Book 14 Chapter 19

Team Formation Draw

- Will and Faith

Countless minor incidents occurred in the male and female dormitories, regardless of time or place. Surprisingly, they managed to greet the morning of the team formation draw without a single casualty. It seemed the power of reason, which controls emotions, had surprisingly remained.

And so, a week passed meaninglessly, and the fated day, the day of the team formation draw, dawned.

Who would they be grouped with? This was a matter of utmost concern for everyone. Moreover, some faces were etched with tension at the thought of being grouped with individuals from other factions—people they barely knew.

These individuals had lived their lives on opposite ends of the spectrum. The gap between them could not be bridged in an instant. In fact, the past week, during which they were encouraged to converse and get to know each other, had not been quiet or peaceful at all. On the contrary, it had been a continuous procession of incidents. It was akin to putting dogs and monkeys in the same cage.

Therefore, being asked to breathe as a team, without regard for the black and white factions, from now on, placed an immense burden on them. Perhaps because of this, an invisible tension hovered over the attendees like a formless ghost.

White buckets contained slips of paper with the names of participants from the White faction, and black buckets held names from the Black faction. The color distinction was clear, so there was no fear of confusion.

In a short while, someone's hand would decide their fate. Such meticulous planning was rare. These legislators had clearly researched and prepared thoroughly. And they were ruthless enough to execute it. Regardless of whether the legislators' intentions were pure or not, that's how it felt to the participants.

Naturally, when forming teams in such a situation, everyone is consumed by the desire to be grouped with someone they like. And they absolutely do not want to be grouped with someone they dislike. As humans, this is a basic desire. Furthermore, situations where this doesn't happen can sometimes provoke jealousy and anger.

Bilyeon stood amidst the crowd with Hyoryong, watching the legislators prepare for the team formation draw with an intense gaze.

"Ryongryong, do you know what's most important when facing a draw like this?"

Hyoryong shook his head at Bilyeon's question.

"I'm not sure."

As if he expected this, Bilyeon nodded. Then he said,

"It's a firm will that can be an unshakeable driving force, and absolute faith! These two things!"

His voice was filled with as much conviction as the content.

"Hmm… will faith alone be enough?"

It was natural to be skeptical. However, that naturalness didn't seem to apply to Bilyeon. He clicked his tongue and waved his fingers lightly from side to side.

"Tsk tsk, that's why you won't succeed. The very thought itself indicates a lack of absolute faith. In such a state, you can only leave it to luck. At the very least, you need the absolute willpower to draw that luck towards yourself. The willpower and faith that you can have anything you desire, followed by action."

"Is that so?"

For Hyoryong, these were words he couldn't quite understand.

"With that mindset, you'll never be grouped with her."

Bilyeon stated with certainty.

"R-really?"

"Then just wait for the results. I will definitely be grouped with her!"

Hyoryong, of course, knew who this 'her' was. Wasn't she the object of admiration for almost all the men, besides his friend, who wished to be grouped with her? If he were truly grouped with her, it would be excessively lucky.

However, reflecting on his words, the statement was not 'will be' but 'will' as if it was already a done deal. He genuinely seemed to believe in his draw result without a shadow of a doubt. Of course, it is said that human will possesses immense power. But even so…

"Ah, no way…"

He still couldn't believe it. The world wasn't that simple or easy.

Bilyeon seemed to sense his expression and chided him.

"Tsk tsk. You lack faith in me, you know!"

Isn't that natural! Hyoryong almost cried out loud.

"But besides you, countless other men will want to be grouped with her. Isn't she the most beautiful woman in the Cheonmu Academy, no matter what anyone says? Of course, like her nickname suggests, she's cold like a phoenix with ice feathers."

"Ugh, that's why you still need more training. That's precisely why you need a willpower that can be an unshakeable driving force. The more people who target her, the more you need to be able to overcome the combined wills of all those people."

When heard like that, it sounded quite plausible.

"Hey, if you just thought 'sounds quite plausible…' just now, then doubt has already entered you!"

"Gasp! Did you open my head and look inside?"

Hyoryong asked in surprise.

"Is there a need for that? I can see it clearly just by looking from the outside."

These words were harsher than saying he had opened his head and looked inside.

"That's why they call you weak-willed, Ryongryong. You must act with conviction in all things! When you act with conviction and still fail, is it even reasonable to complain about failing without conviction?"

These were words that, considering they came from Bilyeon, were incredibly apt. And they were also words that pierced Hyoryong's heart like a sharpened blade.

"Alright, to open your eyes, I'll do you a favor. Don't worry. You will also be grouped with Miss Lee. Be grateful to me in advance."

The event was as good as already happened. Bilyeon's face conveyed that message.

"Hoo… isn't that an excessive boast?"

He knew he was reckless, but he didn't know he was this reckless. In this world, there are things that can be boasted about and things that cannot. In this case, it would be more appropriate to call it recklessness rather than overconfidence.

But Bilyeon remained unfazed and calm.

"In any case, we'll know when we see!"

'If that's possible, it's cheating!'

Even as he thought that, Hyoryong reluctantly agreed to his unwavering declaration.

"Y-yes."

"Oh, oh! It's starting!"

And amidst the bated breaths of many, the team formation draw began.