This World Needs a Hero

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The Pre-Orientation Meeting.

It was an event where professors explained the courses they would be teaching during the semester in front of the students.

It was not an exaggeration to say that for professors, this was one of the most crucial events of the year. Messing up the pre-orientation meeting meant seeing an empty course registration form.

All professors were dedicated to securing outstanding students.

The quantity and quality of students, enrollment capacity, and course evaluations—these were all evaluation criteria that no professor could afford to overlook.

The era when a professor’s competence could be assessed solely based on research and papers had passed.

However, even for veteran professors, preparing for a good orientation was an incredibly challenging task.

“Oh, I still have nightmares about the first pre-orientation meeting.”

Kasim shuddered as if recalling something dreadful.

He mentioned that due to nervousness, he had messed up the meeting, leading to empty classrooms and reduced research funds on display.

“In truth, if professors like you took a nap on the pre-orientation stage, the lecture hall might collapse, but…”

“But?”

“People have high expectations. Ah, if it were me, I would have felt burdened and run away.”

Kasim’s words were true.

It was, after all, a pre-orientation meeting for a Hero. The students and professors were keenly interested in what kind of class I had prepared and how I would introduce it.

“May I ask what kind of stage you’ve prepared for?”

“I haven’t decided on the specifics yet.”

Kasim seemed disappointed but resumed with a smile,

“Whether it’s the pre-orientation meeting or anything else, feel free to let me know if you need any help. I’ll assist as much as I can.”

“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Typically, professors in the Combat Department would present a safe swordsmanship demonstration. However, for me, whose basic skills were only similar to those of a Hero, that was not a viable option.

“If a real Hero were in this position, they wouldn’t have demonstrated swordsmanship.”

I had thought about what kind of stage a real Hero would have presented. Although I hadn’t explicitly told Kasim, I had some idea of the answer.

As the only disciple of the Hero, I knew better than anyone what kind of class he would have wanted.

Meanwhile, in the administration office of Rosenstark, unprecedented chaos was unfolding.

“What! Why are there so many admission applications? Since when did people become so interested in demon extermination!”

Eve, the head of the administration office, was tearing at her hair.

“Just study at home, you brats!”

She looked at the pile of admission applications in front of her with a distressed expression. The subordinate employees were nowhere to be seen, but Eve was sure they wore the same expression.

Rosenstark had three departments in total:

1. Combat (Martial Arts)

2. Magic (Mystic)

3. Support (Crafting)

As the professor in the Combat Department, I had taken up the role, and as a result, 15,351 admission documents had arrived for the Combat Department with a freshmen capacity of 300.

Considering that typically around two thousand students applied, one could imagine the workload the administration office was currently handling.

Thinking about how typically around two thousand students apply, one can imagine the workload the administration office is currently handling.

Eve exclaimed.

“From the Self-Defense Force in Juen Village? Experience in subduing low-level demon ‘Voight’? Why on earth did this one apply…? Does he actually think he’ll get selected?”

In the midst of this, even students on leave sent in applications to return.

“Uh, ugh. Save me. No, kill me!”

Eve’s task was to review applicants’ resumes, sift through them, and then send selected ones for interviews. This was a job that must never be handled carelessly.

If an unqualified candidate went for an interview, the administration office, particularly Eve as a senior member, would be in deep trouble.

‘Ah, I want to go home.’

Anyway, the candidates filtered through the first round had to pass several talent and aptitude tests before completing the interview.

Only then could they proudly wear Rosenstark’s student badge.

The process, befitting Rosenstark’s reputation, was extremely meticulous, and as a result, the 300 freshmen slots were rarely filled to capacity.

“This time, it’s not just full; it’s going to burst. And with the highest level of students ever…”

Eve glanced at a separate pile of documents. Naturally, it wasn’t just unqualified applicants.

‘Wow, these are like characters from a novel…’

Descendant of a famous sword lineage.

Heiress of a renowned swordsmanship family.

Descendant of a tribal chief, and so on.

Looking at them, there were many newcomers with backgrounds that seemed unbelievable. Eve’s subordinate, Jace, muttered from the other side of the documents.

“Eve, are these people for real? Is someone playing a prank? There are too many applicants, and we couldn’t review them all.”

“They probably are. Unless they want to die, they wouldn’t fabricate information.”

The Empress Euphemia Cecilia I, directly emphasized that messing with Rosenstark’s affairs would not be amusing.

Even looking at their backgrounds, there were many new students with unbelievable stories.

There must be a fool wanting a momentary thrill to tour the royal underground torture chamber.

“Then the list is really absurd. It’s unprecedented for candidates of this level to apply in such numbers since the academy was founded.”

“Well, that’s true. Normally, such individuals would negotiate with their mentors one-on-one.”

“So, this time…”

“What are you asking?”

Eve laughed contentedly.

“Of course, it’s thanks to Professor Hero. Whether they’re tribal chiefs or swordsmanship heirs, just stick them all together. They’re like fireflies in front of the sun compared to the Hero. They probably would have come themselves if it weren’t for the age limit.”

Despite being a workplace that often makes you want to run away, Eve, in any case, took pride in being a part of Rosenstark.

The appointment of the Hero as a professor was a matter of considerable pride for her. Even her acquaintances were going crazy. When they meet him in person, they’d want an autograph.

“Oh, right. Jace!”

“Yes?”

Her fatigued subordinate answered.

“Haven’t you received any communication?”

“Communication? From whom?”

“From the Hero. The preliminary briefing is already next week. It’s time for them to contact us.”

Usually, as the preliminary briefing approached, professors would pester the administration office staff. Requests to change demonstration materials or alter the sequence were common.

Some even interfered with the positioning of lights on the stage. However, in the case of the Hero, there had been no contact, not even a single message. He hadn’t sent a simple plan. The organizers from the administration office were understandably worried.

“Oh, a note did come from the professor’s building just now.”

“Why speak in such an anxious manner? Did he ask for extraordinary materials?”

Eve tensely waited for Jace’s response. It was the Hero’s request, and even if it was an unreasonable demand, they had to comply.

“He said he doesn’t need anything.”

“…Huh? Are you sure?”

“Yes, that’s all he conveyed.”

Eve plucked the note from Jace’s hand. The handwriting was straightforward. Her head tilted.

[Lecture Title: Extreme]

The paper contained only those six characters.

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On the day of the preliminary briefing.

Main Auditorium.

Although there was still some time before the start of the briefing, the auditorium was already full.

Not only students and faculty but also journalists and prominent figures who had received permission to enter crowded the space, making it a bustling scene.

Their attention was focused 90% on one person – Eve.

She felt the warm gazes and faced them directly.

Even before the start of the briefing, the auditorium was packed.

* * *

The host said, “Now, let’s begin the preliminary briefing.”

Surprisingly, the host for the preliminary briefing was Kasim.

Despite his usually casual attitude, he now appeared surprisingly solemn. Once the brief introduction was over, he bowed, and the audience responded with thunderous applause.

‘Seems like those seats over there are for new students.’

It was quite diverse, to say the least. Usually, academies impose restrictions on admission, especially for pure-blooded humans, and even more so if they aren’t nobility.

However, Rosenstark was different.

Established exclusively to exclude demons, as long as one had the skills, anyone could enroll. As a result, the student seats were filled with an unusual combination that didn’t quite fit together.

Nobles and commoners sharing the same space is an odd sight. There were even some individuals with mixed appearances, belonging to different races, scattered here and there.

The subtle discomfort extended to the professor’s seats. The only commonality among them was the intensely sparkling eyes fixed on me.

‘…And there are a few monsters among them.’

Though it felt apologetic to label the fluffy kids as monsters, there was no other way to describe them.

Apart from those, there were some comments praising them entirely. It was a moment of scrutinizing their faces.

“Um… It’s been a while, Hero. Have you been well?”

A cautious voice reached me, and I turned my head. A young professor had approached, pretending to be familiar.

An unfamiliar face in my memory.

However, thanks to the Iris of Laplace, I could discern his identity.

▼

Recorded Individual:

Jeremy Eitrobin – Descendant of a family that rapidly amassed wealth through iron mining – Made significant donations to Rosenstark.

▲

A recorded individual. Someone who had an encounter with the Hero.

I glanced at him over my glasses and nodded slowly.

Despite the comments, Eitrobin was a well-known family to me. It had been mentioned frequently in social circles for a few years now.

Stories of a jackpot from the family-owned mine or their extravagant attire and accessories were circulating.

“It’s been a while. Professor Eitrobin.”

“Haha, it’s an honor that you remember.”

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he looked around.

“It’s been a long time since the auditorium was this crowded. Fortunately, we expanded it with the donation a while ago.”

He spoke in a somewhat boastful tone.

“By the way, have you found any students you like?”

“A few.”

“Haha, there are too many for me to worry about. Other professors also really like them. All thanks to you, Hero.”

It wasn’t untrue that the eyes of the surrounding professors looking at the student seats were peculiar.

Rosenstark conducts course registration through an interview process.

In other words, the pre-explanation meeting was an opportunity for professors to observe individuals who could become their disciples.

“Indeed, who will be fortunate enough to become your disciple… Well, if I were ten years younger, I might have tried challenging it myself.”

Professor Eitrobin continued good-naturedly.

“….”

A blatant flatterer. Typically, in such situations, the Hero would disengage from the conversation.

However, I had no intention of matching every detail precisely.

There was no need to push away the people coming in. On the contrary, it was advisable to mingle adequately, as one never knew when or where assistance might be needed.

“Thanks. Is your family business doing well? It was iron mining, I believe.”

Professor Eitrobin opened his mouth slightly. As if taken aback, he blinked his eyes rapidly.

“Why do you ask?”

“Oh, no, it’s not that. It’s so unexpected that you have an interest in our family affairs… No, it’s an honor.”

Professor Eitrobin, who had been stumbling over his words, suddenly fell silent. His gaze was now fixed straight ahead.

“…Pr-President.”

Yussi clenched his fist and silently stared at him.

“Ha.”

A chilly sigh followed.

“Next time, why don’t you socialize with more suitable people, Professor Eitrobin.”

“Yes, yes. I will keep that in mind. Please continue your conversation. I’ll excuse myself now.”

Professor Eitrobin tactfully withdrew without waiting for further instructions. His retreating figure quickly disappeared from sight.

Yussi frowned and watched his receding back.

“He’s too different to keep close.”

“I thought you’d say that. Anyway, I’ll stick close for now.”

Without waiting for a response, Yussi took a seat beside him. A lingering scent of medicine permeated the air.

“I’ve been wrestling with reporters all along, so my back is aching.”

Thud—

As Yussi twisted her head left and right, the sound of bones cracking echoed.

Then, she pulled out a square object from his pocket.

It was a black brick-like thing, about as thick as a thin book. It had a rectangular frame as a background, with changing pictures inside.

“What’s that?”

“Oh, Hero, you’re probably seeing it for the first time. It’s called a ‘Connector.’”

Connector.

According to Yussi, it was a magical device made using magic stones. It was given to students and staff, serving as an invention to check various schedules and academy information.

It was compatible only within the Rosenstark main system, limiting its use to the academy premises.

However, it received praise for its various functions, including community features, among students and staff.

“It hasn’t been around for long. However, it has become quite popular due to the increased convenience in various aspects after its distribution.”

“…Does it have functions other than checking information about classes?”

“Well, it serves various purposes to some extent.”

Yussi tapped the Connector as she spoke.

After a few movements of her hand, Eitrobin’s face appeared on it. Below, there were evaluations about Eitrobin.

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– ‘History of Demons’ Professor

– Rating: ★ 2.1 / 5.0

└ Seems to live for showing off.

└ Don’t understand why he keeps boasting about his wealth during class.

└ Let’s shorten Professor Eitrobin to three letters: Inferiority complex.

└ Still, he seems to have deep knowledge about demons.

└ Professor Eitrobin, are you here?

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[PR/N- Inferiority Complex in Kr is only 3 letters, hence the comment]

Whether because it was anonymous or not, the evaluations were written without reservation, enough to make the person in question feel quite embarrassed.

“Have you heard about the ‘Professor Evaluations,’ Hero?”

“Yeah, I heard that students can evaluate each lecture after it ends.”

“Just leaving it entirely to the discretion of professors and neglecting it can lead to a decline in the quality of teaching. That’s why we proceed this way, to create awareness.”

I asked quietly, “Are my classes also evaluated like this?”

“Yes, but Hero, you don’t need to worry. Would there be anyone here with such a lack of insight to qualify for criticizing you?”

“…”

I pondered on what response to give. Meanwhile, a professor stepped onto the stage with a tense atmosphere.

“It’s about to start. Would you like to watch?”

Yussi smiled with her eyes shaped like crescent moons.

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