Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: The Smiling Instructor
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"Um, sorry to say this on our first meeting, but you're so pretty. You're the most beautiful elf I've ever seen, the absolute best."
Even at Baek Yi-yeon's bold words, which could feel a bit rude, Shar nodded without losing her smile.
"What a strange way of speaking. I told you to ask questions, yet you praise my beauty... Thank you. However, this body is the foremost finger of the great Cal Eluriate house. Rather than viewing me through the lens of womanhood, I'd prefer you see me as a warrior."
Her response radiated strong pride in her identity as a warrior.
In truth, Su-hyeok had long wondered if beautiful female warriors could truly exist, but with an elf, it seemed entirely possible.
"Ah, yes. And, um, Earth...
No, your Korean is really good. That's so cool."
At Baek Yi-yeon's continued praise, Shar finally revealed a genuinely delighted smile that bloomed like a flower.
It was a smile that seemed to carry the scent of stock flowers just from looking at it.
"I studied to become an instructor on Earth. Being praised for my efforts feels wonderful. Thank you, cadets. By the way, at 19 years old, by elven standards, you're just barely weaned from your mother's milk. It's impressive that at such a young age, you're throwing yourself into training with the resolve to stand on the battlefield. You have two questions remaining."
Shar directed words that clearly sounded like praise toward Baek Yi-yeon, then shifted her gaze back to the 48 assembled recruits.
This time, a good number of hands shot up.
It was likely because Baek Yi-yeon's question had made them realize Shar was more approachable than she appeared.
"You there—you raised your hand first. What's your name?"
Shar pointed at a rather diminutive man wearing a black sleeveless shirt that didn't suit his build.
'Am I the uptight one...?'
Su-hyeok's brow furrowed slightly as he turned to look at the man.
He could understand sleeveless attire in this hot weather, despite it not matching his frame, but the snake tattoo on his forearm—its mouth gaping ferociously in a way that felt outright threatening—didn't sit well with him.
"Jin Chang-hyeok. I searched the internet high and low, but it never said... Can ex-convicts get training too?"
As expected, he seemed to be someone with a criminal record.
"An ex-convict... What crime did you commit?"
"Well...
Jin Chang-hyeok scratched the back of his head, his voice tinged with embarrassment under the weight of surrounding stares.
"A little theft."
"Theft."
Shar nodded, still wearing her steady smile.
"In our Elvenheim, criminals are given the chance to stand on the battlefield. Kill many foes, protect many comrades—that's what we call Rang-Der. In Earth terms, it would be something like honorable atonement. Hahaha."
Shar let out a hearty laugh at the slightly off direct translation before continuing.
"Why have you come here, cadet?"
"Well... because I awakened."
"I must have asked something odd without grasping how Earthlings think. Let me rephrase. Cadet Jin Chang-hyeok, what do you aspire to become by the end of this training?"
For a moment, Jin Chang-hyeok furrowed his brow as if struggling to comprehend, pondered deeply, then forced his mouth open.
"Guardian...
"So you wish to become a Guardian who protects your kin. That resolve alone is commendable.
If you've sinned, perform your duty more diligently than anyone else. Never forget your crimes. Remember them, and act with honor. One question left."
For some reason, Shar's gaze lingered on Jin Chang-hyeok, whose face had turned beet red, before finally moving away.
At the same moment, Su-hyeok swiftly raised his hand.
"Your name?"
"Yang Su-hyeok."
Shar tilted her head slightly as she regarded him.
"Fascinating. My apologies for asking first, Cadet Yang Su-hyeok, but can you sense spirits?"
Spirits?
Su-hyeok shook his head at the unfamiliar concept.
"First I've heard of it."
"Hmm...
Shar let out a short hum, stroked her chin, then smiled once more.
"Of course. If the talent exists, it will blossom in due time. Ask away."
"Will you be educating all of us by yourself, Instructor Shar?"
"No, as I mentioned, I'm the chief instructor. I can't claim to handle every subject alone. Theory, in particular, doesn't suit my nature, so I've left most of it to Earthlings. Ah, not exactly in exchange, but once practical training begins, I might be assigned to a squad and take full responsibility for it."
"I see."
Su-hyeok nodded lightly.
In a sense, Shar was like a school principal.
The difference was that unlike typical principals who step back to focus on administration, she engaged more actively in the teaching.
"Question time is over. Now, follow me in orderly two columns to the classroom. Note that class has already begun, and the first period is mine. I'm set to cover the basic mindset and conduct for Awakeners."
Shar uncrossed the arms she'd kept folded throughout the questions, turned her back, and headed into the association building.
The prospective Guardians or Hunters trailing behind moved in a disorganized mob.
There was no sign of them forming the two lines Shar had ordered.
Su-hyeok was casually strolling after her when—
Whoosh whoosh whoosh—!
The moment the leaders reached the entrance, a fierce gust swept in, shoving everyone back in chaos.
"Uwaaack—!"
"Wha—?!"
"Whoaaa!"
Those unable to keep their balance screamed and tumbled over in a heap.
Through the open doorway stood Shar, arms crossed once more, turned around with a smile.
"By the way, this instructor believes discipline is paramount in all training.
Please, whatever you do, don't wipe the smile from my face. That last one was your first offense—I went easy, assuming ignorance.
From now on...
Shar trailed off without finishing.
Instead, she flashed an even deeper smile at those staring back in shock.
"No more talk. Cadets, form two lines and follow me. I'm watching."
Right away, two neat lines formed naturally behind Shar.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The inaugural class led by Shar steeled the resolve of the prospective Guardians and Hunters—henceforth trainees—who had been feeling rather relaxed.
She always smiled and was beautiful, yet utterly strict.
Every action exuded dignity.
These qualities prevented anyone from taking her lightly.
Moreover, thanks to her command over wind, she spotted any trainee whose form slackened in an instant—like she had eyes in the back of her head. A few who dozed off during lessons were suddenly blasted by a gust, toppling chair and all.
Perhaps as a result?
Focus on the subsequent theory instructors' classes appeared exceptionally high.
Park Young-sook, 48 years old and a former full-time housewife on her third attempt, called it a classroom scene she'd never witnessed before.
Most trainees tended to slack off in theory sessions, she said.
The instructors were mostly bookish scholars, and their elitist mindset—born from the rarity of Awakeners—often led to trainees powering down and even mouthing off in extreme cases.
Yet during this theory phase, no one dared step out of line.
Whenever an impatient soul tried voicing complaints at an instructor, Shar would materialize behind them with a smile. For her first stint as chief instructor, her people-handling skills were impressively adept.
Another point that surprised Su-hyeok was Jin Chang-hyeok.
25 years old, was it?
His rough, aged appearance had made Su-hyeok peg him for over 30, but he was far younger.
Regardless, contrary to his first impression, Jin Chang-hyeok was remarkably subdued. He never stuck his neck out unnecessarily and focused intently in class. After day one, he toted a backpack with writing tools everywhere. He studied diligently, though he often clutched his head in frustration—it clearly wasn't easy.
Su-hyeok understood that sentiment all too well.
'Trying to study after so long is pure hell.'
It was something he hadn't considered back when he reigned as the Huand Continent's top martial artist or upon returning to Earth.
To accomplish anything worthwhile, studying was essential, but he'd never enjoyed it and had always viewed it as a distant chore.
"Me... me studying... Arrrgh!"
On the run home, he'd sigh unwittingly and shout like that.
Of course, only on deserted paths where no one could hear.
Had Black Mountain Man caught it, he'd have doubled over laughing.
In any case, Su-hyeok mirrored Jin Chang-hyeok, slinging his bag daily, scribbling notes furiously, and reviewing hard. Previews were beyond him. Studying wasn't his forte; he was barely keeping up with the day's material.
And the star pupil, Baek Yi-yeon?
For whatever reason, she showed up in her school uniform every day, drawing everyone's eyes.
For starters, she was a high school girl.
Her eyes had that gentle, puppy-like charm, and her personality was bright and kind.
Most crucially, she was pretty. Round-faced and babyish, she'd probably stay cute even as she aged.
'Still just a kid, though...'
Even from Su-hyeok's perspective, his gaze drifted her way.
Regrettably, he harbored not a speck of ulterior motive.
Simply put, he'd loved cute things since childhood.
And he preferred dogs or cats over fellow humans.
His interest in Baek Yi-yeon was precisely that level.
"Mister, heading home solo again?"
Less adorable than a quadruped cutie but cute enough in her own right—and her daily chats made her hard to ignore.
"Yeah."
"Tomorrow's day after tomorrow wraps theory, and Auntie Young-sook wants us all to hit a café together. Thoughts?"
The theory exam was now just two days away.
"Nah, pass."
But Su-hyeok was resolute.
Park Young-sook: 48, divorced, unemployed, third-time trainee.
It wasn't hard to see why she kept failing theory.
She didn't chatter during sessions—Shar's presence kept her in check—but her lack of focus was obvious. And every day after class, she'd rally folks for outings.
Not young anymore, and studying no cakewalk—this approach might leave her in theory limbo forever.
"For real?"
"Yeah, for real."
"Even if I keep calling you 'mister'?"
"Go ahead."
Su-hyeok replied coolly as he packed his organized notes into his bag.
"Chang-hyeok oppa's going today too~?"
"Jin Chang-hyeok?"
At Su-hyeok's reaction, Baek Yi-yeon's eyes sparkled as she nodded.
"Yup."
He was merely surprised that the guy shuttling between home and association like him was joining the playgroup.
"Ah... seriously. I just wanna be friends with you, mister."