Chapter 40

Time flew by and the holidays ended soon.

The academy had been bustling these past few days.

This was due to the global broadcast of the Dimensional Dungeon incident, and the effects directly impacted the academy.

Journalists from various media companies camped out around the academy. The Hero Associations of superpowers like the US, UK, China, and Japan constantly sought information about the 'Irregular.' So, the academy's faculty and staff were unavoidably busy for the time being.

However, the students' schedules went on without any changes despite these circumstances.

It was Wednesday morning.

Hajoon dressed in his school uniform and walked towards his classroom.

Upon reaching the classroom door, he felt an unexplained chill, enough to make him hesitate to enter.

Why?

Although he felt like he was forgetting something, Hajoon opened the door.

Immediately, the eyes of the students in the class swiveled towards Hajoon.

As they gathered and whispered among themselves, Hajoon finally remembered.

'Ah...., these kids too knew....'

The students who knew about the hammer.

Certainly, since all the media covered the Irregular, the students in the class must have seen the hammer featured in the articles at least once.

'....'

Hajoon quietly sat in his seat without saying anything.

The usual course of action in such cases is to feign ignorance and not show any interest.

Then, a boy whose name he couldn't recall began to approach Hajoon.

No, upon a closer look, it seemed he might remember...

"Hey, hey Hajoon. Is this you?"

Right, it was Cheon Inhan for sure.

Who was he again? He was the kid who was in the same group during the first practical class after joining the academy.

Being somewhat familiar, it seemed that he took the initiative and came to ask.

As he asked, the students in the class subtly shifted their attention to Hajoon.

Seeing this, Hajoon inwardly sighed and pretended to look at the article the boy showed him with a puzzled face.

"What's this about?"

"Huh? Isn't this you?"

"What are you saying? I've been in my room the whole day."

Cheon Inhan looked puzzled by his response.

No, it was clear that the boy holding the hammer was Hajoon, but since he boldly denied it, there was a feeling it might not actually be him.

"No, isn't this the same tool you use?"

"Check the CCTV. I was in my room at that time."

Sure enough, Hajoon had an alibi to support his lie.

Indeed, after finishing his tasks and using Time Stop (SSS) to return, it was certain no one knew he had ever left his room.

"No, that's what I'm saying. I'm sure I saw Hajoon at that time?"

And then, testimonies began to flood in, reinforcing Hajoon's alibi.

According to the students, they had seen Hajoon in the hallway when the dungeon was being captured.

"So who is this guy?"

"Is it really someone else?"

With the continual input from the students, the corners of Hajoon's mouth slowly lifted.

"Well, anyway, it's not me, so don't get the wrong idea."

"Why is it so noisy?"

At that moment, Instructor Han Eeseul, who had been absent for a while, entered through the school gate.

Instructor Han Eeseul immediately began to control the class atmosphere with a stern expression.

Among other things, Hajoon always thought that Instructor Han Eeseul's facial expressions were quite remarkable.

"I will start the morning roll call. Those who are standing, quickly take your seats."

At his words, the students hurriedly returned to their seats.

Once Instructor Han Eeseul confirmed that all the students were seated, he nodded in satisfaction and began to speak.

"I understand that the recent incidents may have caused some confusion, but there won't be any changes in the schedule. You all know about the sidekick experience learning happening tomorrow, right?"

At Instructor Han Eeseul's words, the students' eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Sidekick, in other words, a chance to experience the role of a hero's assistant.

As this hero experience learning only occurs in the special class recognized for their skills, the students held high hopes for this learning experience.

And it was quite natural, as they would be assisting heroes ranked within the top 50 in the country, which understandably excited the students.

"After the combat power evaluations from the last battle survival simulation training have been completed and ranks have been determined, you can view your rank at the hero's office, including the guilds, and you will probably be nominated based on your rank."

For your information, Hajoon's student rank in his grade was fifth.

He was originally expected to be first, but it seems like his score was heavily deducted due to exchanging Bell Points without battling Haruna Ruel, and disappearing without any activity for the remaining two days.

Of course, the same went for Haruna, who exchanged Bell Points with him.

She was ranked just below him, in sixth place.

"Most of you will probably have your first stage experience, except for a few in the class."

This sidekick experience learning was the first stage where students who entered the academy to become heroes could make their first appearance.

Of course, for a few students in the class, like Yoo Seolah who ventured into the Dimensional Dungeon, Han Siyoung, or Anna who blocked Karthon's attack, this would be their first stage as a hero.

It's understandable that most of the students are excited, but in reality, opportunities to shine will not come easily.

After all, it's not like villain attacks or terror events happen frequently... or do they in this world?

Anyway, Hajoon found himself a bit troubled.

By the way, the incident that will happen in this sidekick experience learning involved Haruna Ruel.

It wasn't a major incident, nor was it a red quest, and there was nothing significant happening, but the main villain of Haruna Ruel in this quest, 'The Altar', was making his first appearance, so it was a bit concerning. To be precise, he was a bit uncertain about how to handle that guy.

Haruna Ruel was a playable character who was a joker with a significant twist.

'Still, it's probably better to stick together?'

Considering anything could happen, he decided it was better to stay close to her in case of any unexpected situations.

Of course, this was only possible if the hero who nominated Haruna Ruel also supported him at the same time.

"Since the nomination will end in the morning, prepare to dispatch in the afternoon. And Kim Hajoon. Come with me for a moment."

"Eh?"

Hajoon looked at Instructor Han Eeseul with a puzzled face and then stood up from his seat.

Following Instructor Han Eeseul, he entered the faculty room and took a seat right next to where Han Eeseul was sitting. Soon after, Han Eeseul, who had been busily typing on his keyboard, shifted his gaze to Hajoon and began to speak.

"Kim Hajoon."

"Yes."

"All the heroes shown on the monitor are the ones who nominated you."

"··········Wow."

Hajoon couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

It made sense, given the surprising number of heroes who had nominated Hajoon.

The number listed on the screen was about 50 people?

No, it was everyone.

Even Han Siyoung, who was in first place, had 47 nominations.

"Why are there so many?"

Instead of answering, Instructor Han Eeseul looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"Do you really not know why?"

"··········Yes. Why?"

When Hajoon tilted his head, not knowing the reason, Instructor Han Eeseul could only shake his head helplessly.

Soon, he explained to Hajoon.

"You've outdone the four who were in the spotlight even before entering the academy and enrolled as the top student. Plus, the irregular with the hammer has appeared this time. There's no need to say more, is there?"

"Oh, uh··········. So, these people are suspecting me?"

"Sigh··········, yes. It's unprecedented for all 50 to nominate a single newcomer. So you need to make a choice quickly. There are students who couldn't get nominated because of you. At least if you make a choice, the other heroes will give up on you."

"Oh, then well."

After a quick glance at the heroes who had nominated him, Hajoon made his selection.

"Unexpected. I didn't know you would choose this hero."

I didn't intend to choose this hero either, but I had no choice if I wanted to operate with Haruna Ruel.

Jin Ahhan, a top-tier hero ranked 59th globally and 4th domestically.

She was the most famous hero in Korea.

A hero who worked part-time as an idol, no less.

"Well, anyway, now that you've chosen, write a personal statement."

"A personal statement?"

"A brief information about you. It will be submitted to the assigned hero."

"Hmm..."

Information...

Hajoon checked the paper that Han Eeseul handed over.

The contents of the paper were really nothing special.

Name, age, details about the class and abilities, traits, and pros and cons?

As Hajoon was scribbling down the personal statement, he paused at one item.

'Abilities...'

I can't write my ability as Time Stop (SSS), so what should I do?

Hajoon lifted his head and asked Han Eeseul.

"Do I have to write in the 'Ability' section?"

"Do you think you can leave it blank?"

Well, I guess that's also true?

I just need to make something up.

Hajoon wrote down everything and handed it over to Han Eeseul.

Soon after, Han Eeseul looked at Hajoon with a puzzled expression after reading the 'Ability' section.

"Hectopascal Legs? A peculiar ability. Did you make this up?"

"Yes."

In fact, I just wrote it off because I was lazy. I didn't expect him to point it out.

Hajoon nodded in agreement.

"Hectopascal, huh..., well. I suppose your oddly quick speed comes from those legs. It's a good name."

Is it because this other world is a game world?

He seems not to recognize the name of this famous skill.

Well, just by the name, it does seem like a skill with great destructive power.

Hajoon just shrugged his shoulders and agreed with Han Eeseul's words.

"Yes, I suppose it is."

The time was 1 PM.

All students from the first-grade special class were riding the Wing Bus, heading towards their respective hero offices or guilds.

It should be noted that the heroes could only accept up to three interns each.

As a result, there were only three students heading to the guild of Jin Ahhan.

It was me, Haruna Ruel, and Dan Yeseul, a kid who took over Haruna's team leader duties in the fourth team, which Haruna was leading.

"He, hey! This is the guild of Hero Jin Ahhan!"

In front of a massive building covered in silver.

Exactly in front of Hero Jin Ahhan's guild, the Mirror's Guild, three students were standing side by side, looking at the building.

Of course, it was me, Haruna, and Dan Yeseul.

She was a girl who looked like the typical class president character commonly appearing in novels or comics, with long chestnut-colored hair and square glasses.

Perhaps Haruna picked Jin Ahhan's office as this location due to Dan Yeseul's suggestion. In the academy, Dan Yeseul was the only woman who showed care for the quiet and reserved Haruna.

"But, I didn't expect you to pick this place," Dan Yeseul squinted her eyes, casting a quick glance at Hajoon.

This left Hajoon puzzled.

Did I make a mistake?

Why does she look at me with disapproval?

Maybe she just wanted to stay with Haruna because of her personality, he thought, disregarding her look and stepped inside.

"Wa, wait! Let's go in together!"

As soon as he pushed the entrance door open and stepped inside, a woman approached to greet them.

"Heehee, you are the new interns, right?"

Her long, jet-black hair flowed like a shadow and her eyes sparkled like obsidian. This woman, Jin Ahhan, a top-tier hero ranked fourth in Korea, exuded an irresistible allure.

"Kyaaaah!! Hero Jin Ahhan! I'm a fan!"

Dan Yeseul became instantly excited at the sight of Jin Ahhan.

Her reaction was understandable, as she was face-to-face with her favorite idol.

Jin Ahhan was so beautiful that even I found myself staring blankly at her face.

"Can I have your autograph, Hero Jin Ahhan?"

"Hehe, I'd be happy to give it."

"Wow! I'll treasure it."

After giving Dan Yeseul her autograph, Jin Ahhan's gaze shifted towards Haruna. Her eyes started to shimmer with hope as if she was seeing something long missed or deeply desired.

Then, slowly approaching Haruna, she extended her arms and hugged her.

"Kyaa! Really! You're Haruna Ruel, right? I've missed you so much~"

Jin Ahhan, who was affectionately stroking Haruna's hair, spoke in a playful tone.

At this sudden change, Dan Yeseul showed a content smile.

She too, approached Haruna, rubbing her cheek against Haruna's face.

"Right? Haruna is the cutest in the class."

"Yeah, totally! I've always wanted to meet you, and now I got the chance."

As the two of them, both unable to resist Haruna's cuteness, continued stroking her, Haruna began to roll her eyes with a troubled look.

Meanwhile, Hajoon was yawning, watching the situation with a blank expression.

It was then that Jin Ahhan swiftly turned her head towards Hajoon.

"But who are you?"

"I'm Kim Hajoon."

Immediately after his introduction, Jin Ahhan started focusing her gaze on Hajoon, assessing him from top to bottom.

"Kim Hajoon...?" Jin Ahhan blinked with a puzzled expression.

Reacting to her confusion, Hajoon asked, "Didn't you nominate me, Hero?"

"Ah, umm... Actually, the deputy guild leader was in charge of student nominations. I did request to nominate Haruna and Yeseul, but for the third nomination, I told him to pick anyone," Jin Ahhan explained.

"Ah, I see?"

"Yes. But why did you choose to come here? Are you a fan? Do you want my autograph?"

'Wow~' Hajoon marveled internally at her words.

Such confidence was extraordinary, even for a top-tier hero who also acted as an idol.

Could anyone normally express such self-assurance?

No, could someone with such confidence even be a celebrity?

"Well, since you're here for practical learning, I should provide a proper lesson, right? Before we start the sidekick experience, can we do a quick test?"

"A test?"

"Yes. A simple capacity test to see if you're ready for the sidekick experience. Want to come with me? There's a place I'd like to show you."

At her words, the group followed her into an elevator heading down into the basement.

Soon, a large training space came into view through the glass elevator.

The heroes under Jin Ahhan's command were engaged in duels, honing their skills.

"How is it? Our office's training ground?" she asked.

"Whoa... it's very spacious."

"Right? Most offices don't have something of this scale."

Ding- As the elevator's alert chimed, they stepped out, attracting the attention of the numerous sidekicks in the training area.

"Are those kids this year's batch?"

"Huh? Isn't that Haruna?"

"That's right, wow... the kid who uses the Rune Language?"

"But who's the guy next to her?"

Just as the group became the center of attention, a man with a striking appearance approached them.

The neatly groomed man in a hero suit turned to Jin Ahhan, "Guild Leader, are these kids the ones who came for the sidekick experience training this time?"

"Yeah, that's right. And, Jaehoon, could you conduct a test for these kids?"

"A test? Yeah, why not? I'm free anyway."

With that, the man named Jaehoon shifted his gaze to the kids and introduced himself in an indifferent tone, "Ah, I'm Kim Jaehoon, a senior hero of the Mirrors Guild. Let's leave introductions for later and proceed with the test first."

He then turned his gaze towards the training dummies scattered across the field.

"Originally, the plan was to conduct the test through a duel, but since there's not much time, let's just proceed with a simple test using the dummy figures."