Chapter 88

In an instant, I quickly checked where Yu Hye-won was.

Fortunately, Yu Hye-won was still by the refrigerator, and it wasn’t close enough for the phone to be heard.

If Half Wonder had come all the way to the Academy, Yu Hye-won would have immediately broken the window and flown to the main gate.

“Could you tell me the purpose of your visit?”

[It’s said that if you just tell them you’re here, they’ll understand.]

“Is that so? Given my memory, I haven’t made any separate appointments, so please let them know that today is difficult for me.”

[So there hasn’t been any prior arrangement, has there?]

“Yes. If you have any important business with me, please let them know to follow the proper procedure through the Academy administrative office.”

[Yes… while that’s the rule… understood, Professor.]

When the call ended, Professor Han asked if there was an emergency, and I replied that there was nothing.

But I have to take that back.

Shortly afterward, the dean called me directly.

On a Saturday, no less, and right after receiving a call from the guard post, the dean called me immediately.

It seems the visit by the S-Ranked Hero was promptly reported all the way to the dean.

“Yes, Dean. This is Professor Hyun.”

[Did you receive any call?]

“I did, it was from the guard post.”

[Go take a look. Half Wonder is here.]

“But I haven’t made any separate appointments. There’s a procedure for official visits through the administrative office, and besides, there’s no private reason to meet…”

[Professor Hyun, why are you acting like you don’t know anything?]

The dean interrupted my words gently.

[It’s an S-Ranked Hero. Such a distinguished person has come to you on Saturday morning and is waiting at the guard post. What good does following procedures do here?]

I know why the dean is doing this.

There are many Heroes, but S-Ranked Heroes are extremely rare.

If such an important visitor came to the Academy and was turned away due to the stubbornness of a mere faculty member, that would be absolutely unacceptable.

I am well aware of that.

The moment the call from the dean came, I already thought I would need to meet Half Wonder if I intend to stay on as a professor at the Academy.

Because small emotions have to be set aside if I plan to stay here.

“Understood, Dean. Will you be coming as well?”

[I was thinking of having a brief conversation, but we’ll adjust that after we’re done talking with you. By the way, Professor.]

“Yes, Dean.”

[Why has Half Wonder come to see you?]

“I’m not entirely sure, but it might be related to field training.”

[Ah, that’s right. Didn’t Yu Hye-won go for field training there? I see.]

The dean already knew, through the head of the teaching department, that Yu Hye-won had caused trouble and stormed out during her field training.

[Then you should go. Although, in case there’s any bad blood…]

“I’ll greet them appropriately.”

[Good, good. Thank you.]

After hanging up, I looked at Yu Hye-won lazily drinking cola on the sofa, Song Do-yoon half-lying on the floor, and Han Min-ha who kept staring at me with bright eyes.

“Everyone, I’m sorry but I have to leave first. Please avoid being seen at the dormitory and head back safely.”

“Eh? Where are you going on a Saturday morning?”

“It’s a call from the dean. You don’t really need to know the details. The way out is the reverse of how you came in.”

I pointed at the window, and Yu Hye-won belched before asking.

“Can we play a little longer?”

“No. Please go back. If our team keeps leaving the dorm, other students might get suspicious.”

“Pfft. Who cares?”

“Well, there are other teams out there trying to bring down the leading candidate in the team assessment.”

That comment slightly disturbed Yu Hye-won, who, while not overly concerned about grades, didn’t want her reputation tarnished.

“Well, we have no other choice. Kids, let’s get ready to go.”

The children reluctantly gathered their belongings and slowly stood up.

I walked to the window to bid them farewell.

A typical farewell spot would usually be the entrance or the hallway of the dorm, but…

“See you.”

The lazy Song Do-yoon went out first.

“Hehe, Professor, had so much fun! I’ll come play again!”

Next was Han Min-ha.

And then…

“Hey, Professor Hyun.”

“Excuse me, why are you suddenly speaking informally?”

“You touched my chest without permission, so I can speak informally, right?”

“Hye-won student, if this continues, it’s getting difficult for me.”

“What, what are you going to do about it? You couldn’t move a finger when I threatened you back then, so why are you acting tough now? Hmm… did you pretend to be afraid just to touch my chest?”

In the end, I rested my forehead against my palm and replied in kind.

“Haa… just leave already, quickly.”

“You sound sexy when you speak informally.”

Yu Hye-won gave a wicked smile, straddling the window while stroking my hair.

“See you later?”

She puckered her lips as if to give a kiss and then disappeared out the window, and I sighed deeply.

Will I even be able to graduate them all without issues?

No, that’s not the problem right now.

I need to deal with the immediate situation first.

* * * * *

I entered the visiting room next to the guard post.

Half Wonder was seated there, legs crossed, waiting for me at the center of the table.

“Hello, Half Wonder.”

“Welcome, Professor.”

Half Wonder greeted me with a radiant smile.

As expected from a Hero who wields a dazzling combination of ice and fire techniques, her smile, hairstyle, and attire are all dazzling.

“You’ve come all this way to see me.”

“Yes. Sorry for visiting without prior notice. What were you doing on your weekend?”

I wasn’t about to tell her the truth about being held captive and unable to move by my three students.

“I was lying down, doing nothing. There’s no rule that says professors have to be locked in their offices even on weekends.”

“Ho ho ho. You have a way with words.”

As I watched Half Wonder cover her mouth while laughing, I suddenly wondered how old she really was.

Though she looks like a beautiful woman in her early thirties at most, her tone and behavior suggest someone much older than me.

Given that S-Ranked Heroes invest an absurd amount of money in their appearance management, she likely appears ten years younger than her actual age.

“Since you’ve come here, what’s the reason?”

“Regarding the last field training. I came to apologize because I may have been disrespectful to you and your student.”

“Disrespect? That was more due to my failure to properly supervise my student.”

“Is that so? Then let’s call it a mutual fault and move on. Ho ho.”

If this was the reason for her visit, it was resolved much simpler than expected.

This likely means she has a different actual purpose.

“Surely you didn’t come all the way here for that?”

“No, no. Not at all. I’m a busy person, you know.”

Half Wonder gave an exaggerated playful smile in answer.

“Until when is your teaching position here?”

“I have no plans to return. It’s not a borrowed position.”

“You’re not active in field work then? Does that mean you’ve retired?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

At that, a hint of disappointment flickered across Half Wonder’s face.

“That’s disappointing. So, until when do you plan to keep your professorship?”

“I think until the Academy kicks me out. Why are you asking this?”

“Ah, sorry. Did I ask too many questions? It’s actually because of the sidekick issue.”

Why is she suddenly bringing up sidekicks?

Let me guess.

Probably Half Wonder wants to list me as either a sidekick or advisory member for her office.

That Hero clearly likes me.

When I went out on field training with Yu Hye-won, I could already read her intentions from how she looked at me.

And judging by how she treated Yu Hye-won, she sees me as an accessory to enhance her stature, much like the jewelry she wears around her neck, ears, and fingers.

“Please go on.”

“It seems the quality of sidekicks these days has fallen compared to before. During this time, we thought the office needed someone to train sidekicks.”

“So you’re asking me to take on that job?”

“Exactly. We’ll surely give you a generous compensation. I don’t know your professor’s salary, but we’ll certainly offer more than that.”

As a retired C-Rank Hero, with nothing to lean on but a gradually increasing salary based on seniority, this is an exceptionally generous offer.

What Hero office would take on a retired Hero, especially one specialized in defensive techniques?

But Half Wonder is different.

If she is treating me like a pedigree dog or high-value artwork based merely on my appearance, there will likely come a time when she grows tired of it.

Or she might find something else to replace it.

At that point, I’ll undoubtedly be discarded.

Regardless of these issues, I have absolutely no intention of going to Half Wonder’s office.

Because of her character when dealing with Yu Hye-won, and especially because of the three students I’m responsible for.

To ensure these kids graduate safely, and continue to thrive and eventually achieve the S-Rank, it’s far more advantageous for me to stay as a professor here.

“I’m sorry, but I cannot accept that offer. I still have much to accomplish here.”

“It’s hard for me to know what that exactly is, but teaching students is just as fulfilling and meaningful as training sidekicks, right Professor?”

“You’re right. However, I have guidance students to take responsibility for.”

“Ah, is it about that student, Yu Hye-won? Hmm. If I were the one, I’d have gotten rid of that arrogant child decisively. No matter how talented they may be, a kid with such obnoxious character…”

I firmly interrupted her words.

“That’s an unfair statement. Yu Hye-won is not the arrogant child you make her out to be.”

“Oops, sorry. It seems I expressed myself poorly regarding a guidance student. Let me apologize. Anyway…”

“I apologize, Half Wonder.”

I stood up as I spoke.

“I have nothing more to say. Please go back.”

I already know her real intentions, and I have entirely no intention of accepting her offer, and considering she insulted Yu Hye-won, there’s no more reason or desire left to keep talking.

“Professor. Even for an S-Ranked Hero, it seems strange to dismiss them this way. How do you think the Dean will take this?”

“I intend to report exactly this: Half Wonder came to scout me for her office, and during the conversation, she referred to a student, currently enrolled at the Academy, as having a detestable character.”

“Ho ho. Professor, are you threatening me…?”

At that moment, sudden gunshots-like sounds erupted outside, followed immediately by alarms sounding from all directions.