episode_0025

After lunch, I tried to focus on the mind-numbingly dull theory lecture, but it was futile.

All because of the text Aileen sent during lunch.

– No plans. – Stay in the classroom after your last lecture today.

Why would Aileen call for me privately?

There’s a joke in Korea that if a professor secretly calls a student, it means trouble—but honestly, I doubt that’s why Aileen summoned me.

What’s so special about a guy who just scribbled straight answers and walked out of the exam hall?

Or is there?

Could it be the opposite? Is she calling me to warn me about my low grades?

If not that, then… could it be…? Did she figure out I’m a magical girl?

Just imagining it makes my legs go weak.

Since it’s already decided, I should shake off these thoughts and focus on class—but my restlessness only breeds more unease, and the anxiety lingers.

Unable to concentrate on the lecture at all, the school day eventually ended.

“Jeonghyeon, why aren’t you packing up?”

“Professor Aileen asked to see me after class. No idea why.”

“Seriously!? That’s weird. It’s not like you’ve been slacking off in class. Hmm… Oh, wait—could it be!?”

Xiaolin, who had been tapping her chin with her finger, suddenly widened her eyes as if struck by a brilliant idea.

Did she have some plausible theory?

“What if the professor has a crush on you? I mean, you are good-looking. And she’s not that much older than us, even if she is a professor.”

“…Never mind. I was an idiot for expecting anything from you.”

“Hey, what’s with that reaction!?”

As always, Xiaolin’s nonsense.

“It might not be anything serious. Maybe she just wants to ask how you’re adjusting to school life lately.”

“Ume’s answer makes way more sense. Anyway, I won’t be heading back with you today.”

“Alright~ Then I’ll take my leave first.”

“Hmph! Hope you get scolded real bad!”

Ume smiled and waved goodbye, while Xiaolin stuck out her tongue and stomped out of the classroom, making it obvious she was sulking.

It’s fine.

She’ll have forgotten about it by tomorrow anyway.

Time passed quickly, and before I knew it, I was the only one left in the classroom.

The tension faded briefly—maybe because being alone made things feel dull.

Pointless daydreams began unfolding in my head.

“……”

In novels, when the protagonist is left alone like this, a horde of people who secretly resent them usually shows up.

Then the protagonist steps up and wipes them all out.

Hah, well, novels are just novels.

Just as I nodded to myself—

—Creeeak!

The front door of the classroom opened.

Wait, are they actually here?!

I jolted up from my seat in shock, but—

“…What are you doing?”

The response was Aileen’s question, loaded with multiple implications.

Oh. It’s just Aileen.

Her mysteriously beautiful platinum-blonde hair is especially striking today.

“Ah, well, you see… I haven’t been sleeping well lately, so I dozed off for a bit. The sound of the door startled me.”

My face burned as I scrambled for an excuse.

How could I admit I’d imagined being ambushed and panicked when it actually happened?

Too embarrassing.

“Late-night training can be harmful. Proper rest is just as essential.”

Luckily, Aileen seemed to assume I’d been training too hard and lost sleep—like some diligent student.

Whew. Weird.

Why does it feel like every time I’m around Aileen, I’m doomed to create cringe-worthy moments?

“I’ll come over there.”

“No. Stay seated.”

Aileen, who had just stood up, walked over with crisp steps and—without hesitation—took the seat next to me. Ume’s seat.

“……”

This is the first time I’ve been this close to Aileen since that brief conversation in the training hall.

I’ve always thought this, but… she really is beautiful.

In my past life as an A-rank hunter, I fought alongside countless people—and sometimes crossed blades with them—but I’ve never met anyone with looks as striking as Aileen’s.

With beauty like that and talent beyond ordinary reach…

No wonder the students revere her.

“So… what’s this about? Did I do something wrong?”

“No.”

Then why was I called here?

Tilting my head, Aileen shrugged slightly and continued.

“At the start of every semester, I hold counseling sessions with students. Understanding them better helps me guide their growth more effectively.”

“Ah.”

Interesting.

I don’t remember the professor in charge of Karen’s Class D going to such lengths.

Assuming each session takes 30 minutes, and Class A has nearly 40 students… that’s at least 20 hours of work.

And not just anyone’s time—Aileen’s 20 hours.

She, of all people, would know just how valuable that is.

She really is something else.

“That sounds like a lot of work.”

“I see it as nurturing the next generation. If my guidance helps you grow, you’ll become comrades I can rely on when my own strength falters.”

Aileen answered smoothly before shifting to questions.

“Have you decided on a major?”

The same question Xiaolin had asked me earlier.

“No. I still don’t even know what I’m talented at.”

“……”

Aileen closed her eyes briefly, lost in thought.

Maybe she was recalling my aptitude test results.

“Your test results were somewhat unusual, but there’s no need to worry. History is full of those who reached the pinnacle without a clear aptitude. Or, rarely, the test itself might’ve malfunctioned. Don’t dwell on it.”

As Aileen slowly opened her eyes, her long lashes fluttered.

“Besides, you have a unique ability. If you hone it as your compass, you might one day stand beside me on the battlefield.”

“Will that day ever come?”

“It’s entirely possible. You’re……”

Aileen trailed off, swallowing her words before hastily moving to the next question.

What was she about to say?

I’m a little curious now.

“Never mind. Next—do you have any goals?”

“Hmm… Well, I don’t have any grand ambitions. But if I had to pick, I guess it’d be becoming a great Purifier like you, Professor.”

“…I see.”

Aileen exhaled deeply before responding, as if relieved by something.

“If you ever find a goal, let me know. I’ll help however I can.”

“I’ll remember that. No take-backs, right?”

“Mm.”

Aileen accepted my joke without hesitation.

After that, the conversation didn’t delve much into my growth.

To list a few examples:

“How’s school life lately? Any issues?”

“Couldn’t be better. The facilities are comfortable, and I can focus on growing without distractions.”

Asking about school life.

“Good. Have you made friends?”

“I’m pretty shy, so not many. But I’ve found a few I get along with.”

Asking about friends.

“Is anyone bullying you? Because you’re human?”

“Well… Some kids look at me funny, but honestly, it’s not worth worrying about. No one’s actually confronted me.”

Even asking if I was being bullied.

Is this… really counseling for my development?

It feels less like an in-depth session with a professor and more like catching up with an older sister.

Not that I mind, but… is her precious time being wasted?

“Humans, like all races, have limitless potential. You could save— Sorry, misspoke.”

Aileen cleared her throat lightly.

“Anyway, if anyone—student or professor—treats you unfairly, tell me. I’ll handle it.”

“I appreciate the consideration.”

“No need. It’s my duty.”

The small talk continued, and after about 40 minutes—

“…That’s all for today. Thanks for your time. I’d like to treat you to dinner, but I have plans.”

Aileen rose slowly from her seat.

I stood as well.

“No, Professor, you’ve worked harder. Dinner can wait… until I’ve done something impressive enough to deserve it.”

“Deal. See you later.”

With a small wave, Aileen left the classroom first.

Watching her retreating figure, I smiled faintly.

What I’d expected to be a suffocating encounter had turned out surprisingly pleasant.

Almost enough to make me wish these sessions happened more than once a semester.

“Well, there’ll be other chances.”

Stretching my stiff body, I shook my head.

Checking the time—5:30 PM.

I’ll just stop by the training hall before heading ho—

[ One week has passed since you began your life in Providence. ]

[ The ‘Limit Break’ function has been unlocked. ]

Limit… Break?

“…At last.”

Change of plans.

No detours. Straight home.