Chapter 75

Wings Guild building.

Da-young gently rotated her wrist and tilted the kettle.

A thin stream of hot water flowed down, slowly soaking the coffee beans in a circular motion on the dripper.

The subtle aroma from the ground beans filled the break room.

It was just after lunch, and the time when Si-hyun was scheduled to visit was approaching.

Da-young watched attentently as the coffee brewed into the server.

‘She should be here soon.’

After confirming the calculated amount had risen, she carefully cleared away the dripper.

At that moment, the break room door opened and Si-hyun entered with some men.

“Master! Si-hyun’s here!”

“Hello.”

“Si-hyun’s here?”

Da-young greeted Si-hyun warmly with a handshake. They hadn’t seen each other in person for quite a while, though they’d been in touch about work.

She enthusiastically shook Si-hyun’s hand.

“Perfect timing! The coffee’s ready! How do you like your syrup?”

“Just a little vanilla, please.”

“Got it!”

While Si-hyun sat at the break room table, Da-young efficiently prepared the coffee and snacks.

The male guild members went back outside to move some items.

Requests goods were neatly stacked in one corner of the break room.

When everything was ready and everyone was seated, Da-young observed Si-hyun closely.

She seemed to be tasting the coffee carefully but wasn’t drinking much.

‘Is the coffee off?’

Da-young blew lightly on her cup and took a sip. It tasted just as good as usual.

There didn’t seem to be any problem—at least not for her.

“Does the bean not suit your taste?”

“…Ah, no, it’s not that. I had really spicy jjampong for lunch.”

“Aha. Do you like spicy food?”

“Uh…I used to like it, then stopped liking it, and now I want to like it again.”

“…Huh?”

Da-young tilted her head, not fully understanding what Si-hyun meant.

Si-hyun blew lightly on her coffee and took another sip, smiling as if she enjoyed the drip coffee’s aroma.

Da-young smiled too as she savored her own coffee.

‘Well, at least the coffee isn’t the issue.’

She was relieved that the coffee she’d prepared with care wasn’t disliked.

Si-hyun looked at Da-young apologetically, scratching her cheek before glancing around the break room.

Now that she knew everyone present, it was easy to spot who was missing.

“Are everyone out working? I don’t see Han-gyeol either.”

“Oh, that!”

When Si-hyun asked, Da-young happily clapped her hands and replied.

“Thanks to you! We recently promoted two of our members to C-rank!”

“Wow, really?”

“Hahaha! That’s us!”

“Hehehe! All thanks to you, Si-hyun! Thank you so much!”

The two men in the break room puffed out their chests. They were the sword user and archer who had previously joined them on C-rank dungeon runs.

Both had big smiles on their faces.

“The others are out with Han-gyeol. They’re eager to level up too!”

“Aha!”

Da-young giggled, and Si-hyun smiled warmly. The atmosphere at Wings Guild was always pleasant.

Bright and harmonious.

Just being together made everyone feel happy.

…And yet, there were guilds out there harassing people like these.

If she ever got the chance, she’d give them a piece of her mind!

“Shall we try out the device test soon?”

“Ah, yes.”

At Da-young’s gesture, one of the men brought out a box and placed it on the table.

Da-young took out the VR equipment from the box and explained its functions one by one.

Si-hyun listened attentively while savoring her coffee.

“…So, we managed to make it according to your order. But this is new territory for me and the collaborators…”

“Yes, it’s fine. As long as it works properly. And AS is handled by Wings Guild, right?”

“Of course.”

After exchanging cheerful banter, Si-hyun took a short video clip.

The two men put on the devices on their heads and watched the video repeatedly, getting excited.

The VR equipment’s response was better than Si-hyun had expected—no, it was over-the-top!

“Oooh! This is the all-knowing point of view of Si-hyun!”

“What a heart-stirring perspective! Ooooh, ooooh!”

“…Phew, what is this?”

Si-hyun couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the unexpected reaction.

The two men with the devices on their heads kept replaying the video enthusiastically.

Da-young said “Stop making such a fuss!” and removed the devices from their heads.

Only then did the men quiet down, though they still looked thrilled.

“Master! Can’t we make these too? They’re super fun!”

“And there’s no motion sickness?”

“Dear, even though it looks simple, it’s super expensive. And without someone like Si-hyun to finish it off, it wouldn’t be usable.”

Deflated like scolded puppies, the two men lost their energy.

With lingering laughter, Si-hyun spoke to Da-young.

“By the way, I have something to ask, Da-young. Is it okay if I add your name to my contact list in the Academy’s academic information system?”

“Huh? What for?”

“Eh, um…”

Da-young, who had been cheerful until now, suddenly hesitated and fell silent.

Si-hyun was surprised, having expected an immediate agreement.

‘Maybe I’ve overcommitted myself, despite us only being business partners?’

She felt slightly disheartened.

Upon reflection, she realized she had unintentionally built a wall between them.

‘…Maybe because she doesn’t let me call her “unnie”?’

Feeling dejected, she lowered her head slightly.

Should she drop her stubbornness now?

Pronouns and such…

Actually, trying it might not be so bad.

‘…Hm?’

Noticing Si-hyun’s changing expressions, Da-young finally spoke up.

“S-Si-hyun! It’s not that, I’m worried!”

“Uh? Worried?”

“Well, you know, we’re a guild that branched off from a major guild.”

“Yeah, I heard that.”

“I’m just worried that if I add my name, you’ll get harassed too.”

“Ah…”

Si-hyun’s expression brightened.

She hadn’t done anything wrong.

Smiling warmly, she continued.

“So, it’s okay to add you?”

“Of course!”

Da-young readily agreed.

The contact list would benefit both her and Si-hyun.

She had only hesitated out of concern.

“Haha, looking forward to working with you.”

“We’re the ones who should say that!”

Si-hyun and Da-young shook hands firmly.

The men nearby glanced at them briefly before turning their attention back to the VR equipment.

They were still envious.

* * *

After visiting Wings Guild, Si-hyun led a busy life.

She met Ah-reum for private tutoring and started creating audiovisual materials for the VR equipment.

She explored dungeons and had meals with Ji-a, who was scheduled for a business trip to the provinces.

Time flew by.

Before she knew it, it was the day for the liberal arts lecture. Si-hyun arrived at the Academy earlier than usual.

Next week was the midterm exam period at the Academy.

Si-hyun sought advice from the president and smoothly created the test questions.

When she asked if the president could review them, she gladly agreed.

Thus, Si-hyun headed to the president’s office early today.

[President’s Office]

Knock knock—

“Yes, come in.”

Si-hyun slowly opened the door and entered. A woman in her late 30s, holding documents in both hands, looked up.

Si-hyun bowed politely.

“Hello, President.”

“Oh, Si-hyun! I’ve been waiting for you. Please come in and sit down.”

The president moved to a consultation desk, calling Si-hyun familiarly.

Si-hyun sat across from her with proper posture.

“You wanted me to review if the questions were well-made, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Let’s take a look, shall we?”

Si-hyun took out the paper from her bag and handed it to the president.

The president skimmed through the questions casually after receiving the paper.

Si-hyun sat with her legs neatly together.

She sat up straight, placing her hands neatly on her thighs, waiting for the president’s response.

“Hmm…”

“…”

The president squinted her eyes and murmured softly.

Si-hyun tensed up unnecessarily and stiffened her posture.

Right at that moment,

Knock knock—

Someone lightly knocked on the president’s office door.

“Yes, come in.”

The door opened, and a middle-aged man with a strong presence entered.

The man turned his gaze toward Si-hyun, showing an apologetic expression.

“Sorry, President, did I come too early?”

“Not at all. This is actually perfect.”

The president introduced the man and Si-hyun with a gentle smile.

After the introduction, the man smiled and extended his hand to Si-hyun.

“Nice to meet you, Professor Jung. Looking forward to working with you.”

“…The pleasure is mine, Professor Park.”

Si-hyun smiled lightly and shook hands.

Though they were meeting face-to-face for the first time, his face was familiar.

She had seen him a few times passing by the sports field.

Professor Park was a B-rank Hunter responsible for teaching swordsmanship, one of the Academy’s majors.

“Si-hyun, though Professor Park may look serious, he’s very skilled in administrative tasks. Would you mind if he helped review the questions too?”

“…Would that be alright?”

Si-hyun turned her head to look at Professor Park.

He smiled kindly and replied.

“If Professor Jung finds it acceptable.”

Si-hyun took out another sheet of paper and handed it to the man.

Thus, the two professors began reviewing Si-hyun’s questions.

…A little later.

“…The questions are exceptionally well-made.”

“Neat and clean. In my opinion, the validity of the questions is excellent.”

“…R-really?”

As continuous praise came from the two professors, Si-hyun’s face lit up with joy.

The president looked at Si-hyun with affection and said,

“I told you so! Zia’s recommendation was spot on. Teaching is your true calling, Si-hyun!”

Embarrassed by the president’s praise, Si-hyun chuckled.

Though it was nice to receive praise for her hard work, being called a natural teacher felt a bit excessive.

However, this was just the beginning of the praise parade.

“I haven’t been mistaken in my judgment! Don’t you agree, Professor Park?”

“Haha, yes. I occasionally hear my students talk about the Monster Introduction course. They always say it’s refreshing.”

“That’s right! Students’ opinions are always the most accurate!”

The president roped Professor Park into joining the praise session.

Naturally, Professor Park followed along.

“How wonderful to have such an excellent lecturer at the Academy!”

“It’s not easy to seek reviews from others. Your passion is commendable.”

The praise kept coming.

Eventually, Si-hyun’s face turned bright red like a radish.

She fanned her cheeks with her hand to cool down the heat, unsure of what to do with her other hand, which kept fidgeting.

Finally, the president and Professor Park stopped their barrage of compliments.

They smiled as they watched the young adjunct professor bow her head shyly.

Professor Park subtly asked the president with his eyes.

“President, is this enough?”

The president nodded.

An excellent adjunct professor must be guided onto the tenure track!

Professor Park was also caught in the president’s web.

“…Uh, I should go since it’s almost time for my lecture.”

“Oh my, is it already that time? Hurry along!”

In the end, Si-hyun chose to make a quick escape.

The president glanced at the wall clock and smiled kindly.

There was plenty of time before the lecture. Such a cute young person.

“Thank you both for your help today.”

“Hehe, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more help!”

Si-hyun left the president’s office after collecting the papers.

The president and Professor Park watched her retreating back with satisfied smiles.

“Professor Park, I need your help. Let’s start weaving a web.”

“Hahaha! Let’s take it slow.”

Professor Park chuckled wryly at the president’s request.

Meanwhile, Si-hyun walked briskly with a bright smile.

Despite fleeing the president’s office due to embarrassment, her mood was exhilarating.

‘I received praise!’

She couldn’t help but grin foolishly.

She recalled one of the dreams she had when deciding to join the Academy, inspired by Momobin’s broadcast.

Recognition and collaboration with supportive colleagues!

Though it was coincidental, thanks to the president, she had now met Professor Park.

It felt like she was taking one step closer to becoming the ideal professor.

In high spirits, Si-hyun quickened her pace.

She soon arrived at the building where her lecture hall was located.

“Hmm?”

Upon entering the building, Si-hyun noticed students chatting in the hallway.

They were gathered around a poster on the bulletin board.

Curious, Si-hyun approached the group.

She looked at the poster that had captured everyone’s attention.

[A Special Lecture by S-rank Hunter Kang Cheol-min of Cheongrim Guild!]

A arrogant-looking figure dominated the poster with an imposing pose.

Students exchanged conversations.

“Cheongrim Guild is famous for pushing promising individuals, right?”

“I’ve heard that too. Should we check it out?”

Listening to the students’ conversation, Si-hyun tapped her cheek thoughtfully with her finger.

Her eyes caught the details written in the corner of the poster.

Free admission.

All Academy affiliates welcome to attend.

“Maybe I should attend?”

Si-hyun checked the date.

The special lecture was scheduled for the week immediately following the midterm exams.

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