I Became an Unknown Professor at the Academy

“…Just what are you, exactly?”

“A professor.”

My response seemed to trouble Yoon Do Sik, as a deep furrow appeared between his brows.

“I, I think I’m dreaming right now…”

On the other hand, Jayden, with his shadowed eyes gleaming, was too busy darting around and admiring everything to pay much attention.

‘I chose the wrong test subjects.’

While two weeks passed outside, I didn’t take a single step out of the gate. Instead, during the time those two were away, I wandered through the gate, spreading the remnants of the void that had seeped into my body.

After finishing their tasks, those two returned without being prompted and wandered through the gate, discussing and repeatedly requesting a change of notes in search of a better combination.

I don’t know if I should call it impressive.

Every day, without fail, they roamed through the remnants of the void without losing motivation.

In other words, their desire to explore this space surpassed the influence of Emptiness. However, they did complain of severe fatigue every morning before heading to the lecture hall, though by the afternoon, when they returned to the gate, their eyes gleamed as if nothing had happened.

It was only a fragment that had broken off from what had already spread through my body, but seeing them endure it for two weeks surprised even me.

Still, I must admit it was a bit disappointing not to observe more diverse symptoms.

“That’s enough sightseeing, let’s head back.”

“C-couldn’t we look just a little longer?”

“Ahem. It’s not that I don’t trust you, but shouldn’t we be thorough in our inspections?”

There were no new monsters, nor any hidden mystical materials. Everything here was something they would have already seen and experienced during their active service, and only the elements from lower-level gates were implemented, yet they couldn’t hide their excitement, like children visiting a toy store for the first time.

“Suit yourself.”

I turned and spoke.

“Just remember, if you make a mistake in the evaluation starting tomorrow, you’ll have to take responsibility.”

“Oh, of course. Don’t worry about it. I’ve been a professor for years. Besides, I’ve already asked another professor to prepare a special elixir to ward off fatigue.”

“Professor Yoon, I…”

“Are we not colleagues?”

“Thank you…!!”

The two of them gradually moved away from me, laughing and chatting.

I, too, left them and returned to the central area where the exit was located.

The crystal that should have been there was hidden at my command, and if anyone other than those two tried to intrude, they would be summoned to a separate space I had prepared underground. I could leave things as they were until the evaluation day.

I walked toward the exit, where a blue light flickered in place of the crystal.

-Ding~! -Ding~! -Ding~!

My smartphone, not yet fully drained, began to ring noisily.

I stepped out of the warehouse, with the setting sun casting an orange glow behind me.

[ Baek Hana: Can you shorten the reflection letter just a bit? ]

[ Baek Hana: You’re not mad, right? ]

[ Baek Hana: Are you busy…? ]

[ Baek Hana: Grr… If you go somewhere where I can’t reach you, let me know beforehand!! ]

The noise from my smartphone was from the emails Baek Hana had sent me. After checking the low battery, I replied.

[ Me: Half. ]

Since I didn’t really intend for the letter to be serious, I planned to reduce it once the academic evaluation was over.

While I couldn’t properly investigate the symptoms of exposure to the void’s remnants, considering that those two only felt fatigue after two weeks of exposure, there didn’t seem to be any significant danger.

‘It was power they needed anyway.’

Even the little rascal playing with Claire at home and Baek Hana, who would return after the holidays, had too much energy. If they were exposed to the remnants’ power, it might reduce their hyperactivity, so I hoped it would last at least until the end of the holidays.

-Ding~!

[ Baek Hana: Thank you!! I love you♥ ]

As I confirmed the final message, the screen suddenly went dark. The battery had died.

After putting it away, I continued on my way.

With the evaluation starting tomorrow, the streets were almost empty, likely because everyone was trying to manage their condition, despite it not being that late.

-Pia?

A fairy, with soot all over its face, spotted me and flew over.

-Peeaah!!

It’s been a while, and the little one seems delighted to see me, patting my cheek with her tiny hand and giggling. I returned to the mansion with the little rascal on my shoulder, subtly smudging my cheek with soot.

“You’re back…”

Claire, who had been in the kitchen, hurriedly greeted me and then quickly closed her mouth and bowed her head. I’ve always thought that she has a surprisingly low threshold for laughter. It’s just that her sense of humor is a bit unique.

-Peeaaang~!!

The little one, who had been resting on my shoulder, flapped her wings and flew towards the kitchen. After playing so much, she must be hungry and looking to fill her belly. What a carefree little creature.

“You should probably take a bath first.”
“Yes…”

Claire turned her body with her head still bowed and quickly walked away, following the fairy into the kitchen.

I changed into my slippers and passed by the kitchen, saying, “Bring me a cup of coffee, please.”

-Peeebbuuub!!
-“I’ll bring it right away.”

“There’s no need to rush.”

I just wanted to savor the aroma out of habit.

Leaving the bustling kitchen behind, I entered my study and sat down in the chair in front of my desk, admiring the sunset spilling onto the desk. After a while, Claire appeared with a steaming cup of tea.

“Excuse me.”

She placed the tea in front of me and said, “Professor.”

I turned my head slightly, holding the coffee, and she bowed towards me. The distance between us naturally closed, and a faint floral fragrance tickled my nose.

“It seems that little one played a prank on you…”

Claire carefully wiped my cheek with a handkerchief she had been hiding and then stepped back.

“Thank you.”
“It’s nothing.”

A pure act of kindness, expecting nothing in return.

Savoring the strong scent of instant coffee, I spoke to Claire, who shyly blushed, “Let’s go out together tomorrow.”
“Y-Yes? Y-You mean… me?”
“Is that so surprising?”
“N-No, I mean, I… I mean, no, it’s not…”

Despite her attempts to act calm, Claire stumbled over her words, unable to hide her surprise.

“I’m not forcing you. I’m just making a suggestion since it seems you’re stuck here because of a request I made.”
“Stuck here? Me?”
“You hardly go out more than ten times, so I consider it no different from being locked up.”

And two of those times were when she went out to protect Baek-hana while I was unconscious.

“Starting tomorrow, the grade evaluations will begin. As Baek-hana’s guardian, I’d like you to keep an eye on her.”
“Yes, I will. But…”

As expected, her answer and reaction were what I anticipated. I placed the now empty teacup on the table and said, “Don’t worry about the one in the kitchen.”
“Yes…”

Despite her reply, she still seemed worried, but I didn’t bother to explain the reason.

**

-Peeuwu…

“This way, you won’t have to worry about it.”
“Y-Yes… Pff…”

Claire let out a soft laugh as she saw the fairy peeking its head out of her pocket, looking glum.

I extended my hand towards her as she bowed her head and shook her shoulders.

“Ah…”
“It’s better to quietly observe.”

I slowly moved my hand to grasp hers, which was now somewhat familiar to me.

“You should be used to it by now.”
“Well, it’s just…”
“I don’t mind seeing your reaction every time, so it’s fine.”

I sent my magic through our joined hands, erasing Claire’s presence.

For the fairy in her pocket, I used invisible magical threads to bind it, preventing it from leaving her vicinity.

“It’s about to start, so go back now.”
“Yes…”

As always, Claire showed the same reaction as the first time, and we left the mansion together.

“It’s quiet.”
“Indeed.”

The students must be calming their nerves, waiting for their turns, and the faculty members would be gathered at the evaluation venue, hence the silence.

-Peeuwung…

The grumpy fairy, who couldn’t fly freely, emerged from Claire’s pocket and perched on her shoulder.

Claire gently stroked its head, and a soft smile appeared on her face, which I briefly admired.

Although our conversation was minimal, as we held hands, it felt more natural. Soon, we arrived at the grand hall where the first-grade evaluations were taking place.

And then.

-You took time out of your busy schedule to come here, so how about showing some flexibility and letting us in?
-Even if you say that…

A group of people blocked the entrance, pressuring the faculty members.