episode_0062

Pang Jina.

A figure with the grand title of “ .”

As an A-rank hunter, she was strong enough to reach the peak.

She independently created the Epic-grade skill called “ .”

However, she faced the insurmountable wall known as S-rank and was frustrated.

In order to find a new path, she accepted a professorship at the academy and came here.

Her story is truly remarkable.

The majority of the “close combat” professors were impressed by her background, exceptional skills, and attractive appearance.

But they didn’t know.

Pang Jina rarely formed parties, so her lack of social skills was not well known.

“Pang Jina, after class today, would you like to…”

“I refuse. I have no interest in gossiping with other women.”

“Pang Jina, would you like to go hiking this weekend to bond…”

“I think training during that time would be more beneficial.”

In reality, it wasn’t that Pang Jina was truly rude, but rather, misunderstandings arose due to her lack of social skills.

Her rough way of speaking made human relationships awkward.

As a result, she became known among the professors as someone with a bad personality.

However, since she was talented and didn’t abuse her power, when she took the second spot, no one expressed much dissatisfaction.

The problem arose during the entrance exam this time.

Of course, there was Moon Bora from .

And unexpectedly, the appearance of a talent named Mahana.

Lastly, a rookie named Yoo Seha appeared like a comet.

With a stunning appearance that would make anyone exclaim in admiration, and possessing brilliant talent.

Moreover, rumors circulated that she had an impressive , although no one knew what it was.

If a “close combat specialization” professor were to have a “sole disciple” pledge, it would be for such a charming individual.

Therefore, everyone was drooling over her…

Suddenly, Pang Jina made a bombshell statement.

“Yoo Seha is mine. Do not touch her.”

It was a command without any additional explanation.

For Pang Jina, it was a statement made without much thought, as she believed Yoo Seha was a great talent she should continue to mentor.

However, this became the trigger for the pent-up dissatisfaction towards her to explode.

Naturally, opposition arose from all sides.

The principal irresponsibly said, “…Decide among yourselves,” and upon hearing this, Pang Jina called everyone together.

Whack!

A clean straight punch landed on the jaw of an unknown professor.

Pang Jina’s main skill was, of course, swordsmanship.

But that didn’t mean she was weak without a sword.

She knew a fair amount of martial arts.

In addition to her practical experience with monsters and bandits, her skills were overwhelming the other professors.

In the end, it was obvious that she would be the final winner.

Although she did receive a bruise from a blow during the “Hunter Duel” with the professor in charge.

Compared to the glory of victory, this injury was nothing.

As a result, no one except Pang Jina could approach Yoo Seha and her group.

This was the truth behind why there was no contact with the trio for three days.

“I registered with Mahana and Moon Bora as well.”

It seems they have a close relationship.

For Pang Jina, both of them were essential.

No matter the age difference.

Even if it was a master-disciple relationship.

For Yoo Seha… being alone with a young man was embarrassing for her.

“So, let’s register positions from now on…”

“Wait a moment!”

At the mention of Paeng Jin-ah, the one who raised her hand in surprise was none other than Moon Bora.

She expressed her confusion in the midst of the flowing atmosphere.

“What is it, Moon Bora?”

“I heard that when forming a team, students have the basic right to refuse. The same goes for course registration.”

At those words, Paeng Jin-ah realized her mistake.

‘…I forgot.’

Right, there was such a system in place.

Due to the fierce competition, it was a measure taken to protect students who might be at a disadvantage.

Clearing her throat, Moon Bora spoke slowly.

“I’m not doubting the professor’s judgment. However… I am not ready to team up with anyone yet. Also, although I have been entrusted with training, I feel that our paths may not align.”

Moon Bora’s words were reasonable.

But if it were Yoo Se-ha, it might be different.

She belonged to the profession, which was typical for those pursuing the path of ‘magic.’

Being under a professor who dealt with magic was more favorable than being under Paeng Jin-ah, who focused on close combat.

“Indeed, you make a valid point. Very well. If you wish, I can make a change. Moon Bora, as an excellent student, should have the freedom to choose.”

“W-well then…”

“-However, I have already submitted the names of three people to the director.”

“…Yes, yes!?”

“By the second week, it should be fine, but there might be a disruption during the third week’s competition. Unfortunately, these two might be eliminated due to a lack of members. Nevertheless, you are free to go.”

Finishing her words, Paeng Jin-ah smiled slightly.

Of course, such a thing would not happen.

She was aware of the number of students and kept them on standby in case of unforeseen circumstances.

But only Professor Paeng Jin-ah knew this fact.

No matter how much information one had, Moon Bora, a mere student, could not know.

Yoo Se-ha and Ma Ha-na’s actions also played a part in this.

Each of them held her arms and looked at her with pitiful eyes.

“…Bora Bora. Are you going to abandon us?”

“…Bora, we made up yesterday… are you really going to leave me and Se-ha behind?”

“…Ugh!”

Overwhelmed by the two’s heartfelt gazes(?), Moon Bora gave in.

“…Alright. Alright! Let’s form a team with the three of us. A team!”

“Yay~”

“Woo~”

Paeng Jin-ah watched this scene with a satisfied smile.

Glancing at her wristwatch, she clapped her hands lightly to draw attention.

“Then, I will conclude this morning briefing here. Have a hearty lunch and prepare for the stamina training class in the afternoon…”

Bang!

Just then.

A loud noise erupted, cutting off Paeng Jin-ah’s words and filling the training room.

“E-Excuse me!”

Following that, an urgent voice echoed through the room.

The owner of the voice was none other than the newly arrived female student.

Similar in age to Moon Bora, the girl had rushed in, her whole body covered in sweat.

Breathing heavily, she tucked her reddish hair behind her ear.

With a lively appearance and impressive hazel eyes, she was a striking beauty.

“You are…”

Sensing the awkwardness, Paeng Jin-ah and Yoo Se-ha looked at her with surprise.

Their expressions seemed to say, ‘Why is she here?’

* * *

Taking a deep breath, the flushed woman looked at Paeng Jin-ah with eyes as red as her hair, not out of anger but a sense of injustice.

Her name was Ju Na-yong.

Just like Yoo Se-ha, Moon Bora, and Ma Ha-na, she was an outstanding student who had entered the Gones Hunter Academy with nearly perfect scores.

In terms of overall evaluation, she was an exceptional student aiming for the top spot, even higher than the three.

The reason such a remarkable person had come all the way here.

It was all because of Paeng Jin-ah in front of her.

“…Joonayong. What on earth is this?”

“Sorry for the sudden rudeness! But I still have to listen!”

Joonayong, who was staring at Pae Jin-ah with a puzzled expression, spoke.

“I heard that Professor Pae Jin-ah is considering appointing that man as his exclusive disciple! Is that true?”

“…Did another professor say that? Lips are sealed.”

Pae Jin-ah sighed and nodded briefly.

Joonayong’s eyes trembled.

It was as if, like a puppy whose snack was snatched away right in front of its nose, her heart sank like a stone.

Sniffle, sniffle-!

Tears welled up in her eyes…

She truly felt like an abandoned puppy.

“W-Why, why not me! I followed the professor and enrolled in the academy! You know I worked harder than anyone else to become the professor’s exclusive disciple!”

“…Joonayong. That is not about the relationship between a professor and a disciple, but just a personal perspective from an older sister, younger brother. I have never once said that I will take you as my disciple…-”

“-I still can’t forget! The sight of you appearing in front of me in the high-rise building, saving me!”

Joonayong still vividly remembers.

The figure of Pae Jin-ah who flew in like a shooting star and saved her.

16 years ago from now.

It was a story from when she was just a 5-year-old kid.

The ‘Breakout’ that erupted due to an unknown cause turned the city into chaos.

Separated from the security guards who were protecting her, she found herself isolated in a building, facing a monster that threatened her life.

Trembling and helplessly shedding tears, at that moment, the active-duty Pae Jin-ah from her childhood appeared.

“I still remember it clearly. Rings on each finger, a black hood, an eye patch on one eye. And for some reason, covering her face with a black cloak and saying ‘like this, like this’!”

“…?!?!!”

Pae Jin-ah’s mouth fell open at the bombshell statement.

“S-Stop! Joonayong…-”

“-No! I won’t stop! I always remember! You saved me and your last words became my hope! ‘Girl… rise up and conquer life…’-”

“-Enough!!!”

Pae Jin-ah’s assistant, Yuseha, smiled wryly as she watched the scene unfold.

‘…Ah, the professor also had such a time.’

Yuseha knows that Pae Jin-ah is 30 years old this year.

Joonayong, by setting, is the same age as Moon Bora, 21 years old.

Calculating it, it was a story from when Pae Jin-ah was exactly 14 years old.

‘…Teenage rebellion.’

It’s not strange considering she was in her teens.

Rather, the image of her being rigid unravels, and cuteness seeps in.

Yuseha looks at her with a cute expression.

Pae Jin-ah, noticing the gaze, blushes more and more.

“Joonayong! Go back now!”

“P-Professor!”

“Go back!”

At the stern words, Joonayong becomes more agitated.

Her teary eyes eventually burst into tears, and she starts shedding tears like droplets.

“Just watch! I will prove that I am more suitable for the position of exclusive disciple!”

Then she turns her head towards Yuseha with determination.

Straightening her shoulders and waist, as if taking an oath like a rival, she points her finger.

“You there! I have no personal grudge against you, but… watch! I will prove that I am more suitable to be by Professor Pae Jin-ah’s side!!”

Uh, um.

“…Can’t you just stand by her side?”

“What?!”

Pae Jin-ah is taken aback.

“…Y-You! Don’t pity me!!”

Joonayong gets angry, spouting strange onomatopoeia.

Yuseha chuckles at their interaction.

And pity?

Towards none other than Joonayong?

‘If it’s her, she will prove it and more.’

The Joonayong I know is a character with that much strength.

*

A while later.

―The physical training session this afternoon! I will show my strength there!

With a shout, Junayong rushes outside.

“…sigh.”

Paengjina, who let out a small sigh, looks at the departing group apologetically and bows his head.

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault for not explaining properly.”

“No, it’s not. But… if you want, why don’t we just attend the classes together?”

There is no rule that says there can only be one exclusive disciple.

Of course, it is customary to have only one disciple in general.

After all, the origin is not something that can be divided in half and shared.

At the question, Paengjina shook his head.

“…It’s too much to ask for that child as well. We might end up fighting with weapons this time.”

Yuseha tilts his head at the incomprehensible words.

Paengjina, who had coughed awkwardly, clapped his hands softly.

“Anyway, let’s dismiss the morning roll call with this.”

The first week of training begins after lunch.

“Everyone, make sure to eat before coming back. That’s all!”