“Do you know why certain types of monsters appear together in a dungeon?”  
“Excuse me?”

At Si-hyun’s question, the student fell silent. He had never thought about that before.

They just appeared, didn’t they? Wasn’t it enough to respond appropriately to the monsters they encountered?

Other students, who had been in agreement, also stared at Si-hyun with wide eyes.

“When you first enter a dungeon, depending on the scenery, you should be able to predict which monsters will appear and plan your strategy accordingly, right?”  
“If it’s a cave, then it must be goblins…”  
“Sure, at a lower level. But as the levels increase, the variety of species increases, and there are also mutated forms. High-tier species and boss monsters are prime examples.”

“……”

The student fell silent. With appropriate examples included, he had nothing left to say.

“What will you do when you encounter a monster you’ve never seen before? Will you just run away?”  
“Uh, maybe look for its weak points…?”  
“What knowledge would help you find its weaknesses efficiently?”  
“Ecology?”  
“Correct.”

Si-hyun shrugged her shoulders and continued.

“I asked how you know about ecology. I’ve been around for years. This knowledge and information, derived from my experiences, will be what you learn in the future.”

Her confident and audacious attitude resembled that of a war hero. Overwhelmed by the atmosphere, the students’ mouths fell into straight lines.

Of course, some students thought to themselves, ‘But she’s just a D-rank, isn’t she…?’ However, they didn’t bother to speak up.

Si-hyun’s demeanor was serious enough to command respect.

Once all the students quieted down, Si-hyun announced that today’s lecture had concluded and confidently left the room.

The sound of her heels echoed as she walked away.

In the classroom, the moment of silence was swiftly filled with chatter.

“Did she really say she’s been around for years?”  
“What does it mean to know ecology?”  
“Do they really utilize hunters like that abroad?”  
“I’d never want to live in a dungeon like that…”

The students buzzed with opinions.

“Isn’t all of that just a lie?”

Someone casually questioned, the same student who had repeatedly asked Si-hyun questions earlier.

And then—

“Do you think being an academy professor is a joke?”

With that immediate retort, the questioning student shrank back.

Not every student fully accepted Si-hyun’s explanation, but her confident demeanor captured their interest more than their doubts.

Several students looked at the papers laid out on their desks.

The syllabus.

Each of them picked up the papers, their minds racing with different thoughts.

* * *

After safely finishing the first lecture, I leisurely strolled around, taking in the scenery of the academy.

Unlike when I had come with Jia, I noticed people bustling around here and there. Thanks to that, even the same scenery felt fresh.

On the playground, there were already groups enjoying sports like basketball.

I had heard there were no official clubs. It seemed people had already formed unofficial gatherings with those they had gotten close to.

Being popular really is something. Well, I heard that connections among hunters are quite important. Sports must be one of the good ways to build them.

“…Hmm?”

As I walked around the playground and was about to head back to the faculty office, a person who appeared to be a student bowed their head to me from a distance.

It felt a bit awkward, but when I waved my hand, others nearby greeted me too.

“…Ah.”

The first student to greet me was someone who had been in my lecture just a while ago. Since the class wasn’t too large, I vaguely remembered them.

Thanks to this, I felt a strong sense of reality in becoming a true educator.

It was nothing special; I had merely exchanged greetings with a student. Yet, that alone made my heart race and flutter.

I gently placed my hand over my chest, savoring the feeling.

‘Hehe…’

I felt my expression soften naturally as I headed toward my designated faculty office.

Upon arriving at the building, I climbed the stairs to the second floor. The office at the end of the hallway was assigned to me.

Normally, part-time lecturers wouldn’t have personal offices, but thanks to Jia, the principal had made a special exception.

Though it wasn’t a large room, it was enough. Having my own space felt nice. Hmm, hmm!

Unlike the principal’s office, which was packed with books, my office was quite empty. From now on, I should decorate it nicely!

I sat on the chair and stretched my legs. Then I clasped my hands together and reached up.

“Haah…!”

My muscles felt pleasantly relaxed.

Suddenly, my gaze fell on my shiny shoes. I magically cleaned the dirt stuck on the sides of the heels. It’s important to take care of new things. Hehe…

“Let’s see…”

I walked over to the window and opened it. A refreshing breeze brushed against my hair. I naturally pushed my hair behind my ear and sat back down in the chair.

Gazing out at the scenery, I mentally checked the tasks I had to complete moving forward.

The most important thing was to become a respectable professor. A recognized professor! Although it was just an introduction, I felt I had conducted today’s lecture adequately.

But what if, just like during the entrance ceremony when the auditorium was packed, there were a swarm of students? 

To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I could lecture the same way.

This would have to be a consistent effort, wouldn’t it?

Assuming I could adapt, what next?

I still needed to create the audiovisual materials I hadn’t completed yet. I must add my unique flair to the lectures, surprising the students in the process!

What else do professors do? Hmm… research or papers, perhaps?

I took out my laptop and placed it on the desk. I searched various curiosities on the internet.

“Aha.”

Since it was an academy, they researched awakeners, gates, dungeons, monsters, etc.! I thought it might be good to choose a topic and conduct some research myself.

Eventually, it might be nice to settle on a major and aim for a full professorship. Perhaps that would only be possible when I had revealed all my strengths?

Well, at that time, I could just choose magic or divine power.

…Huh?

Divine power. Even if it’s not research, wouldn’t it be worth investigating? Why can I use it on Earth? 

But why doesn’t it accumulate as easily as it did in the other world?

I recall that the concept of divine power didn’t exist on Earth…

It might be a good idea to think it through when I have some time.

Speaking of which, wasn’t there another returnee besides me? I think they said the first returnee was from the U.S., a B-rank hunter.

I felt a bit of interest arise. It might be nice if I could make contact later. Even if they are from a different world than the one I experienced, that might still be entertaining.

“Alright!”

I nodded in satisfaction. I have a general idea of what I need to do moving forward.

There’s no rush, so I’ll take it step by step.

In any case, the most important thing is that there are no bad guys oppressing and binding me on Earth.

I can freely do what I want.

‘Freedom.’

It was a word that resonated pleasantly.

* * *

As the sun began to set and twilight fell in the early evening, a group of people started a gathering in a quiet bar.

It was a celebratory gathering for the Wing Guild. One of the guild members had achieved their second C-rank.

Since the promising candidate had not yet reached B-rank and had been delayed, this news brought great joy to the guild, and the person involved felt a considerable sense of pride.

“Han-gyeol, congratulations on your promotion!”  
“Thank you!”

With the congratulations from fellow guild members, Han-gyeol replied with a beaming smile.

It had been quite some time since his last promotion! He felt nostalgic. All of this was thanks to Si-hyun.

If it hadn’t been for her, he would still be wandering around E-rank dungeons.

Thanks to her, he gained courage and confidence.

He wanted to express his gratitude to Si-hyun.

Recalling that Si-hyun had been busy lately and hadn’t shown her face at the guild, Han-gyeol subtly spoke to Da-young.

“Master, you did invite Si-hyun today, right?”  
“Hmm? Of course, I contacted her.”  
“What’s the response?”  
“Ugh, of course she’s coming! Do you want to show off that much?”  
“…Haha.”

Han-gyeol scratched his cheek awkwardly at Da-young’s scolding.

“Si-hyun is now a professor, you know! She must be quite busy with the new semester just starting.”  
“That’s true.”

Han-gyeol imagined Si-hyun lecturing at the academy.

‘…Wow.’

He felt envious. He was so jealous of the new students.

At that moment.

Creak—

With the sound of the bar door opening, Si-hyun revealed herself.

“Oh, Si-hyun! Over here, over here!”  
“…Hello.”

As Da-young waved her arms energetically, Si-hyun approached her. She exchanged simple greetings with the guild members and sat beside Da-young.

“Today was your first lecture day, right? How was it?”  
“It went well.”  
“Maybe you’re a bit curious? Can

’t you record it and show us later?”  
“…That’s a bit.”

Si-hyun shook her head seriously.

That was the expected reaction, so Da-young covered her mouth and giggled.

A glass of beer and a personal plate were prepared in front of Si-hyun. At that moment, Da-young spoke up.

“Alright, Si-hyun. Han-gyeol has something to say.”  
“Hmm, yes?”  
“Cough!”

Han-gyeol cleared his throat. It was time to express his sincere gratitude.

“Si-hyun! Thank you so much! Thanks to your help, I was able to promote quickly. I sincerely appreciate it!”

Han-gyeol’s voice resonated loudly in the bar. He bowed slightly, politely extending his hand toward Si-hyun.

Thanks to this, the surrounding people’s gazes focused on Si-hyun.

“…That’s all Han-gyeol’s effort. Congratulations.”

Si-hyun smiled gently and shook Han-gyeol’s hand. She held it lightly for a brief moment before letting go.

“Congratulations!”  
“Let’s aim for B-rank next!”

The watching guild members clapped enthusiastically, celebrating Han-gyeol’s promotion together. The atmosphere in the bar grew lively.

Si-hyun mainly chatted with Da-young while enjoying drinks and snacks.

Han-gyeol stared at his palm where he had shaken hands, his face breaking into a grin.

He needed to work hard to reach B-rank!

Han-gyeol nodded vigorously, setting his goals.

“By the way, Da-young.”  
“Hmm?”  
“I want to use that class material. Can you make something like this?”  
“Where, where?”

Si-hyun explained the item she had been thinking about to Da-young. Da-young listened attentively, stroking her chin.

At that moment, Ji-han approached Han-gyeol.

“Hyung.”  
“What’s up?”  
“Now that you’ve leveled up, want to form a party and tackle a C-rank dungeon together?” 

Han-gyeol was taken aback. He had never expected Ji-han to propose such a thing first.

“I’d be grateful if you do that.”  
“Shall we go tomorrow or the day after?”  
“Sure, let’s do that.”

Han-gyeol accepted Ji-han’s suggestion.

Si-hyun, who had just finished her conversation with Da-young, watched the scene quietly.

With a pleased expression, she nodded and took a sip of her beer.

“Hmm?”

Si-hyun’s smartphone vibrated. She took her phone out of her pocket and checked the message.

It was from Jia.

- Si-hyun, do you have time in a couple of days? How about we go to an A-rank dungeon?

Si-hyun checked her schedule in her mind. Soon after, she replied to Jia.

It was an affirmative response.