Chapter 82

The conference room of the Dawn Guild.

The head and deputy head of Dawn’s management department were leisurely sipping their coffee.

A little later, Hunter Kim, freshly cleaned and changed into new clothes, entered the conference room.

The three exchanged light greetings, and Hunter Kim took a seat.

“Hunter Kim, thank you for all your hard work today.”

“All the observers left with smiles. Thanks to your consideration, you must’ve worked really hard.”

“…Not at all. I merely did my best in the role assigned to me.”

Hunter Kim politely responded to the office men’s greetings.

The head, mistaking this for modesty, smiled and spoke.

“How was it today? Did the observers show any interest in Dawn?”

“Hmm… well…”

Hunter Kim thought for a moment before shaking her head again.

Since it wasn’t the reaction they had expected, the head and deputy looked baffled as they asked.

“Even just looking at the slime, it’s clear that Hunter Kim performed excellently, right?”

“The students were so clean, weren’t they? That means you paid close attention, doesn’t it?”

“On the contrary.”

“Huh?”

The male office workers wore expressions of confusion.

Hunter Kim sighed lightly as she spoke.

“Uh… what was the name of the part-time instructor again?”

“Jeong Si-hyun.”

“Oh. First off, my apologies. We failed to persuade Si-hyun to join Dawn.”

“Wha-? You mean it was a failure?”

“But the students all seemed satisfied, right?”

The head and deputy still couldn’t understand.

Hunter Kim added further explanation.

“She truly is an undiscovered gem. From her situation assessment skills to her perfect combat style fitting her role, and even her unexpected dagger techniques—frankly, I found myself impressed by Si-hyun.”

“R-really that good?”

“Yes, absolutely. Deputy, didn’t you see the students’ faces when they exited the gate?”

“Of course! Their eyes were shining brightly.”

“And that wasn’t directed toward Dawn—it was all aimed at Si-hyun. She was dazzling.”

“…”

The male office staff looked perplexed.

Hunter Kim calmly continued speaking.

“It wasn’t just me who took care of the cleanliness of today’s observers. She’d already set up a protective barrier beforehand, hadn’t she? She probably already knew about the boss from prior knowledge.”

“My goodness…”

“She’s a part-time instructor at the Academy, right? I don’t know which subject she teaches, but if I were in charge, I’d reward the staff member who discovered her and suggest offering her exceptional treatment.”

Without realizing it, the head and deputy nodded in agreement.

Who is Hunter Kim?

She’s not only a skilled hunter but also someone renowned for her keen “eye” for recognizing talent in others.

That’s why she works in new recruit training and has an excellent reputation within the Dawn Guild.

And now, she was suggesting exceptional treatment.

The head and deputy’s expressions became much more serious.

“Director, who was the staff member who discovered her?”

After pondering over Hunter Kim’s words, the deputy asked.

To this, the director replied with a peculiar expression.

“…Ye Do-hyeong Hunter.”

For a moment, the conference room fell silent.

—

Meanwhile, with Si-hyun and the students.

After exiting the gate, they quickly walked to the nearby subway station.

Then, glancing at her smartphone screen, Si-hyun spoke.

“…By any chance, anyone have some free time?”

“Me, me!”

“What’s the matter?”

“Is there something we can help with?”

One by one, the students responded enthusiastically.

At their fervent reactions, Si-hyun blinked momentarily.

Soon, she smiled faintly and said,

“I’m planning to go to a big mart to stock up on food and drinks for the weekend, and I’d like some recommendations.”

“Snacks? I’m confident in that!”

“Do you drink alcohol?”

“…I have some confidence in cooking.”

Each student chimed in with their own suggestions.

In an instant, everyone’s gaze turned toward Jae-woo.

Eun-byeol, curious and surprised, asked,

“Jae-woo, are you good at cooking?”

“Uh, umm. My sister handles cooking at home.”

“Oh…”

As the female students stared intently, Jae-woo awkwardly scratched his cheek.

After clearing his throat, he tried to shift the focus by asking,

“Ahem, Professor, do you have any favorite dishes?”

“Hmm, I don’t really have preferences, but eating the same menu repeatedly gets boring. Since I’m treating you guys, how about coming along to the mart?”

“Yes! I’ll come!”

“Me too!”

Instead of Jae-woo, Eun-byeol and Ah-reum enthusiastically volunteered.

Anyway, the students were all excited since last week’s exams were over, and they planned to enjoy themselves until the weekend.

‘What does the professor like?’

‘She mentioned drinking alcohol, right?’

‘Cooking…’

Following their own curiosities, the students accompanied Si-hyun to the mart.

Jae-woo pushed the cart while the female students clung to either side of Si-hyun.

Despite feeling slightly awkward, Si-hyun smiled and listened carefully to the students’ chatter.

Each student had different interests, so she received diverse recommendations.

“This, this is safe and delicious! I often eat it too!”

“Aha.”

Si-hyun filled the cart based on Ah-reum’s sharp recommendations for both snacks and frozen foods.

And at the liquor section…

“This one, I tried it with Dad and my older brother, and it was pretty good!”

While browsing the whiskey aisle, Eun-byeol pointed out a bottle.

Si-hyun mused aloud,

“Older brother, meaning Ye Do-hyeong Hunter?”

“Yes! That’s right.”

“Hmm…”

Si-hyun delved into deep thought.

Her expression was unusually serious.

Stepping back slightly, Eun-byeol nudged Jae-woo’s ribs and whispered,

“Does the professor have feelings for my older brother?”

“…Maybe.”

“Suddenly so stoic?”

“What? I’m always like this.”

Jae-woo frowned, prompting Eun-byeol to giggle and retreat.

She then approached the professor again and started chatting.

Finally, after some deliberation, Si-hyun placed the whiskey Eun-byeol recommended into the cart.

She wanted to test whether he appreciated fine tastes.

Of course, Eun-byeol had no idea about her intentions.

“What kind of appetizer pairs well with this?”

“Oh, well…”

They happily continued shopping while exchanging pleasant conversation.

When they finally exited the mart…

Every student had a hamburger Si-hyun bought them in hand.

After exchanging friendly goodbyes, Si-hyun departed.

The trio of students sat on a nearby bench, enjoying the hamburgers and carbonated drinks while chatting.

“To be honest, Professor Jeong Si-hyun looks like a goddess, but the more you see her, the more human she seems.”

“That’s true. I agree.”

“Her hair color and eye color are so unique, right? But her hair doesn’t seem dyed.”

“Yeah… I wonder where she’s from?”

Even though Si-hyun had left, the students’ conversations revolved around their professor.

—

Back at home, Si-hyun spent time with her younger sibling.

Pouring herself a glass of the whiskey she bought today, she began tasting it.

“Hmm, whiskey is a bit strong, as expected.”

“Isn’t that normal? Oh, but the aroma is nice. Try sniffing it, sis.”

“…Yeah, the scent is good.”

“I’ll add some ice and let it melt a bit; I prefer it on the rocks.”

Si-hyun watched her sibling fetch the ice.

Judging by her expression, she seemed satisfied.

‘…So, there’s a normal side to that guy’s taste.’

For someone who could be such a thorn in her side, his alcohol preference wasn’t bad.

The appetizer Eun-byeol recommended also went well and tasted great.

There’s a saying that teachers learn through their students, and it seems she made the right choice by asking.

‘…Isn’t this the right time to use that phrase?’

Whatever. If it tastes good, that’s all that matters.

“Do you want some ice, sis?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Si-hyun leisurely savored her drink while having a chat with her sibling.

Her fingers elegantly held the glass, and her slightly flushed cheeks shone beautifully under the influence of the alcohol.

—

Saturday noon.

Having finished a light meal, Si-hyun lazily sank into the sofa.

All the busy schedules were completed.

Now, she could take her time doing what needed to be done and what she wanted to do, enjoying her leisure.

‘…Come to think of it, the Academy Festival is next week, right?’

Si-hyun pulled out her phone to check the schedule.

‘Right.’

Her memory hadn’t failed her.

Although the Academy and universities operate differently, they share many systems, so their festivals often occur around the same time.

Since it overlaps with her lecture days, it wouldn’t hurt to take a casual look around.

Having finished her thoughts, Si-hyun placed her phone back on the armrest of the sofa.

At that moment, it vibrated.

Ziiing— Ziiing—

‘…Who could it be?’

Si-hyun picked up her phone again.

It was Ji-a.

“Hello?”

– Si-hyun! Guess what?! I finally made it!

Her voice on the other end of the line was extremely excited.

‘What did she achieve?’

Si-hyun felt her excitement rising.

She straightened her body, which had been slouched against the sofa.

– In the status window! S-rank! I finally did it!

“Wowww! Congratulations, Ji-a!”

Si-hyun couldn’t help but shout in surprise.

It was wonderful news.

Absolutely amazing news!

– I just achieved it! I wanted to tell you first!

“That’s… great…”

Telling her first, huh…

Si-hyun sheepishly scratched her reddening cheeks.