Chapter 2 – The Paper Man’s Mischief & The Water Ghost Hunt

The Jeon Clan Academy was bustling with students, each immersed in their studies, practicing cultivation techniques, or sparring in training grounds. Inside one of the grand halls, the students gathered for their daily lesson, the atmosphere filled with the rustling of parchment and the soft murmurs of discussion.

Jungkook sat in the front row, his posture straight, his hands moving fluidly as he copied a complex cultivation text. His long, dark hair was tied neatly, a thin forehead ribbon keeping any stray strands away from his face. His aura was calm, almost unreadable, yet it held an undeniable presence that made others take him seriously.

Behind him, however, sat Taehyung, a completely different energy radiating from him. While Jungkook was focused, Taehyung was anything but. His lips curved in a faint smirk as he discreetly folded a small paper man, his fingers moving with practiced ease. The paper shimmered slightly, infused with his spiritual energy.

This wasn’t an ordinary paper figure—it was an enchanted Paper Man. Once activated, it would do whatever Taehyung wished.

A mischievous glint flickered in Taehyung’s eyes as he whispered a silent command. The tiny paper figure stirred, its movements smooth and lifelike, as if it had a will of its own. It hopped off Taehyung’s desk and scurried forward, dodging ink bottles and brushes with surprising agility.

Yoongi , who sat beside Taehyung, noticed the movement and sighed, already knowing that his younger brother was up to something. “You really don’t know how to sit still, do you?” he muttered under his breath.

Taehyung grinned but said nothing.

The paper figure moved stealthily across the desks, heading straight toward its target—Jungkook.

Jimin, sitting nearby, caught sight of the small enchanted creation and covered his mouth to hide a laugh. Jackson and Kai exchanged amused glances, already anticipating Jungkook’s reaction.

The tiny paper man climbed onto Jungkook’s shoulder, light as a feather. At first, Jungkook didn’t react, too focused on his calligraphy. But then, the paper figure moved toward his forehead, reaching for the delicate ribbon that kept his hair in place.

A small tug.

Jungkook stilled. His brush halted mid-stroke.

Another tug.

Jungkook’s jaw tightened. He reached up, fingers swiftly capturing the tiny figure.

The classroom fell into a tense silence.

Jungkook turned the paper man over in his hand, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. He instantly recognized the traces of spiritual energy embedded in it. His gaze flickered toward Taehyung, who was watching him with an infuriatingly innocent expression.

Jungkook exhaled through his nose, his grip tightening just slightly before he pressed his fingers together, channeling a small pulse of his own energy. The paper man crumbled into ashes.

Taehyung smirked.

Jungkook didn’t react further, but the slight twitch in his eyebrow betrayed his mild annoyance. He turned back to his parchment, but not before casting a brief warning glance at Taehyung.

If Taehyung had been anyone else, they would have backed down immediately. But Taehyung only grinned wider.

After Class ------

The lesson soon ended, and students began to leave the hall, chattering among themselves. Jungkook, however, stayed behind for a while before making his way to the academy’s garden. The air was crisp, the scent of blooming flowers mixing with the earthy freshness of the ground. Finding a quiet spot beneath a towering willow tree, he settled down and closed his eyes, entering a meditative state.

His breathing slowed, his mind emptied, and the flow of spiritual energy within him became steady.

Just as he was reaching the peak of his meditation, he sensed a presence approaching. Without opening his eyes, he spoke.

" ----Hyung. "

A soft chuckle followed. “You’re too sharp, Jungkook.”

Jungkook slowly opened his eyes to see Namjoon standing before him, his expression calm yet carrying an air of authority. Namjoon was dressed in his usual elegant Light blue sky and white robes, and his forehead had ribbon with sky colour his flute hanging in his hand , giving him a formidable presence.

Jungkook didn’t need to ask why he was here. The answer came immediately.

“There’s been a disturbance near the eastern lake,” Namjoon explained. “A Water Ghost has been spotted. It’s been attacking travelers who pass by, and the elders want it eliminated before it grows stronger.”

Jungkook nodded, already understanding what Namjoon was implying.

“You want me to come?”

“Yes,” Namjoon confirmed. “It’ll be good and we're needed more people That's why .”

Before Jungkook could respond, another voice interrupted.

“I want to go too.”

Both turned to see Taehyung standing a few feet away, arms crossed, his face set with determination.

Jungkook immediately frowned. “This isn’t a game, Taehyung.”

Taehyung smirked. “Did I say it was?”

Namjoon watched the two for a moment before sighing. “ sure master Taehyung .”

Jungkook sees Taehyung with scary eyes,

Before the conversation could continue, another voice joined in.

“If you’re going, I’m coming too.”

Yoongi stepped forward, his usual lazy expression masking the sharp glint in his eyes. Unlike Namjoon, he wasn’t formally dressed in his robes, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous.

“Yoongia ?” Taehyung looked at him in surprise.

Yoongi shrugged. “I was bored anyway.”

Namjoon glanced at the three younger men before sighing again, though a small smile played at his lips. “Fine. But stay focused.”

With that, the four of them set off toward the eastern lake, their footsteps silent as they disappeared into the dense forest.

The hunt had begun...

TO BE CONTINUE.......

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