Chapter 86

I rubbed my eyes and stared at the monitor screen again.

Of course, doing that didn’t change the facts.

“Hmm… Is this some kind of promotion targeting Academy students?”

Kang Cheol-min earlier, and now the guilds seem to be working hard.

The talk show guest, Ye Do-hyeong.

A message for the future hunters of the magical world.

They brought up a topic that sounds somewhat impressive.

“Hmph, how pathetic.”

I admitted he has a decent taste in alcohol, but I haven’t forgotten he’s an enemy of my tongue.

Let’s see what level your talk show is at.

I checked what time it was Ye Do-hyeong’s turn.

Right then, someone knocked on the office door.

“Come in.”

The door slowly opened.

Two women cautiously entered the office.

And soon…

“KYAA!”

“HUH?!”

They noticed the model and collapsed sideways.

Shaking their bodies, they pointed at the goblin model and screamed.

“Pr-professor! There’s a monster here!”

“Why is there a goblin in the professor’s office?!”

…Words really do become reality.

I guess people seeing this for the first time might be startled. Looks like I’m witnessing it today.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen students so surprised.

Memories of the second lecture day came back, and I naturally smiled.

The faces seemed familiar. Where have I seen them before?

…Ah, I remember.

They’re the magic department students I helped with their group assignment at the café before.

The girls who were with Eun-byeol and Ah-reum. Didn’t expect them to come all the way to the office.

“Please sit down. What brings you here?”

“Ah, well, we saw the light on as we passed by. Are we disturbing you while you’re busy?”

“No, it’s fine.”

First impression check: Passed.

“We wanted to ask our department professor about our stuck major assignment, but it seems they’re out because of the festival…”

“You happened to notice my office was open?”

“Yes, exactly!”

“Last time, the group assignment help was really appreciated!”

Festival day and yet still worrying about assignments – check passed.

Seems like promising students.

The future of the Academy looks bright.

“Alright, let me take a look at where you’re stuck.”

“Thank you!”

“Here, right here!”

I looked over the books and materials they handed me.

Not much improvement from last time, it seems.

Never really reviewed the specialized courses before, but I guess this is around the level Ah-reum studies too?

Somehow, I managed to infer her situation as well.

“Looking at your notes, there’s an error here. Watch closely.”

“Oh, so this part was wrong…”

“Wow…”

The two female students nodded vigorously, looking like they understood.

Their cute reactions made me want to give a little extra help. Since I have time anyway.

“I’ll write down a few examples for you to reference.”

I scribbled content into the empty spaces of the notebook.

The two of them looked at me with sparkling eyes.

Seeing their enthusiastic gazes, I couldn’t help but feel elated, and the amount of notes kept increasing.

While writing, one of the female students spoke up.

“Ah, that’s right. Professor! Last time during the group assignment, our major professor asked if the content was something you personally thought of. We said it was something we learned from Professor Jeong Si-hyun, but is that okay…?”

“Yes, feel free.”

“Yay! Thank you!”

Before I knew it, answering the students’ questions finished the memo.

The two female students gathered their notebooks and pens, and politely thanked me.

“Professor, thank you so much! This will make the assignment much smoother!”

“If it weren’t for you, we’d have spent the whole night struggling and wouldn’t have enjoyed the festival. You’re the best!”

The two girls giggled and smiled at each other.

Their pure expressions made me smile too.

And just before leaving the office, glaring at the goblin model was so adorable.

Should I make the next model similar to the goblin concept?

My creative urge is bubbling up. Hehehe…

“…Ah, right. I should tell the Dean about this.”

I suddenly remembered something I forgot.

I forgot to inform the Dean that there’s no need for more Momobin goods since now I can get free donuts and reactions anytime!

Grinning happily, I sent a message to the Dean.

– I don’t need you to buy Momobin goods anymore!

Were they holding their phone?

The reply came almost instantly.

– Did your favorite change?

– No way.

– I just bought a few keychains…

– Those are gifts for you!

– Hmm, alright…

The conversation paused briefly.

Since that was all I needed to say, I was about to leave the chat when another message appeared.

– So what would you like me to get you now?

– Momobin is releasing new goods! It’s fine now!

– Hmm…

The conversation paused again.

For some reason, it felt like the Dean wanted to continue the conversation. I waited a bit.

As expected.

– By any chance, do you have any other hobbies?

– Hobbies? Hmm…

I thought for a moment.

One thing immediately came to mind.

– Next week, I’m going to destroy all dungeons in a local area, and I plan to bring some students along. Could you handle that for me please?

– Eh?

– We need to protect our precious writer. We’re going to clear out all nearby dungeons.

– Ah, I see…

After exchanging a few more messages with the Dean, I checked the chat list.

In the meantime, I received a message from Eun-byeol.

We did exchange numbers when going to the mart, but this is the first actual message.

‘Ahh, so this was about Ye Do-hyeong’s talk show.’

No big deal. I planned to watch it casually anyway.

I took care of something I had forgotten, and there’s still some time before the official start of the festival.

I launched Trtube on my laptop.

Entered Momobin’s ongoing live stream.

Watching the game broadcast she started.

“Ahh, I got hit because I didn’t know.”

Realizing it was the perfect opportunity, I quickly grabbed my phone and sent a private message to Si-yoon.

– That’s not how you do it.

Following the often-seen phrases from the broadcasts.

The effect was immediate.

“Is that not how you do it…? Ah, sister! This is really hard!”

– hahahahaha

– hahahahaha

– Are you watching?

– They seem close, it’s nice to watch.

– Sister is rolling around laughing hahaha

– hahahahaha

– Join the chat! Join the chat!

Momobin was suffering, and the viewers were delighted.

Not wanting to go overboard, I stopped meddling and watched the broadcast normally.

* * *

Gradually, the sun set, dyeing the playground red.

Laughter and music from everywhere announced the start of the festival.

People already eating and drinking could be seen between the swaying tents.

“Wow, there are so many people.”

Near the stage set up on the playground, it was already packed with people.

Not only Academy students, but regular citizens seem to have come to enjoy the festival.

Leisurely walking, I made a round of the playground.

Finding a spot that adequately showed the stage but wasn’t too crowded, I settled down there.

On the stage, entertainers took turns performing dances and songs.

Soon, the MC appeared to host the talk show, and Ye Do-hyeong ascended the stage.

“The representative S-rank Hunter of Seobeok Guild, Mr. Ye Do-hyeong Hunter is here!”

Waahh—!

Clap clap clap clap!

The loudest cheers ever filled the playground.

Ye Do-hyeong lightly greeted and looked around.

The MC continued explaining.

“Today’s theme is ‘Messages to the Future Hunters of the Magical World.’ Aren’t you excited to hear what stories Mr. Ye Do-hyeong Hunter will share?”

Another round of applause and cheers erupted among the audience.

Ye Do-hyeong took the mic, greeted, and began a casual conversation.

There was nothing particularly special about the dialogue.

However, it was different from Kang Cheol-min’s special lectures.

The atmosphere matched the festival, appropriately light-hearted, and laughter erupted here and there.

His every word drew responses and joyful reactions from the crowd.

“…Therefore, I hope you won’t fear failure.”

At some point, Ye Do-hyeong naturally introduced a serious topic.

The boisterous laughter subsided, and Ye Do-hyeong calmly continued speaking.

“Failure is something everyone experiences. The important thing is knowing that failure isn’t the end. Challenge without fear. Learn and move forward through failures.”

Ye Do-hyeong took a brief breath.

During the short silence, someone clapped, and gradually enthusiastic applause spread.

But, Ye Do-hyeong waved his hand to stop the applause.

“I won’t just say it with words; I’ll show you.”

He closed his eyes for a moment and deeply inhaled.

Then, with a serious expression, he spoke.

“Now, watch.”

At this moment,

Magic flowed from Ye Do-hyeong’s fingertips, starting an artistic display.

The trail of light from his fingertips continued to expand.

The flow of mana in the sky swirled like oil painting, delicately unfolding.

The magical flow spread across the sky like a dream, offering a mysterious beauty detached from reality.

People held their breath and became absorbed in the spectacle.

After quietly completing the magic, Ye Do-hyeong smiled and said,

“This is a magic I created for today. There were countless trials and errors, but those processes ultimately led to this result.”

…I stood up from my seat.

The voice of Ye Do-hyeong continuing the talk show from behind could still be heard.

“To all of you, even without the auxiliary status window, we can control mana like this. Do you understand, everyone?”

…I acknowledge it.

The fact that you’re not fake.

Ye Do-hyeong, he was the first true magician ever witnessed on Earth.

* * *

Walking leisurely along the path connected to the playground, I browsed the night market.

Continuing straight in a direction I hadn’t explored before.

As I slowly reached the end, the number of people decreased, making it quieter.

Then, I spotted a shop that caught my eye.

Warm oden and delicious-looking skewers.

Something about it reminded me of old memories, so I found a corner to settle down.

There were traces that someone had been there moments ago, but now I was alone.

“Sir, one order of oden and a beer, please.”

“Sure, coming right up!”

The orders arrived quickly.

They weren’t things that would take long anyway.

Blowing gently, I enjoyed the taste of the oden and beer.

Casually observing the people passing by, I soon finished my drink.

“Maybe I’ll have one more glass?”

That amount feels perfect to enjoy and return home feeling good.

Looking at the menu board again to decide on a snack.

“Hello, one beer, please.”

“Okay, sure!”

“…?”

A sturdy young man stood beside me.

He was wearing a cap pulled low.

When he turned his head to look at me,

Even though his face was covered by a mask, I recognized him.

It’s Ye Do-hyeong.

…I didn’t interfere with your talk show.

Why are you showing up here?

This guy actually walked in himself.