Instructor's Breakdown and the Mad Scientist Awaits

"Fuck! Shut the hell up!" Thud. Yoon Jiye dropped the item in her hand. The student records filled with cadets' information tumbled across the dirt ground. It was important enough that she should pick it up right away, but she couldn't even think of doing so. Or rather, she didn't have the energy for it.

Her mouth hung open as she stared blankly. What the hell just happened? Maybe because it was so absurd—her pounding heart contrasted with her mind, which calmly pieced it together. Cheolwangguk lost... And he lost overwhelmingly. Was that even possible? At least in her eyes, Cheolwangguk had been on the verge of victory. Sure, she'd seen Choi Siwoo holding back here and there. If he'd fought seriously, it would've ended with that initial kick and follow-up strike. But even so, Cheolwangguk had locked him down with his ultimate skill and prepared a decisive finisher. In an Awakener's fight, getting to that point meant flipping the outcome was impossible. That was common sense—law, even.

But he lost. To Choi Siwoo. The moment he drew his sword, everything was settled. He hadn't even fully gripped the hilt before it was over. What the fuck... how did he do that? Yoon Jiye hadn't seen a thing. Hell, she couldn't even comprehend what he'd done. It was pure transcendence beyond mortal limits—a realm so awe-inspiring the words slipped out on their own. No doubt, it was a technique at the absolute pinnacle, beyond what a normal person like her could grasp.

Her mind snapped awake like she'd been doused in ice water. Oh shit, this is bad. Only now did Yoon Jiye realize what she'd done. Not only had she mouthed off in front of that ridiculous monster, but she'd straight-up provoked him. Am I... gonna die?

Cadets assaulting instructors sounded absurd, but it happened surprisingly often in academy history. From A-Class up, monsters roamed freely, and S-Class were beyond comprehension. Unless you were someone like Kang Hanseong with a big name, regular instructors couldn't suppress upper A-Class or S-Class kids. But she'd thought it'd be fine. In her eyes, Choi Siwoo was all show—good-looking in her type, sure, but just a parasitic pretty boy riding his connections.

Of course, as an instructor, she'd roughly seen him toy with Song Junho through the screen. But she didn't buy it. Obviously a trick! She'd assumed some cheat or gimmick. That's why she was so cocky. Outsiders might call it ridiculous, but she'd lived through the world's standards of strength and growth. She knew exactly how high those walls were—the ones she couldn't climb. She knew countless seniors and juniors crushed against them.

A 17-year-old punk not just leaping over that wall but standing atop it? Impossible by her logic. No Awakener could accept it. So she'd blabbed that this class would shatter his arrogance, that she'd personally weed out the criminal who mocked sacred Prunel Academy with his fraudulent enrollment. Bonus points if she scored extra pay. All delusions, of course—stupid ones.

Fucked up! Totally fucked!Thud-thud. "!!" Footsteps echoed in the panicking Yoon Jiye's ears. She turned her head like a creaking robot. Choi Siwoo stood there, hands in pockets, staring at her. Her face drained pale like a frog before a snake.

He smirked mockingly. "Instructor?"

"……"

"Match is over. What're you doing? Grab the whistle and call it. You gonna leave Cheol-bbing sprawled on the ground like that?"

"Ch-Cheol-bbing? It's Cheolwangguk cadet..."

"Does that matter?"

This chick still out of it? Daydreaming what? He snapped irritably, and Yoon Jiye raised her trembling hand, yelling loudly.

"Ch-Choi Siwoo cadet. V-Victory!"

"Good job. That ends afternoon class, right?"

"Y-Yes. Cl-Class dismissed."

"Cool, I'll head out first. Winner's privilege, yeah?"

He gave a casual nod and turned. For some reason, a sigh of relief came from behind. Oh right, my bad. He'd forgotten something.

"Instructor?"

She froze mid-sneak away. "Next time, I'd like a spar with you. It's your subject, so you're confident, right? I'll draw my sword from the start—no holding back, come at me full force."

He'd said it offhand. She didn't look that strong, but even a faded tuna had her merits as an Awakener and instructor. Her experience couldn't be ignored. Obviously stronger than some random cadet. She can dodge a swing or two, right? If she blocked, perfect—but no greed. Accidentally lopping off her head meant villain arc redux. Past life? Whatever. This life, he wanted stability first. Bonus if we get friendly. Cute face, empty head—sweet-talk her right, she'd spill info easy.

No loss if not... "Hic..."

"...Huh?"

He thought he'd misheard. Turning, Yoon Jiye stared back, face ashen, tears streaming down. Then she trembled like a leaf.

What the fuck? Why's this chick freaking out?

"...Instructor?"

"S-Sorry! I was wrong! Please spare me!"

"Huh?"

"I was wrong!!! I won't do it again!!!"

She dropped to her knees, slamming her head on the ground. "Don't kill me! I wanna live..."

"No, fuck... hold up. What?"

Absurdity hit; he panicked. Whispers rose around them.

"Whoa, Choi Siwoo... what'd he say to the instructor? He threaten her?"

"God, look at Yoon-sensei crying... what the hell did he say?"

"Hey, don't make eye contact! We saw what he did to Cheolwangguk's meat chunk! We'll end up the same!"

Meat chunk my ass! Limbs intact! Glaring heatedly, they flinched and backed off.

Grab. In the gap, Yoon Jiye crawled over, clutching his ankle. Snot and tears streaming, her ugly upward gaze made him recoil.

"Don't draw your sword! I'll die! Can't block it! Skipped dating for a job... still a virgin... academy loans left... don't wanna die..."

"No, fuck... let go first..."

"Please! I'll do anything... strip if you say... just spare me!"

"Fuck! Shut up with that weird shit!!!"

"Sorry!!!"

Afternoon class ended in an unexpected shitshow.

"Motherfucker."

He powered off his phone after the last line, ruffling his hair in seething rage from deep within. What the actual fuck is this?

Beating Cheolwangguk was great. But post-Yoon Jiye meltdown, shit got weird. Now he was "Absolute Demon Emperor" who takes arms on eye contact, plus a trash who dumps girls when they're useless—rumors everywhere.

Fucking ridiculous... Baseless bullshit at peak hater levels; he just sighed.

...Thanks. He clicked his tongue, shaking it off mentally. Rumors spread; what to do? Not all bad, though.

Nice point haul. Plus stat boosts...

Results-wise, more than satisfying. If not for those damn rumors...

Oh, one unexpected bonus.

Truly unexpected. Thought he'd snag Cheolwangguk's... not this chick updating. Cheolwangguk? Zero change. Sparring doesn't swing favor like with Song Junho—that guy's weird. Hwangbo Han? Pride-blocked, fuming. Cheolwangguk calmer, neutral.

But Yoon Jiye terrified 80%? What'd I do? And 20% sexual excitement? Pervert?

For a fight? Whatever. Good haul, but...

Damn, total garbage. Worse than Hwangbo Han. Makes sense—talent gap huge, kid not fully bloomed. Can't compare to walled-off adults.

Sighing, he rummaged long. Yeah... Nothing. Potentials only? Bigger regret than expected. Could snag Acrobatics if unlocked touched.

My problem? Settled for least useless.

Good for smoke bombs, etc. Handy when missing before. Stocking one now? Fine.

Ding! Massive alarm rang. Turning, the fountain's clock tower chimed 6 PM.

20 years later, still a money pit. Every spraying drop holy water. Symbol of church prestige, Holy Fountain or whatever. Perfect visiting hour.

Kay. Still in business?

He nodded, steeling himself mentally. Next up: one of history's craziest bitches.

Jeon Eunbyeol.

Off to meet the last of the quartet.