2 chaps in 1? WOOOOOOOOH.
Enjoy.
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???: 'This is the perfect chance for me. I should follow them after class. I need to know how to get stronger.'
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Hajin P.o.v
Today's combat training came to an end.
Though I was exhausted, I still had to go to the academic club. After that, I had to do my daily workout. Thinking about the agony of my daily life, I became depressed. If I had known this would happen, I would have put more points into perseverance.
...In any case, I was currently heading to the academic club's clubroom. Perhaps because this was the usual path she took or because we had a similar personality, I could see Yoo Yeonha in front of me.
Yoo Yeonha herself didn't see me and continued walking. When she arrived at the clubroom, she stood in front of the door and took out a hand mirror. She lightly checked to see whether or not anything was on her. But at that exact moment, her eyes met mine.
"What a coincidence, right?"
"..."
Ignoring me, Yoo Yeonha walked in. I also followed. Yoo Yeonha sat on a sunny seat, while I took the dark corner seat.
Yun Hyuk, the club president, was already standing on the podium. Wearing his glasses, he seemed to be organizing today's lecture notes.
Not long afterward, 43 first years arrived along with 20 upperclassmen. At seven on the dot, Yun Hyuk began the first academic club lecture.
"Good evening, everyone. The weather's starting to get..."
Any useless talk went into one ear and left from the other.
"Today, we will discuss monsters' vital points...
The lecture went for two hours. While doing his presentation, Jun Hyuk would occasionally glance at Yoo Yeonha.
"We have an after-party planned at a nearby restaurant! It'll be great if you can come!"
Anyways, after the club ended, Yun Hyuk announced that there was an after-party at a nearby restaurant.
For some reason, Yoo Yeonha seemed interested in going. Feeling a bit worried, I followed her. I knew she wasn't the type to participate in things like after-parties.
"Hey, you going?"
I approached her casually and asked.
She didn't respond.
Thinking it was because of the way I talked, I asked again.
"Are you going?"
She ignored me again.
This time, I asked with even more decorum and propriety.
"Are you also going to the after-party, Yeonha-ssi?"
Only then did Yoo Yeonha respond with a faint nod.
"Why? Aren't you busy?"
"...Tsk."
'This fool.'
That was what Yoo Yeonha's eyes were saying.
"Why are you going?"
"Aren't you curious about the Mountain Tyrant's vital point?"
"...Huh?"
"...The Mountain Tyrant's vital point?"
Was this a good chance to make an investment? There was a lot to gain from keeping a cordial relationship with Yoo Yeonha. With great proficiency in handling businesses and in calculating profitability, she was destined to become the 'King of Seoul' in the future.
"I'm not curious. I already know."
"What?"
Yoo Yeonha asked again as she furrowed her brows. She looked thoroughly annoyed on top of being in disbelief.
At that moment, I made my decision. Using this information that would be publicized one day, I would draw Yoo Yeonha's interest and instill a sense of mystery into her. Considering the SP and additional benefits I would gain from it, it was an acceptable trade.
I lowered my voice to a whisper and relayed the information to her in a serious tone.
"The Mountain Tyrant's vital point is on the heel of its hind leg."
"What nonsense are you..."
"There's a blue mark on its hind leg's heel. But its DNA determines whether it's the right hind leg or the left. That's probably why its vital point hasn't been discovered until now."
I was the one who created the setting for the Mountain Tyrant, inspired by Achilles's heel.
"The Mountain Tyrant's body is tough, but this blue mark on its heel is the only soft place. That's the Mountain Tyrant's vital point. If you strategize around it, it should be easy to rob it of its two hind legs."
"Nuthead."
As expected, Yoo Yeonha didn't believe anything I said. I would have done the same if I were her.
After that, we got interrupted by Yun Hyuk. We parted ways as Yun Hyuk chased after Yoo Yeonha but not before giving me a distorted look.
'I've done what I wanted. Let's message Teach and meet up.'
Hajin: [Teach, I'm done with the club. I'm heading to the training room rn.]
Shiki: [Ok. I'll see you there.]
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3rd P.o.v
[OK, I'll see you there] *sent*
Closing the message application on his smart watch, Shikki left the cafeteria and began making his way to the meeting spot.
On his way, however, he could feel a looming shadow creeping behind his back.
'Someone is following me? Should I intimidate him? No, I shouldn't create any hostile impression. I prefer living comfortably. Let's tease him instead.'
Shiki: [Hajin, I'll be a few minutes late.]
Hajin: [Is everything alright, teacher?]
Shiki: [It's fine. Just a little stalker, maybe a cadet. He's not hiding himself very well.]
Shiki: [ I'll send you a file of what we're gonna learn about. Read them first and tell me what you think.]
Shiki: [lesson1.pdf]
Hajin: [Yes, teach]
'Now let's find out who our little stalker is.'
The shadow saw Shiki turn at the corner and immediately followed him. But to find no one there in the hallway.
'Where did he go? Did he notice me? How? He had never looked at my way once.'
"You know it's very rude to follow someone, right?"
"Kyaaah"
Caught by surprise, 'He' fell down and saw Shiki right behind 'him'.
"Are you ok?" Shiki reached his hand out.
"Uh...uh...yes, I'm fine." 'He' took his hand and pulled 'himself up.
"So, why did you follow me?" Shiki asked.
"Uh...uh..."
"Oh sorry. This is our first meeting right? Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tatsuya Shiki. Nice to meet you."
"Ah! My name is Rachel Elizabeth Louise. It's nice to meet you, too."
"The pleasure is mine. So, why did the princess follow this humble guy?"
"Would you believe if I said that we were going the same direction?"
"No, I wouldn't."
"I figured you would say that."
"I won't ask any further. What you do doesn't concern me. Just remember some people won't take it lightly like me."
"Yes, thank you for your advice."
"Alrighty then, I'll be going now. Follow me if you like. I don't care."
"Yes, thank you."
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"So, she followed you all the way here."
Hajin gave Shiki a blank stare. Rachel twirls her hair as she stands a few meters from the boys.
"I did tell her to do what she wanted."
"Did she know about our plan?"
"She may have. That's why she followed me in the first place, unless she's a stalker."
"That would make the most sense. So is she joining too?"
"Maybe, but that is for her to decide."
Both boys then turned to face Rachel.
'Why are they both looking at me? Do I have something on my face?'
They slowly walked toward the girl.
'Are they going to kick me out? That makes sense, I am interrupting their private meeting after all.'
"Rachel" Shiki called out her name.
"Yes?"
"I'm about to teach this guy something we can't really talk about in public. You can either leave or stay."
"Yes, I'll be leavi..." Rachel paused. She looked at Shiki in surprise.
"Wait, I can stay?" She asked.
"Yes, you can. But if you do so, then everything you saw must be kept a secret. It is a big hassle for me if this gets out, understood?"
Rachel stood frozen. She didn't expect to be allowed to stay. Shiki said this can't be known in public and he allowed her to watch just like that. She thought she would have to slowly get closer to them before even asking. Or even bringing them an offer worth hundreds of millions of won.
"Hello? Are you there?"
"Ah yes. I'll stay."
"Good. Just remember what I had said."
"Yes, I'll take this to my grave."
"Great then, just sit down wherever you want. You too, Hajin."
"Yes"
"Yes, Teach."
They said in unison. Both of them then sat down as Shiki pulled out a whiteboard.
'Teach? So they are teacher and student. How nice of them.'
Rachel slightly smiled focusing on the teacher-student duo.
"Now, let's talk about Magic and magecraft."
"Uhh, Teach. Aren't they the same thing?"
"Good question, Hajin. It's a yes and no."
"Yes and no?"
"You will see why later. First, let's start with magecraft."
"Yes"
"Ok. Magecraft or Thaumaturgy is the artificial reenactment of Mystery, which is ordinarily possible only by inhuman beings.
It is the ability to bring about what is possible through science with supernatural means; although the process is considered a miracle, the result is not. The limits of Magecraft have changed with time, as science evolved and Magic from the past became possible through science.
Technically, there is nothing impossible with modern Magecraft; but there are still limitations.
Since magecraft acts as the reenactment of preexisting phenomena, you can't use it to create new Mystery; you will just create another magecraft. There is a 'wall' preventing humans from doing so in the current era."
Rachel raised her hand.
"So what if we passed that wall? What if we manage to make a new Mystery?" She asked.
"That is where the realm of Magic lies."
"So that's why you said it was a yes and no."
"You could say that. Now as for Magic, it is the highest class of Mystery that surpasses Magecraft and all current sciences of that age. It represents the actualization of events that are impossible to reproduce in a certain era, whether by humans or the planet, even if given any amount of time and resources. Which meant that all magecraft was once magic before science came in.
Achieving magic is the ultimate accomplishment of a magi. Only a few have done it so far; I am one of them."
The air is silent, with only Shiki's lecture about the nature of Mystery as the source of sound.
"Now that we know what Magic and magecraft are, we will begin on how."
"Hajin, you told me you can't use mana in your body, right?"
"Yes, I did. That's what I came here for."
His voice lowered, yet his eyes were filled with determination.
Rachel looked at Hajin in silence.
'He can't use mana? Then how would he be able to use this magecraft or magic?'
"Right, you don't have to worry about that. Magic and magecraft existed for centuries before dungeons and enlightenment. There are ways for one to do magecraft.
What I'm about to do is one of the most popular ways to do so. I'm gonna awaken your magic circuits, then turn them into a magic crest."
"Teach? How do I know I have these magic circuits?"
"You awaken your mana in the past, right? Then you would naturally have magic circuits in your body. Even if you don't, we can still force your body to form one, though it would be pretty painful."
"Great..." Hajin didn't seem to be excited when he heard of pain.
"Uhh, Mr.Shiki" Rachel called out.
"Just Shiki is fine. What is it?"
"Ah yes... Can I awaken magic circuits too?"
"Well, you can use mana already; I don't think you need them. But having a magic crest would help with your mana flow so sure."
"Really! Thank you so much, Mist... Shiki."
"Call me teacher. You're in this as well now."
"Yes, master."
"Please, teacher is fine. You're gonna make someone misunderstand if they walk by and hear you call me that."
"Yes... teacher."
"Good. Now, take off your shirt, Hajin."
"Heh?"
"What?"
The students exclaimed.
"I need to awaken your circuits directly through your skin. What did you think I'm gonna do?"
"Oh..."
"Oh..."
They both sweatdropped.
"Never mind that. Now turn your back toward me."
"Oh yes."
Hajin took off his uniform and undershirt then turned around. His body was a little frail but there were some muscles built. Shiki touched his back with his hand, then he closed his eyes. Light particles, with all sorts of colors, started to gather around them.
"Brace yourself."
"What?"
A sudden and endearing pain shook Hajin's back. His eyes widened out; he couldn't scream as gasping for air was already hard enough. His muscles felt like they were twisted; his bones, grounded. His nerves were burning, yet no blood was spilled despite all that.
Soon, the pain faded away replaced by a warm feeling spreading on his back.
On the side, Rachel watches in awe. Hajin's back grew out lines like roads. It stretched far across his back reaching to the back of his hand; it formed a complex array of green light.
The light slowly dimmed down; while Hajin breathed heavily, Shiki only sighed.
"Hah...hah....hah."
Hajin stared at Shiki as if he wanted to curse his teacher to death.
"Sorry about that, Hajin. You said you've gotten weaker since the first day, so I used Magic to reverse your body states back to the way they were before they changed.
Don't worry. It only affects your physical stats and your mana pool. Your gift and others are safe."
Hajin opened his status window. It's true.
Everything was the same except for his variable stats. It got reverted back to Kim Chudong's stats. A all-round major boost.
Hajin sighed. If only his teacher had warned him beforehand. He would have prepared for the pain.
"It's ok. I should thank you instead. You did it for me after all."
"No need, it was my fault in the first place.
Now go back to your room and rest. I set the circuit so that it is active until morning. Once you get used to it, yoy can activate it on your own. We'll pick this up next time."
"Yeah, I think I should do that."
Hajin stood up, wobbled for a bit, then headed out of the training room.
"Now, it's your turn Rachel."
"Yes"
....
"Uhhh... Teacher."
"Yes?"
"Could you... turn away for a second?"
Rachel's face reddened a little.
"Oh! Sorry about that; I should have known"
Shiki turned around, exposing his back to Rachel. His uniform couldn't hide anything from the blond girl.
'His back is wide. And the muscles are showing; it's beautiful. How hard did he work for to get there? How hard must I work to catch up?'
Rachel contemplated. Then, sudden realization caused her face to redden more.
'Ahh! I'm getting distracted.'
She snapped back and began to undress.
The room was still, making the sound of cloth flutter in the air only more visualizing.
*Thud* *Thud* *Thud*
"You can turn back now."
Rachel's figure was engraved into Shiki's retinas.
Her wavy blond hair was tucked to her front leaving her back open to the boy behind her.
Small shoulder, hourglass frame, smooth skin; they all scream feminine beauty. Yet her figure is toned showing evidence of hard work. A horizontal line across her back was an indication of an undersized sports bra.
Doll-like face, sky blue eyes facing toward Shiki with a powdered redness on her snow white cheeks. Stiffness in her expression shows a lack of social skills.
Like a princess from fairytales; embarrassed as she has met her prince.
Both stood in silence; time was as if frozen for the two. No word was spoken; but the message was clear as day.
She was beautiful / He was mesmerised.
"...Uhhh....AH! We should start now."
"Ah yes. Curfew is almost here."
Who spoke first between the boy and the girl? No one knows. But, did it really matter?
The frozen time started again as the duo snapped back to reality.
"Ok. I'm gonna start touching your back. Don't worry; unlike Hajin, you have been using mana regularly in training. Do not resist, just feel the flow of mana and let it take shape."
"Right."
Shiki then put his hands on Rachel's back. Her snow-like skin gave off a smooth sensation on his hands.
He activated his circuit as the magic power started flowing slowly from one to another.
'Warm....' Rachel thought.
'It was like a spring sunshine glimmering onto my back.'
Magic circuit, glowing gold, was gradually chiseled on her skin.
If Kim Hajin's circuits flowed down green like a matrix. Then Rachel's sprouted out like grass spreading across an evening hill.
"Phew... We're done."
"Already?"
Rachel raised her head, tried to feel the subtle warmth lingering on her back.
"Yes. Just like Hajin, you just need to get used to the magic circuit. Once you're familiar with it, your mana output will increase a lot."
"I understand. Thank you ver..."
"Ahhhh! Rachel wait."
Shiki shifted his head away, using his hands to block his view. A slight blush appeared on his face.
"What's wrong?" She asked innocently.
"Your chest; it's... You know."
Shiki pointed to her chest.
"My what?...."
'AH!'
Recognising what she had done, Rachel immediately covered her chest and turned her back to him again.
"Did you see anything?"
"A bit."
Silent once again; but the air surrounding turned awkward for both of the cadets.
While putting on her uniform, Rachel occasionally caught his eye for a moment before he turned away again.
'So he is interested in me.'
Rachel's face changed back to her usual expression.
"I'm done. You can stop now."
"Okay, it's almost late now so we should go back. I'll send you a list of different types of magecraft. If you want to learn more, you can join us next time. I'll send you a message when Hajin and I have another lesson."
"Yes, thank you. I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you later."
They separated after reaching the dorm. Rachel's image remained in his head even after a cold shower.
'Guess not only my body but my heart is still young as well.'
'Oh wait, did I forget something? I feel like I was supposed to do something when I was teaching them.'
'Nah, I'll leave it for later if I remember. Let's eat first and then call it a night.'
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Hajin P.o.v
In the middle of the night when owls came out to cry, I came back from the lessons with my teacher and collapsed on my bed.
Ever since I came to this world, I have found it hard to fall asleep. My body was tired, but countless random thoughts emerged in my head preventing me from falling asleep.
How could I survive in this world? What actions should I take? Should I be a supporter who secretly helps the leading characters? Or should I become a villain and execute the evil side from the inside like in the noir movie I saw?
I couldn't just receive help from Shiki all the time. I looked for my laptop.
===
Stats
*Variable stats
[Strength 4]
[Stamina 4.3]
[Speed 4]
[Perception 4]
[Vitality 5]
[Magic power 10]
*Special stats
[Magic circuits 30] #NEW#
===
Sure enough, my stats were on the high rise. My magic power had caught up to Kim Suho thanks to my new magic circuits, and my other stats have equalized with my previous host.
Without getting off my bed, I turned on my smart watch and opened a website.
[Welcome to Essential Armory.]
As expected of the most popular weapons dealer website, it was well designed. The homepage showed off new items, while the top bar had categories such as sword, spear, bow, and rapier. Perhaps because mercenaries often used the website, it also had a good selection of guns.
I clicked on [category – gun].
There were different types of guns such as handgun, assault rifle, and sniper rifle. For now, a handgun suited me best since it didn't hinder my movements. The Desert Eagle seemed to be a popular choice among handguns, as I quickly found it.
Much more beautiful than the original design. The barrel had an elegant platinum color, while a majestic eagle was inscribed on the grip. While looking like a piece of art, this weapon boasted a heavy weight and a bulky size.
Just from a glance, I could tell how powerful it was. There was just one problem.
"It's too expensive."
It was expensive. Its base price was 20 million won, and the price doubled when I clicked on a checkbox that said 'full attachments'. I needed the weapon to make money, so buying it almost seemed counterproductive.
"...Ehew."
I tried to think about what to do, but my brain refused to function. My consciousness was foggy, and I felt drowsy. It seemed sleep would come to me soon.
I turned off the smartwatch without hesitation and entrusted myself to my instincts. Thinking about this could wait until tomorrow.
...When I opened my eyes back up, it was Wednesday.
Bright morning light shone through the curtain.
It was an unpleasant light no matter how many times I looked at it.
Another exhausting day had begun.
"Whew."
With a sigh, I brushed off the negative emotions that came to me every morning. After trudging to the bathroom and getting washed, I put on my uniform and left the dorm. 10 minutes were enough for this routine.
Once outside, I saw other cadets getting ready for class. It was still early morning, but they were busy laughing and chatting. Seeing them enjoying their school life, I began to realize why I felt so lethargic.
I didn't have a friend in this world. I have only talked to Shiki, but that was me asking questions about your lesson. Being able to hang out with friends was the only thing keeping school from being boring, but I was no longer in my old world.
Should I try to look for a girlfriend?
No, I was too lazy for that. If I used too much of my emotion on needless human relationships, my condition could get worse.
Yep, I should just be content with being alone for now.
With that, I quickened my pace to the classroom.
...
Before I noticed, break time rolled around. I immediately turned on my smartwatch to enter Essential Armory once more, but I had received an unexpected message.
[Excuse me.]
I was familiar with the sender's name.
Rank 7, Yoo Yeonha.
Because smartwatches of cadets were connected to the Cube's intranet, it was possible to message other cadets without knowing their exact contact address. This was the first time I was using this feature.
Yoo Yeonha was sitting in the front row. After giving the back of her head a quick glance, I replied to her message.
[What?]
[What are you?]
What nonsense was this?
[What do you mean?]
She didn't reply for a while. I wondered where this was coming from, then remembered what I told her before. I peeked at the time. It was 1 P.M. I gave her the information yesterday and she already confirmed it was true?
[Ah, is it about that? I'm surprised you believed me.]
[What?]
[So? Wasn't I right?]
In truth, I was also dying to know whether the Mountain Tyrant's setting was unchanged. If this unknown co-author wanted to change everything I knew, I would have a tough time ahead of me
[...Yes.]
"Whew."
Thankfully, it seemed that wasn't the case. I breathed a sigh of relief.
[How did you know?]
[You think I'd tell you?]
Yoo Yeonha's shoulder twitched. Immediately afterwards, she returned a short reply.
[No.]
A smirk emerged on my face. When I was about to end the conversation, I remembered something.
Desert Eagle, the elegant and dignified bird of prey.
I had almost forgotten about it. The reason I gave the information to her was for times like this.
Coincidentally, Essential Armory was operated by Yoo Yeonha's guild, 'Essence of the Strait.'
[Anyways, if you benefited from the information I gave you, I'd like to ask for a favor.]
Yoo Yeonha suddenly turned around. As though she had kept an eye on my seat, she knew exactly where I was. Though her gaze was still sharp, it seemed to hold less weight.
How should I put it... Right, she looked like a big bag of money.
[What do you want?]
I knew Yoo Yeonha would agree. She was the type who couldn't stand one-sided favors.
Now, I wondered I should ask for.
Asking for money didn't feel right. It was Yoo Yeonha I was talking about, but she was still a minor. She likely couldn't freely spend tens of millions of won.
[It's simple. I need a weapon.]
After sending her the above message, I sent her the link to Essential Armory's Desert Eagle.
Yoo Yeonha looked at the link I sent her and looked back up at me. She didn't seem to have any hostility.
[I think it's pretty cheap.]
[...I understand.]
Great, she agreed.
[Is it possible to get it by tomorrow?]
The quicker it was, the more money I would make. Even if tomorrow was too difficult, I hoped to get it by the end of the week.
[Yes, I'll take care of it.]
Surprisingly, she replied without hesitation, even though her parents should still be in charge of guild work. I was impressed by her decisiveness.
"Get back to your seats."
The break ended at just the right time, as the old professor resumed class after drinking some water.
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Somewhere out of this world.
A white shadow being is watching Kim Hajin very closely.
???: "Even though Tatsuya Shiki is an unpredictable anomaly, everything still going on as planned."
The shadow figure was thinking of how to get rid of the anomaly when suddenly...
"So you're the one who has been behind all of this"
???: "What?"
The figure looked behind and found that a flower field had manifested before him, along with a young woman.
She was wearing a light color kimono and appeared to be holding a Japanese katana.
???"Who are you? Where am I?"
"It won't matter if I answer or not. After all, your meddling ends here."
Her smile gave off a cold feel to the figure behind, like a hunter who has cornered her prey.
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Chap ended here fr.
Author note: I cooked too hard. Goodbye world.