped the situation. "So the apartment attack was in retaliation. I understand the situation now. Is there anyone else who knows the puppeteer's identity?"

Hajoon shook his head in response.

"Only you, the Chairman, and I would probably know about the Villain Alliance."

"I see."

Upon hearing that, Kim Jeongyong was lost in deep thought.

He too was a significant figure in the Korean Heroes Association.

Kim Jeongyong, understanding Hajoon's reason for bringing her here, contemplated their options. Finally, he suggested to Irian, "Just in case, let's give you a location tracking bracelet."

Irian simply nodded in agreement.

Recognizing her approval, Kim Jeongyong turned back to Hajoon, "I understand your concerns, Hajoon. I'll take it upon myself to protect the Puppeteer. However, do you have a specific way you want this handled?"

The Chairman had insights into the current state of the Puppeteer. He likely shared Hajoon's viewpoint. Rather than arrest the Puppeteer as a mere villain, considering her abilities, they might seek a more cooperative approach.

That was also Hajoon's intention.

Hajoon responded, "No, I trust your judgment on this."

"Understood. By the way, this is unrelated, but your house should be finished in about five days."

"Finished?"

It was strange; he remembered asking for help but not for a house to be built.

To Hajoon's question, Chairman Kim Jeongyong replied confidently, "I thought it would be faster to build an indestructible house that meets your standards than to find one. We've already sourced the building materials, so with a bit of magic, it shouldn't take more than five days."

Did I ask for that?

He only remembered mentioning a sturdy house, but now it sounded much grander.

Regardless, Hajoon nodded and responded hesitantly, "Alright, thank you for that."

"Ha-ha, the Association is always indebted to you, Hajoon. We must grant such requests. Furthermore..."

With that, Kim Jeongyong subtly glanced at Irian.

On second thought, this situation wasn't a burden.

It was more of an advantage for the Association.

Given the Puppeteer's abilities that they had investigated, the potential uses were extensive.

Furthermore, understanding her current situation and status, she'd likely cooperate. Chairman Kim Jeongyong added warmly,

"In fact, we should be the ones expressing gratitude to you."

In this modern age, where architectural advancements have risen due to threats from villains and sorcerers, it's astonishing to hear that a house was completed in just 5 days.

Having recently taken a break in Korea after a long time, Hajoon headed to the newly constructed house upon receiving a call from the Association Chairman, Kim Jeongyong.

"It's better than I expected."

From the talk, one would think it was built grandly, but the house in sight was a neat two-story with a white exterior and a satisfying yard.

Didn't they say it was a house built using the remains of a sorcerer, endowed with self-repair magic and a protective shield? Anyway, constructing this single house cost 2 billion won, so it better be worth the money.

"Where's the chairman?"

"He had other matters to attend to and left early."

Hajoon asked the question to Irian, the puppeteer standing beside him.

Currently, Irian looked like an agent from the association, dressed in a black suit with dark sunglasses.

Hajoon asked, "Are you in a puppet body now?"

"Yes," Irian responded calmly.

Naturally, Irian's main body must be protected by the Chairman, Kim Jeongyong, so she can only operate through this puppet.

"So, why did you call me?"

Irian asked Hajoon, looking at him.

Hajoon had come because he was told to, but he wasn't sure why.

"I want you to act as a bodyguard."

"A bodyguard?"

The number of puppets Irian can summon is beyond Hajoon's guess.

She can effortlessly summon at least 200. Moreover, all those puppets can move autonomously, not just by Irian's command. In fact, they can operate on their own without Irian's control.

"Can you release a few puppets in this house?"

"Would around five be sufficient?"

With that, Irian nodded, and from his shadow, five puppets rose and touched the ground.

The five puppets silently entered the house, and Irian, looking at Hajoon, spoke.

"Do you need protection?"

"Not me, just guard the house."

Even if the house was built robustly, it's natural to feel a bit apprehensive.

After all, those villains might have attacked once, but it doesn't mean they won't try again.

Hajoon explained, "I'll be away for a few days, so please watch over the house during that time."

"You're leaving the house? Can I stay here while you're gone?"

Hajoon nodded.

He had no objections, especially since he didn't suspect Irian of causing any trouble.

"Sure."

"Where are you thinking of going?"

"To the USA."

"USA?"

This was an episode set to commence during the summer vacation of the first year at Rokia Academy.

Episode 1-3 of Liam Martel: 'The Underwater Auction City: Barbadon'.

Located near New York in the USA, the world's largest underwater artifact auction city, Barbadon, hosts a rare artifact festival only twice a year.

Hajoon had no interest in the artifact festival.

Given his physical attributes, there weren't many artifacts he could actually use.

However, she is set to appear in this episode.

'They'll probably be there too.'

Villain Alliance, the most notorious criminal organization in the USA.

Lain, the dragon tamer and leader of the organization.

The reason Hajoon was attending the festival was to capture those he had missed previously.

In a world where magic, artifacts, and magical tools reigned, there were several renowned constructions considered products of magical engineering.

Among them was an artificial island, a past creation by the sage Choi Jungwon and the head of the Mage Association for researching the ecology of magical beings. Another notable structure was the Magic Tower, considered a sanctuary for mages. Lastly, there was Barbadon, the grandest underwater artifact market in the world.

"You mean Barbadon?"

On the opposite sofa, Emma, a scout from the American Hero Association, questioned Hajoon with a puzzled look. Gaining entry to Barbadon, the largest auction house in the world, was notoriously intricate.

Barbadon's precarious underwater location and its reputation as a melting pot for the world's artifacts meant stringent regulations and meticulous identity verifications were in place to fend off villains.

Seeking a hassle-free entrance, Hajoon had hoped to leverage the American Hero Association's assistance, but Emma's expression suggested confusion.

Emma voiced, "Actually, Liam reached out a few days ago. He said he needed about 8 tickets to Barbadon. I assumed you'd be accompanying him. Didn't you hear from him?"

"Well, no, I didn't get any message."

"Hmm, that's strange. But okay, I'll arrange it for you right away."

Emma made a call, her expression still perplexed. Hajoon mirrored her thoughtful look.

He knew others would join the event based on Liam's recommendation, but the excessive number of tickets was baffling.

'Who is he bringing?'

He understood the need for 8 tickets but pondered over the extra individual.

As this thought crossed Hajoon's mind, a smirk formed on his face, seemingly anticipating the identity of the extra person.

And right on cue, a message notification beeped.

"Oh, of course."

"Why that reaction?"

Checking his smartphone, Hajoon saw the message was from Anna.

The text featured a photo of a smiling Anna alongside a cheerful Elaine.

"Hajoon, I've brought Elaine to Barbadon! We're here to have fun, so don't worry too much about her absence!"