HLSEBT - 93

Chapter 93: Each One’s Circumstances - Part 2

As soon as Woo Joo-han left, the lecture began. The murmurs of students gradually faded, and Yoon Taeha, seated at the front, felt a tingling sensation at the back of her head.

“The Esper you all begged to invite is here. Please show respect. Understood?”

She stepped onto the stage after being introduced.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Jeon Seong-ha.”

Within the school, she was still known as Jeon Seong-ha, as she remained an undisclosed agent unlike Cheon Geonyoung. Some students whined for her real name, but she skillfully declined.

Her role today was to supplement Han Eun-seok’s explanations with anecdotes from actual combat. She assumed this would interest Espers, but the Guide students displayed unexpectedly keen focus. Their eyes sparkled, nodding in agreement as they absorbed every word.

Yoon Taeha did her best not to leave a negative impression about Espers among the students.

With about 15 minutes left before class ended, Han Eun-seok wrapped up his lecture.

“Thank you for your practical advice.”

She set down the microphone and began sidestepping crab-like toward the edge when his gaze stopped her. Han Eun-seok cautiously asked:

“Could you take a few questions?”

Questions! The students’ eyes lit up like candy. Sensing slight unease, Yoon Taeha nodded.

“No personal questions.”

When she leaned toward the microphone, the students who had widened their eyes in anticipation visibly deflated.

Several questions about the company’s rotation program followed. Then came the expected question.

“Could you tell us about conquering the Whale Heart dungeon?”

Han Eun-seok eagerly displayed photos of the actual dungeon on the screen—overhead shots taken by ARC’s reconnaissance drones, certified images from ship navigators, and press photos taken by reporters. The collection was diverse.

The students gasped at the three massive dungeon structures towering like icebergs.

“Is it really that grotesque?”

A student sitting near the front wrinkled their nose and asked.

Black vein-like patterns were wrapped messily around the dungeon’s surface. The surrounding ships looked like toys next to its immense size.

“One room I entered was much larger than the main sports field.”

“What about the Nodule Owner? Was it big too?”

“It was about the size of a large bus. Surprisingly small, so I recall feeling somewhat relieved.”

Relieved? The students shuddered at the thought of a bus-sized Nodule Owner. Yoon Taeha turned toward the screen and continued explaining. As her finger pointed, the students’ heads swiveled obediently.

“Unlike practice scenarios, in real situations, the four rooms opened and closed at different times. Some rooms wouldn’t let you out for at least a month once you entered.”

“You mean… we’d have to endure places like that?”

The students clucked their tongues. Their expressions suggested they couldn’t imagine accomplishing such feats with what they’d learned so far.

“A special ops team of trained Guides and civilians cleared the path for me. For two weeks, they alternated shifts, clearing monsters inside.”

“Fourteen days?”

“They said the longest rest period anyone got in a day was about two hours.”

A student adjusted their glasses and asked:

“Rest? Not sleep?”

“I’m referring to all forms of rest, including sleep.”

“Wow.”

“The rest of the time, they dealt with monsters.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than everyone adopted expressions of wanting to go home. Some even whispered to their friends, “Should I drop out today?”

When the story of her escaping into the sea after defeating the Nodule Owner came up, the atmosphere shifted. It was thanks to the fact that the leader of the team that cleared the eastern chamber—a Guide—had rescued her. Yoon Taeha emphasized the efforts of all team members.

Then the bell rang. The students expressed regret that the class had ended, something rare for them. Yoon Taeha felt a sense of relief as she descended from the podium, politely declining applause.

As she stepped into the hallway, three students approached.

“Agent Jeon Seong-ha?”

The lead student wore a slightly fearful expression.

“Could I ask one more thing about the rotation program? There’s something the company website didn’t explain clearly.”

“What’s your question?”

The boy finally managed a faint smile.

“While preparing for the evaluation battle, I became close with an Esper. If we both join ARC, could we continue being partners?”

The two girls standing beside him seemed to share the same concern.

“There’s a rumor that the company doesn’t assign initial partnerships between people who already know each other.”

“That’s true.”

All three looked crestfallen. It seemed they had their hearts set on specific Espers and didn’t want to be paired with other Guides.

“Why? Wouldn’t it be easier to start with someone you’re already close to?”

Yoon Taeha answered clearly.

“Choosing a Guide is a fatal weakness for Espers.”

Few Espers could explain how grave a flaw this was as accurately as she could.

“I heard strong Espers can have multiple Guides. Is that true?”

“Lying would make me say no, but in ARC, a dedicated partner means a one-on-one relationship.”

The tall girl beside the boy teased him.

“This guy’s girlfriend is a B-rank Esper. Super strong. He complains to us all the time.”

“He’s scared some other guy will snatch her.”

“When did I ever complain? And you guys do the same!”

Offering comforting information was the best she could do.

“They won’t be separated forever.”

“Really?”

“After each person completes their probation period, they can reunite. Unless there’s a special reason, the company will pair them up again if requested.”

The girls exchanged excited glances after hearing her response.

“So we just need to think of it as a temporary goodbye?”

She confirmed. One of the girls started to ask another question but caught a glimpse over Yoon Taeha’s shoulder and smirked.

What’s this?

Before Yoon Taeha could turn around, the girl chimed, “We’ll be going now!” They left with much livelier voices than when they arrived.

Once the trio disappeared, Woo Joo-han emerged from the classroom doorway, looking bored. He seemed to have held back because she was answering questions. In a lazy tone, he said:

“They’re all official couples.”

“Really?”

“You didn’t notice the rings?”

“To me, rings are usually weapons.”

“You’re seriously unique.”

Woo Joo-han shook his head and pointed to her ring.

“Can I take a look?”

“You can look, but you can’t take it.”

Yoon Taeha raised her right hand obligingly. Woo Joo-han leaned forward slightly.

“It’s super expensive, right?”

“I’ve never tried selling it, so I don’t know the exact price.”

“Some teacher said this might be the most expensive ring in the world.”

“With a bit of exaggeration, sure.”

Woo Joo-han tore his gaze from the ring and spoke.

“When are you heading back to Yeouido?”

“That’s a secret.”

He narrowed his eyes into sharp triangles.

“Seriously? What would I gain from lying to you?”

“Then, before you go, spar with me in a holographic combat session.”

“What kind?”

“The highest difficulty. All the Espers who could set it up are booked.”

Yoon Taeha readily agreed.

“Just let me know a day in advance. I’ll try to make it quick.”

“You’re agreeing this easily?”

“You’re talent bound for our company. Helping you is only natural.”

“What about others besides me?”

“One girl from Class R, one boy from Class W.”

“Last-minute additions?”

“Something like that. Time constraints mean I can’t do more.”

Woo Joo-han, who seemed to have planned ahead, specified the exact meeting time and place. “Don’t be late!” he called out confidently before rushing off.

Yoon Taeha watched the direction the students had gone for a moment before turning around. That’s when she noticed Cheon Geonyoung standing in the opposite hallway.

Leaning against the wall, he wore a slightly rebellious expression. His once-neat tie now appeared loosened.

How long had he been there?

Cheon Geonyoung, apparently returning from a meeting, carried several thick files. Yoon Taeha strode toward him to help share the load.

“Are there other Guides?”

Cheon Geonyoung, waiting for her to approach, asked an unrelated question. Yoon Taeha widened her eyes.

“Other Guides?”

He gestured with his chin toward where the students had disappeared. Understanding the context, she asked incredulously:

“A power struggle with twenty-year-olds?”

“Isn’t it because of you?”

His lowered gaze was unusually fierce. He seemed unsure who should be angry in this situation.

Misunderstandings always stemmed from careless words.

Silently, Yoon Taeha reached out to take some of the files he carried. But her attempt failed—he swiftly moved them aside. Her ring-adorned hand swiped ineffectively through the air.

“...What?”

Her expression was startled. She felt several times more flustered than when the principal had lunged at her. The man’s defiantly raised eyebrows only added to her bewilderment.

“Try taking them.”

His face devoid of humor, he taunted her.

“If you can’t, I’ll go ahead.”

Cheon Geonyoung turned around. She hurried to catch up, her black jacket swaying with their movements.

“I’ve never seen anyone pull pranks on telekinetic Espers like this.”

“You’ll see plenty more.”

The sound of their shoes echoed alternately through the empty hallway.