NOVPUBIt took some time before I could finally extricate myself from the bed.
Thankfully, I’d set the alarm early enough, so there wasn’t any real issue. I always allow for some buffer time in case of these little delays.
But that wasn’t the reason I was in shock.
“I’ve... been overtaken...”
I’d been trying to ignore the precise data I’d observed, but it was hard to look away now. Even so, I’d forced myself to dismiss it... until this morning, when Seo Yul physically overpowered me, leaving no room for denial.
Never in my wildest dreams had I thought Seo Yul would grow bigger than me. It felt like being hit over the head with a blunt weapon. The reality was hard to accept.
Sure, I could blame my own body’s current condition, but that didn’t make the shock any less jarring.
And to think, I’d been dragged around by the hair and thrown back into bed by a child who calls me their parent...
Life really does like to throw punches, doesn’t it? First my so-called parents treated me horribly, and now, even my self-proclaimed “child” had me at their mercy.
Of course, Seo Yul’s case was entirely different. It wasn’t done out of malice but simply the reflexive actions of a sleepy child. I wasn’t angry or hurt—just... stunned.
[Seo Yul, you shouldn’t go around pulling other people’s hair like that.]
I decided to gently scold her, avoiding harshness.
I didn’t want to instill fear or leave any lasting negative memories. Softly, I explained why it wasn’t okay, speaking in a calm, reassuring tone.
A part of me worried if I was being too lenient. Seo Yul is an incredibly kind child, but still—what if my soft approach made her think such behavior was acceptable?
“I’m sorry... I won’t do it again...”
To my surprise, my fears were immediately put to rest.
Seo Yul looked genuinely remorseful, her little face drooping as she apologized. Even her wings sagged limply, reflecting her guilt.
Her tearful eyes and trembling voice hit me right in the heart.
“Seo Yul, you’re too precious...”
My chest tightened with emotion. I’d worried for nothing. Despite her age, Seo Yul immediately understood her mistake and apologized. What a responsible and mature reaction!
[It’s okay, Seo Yul. I know you didn’t mean it.]
[The important thing is to learn from your mistakes.]
[You did a wonderful job apologizing, too—such a good girl.]
Overcome with affection, I pulled her into a hug.
After correcting a mistake, it’s important to provide comfort, to show that the scolding doesn’t diminish the love or trust you have for them.
At least, that’s what all the parenting books say.
I embraced her warmly, thinking I was comforting her, but then...
Seo Yul’s warmth radiated through my arms as she hugged me tightly.
The sadness on her face melted away, replaced by a sunny smile. Her arms wrapped firmly around me, and her soft, warm cheek brushed against mine.
“Thank you, Daddy. I love you...”
...Wait, who’s hugging who here?
Seo Yul’s cheerful grip completely enveloped me, and before I knew it, I was the one being held.
She nestled her cheek against mine, wings fluttering lightly, and looked utterly content.
Meanwhile, my “Heavenly Wing Garment,” which floated behind me, drooped in dejection.
Feeling utterly defeated, I let out a small sigh and moved to prepare for the day.
As I was putting on my shoes at the dormitory entrance, Ariel, Hong Yeonhwa’s ever-composed maid, greeted me.
Dressed in a modernized maid uniform, she stood tall and proud, tapping her chest as she spoke.
“Young Master, leave everything to me. I shall watch over the young lady with my utmost devotion.”
[I’m sorry for troubling you.]
[Thank you for taking care of Seo Yul.]
Ariel was no ordinary maid. Once a top-tier hunter renowned for her skills, she was now in charge of protecting Seo Yul whenever I had to leave for classes. Knowing she was there gave me peace of mind.
Seo Yul, standing upright on her little legs, watched me with a pout.
“I’m going to be lonely... Come back soon, okay?”
Her words hit me square in the heart, leaving me reeling from guilt.
If guilt were a weapon, Seo Yul’s pout would be the sharpest blade.
Most classes at Siyoram Academy are held in the central area, but today’s lecture is taking place on the outskirts.
The outskirts of Siyoram are largely made up of open spaces, dungeons, and monster breeding grounds.
The Monster Taming and Response class requires monsters, so naturally, it’s being held in the outskirts.
Although this area is far from the academy’s central hub, shuttle buses run here regularly.
Thanks to that, I’d just comfortably arrived on one of the automated buses.
As the bus came to a stop, a crowd of passengers began to disembark. I stepped off with them, blending into the group.
‘There are a lot of cadets from other classes.’
A quick survey of the gazes darting my way revealed that students from various classes were mixed in.
I nodded to myself while observing cadets from classes other than my own, Ipchun Class.
Ipchun Class cadets might have grown used to my appearance by now, but to students from other classes, I was undoubtedly a strange sight.
Their curious stares were understandable.
From the second semester onwards, interactions between classes would increase significantly.
But that wasn’t the only unusual aspect of this situation.
‘There are cadets from other grades, too.’
First-year cadet uniforms are typically adorned with green accents, the most noticeable being their neckties.
Yet, here and there, I spotted cadets wearing red ties—signifying second-years from the summer term.
Second-year cadets are a rare sight for us first-years.
Many of them had likely seen me while wandering the campus, but there were clearly some who were seeing me for the first time.
The Monster Taming and Response class was open to students from other grades.
While some courses are restricted by grade, others, like this one, have no such limitations.
‘If I’m lucky, I might even run into Senior Lee Jiyeon.’
Of course, that would require quite a bit of luck. Realistically, it’s better to assume we won’t cross paths.
“Is that the special admissions student?”
“They’re nothing like the rumors. Just a total kid...”
“Are they here for monster taming?”
“Maybe they’re here to learn response techniques.”
“They really walk around with their eyes closed... Can they actually sense things like that?”
The murmurs were loud and clear. My ears were practically burning from the gossip.
Just as I raised a hand to rub my ear, a pale hand gently tapped it instead.
“You’re really popular. Just listen to all that whispering around you.”
It was Baek Arin, who had joined the group midway and arrived with me.
She giggled softly and reached up to scratch my ear for me.
[Don’t tease meeeeeee...]
She somehow knew the exact spot I’d been about to rub. Her cool fingers scratched precisely where the itch was, sending a shiver down my spine.
“What are you doing? Don’t mess with Hayul like that!”
“I’m not messing around! I’m just scratching his itch.”
“Move! I’ll do it!”
“Oh, my goodness. Are you really jealous? Ouch! Stop hitting me—violence is not the answer!”
I entered the building and made my way to the designated lecture hall.
Located on the fifth floor, the structure of the room wasn’t much different from the ones I usually attended.
A few cadets had already arrived. After scanning the area for seats, I chose a spot where my group could sit together.
...Since the seat height didn’t match my stature, I laid out the Sky Wings artifact like a cushion beneath me.
Soft and plush, it was perfect for sitting on.
As I settled in, Hong Yeonhwa quickly took the seat to my left, while Ellia sat on my right.
Baek Arin blinked in confusion. After rolling her eyes briefly, she tapped Hong Yeonhwa on the shoulder.
“...Yeonhwa, I want to sit next to Hayul this time.”
“Stop saying ridiculous things. Don’t even think about it. Sit next to me instead.”
“Is this really how it’s going to be? Ellia... could we trade seats?”
“Haha, nope.”
“So firm... Yeonhwa, karma will get you for this. Just wait.”
“Forget karma. I’ll burn it all away~” n𝚘𝚟pub.𝚌o𝚖
Hong Yeonhwa scoffed smugly. Having already endured the trials of the Guhwa Flames, she shrugged with confidence.
Grumbling, Baek Arin reluctantly took her seat.
While we chatted idly and waited, the lecture hall door opened, and the professor walked in.
“Ah, my apologies for being late. I’m Professor Alida Valli, in charge of Monster Taming and Response.”
She was a woman with short, cropped hair and round glasses.
Her presence didn’t exude much power. Her mana wasn’t particularly vast, nor was her physical body imposing. She seemed to be the academic, research-focused type.
Dressed in a white lab coat, Professor Alida stepped up to the podium and bowed her head slightly.
“I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but could everyone step outside? Today’s introductory lecture will take place outdoors.”
Thunk.
The cadets, puzzled, rose from their seats.
Following the professor’s lead, they began moving in an orderly fashion toward the door. Baek Arin glanced at Hong Yeonhwa with a sly smile.
“...Looks like karma, huh? Ready to burn it?”
“Shut... up. It doesn’t change anything.”
Our group also stood to leave.
Without much fuss, I levitated myself with a gust of wind.
I’d taken this class in the original story. Even if things played out differently this time, I could already observe the bustle outside as preparations were being made.
‘Are they going to show us something unique?’
This class was just an introductory session, meant to pique interest.
It was common for cadets to lose interest and drop out early, so the academy usually presented something special to keep them engaged.
In the original story, the monster displayed during this lecture varied each time...
I extended my sensory field and analyzed the mana emanating from far away.
Even without full focus, it was obvious. The peculiar mana stood out even from a distance.
‘It’d be great if they showed us a unicorn.’
The pure, pristine energy unmistakably belonged to a unicorn.
Its distinct mana was almost glaring in how it radiated purity.
Deep down, I hoped the professor would reveal the unicorn.
Previously, after I destroyed the horn of a bicon, I speculated that the nature of my mana might align poorly with such creatures. If so, seeing the unicorn up close might give me a better idea.
Although I’d gathered sufficient data through observation, experiencing it firsthand might provide a different perspective.
Of course, direct contact was unlikely. Unicorns are notoriously averse to being touched.
If someone tried to touch it carelessly... they might find themselves skewered on its horn, which was no different from a spear.
Still, just sensing it up close would be enough.
Hovering lightly in the air, I followed the professor outside.
Woooooom...!
‘?’
At that moment, the pristine aura of the unicorn trembled violently, like an earthquake resonating from afar.
The sudden, jarring disturbance felt as if the unicorn had recoiled in shock or horror, sending shivers through my body.
‘What’s going on? I didn’t do anything.’
Puzzled by the sudden phenomenon, I tilted my head in confusion.
