Chapter 77

Eun-byeol was studying alone in her room when she suddenly received a call.

It was from the staff who had proposed the Dawn Guild’s observation training.

“Uh-huh, uh-huh.”

…After hanging up.

Eun-byeol tilted her head but kept moving her fingers diligently.

– Ah-reum, can you do me a favor?

The reply came quickly.

– A favor? What is it?

– Remember the Dawn Guild new member training observation we talked about? Can you check if Professor Jeong Si-hyun is interested?

– Huh? Got it.

…A little while later, Eun-byeol checked the message from Ah-reum.

– She said she has no conflicting schedule so it’s fine?

– Yeah? Thanks for helping me!

– Study hard for your exams!

– You too!

After exchanging messages briefly, Eun-byeol got back to studying.

The most important thing right now was finishing her exams properly.

* * *

Another week passed, and it was early Tuesday lunchtime.

I was sitting at the living room table having lunch with Si-yoon.

“…You’re going to a special lecture?”

Si-yoon asked while chewing her food.

“Yeah, I’ll be back before dinner.”

“Oh. What kind of special lecture is it?”

“Something about ‘The Virtues of a Tanker’, I think.”

“Virtues? Like being tough or something?”

“…Probably? Honestly, I’m not that interested in the topic itself.”

At my answer, Si-yoon blinked a few times before asking again.

“If you’re not interested, why are you going?”

“Hmm… I want to see what it looks like when someone else gives a lecture?”

“Ahh, true. There is something called the atmosphere of the scene.”

“Right? Like the vibe of controlling students or whatever. I want to feel that.”

Considering this guy giving the lecture is an S-rank Hunter from a major guild.

He must show some leadership skills or something during the lecture, right?

Thinking back to that dungeon incident, he did seem kinda arrogant.

Wonder how this special lecture will turn out.

“Eh? Sister, didn’t you get that again?”

“Huh? What?”

Si-yoon pointed at my smartphone.

“You know, stickers. You still have your storage set aside, right?”

I nodded after checking under the TV.

“The Hunter Management Agency staff helped me get more! As they say, you need three sets – one for actual use, one for backup, and one for collection. Hehe…”

“T-that’s right…”

Si-yoon awkwardly scratched her cheek.

Umm… Was I being too much of an otaku? Whatever. If I enjoy it, that’s all that matters.

Maybe I should ask Si-yoon’s opinion since she watches Momobin with me sometimes.

“About Momobin… What do you think about custom ordering personal collectible goods?”

“Custom… custom order?”

“Yeah! If you’re interested, I can make one for you too!”

“Uh, w-well…”

Suddenly, Si-yoon’s eyes started darting around.

Is she thinking about what she wants?

After waiting for a bit, Si-yoon finally spoke after organizing her thoughts.

“N-not bad! Hahaha…”

“If anything comes to mind, let me know? We don’t have to do it right away anyway.”

“Uuuuh…”

Si-yoon mumbled while deep in thought, furrowing one eyebrow.

She looked so serious, like she was solving a difficult math problem, which was strangely funny and cute.

Having finished eating first, I leisurely prepared to go out.

* * *

The Academy auditorium.

Cars began pulling into the parking lot one by one.

Students who were attending various lectures started gathering.

The staff at the auditorium entrance guided the participants in order to maintain order.

As the start time for the special lecture approached, the auditorium filled up with students and staff, creating a bustling crowd.

In the very front row, the Academy president and key professors took their seats.

“S-rank Hunter Kang Cheol-min giving a special lecture, quite unusual.”

“That means Cheongrim Guild must be desperate.”

“It’s not bad for the Academy either.”

People chatted quietly here and there.

Students also conversed with friends who came together.

“That white-haired person up front must be Professor Jeong Si-hyun, right?”

“Oh, yeah. Professor Jeong is attending too.”

Since most people had black hair, with occasional brown or blonde, the pure white hair stood out noticeably to the students sitting in the back.

“Definitely, S-rank lives up to his reputation. The auditorium is packed.”

“True, seems like most of the professors came too?”

“You don’t want to miss an opportunity like this.”

– Please quiet down. We will begin the special lecture.

With those words from a Cheongrim Guild staff acting as the MC, Kang Cheol-min appeared on the stage.

His large physique and broad shoulders immediately filled the auditorium with his presence.

Walking confidently, he took the microphone.

“Ah, hello everyone. I’m Kang Cheol-min, S-rank Hunter representing Cheongrim Guild.”

Clap clap clap clap——

Thunderous applause erupted in response to Kang Cheol-min’s greeting.

He nodded satisfactorily and continued his introduction.

“Well, you probably all know about me already! I’m an S-rank Hunter specializing in blunt weapons. In dungeons, I take on the role of a tanker.”

He added with a low chuckle.

“Because of my undeniable charisma, I often end up leading the party too. Hahaha!”

Kang Cheol-min’s booming laugh filled the auditorium through the microphone.

When he stopped laughing, the auditorium grew quiet again.

There was no particular response from the audience.

Trying to lighten the mood with humor, Kang Cheol-min frowned and glared at the MC.

The MC, holding the script, trembled upon realizing the anger was directed at him.

After briefly taking out his frustration on the MC, Kang Cheol-min resumed the lecture.

“Today’s topic is ‘The Virtues of a Tanker’! The sturdy warrior guarding the frontlines! Most importantly, regardless of other things, it’s all about being taciturn. Staying calm, analyzing the situation, and focusing on protecting the party is the main role.”

Following the prepared script, Kang Cheol-min’s explanation began.

“Hmm…”

Si-hyun, sitting in the front row, watched the flow of the special lecture with a blank expression.

It was far more boring than she expected.

‘Maybe my expectations were too high?’

A lecture based on scripts rather than personal conviction.

Even worse, much of the content was boasting about Kang Cheol-min’s achievements.

I came here hoping to hear an excellent speech from a great person.

Not only was there no skill, but the content was poor as well.

I’m starting to feel like it’s a waste of time.

“Hmm…”

Si-hyun covered her mouth with her palm and quietly yawned, trying her best not to make it obvious, but her efforts were futile.

Kang Cheol-min’s piercing gaze landed on Si-hyun.

‘Daring to yawn during my special lecture?’

The pretty young lady in the front row had been in his line of sight from the start.

He had been consciously conducting the lecture while keeping her in mind.

And yet, she dared to yawn!

Kang Cheol-min twitched his jaw muscles and spoke.

“Hahaha! Let me tell you all an interesting story.”

Si-hyun’s gaze, which had been checking the time on her smartphone, returned to Kang Cheol-min.

“The biggest advantage of Cheongrim Guild! It’s definitely about concentrating support on top-tier Hunters. Anyone with ability can become the main character.”

After pausing briefly, he continued.

“There used to be people who opposed this approach. Telling us to stop exploiting newcomers or something like that. Do you know what happened to them afterwards?”

Kang Cheol-min slowly scanned the audience.

“The guild politely talked to them, but they just ran away eventually. They tried to establish a small guild afterward, but failed completely. Proof that Cheongrim’s policy is correct!”

Kang Cheol-min’s gaze returned to Si-hyun.

Si-hyun listened to the story with a stiff expression.

In a way, his attempt to provoke her succeeded.

He wanted to make the beautiful woman focus on the lecture, and indeed Si-hyun became focused.

Because the story felt strangely familiar.

‘Could it be…’

Si-hyun furrowed her brows and searched online about Cheongrim Guild on her phone.

She quickly skimmed through the list of incidents.

‘The Wings Guild establishment incident.’

Some Hunters who left Cheongrim Guild established this guild.

They founded it in opposition to the existing guild’s monopolistic operation style.

Moon Da-young, the master of Wings Guild, criticized Cheongrim Guild’s excessive exploitation of newcomers, but Cheongrim side claimed it was voluntary participation and choice of the Hunters.

‘…Cheongrim?’

It didn’t take long to read through the short passage.

One of Wings Guild’s enemies was right in front of her eyes.

‘Hmph…’

Si-hyun suppressed her anger internally.

Though she decided to live her own way, distinguishing between public and private matters was important.

As much as she wanted to run wild shouting “Revenge of Wings!”, she couldn’t do that to a lecturer invited to give a special lecture at the Academy.

However, she no longer intended to listen to the rest of the lecture.

‘…I’ll let it slide today.’

Next time he shows up, I’ll start by giving him the “Torture of Burning Tongue.”

Si-hyun greeted Professor Park beside her and quietly stood up.

She climbed the stairs peacefully without making any footsteps.

Just then.

“Excuse me! Young lady! Where are you going in the middle of the special lecture?”

Kang Cheol-min grabbed Si-hyun’s ankle as she was leaving.

Turning slowly, Si-hyun calmly stared at him.