Infinite System Inheritor Return From The Abyss

As Seojun walked further away from the dean's office, the hallway quiet and the late afternoon sun shining through the windows, the System suddenly spoke again inside his head, its voice softer this time.

[Knowing your situation right now, you can't just drag students into your class, host. You need someone to trust. This will be hard, very hard. You're just lucky because Hannah, Minseok, and Jinhyu already knew you before this. They saved you a lot of time, honestly.]

Seojun didn't answer right away, but he nodded a little to himself, knowing the System was right. The pressure wasn't just coming from outside—it was piling up inside, too.

Just then, he heard someone calling out from behind him.

"Jihoon! Wait! Buddy!"

Seojun stopped walking and turned around, eyebrows lifting slightly when he saw a man jogging toward him with a friendly grin. It was Professor Chulsoo, waving one hand while catching his breath.

He stopped in front of Seojun, still smiling apologetically. "Good thing I caught up. You walk too fast, man."

Seojun stared at him for a moment, then said calmly, "Is there anything else, Professor Chulsoo?"

Chulsoo quickly shook both hands, his tone light. "Oh, no no, don't worry—I'm not with them. I'm on your side, really. Professor Sera too, Ms. Alexa and Mr. Alex And there are a few more. Don't worry too much, there are still a lot of us who want you to stay here."

Seojun blinked once, slightly surprised but not showing much emotion. He followed Chulsoo silently as they continued walking together.

They soon reached one of the resting areas in the hallway, where there were a couple of wooden benches and an old vending machine humming softly against the wall. Chulsoo walked over and pressed a few buttons, then bought two canned drinks.

He tossed one to Seojun, who caught it easily without saying a word.

"Here," Chulsoo said, cracking his own drink open and sitting down on the bench. "Sit with me. You need it after that storm upstairs."

Seojun slowly sat beside him, still quiet as he opened the can and took a sip.

Chulsoo leaned back, resting his arm on the bench. "Look, Jihoon. I know those professors gave you a hard time in there. That's just how they are. Every time a new professor joins, they make a fuss. Especially if the new guy doesn't play by their rules. But it never lasts long."

Seojun tilted his head slightly, listening but not commenting yet.

Chulsoo chuckled and continued. "Honestly, I've seen it more times than I can count. They test everyone. It's like some weird old ritual of theirs. But most of them calm down eventually, especially once they realize you're not going anywhere."

He turned his head to Seojun. "They're just scared because you have Yoora, That Min Yoora Daughter of Top 4 Ranker choose you and that makes them question themselves. But that's not your fault. That's just how teaching works—if the students respond to you, then you're doing something right."

Seojun glanced at the can in his hand. "They're just scared of change."

"Exactly," Chulsoo agreed, raising his drink. "And you're change."

For a few seconds, both sat in silence, the sound of distant footsteps and the quiet humming of the vending machine filling the space.

Seojun finally looked at him and said, "Thanks for saying that."

Chulsoo smiled. "You're welcome. Just don't let their noise get to your head. It'll fade. Focus on your class. Let your students do the talking for you."

Seojun gave a slow nod, then finished the rest of his drink in one long sip.

After sitting for a few more minutes in silence, Seojun stood up and looked at Chulsoo. "I need to go back to class."

Chulsoo gave him a playful wink and stood up too, patting Seojun on the shoulder like an older brother giving silent support. "Go get 'em, Professor Jihoon."

Just then, Professor Sera approached from the hallway with a small group of students following behind her. She had a calm smile on her face but didn't hesitate to walk straight to Seojun and suddenly pulled him into a warm side hug, catching him slightly off guard.

"It's okay Professor," she said, squeezing him gently, "They're just jealous. You're so young, already have a career. Always remember we are here for you."

Seojun didn't say anything, but a small amused exhale left his nose.

Sera gave him one more pat on the back, then smiled as she stepped away and walked off with the students behind her, leaving Seojun standing alone once more in the hallway.

He looked around briefly to make sure no one was watching, then turned a corner quietly and vanished in a blink—teleporting straight to the Ethereal Grounds.

In the center of the wide clearing, Minseok and Jinhyu were currently locked in a sparring match. Dirt was kicked up as they moved, both of them focused and serious.

Jinhyu moved first, feinting a punch before ducking low and using a clean judo technique—he grabbed Minseok's sleeve and collar, dropped his hips low, and twisted his body sideways. With a sharp pull and spin, he lifted Minseok off the ground and slammed him down onto his back with a loud thud that sent dust flying.

Minseok coughed but tapped Jinhyu's arm quickly, signaling surrender. Jinhyu let go and dropped back, breathing hard and covered in sweat.

"WHOOOO!" Nayoung cheered loudly, her voice echoing as she ran over clapping. She raised Jinhyu's arm high like he'd won a championship. "The winner! Lee Jinhyu!"

Jinhyu smiled weakly, still catching his breath.

Yoora and Hannah stood on the side, clapping. Hannah had a small towel in her hand, and she offered it to Minseok and Jinhyu while Nayoung continued her dramatic announcement.

Sui then bounce toward Seojun the moment he appeared.

"Kyuu~ Welcome back, Master!" he said brightly, giving a formal bow mid-air.

Seojun gave a small nod and walked forward, his presence finally catching everyone's attention.

"Oh, Professor, you're back!" Nayoung called out, waving one arm. "Ahh, it's a shame you didn't get to watch those two fight! It was so cool! They kept throwing each other like dolls!"

Minseok, wiping his face with a towel, corrected her with a shake of his head. "We were doing wrestling, Nayoung. Not doll throwing."

Nayoung laughed even more at that.

Yoora tilted her head slightly and walked toward Seojun, her arms folded loosely across her chest. "You look serious, Professor. Did something happen?"

Seojun stood there quietly for a moment before answering, his voice calm but firm. "Yeah. I've decided to change something."

Everyone exchanged glances. Even Nayoung quieted down, her playful smile fading into curiosity.

Seojun looked at two specific students. "Nayoung. Jinhyu."

Both of them straightened a little at the sound of their names.

"It's time for you two… to awaken."