Chapter 22: System's Counterattack & an Unexpected Betrayal
The Next Day – Daehan International School
The atmosphere had shifted. Several teachers suddenly became stricter. Students who were once vocal in the forums were being summoned one by one to the counseling office. Some even received warning letters from the Board of Trustees.
Han Jimin handed a letter to Gevran. "They've started targeting us. This is a warning for 'illegal political activity within an educational environment.'"
Kaeyan exclaimed, "They're seriously trying to shut us down!"
Kasang added, "And you know what's really weird? One of our team members—Yoo Tae-bin, the editor of the student council article—didn't show up today. Word is, he left the group... without a word."
Gevran closed his eyes. "Don't tell me he…"
---
That Night – Group Chat: 'Silent Defenders'
> Yoo Tae-bin has left the group.
Then came leaked screenshots from a news portal:
> "Former Gevran Team Member Reveals Hidden Agenda Behind Student Forum"
—"Gevran is just a political tool for his father. Everything was planned from the beginning."
Ryeon shouted from behind his laptop, "He leaked our entire backend system! Even our server's IP address is exposed!"
Gevran froze. "Tae-bin was approached by them…"
Han Jimin looked him in the eyes. "This isn't just an info war anymore. It's personal now."
---
Meanwhile – Min Hyuk's Side
In a hidden office, Min Hyuk smirked as he read the report.
"They're on the defensive now. Time to show them who controls the narrative."
He ordered his team to release a fabricated file: an accusation that Gevran had falsified data during his entrance exam.
---
Next Morning – Yi Residence
Yi-Ana shook her head while reading the news.
> "Son of National Farmers' Union Chairman Involved in Entrance Exam Scandal?"
"This is beyond outrageous…" she muttered.
Gevran grabbed his jacket. "I'm going to school. I need to clear this up myself."
---
At School – Small Auditorium
Gevran stood before teachers, school board members, and dozens of curious students.
"I won't respond emotionally. Instead, I'll present my official entrance records, the evaluation data from the admissions committee, and my alumni recommendation letters."
He displayed everything through a presentation on the big screen.
And finally, he said:
> "If you want to silence us, do it fairly. Not with slander."
The room went silent. Then, a single clap echoed from the back.
It was Hwang Da-kyung standing tall.
"I'm here to observe. And I believe truth will last longer than spectacle."
---
End of Chapter 22:
After a long hearing, the accusations against Gevran were declared baseless.
But later that night, Gevran opened the drawer of his study desk... and found a brown envelope with no name.
Inside: Photos of himself taken from hidden angles... and a note:
> "You think this is over? We're always watching."
---
Late Night – Silent Defenders HQ
The envelope sat on the table like a bomb no one dared to touch. Ryeon scanned the photos one by one.
"These were taken from inside the school… cafeteria, courtyard, even the dorms. Whoever sent this had access."
Min Soojin checked the back of one print. "There's a watermark—barely visible. Could be a trace from the original device."
Gevran remained still, hands steepled, face unreadable.
"This is no longer a smear campaign. It's surveillance. Which means…"
"…they're not just trying to silence you," Han Jimin finished. "They want to scare you."
Kaeyan slammed the desk. "Then we scare them back."
But Gevran shook his head.
"No. We don't stoop to their level. We expose them with light."
He stood, voice steady:
> "Tomorrow, we hold a press forum. I'll answer everything—live. No scripts. No filters."
Min Soojin's eyes widened. "Are you sure? They could twist your words again…"
"Let them try," Gevran replied. "They've attacked my name. Now it's time I give it meaning."
---
The Next Day – School Rooftop Press Forum
A livestream titled #TheGevranResponse drew over 200,000 viewers in an hour.
Journalists, students, and faculty stood packed on the rooftop. Cameras rolled.
Gevran took the mic.
"I've been accused of being a liar. A manipulator. A tool."
He paused, eyes scanning the crowd.
"So let me be clear: I was bullied in middle school. I almost died from it. And when I came back to life, I vowed to never let fear dictate my story again."
Murmurs rose. Some students lowered their heads in guilt. Others watched, riveted.
"I may be the son of a politician. But my truth, my voice, my fight—that's mine. I don't stand here because of privilege. I stand here because I chose to stand when others wouldn't."
> "And I invite anyone—student, teacher, parent—to check my record. Ask me anything. I have nothing to hide."
He stepped back, opening the floor to questions.
Rhea whispered to Jimin, "He's not just winning. He's rewriting the rules."
---
Elsewhere – Secret Conference Room
Min Hyuk watched the broadcast with gritted teeth. "Why won't he break…?"
His aide trembled. "Sir… the ratings are on his side. Even the sponsors are starting to notice."
He slammed the table. "Then bring in Phase Three. Call the director."
The screen showed a secure channel.
> Incoming Call: Director of Daehan Education Board.
---
Back at School – After the Forum
As students slowly left the rooftop, many gave Gevran silent nods of respect. Some even bowed.
Kaeyan and Kasang ran up, grinning.
"You crushed it, Hyung," said Kasang. "Even Coach Lee shared the stream!"
But Gevran's smile faded as he noticed a message notification:
> [From: Unknown]
"Nice speech. Too bad your little brothers aren't safe either."
His blood ran cold.
---
Final Scene – Rooftop Sunset
Gevran stood alone again, overlooking the school below. This time, there was no pride in his eyes—only fire.
Han Jimin joined him, holding two cups of milk tea.
"Still think this is just school drama?"
Gevran took one cup, sipping silently.
> "No. This is a war now. One that started long before I ever enrolled here."
He turned to the horizon.
> "But they forgot something. I already died once.
So this time—I'm playing to win."
---
End of Chapter 22
> When power feels threatened, it tries to rewrite truth.
But Gevran had learned something even more dangerous than power…
Conviction.
---
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