Chapter 93

“Hoo, indeed.”

The tall and dapper Western man, Jason, moved around the banquet hall with a sociable smile.

If Ji-a was the busiest person in the hall, then Jason came in at second place.

He was that dedicated to his mission.

“Hmm…”

After finishing his conversation with Do-hyeong, he glanced at the watch on his wrist with a curious expression.

‘Hunter Ye Do-hyeong isn’t triggering it either.’

What kind of criteria did Evan set for this thing anyway?

Even in front of Ye Do-hyeong, one of Korea’s top mages, not to mention globally, it stays quiet!

Jason could feel his excitement building, his heart pounding with anticipation.

There’s no way Evan messed up the magical artifact. He’s always been perfect.

Thus, Jason was certain…

‘The target must be hiding somewhere here.’

Who could it be? What kind of power do they possess? I’d love to test them out!

Jason darted his eyes around the room.

Every single person – those he’d already met, those yet to meet, newcomers – none would escape his mental cataloging.

His memory was exceptional; thanks to that, he fluently spoke several languages.

“Hey there, isn’t that Jason Turner?”

“It’s been a while, Hunter Kang Cheol-min.”

While exchanging pleasantries with Cheol-min, Jason habitually checked his watch. Naturally, there was no reaction.

He quickly wrapped up their chat. They’d already faced off before, and frankly, it had been dreadfully boring.

“Next…”

As he continued meeting people, Jason’s gaze locked onto a woman.

“Hoo, she’s even more beautiful up close.”

This dazzlingly gorgeous woman captivated everyone’s attention. Her refined movements exuded natural grace, and her white hair swayed softly whenever she turned her head.

Moreover, her attire… It was practically a couple’s outfit with Kim Ji-a, the party’s main guest.

“Hmm, intriguing…”

Jason felt his curiosity piqued on multiple levels and adjusted his priorities. He started walking toward the woman.

However, Hunter Kang Cheol-min approached her first.

“Hmm…”

Jason stopped and watched the interaction with interest. Cheol-min frowned deeply and made some gestures. The woman casually flicked her finger in response.

Then, Cheol-min made an odd face, guzzled down his drink, and his expression grew increasingly grim.

It was almost comical how hostile he looked.

The tension was palpable.

Suddenly, Cheol-min panicked and fled.

“What’s going on?”

Jason followed Cheol-min’s retreat with his eyes. The man kept chugging water nonstop, behaving quite strangely.

Shaking his head, Jason redirected his focus back to the woman. Now, Ji-a herself was talking to her, their friendly conversation evident from their laughter.

Jason began moving closer, inch by inch.

And then…

Ziiing—

Finally! Finally, the watch reacted! The very watch that didn’t respond to Ye Do-hyeong!

“Hahahaha! So it was you all along!”

Jason’s grin stretched ear to ear. Stopping momentarily, he placed a hand over his chest. His heart was racing wildly. He needed to calm down a bit; after all, Evan had requested a discreet operation.

* * *

“Wow, really? Are you sure it’s okay?”

“Yeah, if time is tight, I’ll make it work.”

“It’s a promise!”

Ji-a nodded with a smile, and Si-hyun’s face lit up like a blooming flower. Though exact plans hadn’t been made yet, their summer trip was now confirmed due to Ji-a’s positive response.

‘Si-yoon said she’d schedule her leave once our plans are set…’

Now all they needed was to finalize the details. As the plan took shape step by step, Si-hyun couldn’t help but smile contentedly, already getting excited.

“Professor…?”

“Hmm?”

As Si-hyun sipped her wine and organized her thoughts, Ar-eum beside her spoke up.

“Uh, look over there…”

“Huh?”

Si-hyun followed Ar-eum’s pointed finger. It led to Ji-a’s direction.

A tall, well-dressed man stood there—none other than Jason Turner.

He wore a seemingly gentle smile as he gazed this way, but his eyes were anything but ordinary.

Si-hyun frowned and turned back to Ar-eum.

“Is he looking at us?”

“Yes… I think so. Why is he doing that?”

“Ugh, I don’t know…”

They had just agreed minutes ago to avoid unnecessary trouble, and yet somehow, they were involved again despite doing nothing.

Slightly lowering her head, Si-hyun fidgeted with her elegant dress, lost in thought.

‘Could he be interested in Ar-eum?’

She was an ultra-newbie prodigy after all. Dressed nicely as she was, it wasn’t surprising she’d catch someone’s eye.

‘But… he’s a fight enthusiast, right?’

Probably not Ar-eum then. A high-ranked hunter wouldn’t bother with a D-rank supporter.

‘Maybe he’s targeting me?’

Still, that seemed odd. Sure, she dressed up nicely today, but she was only a C-rank hunter.

That left…

‘Aha! He must be after Ji-a!’

This explanation fit best. Renowned as South Korea’s top spear expert, S-rank Hunter Kim Ji-a was definitely worth the attention of a battle-obsessed weirdo.

Si-hyun glanced at Ji-a with a pitying look.

“Ji-a, you’re in trouble.”

“Huh? In trouble?”

“Don’t turn around. Just listen. There’s a weirdo behind us targeting you.”

“Eh…?”

Caught off guard by such an absurd statement during a celebration for her S-rank promotion, Ji-a let out an odd sound.

“Jason Turner, he’s a hunter from the U.S., known for being obsessed with fighting strong opponents.”

“Oh, him.”

Ji-a had heard rumors about him. He’d relentlessly bug powerful hunters for duels. She never expected to become one of his targets due to her S-rank status.

“Is he behind us now?”

“Yeah, he’s waiting for the right moment with that creepy look on his face.”

“Geez…”

At the thought of the ‘creepy’ expression, Ji-a’s face soured.

Just then, Ar-eum, who had quietly listened in, cautiously interjected.

“Professor… Isn’t that uncle looking at you?”

“Huh? No way.”

“But… I think he is…”

“…”

Si-hyun turned back to Jason. He stood still, alternating his gaze between her and Ji-a. When their eyes met, he gave a polite smile and bowed slightly.

Returning the bow, Si-hyun turned back to Ar-eum.

“Nope, he’s probably just confused because Ji-a and I have similar dresses.”

“That’s true… Now that you mention it, it does seem that way.”

“We don’t give him any reason to pay attention to us, right?”

“Heh, yeah. That makes sense!”

Ar-eum tilted her head while taking another sip of her drink, feeling the alcohol starting to kick in. Si-hyun also took a small sip of her wine as she observed her student.

“Looks like he’s waiting patiently to talk to Ji-a. Haven’t they met yet?”

“Mm-hmm, not yet.”

“What are you gonna do? Need help?”

“Hmm…”

After brief consideration, Ji-a replied.

“I’ll try talking nicely. We’re both busy people, after all.”

“Let me know if you need assistance.”

“Of course. Thanks, Si-hyun.”

Ji-a smiled warmly at Si-hyun’s slightly flushed face, finding her worried expression oddly cute despite the situation.

“Well, I should go.”

Though reluctant, Ji-a knew she needed to mingle with others, including Jason.

With that, she slowly rose from her seat and walked towards Jason.

Si-hyun watched them exchange words for a moment—it seemed peaceful enough.

‘Guess it’s resolved nicely.’

Nodding to herself, Si-hyun left the hall with Ar-eum. Her movements were brisk, eager to shed the uncomfortable outfit and heels.

* * *

After Ji-a’s promotion celebration ended…

I spent the weekend lounging on my comfy sofa at home, enjoying a typical day off.

Everything was peaceful except for Si-yoon’s subtle hints about sharing a room—otherwise, it was a tranquil everyday life.

That’s how the weekend went.

On Monday morning, I received a message from Ar-eum.

– Professor! There’s a Western man wearing sunglasses and a hat wandering around the Academy!

– Huh? A Western man?

The guy came to mind immediately. Surely not… Nah, it can’t be him. There are plenty of Western men in this world.

– Is it Jason Turner by any chance?

– Oh my goodness, yes?!

Her reply cut off abruptly.

Should I call her?

Fortunately, she messaged back shortly after.

– This guy is asking about you… He’s surprisingly gentlemanly.

– What for?

– Maybe it’s your undeniable presence…

– …Anyway, good thing nothing happened.

– Don’t worry! I didn’t give away any info! Heehee. But I did take his card though.

Ar-eum sent a picture to the group chat—a photo of Jason Turner’s business card resting on her palm. Clicking it revealed the number of that creepy stalker.