The Conjurer of the Academy

Chapter 34

“Welcome, Ha-baek.”

Faust, clad in a white lab coat, greeted me.

In the auditorium last time, her long hair had been down, covering her side profile completely. Today was different. She had her hair pulled back in a ponytail, likely to keep it from getting in the way during experiments.

“So, what brings you to see me at this hour, especially since I’m not your homeroom teacher?”

I looked around.

As expected, Faust was still conducting experiments late into the night. It wasn’t hard to guess what kind of experiments she could be working on.

“I wanted you to take a look at this.”

I pulled out the purple orb—containing traces of the curse—that I had kept in my pocket and handed it to Faust.

“What is this?”

Faust tilted her head, examining the orb she had received.

“It’s a catalyst for the C-virus found during the mock subjugation.”

“A catalyst? How can you be sure it’s a catalyst?”

“It got lodged into the body of the Crystal Giant, and then it suddenly went berserk.”

Of course, that was a lie. I couldn’t say I obtained it through a quest, so I made up a plausible story. Although I lied about how I acquired it, it was enough to convince her that this was indeed a catalyst.

“If you don’t believe me, why not check if it reacts the same way as the sample of the C-virus you’re currently studying?”

“How did you know I was researching the C-virus?”

Her full name is Rina Faust.

One day, she would become a Master of Pharmacology, closest to uncovering the truth about the C-virus.

“I saw something similar to that liquid in the cylinder on TV.”

Some might think all of this is a waste of time, considering Faust doesn’t have the ability to see through or neutralize curses.

‘Which makes this even more impressive.’

In the story, Faust struggles independently to decipher the C-virus. Eventually, she creates a suppressant—not a cure—that reduces its lethality.

‘If I hand this over to Faust now…’

Whether she can neutralize it is up to her. Keeping it myself serves no purpose, so this is the best use I can think of.

“Hmm, if what you’re saying is true, this is a significant discovery. The government hasn’t found catalysts of this size yet. That’s why they continue their research using the serum from monsters.”

“You’ll find out if it’s true once you verify it.”

Faust carefully picked up the orb, closing one eye as she inspected it closely.

“So, instead of submitting this valuable item to the school, why bring it to me personally?”

Crossing one leg over the other in an arc, Faust gave me a scrutinizing look.

“Even as a student, this could bring you fame and a hefty reward.”

Faust’s gaze was suspicious. In her eyes, this orb was more valuable than gold. I was aware of that too.

“For the public good.”

If I had to provide a reason, that would be it.

“I understand Professor Faust is the best in this field.”

I offered a sheepish smile. Well, I was acting.

“Hmm…”

Faust seemed to ponder for a moment before finally breaking into a smile that softened her usually stern face.

“That’s a very wise decision. If it were in the government’s hands, the procedures would tie it up, preventing proper experimentation. That’s why I left the government research facility.”

Vwoom!

With a flick of her finger, the orb floated into the air.

‘Psychokinetic Awakener.’

The ability to apply telekinetic force to objects one comes into contact with.

It requires significant concentration to control a single object freely. Manipulating two objects simultaneously demands a brain capable of writing different letters with both hands on a blackboard.

Currently, Faust is moving all the experimental tools in her lab. Her genius brain made it possible.

“I wouldn’t call myself a master, but do you have anything in mind you’d like in return? I feel bad just accepting something like this.”

“Well…”

I pretended to think. I had my answer ready long before.

“I’d appreciate it if you could occasionally update me on the progress of your research on the C-virus.”

“Is that really all you want? You sound like someone who’s funding the research.”

Faust chuckled softly, covering her mouth.

“Alright. It wouldn’t hurt to summarize my research results verbally from time to time. But why are you interested in such trivial matters?”

“It’s not trivial at all.”

I added.

“The C-virus is what the media is buzzing about right now, isn’t it? Hearing about it all the time has piqued my curiosity.”

I wasn’t lying.

At this point, this was all I could bring up without raising suspicions.

‘Maybe I can drop another hint without seeming suspicious.’

I blinked with the curiosity of an eager student.

“The C-virus has only been found in monsters so far, right?”

“That’s correct. There hasn’t been a case of this virus being discovered in humans yet. It doesn’t even seem to be infectious.”

Faust nodded.

That’s true. The C-virus being discovered in some Awakeners happened much later in the storyline. Still, preparing in advance couldn’t hurt.

“But isn’t it possible that it could be found in humans someday? Pathogens discovered in animals have been found in humans as well.”

“Being vigilant is a good thing. However, no clear cases of infection or symptoms have been observed so far.”

“Given the distinctive nature of the monsters’s blood,”

I recalled the characteristics of infected Awakeners.

“Like purple eyes bloodshot with rage, extreme violence, or even mumbling like a mad person…”

“Simple yet straightforward.”

Faust nodded, seemingly amused by my perspective.

“Even if it does affect humans someday, the symptoms might not be the same, but I’ll keep that in mind.”

Faust continued,

“Still, I want to give you something in return… How about a love potion? Boys your age often like these things, you know? I can make one for you if you want.”

“I’ll pass.”

“Oh, what a pity~.”

Faust’s voice trailed off teasingly.

“I’ve delivered the item, so I’ll take my leave now.”

I had done what I came to do.

As I got up to leave, my head started to ache from the medicinal smells,

Thud!

The door slammed shut right in front of me. It wasn’t a ghost, so I turned around.

“Is there something else you wanted to say?”

“Wait a moment.”

Faust’s gaze as she looked at me was unusual.

“If you’re interested, would you consider becoming my assistant? It would be a great way to stay updated on the research findings.

“Me, an assistant?”

I repeated although I had a fair idea of what was happening.

‘So this is how it comes.’

The offer to become Faust’s pharmacology research assistant. By participating, one can gain numerous pharmacology-related skills and useful doping-related items.

In the game, the conditions to trigger this event were either joining the anatomy club or scoring above 90 in pharmacology in both midterms and finals.

The rewards themselves are fairly decent, but the problem is that once you accept, you cannot switch to another teacher’s research assistantship, even if you decide to quit midway.

‘It’s too early to decide now.’

There could be other options, like the occult club. Also, what I needed from Faust was her medical analysis of the C-virus, not her pharmacology skills.

‘Plus, I can’t stand this smell.’

I took another look around the lab.

The experiment tools moved in an orderly manner. Enough time had passed for my nose to get used to the smell, but it still assaulted my senses unabated.

“You don’t seem short on help.”

“I’m not short on help. But I lack friends with whom I can have productive conversations.”

Faust twirled her hair around her finger, her faint smile enough to captivate most men.

“I’m sorry, but I really want to focus on my studies right now.”

“That’s a shame. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable.”

Creak

The door that had closed earlier now opened.

“You may leave. It was our first meeting, but I’m really grateful for today.”

“Excuse me then. I’ll visit occasionally at this time.”

As I was about to step out over the office threshold for the last time—

“When you refused my offer earlier,”

Faust looked at me with half-lidded eyes.

“You asked if the C-virus had only been found in monsters so far? It sounded to me like a prophecy, suggesting it would soon be found in humans too.”

Faust smiled like a mischievous imp, so I decided to respond in kind.

“Oh, surely not.”

* * *

“Next, turn to page 36.”

A dull class. Naturally, Babel has midterms and finals, and subjects other than combat are included in the exam scope.

“Today is the 18th, so student number 18, please stand up and read.”

The middle-aged history teacher adjusted his black-rimmed glasses. Every time he spoke, his mustache twitched, a characteristic habit.

‘That’s me.’

I had been concentrating on the lecture, so I stood up with my textbook open. On the open page was a portrait of a renowned swordsman.

‘Lee Do-hak.’

The face of a robust man appears to be in his middle age. Dressed in golden armor reminiscent of a sword king from a comic book, the man held a massive sword, staring intently at something.

“As the number of monsters and dungeons increased, Lee Do-hak resolved to train experts who could stand at the front lines against these threats to humanity. Thus, Lee Do-hak established the first Hunter Academy in Korea, Babel.”

Lee Do-hak was the founder of Babel, essentially its first principal.

‘Come to think of it, I remember this part.’

In the story, Lee Do-hak appears only as a monumental figure and doesn’t directly impact the storyline since he is a historical figure who has long since passed away.

“In addition, as one of the first Awakeners, Lee Do-hak repeatedly defended against the threat of monsters on the front lines. However, Lee Do-hak, who was once called the hope of humanity, suddenly disappeared not long after Babel was established.”

It is said that Lee Do-hak vanished without warning shortly after Babel, the academy he had yearned for, was founded. The only information you could gather from the game was that he was one of the first Awakeners and, like a textbook entry, he was known as the ‘hope of humanity’ because he had never been defeated.

“Okay, you may sit down.”

I sat down as the teacher instructed. The enthusiastic history teacher didn’t stop there; he scribbled something on the chalkboard.

What if Lee Do-hak were still alive?

Right after, the teacher began a passionate lecture.

“You might not know this, but General Lee Do-hak was a beacon of hope for the people. When I was young, many people were inspired by General Lee Do-hak and aspired to become hunters.”

History class had turned into a literature class. I subtly shifted my gaze to the window.

Anyway, it was all familiar content, and once the teacher got fired up, he wouldn’t stop easily.

‘This will definitely be on the test.’

As I turned my eyes towards the athletic field beyond the window—

“Meow~.”

A black cat had climbed onto the window sill and was tapping at the glass.