Chapter 33: In the Catalyst's Shadow
Morning – Rooftop, Daehan International School
A cloudy sky loomed overhead, the morning wind brushing against Gevran's student council jacket as he stood alone on the rooftop. In his hand, the threatening envelope was neatly folded.
Han Jimin appeared through the rooftop door, holding two cans of cold coffee.
> "I know you're not scared.
But you don't always have to be strong alone, Gev."
Gevran gave a faint smile, taking the coffee.
"I just needed a moment… to decide."
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Student Council Room – Operation: Hunt the Catalyst
The council began planning a covert mission—reviewing CCTV footage, checking who accessed internal documents, and analyzing staff communication patterns.
Jungho pointed to one suspicious name:
> "New teacher, Mr. Hwang Taejin. No full data. Academic record too clean. Showed up just a month before JEDU officially came in."
Rhea added:
> "But students like him. Keeps a low profile. Rarely in photos. Always arrives earlier than anyone."
---
Afternoon – Cafeteria
Gevran sat across from Mr. Hwang. The conversation appeared casual, but underneath it was a battle of psychological chess.
Mr. Hwang:
"So, you think someone like you can change the system?"
Gevran:
"I believe… the system doesn't need to be changed. It needs to be replaced."
For a brief moment, a sharp glint flashed in Mr. Hwang's eyes. Just a second. But it was enough.
> "You just confirmed it," Gevran thought.
---
Night – Secret Student Council Meeting
The evidence was piling up—encrypted emails accessed from Mr. Hwang's computer, midnight logins to the school server, and connections to a shadow company under JEDU.
Han Jimin:
"We could report him to the foundation now."
Gevran shook his head.
"Not yet. We have to catch him mid-act. If they just fire him, JEDU will send another pawn."
---
End of Chapter 33
> "We'll set a trap."
"We'll draw him out."
"And for the first time… the system will see who's really pulling the strings."
—And as the shadows deepen,
the light of courage begins to pierce through.