حصلت-على-وظيفة-وهمية-في-الأكاديمية novel-series - حصلت على وظيفة وهمية في الأكاديمية - الفصل 11

The man was like a calm lake shrouded in morning mist—cold and still. His every action was measured, quiet, devoid of chaos; like undisturbed slumber. Even the closing of the classroom door, the ascending steps of his shoes on the dais, the setting down of documents on the desk—all silent. This silence washed over the entire classroom like ripples on water.

“Huh……”

Even the aristocratic students who had been chattering were swept up in the atmosphere, their mouths snapping shut. The previously noisy students turned their gazes to the figure standing on the platform, their eyes gleaming with curiosity. His suit fit his frame perfectly, without a single wrinkle. A black overcoat, neatly tailored, added to his elegant yet understated attire.

As he removed his hat, gently tossing it aside, it floated gracefully toward a coat rack in the corner of the room and landed silently. Amidst this series of perfectly natural movements, his appearance, previously hidden beneath the hat, was revealed. A sharp jawline, a straight nose, and unwavering eyes. His powerful, captivating gaze belied his status as a new teacher. His long hair was neatly tied at the nape of his neck.

“Gulps.”

Several aristocratic students who had been whispering secretly were overcome by his presence, unconsciously swallowing their saliva.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Rodger Chelieci, and I am your new instructor.”

The moment he opened his mouth, it was as if water was poured onto scattered watercolors in a dream. The classroom's previously stagnant atmosphere returned to reality.

***

“It’s the first day of class, so I won’t begin teaching immediately.”

I slowly hung the overcoat I’d removed on the coat rack. Maintaining the conversation wasn’t difficult; I simply needed to read the pre-prepared words at the appropriate time. This was a type of performance. I was the actor on stage, and the students were the audience. I only needed to deliver the monologue naturally, following the rhythm of my breath, keeping the flow consistent. The entire script was in my head.

“My class is on the Theory of Manifestation, but it won’t be a mere lecture on the system of appearances. Instead, we'll focus on applying the principles to real-life situations beyond the practical principles.”

I glanced at the crowd; a few people shrugged. A good response. Since Rodger was a soldier, despite maintaining this tone and intense gaze, not a single student looked at me strangely.

“It’s possible to apply for my class not only in the second year, but also in the first. In other words, it can be considered a combined class for first and second-year students.”

All the students present were currently second-year students, so this was a bit awkward. However, there was no school regulation stating that classes absolutely had to be divided by grade level, so it wasn’t impossible.

The moment the noise gradually subsided, I opened my mouth at the most opportune time.

“Quiet.”

Instantly, the noise within the classroom vanished. Everyone's eyes swiveled back in my direction.

“It’s natural to feel dissatisfied with the fact that, as second-year students, you'll be attending the same classes as first-year students. But don’t worry. Considering the first-year students, I won’t teach the obvious things that even beginners can learn.”

A wave of relieved responses flowed from all sides. The teaching method at Thion Academy was more akin to a university than a high school in terms of ground. However, since it wasn't entirely a university, the mixture was slightly ambiguous. Thion students chose the lectures they wished to attend according to their specializations and earned credits by completing the material.

“There isn't a significant difference between first and second-year students.”

With that in mind, I decided to conduct a joint class for first and second-year students. Why? When only second-year students gather, the teacher inevitably becomes the story. The main focus and curiosity of second-year students, who know each other well enough after a year, would be the new teacher, not a classmate. But what if there were new students in the same class? The second-year students’ attention would be diverted to the younger first-year students. There would then be far fewer instances of people talking about me. The presence of first-year students served as a smokescreen, preventing the second-year students from questioning my qualifications as a teacher.

“Why are you allowing first-year students to attend the class?”

Someone raised their hand and said.

When I looked, it was a girl with wavy blonde hair that reached her waist. Her steady eyes, fixed on me, held a strong sense of certainty. Her face was familiar… where had I seen it before?

“The type of person who hesitates to think something through….”

Once the question was asked, I decided to answer.

“Because I believe they need a chance as well.”

“What do you mean by chance?”

“I think it’s deeply regrettable to have to take my classes only to obtain a certain grade; that's entirely the wrong attitude as a teacher. This is my opinion on providing equal education for everyone regardless of grade level.”

Alright, they’ll ask me why I didn’t mention third-year students. Of course, they could also take my class if they wanted. However, it would be difficult for third-year students to grasp the basic materials they are currently learning. In reality, it might even reach the second year if I can handle it.

“Of course, this means the classes I teach aren't dependent on grade level.”

Well, it’s not like I’m just saying things without thinking because I made sure I was prepared for the class.

“It’s hard to understand if you don’t explain exactly what the class is about.”

“If you’re curious, you can come to my class. It’s not fun telling you beforehand.”

A small frown appeared on the blonde girl’s forehead. I’m sorry, but I have no intention of telling you what I’ll be teaching now. Instead, it was supposed to make you more anxious and curious. There’s nothing to warn students attending the academy about an unknown class.

“Just one warning. If anyone takes my class with the foolish idea that I’m a new teacher and they can easily get credits…”

After deliberately adjusting my breathing and inhaling, I spat out the final words forcefully.

“Then I will engrave into their very bones what true education is.”

That last sentence meant, ‘Please don’t come to my class.’ If they were to take a class in their early years, their pride would be severely bruised. I even warned them that the class wouldn't be easy. There was a high chance that students wouldn't attend. If a landmine like this was laid out openly, and it exploded after someone stepped on it, it's the fault of the person who stepped on it.

“Everything exists for a reason. You’ll find out when you come to class.”

“Any questions?”

I asked the students.

***

The classroom was quiet. When Rodger asked if they had any questions, none of the students raised their hands. It didn’t mean there weren’t any questions. I’d also anticipated trivial questions about assignment execution, the class's specific curriculum, or previously taught material, but no one said a word. Rodger Chelieci's aura had overwhelmed everyone.

“Is that the new teacher?”

“I heard he came from the military, so the atmosphere isn’t a joke.”

“There was a rumor that he was at least a 4th-rank officer. Is that true?”

Even the noble students, who usually ignored their peers like fallen nobles, avoided Rodger’s gaze, only swallowing dry saliva. However, the upper class couldn’t make the other students dare to step forward. Everyone implicitly felt this when they listened to Rodger’s words. The man didn’t utter everything in vain. Unless a person was truly proud of their class, they could never show this reaction. What the hell is he trying to teach? If it's not theory-bound, is it practical? If so, how is it implemented practically?

In everyone's heads, only those complex thoughts appeared and disappeared like bubbles, again and again. But one thing was certain: the class led by the instructor named Rodger Chelieci would never be easy.

“Any questions?”

His voice asked again. It was as if someone wanted to ask a question, but the students weren't fooled. The moment they raised a hand or opened their mouths, Rodger would instantly seize them. Looking at those piercing eyes that seemed to devour, the will to never allow questions was conveyed. The blonde girl who had first raised her hand was now still.

“No. Then the opening ceremony will end with this.”

The dramatic tension concluded perfectly.

***

As the orientation ended, the students filed out one by one, leaving the classroom. I carefully observed the scene from the platform. Once I’d said everything I wanted, I think they understood everything, right? But honestly, I was shocked that no one raised their hand when I asked if they had questions. Until last night, I had been prepared to receive all kinds of questions and had prepared answers for them, but they were all useless. Aren’t academies like these full of children with strong egos? I thought they would scoff at me and ask questions, did I even think about that?

‘No. Wait a minute.’

It could be the opposite. What if they were deliberately chewing on my words? Isn't that often the case in 21st-century Korea? When a new teacher arrives, the students deliberately ignore them without paying attention. This is especially true with female teachers.

‘We’ll see.’

I said it as seriously as possible, deliberately intending to be intimidating, but did it have the opposite effect? Perhaps this coercive tone and actions affected the self-esteem of the students who considered themselves geniuses.

“Then, it’s a bit of a problem.”

In the army, the rear is the largest, in the workplace the lieutenant is the artillery, and at school the student ignores the teacher. It’s obvious that if I lose control of the atmosphere at the beginning, it will cause setbacks for future classes. If that's the case, should I treat the students in a friendly manner?

“No, if I suddenly change now, things will get weird. I just have to push through to the end.”

Being friendly and smiling for nothing isn't actually my mood; it's my nature, and most of the roles I've played have been like that. Besides, it's been three weeks since I've been here, and everyone already knows who Rodger is.

Meanwhile, the remaining students in the class didn't approach me. It’s not that they’re uninterested, because I clearly felt their gazes. However, I thought they would ask some trivial questions like my age or if I had a girlfriend, but I didn't know they wouldn’t open their mouths. Kids these days are scary.

***

“Tap. Tap.”

I left the classroom at a leisurely pace, slowly walking down the hallway. It was the first day of school anyway, so that was the end of work for the day. Since the course registration correction period hadn’t ended yet, students still had time to decide which classes they wanted to attend.

The first grade seriously, after 3 days. Until then, let's seriously think about how to take the initiative in class from the students. At least, I should avoid being told that I'm unqualified to work as a teacher. Thinking this way, I checked the introduction, and saw all the students walking down the hallway looking at me and making way. Boys and girls alike, when they see me walking, they are stunned and stick to the wall or the window.

‘What. Why?’

Could it be that the rumors of the new teacher, who looks like a champagne, have already spread throughout the academy? I heard there’s a community like a university’s “Everytime” community where students can exchange opinions with each other within the academy; is it because of that? Just when I thought the next class would be extremely difficult, someone spoke to me.

“Hello.”

I stopped and stared at the woman speaking, smiling at me.

“Are you the new teacher, Mr. Rodger Chelieci?”

“Yes.”

She was a charming woman with pink hair, slightly wavy ends, and a warm smile like a lamb. She isn't wearing military attire, so I don’t think she’s a student. Perhaps? Before I could say anything, she spoke again.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Selena, and I’m also a new teacher at Thion Academy, just like Mr. Rodger.”

“Okay. Nice to meet you.”

As I glanced at her regarding what she came for, Selena looked into my eyes, slightly puzzled, softly speaking in a creeping voice.

“Did… you eat?”