The Conjurer of the Academy

Chapter 68

“Ha-baek, try this too.”

“…Thank you.”

Han Ga-young, sitting across from me, placed a portion of food on my plate. From the diagonally opposite seat, I could feel a menacing aura.

‘This feels like sitting on pins and needles.’

I didn’t expect it to be completely comfortable, but this was beyond what I imagined.

“So, how did you and Seo-ha meet?”

“Dad! That sounds weird!”

Shin Seo-ha put down her chopsticks and shouted at Shin Woo-taek. Ignoring her, Shin Woo-taek kept glaring at me, looking ready to kill me if I didn’t answer.

“She helped me out when I was in trouble.”

“…?”

Shin Seo-ha, who had been fuming, turned her gaze towards me, perplexed. Her reaction was understandable since our first encounter was actually due to her getting into a fight.

‘No need to stir up unnecessary trouble.’

Especially not in front of her parents.

It wouldn’t feel great for parents to hear about their child’s faults from someone else. So, I decided to help maintain Shin Seo-ha’s dignity here.

“What was this trouble?”

“As an external transfer student, I got into a squabble on the first day of the entrance ceremony. I was surrounded by several people and in a difficult situation when Seo-ha showed up and helped me.”

“What nonsense—”

“Oh my, our Seo-ha? How admirable. She’s just like me, her mother, with such a strong sense of justice.”

Han Ga-young’s words made Shin Seo-ha clamp her mouth shut. Receiving praise made it harder to correct the story.

“Really? A man who can’t even protect himself is a bit…”

In contrast, Shin Woo-taek’s comment was harsh.

His displeasure was evident on his face, with no attempt to hide his feelings.

“Maybe you should learn some self-defense—”

“Dad, could you stop meddling without knowing the facts?”

Shin Seo-ha scowled deeply.

“He passed the practical exam and ranked 7th in the entire school. Dad, have you ever ranked in the top 10 at our age?”

“No, that’s not what I meant…”

“Enough!”

Shin Seo-ha abruptly stood up and stormed upstairs with angry footsteps.

“Seo-ha, I’m sorry! Please don’t be mad, okay?”

Only then did Shin Woo-taek seem to realize his mistake, hurriedly following her to the second floor.

‘He really is a doting father to an extreme.’

Is this the same person who was grilling me moments ago? I almost thought he had a split personality.

“I’m sorry for showing you such a shameful scene, especially in front of a guest.”

As the voices faded beyond the stairs, Han Ga-young sighed.

“He’s overly protective when it comes to Seo-ha… I’m sure it made you uncomfortable, so let me apologize on his behalf.”

“No, I’m fine, really.”

Despite the bickering, the atmosphere didn’t feel unpleasant. In fact, I didn’t think it was bad at all; it felt more like a family dynamic.

In my previous life, it was rare for the three of us to eat together. And even when we did, it was usually filled with formal exchanges.

“Because they’re family, they can be open with each other.”

“…Ha-baek.”

Han Ga-young’s eyes turned red. Though my words weren’t intended to have any particular effect, there seemed no need to correct her if she found them satisfying.

“Actually, the reason we invited you here was to thank you.”

“To thank me?”

“Yes. As you probably know, our Seo-ha isn’t good at socializing with people. Especially after Seo-jun passed away…”

A bitter smile formed on Han Ga-young’s lips. I couldn’t begin to fathom the grief of a parent.

“But since she met you, she’s become much brighter. Normally, she wouldn’t get angry or shout like that. She would just pick at a few spoonfuls of food before retreating to her room.”

Han Ga-young leaned slightly forward. Her gentle but caring eyes reflected my face.

“You mentioned earlier that you liked this atmosphere, right? This family dynamic was preserved thanks to you.”

“…Thank you.”

I naturally bowed my head.

I was grateful to her for thinking highly of me, but I also felt a pang of guilt. Me helping Shin Seo-ha was based on careful calculation, not out of pure goodwill.

“Oh, we are the ones who should be thanking you.”

Han Ga-young waved her hand with a smile.

Every word she spoke conveyed sincerity.

“We’ll be staying at this villa until the end of the week. If you’re okay with it, why don’t you take a break here? The beach is right out front, after all.”

I felt pure kindness from her offer.

If I wanted, I could likely enjoy a luxurious stay at the Shin family villa for the entire week.

“Then, could I ask a favor?”

“Of course~ If there’s something I can do for you.”

However, I wasn’t in a position to relax so comfortably. From what I understood, Seo-ha probably spent her first summer break training with her family.

“Could you please help me with my training while I’m at the villa?”

“Huh?”

Han Ga-young asked again, clearly surprised by my request, but I had my reasons.

“You are a highly respected hunter. It’s not often one gets the chance to learn from someone of your caliber.”

“Really?”

Han Ga-young chuckled.

“Alright. If I can be of help, I’d be glad to. But it won’t be easy.”

I nodded.

Getting off easy wouldn’t do me any good. To verify the results of my special training, a high hurdle would be more beneficial.

“Then, I’ll be in your care.”

In that instant, the restful stay at the villa turned into a training camp.

* * *

My room was at the very end of the second-floor hallway.

Given it was a luxurious villa, it wasn’t surprising that there were guest rooms with attached bathrooms.

[You’re such a troublesome human.]

As I collapsed onto the bed, Yomi popped up from my shoulder.

[How long has it been since you got out of danger, and you’re already volunteering for more hardships?]

“Don’t you want to catch the Rabbit as soon as possible?”

Yomi flinched at my words, visibly unsettled. It seemed I had hit the mark.

[I was only emphasizing the importance of rest!]

“Ugh, what are you doing?”

I exclaimed as a vexed Yomi bit my finger. Trying to shake off the little creature biting my finger, I waved my arms around wildly.

[Excuse me.]

A young boy with an innocent face entered the room through the door. He had angel’s wings and bright red hair just like Shin Seo-ha.

[It’s been a while, both of you.]

“Is this the first time since the farewell party?”

It was Shin Seo-ha’s twin brother, Shin Seo-jun.

After waking up, Shin Seo-jun no longer clung to Seo-ha’s shoulder as he used to and wandered freely around her vicinity.

Thanks to this, he could roam even this far away

[Hmm, seeing as you’ve come, it must mean you want to hear the rest of my adventure story I told last time?]

Yomi, sitting in the center of the bed, gave a shrug. Well, it appeared as though she shrugged, even though she had no visible shoulders, so it looked more like she tilted her head.

[No, actually, I have a favor to ask today.]

Shin Seo-jun’s gaze turned towards me. For some reason, his expression seemed particularly serious.

[I want to manifest, even if it’s just for a short while.]

Hearing that, I realized it was indeed a significant request.

“Manifesting? Where did you hear about that?”

[During the farewell party, Miss Baek Ah and Lord Yomi mentioned it.]

I glanced over, and the neatly placed Sain-gum trembled slightly, while Yomi repeatedly cleared her throat.

‘No doubt they were boasting.’

Yomi had once told me that achieving a physical manifestation was a feat that required reaching a very high level of spiritual prowess.

They must have boasted to Shin Seo-jun, having experienced their fair share of enjoyment. The issue is that I would have to deal with the aftermath.

“Whatever the reason, it’s not possible. I’m not even a spirit medium capable of that, so it’s out of my abilities.”

This was beyond my capability. It wasn’t something I could control at will.

[But…]

Shin Seo-jun glanced at Yomi with half-lidded eyes.

[Lord Yomi said that since you’re so gullible if I pleaded enough, you’d definitely agree.]

[Yeek…! You little rascal, don’t say another word!]

“I see.”

I picked up Yomi from the bed and rolled her into a ball. Though I heard a squeal, I paid no mind to it.

“What’s the reason for this?”

[It might be selfish of me…]

Shin Seo-jun hesitated briefly. Gathering his resolve, he tightly closed his eyes.

[I want to say goodbye to Mom and Dad!]

I nodded silently.

I had somewhat expected this answer, so it didn’t surprise me.

“Then how about forming a temporary contract? Similar to what we did in the lucid dream, we can create a temporary contract and use the power of the Sain-gum to manifest for a short time.”

[That’s impossible.]

Yomi wriggled to stand up.

[That was in a dream. Dreams blur the line between life and death, so it might be okay there, but it’s a different story in reality.]

“How is it different?”

[Guardian Spirits cannot defy fate. I once heard of a Guardian Spirit who successfully manifested and then dissipated into smoke.]

[No way…]

Shin Seo-jun slumped back down. He must have been extremely hopeful, thus equally disappointed.

“Yomi, you…”

[But know this: I have never lied.]

With the despondent Shin Seo-jun in front of it, this unfeeling creature just wagged its tail.

‘It’s like the little mermaid, isn’t it?’

An unfair choice. Watching but being unable to do anything if you don’t want to disappear.

[I need to think about it… Thanks for listening. I’ll be leaving for today.]

Shin Seo-jun, looking thoroughly dejected, passed through the wall and left the room. I’d never seen him so disappointed.

“What’s the right decision here?”

After pondering for a while, I eventually lay down on the bed.

‘What would I have done if it were me?’

To have to watch as everyone remembers me and suffers.

And to continue enduring it just to protect my loved ones. Living like an invisible person forever would undoubtedly be lonely.

[Don’t overthink it.]

Yomi, curled up beside my cheek, spoke up.

[You’re just doing a kind deed. This isn’t a burden you have to bear.]

Yomi gently closed her eyes.

I turned my body to face where Yomi lay and closed my eyes as well.

“You’re right, I suppose.”

I stretched my arm out, encircling Yomi.

Starting tomorrow, I’d be training with Shin Seo-ha, so I needed to conserve my strength.

“Goodnight, Yomi.”

For some reason, that night, I had a dream. It was a dream of a happy family of four, gathered around a table and sharing a meal.

* * *

The next morning, I dressed in the training suit provided and headed to the training ground set up behind the villa.

‘This tight fit is more uncomfortable than I thought.’

The black latex training suit, issued to government-affiliated hunters, is said to be resistant to various contaminants and heat damage.

[Ugh, give me food…]

Yomi grumbled in a dying voice. Han Ga-young had mentioned that training right after a meal isn’t very effective.

It’s not good for health either, and in reality, most combat takes place on an empty stomach…

“Why are you here?”

Suddenly, a sharp voice came from behind. There stood Shin Seo-ha, dressed in the same tight training suit, her hair tied back, standing in a slightly slouched posture.

“I’m here to train, of course.”

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

I averted my gaze, feeling awkward.

The training suit clung so closely to her body that it revealed her figure too clearly, making it hard to know where to look.

“Did mom tell you to train with me?”

“No, I asked for it.”

“You’re really crazy.”

Considering she started the morning with solid insults, it seemed she didn’t need breakfast.

“Why endure unnecessary hardship? You could have just relaxed and enjoyed the sea.”

“I’m doing this for myself, isn’t that good?”

“You really are—”

“Oh, everyone’s up early.”

Shin Seo-ha flinched.

Just then, Han Ga-young walked out of the villa. Similarly, finding it difficult to find an appropriate place to look, I turned my head as naturally as possible.

“Shall we start with Seo-ha then?”