Chapter 1

07:00 AM.

The cell phone alarm went off.

I had arrived at my research room earlier than usual to handle some documents and, after silencing the alarm, I opened the desk drawer. Inside were a few medicine bottles and packets of daily-dosed pills.

“Cough…!”

It’s the medication for my relentless lung disease.

After taking the medicine, I grabbed my coat and left the research room. Today was the day of the freshman welcoming ceremony. All professors were required to gather at the main gate to welcome the new students.

After closing the research room door, I paused to look at the nameplate attached to it.

“Professor Hyun Kyu, Basic Defense.” (Jinju Gyo Clan)

The sight of my name etched into the silver plate feels alien to me. The reason? Just until recently, I had no association with the Academy or Basic Defense.

It all boils down to something commonly called “possession.” Here’s how it happened.

It all started with a comment I left on a novel that had been completed on a new web novel platform called “Marvelpia,” or “Mafia” for short.

The novel in question was one of those “Najaso” type stories, with episodes surpassing 100 but views barely reaching 50,000. It featured events that took place in an academy where heroes were trained to stand against villains.

Though somewhat uninspired and trying to follow trends, this story still had its charm.

Incredibly, the last chapter had less than ten views and only one comment: “Thank you for your hard work in finishing this.”

I was the one who left that comment.

And the next thing I knew, I had opened my eyes in the world of the novel.

Ironically, instead of being a villain fated to die a tragic death or some other secondary character, I had possessed the body of a professor in the academy.

The Professor Hyun I now occupy was originally the mentor to the protagonist in the original story.

He quietly teaches Basic Defense – the practice of enhancing one’s physical resilience against physical attacks, developing resistance to mental assaults, and mastering various methods to defend against villains’ attacks.

This professor I possess had once been a hero but, due to his defensive abilities, had never received much spotlight. His role was always to support other heroes rather than operate independently.

After possession, I immediately looked for the protagonist in the original story, but to my surprise, she hadn’t even enrolled in the academy yet.

Adding to the humor, this mysterious lung disease I now suffer from never existed in the original story.

There’s even no status window, no quests. I have no idea what’s going on in this world.

“Good morning, Professor.”

As I was walking down the hallway, someone called out to me from behind.

Turning around, I saw Professor Jin, a specialist in flight and guidance, jogging over.

Short-haired with a puppy-like face, today she was dressed in an elegant suit instead of her usual comfortable training gear or flying suit. Her figure seemed particularly pronounced today, as her blouse’s top buttons were strained from a deep breath, and her tight thighs wrapped in black stockings showcased her muscles.

She was truly built for flight.

“Professor Jin. Good morning.”

“How’s your health today?”

“I’m fine. Actually, drinking milk with my medicine this morning made me feel invigorated.”

It was a weak joke, but Professor Jin burst into laughter, slapping my shoulder. “So you must always be full of energy then?”

There was more to her words than met the eye, but I didn’t falter under her bold statement thanks to my “Mental Barrier,” which firmly protected my mind.

“Perhaps… but cough! As you see, my condition isn’t the best.”

“Come by my office any time. I’ve procured a few kinds of herbal teas that might help your cough. I’ll prepare a cup if you stop by.”

“Understood, thank you for always thinking of me.”

Smiling, I noticed a worried expression crossing Professor Jin’s face.

“Professor, why don’t you talk to the head and stay inside? You might make your cough worse in the cold air.”

“I’m fine. All professors are required to go, not just me.”

“Ah, you’re always so composed, Professor.”

Professor Jin clapped her hands, as if remembering something.

“Oh, yes! I heard that the Chairman of the Advisory Board’s daughter, Yu Hye-won, is joining today.”

“Is that so?”

This is the protagonist from the original story coming for her initiation this year. The person I’ve been waiting at the gate to meet first.

So this must be the student named Yu Hye-won, then.

“Professor, don’t you think you should really stay inside? Other professors and I will go out there, so it’d be better if you took a break.”

“I’m fine. This is about receiving the students we will be teaching.”

Truthfully, I have no such intention. I just want to meet today’s protagonist as soon as possible.

She was the former guidance student in the original story and seeing her might bring about some new changes, maybe even a quest, though that’s a bit cliché.

“Ah… Indeed… Professor…”

Unaware of what might follow, Professor Jin stared at me with a moved expression, clasping her hands together as if in prayer.

“Don’t worry, Professor! I’ll make sure you don’t get cold and try my best to keep you warm!”

“Haha, thank you.”

As she moved to embrace me, I gently pushed her away and headed for the main gate.

It’s time to meet the original protagonist.

Meeting her will surely lead to a quest, an awakening, or some form of change.

Anything would do.

Since I’m prepared for anything.

A few hours later…

What happened then was so absurd that I can’t quite put it into words.

It seemed that odd and coincidental meeting was the beginning of everything.

It’s still quite cold this morning despite the coming of spring.

Shivering in the cold, I stood at the main gate as the freshmen began to flow in.

They were all brimming with excitement about their new start, nervousness, perhaps some indifference, or crying because this was their first big step away from family for dorm life.

Welcome to ‘Graford,’ a prestigious academy known for training heroes — where only a few among these numerous students will successfully graduate and rise to the rank of “upper-level hero.”

This academy isn’t a place for lighthearted laughter like any ordinary school. It is a place for rigorous competition and testing where they must prove themselves.

I could only imagine how anxious and fearful these young, still somewhat innocent students are, even as adults would find it challenging.

We professors stood by the entrance, waving and meeting their gazes to welcome such students.

Most of the female students passing by me, especially the girls, kept stealing looks. Some even stopped to whisper and giggle among themselves.

Without knowing what I teach or who I am, it must be because of my appearance.

Adapting to my looks post-possession took some time. My sickly complexion, pale from illness, paradoxically brings out a decadent beauty that harmonizes with my fine features.

Being the center of unnecessary attention isn’t really my style.

“Professor Jin, can we switch positions?”

Looking toward Professor Jin at the corner, she was blatantly staring right at me.

“Professor Jin.”

“Yes? Er, did you say something?”

“No, never mind.”

Turning my gaze back to the students, I waved disinterestedly and scanned their faces.

The original protagonist should be around here…

The original story described her as a radiant blonde beauty, so she should stand out immediately.

At that moment, someone suddenly darted out from a crowd walking past me. Before I could react, a girl fell toward me and I instinctively caught her with my arms, though her unexpected weight nearly destabilized me.

“Ah, I’m sorry… Sorry… I kept getting pushed…”

She was a girl with black hair, glasses, and a very plain appearance. Dressed completely in black—hoodie and pants—she practically blended into the darkness.

Caught off-guard, she hurriedly wriggled out of my embrace and continuously apologized.

“Sorry… Sorry…”

“It’s fine.”

Her voice was barely audible as she bowed her head repeatedly, then disappeared back into the crowd.

She seems too introverted for this place.

Professor Jin tapped my arm in surprise.

“Professor, are you alright? You seemed a little unsteady.”

“I’m fine.”

Then, nearby murmurs reached my ears.

Turning around, I saw the incoming freshmen parting to clear a path as men in black suits shoved them roughly aside.

In the rear, several reporters followed.

The gazes of the reporters were all directed toward an impossibly beautiful blonde woman.

Without needing clarification, this must be the protagonist.

As she approached the main gate, Yu Hye-won turned around.

“Now, Dad, you can go back. I’ll be fine alone.”

“I have a meeting with the headmaster. Let’s go in together.”

“If you say so.”

Yu Hye-won walked down the aisle created by the retreating freshmen with haughty steps.

Her presence attracted both admiration and envy.

“Here she is. That’s talent born of privilege. The man must be her father, the Chairman of the Advisory Board.”

Professor Jin turned to me with curiosity.

“What do you think, Professor?”

“What about?”

“The guidance student. There will surely be many professors wanting to mentor such talent. Exceptional abilities combined with intensive early training have placed her among the upper levels already. Add to that her father’s past as a renowned hero and his current role as a key figure at the organization. Simply being her mentor could enhance one’s reputation. It might be tiring, though.”

“Perhaps. But someone so accomplished shouldn’t be taken on by just anyone.”

“True… Professor, you’ve never taken a guidance student before, right?”

That’s why.

I had assumed it was due to my recuperation, but that’s the reality.

In truth, my former life doesn’t hold much significance because this year, I will become her mentor.

“Also true.”

As I agreed lightly with Professor Jin’s words, I couldn’t take my eyes off Yu Hye-won.

Okay, novice author.

What kind of quest will you give me?

Do I have to help this girl destroy all the villains, or perhaps we must overcome a life-or-death situation together?

As Yu Hye-won approached, I could feel a slight tension even though this body’s mental defenses are usually unshakable. This must be the moment that could determine the possessor’s fate.

However, no quest window appeared even as Yu Hye-won turned toward us after crossing the gate.

What’s going on?

While I was quickly pondering the situation, Yu Hye-won approached confidently, stopping right in front of me, and looked up with an assured smile.

“Professor Hyun?”