TBF 09

Chapter: 09

The entrance ceremony began ordinarily and ended just as ordinarily.

It was so typical that any expectations Se-byeok had were rendered meaningless, and what followed after the ceremony was even stranger.

Now, the students had to leave their parents’ care and stay in the dormitories.

Se-byeok naturally expected that parents would have countless demands. Of course—how could anyone remain calm while separating from a beloved child?

…Yet everyone seemed perfectly at ease.

Even when the ceremony handed the students over to the dormitory supervisor, not a single parent approached Se-byeok asking, “Are there any foods my child can’t eat?” or “Are there things they should be careful about?”

Even when a headless mannequin acted as the dorm supervisor, no one seemed to mind!

“Um… if there’s anything special I should know about your child, could you please tell me now?”

Se-byeok, unable to contain himself, stepped forward to the teacher’s podium.

Please, just strike me down! Torture me with all the trivial, annoying, and tedious demands you have!

“……”

But the parents said nothing.

Returning to the empty classroom with nothing but strange looks from the parents, Se-byeok pulled at his hair in exasperation.

Something… feels wrong.

Are magicians normally like this? Are they usually this quiet?

Then what about Dong-baek?

The man he’d met, the chattiest person of all, who was he really?

“The foolish dad is like a Terrijinosaurus. Looks like a carnivorous dinosaur, but acts like a herbivore, living in his own separate world.”

Haram, who had been playing on his phone, said this out of the blue.

“That’s how magicians are. They live long lives, marry early, have many children, and don’t realize how precious their offspring are. And if they’re sending kids to this school, that says it all.”

“Says it all…?”

“If they valued their children, they’d raise them themselves, not abandon them in some remote dormitory.”

Blinking quietly, Se-byeok turned to look out the window.

A group of students and parents ascending to the dormitories, following the mannequin supervisor.

…Looking from above, it’s clear. Compared to the number of students, the parents are strangely few.

“I overheard earlier—three or four of them are from orphanages. Rumor had it they were possessed, so the foundation staff brought them to the school.”

“…At least they’re grateful for those who came.”

Se-byeok, muttering absentmindedly, recalled his four previous entrance ceremonies—always alone in a place where everyone else was accompanied.

“Don’t worry too much. People aren’t worried about dinosaurs.”

“…What?”

“Huh? A Spinosaurus appeared! Dad!”

Haram, having a jackpot on the gacha, suddenly raised his arms in triumph and ran out of the classroom.

Unable to catch him, Se-byeok could only stare blankly, lips moving silently.

…Wait, was Haram always this eloquent?

After the entrance ceremony, a full staff meeting was held.

Though called a “meeting,” it was more a chance to introduce new faces—and surprisingly, there were many replacements.

Se-byeok mechanically clapped each time the vice-principal introduced someone in a dry tone.

He glanced around for Dong-baek but couldn’t spot that familiar face anywhere.

Well, not every elementary school has Budle School’s reputation. Maybe he was stationed in middle or high school by now…

“I saw him in the staff room earlier today.”

Later that evening, Dong-baek spoke at the dinner table after leaving work early.

“I was so happy to see Se-byeok, I smiled brightly at you, you know?”

“Huh? You were at the staff meeting?”

“See? Even if you pledge loyalty or make contracts, what’s the point if you can’t recognize someone right in front of you?”

“That—That can’t be! I really tried to find you, Dong-baek…!”

“I was so upset and heartbroken I almost cried… Haram, you shouldn’t meet a mom like that. You need someone with sharp eyes who can spot you even from ten miles away.”

“Awesome. Then I’ll marry a Troodon.”

Haram dunked a bite of rolled omelet into his mouth.

Sighing, Dong-baek adjusted Haram’s hand, which was gripping the chopsticks in a wild fashion.

“So, how’s preparation for the class going? What do first graders even learn these days?”

“It’s more about getting used to school than learning anything concrete, still.”

Even the coldest parent would feel some impact after separation.

Se-byeok had already prepared for children who might cry during class.

“You don’t need to worry about that. Se-byeok will handle it. Did you hear the teachers’ points of caution?”

“They told me to read the school rules carefully.”

“…That’s all?”

Dong-baek paused mid-chopstick motion.

“Yes. They said to check with the second-grade homeroom teacher, but lately, it’s so chaotic… I’ll try tomorrow.”

“And the vice-principal didn’t say anything?”

“…’Learn well from the second-grade teacher,’ I guess.”

“Wow, he’s really trying to coast, huh?”

Irritated, Dong-baek put down his chopsticks and pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, letting out a hollow laugh.

Se-byeok looked surprised.

“Is there a problem…?”

“The problem is I don’t even know what problems might happen. Not that it’s really beyond my control…”

Dong-baek fiddled with his lips, then looked at Se-byeok mid-meal.

“Listen, Se-byeok. Why are school rules important?”

“The first page of the rulebook says it’s to prevent the invasion of Mysteries.”

“Exactly. Budle School is a sort of fortress. No Mystery can penetrate its walls—not even those targeting young magicians’ hearts.”

Thanks to the school’s strict system punishing rule-breaking, Mysteries cannot trespass.

“Rules are strict for outsiders. Uninvited guests are immediately out.”

But once you belong to the school, the rules weigh less.

“The most free members under the rules are the staff. Teachers can run in the halls or smoke in designated areas.”

“Right…”

“But if staff break the rules, the penalties are harsher than for students. Like in the outside world, adults and youth face different consequences.”

Dong-baek covered his mouth, frowning thoughtfully.

Se-byeok, confused, spoke up.

“Um… you don’t need to worry so much. I can manage even without laws.”

Not only did he avoid crime, he never littered. The same first grader who always raised his hand to cross streets properly continued doing so until sixth grade.

“No bribes, no dual roles… Teachers must maintain dignity while participating fully in educational activities and set an example for students. These duties are taught in college too.”

Even after reading the rulebook multiple times, few clauses stood out: don’t go to the west faculty building, treat the lakeside willows respectfully, and no meat consumption on campus.

…The last one is certainly strange.

“I’ll work properly and avoid dangerous tasks, so don’t worry. Honestly, this is safer than being chased by monsters outside.”

Se-byeok adjusted his neck shyly.

Dong-baek, watching quietly, smiled.

“…Fine for now. You’re a smart one, Se-byeok.”

Then he added something weighty:

“Even if things go wrong, don’t worry too much. I’ll always be behind you.”

‘School rules.’

Se-byeok, with above-average intelligence, didn’t entirely dismiss the concerns of a capable Mystery expert.

‘I should be careful. But do these little ones even understand rules?’

“Alright, the bell rang, so everyone take your seats.”

The day of a first-grade teacher at Budle Elementary begins by leading students from the dorms to the classroom.

Fixing sloppy uniforms, retightening scarves, tying loose shoelaces.

By the time they reach the classroom at 8:30 a.m., it feels like guiding little chicks as if he were a kindergarten teacher.

After students remove thick coats, untangle hair stuck to scarves, and laugh over it all, the bell signals the start of class.

Se-byeok, standing at the podium, looked at the first graders’ wide-eyed faces, trying to calm his swelling emotions, and opened the attendance book.

“I’ll call roll first. After that, we’ll go in number order for a short introduction.”

“Yes!”

“Number one, Kim Cheolsu.”

There were 17 new students this year.

Se-byeok quickly finished roll call, making eye contact with each student.

Now back to number one for introductions.

He intended to ask only for name, hobby, and favorite thing for shy students…

Knock-knock.

Se-byeok turned in surprise.

“Who is it?”

“……”

Did he hear wrong?

“Cheolsu, start your introduction—”

Knock-knock.

Hmm…

Se-byeok sat Cheolsu down and walked to the door. A thought struck him:

What if the students copy my behavior?

“…Alright, everyone. Look at me. If someone comes while you’re home alone, what should you do?”

“Open the door!”

“Good, Minseo. But first, you have to ask. Let’s try it. Who’s there?”

“Who’s there—?”

The little chorus of chicks sounded incredibly cute.

But something was odd—outside the door, it was unusually quiet.

Who could it really be?

“Excuse me, who is it?”

“……”

“Who’s in the hall?”

Se-byeok, frustrated, looked through the window when a deep male voice spoke.

“I’m from the foundation. I’ve brought a new student.”

A new student…?

Se-byeok tilted his head and opened the door.

Suddenly, a dark shadow loomed overhead.

The first impression: black.

A black suit too large, a smooth black fedora, black leather gloves clinging like a second skin.

And jet-black lips stretching to the ears.

Before he could react, its belly opened.

Gnarled ribs spread wide, revealing thousands of teeth.

A manifestation of voracious appetite, proof of boundless life, a chorus of transcendence.

…

Ah.

Perhaps being bitten by those magnificent teeth is a worthy experience.

At that moment, Se-byeok’s ankle was grabbed, and he slid to the ground.

Thrown nearly flat, he lifted his head in panic.

Amid the chaos, the grotesque beauty before him assaulted his senses.

Layer upon layer.

From the teeth embedded in its belly.

One, two, three.

Our eyes forced through disgusting organs.

Their scattered gaze gradually focused on us.

On Se-byeok and the fallen students.

Beep-!

A sharp whistle sounded.

The warning whistle continued until it receded into the shadows as the creature closed its belly.

Finally, across the hallway, in the next classroom, Yang Mirae, red-faced and breathing heavily, held a red whistle in her mouth.