Chapter 55

Chapter 55

I Became the Academy Mafia Chapter 55Defeat in an all-out war literally meant having everything taken away.

The items and supplies they used, and even the club room itself. However, since it was impossible to physically take everything away, most of these things were usually handed over under the pretext of ‘rental.’

To be honest, it was called a ‘rental,’ but it was practically closer to ‘tribute.’

“I calculated the club room usage fee, the price of the consumables inside the club room, and the usage fees for the equipment and facilities.”

After the all-out war ended, the one who greeted us when we came out of the field was Lee Haru.

As though she had already been certain we would win, she was holding a detailed breakdown of the calculations.

At the very bottom, labeled as the final calculated amount, was the price [5,000,000C]

.

“Five million... About fifty percent of a Bronze Club's subsidy.”

“That is correct. To escape this situation, they would either have to regain the right to use the club room from ‘Familia,’ or purchase most of the items in the club room with their own money.”

The paper Haru handed me stated that the club room rental fee had been set at [4,000,000C]

.

In other words, even if they bought all the items outright, if they wanted to continue operating as a club, they would have to pay four million every single month.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the fate of the ‘Ranger Club’ was now in my hands.

“I'll leave matters concerning the Ranger Club to you. Would ten percent as a fee be enough?”

If it were up to me, I would've liked to give her more, but considering Lee Haru's personality, she would probably refuse, so I named an amount slightly above average.

“Personally, I think even that is excessive... but to you, President, it would probably be pocket change. Yes, then I'll take care of it.”

“I'm counting on you.”

Three-point-six million credits every month...

That much should be enough to cover snacks and maintenance costs.

“Then I'll go speak with Kwon Su-hyeop. If I don't approach him first, it seems he might cause trouble for you, Young Master.”

After losing the all-out war, he had looked at me with an expression as though he were about to cry.

I'd avoided him because I didn't want to deal with unnecessary trouble, but Lee Haru was perceptive enough to step in first like this.

Reliable as always. Perhaps this was how Liu Bei felt with Zhuge Liang by his side.

“Thank you, as always.”

“I'm merely doing what must be done.”

Lee Haru bowed her head and walked toward where Kwon Su-hyeop was.

Then I dragged my thoroughly exhausted body, perhaps because I'd used that power for the first time, toward where the kids were.

“...

You all worked hard. You must be exhausted today, so let's rest properly.”

The three of them silently nodded at my words.

Especially the two who had completely drained their mana. They were limp as though their bodies were melting.

“Seriously... I'm so tiiired...”

“I think it's been a while since I completely emptied my mana.”

Jin-woo seemed to be the only one still relatively fine.

Of course, even he visibly looked exhausted.

In the end, deciding that talking or moving around any further today would be difficult, I decided we'd go over the details of what happened today when we met again tomorrow, then climbed into the car first.

And the moment I sat down.

“Haa...”

All the strength drained out of me, and my body sprawled across the seat.

When I lowered my gaze, I saw my right forearm twitching slightly.

Had I overdone it just to test out the new ability?

Even thinking back on it, that power had been chilling.

Not only could it concentrate the fighting spirit throughout my body into one place to amplify its strength, it could also strengthen equipment and even transform its shape. With an ability like that, I could probably subdue most Awakened with nothing more than an ordinary rock.

In fact, that guy had been hit by Midas's Gloves Knuckle.

ver, which had no ability besides being impossible to tear, and was sent flying dozens of meters, which said everything...

Of course, the backlash was just as severe, and the feeling of weakness throughout my entire body was no joke.

It felt as though all the vitality in my body had been sucked dry.

And I hadn't even used it on anywhere near the scale Vito Calione had in the game, yet I felt this drained. I couldn't understand how he repeatedly used a technique like this while covering his entire body with it.

“Young Master, the clothes made by the Maestro apparently arrived at the mansion today.”

While I was slumped there from exhaustion, Han Seo-jun, who was holding the steering wheel, spoke.

“Hm? Straight to the house?”

“Since the heads of each Family will be visiting today to celebrate your promotion to executive, it seems they arranged for the clothes to be delivered to the mansion so you could put them on immediately upon returning.”

“...

Ah, right.”

For me, this would practically be the first time seeing a gathering of the other Family bosses in real life.

I had no idea what kind of grand party Father was planning to hold.‘After all, I never expanded the alliance during Saber Cloud.’It was all for achievement farming. Well, thanks to that, some outrageous plays had been possible.‘Anyway, I'm looking forward to it.’And so, after silently returning home, I immediately saw Parnello waiting for me at the entrance.

“I've been waiting, Young Master.”

“...

Am I very late?”

At my question, Parnello shook his head with a benevolent smile.

“Since it is an evening banquet, there is still plenty of time.”

“...

That's a relief.”

“I'll escort you directly to your room and show you the item sent by the Maestro.”

When we reached my room, I saw clothes laid out on the table.

“...

Is that it?”

“That is correct.”

Even though it was merely wrapped in black cloth, I could tell at a glance that it wasn't an ordinary item.

As I slowly approached the table and lifted the clothes, the item's information appeared.[Name: DisPater][Rank: Unique][Type: Armor][Description: A suit regarded as one of the masterpieces created by the greatest tailor of the 21st century, the Maestro. It was made using the finest materials, such as the pure wool of the Abyssal Mysterious Prison King, Abyss Moth silk, and a unicorn horn, and possesses defense, mobility, and aesthetic beauty alike.]【Skills】[1. Maestro's Work: There are no gaps in clothing made by the Maestro. Waterproofing, bullet resistance, blade resistance, and other protections greatly reduce the impact of external forces.][2. Abyssal Mysterious Prison Wool: This clothing uses the fur of the Abyssal Mysterious Prison Beast, king of the Abyssal Mysterious Prison,

as its fabric. Resistance to magic greatly increases, and the wearer can conceal themselves in darkness. It possesses an automatic repair function.][3. Abyss Moth Silk: Silk extracted from an Abyss Moth is used as the lining. The amount of impact transferred through the lining is greatly reduced, and the user's physical abilities increase by 10%.][4. Unicorn Horn Buttons: Buttons carved from a unicorn's horn. They protect the wearer from demonic forces

and allow interference with spiritual entities. They always keep the clothes in a clean state.][5. Luxury Brand: The logo of the Maestro's tailor shop [per l‘Imperatore]

is engraved on it. Charm greatly increases.]...

It was absurd.

No matter how good the materials were, was it even possible for human hands to create an item like this?

“What do you think, Young Master?”

Parnello, unaware that I possessed an appraisal ability, apparently assumed I was simply astonished, and looked at me with a deeply satisfied smile.

“Even just looking at it, I can tell it's no ordinary item. Is this paper underneath the appraisal result?”

“That is correct.”

The paper laid beneath the clothes contained exactly the same information I had just seen.

“It's only a single suit... yet the performance is absurd.”

“I agree, but you must not forget. That suit is still incomplete.”

Right, these clothes weren't finished yet.

It made me wonder just how ridiculous an item would be born once a core was embedded into it as well.

“Since it is a tailored suit, it may feel somewhat different from what you normally wear. I will assist you in putting it on. Ah, for the shirt, I prepared the one the Maestro sent as a gift to celebrate your promotion to executive.”

The shirt the Maestro had sent as a gift was an item that always kept the wearer's body temperature cool and purified sweat to reduce discomfort.

With this alone, I could probably wear a suit in the middle of summer and still remain cool.

It explained how Father could wear suits regardless of the season.

With Parnello's help, I put on the entire outfit and experienced a whole new world.

Of course, it wasn't that the Academy cadet uniform was poor quality or uncomfortable, but compared to the suit I was wearing now, it felt like a military poncho.

“It truly suits you very well.”

Parnello nodded after seeing me fully dressed.

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, I could finally understand why people said, ‘Clothes make the man.’

“As expected of something made by the Maestro. It's incredible.”

Even when I moved my arms around in every direction, nothing hindered me at all.

Until now, suits had made it difficult to move freely, but it seemed this one would solve that problem too.

“Then, as it is almost time, I believe you should head over soon. I will escort you.”

Parnello said after checking the time on his pocket watch.

It was already nearing the time for the evening banquet.

As I followed behind Parnello along the long corridor, he suddenly spoke as though something had just come to mind.

“Ah, and Hanwol Group, to whom we sent an invitation, contacted us urgently this morning.”

“Hm? Hanwol Group?”

“Yes. They sent a sincere apology, saying that an internal problem has arisen within the group and that they likely will not be able to attend this time.”

“An internal problem? Did something happen?”

Perhaps taking my question as concern, Parnello smiled.

“From what I heard, it is not a serious matter, so they said neither you nor the Don needs to worry too much.”

“Really? If they said that...”

I'd thought I might be able to update the Character Encyclopedia this time, but there was nothing I could do.

Instead.

“Then tell them I'll visit once things are settled.”

“Yes, I will do so.”

And so, we continued onward while promising to meet another time.

Then I noticed something anew. The scenery I saw while walking was somewhat different from usual.

Since today was a special day, security personnel were stationed all throughout the mansion, and every one of them kept touching their in-ear devices while exchanging incomprehensible conversations without end.

That meant an evening banquet held by Calione was that significant an affair.

A gathering of every executive belonging to Calione, and the bosses of every subordinate Family.

To be honest, it wasn't as though I wasn't nervous.

After all, who wouldn't be nervous when attending a dinner gathering of Mafia bosses as the main guest?

My heart seemed to be beating a little faster than usual.

I couldn't tell whether that pounding came from nervousness or excitement.

But one thing was certain: depending on what kind of impression I made on the people I was about to meet, future events could change drastically.

The authority that came with the position of boss of a Family under Calione was immense.

But since I was attending this banquet as the successor, I maintained as relaxed an expression as possible.

As Calione's successor, that was only proper.

And so, we arrived in front of the banquet hall.

Unlike the place where the family normally ate, this was a room used whenever outside guests came, and it was also designed so that conversations inside would not leak outside.

Knock. Knock.

Parnello knocked twice, then opened the door and entered first before addressing the people inside the banquet hall.

“The rightful successor of House Calione and legitimate son of Don Vito Calione, eldest son of House Calione and Hitman of the Enforcement Division, Eugene Han Calione, will now enter.”

Hearing that absurdly grand announcement, I steeled myself and raised my head.

The interior was still hidden from view by Parnello's back.

As I walked inside with confident steps, I recalled the faces and names of the other Family bosses I had memorized over the weekend.

If even the smaller organizations were included, they were too numerous to count, and even narrowing it down to those controlling districts or larger territories left five within the country alone. Including those overseas, there were a total of twenty-four Family bosses.

Vivald.

Muve.

Kowalnose.

Pirlo.

Milano.

Raikoslo.

Deira.

Conder.

Normache.

Negrei.

Leonardo.

Isaac, and others.

Every person inside was practically an existence called a ‘king’ within their own territory.

I had to steel myself.

The moment I fully stepped into the banquet hall, dense cigar smoke and a bitter fragrance tinged with sweetness reached my nose.

At the same time, an enormous dining table spread out before me.

In the center sat Father, with the Family bosses seated on either side of him.

Everyone was looking at me.

Puffing on cigars held between their lips.

With intrigued expressions.

Smiling.

Drumming their fingers against the table.

Every one of them was calculating what kind of person I was.

To them, I was the future Don

and boss they would one day have to follow, so their attitudes were entirely reasonable.

And since this was the first time I was standing before them as the successor, I couldn't afford to make a mistake.

Just as Parnello had taught me, I placed my right hand over my chest and bowed my head slightly to them.

“I apologize for keeping you waiting. I am Eugene Han Calione, successor of the Calione Family and son of Vito Calione.”

Silence filled the dining hall.

And when I slowly raised my head again, what unfolded before my eyes was an utterly ridiculous sight.

“Our nephew's here?”

“I'm starving to death. Don, tell him to sit down already. The kid's stiff as a board.”

“Hohoho, how cute. So cute.”

“Kid, Uncle will give you some spending money!”

“Kids these days really grow up so fast. That adorable little Eugene is already all grown up... sniffle.”

“──No.”...

Was this seriously a family dinner?