Chapter 313 – Epilogue

Epilogue Episode 2

Of course, I passed the exam without much difficulty.

The Academy likely only went through a simple verification process and probably had no intention of failing me from the start.

And so, before I knew it, I had become an Apprentice Professor at Cheonghwa Academy, steadily progressing through the steps toward the future.

[How amusing. To use the most outstanding talent in such a leisurely manner. In the past, this would have been unimaginable.]

Responding to Golden Radiance’s indifferent attitude, the two residing within the Sun-Moon Stone and my right arm also spoke up.

[Hehe, indeed.]

[We understand the regulations, but even we, who are watching over you, are starting to get a bit bored, you know.]

“Being highly skilled and being good at teaching are distinctly different matters. It’s a natural process.”

It’s a bit late to say this now, but with the three of them always chattering away, listening to it from my perspective is starting to make my ears burn.

[What’s wrong, Oppa? You’re making such an annoyed face.]

“I’m starting to consider separating the three of you.”

I bound these three, who couldn’t communicate well, together with Cursed Technique, and now it’s like having a mother-in-law from a drama all to myself.

I let out a deep sigh, got up from the bench I was sitting on, and strolled along the familiar walking path.

It was a bit different from when I attended the Academy, but even so, not much had fundamentally changed.

Because of that, whenever I walked around like this, nostalgic feelings would well up, and memories of the past would often surface.

“Even when I first came to the Academy, I never imagined such a future awaited me.”

Strictly speaking, I had plans for the future, but there were far more unexpected events than those.

“It feels like all the journeys have ended, but on the other hand, I also think what comes next is even more important.”

[That’s not wrong. The matters concerning the Oracle Bone Casket and Polar Night were unexpected from the start, and the war this Golden Radiance should have stepped into hasn’t even begun yet.]

Though Golden Radiance and I showed a solemn resolve, the reactions of the other two were surprisingly indifferent.

[Well. To be honest, I don’t think you need to be forced to take responsibility for anything anymore.]

[She’s right, Oppa. In fact, that might be a future the new sprouts should face themselves.]

Their words also had a point.

In fact, the reason I even considered becoming a professor at the Academy was partly close to that.

Now, I will step down from the center stage and become their supporter. That was the answer I arrived at, having shouldered Golden Radiance’s fate in its stead.

“There’s probably no need to worry too much. Times always change, and new people are bound to fill those positions.”

[…Well, I agree with that much.]

As one of the founders of the prestigious families, Golden Radiance would know that fact better than anyone.

After walking around for a while like that, even though the sun had set, quite a few cadets were out catching the breeze or training.

And one of them spotted me, slowly approached, and asked a question.

“Professor! If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask about something I’m curious about for a moment?”

“By all means.”

“It’s about Intermediate-Rank Barrier Technique. I don’t quite understand this part here…….”

Although I responded humbly, in truth, I had ample knowledge and experience helping juniors like Han Seoa and Yoo Haon, so I was confident enough in teaching someone.

The evaluations over the past few months weren’t bad either, so I’d probably be officially appointed as a professor before long.

“I understand now. Thank you!”

Watching the girl who scurried away looking delighted, I sank back into memories and smiled an unknowing smile.

This weekend, I should go outside the Academy and meet up with some old friends.

Somehow, it was a night that made me think that.

“Whew, to think you’re really a professor. It’s quite a peculiar feeling.”

At a pastry shop in Seoul run by Shin Sora, Jeong Hansol, seated at a table there, rested her chin on her hand and muttered.

Her facial lines and physique were almost the same as before, but since her style changed, her impression was quite different.

Glancing at the black guitar bag placed beside her, I chuckled and responded.

“Same here.”

“Right? I didn’t know I’d end up making this kind of decision either.”

Jeong Hansol laughed with a ‘kuk-kuk’ sound, then stared outside for a moment before continuing.

“My parents were beyond shocked. Well, they didn’t stop me since there was the reward from the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters and the income I earned afterward.”

“That’s fortunate. Any thoughts of returning as an Exorcist someday?”

“That’s hard to say. Well, honestly, I’m pretty dulled out now, so I think I might decline if it comes from my side later.”

As we chatted about this and that for a while, Shin Sora, who had approached the table at some point, set down a tray of food with a thud.

“This is the last of the pancakes. Why do you keep pestering me to make a menu item I don’t even sell?”

“What can I do? Yours are the most delicious. You should officially offer them while you’re at it.”

Shin Sora looked at Jeong Hansol, who was giggling, with a displeased expression.

Somehow, seeing that, my past life overlapped, and I felt an unexpectedly warm sentiment.

“You two still get along well.”

“Huh? Us? Kuk-kuk. You’re quite the joker.”

She said that, but the years the two had been hanging around together had already easily surpassed five.

Even without hearing about it, I could somehow guess the nature of their relationship.

“How’s the pastry shop going?”

“Satisfying. Honestly, if you ask if business is good, I really don’t know.”

“The bread is delicious, but maybe the location isn’t great.”

Shin Sora’s shop was located on a side street quite far from the bustling district, so the location itself wasn’t in a good area.

Perhaps she had deliberately chosen such a place.

“Little by little, regulars are starting to come, so that’s enough for me.”

“The first regular was me, right? I was probably the first customer too.”

“…You’re noisy.”

I had various thoughts, but above all, I was glad both seemed to be doing well.

After bickering for a while, Jeong Hansol and Shin Sora soon looked at me almost simultaneously and spoke.

“So, do you think you can manage it well?”

“In my own way.”

“Honestly, from the cadets’ perspective, it’s practically a luxury. The great hero of the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters and a top-tier Special-Rank Exorcist in Korea is teaching Cursed Technique. Right?”

“That’s an exaggeration.”

It wasn’t exactly wrong, but hearing it from someone else’s mouth made me feel oddly embarrassed.

Unlike Yoo Haon, who became the face of the Exorcism Headquarters, or Sophia, who rose to stardom, honestly, I didn’t have that level of recognition on my side.

“No, everyone who should know, knows. You’re more famous than you think.”

“Outside the industry, that assessment might indeed be accurate… but wasn’t that half-intentional from the start?”

“Right. I didn’t want to be idolized more than necessary.”

This level is just right. It’s out of the question to gain popularity not just among Exorcists but even among civilians, attracting crowds wherever I go.

While dipping a piece of baguette from beside me into cream and eating it, I summoned Black Yin into the air and sent it flying outside the shop.

Flutter!

[Keeek!]

“Why the Shikigami all of a sudden… Ah, perhaps as a guide substitute?”

“Correct. I have an appointment to meet someone soon.”

“Right, she does tend to get lost quite often. That unnie.”

Shin Sora nodded in agreement, and soon after, a silver-haired woman with a very tired face entered the shop.

Jingle─!

“…Long time no see, junior. And the other two as well.”

“It’s a bit hurtful when you say ‘the other two,’ unnie.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Since the research institute where she worked was nearby, it seemed Arietta occasionally requested deliveries from Shin Sora’s bakery.

Perhaps because of that, she seemed much more familiar compared to before.

“Is your work going well?”

“…So-so? There’s still a long way to go.”

After the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis was resolved, Arietta, as a key figure in resolving the crisis, received a massive reward and used all that money to establish her own research institute.

And what she primarily researched there was precisely the power and Cursed Technique she herself used.

“…I hate to admit it, but the data Bloodrot left behind is incredible. With sufficient research, it could be utilized in a positive direction.”

“After all, he too was a Great Specter who commanded an era in his own way.”

In a way, I think Arietta might be the one among us with the clearest vision and established goals.

Honestly, I feel a sprout of respect in a corner of my heart.

“But you know, shouldn’t we change how we address each other soon?”

At Jeong Hansol’s words, spoken with a shrug, Arietta simply took a bite of a pizza bread and responded.

“Then, Assistant-nim?”

“Even if you say that, I won’t join the research institute.”

“…How cold.”

In fact, even before applying for the professorship, I had received a serious offer but declined.

Even though I had decided to step down from the stage, I still wanted to remain nearby and lend my strength.

“…You’re always welcome. You can come by whenever you feel like it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And next month’s demonstration, you have to help.”

“Yes. I haven’t forgotten.”

To be honest, I had half-forgotten. Be that as it may, I couldn’t deny that the recent me had become quite relaxed.

“By the way, you look tired, unnie. Did you pull another all-nighter?”

“Can’t be helped. I’m busy trying to finish preparations within a month.”

Having answered, Arietta, as if she had forgotten, smacked her lips and subtly shifted her gaze toward me.

“…I forgot to replenish. Is it okay to have some after so long?”

“I don’t particularly mind.”

It felt a bit strange, as if I were being treated like a beverage, but seeing how extremely tired Arietta looked even to me, I had no intention of refusing.

Leaving Shin Sora and Jeong Hansol behind, we went outside the shop, walked toward a nearby square, and vented various complaints.

“Honestly, I still think about it sometimes. What kind of life I’d be living now if you hadn’t been there.”

“You mean Shin Dohoon’s matter?”

“That too, and in many ways…?”

Arietta paused briefly, glanced at my face once, and conveyed her gratitude.

“I’m always just grateful to you, junior.”

“The feeling is mutual.”

It’s not untrue; Arietta’s help was truly a great strength in various crises.

Beyond the faint smile that appeared, Arietta’s arm stretched out and grabbed my wrist.

“I’m getting thirsty.”

“…Understood.”

Her action, breaking the warm atmosphere, was also baffling, but for some reason, it made me laugh.

Watching me, who as always used an Art Formula to shed a drop of blood, Arietta recited a quiet phrase.

“I hope you become a good teacher.”

That smile was too radiant for the usual Arietta, making me feel honestly a bit peculiar.