Chapter 80
Chapter 80
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: Homeroom Teacher Appears (2)
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"You... you're not out there doing anything weird, are you?"
Kim Jin-hyuk's question left me speechless.
To be honest, I had been doing some pretty weird stuff, so I had no grounds to argue back.
But I couldn't just admit it outright, so I played dumb.
"What are you talking about? Weird stuff?"
"Hmm. The chairman let it slip something about a 'young punk messing around with women.' Just checking, you know. Not trying to pry into your personal life, but you're still one of our class cadets."
"...."
No way. It couldn't be.
If he'd found out about my messy relationships with women... I'd really be screwed.
'Wait a second.'
Thinking it over, I realized there was no need to worry.
The women I'd been involved with totaled five.
Lumi, Im Sol, Lucy, Baek A-young, and Lilliana.
Aside from Lumi, none of them had been exposed to anyone else.
Lucy's case with the aphrodisiac spell from Felix was a one-time thing, and only Lilliana and I knew what happened that day.
Im Sol and I only hooked up in the lab, so no one caught us.
Baek A-young and I had done it outdoors a few times, but we always set up barriers, so no issues there.
Lilliana only stayed at home, so no one even knew she existed.
That left Lumi, who was honestly a bit risky.
We'd gone to motels together twice without thinking, and recently we'd gotten caught having sex in the clubroom because we let our guard down.
But even if they investigated me, all they'd find was that Lumi and I were dating. Nothing suspicious.
Conclusion: I was in the clear.
"Don't worry. I'm not that kind of guy. It's a bit awkward saying it myself, but I volunteer at the Sunlight Orphanage every week, and that's where I kept running into the Saintess. Plus, during the dungeon training terrorist attack, we got separated from the group together, which brought us closer. So maybe that's why she called for me."
"Oh... You volunteer on your own? I knew about the straggler incident during the attack, but there's more to the story. Yeah, that makes sense you'd get friendly. Sorry if I offended you."
That's the normal reaction.
I'd caught the demon infiltrator at the academy, worked hard in the student council promo department, saved Baek A-young during the dungeon outbreak, shone as a rising star for the academy's reputation, and even volunteered every weekend.
Where in the world would you find an ace like this?
"No problem. Where's the chairman? Should I head to his office?"
"Nah, he's coming here. I've got class, so I'll have to step out. Just chat here."
"Got it."
"Everyone knows you're a hard worker, so relax and just tell it like it is."
"Yes, sir. Good luck with class."
After Kim Jin-hyuk left to prep for joint class,
I relaxed and loosened up.
Organizations have their rules, but someone at the chairman's level could ignore most of them.
In fact, the chairman held more power than the dean, whether by hunter ability or authority.
So I had no idea what he'd say to me.
To prepare, I made some coffee for him.
At least pretend to observe basic courtesy.
It was instant mix, but sincerity counts.
I dumped the mix into a mug and waited for hot water instead of pouring right away.
Knock knock knock.
"Cadet Lee Ho-yeon here?"
"Yes! Come in!"
Now. I poured the hot water while keeping it natural.
This was coffee service that screamed manners ingrained in the body!
The chairman who entered was a middle-aged man in appearance.
Clean-cut and easygoing vibe. The glasses gave him a slight resemblance to Moon Soo-rin.
That guy was definitely Soo-rin noona's grandfather... Strong hunters really did defy aging.
"So you're Cadet Lee Ho-yeon. Nice to meet you."
Chairman Moon Jae-cheol extended his hand.
I shook it politely with both hands.
Moon Jae-cheol sat down without even glancing at my heartfelt coffee service.
A bit disappointing.
"So, Cadet Lee Ho-yeon... Do you know why I'm here?"
"Not really."
Probably about Baek A-young.
We volunteered together and got separated during dungeon training, so he'd want to ask about her.
"I heard you and Saintess Hunter Baek A-young are close. True?"
"Yes. Not super tight, but we have a decent friendship."
Best to play it as casual friends. No upside to claiming more.
"I see... Yesterday, she suddenly said she wants to transfer to the academy. Did she mention anything to you beforehand?"
"No. I only heard this morning from Professor Kim Jin-hyuk."
"Hmm..."
Moon Jae-cheol brought the coffee to his lips.
"Not bad for a cadet's brew. But something's bugging me."
"What do you mean?"
"Know what Baek A-young demanded? No money. She wants us not to exploit her 'Saintess' image for academy gain. And a position easy to interact with cadets."
"...."
I listened quietly to gauge the situation.
"From the academy's side, no reason to refuse. The association's already milked the Saintess image dry. Just announcing 'The Saintess quit the association for the academy' is a massive win."
Makes sense. Baek A-young's pretty face and her habit of caring for the injured on-site had cemented her Saintess rep.
With active hunters backing her, the public bought into 'That woman's the Saintess, super kind.'
The academy gains intangible value just from her choosing them over the association.
"But 'easy access to cadets'... That's suspicious. Can't help but wonder from our position."
"Yes."
"The association poaching cadets? Nah, she's too big a card for that. Starting a guild with cadets? Ridiculous. Leaves one option. One cadet caught her eye..."
"...."
"And that's you. Lee Ho-yeon."
Scary.
I could feel his intent to dig out my secrets.
This was the man who climbed to academy chairman.
If I were a normal cadet, the professor's office setting, his status, and pressure would've made me spill everything, true or not. But I was different.
[Clear Mentality] let me calm my emotions whenever I wanted, no matter the situation.
The academy figuring out Baek A-young's target was me in a day was a bit frightening intel-wise, but now was the time for calm words.
My response here was key.
What did this guy want to hear?
"I'm not heartless. If it's thanks to you she came, I'll reward you properly. No need to lie."
His words said that, but he'd clearly grasped the truth.
Hunters who rescued us from the dungeon terror or orphanage staff could confirm we were close.
I could deny hard and escape for now, but it wouldn't solve the root issue.
Baek A-young had stormed the academy; she'd reach out anyway.
'Say we're dating?'
If we were lovers, it'd explain her job switch. Common story.
I was about to say we were dating when I paused.
With this level of investigation, they definitely knew about Lumi and me.
Dating wouldn't fly.
What to say?
I thought it over and spoke.
"Truth is... the Saintess has a one-sided crush on me and keeps following me around."
Sorry, A-young.
"...What?"
Moon Jae-cheol's eyes widened, his poker face cracking at my unexpected answer.
*
"So that's it... After the dungeon outbreak, she developed feelings and started tailing you..."
"Yes. Last weekend at the student council orphanage volunteer work, she showed up knowing I'd be there. You can check with the director."
"Whoa... Hold on."
Moon Jae-cheol tapped his smartwatch and contacted someone.
"It's true. Confirmed with the orphanage director."
"Yes."
"Hmm. If you want protection, we can boot Hunter Baek A-young right now. What do you think?"
Oh ho. Kicking out the Saintess for one cadet? He had chairman principles.
Moon Soo-rin's grandfather wouldn't be a bad guy anyway.
"No need. I'm still figuring things out with the Saintess."
I thought it was a solid answer, but Moon Jae-cheol stared right through me.
"You're definitely different from other cadets."
"It's nothing special."
Oh crap. Too calm?
But better a flawless calm act than fumbling a normal cadet role.
I was confident this was the best response.
"Nothing special? Most tremble just standing before me. Makes sense Soo-rin took an interest."
"...Pardon?"
Did I hear wrong? How'd he know Moon Soo-rin was interested in me?
"But here's the thing..."
Thump.
He wasn't emitting mana.
Yet my Combat Sense screamed danger.
"To get close to my Soo-rin... you'd need to clean up your relationships with other women and focus only on her. Otherwise, I can't predict how I'll react."
"...Yes, sir."
He was smiling, but it didn't look like a smile.
"You won't even bow your head. I'll give you credit for guts."
Seemed like he approved of me as son-in-law material, minus the women, flashing a friendly grin.
Honestly, too scared for excuses.
Good he wasn't max rage; he didn't know I was playing the field. Lucky.
"I'll send Soo-rin next time. Since you brought the Saintess to our side, reward's due."
Problem: I hadn't even started on Moon Soo-rin.
Would he react that cool if I courted her properly?
What if I said I needed to date squid-legs worth of women?
'Who knows...'
*
The chairman finished and left.
I couldn't skip class, so I bolted to the auditorium for joint session.
Screech-
Opening the auditorium door, first- and second-years were gathered, following professors' instructions.
I locked eyes with Professor Kim Jin-hyuk at the front with first-years, gave a quick nod, and sat by Lucy.
"Oh? Ho-yeon, you're back?"
"Yeah. Where's Lumi?"
"Bathroom break. Indoctrination's done; sparring time now. Perfect timing."
"Oh... Cool?"
No wonder fewer professors; they were setting up sparring arenas in the back.
Over ten arenas meant full participation.
"Alright, first-years, over here. Sparring with second-years, real combat style."
Murmurs.
"Whoa, second-years must be crazy strong, right?"
"But no big names in second-year. First-year prospects could win easy."
That's right.
Game plot convenience lumped prospects in first-year. Second-years were innocent victims.
"What cosmic event for first-years' birth year?"
"Dunno. Just lucky."
I was grateful first-years avoided 'Golden Generation' labels.
'Golden Generation Leader, Lee Ho-yeon' would've made me want to die.
"So, how we picking order? Anyone want to spar a second-year first?"
While Professor Kim Jin-hyuk helped with arenas, the B-Class female professor took the stage and asked first-years.
Unlike regular class, cadets seemed interested. Rare chance to spar seniors.
I shot my hand up before anyone else could.