The silence was long and heavy. It was so deep that for a moment, Han Seo-Jin wondered if he had said something wrong.

“Hyung participated in the development of Beagle?”

“Uh, yeah. Well, sort of. I was more like a side branch…”

If they found out that “side branch” included everyone except himself, they probably wouldn’t believe it.

Jo Yoo-Jung, one of the student council members, spoke up with a look of astonishment.

“Wow… I really didn’t know. I didn’t think oppa was part of the Beagle development team.”

“I actually have a Macfle book with Beagle in it. It’s no joke. The rendering is incredible.”

“Nowadays, CPUs are divided into Beagle and non-Beagle junk. I never imagined I’d see one of the developers in person at school.”

“Really? You’re not joking, are you?”

The students, their eyes sparkling, bombarded him with questions. If they knew he was the sole developer, they’d probably devour him whole.

Han Seo-Jin felt a little flustered but was nonetheless pleased. To think that people he was meeting for the first time today, Korea’s best and brightest, appreciated something he had a hand in creating.

“I didn’t know Senior Jung Ji-Won was the head of Beagle’s development. Why didn’t he ever mention it? Not even a word during the last alumni gathering. That’s too much.”

Jo Hyun-Seok lightly grumbled about Jung Ji-Won, who wasn’t present, then politely addressed Han Seo-Jin again.

“Uh, it’s a bit bold of me to ask, but could you say a few words? About the Beagle development process, any related anecdotes, the company’s rewards and treatment, and its future development plans. We’d like to investigate the detailed practical aspects.”

“This is for a freshman event, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct. It might cause some trouble for the company, but we could spin it as promotional work for them. As long as Senior Jung Ji-Won approves, that is.”

“What’s so hard about saying a few words? Alright, I’ll try to talk to him about it.”

“Thank you, hyung.”

Jo Hyun-Seok bowed deeply.

---

Circuit Theory Class

The freshmen, seated in the lecture hall, waited with nervous anticipation. Finally, they were about to attend their first class. Of course, it was the first day, so they expected a simple orientation about the syllabus and an early dismissal. After all, weren’t they just freshmen?

A stern-looking woman in her mid-30s entered. She scanned the room sharply with her glasses, her gaze intimidating enough to make the students flinch and look away instinctively.

“I’m Choi Yoo-Seon, in charge of Circuit Theory. Let’s begin.”

Without further ado, she grabbed a whiteboard marker.

The freshmen’s faces filled with shock.

Seriously? Is she really going to start teaching like this?

It’s the day of the entrance ceremony!

“To give an overview of Circuit Theory…”

The train had already left the station. As Professor Choi Yoo-Seon began her lecture, sketching out diagrams on the board, the freshmen scrambled like they had just woken from a dream, hurriedly pulling out their writing tools.

Those who hadn’t brought any supplies on the first day were frantically trying to borrow them.

“Make sure you absorb everything I teach today. If you find it difficult to understand, at least memorize it.”

Without a single break, Professor Choi Yoo-Seon filled the two-hour lecture period to the brim, leaving a bombshell remark before exiting the classroom.

The tension in the room finally eased a little. The freshmen let out collective sighs of relief. Some were on the verge of tears, having failed to take proper notes.

“What… just happened? Isn’t today the entrance ceremony? What kind of professor teaches on the first day?”

“Right? I’ve never heard of this happening before.”

“Is it just our department, or is this professor just that by-the-book?”

Before they could fully savor the excitement of starting college, the freshmen had been bombarded by an intense lecture. They had understood less than half of what was taught.

Meanwhile, Han Seo-Jin stared intently at the diagrams and explanations covering the whiteboard.

‘Ah, so that’s how it works.’

His Insight skill only reacted to “visible” things. Naturally, it didn’t respond to the professor’s verbal explanations.

However, as the Insight skill decoded the content written on the whiteboard and combined it with what he had heard, a new understanding began to take shape in his mind.

Gaps he hadn’t been able to fill while preparing for his Semiconductor Engineering license—scattered and incomplete—were now seamlessly coming together like new growth over old wounds.

The sensation was so satisfying that he let out a small chuckle.

“That’s unbelievable, isn’t it? I can’t believe we actually had a lecture on the first day,” a female student sitting beside him said, stomping her feet in frustration.

She seemed to think he was laughing out of disbelief.

“Well, it is a bit surprising. But what can you do? We’re here to study, not to play.”

“Ugh, even at Korea University, they could’ve given us just one day. Just the first day.”

“There’s a freshman welcome party tonight, anyway. Just hang in there. After the next Electromagnetism lecture, it’s over for today.”

“What if they cram the Electromagnetism class too?”

Looking around, it was clear that everyone had the same concern.

It was the first day of school, so no one knew what textbooks to bring, and most hadn’t even prepared proper supplies. If the next lecture also covered new material, they might lose their wits altogether.

When the time for the next class came, the door creaked open, and a middle-aged male professor entered. It was none other than Park Hyo-San, who had delivered the welcome speech for freshmen just a few hours earlier.

Professor Park paused briefly, observing the freshmen, who were stiff and tense. Then, with a chuckle, he broke the silence.

“Did you just come from Professor Choi Yoo-Seon’s class?”

“Yes.”

Weary responses came from all directions. Professor Park gave a wry smile.

“She’s always been like that. A fantastic professor, though. You’ll never have to worry about make-up classes, syllabus delays, or wasting tuition money in her courses.”

“……”

“Alright, I get it. I was planning to do a brief lecture today, but judging by your faces, I don’t think you’d hear a word I said. So, I’ll spend the next 15 minutes explaining our department’s vision and how my course will proceed, and then we’ll wrap up. The freshman welcome party is right after this, isn’t it?”

“Wow!”

The mention of a welcome party sparked cheers from the students. Professor Park smiled briefly before his eyes landed on Han Seo-Jin.

‘……’

‘……’

As their eyes met, Han Seo-Jin instinctively averted his gaze. Why was the professor staring so intently at him?

“Our department was established in 2003. Initially, semiconductor studies were part of the Electronics Department. However, with the rapid expansion of markets like computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices, the university decided to create a dedicated Semiconductor Engineering Department to focus more intensively on this field.”

With a pleasant tone, Professor Park continued to explain the origins of the department.

“Our department focuses on cultivating practical semiconductor knowledge that aligns with the international market. To put it plainly, this is the best department for job prospects. Many alumni have found success abroad. So, I encourage you all to set big goals and approach your studies with the determination to master semiconductors.”

Then, Professor Park picked up a whiteboard marker.

When the students’ faces turned pale, he chuckled.

“It’s not a lecture, don’t worry. I’ll spend just five minutes explaining how my course will run.”

Professor Park wrote “A” and “B” at the top of the board and started listing schedules under each.

“First, the A course is your typical lecture format. Attend diligently, complete weekly assignments, take midterms and finals, and earn your grades based on overall performance.”

Naturally, the students’ eyes shifted to the “B” section. While A seemed like the standard university course, B caught their curiosity.

“B is a bit unconventional. Our department is introducing it starting this semester. Of course, not all professors will adopt it—it’s up to their discretion. Professor Choi Yoo-Seon, for example, won’t use it.”

With ease, Professor Park continued writing.

“At the beginning of the semester, I’ll assign one exceptionally challenging report. Its difficulty will exceed anything you can imagine. You may submit it anytime during the semester and retry as often as you like. However, any unethical means of passing will not be tolerated.”

Professor Park’s stern gaze swept over the students, causing those who met his eyes to swallow nervously. Everyone was curious—what was the reward for completing such a difficult report?

“All or nothing. Any student who passes the B course is exempt from all attendance, assignments, and exams for the semester. And they’ll receive an automatic A+.”

“W-Wow!”

“How’s that? Doesn’t it fire you up?”

Professor Park crossed his arms and laughed heartily.

“Feel free to challenge it as many times as you like during the semester. Failing doesn’t incur penalties. However, if you gamble on passing and skip lectures and assignments, only to fail, you’ll take a big hit. Keep that in mind. That’s all.”

With that, the course orientation ended.

As soon as the professor left, upperclassmen flooded in. Wearing cheerful expressions, they addressed the freshmen.

“Freshmen, was it tough dealing with Professor Choi Yoo-Seon?”

“Yes!”

“Well, the hard part’s over for today. The freshman welcome party is ready, so let’s go. You don’t have to worry about classes for the rest of the week—no professors will seriously teach yet!”

“Wow!”

Excited by the mention of the welcome party, everyone stood up. Han Seo-Jin packed his bag and got up as well.

As he stepped into the hallway, someone lightly tapped his shoulder from behind. It was Jo Yoo-Jung from the student council, wearing a bright smile.

“Oppa, you’re coming to the welcome party, right?”

“Ah, I was planning to skip it.”

“Why?”

“I can’t let the company see me slacking off, drinking, and partying. I’m a working adult.”

“Oh, really?”

Jo Yoo-Jung looked visibly disappointed. Han Seo-Jin gave a faint smile and was about to turn away when his phone vibrated.

[Manager: Today’s the entrance ceremony, but don’t even think about skipping the welcome party using the company as an excuse. Blend in with the other students, attend the party, and send photo proof every hour.]

Han Seo-Jin was flustered. What kind of directive was this?

Jo Yoo-Jung tilted her head, puzzled by his expression.

“Oppa, is something wrong?”

“Oh, uh, the company just contacted me… They told me not to skip the welcome party.”

“Wow, H-Semiconductor is so considerate! Come on, let’s go!”

Jo Yoo-Jung lightly grabbed his elbow and started pulling him along. As she did, he asked, “By the way, where’s the welcome party?”

“There are some nice spots near the back gate. It’s a bit far to walk, so we’re taking the school bus.”

“A bus?”

Han Seo-Jin looked a little uneasy.

“I brought my car, though.”

“Oh, then come with me. Hyun-Seok oppa specifically told me to make sure you attend the welcome party. He was worried you’d skip and feel out of place as a fossil, so he wanted me to drag you along if necessary.”

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