I feel like I handled things pretty well… right? Did I handle it well?
Huh?
Our Lee Si-hyun was looking at me as if she were a fan meeting a star, her eyes twinkling.
Then, someone approached us.
I think I saw that guy during the Orientation. Wasn’t his name Nam Su-yeon?
“Hey, Lee Si-hyun. Do you know this person?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah. This is the person who saved me before…”
“Saved? From what?”
“Later. I’ll tell you everything later. Sorry for the trouble. Ah, by any chance, do you have time after class?”
“Yes, I do. I was planning to stay in a cafe until my next class.”
“Then, would you mind if we go together after this class is over?”
“Yes, since this is Orientation, it should be over soon… We can go after it’s done.”
“Great!”
Honestly, I wanted to shout ‘NO,’ but given Teacher Jung-min’s advice and seeing how excited this young girl was, it felt a little harsh to turn her away.
“Did you know that person? What did you mean by ‘saved’?”
Seo-hyun was smiling cheerfully.
Today seemed like a pretty lucky day, but I wondered if this would eventually lead to bad luck.
However, things probably weren’t as bad as they were for Kim Cheom-ji. Unlike his tragic life, hers didn’t end in that particular moment two months ago.
Seo-hyun hesitated, wondering where to start.
“Why, two months ago, didn’t you know about the incident where the Minotaur-type Mutant wreaked havoc at the café where I work?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“I was there.”
“What!?”
“And when the Minotaur was breaking into the café, I was working there.”
“Wait, just a moment. Are you joking?”
“I’m not kidding. I almost… died back then when the Mutant tried to kill me.”
“But how did you survive…?”
“That person saved me.”
“What? How?”
Seo-hyun pondered how much to reveal.
She decided not to mention that Hyun was a Mutant. Since Hyun herself hadn’t disclosed this, she thought it would be rude to do so. Only Hyun herself should reveal the truth about being a Mutant.
Class of 2014.
And the same name.
At that moment, Seo-hyun realized that the senior she met during Orientation, the one who looked rather fierce, was the same Mutant who had saved her so kindly.
Already surrounded by unnecessary rumors and treated as a scary senior, she chose not to elaborate further about this person.
Instead, Seo-hyun slightly altered the story.
While lying to Su-yeon didn’t feel good, if Hyun ever revealed that she was a Mutant, Seo-hyun planned to apologize and explain everything to Su-yeon then.
“When I was completely helpless, that person quickly saved me. They pulled me up by the arm and drew the Minotaur-type Mutant’s attention, giving me a chance to escape.”
“Come to think of it, wasn’t it said that a Dragon-type Mutant appeared back then? So, was that person by any chance…?”
“No, no. This happened before the Dragon-type Mutant arrived. The lighting strike happened after we moved to safety.”
“Oh… wow. So that person is your benefactor?”
“Yeah. I never expected to meet them here.”
“What’s their major?”
“I’m not really sure.”
“What a movie! To meet the person who saved you in the same class… It feels like something out of a novel.”
“Hehe. Anyway, I plan to thank this person after class and thought about going to a café with them. Is that okay?”
“I would love to join, but it would be awkward to intrude on a relationship that’s not exactly close yet… Alright. But you must introduce me to them later, right?”
“Of course! They are a very kind person, and I think we will get along well.”
“Is that so? That’s surprising. I’ve never heard you give such high praise to someone before.”
“Wouldn’t you be good if they cared about others in dangerous situations?”
“That’s true…”
“Then, let’s meet after the Orientation ends and in the next class.”
“Okay.”
Fortunately, the department head didn’t call my name during attendance.
It wasn’t just a matter of skipping over my name since we made eye contact—so it seems they understand my situation.
They are giving me autonomy, but I probably need to discuss it with them soon.
“Anyway, Understanding of Modern Literature begins primarily with modern poetry and fiction…”
The orientation about how the semester’s lessons will proceed started. Of course, since I already know this from the beginning of the year.
As the orientation suggests, the department head ended the lecture with a smile rather quickly.
“Since it’s orientation, it wouldn’t be right to keep you too long. Starting next class, I’ll upload the material on Paper Internet, so you can print it and bring it along. Let’s all work hard this semester, alright?”
“Thank you!”
Moreover, the compassionate department head isn’t forcing anyone to buy the textbook.
I’ve heard rumors about the professors in engineering and other departments forcing students to buy textbooks… But at least in our department, these instances are scarce.
Unless it’s an introductory course, professors typically upload all materials online, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
After class ended, students gathered in small groups and slowly exited the classroom.
I need to leave since I have a schedule, but I feel I should thank the department head first.
“Department Head.”
“Ah, Hyun. I intentionally didn’t call your name during attendance, is that okay?”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
“Alright then. When do you plan to reveal that you’re a Mutant?”
“I actually came here to report that. Since I can’t hide it forever, I plan to tell my classmates soon and also reveal it at the upcoming reopening meeting.”
“…That’s a tough decision. If you need help, please reach out.”
“Haha, I don’t think I’ll need that.”
There doesn’t seem to be any particular help I need from the department head. Professors intervening in student conflicts would just seem strange anyway.
Even if any trouble arises, it probably won’t be that serious.
“Alright. Study hard.”
“By the way, professor.”
“Yes?”
“Is there a group project for this semester?”
“No. You all last semester did such a poor job… So, I think individual assignments would be better.”
“Haha…”
Immediately after finishing the conversation with the department head, I went to find Seo-hyun.
It wasn’t long before I saw her waiting for me at the back of the classroom.
I quietly approached her.
“Did you wait long?”
“Ah, no, not at all.”
“Sorry about that. I had something to say to the department head. It was related to being a Mutant.”
“I see.”
“Do you know where the girl we saw earlier went?”
“We agreed to meet separately later. Considering your situation, joining us would probably make things awkward.”
Immediately, I understood why this girl is so popular and well-liked in the department.
It wasn’t just about ‘arranging an appointment.’ She even sought understanding from her friend since I didn’t want to reveal being a Mutant.
Typically, it’s not uncommon for someone to bring friends to such engagements.
Her immediate consideration shows that she is extremely thoughtful. The exact type of person I admire the most.
“There’s no need to be so considerate. I was planning to reveal it soon anyway.”
“Ah, by the way, drop the formalities. I’m your junior by quite a bit.”
“Not until we get closer. I tend to become too casual once I start being informal, so I try to be cautious.”
With that smile, Seo-hyun seemed to understand.
“Alright. Then… Could you be the rumored senior?”
“Yeah, I suppose so. There isn’t anyone else named Yun Seo-hyun from the 2011 to 2018 batches in the Korean Literature department.”
“So, you used to be male then?”
“Yes, I used to look rather menacing. I caused quite a bit of trouble too. Anyway, there’s no point lingering here—shall we head to the café?”
“Ah, yes!”
We arrived at the café, ordered two coffees, and sat down.
“If you have any questions, ask. I’m not usually like this, but I’m willing to share since I find your behavior commendable.”
“Um, I heard you’re currently having conflicts with the seniors from the 4th year.”
“Ah, haha. You ask about that first? I thought it would be related to mutation.”
“That’s curious too.”
“Well, as most other departments did, ours had intense seniority. Even though it wasn’t a Physical Education department, some seniors often gathered juniors… I couldn’t stand it and waited for the right moment. Then there was this one 4th-year ruffian who bothered one of my juniors, and that’s when I exploded.”
“I see.”
“From then on, things went as you know—being known for being aloof and unapproachable. Especially since the current 4th years were influential back when they were 3rd years. Plus, I’m not the kind of person who approaches others easily.”
“I’ve heard from my juniors that some of this year’s 2nd years want to get to know you…”
“I don’t mind, but personally, I didn’t feel the need. I don’t like being invited to drinking events and accidents that might happen when I consume alcohol. Now, it all seems to be a distant story. Treating a junior like this is quite rare.”
“Hehe. An honor, one might say?”
“Not too much of an honor.”
“Simply bringing me here qualifies me as passing your standards, right?”
“Yes, I initially planned to just buy some coffee and leave. But not bringing your friend earned you a pass. That much consideration for me being a Mutant matters.”
“You’re really picky.”
“I hear that a lot. My philosophy is that the narrower and deeper the relationships, the better.”
“I agree.”
“Yet, despite your apparent pickiness, you’re quite popular? When you first entered, my peers were thrilled. They said a great junior had joined. That was true during Orientation as well.”
“That’s thanks to the seniors from the 3rd year who were always kind. Just that there are many people who look favorably upon me. Fundamentally, I share a similar disposition to you.”
“That’s impressive. Usually, if someone is viewed positively, it’s because that person is inherently good.”
“Thank you for the kind words.”
“Anyway, it’s good. My peers are all great people. And despite my prickly personality, they help make department life tolerable. Although, there are no obnoxious people, right?”
“Of course not.”
“It’s true. They’re all well settled with girlfriends anyway. Unfortunately, I was the only one without a girlfriend back then. Now, even if I wanted one, it’s impossible.”
“Hehe… Senior, didn’t you feel conflicted being originally male?”
“No, thanks to my species’ characteristics. Also, I’ve never had much interest in romantic relationships.”
“Ah, but you’re a Dragon-type Mutant, right?”
“Yes. With wings.”
“Wings!?”
Suddenly, Si-hyun’s eyes sparkled.
“I can’t show them now. My clothes covering the wing joints would tear, leaving my back exposed. Unless I wear an off-shoulder or backless top, I prefer not to.”
“Ah… Are they big wings?”
“Massive. When fully extended, one wing is about two meters long, so both together span around four meters.”
“Wow.”
“Maybe I’ll show them to you if we get closer. Do you have any other questions?”
“Last time, you summoned lightning, right? Are there any other abilities?”
“Yes, I can control fire and also summon rain.”
“Feels like some fusion of Eastern and Western dragons, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, it does. Controlling rain, lightning, and weather phenomena are features of the Eastern dragon, while manipulating fire and having wings are Western traits.”
“Fascinating.”
“I often hear that. Anything else you’re curious about? Usually, I get to know freshmen at the start of the semester, so offering special service by treating you to lunch now is fitting. Then, feel free to bring that friend along.”
“I appreciate it, but shouldn’t I be the one treating you? Considering you saved my life.”
“I’m quite wealthy. Plus, it’s not right for the senior to be indebted. If anything, just treat me to coffee some other time, not today.”
“Alright.”
“By the way, what’s your next class?”
“It’s… Classical Poetry and Culture.”
“Same as me. Hey, there’s some good news for you.”
“What is it?”
“Apparently, the Understanding of Modern Literature class doesn’t have any group projects this time.”
Upon hearing that, Si-hyun’s face lit up. No matter what, there doesn’t seem to be a university student who enjoys group projects.
![[TS] Seoul Outsider Dragon](https://i0.wp.com/novelhitam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1743725560-3269-TS-Seoul-Outsider-Dragon.jpg?resize=151,215 "[TS] Seoul Outsider Dragon")
