HBWnovel Chapter 25
Chapter 25
Ji-Han, looking tense, spoke to Si-Hyun.
“To apologize for last time and... well, to help with your, uh, observations? I’d like to lend a hand!”
“...Hmm.”
“Oh, and this! This is a gift.”
He handed her a neatly wrapped item. Si-Hyun accepted it, giving a slight smirk—it was a premium vanilla syrup.
“A syrup?”
“I thought... since you seem to like coffee...”
Si-Hyun looked at Ji-Han, who was watching her nervously, awaiting her response.
Was this really the same man who had been so rude to Han-Gyeol? It seemed Dayeong had truly reformed him—or perhaps a bit of discipline had been the cure.
“I’ll enjoy it. Thanks.”
“Y-You’re welcome!”
In the mental graph Si-Hyun had for people, Ji-Han’s score went from negative to zero—a considerable improvement, even if Ji-Han himself wouldn’t realize it.
Once their conversation wrapped up, Han-Gyeol approached and spoke.
“Si-Hyun, that hairpin looks great on you.”
“...Really?”
A faint smile spread across Si-Hyun’s face as she gently touched the hair accessory.
“It was a gift from my sister.”
“Oh, she has a good sense of style!”
“Hehe...”
Another compliment, and Si-Hyun’s lips twitched before blossoming into a full smile.
The two men in front of her quickly turned their heads, covering their mouths, as if shielding themselves from the unexpected power of her usual impassive expression breaking into a smile.
“Ahem! So, today’s agenda is to gather material for the Academy students, correct?”
“Yes, I want to adjust to their level.”
“Being a proud Academy alumnus, I can give you a thorough rundown!”
“Ooh!”
Han-Gyeol thumped his chest with pride, and Si-Hyun clapped her hands in encouragement.
Meanwhile, Ji-Han, feeling left out, couldn’t help but shout.
“Me too! I’ll show you the skill of a gifted C-rank!”
“...Sure.”
But her response was noticeably less enthusiastic.
‘Wait, that didn’t go as planned...’
Having boldly declared his intentions, Ji-Han quickly shrank back.
---
After a busy few days exploring the dungeon, I’d been more diligent than ever.
I reviewed the materials provided by the headmaster, reread educational theory books I'd purchased in hopes of becoming a great teacher, and bought a bag and laptop for work.
I organized my knowledge into printouts and class materials, drafting both the syllabus for the students and my personal teaching plan.
Although it was a busy few days, I didn’t feel tired at all since this was work I genuinely wanted to do.
After several days of preparations...
‘I should probably rehearse my lessons, right?’
There was no guarantee that I’d smoothly deliver the lessons exactly as I imagined. To see how I came across, I decided to record myself practicing.
Once I’d made the decision, I acted quickly, switching my phone to recording mode and using magic to hold it aloft in the air.
“Ahem, ahem.”
After clearing my throat, I recalled the teaching plan I had prepared and began my mock lesson.
...
Though I had improved memory now, speaking smoothly was harder than expected.
And...
“Is this what my voice actually sounds like?”
Listening to the recorded audio felt strange. I’d read somewhere that our voices sound different to ourselves compared to recordings, but it still felt awkward.
Well, there was nothing I could do about it. I reviewed the recording, gave myself feedback, and resumed practice.
Then, the door to the next room opened, and Si-Yoon poked her head out.
“Oh, sorry. Was I being too loud?”
“No, no! I just needed the bathroom. But what are you doing?”
“I’m rehearsing a lesson. Just practicing.”
---
Si-Yoon, barely holding back laughter, stared straight ahead.
Coming out to the living room after her broadcast, she couldn’t believe her eyes.
Her sister, who usually resisted women’s clothing, was admiring herself in a skirt in front of the mirror!
Even to her, Si-Hyun looked absolutely gorgeous, her appearance effortlessly captivating.
Letting such beauty go unnoticed was a waste. It was clear this beautiful face had been underappreciated.
“Sis, let me enjoy the view! Drop the blanket and stand up.”
“...No.”
Si-Yoon giggled as she approached the couch.
Her sister, looking wary, peeked out from under the blanket, only her eyes showing.
She’s like some adorable little creature. Isn’t she just too cute?
Amused, Si-Yoon grabbed the blanket and tried pulling it.
But it wouldn’t budge.
“Come on! Show off a bit!”
“Nooo!”
After trying her hardest to coax her sister out, Si-Yoon finally gave up, realizing their strength difference.
She retreated and quickly fetched a blanket from her room.
“...What are you doing?”
Si-Hyun asked, curious about her peculiar behavior.
“If you stay under there, I’ll just set up camp here until you come out.”
She was declaring that she’d sleep on the living room floor if necessary.
Si-Hyun’s eyes twitched at her sister’s determination.
Did she really want to see that badly? Why...?
With no way to change into something more comfortable, Si-Hyun had no choice but to finally give in.
It took some time, but eventually, Si-Yoon won.
“You really look amazing!”
“...Thanks.”
“A goddess, I tell you, a goddess!”
“...Alright, thank you.”
The form-fitting skirt was tucked back into the closet that day.
---
The seasons soon shifted to full spring, with the sun shining bright and the air filled with warmth.
Cars began parking one by one in front of the Academy’s auditorium.
It was the day of the entrance ceremony.
Newly awakened novice Hunters entered the auditorium, gathering for the event.
As the freshman crowd settled in, professors started assembling behind the podium, each taking their assigned seats.
Si-Hyun, too, took a seat toward the back. Her neatly pressed suit hinted at her place among the faculty.
She glanced down at her feet, admiring the shiny black flats.
[You’re a professor now; you should wear shoes that match!]
They were a gift from
Ji-Ah to encourage her new teaching role.
As she looked at the shoes’ gleaming tops, she felt a strong sense that this was the start of something new, a journey toward her dream.
Don’t mess this up. Just do a great job.
With a few deep breaths, Si-Hyun lifted her head.
“...Hmm?”
Though the auditorium wasn’t filled with hundreds of students, there were still enough that a good number of eyes were on her.
“....”
Feeling the pressure, Si-Hyun held her expression tightly.
The voice of the emcee finally filled the hall, breaking the tension.
- “The entrance ceremony will now begin.”
The students’ attention finally dispersed, and Si-Hyun relaxed slightly.
Her new role as an Academy professor, even if only as a part-time instructor, was finally beginning.
It was time to put all her preparations to the test. With a renewed sense of determination, she gave herself a mental boost.