Chapter 73

“Alright, this isn’t gonna be like last time. Today, I’ll show you the regenerative powers of a skeleton right before your eyes.”

“Huh?”

“Regenerative powers?”

Confused murmurs rippled through the students, who had been expecting something else entirely.

Si-hyun calmly pointed at one student.

“You there, come on up.”

The called-upon student hesitantly stepped forward, looking utterly bewildered.

Si-hyun placed a petite skeleton model onto the expansive classroom floor.

“Alright, give it your best shot.”

“Eh, me?”

“Don’t worry, a Creation-type Hunter added a recovery function to it!”

Si-hyun smoothly lied. Not like the students could possibly figure that out anyway.

The student slowly nodded.

‘Break it? Sure, why not.’

Gripping their fist tightly…

WHOOSH – BAM!

With a powerful punch characteristic of martial artists, the student struck the skeleton’s head, denting its cute little face and breaking it.

The student looked back at the professor, waiting for further instructions.

“To everyone: in an actual battle, undead skeletons can regenerate from damage like this in less than three minutes.”

“Wh-what?! Really?!”

“Is it really that fast?!”

As the students gasped in surprise, the model began to repair itself right before their eyes. Several students watched anxiously as the skeleton revived, realizing how different it was to witness regeneration firsthand rather than just knowing about it theoretically. Plus, the professor’s precise timing was impressively specific.

“How does she know all these details…?”

This question popped into many students’ heads simultaneously.

“Now, since this is just a model, I’ll use my mana to speed up the restoration. Next, how about Jae-woo?”

Si-hyun casually called out to a student sitting in the front row. Jae-woo slowly rose from his seat and approached the front.

After a quick glance around, he summoned a sword from his status window.

“Gasp!”

Jae-woo swung his sword with all his might. However, it seemed weaker compared to the previous student’s attack.

‘So that’s how it is…’

Swallowing his disappointment, Jae-woo returned the sword to his inventory. He often felt the lack of offensive power even during regular dungeon runs, and now it was glaringly obvious even against the model.

Observing the students’ reactions, Si-hyun noticed Jae-woo’s emotions. While restoring the skeleton, she casually brought up a topic.

“You guys have heard of the word ‘spectrum,’ right?”

Out of nowhere came this random statement, leaving the students puzzled.

“Just like how undead aren’t a single concept, Awakened individuals are also grouped under the general category of Hunters but possess diverse characteristics depending on their job and person.”

Jae-woo, who had returned to his seat, looked back at Si-hyun.

“So, everyone, focus on your strengths.”

This wasn’t advice solely meant for the students; it applied to Si-hyun herself too.

“Focus on the positive aspects of your abilities.”

The crumbling continent of this world desperately needed intense attack magic to defeat the Demon King. But Si-hyun’s elemental magic talent, though cultivated to a prodigious level through effort, wasn’t genius-level.

“Focusing only on weaknesses or problems won’t lead to complete solutions.”

Thus, Si-hyun concentrated on leveraging her strengths. She mastered the most suitable mana usage method for herself as a Holy Maiden, continuously putting in relentless effort.

And this is the result of all that hard work.

“I’ll emphasize again: focus on your strengths.”

Smiling gently at Jae-woo, Si-hyun glanced around at the other students before resuming the lecture.

“We still have some time left. Shall we have a few more volunteers?”

Naturally transitioning back into the lesson.

Jae-woo stared blankly at the professor. He hadn’t expected such encouragement.

Though it seemed like general advice for all the students…

Jae-woo realized it was specifically aimed at himself, who had been feeling inadequate.

‘The professor went through the same thing…’

Did she also put in tremendous effort to leverage her strengths?

The polished techniques shown in past lecture recordings – weren’t those the fruits of hard work?

Maybe the professor was someone who never spared any effort, more than anyone else?

Thump thump.

Placing his hand over his chest, Jae-woo felt his rapidly beating heart.

‘I’ll go to the dungeon after class today.’

Since awakening, Jae-woo hadn’t missed a single day of diligently going to the dungeons. And today would be no different.

* * *

The Monster Studies Overview lecture concluded.

Students reacted in various ways.

“Hey, let’s quickly head to the dungeon.”

“Yeah! Probably mostly goblins again today.”

Some formed parties and headed straight for the dungeon while others stayed behind in the classroom.

“I think I missed something while spacing out. Can you explain?”

“Oh? Where was that?”

Some students remained in the classroom, taking notes.

On another note…

“It’s weird to hit something, but attacking the model felt kind of bad too.”

“Right? I’m not the only one who feels that way, right? It’s because they made it so cute…”

Some female students sighed.

Regardless, what they all had in common was their passion for studying.

In Jae-woo’s case…

Approaching Eun-byeol, he looked around.

“Eun-byeol, where did Ah-reum go?”

“Ah-reum? She said she had a consultation with Professor Jeong Si-hyun and rushed off.”

“Ah, I was going to ask her to go to the dungeon with us today.”

“Well, it probably won’t take long. Leave her a message and wait nearby.”

With that, the two gathered their things and leisurely left the classroom, exchanging light conversation as they headed toward the faculty building.

“Hey Jae-woo, did you know?”

“Hm? What?”

“I heard from Dad that Hunters these days are leveling up faster than before.”

“Really? Why’s that?”

Turning to look at Eun-byeol, Jae-woo’s curiosity was piqued.

Eun-byeol grinned innocently and replied.

“Not sure exactly why. Maybe the Earth’s changing, or research on Awakened individuals has advanced? They’re still investigating!”

“True, we don’t understand much about the Status Window either.”

Jae-woo nodded regretfully. After the Great Change, the world was changing rapidly, but very little had been truly revealed. They could only adapt and live day by day.

Seeing Jae-woo’s expression, Eun-byeol smiled mischievously.

“So! Let’s all keep going to the dungeon together and aim to reach D-Rank by the end of this semester.”

“By the end of this semester?”

“Yeah! Looking at the records, top-performing Academy students usually reach C-Rank right before graduation. Why can’t we do it?”

“Hmm…”

Jae-woo slowly nodded. He didn’t plan to stay at E-Rank forever, which was why he consistently visited the dungeon every day.

Most Hunters can reach D-Rank smoothly with effort. C-Rank takes longer but is achievable with dedication.

However, B-Rank and above is different. Countless Hunters fail to break through that barrier, and guilds fiercely compete to recruit High-Rank Hunters.

Thus, top-performing Academy students become celebrities when they graduate, whether they become the tail of a dragon or the head of a snake.

“Eun-byeol, aren’t you joining the Dawn Guild after graduation?”

“Yeah, that’s right! My dad and brother are both in Dawn.”

Responding to Jae-woo’s question, Eun-byeol exhaled softly through her nose and proudly declared, placing her hands on her hips.

“I’ll graduate top of my class from the Academy and catch up to my S-Rank brother! That’s my goal.”

“Hmm…”

Jae-woo looked at Eun-byeol, whose eyes sparkled with determination, and felt a playful urge.

“Isn’t following a crane and getting a sparrow’s leg torn off a thing?”

“Hey!”

Enraged, Eun-byeol jabbed Jae-woo’s side with her elbow. Jae-woo chuckled as he rubbed his waist.

“We’ve reached the faculty building. Want to sit here? I’ll grab some drinks from the vending machine.”

“I want cola!”

“Sure, sure.”

After picking up drinks for himself as well, Jae-woo returned to the bench where Eun-byeol was waiting. They exchanged casual chatter, with Eun-byeol doing most of the talking while Jae-woo responded.

The number of people walking around decreased as break time ended.

A little while later…

“Ah, you’ve waited long!”

From inside the faculty building, Ah-reum hurriedly ran out. Jae-woo handed her a drink he’d prepared earlier, and Ah-reum gratefully took a sip.

Glug glug.

When Ah-reum wiped her lips, Eun-byeol spoke up.

“Took longer than expected, huh? What kind of consultation was it?”

“Uh… Well, personal tutoring?”

“Huh? Personal tutoring?”

“Yeah! We adjusted our schedules.”

When Eun-byeol questioned further, Ah-reum vigorously nodded.

Eun-byeol raised an eyebrow, thinking deeply.

‘Personal tutoring with Professor Jeong Si-hyun…’

Looking at her again and again, this professor was truly unique. Just watching the Monster Studies Overview lecture makes one doubt if she’s really D-Rank.

Not only that, she’s already helped twice with the Magic Department’s assignment projects. Not once, but twice.

Clearly, Professor Jeong Si-hyun possessed specialized knowledge in that area too.

Thus…

Eun-byeol couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming surge of intense curiosity. If she were just a regular part-time instructor, she wouldn’t have paid much attention.

But Professor Jeong Si-hyun had far too many peculiar points.

“What are you planning to do?”

“Dungeon… field trip?”

“Aha! So you’re going to the dungeon together.”

She got the gist of it. Eun-byeol asked again.

“I’m curious. Can I join too? Could you ask the professor for me?”

“Eh, uh…”

Caught off guard by Eun-byeol’s request, Ah-reum tilted her head in confusion. Pulling out her phone, she typed a message.

The response came quickly.

“…It’s fine!”

“Nice! How about you, Jae-woo?”

“Is it okay for me too?”

“…Probably?”

Ah-reum typed another message. Once again, a pleasant response came promptly.

“Professor says not to feel burdened and to come along comfortably!”

“Oh, good.”

Jae-woo had secretly wanted to join but was worried about intruding on the girl trio. He let out a sigh of relief in his heart.

“Um, so… Two days from now in the afternoon! The location will be announced after today’s dungeon reservation confirmation!”

“Got it. Then let’s meet up beforehand and have lunch together that day?”

“Y-yeah, let’s do that!”

Ah-reum and Eun-byeol quickly made plans. Checking his schedule mentally, Jae-woo silently nodded in agreement.

That way, the personal tutoring session for Ah-reum instantly transformed into group tutoring within moments. One was sincere, while the other two were driven by curiosity.

* * *

In the Dawn Guild office.

A mid-level manager carefully reviewed the documents submitted by his subordinate.

Recruiting top students is more advantageous when done early rather than waiting until graduation to avoid being scooped by other guilds.

Thus, they compile lists by synthesizing information from Academy relations, Management Bureau relations, and countless other sources. This was possible due to being a large guild.

“Student Eun-byeol is already accounted for…”

His eyes scanning the document stopped on a girl wearing large glasses.

Go Ah-reum. The sole Support-type Hunter in this year’s Academy cohort.

Recently frequenting dungeons and having a close relationship with Student Eun-byeol.

“Not bad at all.”

Though it was still early in the semester to make an approach, the value of the only Support-type student was undeniable.

The man carefully considered his thoughts.

Then, he called Ah-reum.

…A moment later.

“Hello…?”

A timid female voice came from the phone.

“Hello, is this Go Ah-reum speaking?”

“Y-yes… Who might this be…?”

“I work at the Dawn Guild—”

He introduced himself calmly with a soft voice. In summary, as a recruiter from the Dawn Guild expressing interest in Student Go Ah-reum.

There was a brief pause as the other party seemed to be thinking.

‘There’s no way she’d refuse.’

He was confident about the reaction he’d get. Dawn Guild, with two S-Rank Hunters and Korea’s top A-Rank Supporter, was a large-scale organization!

“Uh…”

How moved must she be to hesitate and trail off like that?

The man smirked, waiting for the expected response.

However, the next words were…

“I-I’m sorry…”

A rejection.

Startled, the man exclaimed.

“W-why?”

“T-that… I’m, I’m Professor Jeong Si-hyun’s slave, no, that’s not right. I’ve decided to join under Professor Jeong!”

“…”

Speechless for a moment, the man understood the reason for the rejection. This student had already decided on the graduate school route early in the semester.

‘Impressive speed. This makes me want her even more…’

Running his tongue over his lips, he said.

“Understood. Please contact us if you change your mind.”

Ending the call, the man leaned back in his chair and thought deeply.

“Professor Jeong Si-hyun, Professor Jeong Si-hyun…”

The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it.

‘…Ah! That’s right!’

After some time, he finally recalled. It was the part-time instructor who had previously rejected recruitment attempts from the guild. The secretary responsible for Ye Do-hyeong Hunter had passed the case to the management department after failing.

‘So then…?’

If they succeed in recruiting this part-time instructor…

It means getting Student Go Ah-reum as a bonus too. There’s a chance to catch two rabbits at once!

The man slowly began contemplating his next steps.