Chapter 79
—
Friday, 10 a.m.
“Areum, over here!”
“Oh, hello!”
The field visit to the Dawn Guild’s rookie training was scheduled for 1 p.m.
Since I was going out anyway, I decided to leave a little early and explore one of Seoul’s large bookstores.
Yesterday, I asked Areum for a recommendation on where to go, and she kindly offered to join me today.
What a considerate student.
“The transportation here is nice. Shall we grab lunch nearby before we head out?”
“Yes! That sounds great!”
With Areum’s energetic response, we walked into the bookstore together.
The bookstore’s warm lighting created a cozy atmosphere unique to such places.
I hadn’t done anything yet, but I already felt refreshed.
“Big bookstores really are something else…”
“This is your first time at one, right?”
“Yes. I only settled in Seoul recently. I’ll have to check out other places next time.”
“I’ll guide you then, too!”
We spoke in quiet voices, exchanging words as we carefully walked and looked around.
There were all sorts of books on display, from new releases to recommended reads.
For the most part, I simply glanced at the covers as we passed by.
Eventually, I found myself drawn to a section filled with novels.
“Oh, they have this, too.”
“What is it?”
I picked up a familiar book, delighted to see it, and showed it to Areum.
Her expression suddenly turned strange.
“…Why?”
“Oh, um… Professor. Have you heard about the author?”
“Hmm? No? What happened?”
“Well… a gate recently appeared right in front of their house, so… the novel’s serialization is delayed.”
“…Really?”
“Yes…”
I’d been savouring this novel steadily online.
Now, a gate was delaying its serialization…?
Delays are fine, but they’re not going to just stop writing, are they?
“Hold on.”
I quickly searched the author’s name and news on my phone.
……
“Areum.”
“Yes?”
“This is a low-grade dungeon in the countryside. If it’s not cleared by next week, let’s go together.”
“Y-yes!”
Surely it’ll be cleared by then.
I have faith in the local Hunters.
High-grade dungeons are one thing, with people like Ji-a to help, but this is just a low-grade dungeon!
“Shall we browse a bit more before grabbing lunch?”
“Yes!”
We made a quick round of the bookstore, enjoying the variety of books.
As we left, deciding what to have for lunch, Areum suggested a nearby braised chicken restaurant.
It seemed like a good idea, so we headed there naturally.
The suggestion was a good one.
“…Since we might head to a dungeon, let’s not eat anything too heavy or spicy, okay?”
“Hmm, sure!”
The menu was intimidating.
I didn’t want to show any signs of struggling in front of Areum…
Thankfully, we finished our meal without any issues and headed to the subway station.
Sitting side by side, we rode toward our destination.
After roughly checking the remaining stations and time, I was confident we wouldn’t be late.
Casually, I asked Areum a question.
“By the way, how did you get to join the Dawn Guild’s rookie training field trip? Did you apply for it?”
“Oh, well… Eun-byul suggested we go together.”
“Did Eun-byul apply for it?”
“Uh… well, her older brother is an S-rank Hunter in the Dawn Guild! Ye Do-hyung! So maybe that’s why?”
“…What?”
Who is Eun-byul’s older brother?
“S-rank Magic-type Hunter Ye Do-hyung!”
“Wow…”
What a twist.
I had no idea that guy had a younger sister, let alone one who attended my lectures.
The world sure is small.
“Is Eun-byul close with her brother?”
“Oh, um… I’m not sure about the details. They seem like an ordinary sibling pair?”
“Hmm.”
That’s ambiguous. I was considering teaching Eun-byul the ‘Burning Tongue’s Agony.’
…But now that I think about it, the rank gap is too big.
As an S-rank Magic-type Hunter, his resistance would be formidable.
I guess I’ll have to put the spicy assassin training plan on hold for Eun-byul.
Now, it’s time to focus on Areum’s education.
“Areum, the practical lessons after midterms are still focused on hands-on experience, right?”
“Yes, yes! That’s right.”
“Then shall we move on to advanced studies soon?”
“Huh? Advanced studies?”
Areum widened her eyes in surprise.
“We learned how to use magic without the status window earlier this semester, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Well, from there, I—”
Just as I was about to explain further to Areum…
“Hey, old man, why do you keep staring?”
“Huh?”
“It’s distracting. Stop it.”
Suddenly, a bob-cut young man and an older man began arguing.
The commotion drew the attention of everyone seated nearby.
“Well, you were the one who was rude first.”
“What? What was I rude about? Ugh, so annoying.”
The older man spoke calmly, but the young man’s voice was filled with irritation.
The sharp tone and prickly attitude clearly annoyed those around him.
Judging by their expressions, everyone else felt the same way as I did.
Turning back to Areum, I whispered quietly.
“Areum, this is what I plan to teach you.”
“…?”
I pointed at the still noisy troublemaker.
The air around him was thick with unpleasant tension.
As Areum’s gaze followed my gesture toward the troublemaker…
Snap!
I flicked my finger, pointing lightly at the man.
At that very moment…
“…!”
“Hmm?”
The young man, who had been arguing with the elderly gentleman, fell silent.
He opened his mouth but no sound came out, maintaining an unnatural quiet.
He clutched his throat, looking suffocated, but it was useless.
After all, I had cast a spell to make him quiet.
Enjoying the peace restored to the subway, I turned to Areum and said:
“I’ll teach you how to do things like this.”
“P-Professor, did you do that?”
“Yep.”
“Wow…”
Areum looked at me with wide, sparkling eyes.
Her expression was so pure and innocent!
Before I knew it, I reached out and gently patted her on the head.
“Hehe…”
As I admired Areum’s cute smile, I glanced up at the subway map.
While confirming the remaining stops…
I noticed several passengers across from me softly bowing their heads with faint smiles in my direction.
Though I had spoken quietly, it seemed the nearby passengers had heard.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I gave a polite nod in return.
***
Near the C-rank Gate, where the Dawn Guild’s rookie training was scheduled to take place.
A representative from the management department approached the B-rank Hunter, who was acting as the rookies’ trainer and guardian.
“Hunter Kim, something’s come up that requires extra attention for today’s training.”
“Extra attention? What do you mean?”
“Three academy students and a part-time lecturer will be joining today’s training as observers. It’s a special request from the department head.”
“Observers?”
When Hunter Kim asked with a hardened expression, the representative nervously rubbed his palms and explained:
“Well… they’re this year’s promising talents. Moreover, the part-time lecturer accompanying them is said to be quite the prodigy.”
“Hmm… Judging by how you’re talking, the lecturer must have already turned down a recruitment offer?”
“Yes, exactly. That’s why we went to great lengths to arrange this through the students. So, please showcase your skills and create a positive impression of the guild.”
Sighing deeply, Hunter Kim crossed his arms and replied with a stern face:
“I’ll do my best, but this is a C-rank dungeon. You never know when something unexpected might happen. If necessary, I’ll evacuate the observers at my discretion. Is that understood?”
“Of course! I’ll leave it in your capable hands, Hunter Kim! Haha.”
After the representative laughed and stepped back, Hunter Kim approached the other Hunters.
He briefly summarized the situation to keep everyone informed.
Most of the Hunters didn’t pay much attention.
The guardian was a well-known B-rank Hunter, and there were enough rookies for the task.
Adding a few observers wouldn’t be a problem.
However, the key player in this training session, a C-rank Support-type Hunter named Yang Chae-uk, furrowed his brows.
‘Instead of focusing on me, the guild’s future, they’re wasting time on outsiders?’
In a low voice, he muttered:
“Is this really necessary? This isn’t some kind of leisure trip.”
“…Just as all of you joined the Dawn Guild, the guild needs a steady stream of new recruits. I ask for your understanding.”
“Fine…”
Though Hunter Kim’s logic was sound, Yang Chae-uk was visibly disgruntled but refrained from voicing further complaints.
Soon, Eun-byul, Jae-woo, Areum, and I joined the group one after another.
With all the observers gathered, the representative began explaining the situation.
Listening attentively, I glanced at the Hunters we’d be working with today.
‘One B-rank and five C-ranks…’
The group was more than sufficient for a C-rank dungeon.
I grew curious about how the B-rank Hunter would manage the rookies.
While I observed the group, I locked eyes with a man glaring at me with obvious hostility.
The man, furrowing his brows, approached as if he’d been waiting for this opportunity.
“Representative, isn’t this enough explanation for a mere observation? Let’s get moving.”
“Ah, yes. Understood, Hunter Yang Chae-uk. I’ll wrap this up quickly.”
“Tsk.”
Clicking his tongue, the man walked away.
I found his attitude shockingly arrogant for a rookie but chose to remain silent.
The representative, with an awkward smile, explained briefly:
“That’s Hunter Yang Chae-uk, a C-rank Support-type Hunter.”
The explanation was concise.
Finally, after incessant appeals from the representative about the merits of the Dawn Guild, the briefing ended.
With everyone ready, the Dawn Guild’s Hunters entered the Gate.
“Shall we go too?”
“Yes!”
Hearing the students’ enthusiastic responses, I stepped into the dungeon as well.
The familiar sight of a cave-type dungeon unfolded before us.
The air was thick with the mixed scent of dirt and moisture.
And then…
“Ugh, what’s that sour smell?”
“It’s sharp and musty at the same time.”
The pungent stench of chemicals stung my nose.
Recognizing the type of dungeon immediately, I muttered:
“Looks like we’re dealing with bugs.”
The students, overhearing my quiet remark, all grimaced.
—
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