Chapter 314 – Epilogue

Epilogue Episode 3

A little more time passed, and I finally became a full professor at Cheonghwa Academy.

My assigned courses were one required subject and one newly established subject. The one I personally requested to open, [Everything About Modern Cursed Technique Combat], could be considered my main course.

“The key point of today’s lecture is that from the moment we perceive an opponent until we actually enter combat, there are numerous preparatory tasks we need to complete in that split second. For example, this scene…”

The class was fairly popular, but it didn’t receive an explosive response from the start.

I suppose a new course taught by a new professor wasn’t a particularly attractive choice for the students.

However, on the other hand, the students who did participate gave me praise bordering on acclaim, so I could be sufficiently confident in the path I was taking.

“You’re going through a lot in many ways.”

“Not really. It’s surprisingly quite fun.”

On a day I had some free time, I welcomed Han Seoa, who had visited the Academy, and spent time with her, personally preparing a meal for the first time in a long while.

Unexpectedly, Seoa still hadn’t set a clear career path for herself after the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis. Up until just recently, she had been wandering the world, training in the Witch’s Sorcery.

“There are still some unsatisfactory parts… but I think I’ve seen results to this extent.”

“So, are you stopping your training now?”

“Yes. I don’t think there will be any more dramatic changes.”

Perhaps due to the intense training she had maintained all this time, Seoa’s level, seen after a long while, had improved even more than before.

Now, she might even put up a pretty good fight against Hochoong in his younger days.

“So, now I’m looking for something new to do…”

“Is it hard to decide?”

“Seems so. But I finished agonizing over it just yesterday.”

The words that came from Seoa’s mouth immediately after were, honestly, something I hadn’t even imagined.

“I want to establish an Academy.”

“Does that mean… you’ll teach the Witch’s Sorcery?”

“To some extent, yes.”

At this unexpected aspiration, I subtly shifted my gaze toward the Sun-Moon Stone. Noticing this, Verdi offered an answer.

[It’s fine. How she proceeds from now on is that child’s business. In fact, it might be more interesting that way.]

The establishment of a new Academy based on the Witch’s Sorcery.

Along with the thought that this would surely create new ripples, I keenly felt that many things were indeed changing from the future I once knew.

Perhaps the world ahead is advancing toward a new horizon, completely different from its original direction.

A future where the events I knew no longer exist, filled with things I’ve never heard of or seen.

What I can do there, I have no choice but to decide for myself, just as I have done so far.

“…Why? Do you think it’s not a good idea, Oppa?”

“No, I think it’s perfectly fine. I’ll support you, so give it your best.”

We cannot know right now what kind of fruit the newly planted seed will bear.

Leaving that as a future pleasure, I saw Seoa off and then moved my steps toward the lecture hall, which had become quite familiar by now.

Teaching them with all my heart and sincerity was, after all, my current job.

“Therefore, as of this moment, I transfer all my authority permitted within the family to the Fifth Elder, Cheong Joohwa.”

“…First Elder Cheong Doyool, I agree.”

“Fourth Elder Cheong Kibeom, the same.”

“Tenth Elder Cheong Jiwoon, I also agree.”

Watching the scene of each Elder nodding with vastly different expressions, I quietly observed Cheong Joohwa standing at the center.

After the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis was resolved, Cheong Joohwa, backed by Cheong Jiwoon’s full support, expanded her standing within the family and soon succeeded the position of the retiring Fifth Elder, Cheong Kilyeong.

Furthermore, after that, by improving the family’s Art Formulas or restoring past literature with Cheongil’s help, she achieved remarkable accomplishments and finally reached this position.

She was now inheriting the role of Chairman of the Elder Council, which had been held by Cheong Soha after the Cheong Family’s internal strife in the past.

“Weren’t there many objections? Considering how they shunned her in the past over the bloodline issue.”

“It couldn’t have been without problems. Of course not. But… it seems her achievements and abilities, at the very least, are clearly recognized.”

Grumbling and leaning on his cane, the old man sitting next to me was none other than the former Fifth Elder, Cheong Kilyeong, who was now enjoying his retirement after stepping down from the Elder position.

Originally, he might have intended to hold the position of faction leader a bit longer, but due to overexertion during the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis, his aging progressed more than expected.

Surprisingly, however, he now looked quite unburdened.

“Putting everything down feels comfortable. That’s why I can sit here like this with you, whom I used to clash with in the past, right?”

“I never had any lingering resentment to begin with.”

“Everything went according to your plans, so I guess that’s how it is. You stubborn fellow.”

Honestly, I found it strange too. To be exchanging jokes like this with Cheong Kilyeong, with whom I once fought as an enemy.

Then again, we fought together on quite a few battlefields during the Night Parade, so from his perspective, maybe he’s developed a grudging affection for me.

“…Partly because I’ve aged, but I can’t even begin to guess what level your realm is at now. Monstrous fellow.”

“Even if you say that, not much has changed compared to a few years ago.”

“No, it has changed.”

At Cheong Kilyeong’s rare definitive statement, I subtly met his gaze. He then clicked his tongue and continued.

“I don’t know how to express it, but you now… compared to the past, the very nature of your Spiritual Power seems extremely tranquil. Perhaps it’s similar to my current state.”

Having now completed the long-held task in his heart, Cheong Kilyeong was saying that it was even showing on the outside.

At this unexpected evaluation, I tilted my head and gave a faint smile.

“I’m not sure I understand well, but if you say so, Elder, then it must be so.”

“It’s an evaluation born from experience, so you’d better listen carefully. Tsk.”

Before I knew it, the Elder Council Chairman inauguration ceremony was nearing its end, and soon the attendees began leaving the hall one by one.

Also, the protagonist herself, Cheong Joohwa, was lightly stretching as she approached me.

“You look bored. Perhaps I shouldn’t have called you after all?”

“It was a surprisingly new experience for me. I never even experienced the Academy’s graduation ceremony.”

“That’s true, I guess.”

During the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis, Cheonghwa Academy declared a school closure, so it wasn’t exactly a wrong statement.

Soon moving to a private space, Cheong Joohwa, still feeling stiff, repeatedly rolled her shoulders as she spoke to me.

“The ways of the world are truly unpredictable. That a day would come when I would willingly take on such a troublesome position.”

Since childhood, she was shunned by members of the Cheong Family, and after going through various events, she even resolved to live without any connection to the Cheong Family.

Naturally, her feelings about this would be more complex than anyone else’s.

“By the way, have you met Cheongil-nim? About two months ago, he said he’d be leaving for a while and wouldn’t be back.”

“No, I haven’t met him. He seems to avoid me on principle.”

“Oh, really?”

Come to think of it, considering Cheongil’s unique abilities, from his perspective, my existence might feel like a walking seed of chaos.

Perhaps he judged that not getting unnecessarily close would be more helpful for the future battlefields he must prepare for?

“No need to make such a puzzled expression. It’s not like we’re on bad terms.”

“That’s a relief then.”

Having already loosened her ceremonial attire at some point, Cheong Joohwa, as if she had been suffocating, wiggled her exposed bare feet and swept back her sweat-dampened hair.

“How’s your professor life?”

“Not bad. The students’ evaluations are pretty good too.”

“I bet. Considering who the teacher is.”

Tossing the documents brought by an attendant earlier into a corner of the room, Cheong Joohwa continued with an annoyed tone.

“Even if I only handle the most important matters, it’s still this much. I don’t think I could ever do something like running a company in my lifetime.”

“Me neither.”

Having watched Seo Jian work by my side for a long time, I’m thoroughly sick of realizing that aspect.

Somehow feeling a sense of kinship, I let out a faint laugh. Cheong Joohwa, also smiling, suddenly summoned the Azure Dragon from the Cheongsimok.

“It’s been a while since we saw each other. Aren’t you going to say hello?”

[…I heard all the conversation from inside too.]

“That’s different.”

Since it was indeed the first time in a long while seeing its form directly, I gave a slight nod. The Azure Dragon snorted and spoke.

[Well, you look much better than before.]

“Do you feel that way too, Azure Dragon-nim?”

[It goes without saying. Now, I think I can let go of my worries to a considerable extent.]

Thinking about it now, the Azure Dragon’s gaze toward me had always contained a subtle unease.

Perhaps, as the family’s Divine Beast, it could sense the unstable parts of me that weren’t outwardly apparent.

[…Anyway, please continue to take good care of this child from now on.]

“Yes. I will.”

“Making such a fuss… I’m not really at an age for that anymore.”

Grumbling as if looking at a doting father, Cheong Joohwa then smiled faintly and called the Azure Dragon back into the Cheongsimok.

“Anyway, if you need anything, please call me anytime. Even as the Chairman of the Elder Council, I don’t have any great authority, but I can at least be of some help.”

“I’ll count on you.”

After saying only that, Cheong Joohwa, who still had quite busy matters to attend to, simply waved her hand and left the guest room.

Years have passed, but seeing that characteristic side of hers always energizes me.

After finishing all the tea I was served, I quietly rose from my seat and left the Cheong Family’s area.

I would have liked to stay a bit longer and talk with Cheong Soha or Cheong Kibeom as well, but unfortunately, time was tight.

“Everyone is busier than before, so even scheduling a meeting day isn’t easy.”

[That would be the case. It’s only natural.]

[The more influential a person becomes, the more responsibilities they have to bear.]

In that sense, the person I’m about to meet now might be the one with the most responsibilities among us.

The first Leader of the newly established Special Operations unit of the Exorcism Headquarters, Hongik.

That was the title that now referred to Yoo Haon.

“…Identity confirmed. The Unit Leader is waiting in his private room on the 13th floor.”

“Thank you.”

After the Seoul Headquarters was destroyed by Luke Pensalot, the Exorcism Headquarters attempted a large-scale system reform and newly established a total of 25 bases nationwide.

And among them, even within the newly built general headquarters in Seoul, Yoo Haon now holds considerable speaking power.

‘Direct contributor to the resolution of the Night Parade, possessor of the Demon-Suppressing Trait, and with unwavering conviction on top of that.’

Not just in Korea but across the entire world, it would be hard to find an Exorcist with skills as perfected as Yoo Haon’s now.

Especially since her Limit Breakthrough Trait exhibits overwhelming efficiency the closer it gets to its peak, she has shown the most outstanding growth rate among us in recent years.

Passing through a corridor that exuded a luxurious feel, I knocked on the door. A voice with a soft texture leaked from inside.

“Yes. Come in.”

“Excuse me.”

Creak.*

Opening the door lightly and entering, I saw Yoo Haon sitting at a desk, moving a pen while dressed in formal attire.

No matter how special the operations unit is, someone at the level of Unit Leader would probably have a headache from this kind of administrative work.

Feeling an inexplicable pity at that fact, I calmly offered a greeting.

“Have you been well?”

“So-so, I guess. I’ve only just gotten used to the work.”

“You look quite busy.”

At that, Yoo Haon smiled faintly, put down the pen in her hand, and stretched.

“My secretary is on vacation. But with this, today’s work is all done.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

“Worked hard… I guess.”

When I sent a puzzled look, the reply came back immediately as if it were nothing.

“It just feels a bit real. It’s certainly bothersome, but this also feels like a happy kind of hardship. Like a complaint born from being blessed.”

“Thinking of the past, that’s certainly true.”

Learning new things is also a hardship, but compared to embarking on a journey into the World of Forbidden Techniques and fighting decisive battles against Polar Night, it feels like my lot has improved quite a bit.

Perhaps Yoo Haon is inwardly sensing that fact right now.

“The world has changed a lot. The things within my sight have changed quite a bit too.”

“That must be so, certainly.”

“I feel like I’m doing well, but honestly, on the other hand, I’m not sure.”

Actually, it’s not a worry unique to Yoo Haon.

It’s something anyone living in the world thinks about at some point.

Also, Yoo Haon didn’t seem to have brought it up hoping for some clear answer.

“I hear you’re teaching students? It definitely seems to suit you.”

“…Does it?”

“Yes. You were always good at explaining Art Formulas to me before.”

Come to think of it, for Yoo Haon, it might not have been particularly special news.

Looking at me with a faint smile, Yoo Haon took a sip of coffee and spoke again.

“By the way, there’s someone I’d like to introduce. Would it be okay to call them?”

“By all means.”

For a moment, images of solemn-looking personnel from the Headquarters or corporate leaders unconsciously came to mind, but unexpectedly, the person who visited the private room was a boy who hadn’t yet shed the impression of his age.

“Ahem, ahem. Hello…”

While that fact was quite surprising, the moment I faced his characteristic neatly parted hair and green-tinged eyes, I realized the boy’s identity and couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh.

A character from the second installment of the Exorcism Academy Series, the future protagonist who would take over the protagonist position following Yoo Haon, Kwon Taeha.

That was the name of the boy I now faced in Yoo Haon’s private room.

“…Who is this?”

“I happened to get to know him. Even after telling him he couldn’t join Hongik due to age restrictions, he made a fuss saying he wanted to join. So I ended up agreeing to act as his teacher for a while.”

Furthermore, Yoo Haon conveyed the next words to me, who was looking at Kwon Taeha with an enigmatic expression.

“He’ll be entering the Academy next year, so please take good care of him.”

“……”

It seems the ‘introduction’ she mentioned earlier was meant in that sense.

About to laugh at this unexpected, bizarre encounter, I swallowed back the words I wanted to say several times and quietly offered a handshake toward Kwon Taeha, who was exclaiming as if seeing a celebrity.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Yes! It’s an honor.”

Many things had changed.

Kwon Taeha, who originally should have had no connection with Yoo Haon before the story progressed, had defiantly become her disciple and now dreamed of the absurd goal of joining the Headquarters’ Special Operations unit, Hongik.

But even so, time flowed on.

And now, in reality, the winds of a new era were blowing like this.

“……”

Looking at the symbol of the second era from distant memories, now holding my hand, I finally couldn’t hold back and revealed a smile filled with various emotions.

‘…Well, maybe it doesn’t matter.’

It’s fine now.

There’s nothing to fear, nothing to tremble with anxiety about. I just need to entrust myself to the flowing torrent and move forward.

Smiling, I turned my gaze and engraved the cityscape visible outside the window into my eyes again and again.

For surely, this was now the starting point of another journey.

“Oh, are you leaving already?”

“I should. Everyone must be busy.”

“Will we be able to meet again?”

For that question, only one word was sufficient.

“Come to the Academy.”

Surely, there, all the stories he desires will be.

And so, I turned my steps and opened wide the door placed in a small corner of the room, just like the first memory of the past.

It was, indeed, the beginning of a new era.

I Became the Academy’s Genius Shikigami Sorcerer Epilogue (End)