Chapter 28: Seo Gayeon (5)
TL/Editor: looloo
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-Khhhh.
The Mines looked like spirits.
This place was their gathering spot.
The Mines were entities that built up their power here.
Spirits are usually picky beings.
Magic attacks work, but only some of them do damage.Physical attacks don't work, so a student without awakened magic would likely face danger if they confront them.
Especially if it's a Mine.
By sacrificing a bit of intelligence, they boost various other stats.
Still, I don't feel particularly tense.
'If it was another Mine, I might have been tense.'
Right now, I feel no tension.
The stellar magic that Seo Gayeon possesses.
The Demonic Qi that I have.
Both are highly effective against beings like spirits.
Physical attacks don't work because spirits lack a physical body. But unique powers like stellar magic and Demonic Qi work even better.
-Kieeeek!
The Mine let out a shriek and charged.
"Ah!"
Seo Gayeon flinched for a moment. It was from the mental attack the Mine launched.
But, I was unaffected.
Because the Demonic Qi was protecting me.
I infused my sword with the Demonic Qi.
As I swung the sword, the spirit stopped and stared at the Black Heavenly Demon Sword.
[It seems to have some intelligence left. Plus, it's fast.]
'Indeed.'
I responded to the Black Heavenly Demon Sword with my Nyeom.
Nyeom.
I focused. Then, the spirit's movements started to become clear.
I tightened my grip on the sword.
Black Flash Swordsmanship.
It was a simple, fast sword technique. But I liked this sword.
A strike with the Demonic Qi.
This alone can deal a fatal blow to an enemy.
'But it can't end like this.'
This world isn't that simple.
Don't take the easy route. If you're careless, you'll face the fallout.
Only by taking some action can you see this world's end.
So, I loved the game named 《Epic World》.
"Huu."
I exhaled.
And then I moved.
The spirit reacted to my movement.
I swung my arm widely. A purple trail headed towards my face.
Black Breeze.
I moved with the Black Breeze, which I hadn't mastered yet. Despite this, my movements weren't hindered.
[Your proficiency in Black Divine Martial Arts has increased.]
Black Divine Martial Arts.
It's a method to move my body more effectively. Black Essence corrects my movements. The Demonic Qi flows smoothly.
Swish.
The Black Heavenly Demon Sword slashed the spirit's arm.
-Khhah!
The creature moved. A long nail sprouted from its other hand, aiming for my arm.
I evade with a half-step.
Seeing it like this, it's clear.
The opponent is wasting a lot of movements.
'I think I'm getting the hang of it.'
I've come to understand something through my own battles.
I lack a lot compared to the opponent.
I lack the basic physical abilities.
I must dodge the minimum and attack the opponent maximally.
At the same time, I must avoid the opponent's attack.
Because even a single mistake can be fatal.
'A shitty game.'
It's a damn cursed game.
---
Raei Translations
---
The Black Heavenly Demon Sword was observing Lee Seoha.
His method of minimally moving against spirits while slowly depleting their energy was effective.
However, the Conceptual Stat Spirit Against Heaven amplifies that attack to inflict lethal injuries on the opponent.
[How absurd.]
Lee Seoha's martial arts skills are at the master level.
When the Black Heavenly Demon Sword first taught him martial arts, it regretted this aspect.
However, as the battle progressed and came to a close, Lee Seoha's rate of growth was remarkable.
Hissss-.
The spirit attacked.
He dodged the opponent's attack with minimal movement.
A scratch appeared on his face as his hair was cut by the spirit's nail.
Despite this, Lee Seoha was smiling.
An unfavorable fight.
Lee Seoha was driving himself into a disadvantaged situation.
His unfamiliar movements in combat were gradually becoming accustomed through battle.
It was a type of madness.
An ordinary person wouldn't push themselves like this.
Even someone who dedicated their life to martial arts wouldn't drive themselves to such extremes.
Despite this, Lee Seoha does it without hesitation, as if this action was the correct answer.
That's why the Black Heavenly Demon Sword was both scared of and intrigued by Lee Seoha.
As he thought this far, Lee Seoha plunged the Black Heavenly Demon Sword into the spirit's chest.
'Not bad.'
Lee Seoha thought.
I'm getting more comfortable with the Black Divine Martial Art.
I feel like I should start learning another swordsmanship besides the Black Flash Swordsmanship.
Hissss.
The spirit's body turned into ash and scattered in the air.
[You killed a Mine! Conceptual Stat Spirit Against Heaven increased by 1.]
Plop.
A gem emitting a deep purple glow dropped onto the ground.
...So, killing Mines boosts my stats?
'I need to aim to kill as many Mines as possible.'
Hiss.
The Black Essence absorbed the newly increased Conceptual Stat Spirit Against Heaven.
Feeling the slightly larger Black Essence, I picked up the purple gem.
Appraisal.
──────────────
【Amethyst Filled with Grudges(B+)】
An amethyst formed from the grudges of malevolent spirits.
Highly valuable in magic studies.
:When crafted into an accessory, it provides additional magic enhancement to the wearer.
:When crafted into a weapon, it applies a curse upon striking the opponent.
:When crafted into armor, it applies a curse to the attacker when the wearer is hit.
:Upon consumption, decreases Spirit by -3 and increases Magic by +5.
──────────────
This is a high-grade item.
I was able to capture it with ease, but ordinarily, it wouldn't be so simple to secure.
And because it can be used in various ways, it's rated as high grade.
'But, the real value of this gem is something else.'
Lee Seoha stored it in the void space.
"Wow, this is amazing, Seoha."
Seo Gayeon said in an admiring voice.
However, upon a closer look, her body was trembling. This must be proof of her overexertion.
"You did well too."
Saying this, Lee Seoha handed Seo Gayeon a mana recovery potion.
"Can I really accept this?"
"There's no problem since they gave it to us to use freely. Besides, it's meant for the most promising students in the school, so what can be done."
"Pro...promising?"
Seo Gayeon pointed at herself with her finger.
Lee Seoha nodded.
"A promising student. No, more than just promising. You have Star Magic, which is fatal to the Mines."
At this rate, I might have to give up my top spot.
Lee Seoha added with a smile.
Seo Gayeon looked perplexed.
He always did this.
Showing infinite kindness.
Even her own family didn't believe in her this much.
"Today, the key is to maintain the feeling you had when your magic awakened."
"……Yeah, thank you for everything today."
"You're welcome. If you're that grateful, do something for me later."
"I will. Anything."
Seo Gayeon looked at Lee Seoha and gave a bright smile.
---
Raei Translations
---
I returned to the academy with Seo Gayeon.
As I lay on my bed, I turned on my phone and saw a bunch of messages.
'There are so many.'
There were more messages than I expected, so I checked them.
Hong Yuhwa
-You know we have Professor Song Rahee's Theory of Magic Destruction exam on Wednesday, right?
-We're betting again then.
...I definitely have to do this.
Me
-Ok
Hong Yuhwa
-Good. Be prepared this time.
It seems like the person who should prepare is someone else.
Seo Gayeon
-Thanks so much for today!
-I owe you a meal!
-A hamster nodding emoji.
Me
-Yup
A meal.
I should try to score something like gimbap.
Kim Seohyun
-Cheese back ribs I had today
-Picture
-What do you think? Looks tasty, doesn't it?
Me
-Yeah
Kim Ara
-Good morning. Are you awake? I always say this, but thank you for teaching me how to break free from my father. I'm going to be in the sunlight a lot, so I'm just sending you a message like this. Let's fight together...
I was out of breath after reading her long message, which was closer to a letter.
Even I felt like I couldn't respond to this with a one-word reply.
Me
-Have a good day today
After checking my messages, I washed my hands briefly.
I want to rest.
I just want to rest.
But I have to move, even a little. I sighed and got up.
I left to go to the training ground.
I took the elevator and pressed for the first floor.
Ding.
The elevator stopped after a while.
98th floor.
As the elevator door opened, Ersil appeared, her damp hair fluttering around her.
"Oh, you're here? I heard you were going somewhere with Seo Gayeon."
Ersil said, her lips curling into a smile.
"Yep. Just got back."
"Really? Where have you been?"
"A secret. But are you going outside to train?"
"Yes, the night suits me quite well. I usually train at night."
As I changed the subject, Ersil's eyes followed me.
Eyes that twinkled with a golden hue, painted with a star shape.
"You know, right?"
"Know what?"
"...Hmm, never mind. More importantly, midterm exams are starting soon."
"That's right."
A lot of time has passed. Midterms are in two weeks.
Because of that, the instructors are quite busy.
"There's a rumor that the midterm exams will be quite important this time."
"That's reasonable. We're not ordinary, are we?"
"Hmm, is that confidence I see?"
"It could be."
I think it's a relief.
This midterm exam? It's because the Mines are up to no good.
During the exam, the Mines intrude and inflict damage on the students.
There won't be a big problem. It'll only be a few Mines coming during the exam period.
Even if they are Mines, there are limits.
Even if it's hell, they won't barge into the school and kill all the students.
"Anyway, I'm going to train."
"Good luck. Do your best."
Ersil waved her hand and left.
I headed towards the training ground.
enjoy! :)
part 1 of a triple drop today, sorry for the delays i just got back from vacation and am very tired .·´¯`(>▂<)´¯`·.
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