Chapter 24

Ji-a’s recommended subject!

It was none other than…

Introduction to Monsters.

“Definitely something I’m confident about.”

“How’d you come up with it?”

“Do you remember when we went to that C-rank Dungeon together last time?”

“Yeah, I remember.”

“Weren’t those monsters exactly like the ones from our original world? That’s why I thought it’d be perfect for you.”

“Oh…”

I nodded while taking a sip of coffee.

Already almost finished.

“Dungeon levels will increase and there won’t be much information on the internet. That’s why Academy studies are important.”

“Ah, is that so? I’ve been finding things hard to find lately.”

“Some cases are just lack of information, others are monopolized by someone. Reasons vary.”

“I see…”

Now it makes sense why even rare things felt like they were all managed by the Bureau.

“So, Shi-hyun, you need to pay close attention too.”

“High-level info is valuable, so don’t release it recklessly, right?”

“Correct!”

Ji-a grinned mischievously, and I smiled back at her.

“Hmph, not that difficult.”

“Really?”

“What’s with this sudden drop in trust?”

“Hard to explain, but your face said it all.”

What kind of expression was that?

My hand instinctively went to stroke my cheek.

It felt smooth, but still couldn’t tell what my expression was.

“Hmm, well, you’ll figure it out somehow. By the way, do you have clothes ready?”

“Need to get new ones. Actually checked some out yesterday.”

“Good? How about going shopping together then? Better to see them in person, right?”

“Um…”

Not wrong, but… makes me think.

“Come on, don’t worry! I’ll keep it simple. Like what I’m wearing now. What do you think?”

“Uh…”

Ji-a’s outfit.

A neat office look.

Definitely stylish and pretty, but…

“…The top is fine, but pants would be better for the bottom.”

H-line skirts are… kind of intimidating.

Isn’t walking in those uncomfortable?

“Let’s go!”

Ji-a quickly slurped up her drink through the straw.

I finished my remaining coffee and stood up.

We hopped into Ji-a’s car and headed straight to the shopping district.

Before long, I let out a deep sigh.

“…Everything was part of your plan, huh.”

“You’ll wear it eventually.”

“That’s true.”

“The length difference isn’t that big anyway.”

“…Trying to cleverly persuade me again?”

“Hmph.”

In the end, I ended up buying an H-line suit skirt with her.

I understand it’s elegant and pretty,

But trying it on, the feeling of it hugging my legs was just too strange…

Ah, whatever. I’m wearing pants for now.

Future me, you can handle it.

“Do you have stockings?”

“…No.”

Shopping apps really are more convenient.

* * *

Consulting with Ji-a definitely turned out to be a wise choice.

From meeting the President again to drafting lecture plans…

I received help in many areas.

When I asked if there was anything I could do in return,

“Want to go to a dungeon together sometime?”

“That works?”

“Want to try receiving buffs again properly.”

“Got it!”

Our discussion wrapped up neatly.

By the way, Han-gyeol and everyone seems to like my magic a lot.

Heard about it from the news, but didn’t realize hunters were this scarce here.

Well, good things are good.

Anyway, the Academy curriculum is a one-year program divided into two semesters.

Since hunters grow at different rates, students choose between beginner and intermediate courses each semester.

Most students graduate at D~C-rank level.

Meaning the students I’ll meet will be E-rank Hunters.

Now all that’s left is preparing materials for the textbook.

If I’m doing this, might as well do it thoroughly and tailor it to the students’ level.

Lectures designed from the student’s perspective!

Hmm, hmm. Even thinking about it myself, it sounds quite excellent.

So the task at hand is accurately gauging the average E-rank Hunter’s level!

Better start moving diligently for the sake of future students.

Recruiting a partner immediately for a 2-person E-rank dungeon run.

Soon enough, I formed a party with a man at the gate.

Subject #1.

Still outside the gate.

The man, Kwon Jae-woo, stared intently at the beautiful woman before him.

Recognizing her instantly due to her uncommon appearance.

She was the woman he’d encountered earlier at the Academy restroom.

“Hello.”

“Yes, hello.”

After greeting, Jae-woo continued staring at the woman.

However, she seemed not to recognize him,

Just tilting her head without any particular gesture.

Well, considering how flustered he was back then, she probably didn’t get a good look at him.

Jae-woo convinced himself internally.

Might be cruel to bring that up.

Deciding not to mention it, Jae-woo spoke.

“Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

They introduced themselves briefly before entering the gate.

The air warped strangely, and the scenery shifted.

A dark cave.

With E-rank difficulty, goblins were likely to appear.

Jae-woo looked at Shi-hyun and began saying,

“I’ll handle lighting the area–”

Puff!

His sentence was cut short as a glowing orb suddenly appeared mid-air.

Jae-woo widened his eyes and stared at Shi-hyun.

“A Paladin skill.”

“Y-yes.”

Though slightly surprised, Jae-woo nodded.

Even with reduced stability, they entered the dungeon as a duo for profit.

With the light issue easily resolved, combat would proceed more smoothly.

The two slowly advanced into the cave.

While cautiously moving forward, Jae-wo noticed something odd.

The light orb seemed centered around himself, illuminating the surroundings.

Moreover, he kept feeling like the woman, Shi-hyun, was looking at him.

“Do you need to say something?”

“…No?”

Then why does she keep staring? Am I imagining things?

Jae-woo felt puzzled but couldn’t dwell on it too long.

Because they had encountered monsters.

“Kerck?”

As expected, goblins. Two of them.

Ideally, one each.

“Few enemies. Let’s go!”

Combat commenced.

Though newly awakened, Jae-woo had been regularly visiting E-rank dungeons post-awakening.

Though not proficient, he managed to defeat the goblin successfully.

Turning his head, he saw Shi-hyun already collecting loot and looking at him.

“Quick work. Let’s continue.”

“Okay.”

They proceeded further into the cave.

Encountering more monsters soon after.

This time, four goblins.

“Two each should work. Let’s go!”

Jae-woo took the lead against the goblins.

The monsters charged toward him as they were drawn to his presence.

Resultingly, three goblins attacked Jae-woo.

“Hmm!”

Though slightly tense, that was all.

Because his awakened trait was “Regeneration.”

Shi-hyun was steadily reducing their numbers.

Injuries would heal over time.

That’s why he chose to enter dungeons in pairs.

“Kerck!”

“Guh!”

A goblin’s club struck Jae-woo’s waist.

Though momentarily staggered, he quickly regained his stance.

Maintaining a defensive posture while enduring monster attacks.

Though pain still wasn’t familiar,

He’d become much more adept compared to when he first awakened.

Remaining calm while enduring, Shi-hyun eventually cleared all the monsters.

“You mentioned your trait was Regeneration?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

When Shi-hyun looked curiously, Jae-woo extended his arm.

Slowly, the cuts began healing.

Fact was, it still felt strange even to Jae-woo himself.

“I’m sturdy, so please steadily reduce their numbers like you’ve been doing, Shi-hyun.”

“…Alright.”

The two diligently moved forward into the dungeon once more.

Shi-hyun observed Jae-woo again.

It was quite fascinating.

Regeneration ability?

Not a monster or another species, yet humans could possess such abilities?

Almost like superheroes, aren’t they?

Clearly, despite having mana as a common factor, Earth’s awakeneds differ from this world’s.

Most awakeneds exhibit talent related to specific tools or weapons.

Occasionally, though, there are unique cases like this.

That’s why Awakened professions and skills are so diverse.

Could I gain such a unique ability if I ever awaken?

Hmm…

“That’s good…”

“Huh?”

“Nothing.”

When Shi-hyun muttered, Jae-woo glanced over.

But no further conversation ensued.

“What’s good?”

Whatever it was, it must be something else since E-rank regeneration speed is still slow.

Probably not referring to my ability.

…Could it be?

Nah, probably not.

Given the other party’s appearance, irrelevant thoughts started creeping in.

Jae-woo shook his head vigorously to clear his mind.

But his trials weren’t over yet.

“…Looking forward to it.”

“Huh?”

Halfway through the dungeon, another murmur.

When Jae-woo looked, she merely tilted her head innocently.

Her gestures were cute, but…

What exactly is she looking forward to?

Jae-woo felt increasingly lost.

His thoughts kept drifting elsewhere.

Finally, after clearing the dungeon and exiting,

After settling accounts, Jae-woo asked Shi-hyun.

“Are you attending the Academy this upcoming semester?”

“Um, yes.”

“I’m enrolling this term too.”

“…Ah.”

At Shi-hyun’s response, Jae-woo’s lips curved upward slightly.

Seems we’re both freshmen.

Maybe we’ll meet again.

Jae-woo calmed his racing heart before parting ways with Shi-hyun.

Meanwhile, Shi-hyun’s case.

Subject #1 was an appropriate sample, making her very pleased.

A beginner E-rank Hunter through and through.

And considering their parting conversation, likely an Academy freshman.

Just thinking about how to create helpful materials for students

Kept her constantly pondering and excited.

Thanks to Mr. Jae-woo, she got a rough idea of the students’ level.

It was a highly beneficial experience.

Shi-hyun walked briskly and sat on a nearby long bench.

Feeling elated, she moistened her lips with her tongue and picked up her smartphone.

– Mr. Han-gyeol, are you free tomorrow?

She sent a message to Subject #2 (planned).

The reply came quickly.

The next day, at the D-rank Gate.

“…Why did this person come along?”

One was enough, but an extra tagalong showed up.

Shi-hyun stared expressionlessly, while Ji-han shuffled awkwardly approaching.

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