Chapter 23

After finishing the call with Ji-a…

Si-hyun dove back into watching TV.

—

In the end, Momo ended her broadcast without seeing the game’s ending within a day.

But Si-hyun was satisfied.

‘My heart is racing…’

The worry of whether she could really do this job.

The anticipation of regaining a dream she had lost.

Si-hyun felt two contrasting emotions.

But the latter was stronger than the former.

She wanted to be acknowledged by someone.

A deeply ingrained desire in Si-hyun’s subconscious for years.

“This isn’t the time.”

Si-hyun picked up her smartphone.

It doesn’t matter right now, but if she really does start working, she’ll need more clothes.

It might just be excitement, but these kinds of things are enjoyable even in the process.

She enthusiastically searched online for what kind of outfits professors wear.

—

A little while later, Si-yoon came out of the room.

Her sister, sprawled on the couch, hummed a song from the game she’d been streaming earlier.

Looking happy, she swung her legs alternately up and down.

Seeing her cute demeanor, Si-yoon smiled and approached her.

“Sis, what’re you so intently watching?”

“Huh? Oh, I’m looking for clothes.”

Si-hyun showed her the screen.

“Heh… So our sis is checking out women’s clothing too? She’s fully embracing being a girl now?”

“Stop distorting things. While you’re at it, can you recommend some shopping sites?”

“Hmm, should I?”

Si-yoon gave her sister a few websites she often used.

She also installed an app that mainly sold women’s clothing for convenience.

When the app launched, various types of women’s apparel appeared alongside ads.

Si-hyun’s mouth slightly opened in awe: “Ohhh!”

“You can search thoroughly and find detailed reviews tailored to body types.”

“Aha…”

Not only height, but searches could consider clothing size and weight too.

Registering one’s body type in advance within the app was also possible.

Even though it might seem trivial to others,

Everything felt fresh to Si-hyun.

Her eyes widened with excitement.

This was the world of apps women use…

Si-hyun felt like a whole new world had opened up before her.

“How about buying some more clothes while you’re at it? Didn’t you say you made a lot of money last time?”

“Hmm… Should I?”

It was about the remuneration from the A-rank Dungeon she did with Ji-a.

Even after making significant concessions, she had enough money not to worry about finances for a while.

Si-hyun nodded slightly.

Then Si-yoon became more enthusiastic.

“These clothes are pretty! What about something like this?”

“Isn’t it too revealing?”

“For this? Come on, are you planning to bundle up even in summer?”

“Well, no, but…”

Si-hyun scratched her cheek awkwardly and turned her head away.

Seeing her sister like that, Si-yoon suddenly felt like playing a prank.

Smirking, she said:

“I’m going shopping for a new swimsuit this summer. You’ll come with me, right?”

“Wha-what? Thinking about summer already?”

“What’s wrong with that? Since you’ve got a great figure, picking out a swimsuit will be fun!”

“…”

Si-hyun involuntarily imagined herself in a swimsuit.

What comes to mind first when thinking of swimsuits? Bikinis.

Her expression immediately soured.

“Ugh, don’t make it so obvious that I hate it.”

“…Are you teasing me on purpose?”

“Yes.”

“Grr…”

Si-hyun shook her head.

She knows she has to adapt someday.

She understands that she’s different from her past self.

Still, there’s a lingering sense of rejection in many ways.

For now, it was too much.

My future self will definitely be able to handle it.

Anyway, fighting, future me!

Si-hyun chose to ignore reality.

—

“Hey, sis, did you know?”

“What?”

“When we went shopping last time, I remember all the body measurements I heard then.”

“Oh, r-really?”

“So you better pick wisely. If you keep delaying, I might just buy them myself.”

“…”

Si-hyun’s expression fell.

To Si-yoon, she looked both pitiful and adorable.

Unable to hold back, she burst out laughing and gave her a hint.

“Ahaha! Why not start with unisex items?”

“Eh?”

“I mean, unisex stuff! Like dolphin shorts, they’re fine, right?”

“Ooh, that’s a good idea! Is our Si-yoon a genius or what?”

Si-hyun immediately searched for dolphin shorts on the app.

It definitely seemed easier.

Plus, some models even came with built-in underwear.

Alright, let’s use this as my starting point for adaptation.

A smile spread across Si-hyun’s face.

Watching her actions from the side, Si-yoon covered her mouth and laughed.

The way she reacted to every small comment,

Seriously, her sister was just too darn cute right now.

“What about this?”

“Yeah, seems okay.”

“How about this one?!”

“…Is it okay…for me?”

Si-hyun tilted her head.

Something felt off.

It’s like showing easy ones first and then gradually moving to harder ones.

…Nah, surely she wouldn’t go that far, right?

She’s probably just recommending them.

Si-hyun added items recommended by her sister to her wishlist one by one.

Anyway, she wasn’t buying them right away.

Most importantly, the choice was hers, and that pleased her.

—

* * *

The Hunter Management Agency was bustling as usual.

Director Jang Han-soo returned after eating and saw his team handling complaints.

“When will the support funds come out? It’s been ages since I submitted the paperwork!”

“Yes, well… according to regulations, processing takes some time.”

“Excuse me?! Other guilds have already received theirs!”

“That’s impossible.”

“Ugh, seriously—”

Seeing their desired outcome not materialize, they started hurling insults.

As always, the hunters’ nasty complaints were serious business.

The director sighed and returned to his workspace.

Leaning deep into his chair’s backrest,

At that moment, his phone in his pocket vibrated.

Recognizing the caller, the director took a deep breath before answering.

“Yes, Director Jang Han-soo speaking.”

– …Hello.

That voice was always so beautiful.

After hearing the hunter yelling earlier, it felt like his ears were cleansed.

– Umm, after talking with Ji-a…

Si-hyun slowly brought up the matter.

The director focused entirely on listening to Si-hyun.

In short, she wanted to apply for an exception to be promoted to D-rank Hunter.

“It’s within my authority to approve. May I ask why you suddenly want to level up?”

The director spoke carefully, not wanting the other party to misunderstand.

Thanks to that,

The caller hesitated but explained the reason.

– …Well, I want to try teaching as a professor at the Academy.

“…Hoo.”

The director couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement at the unexpected reason.

A professor at the Academy?

A position always plagued by staffing shortages.

That’s why many hunters worked part-time as professors.

Exactly what abilities does Miss Si-hyun possess, and what will she teach the students?

Expectations kept rising.

Pretending to stay calm, the director asked:

“Miss Si-hyun, I believe you can certainly do it. What kind of subject do you plan to teach?”

– …I’ll decide after consulting with Ji-a.

Ah, it seems nothing’s decided yet.

The director felt a bit disappointed and clicked his tongue.

Still, compared to insisting on staying E-rank to live quietly, this is quite the progress.

Apparently, letting her follow her own will was the right choice.

Satisfied, the director nodded and said:

“Understood. I’ll take care of the rank promotion on my end and inform you once it’s done.”

– Yes, and…

“Is there anything else?”

– That… I heard you were the one who helped hide my information. Thank you very much.

Goodness gracious!

He never expected such a cute thank-you.

Has their relationship improved somewhat?

Struggling to suppress his grin, the director replied:

“…Ahem. It was simply my duty. Please continue to count on me.”

– Yes, thank you.

They exchanged pleasantries and ended the call.

Unknowingly, the director clenched his fist.

Finally, the effort bore fruit.

A great sense of achievement washed over him.

—

* * *

The next day, I headed to a nearby café with Ji-a.

We placed our drinks in front of us and began talking.

“Um… first, thanks for agreeing to counsel me.”

“Haha, don’t mention it.”

Ji-a giggled softly and slurped her drink through a straw.

There’s something granular at the bottom, but it looks delicious.

Next time, I should try that too.

“Regulations-wise, D-rank Hunters can qualify, but most professors are C-rank or higher, so keep that in mind. Got it?”

“That’s fine. More importantly….”

“Hmm?”

Though it’s a bit embarrassing to say,

Who else could I confide in about these worries?

Hesitating but slowly opening her mouth,

“If no one signs up for my class… what should I do? I’m a bit worried about that.”

“Aha!”

“Don’t laugh so much!”

Ji-a covered her mouth and laughed.

After giggling for a while, she calmed down and spoke.

“Si-hyun. Listen, I…”

“Hm?”

“I used to be part of the President’s party at the Academy.”

“Ooooh!”

Without realizing it, I clapped.

Ji-a blushed and slightly turned her head.

“Hmm, hmm! Anyway, you just focus on preparing your stuff. I’ll handle the rest.”

“Oh, you’re so reliable…!”

“Haha, didn’t we already meet the President beforehand? Everything will go smoothly.”

“At that time, you’d already planned this far ahead?”

“Wow, I’m genuinely impressed.”

So this is foresight, huh?

Long live Ji-a!

“W-well, not exactly that far… Ahahaha! Anyway, cheer up!”

“Got it! I’ll work hard!”

Smiling happily, I took a sip of coffee.

Having a trustworthy friend makes everything run so smoothly.

“There are required courses and electives at the Academy, right?”

“Yup.”

“Since you won’t be fully showcasing your abilities, you’ll likely teach an elective as a part-time lecturer.”

“That’s right, that’s right.”

I listened attentively to her explanations.

Ji-a became serious and said:

“Do you have any particular course ideas? This is actually the most important thing for me to help you with.”

“Uh, um…”

Come to think of it, no.

I was just imagining my ideal self.

Was I too impulsive?

“Could you recommend something? I don’t know much about what subjects the Academy offers.”

“Hehe, how about this? I thought of it ever since yesterday’s conversation.”

Ji-a smiled faintly, tilting her head slightly as she looked at me.

She recommended a subject.

One that already existed in the Academy curriculum and wouldn’t have issues with enrollment.

“What do you think?”

“Wow, it seems good!”

This should be doable.

It seems like I’m surrounded by smart people.

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