I Become a Mafia in the Academy

Chapter 131

At the mention of a request, the gazes of Father and Elder turn towards me.

"A request, you say."

"Heh heh, to both of us?"

Both of them show expressions of not having expected it at all, perhaps because it's a request made simultaneously.

I smile at the two of them and confidently open my mouth.

"I want to go to Jeju Island."

"Hmm?"

"Jeju Island?"

At the mention of Jeju Island, their eyes widen.

"Why would you suddenly want to go to such a dangerous place?"

I had anticipated such a reaction, but... to me, who knew what the original Jeju Island was like, not the one in the game, it felt like a very unfamiliar response.

'Jeju Island'

While we know Jeju Island as a resort or a beautiful tourist spot, the meaning of 'Jeju Island' in the CS universe could be guessed just from its nicknames.

'Island of Devils', 'Paradise of Outlaws', 'Hellscape', just hearing these nicknames sends chills down your spine.

There wasn't a big reason why Jeju Island came to be called this way in this world.

It was simply because a large dungeon break occurred on Jeju Island, and in the process, the system of Jeju Island completely collapsed.

Thanks to that, the current Jeju Island could be said to be a complete lawless zone, untouched by the government.

"Jeju Island, isn't it too dangerous? Moreover, it won't be easy to get there."

"What are you planning to do on that island full of scoundrels? I understand you're young and full of vigor, but as your father says, it's not a place you can just go to because you want to."

Therefore, as they said, Jeju Island was not a place one could easily go to.

There were no flights or ships heading to Jeju Island, and even fishermen didn't dare to go near that coast, according to this world's setting.

But who are the two people standing in front of me now?

They are 'Don Vito Calione', called the ruler of the underworld, and 'Gwak Chunshik', treated as a national hero in Korea, aren't they?

With the help of these two, the story would be different.

"Father. Doesn't our family have a ship that sends relief supplies to Jeju Island?"

"Hmm? We do have one, but... are you thinking of going there on that?"

"It seems like the safest option."

Since the foundation of the Calione family is Italian immigrants, they send relief supplies to the only church on Jeju Island every month as part of their contribution to maintain relations with the Catholic Church.

With this route, entering Jeju Island itself shouldn't be too difficult.

Even in a lawless zone, they wouldn't want to turn the only relief center, the church, into an enemy.

Next up is Gwak Chunshik.

"Elder. Don't you have disciples from the dojo on Jeju Island?"

"Hmm? There are some who go there every year for training."

"Since Jeju Island is a place where communication doesn't work, I need something to prove my identity. Could I get a letter of recommendation from you, Elder?"

"A letter of recommendation?"

"Yes."

The Jeju Island area, due to its closed nature, is one of the places with extreme caution towards outsiders.

Even in the game, I've been attacked countless times just for trying to get information by talking to locals on Jeju Island.

There were even many instances where I was attacked as soon as our eyes met, even though I did nothing.

They're not monster trainers, after all.

However, if I get a letter of recommendation from Gwak Chunshik, the story changes.

"If they are Awakened Ones from the dojo, they must have formed a significant force on Jeju Island. I was thinking of getting a little help from them."

In other words, I'm planning to go on a package tour.

Why should I go alone, struggle to farm and build a force to explore Jeju Island?

With an already established force, and one with considerable power at that, I could enjoy a comfortable trip.

"Is that not possible?"

At my question, which I asked again, Father and Elder fall into deep thought.

"...While it's true that Jeju Island is dangerous, it seems like there won't be a big problem if you go this way."

"I agree. Although you're my disciple, you're not a regular freshman at the academy. If you move with the kids from the dojo, nothing too dangerous should happen. However, there is one problem..."

Their gazes meet in the middle.

"It's because we're worried."

"It's because we're worried."

The reason for their concern is that they are worried about me entering the hellish Jeju Island alone.

It's understandable that they're worried, considering I am not just anyone, but the successor of the organization and a disciple of one-on-one transmission heading to a dangerous place.

But.

"So, I want to ask you. Why do you want to go to Jeju Island?"

Father asks me with a serious look in his eyes.

To get to Jeju Island by any means, I have prepared six statements.

And I decided to say one of the most fitting statements for the current situation.

"To reach a new level."

"Hmm?"

"A new level?"

A word that all men would acknowledge.

'A new level'

Is there any man who wouldn't be moved by this word? Especially when the two men in front of me are at the pinnacle of martial arts.

At the look in their eyes asking for more explanation, I slowly continued my story.

"I recently acquired an item, and to use it properly, I need another item. And it's on Jeju Island."

Despite my confident explanation, they didn't ask me what the item was or who told me about it.

Just by bringing up such a topic at this moment, they were showing me respect.

"So, to get that item, I must go to Jeju Island. And... I desperately need your help."

The two people who listened to my story until the end seemed to be thinking about something silently, then soon nodded to each other.

"When someone speaks so earnestly, as parents, we can't refuse to let them go."

"If a man is willing to take risks to become stronger, we can't refuse that."

"Let's send him."

"Let's send him."

It was a conclusion reached because both were warriors to the bone.

* * *

After my trip to Jeju Island was decided.

The meal continued. With delicious food, wine, and traditional liquor on the table, the atmosphere changed completely.

"Well, there he was crushing a kobold with his bare hands──"

"Are you talking about Yoojin?"

"Exactly! It was just like you when you were young, I tell you! I felt it then. Ha! That kid! I knew for sure he was your son!"

"Indeed, when I first met the Elder, he was holding a Minotaur's head."

"Do you know how surprised I was when I saw him crush that hard thing with his bare hands?! Kuhahaha!"

As they talked about me and reminisced about the past, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of the two of them enjoying their conversation.

Yes, this is what I wanted.

As a gaming otaku, can I endure this? It's like seeing heroes from different movie universes talking together in one place.

It was a spectacle that was enjoyable and fascinating just to listen to.

"When I first faced the Elder, I was shocked. The Elder was the first hero who made me think I might lose."

"You punk! Do you think I wasn't surprised? I had to pretend to be fine because the juniors were watching from behind, but I almost fainted from the pain! Kuhahaha!"

"Is that so? Hahaha! I didn't know that."

"Yes, I had so many sad thoughts in my head."

Stories that could never be known in the game.

"If you hadn't stopped that dungeon back then, the Republic of Korea wouldn't exist today."

"At that time, the Elder almost single-handedly blocked the dungeons in Seoul. Compared to the Elder, I'm still lacking."

"Really, back then, I wanted to take you as my disciple no matter what."

"That was impossible. But now, our Yoojin has grown well and become the Elder's disciple, hasn't he?"

"Yes. To think that a child who inherited your blood and talent would become my disciple. It's truly a blessing."

"I agree. Hahaha!"

For some reason, I felt like the two of them understood each other.

Were their chemistry always this good?

As far as I remember, it wasn't at all. Like the Sword Saint, they respected each other but always radiated hostility when they met.

It seems like their relationship has improved because of me, but they look too friendly for that.

"Phew... The food was amazing, and so was the liquor."

"I'm glad."

"If it were up to me, I'd invite you to my home, but... given your position, that might be difficult, right?"

As Gwak Chunshik said this after wiping his mouth with the handkerchief on the table, my father smiled awkwardly.

"Yes. Since many people are watching my movements, I have to be cautious. But..."

My father trailed off.

"It might not be a bad idea to visit the Elder occasionally when I need a break."

I didn't know why he was looking at me and smiling, but I just smiled back and laughed it off.

Well, even the head of the mafia needs a break, after all.

It must be something like, "Let's hang out later when we have time."

"Alright then. I should get going."

Gwak Chunshik, who had wiped his mouth with the handkerchief and put it down, stood up first and adjusted his clothes.

My father and I stood up together.

"Are you leaving already? You could stay longer."

"No need. I'm already a busy man. It wouldn't be right to waste your time because of me."

Gwak Chunshik said this and patted my shoulder.

"Alright, I'll give you the recommendation letter at the academy tomorrow. Have you decided when you'll go?"

"Yes. As far as I know, there's a ship to Jeju Island this week, so I plan to go then."

"This week... Alright, let's do that. Then I'll be off. Thanks for the great time today."

"Thank you for saying that."

As we went outside the mansion to see off Gwak Chunshik, a sedan stopped in front of the mansion.

"Tell the person inside your destination, and they'll take you there."

"Thanks for your concern. See you next time."

As I blankly watched Gwak Chunshik get into the car and leave.

"Yoojin."

I heard my father's quiet voice.

"You've met a valuable connection."

"...Yes."

Indeed, it was a valuable connection.

"You said you're going to Jeju Island this weekend, right? I'll let Captain Park know. But... are you really planning to go alone?"

My father asked with a worried tone, perhaps because he was concerned about me going alone.

I shook my head.

"I decided to go to Jeju Island to become stronger. If it were a danger I couldn't handle alone, I would have asked for your help first."

Well, that's what I said, but the reality was a bit different.

This is something only I can do.

If I go to Jeju Island, I'll have to break through dungeons using all sorts of strange methods or find gimmicks. Having someone with me would only restrict my actions.

My father seemed to take my determination as a sign of resolve, nodding and placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Alright, do as you wish. Just remember, even when you're on Jeju Island, that you are the future of Calione."

"Of course, Father."

As he said, in this world, I was Calione.

But...

"If you move your aura like that, you'll lose even to a Jeju Island pony! Can't you control it properly?!"

"It's not moving properly, what can I do?!"

"What can you do?! Try harder!"

Why am I, a Calione...

"Do you think the ghost tangerine tree is just standing idle?! While you rest, tangerines will keep flying at you!"

"Tangerines are for eating!"

"The tangerine tree will eat you. Hurry up and move, you fool!"

Why am I doing this at the academy?