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…@@novelbin@@

‘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.”

“Aha!”

Si-Yoon went to the bathroom. Embarrassed, I sat on the couch, waiting until she returned to her room.

But instead of going back right away, Si-Yoon stopped in front of her door, turned, and said,

“If you’re going to practice, wouldn’t it be better to dress the part and do it for real?”

“…Would it?”

“It’ll help you get used to it if you practice in a way that’s as close to the real thing as possible.”

“Hm, that’s a fair point.”

Satisfied with my agreement, Si-Yoon chuckled and returned to her room.

It made sense.

I walked to my wardrobe and opened it, revealing the clothes I’d recently bought.

“…Hmm.”

My eyes briefly lingered on the skirt, but I looked away.

That one would take a bit more time.

In the other world, my clothes had always covered me down to the ankles, with zero exposure. Nothing form-fitting, either.

Slowly, I put on the suit jacket and pants.

Then, I stood in front of a full-length mirror tucked into the corner of my room to check my appearance.

“…Heh.”

Unlike the loose-fitting pants I occasionally wore, the snug trousers highlighted the lines of my lower body, while the top gave off a sophisticated look.

This… actually looks pretty good?

The distinct style of the suit emitted an elegant atmosphere. I felt a bit like Ji-Ah did when she wore something similar.

It felt like me, but not quite. Either way, it looked nice. Hmm, hmm…

Not to sound narcissistic or anything, but it wasn’t bad at all.

I rarely looked in the mirror except for brief glances while washing up, but this wasn’t bad…

Turning this way and that, I examined the fit of the outfit. With no one around, I could admire it in peace.

The woman looking back at me in the mirror had flushed cheeks.

…Alright, admiring time is over. Back to practice.

I touched my cheeks lightly to feel the warmth, then stepped away from the mirror.

Resuming my mock lesson, I recorded myself practicing again.

“…Oh.”

I must’ve improved slightly with all the practice, and wearing the actual outfit made the whole thing look more realistic.

I felt energized.

After reviewing areas that still needed work, I practiced and recorded more.

I could definitely feel myself improving.

I wondered how I compared to actual teachers or professors and immediately decided to find out.

I searched for some teaching videos online.

“Heh…”

Real teachers were on another level.

The suit skirts looked really nice too. Would I look that stylish if I wore one?

Naturally, I glanced toward the wardrobe.

…It’s just trying it on, nothing more.

I slowly approached, grabbing the H-line skirt.

It was knee-length, fitting snugly to highlight the leg lines.

Gulp.

I swallowed once and changed into it. The skirt’s tight fit around my legs felt new.

I moved back to the mirror to see how it looked—

“Wow! Sis, you look amazing! Like a goddess!”

“…Ah!”

“Haha, what kind of scream was that? Oh, my!”

Ugh, I nearly had a heart attack!

Si-Yoon had suddenly popped out of nowhere, watching me with a mischievous grin, her eyes narrowed.

God, she really scared me.

“Sis, you don’t have to hide! You look fantastic!”

“…Quiet.”

Before I knew it, I’d scrambled to the couch, clutching a blanket tightly and pulling it over my head.

---

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.