The Humming Seductress
A woman hummed "Hmm-hmm~" to herself as she applied her foundation. Standing in front of the mirror, she struck poses like a model on a runway, twisting her body this way and that. Her height was a touch below average, giving off an adorably petite vibe that naturally stirred protective instincts. Her figure—curvy where it counted and slim where it should be—wasn't violently sexy, but it was the kind that wouldn't back down anywhere. The sort of beauty that could make any guy do a double-take and let out an "Ooh~!" She thought so, at least.
"Mm! Looking pretty today too!"
This woman, who didn't skimp on self-praise, was none other than Yoon Jiye. She pulled out lipstick and some dark-toned makeup from her pouch— all from the deluxe "Younger Guy Killer" series she'd splurged on. After meticulously applying it all with care, her babyish look transformed into one boasting a mature allure. It was over-the-top enough to make you wonder if she had a blind date lined up, but to her, it still wasn't enough.
The reason she was dolling up like this? A single phone call from last night.
"Sorry to call so late at night, Instructor Yoon Jiye."
"P-Principal?!"
"I know it's rude to phone someone still on vacation, but you're the only one for the job. Bear with me."
"N-No, it's fine. What... what can I do for you?"
"It's about Choi Siwoo. Word is you're the instructor closest to him."
"Ah, Siwoo-nim?"
"......Nim?"
"Ah! N-No, I mean, y-yes! Ahem! Y-Yes, I'm the closest to Choi Siwoo-ssi."
"...Ssi...? Anyway, got it. Here's the deal."
True to form for an old-timer, he'd droned on with "Back in my day~" nonsense, but the gist was simple: When he returned to the academy in two days, pass on a message. But the content was no joke.
A-Class Promotion Exam.
Yoon Jiye let out a low whistle of admiration. As expected of a genius. Back when she was a cadet, she'd never even sniffed A-Class. She'd barely scraped by graduation, constantly terrified of flunking out of C-Class and pouring every ounce of effort just to survive.
In contrast, Choi Siwoo—barely a few months into enrollment—had already earned the right to take the promotion exam. Not the regular one every six months, but a special recommendation.
Of course, he'd have to pass first... but Yoon Jiye had no doubt.
There's no way Siwoo-nim would fail.
He was a real-deal monster, operating on a level beyond ordinary folks like her. An object of awe that defied logic and reason. The kind of talent only someone floating among the clouds could possess. She figured he'd end up in a hero party someday, making waves.
And that tied right into why she was primping so hard right now. The principal had said to take it slow, but no way was she doing that.
This is my excuse to go see him again!
The moment she'd snapped out of it that day, she'd shown him her ugly side—no makeup, patient gown, tears and snot streaming as she bawled. That night, Yoon Jiye had pounded the floor, sobbing in regret. That wasn't right. He was her lifesaver.
Song Junho had told her: While everyone was frozen in terror, Choi Siwoo had swiftly pulled her out of danger. If he'd left her? What, I'd have been monster chow, chomped to bits.
Of course, simple gratitude wouldn't warrant this full getup.
I'm gonna show him my full charms!
She was convinced. If he kept growing and stepped out into the world like this? He'd be hailed a monster, climbing to the top. Maybe even snag a "Lord's Seat" as an association exec. That was basically a mini-king—ruling a region's forces and heroes with iron power.
Even if not that high, he'd rocket to something comparable. The association bigwigs knew talent when they saw it, just like she did. Sure, they ragged on his bloodline now, but in awakener society, power was king. As the saying went, one crane among chickens—he was bound to soar.
And me? How long can I keep this up?
It wouldn't last. Five years tops? Probably less. Whispers on the forums already questioned her instructor quals. Sure, pity softened the blows, but the truth remained: She couldn't protect her cadets. Couldn't handle the beasts. Even dodging a lucky strike wouldn't have helped.
Quit and... what? No real skills to fall back on.
Awakeners outlived "normals"—longer lifespans, youthful looks forever. At least a century. Survival meant money and stability. Who'd hire her? Low-tier awakeners like her were a dime a dozen. No connections for sidekick gigs either.
Above all, Yoon Jiye was scared. Even fully healed, the pain throbbed. Classic PTSD, probably.
She shook her head sharply. Ugh! Enough gloomy thoughts!
Conclusion? Get in good with Siwoo-nim and slide under his wing! Stick by his side—future brighter than the sun—and he'd hook her up with something decent. He seemed the type to look after his people.
If I'm lucky...
...maybe he'd claim her late at night. Teacher and student? Age gap? Meaningless between a prime breeding male and female. She wasn't greedy—no wife spot. Just some love and a place in his harem. This society pushed polygamy anyway; top heroes ran harems like pros.
Now's my best shot.
No way guys around him would leave a catch like Choi Siwoo alone. Women would flock, his bed notches piling up. Strike now, while he was naive and clueless. Show him womanly charms at this perfect innocent age.
It hadn't been intentional, but in the hospital room, when her chest brushed him? She'd seen it clear: His face and ears flushing crimson. He frowned, sure... but a young boy's embarrassment at feminine allure.
"Hmm-hmm~"
Yoon Jiye pulled out her secret weapon: soft silicone for perfect feel, mana-adhesive skin grip. The ultimate "padding." Slipped it in, checked once more. Off-shoulder top baring cleavage, shoulders, neckline. Tennis skirt just right. Emergency sexy undies prepped.
She stepped out of the bathroom, heading to his ward from memory.
Room 905... 905...
Found it. At the door, she cleared her throat and knocked lightly.
"Siwoo-nim~ Your cutie Jiye is here~"
"I said I'm not eating it."
"Just try it once, just once. Siwoo!"
"Are you nuts? Why the hell put mayo in porridge?!"
"It's really good. And super nutritious!"
"It's a goddamn fat bomb. Get that mayo crap away!"
"F-Fine, at least the rice balls then."
"Those have mayo too, right?"
"Duh. What would be the point without it?"
"Piss off back to the dorms!"
"...Huh?"
Yoon Jiye blinked. Inside: Choi Siwoo straining to hold firm, a woman clinging desperately. In her hand, a porridge bowl topped with... mayo-ish glop. But that wasn't the point.
The woman's looks were unreal. Beauty that screamed threat.
Platinum blonde, eyes like starlight... Wait, I've seen her...
Hold on—n-no way!?
"H-Hero Erina?!"
"Hm?"
"Eh?"
Their eyes met. Both stared at her like Why are you here?
* * *
Erina sized up the woman.
This is definitely... Instructor Yoon Jiye?
No mistake. She'd heard she was injured but recovered fast and discharged. But why here? Not the point.
...What's with that outfit?
Heavy makeup screaming effort, hair salon-fresh and glossy. Cleavage and shoulders on full blast with tacky clothes, super-short skirt? Erina's pupils dulled, muddied far worse than with Ohana.
She plunked the bowl on the table, zombie-shambled forward. Siwoo said something behind her—ignored. This was priority.
Instinct screamed it.
Bitch.
This woman was a bitch, reeking pheromones, here to snag her precious little bro.
"...Instructor Yoon Jiye, right?"
"Ah! Y-Yes, uh... n-nice to meet you, Hero-nim—"
"—Why are you here?"
"Uh... yes?"
"Why'd you come?"
Cold sweat beaded on Yoon Jiye's forehead. What was this aura? The realm where presence alone could kill—had this kid reached it already!?
Th-This is the Hero?!
"I-I have... a message for Siwoo-nim."
"Siwoo-nim? Nim?Nim?! When? When when when when?! When did you decide to call him that?!"
"...I..."
"Say it again. With that mouth."
Erina's hands landed on Yoon Jiye's shoulders. Not hard—just a slow grip. But enough.
To Yoon Jiye, the girl morphed into a beast ready to rip her throat out. Her body shuddered.
"Th-That..."
"Makeup, slutty outfit, skirt short enough to hike up anytime, even spritzed 'Boy Killer' by Benjamin Saga—the hunter scent that slays 20-something guys."
"H-How'd you know!?"
"Got it. Total bitch confirmed. Black lace panties begging to be seen... and padded up too? Pricey ones."
"!!!"
"Wanna step out and chat?"
"N-No—"
"—Sorry, no choice. Instructor. Or should I say Yoon Jiye-ssi."
"W-Wait! Eek! Hiiieeeek! St-Stop! I'm sorry! Don't!"
That day, Room 905 fell silent amid one woman's desperate screams.