The Introduction to Monster Studies lecture room, early afternoon.
As students entered the classroom, they immediately froze, their expressions betraying shock.
“Why is Professor Noh here...?”
“That guy’s got a reputation for being a real hard-ass.”
A few students whispered quietly among themselves. Just as the VR equipment had surprised them previously, today, it was the sudden presence of the Academy’s strictest professor that caught them off guard.
The mere sight of Professor Noh sitting silently commanded an intimidating presence. The atmosphere grew tense, especially among the students specializing in magic.
“...You know, we had a group project for the magic department a while back. Do you know what he said about it?”
A female student sitting far from Professor Noh whispered in a low voice. The student next to her leaned closer, eyes filled with curiosity, prompting her to continue.
“He said, ‘This belongs in the trash.’ Then he actually threw it out.”
“Ugh... Who does he think he is, some kind of critic from an anime?”
“Well, he might be tough, but his teaching is excellent. Plus, he’s got connections and massive authority at the Academy.”
“A true guardian of balance...”
The students exchanged knowing smiles, their thoughts wandering. To achieve such skill and reputation, he must have sacrificed his personality along the way. One student smirked internally, thinking, The world really is fair.
Just then, the front door slid open with a faint creak, and Jeong Si-Hyun entered the classroom.
Carrying a drink, Si-Hyun placed it on the desk in front of Professor Noh and walked toward the podium. The students, who had been discreetly watching Professor Noh, now shifted their gaze to Si-Hyun.
The Guardian of Imbalance had arrived.
Professor Noh, too, turned his attention to Si-Hyun as the lecture began. After taking attendance, Si-Hyun addressed the class about Professor Noh’s presence.
“Everyone, Professor Noh will be observing today’s lecture. He’ll provide feedback on areas where I might lack, so please don’t feel pressured and focus on the lesson as usual.”
Feedback on areas where I lack?
Some students glanced uneasily at Professor Noh before looking back at Si-Hyun.
“Today’s topic is wyverns. We’ll also cover a few other flying monsters in conjunction.”
Professor Noh immediately raised his hand.
“I have a question.”
Si-Hyun turned to him, maintaining composure.
“Yes, please go ahead.”
“What’s the reason for discussing other monsters alongside wyverns?”
“This is an introductory lecture. I believe students who require more in-depth information should attend your specialized course in the second semester.”
“Hmm. I see.”
Professor Noh nodded, appearing satisfied, and Si-Hyun resumed the lecture. Gradually, the students began immersing themselves in the lesson, their initial tension dissipating.
Professor Noh scanned the class, noting their focus.
...This level of concentration in a general course?
It wasn’t unusual for his own advanced lectures, but for an introductory course, this was rare. To avoid disrupting the flow, Professor Noh refrained from asking further questions, opting instead to silently jot down his evaluations.
Many instructors preferred sitting for comfort, but standing allowed Si-Hyun to observe the students’ reactions meticulously. The students benefitted as well; just as the professor could see them clearly, they could also see the professor better.
However, the lecture content itself is average.
Nothing stood out. Then again, this was to be expected for an introductory class.
By the end of the hour, Professor Noh’s evaluation was complete: Unremarkable but competent.
It’s not bad, but it doesn’t live up to the hype.
Still, one lingering question remained in his mind—the students’ focus and excitement. It was as if they were eagerly anticipating something.
...Ah.
Professor Noh recalled the VR equipment Si-Hyun had mentioned earlier. Could it be what the students were looking forward to? His curiosity was piqued.
The Sixth Period: VR Experience
As the break ended, Si-Hyun returned to the classroom to begin the sixth period.
“Today, we’ll be using the VR equipment again. Everyone remembers the precautions, right?”
“Yes! We remember!”
“Got it!”
The students responded enthusiastically, their voices brimming with excitement. They had been counting down the days for this moment. After all, the VR equipment used in the Introduction to Monster Studies course offered an unparalleled experience.
Smiling faintly at their eagerness, Si-Hyun prepared to distribute the devices.
“All right, I’ll hand them out now.”
Si-Hyun personally handed the equipment to each student, including Professor Noh, providing brief instructions as he went. Professor Noh examined the device with intrigue, his scholarly curiosity fully engaged.
Soon, everyone except Si-Hyun was wearing the VR gear.
With a sharp snap of Si-Hyun’s fingers—
Click!
“W-Whoa! What is this? What is happening?”
Professor Noh, unable to maintain his usual composure, let out an uncharacteristic exclamation.
The innovation before him was revolutionary. A marvel of magic and technology combined.
It was nothing short of groundbreaking.
***
For days following the Introduction to Monster Studies lecture, Professor Noh found himself lost in thought, replaying the events of that day over and over.
He vividly recalled the conversation.
“Professor Jeong, would you consider joining my department after this semester ends?”
“...Pardon?”
“We must not let your magical talent go to waste! I’m not sure why you chose the role of a Holy Knight, but let’s fully unleash your potential!”
“Ah, haha...”
Professor Jeong politely declined his proposal, her tone suggesting the calm of a hermit uninterested in worldly desires.
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How can I possibly persuade Professor Jeong...?
For days, Professor Noh dwelled on this question. Jeong Si-Hyun embodied humility, talent, diligence, and an impeccable personality—a rare combination.
Now, having directly experienced her lecture, he finally understood why students adored her. The rumors about her were not exaggerated. If anything, they had understated her abilities.
Even the initial impression of her being "ordinary" began to transform in his mind. Professor Noh found himself utterly captivated by Si-Hyun.
The Faculty Meeting
On the day of the regularly scheduled faculty meeting, Professor Noh couldn’t focus. His thoughts were consumed by Si-Hyun.
Then, a particular comment snapped him out of his reverie.
“Is that lecturer still causing a stir these days?”
“You mean Professor Jeong?”
“Professor? Please. She’s just a part-time lecturer. I still shudder when I think about her attitude during Kang Cheol-Min Hunter’s special lecture. What kind of behavior was that?”
Hearing these disparaging remarks about someone he had been contemplating for days, Professor Noh’s gaze naturally shifted toward the speakers.
“Those pretty faces always have the worst attitudes, don’t they?”
“Haha...”
“And her tone! Where did she even learn to speak like that?”
The remarks were petty and reeks of condescension.
One of the speakers was a professor well-connected to the Cheongrim Guild, someone who had previously hinted at the gossip surrounding Si-Hyun to Professor Noh.
The slander continued unabated. That is, until an even bigger curmudgeon entered the fray.
Click!
“Tsk, tsk, tsk! How utterly clueless can people be?”
Professor Noh’s sharp gaze landed on the gossiping professors.
“What was that? Attitude problems? Ha! What nonsense. It’s all about perception. People like you call yourselves professors?”
The words came from none other than Professor Noh, the man second only to the Academy’s president in authority and influence.
The appearance of this "grandmaster curmudgeon" silenced the entire room.
Professor Noh launched into an unrelenting tirade.
“Professors of the magical arts, you say? Instead of proving facts, you waste your time badmouthing others. Tsk, tsk!”
“...”
“Rather than scheming to keep someone as talented as Professor Jeong at the Academy, you spew such pitiful nonsense. Shame on you!”
Professor Noh’s words were sharp, direct, and unrestrained. He had always been like that. But no one dared refute him. The aura he exuded overwhelmed the majority of the faculty.
The president, quietly observing the scene, couldn’t help but let a small smirk escape.
As expected of Si-Hyun! She even managed to captivate this stubborn old professor. Truly a remarkable talent.
The president made no move to stop Professor Noh. After all, the curmudgeon was saying everything the president wanted to, delivering his own satisfaction on a silver platter.
For the president, it felt as though a long-standing blockage in his throat had finally been cleared.
***
Late Morning
Sitting on the sofa at home, I shifted into a more comfortable position. Si-Yoon, who was pressed up against my side, was chattering away.
“Unnie, unnie, unnie. Just once, please? Hmm?”
“...It’s embarrassing. I don’t want to.”
“Come onnnn. Just try it! It’ll be fun!”
“...Ugh.”
Squirm.
Si-Yoon clung to my arm, pouting and acting cute. Her relentless aegyo made it impossible for me to flat-out refuse her, leaving me wavering.
“The viewers keep saying they want to see you collab with me! I think it’d be super fun, too.”
“Still... appearing on stream myself is a bit much...”
“I’ll help you every step of the way! Please? Unnieeeee—”
She started nuzzling against my arm, her voice dripping with playfulness. The sugary tone tickled my ears.
“You said you need to buy new summer clothes, right? I’ll help with that, too! Hmm? Hmm?”
“...Ugh, geez.”
Now she was mimicking MomoBin’s stream voice, hanging on to me with puppy-dog eyes. Her sparkling gaze and excited expression were practically glowing as she stared at me.
Not that this would work on me, of course...
...Though I had to admit, she was kind of cute.
“...Fine, just this once. Got it?”
“Yay! You’re the best, unnie! I love you!”
Beaming, Si-Yoon hugged me tightly. She was soft and warm, and I couldn’t help but feel a little comforted.
Moments later, Si-Yoon bounced off to her room, clearly overjoyed. She was probably going to announce it to her viewers right away.
“...Hmm, now what should I do?”
It was obvious what she was aiming for: putting me in her shoes so I could experience her world. She wanted me to see things from her perspective, no doubt.
Well, since I already agreed...
“Hmm.”
I might as well have a little fun with this myself.