"Get back to your seats."
The break ended at just the right time, as the old professor resumed class after drinking some water.
**
Hajin P.o.v
Wednesday's theory class ended. At 3 P.M., anti-personnel training commenced.
In a fairly large training field, each cadet met with others with whom they had promised to spar. Meanwhile, I looked for the instructor pitifully.
"Hey."
A sharp voice stabbed my ear from the back. It had to be calling me. I turned around and instantly froze. Chae Nayun was glaring at me with terrifying eyes.
She asked, "Spar with me."
The hostility in her tone bordered on killing intent.
Gulp. I swallowed a mouthful of saliva.
Like the saying, 'a word causes a debt worth a thousand gold taels,' I had made a terrifying enemy with a sentence. Indeed, Chae Nayun was too dangerous a person to have as an enemy. To live a peaceful life, I had to mend our relationship even at the cost of kneeling and begging.
But looking at Chae Nayun, I fell into thought. Would she be able to forgive me for my rash insult just because I apologized?
Seeing me silent, Chae Nayun pointed at my gun and spoke.
"Your gun. Take it out."
The first training gun broke when I fought the Djinn. This was a new one. I looked down at my holster, then back up at Chae Nayun.
"I don't want to."
"...You scared?"
These two words carried a great echo, causing the eyes on the training field to fall on us.
"Mm..."
"No"
...
While the 'old couple' bickering under the watch of everyone... nearly everyone, two tall figures are in their own world.
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.
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Shiki P.o.v
"Come on, Shin Jonghak. You missed lunch or something?"
"Shut up and die already."
Two cadets are sparring nearby, but the air is tense for anyone watching. Bloodlust, killing intent, and provocations are thrown around. This may have been a fight to the death instead.
How things have come to this? Well...
. . .
(Flashback 10 mins ago)
Right when the instructor told us to find a partner to spar, Shin Jonghak signaled me to an empty spot.
"Finally, the time has come for your promise, Tatsuya Shiki." He said.
"Yes, here I am, I'll spar with you for this entire class."
"Confident, aren't ya. Maybe Kim Suho losing to you wasn't a fluke after all."
"The fight could have ended with Suho's victory, but it doesn't matter anymore, right?"
"Right, the past is the past. I only acknowledge Kim Suho as my equal. Since you defeated him in a single combat, I'll fight you and prove that I am the most talented one here."
Shin Jonghak then got into a low stance holding his spear with both hands. I also raised my guard, taunting him to move first.
This fight is very disadvantageous for me, at least the old me fighting Suho.
Suho, with a shorter range and higher dexterity, can be overwhelmed with enough aggression.
On the other hand, a longer weapon with faster thrusts would land me some cuts if I move into his range carelessly.
I could overpower him with my new stats. Thanks to the divine blood I received, I can just tank hits from any practice weapons all day.
But why do so when I could taunt him into giving up his defensive benefit?
Getting impatient, Shin Jonghak stepped his foot down and charged forward, screaming.
"DIIEEE!"
.
.
.
(Back to present)
"Shut up and die already."
Shin Jonghak began his assault one more time despite many failures. After missing a few attacks, he would either be pushed back or lose his target. The cycle then started again.
It didn't help with his temper one bit. As time went on, his tone got more toxic while his next strikes contained more malice than the last.
While his movement got faster and his thrusts and cuts got heavier, his accuracy dropped from occasionally being blocked to being just an inch away from me every time.
Eventually at one point...
*Whoosh* *Claannkk*
"Gotcha"
A downward slash missed me and landed on the ground. I stepped on the handle hard, embedding the tip in the concrete.
"What?" Shin Jonghak gasped.
Unable to pull his spear free, Shin Jonghak was open to a counterattack.
A fist went right up his belly, pushing him a few inches into the air, followed by a back kick at the same spot.
Shin Jonghak flew quite a distance crashing into a wall. A blue barrier lit up, absorbing the impact, leaving the wall pristine and Jonghak lying on the ground.
"Oops, I went a little overboard" I commented.
A cadet went and checked up on Jonghak. He was limping but still managed to pick himself up.
"You ok there, Shin Jonghak?" I asked.
"This is nothing. Who are you to worry about me?" He sneered at me.
"Still toxic even after a loss. Well, if you say so. Take a break, I'm gonna go watch the others."
"I don't need your pity."
As I turned away. "Hey, Tatsuya Shiki." I looked back.
"I'll admit it. You win this time. But I will have my revenge next time."
I said nothing, gave a silent nod before walking to see how my students fared so far.
My eyes, imbued with Reinforce magecraft, allowed me to observe both of them from a distance. With them, I can also see gaps and wasted movements.
At one corner, Rachel is currently sparring with a sword user. Her footwork is agile, swift, and decisive. The rapier in her hand is flashy, complemented by her fighting style. The serene mana inside Rachel flowed like a river.
As expected of a genius. In just a few days, Rachel was able to get a feel for her magic circuit to some extent.
Proven by the soft yellow lines on her exposed neck and wrists.
Rachel has successfully activated her circuits.
She could pose a threat to Jonghak's and Suho's places on the leaderboard.
On the other hand, Hajin is also doing a fine job even though he was paired with an instructor.
His physical is still lacking compared to the top grade, but at least he was above the norm. Even against his outclassed opponents, Hajin was still able to create a little space in between before firing away. A good trait of a long-range damage dealer.
His mana control is abysmal given that his first time contact with it was with me. Mana circuits keep flickering, proving a lack of prior training.
However, his number of circuits is impressive. The number of mana circuits in one body can not change naturally, but they can be improved.
"I should host a practical lesson when we have the time."
"But only after Hajin has better control of his magic."
Training ended soon after and it's downtime for the cadets. I have nothing to do so I walked down the market looking for something I'd like to buy.
Ever since True Magic was unlocked, even if it was only a portion. I never have any discomfort in my daily life anymore. Even if I can't just generate extreme wealth with First Magic, I can create enough to buy whatever I need.
It won't crash the economy, right?
<7 p.m. Shiki dorm>
Back from a grocery restock, I load everything into the fridge and lie down on the bed.
I message my students about our next lesson.
Rachel said she will focus on studying while trying to control her circuit better.
And apparently, Hajin just got a gun, a Desert Eagle. He intended to go hunting and test out his new weapon while making some cash.
Shiki: [When will you go on the hunt?]
Hajin: [Tomorrow. Why did you ask, teach?]
Shiki: [I'm coming along.]
Hajin: [Are you short on cash, teach?]
Shiki: [No. Mostly I'll come to check in on your training. Your mana control earlier was terrible.]
Hajin: [Figured. You wouldn't need to ask me anyway. You can just pop over in a flash.]
Shiki: [True. Also, I forgot to give you something back at the lesson. It should help.]
Hajin: [Now that you mention it, I did forget to ask about it. You can give it to me when we meet up after class then.]
Shiki: [Ok. I'll see you tomorrow.]
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Hajin P.o.v
From a portal, Shiki and I arrived at Gangwon-do.
Gangwon-do Wonju's scenery could be summarized in just a sentence.
"So many foreigners" I said.
Wonju was a global city. Although its buildings were limited in height due to the threat of monsters, the city was filled with sturdy modern structures.
Foreigners of all skin colors walked around with their weapons, while agency employees, who supported them, busily tapped on their tablets. They were likely calculating the price of the day's haul.
While different from Seoul and Busan, it was indeed an unusual scene.
"Come on, let's go, teach!"
"I'll be right behind ya."
The city was full of interesting things from blacksmith's workshops, potion stores, to alcohol bars and taverns. With shops that looked like they belonged in the Middle Ages operating in modern buildings, it felt like this was a game world.
We finally arrived at the entrance of the 'field'. The gate is crowded with people waiting nearby.
Just when we were about to leave for the 'field',
"E-excuse me."
It was a tall, average-looking man with slouched shoulders and circular glasses.
I didn't know him. He was likely an agent.
"Yes?"
"Are you two perhaps here to hunt monsters?"
"...Are you an agent?"
"Ah, yes, here's my business card."
It was a tall, average-looking man with slouched shoulders and circular glasses.
I took the business card for now. I didn't know who he was, but an agent was necessary to sell monsters' bodies.
I looked at the name and the company logo written on the business card, and I doubted my eyes.
"You know who he is?" Shiki whispered.
"Yes, I wrote about him before."
"I'll leave it to you then." He then stepped back.
"... Mr. Park Soohyuk?"
"Ah, yes, nice to meet you."
The man smiled as he tidied up his shabby clothes.
"Ha-ha, you might not have heard of me. I started this business not long ago."
But I do know who he is.
Park Soohyuk, the most-appearing agent in the novel, as 'SH Agent' would become Korea's greatest agency.
"SH Agent, I don't think I've heard of it before..."
The only thing that bothered me was that this connection was supposed to be Kim Suho's.
But since agents usually had multiple clients, it was probably fine.
"It feels like a trustworthy name."
"Ha, haha, thank you."
"Ah, by the way..."
"My main weapon is a gun. Is that okay?"
"And my teacher doesn't use one since he's a magician, right?"
I turned to Shiki.
"Oh! I can use anything. I just don't have to pack physical weapons."
Shiki opened his palm creating a magic circle. A long red spear manifested out of thin air, falling into his grip. The spear radiate an ominous aura.
"How did you..."
"Magecraft."
The two stood silent as the spear dissolved to thin air. Park Soohyuk was the first to recover from his daze.
"Oh sorry about that. Anyway, I don't think using a firearm would be a problem. Gun or sword, mercenaries or mages, it doesn't matter to me! New customers are always welcome!" He said.
Park Soohyuk put his hand out with a bright smile.
.
.
.
With that in mind, we walked into the Field.
Park Soohyuk followed us from behind. It seemed he was in a desperate time since agents without a vehicle usually waited outside the Field.
Shiki split up with me, saying he was going for a material hunt. Leaving just me and Park Soohyuk.
The hunt went quite smoothly. I shot down an iron hog and a black pelican. Park Soohyuk made a fuss out of concern at first; but after seeing me kill both of them with one bullet each, he exclaimed in awe.
"Good work for today, here have some of this."
"Whoa!"
"Eeek!"
A voice came out of nowhere, spooking both of us. I was a little surprised given that Shiki would appear from thin air time to time. Park Soohyuk however, was scared to death.
"Calm down Mr.Soohyuk, it's me." Shiki patted his back.
"Oh... It's Mr.Shiki. I thought I was dead for sure. Phew..." Soohuyk let out a relieved sigh.
Shiki then handed us two bottles of water.
Soon, we parted ways with Park Soohyuk and headed back to Cube.
"How did your hunt go, teach?" I asked.
"It's good. There are a few things that caught my attention.
Also, I saw you shot the black bird when I got back. Your mana control is getting better."
"All thanks to you."
"Please, I only awakened your mana; all of it was your doing."
"Speaking of, here, before I forget again."
Shiki took out a book in his bag and handed it to me.
"A book?" I raise my brow, confused.
From appearance, the book looked old, probably dated a few hundred years ago. But its conditions are pristine with no dust or damage on it.
"It's not just any book, Hajin. This is a grimoire."
"A grimoire?"
"Yes. To make it simple, it's a spell book. Decipher the contents and you'll be able to learn the magecraft inside the book."
"That's insane. To think one could learn magecraft this way."
"It's not that easy. In short, grimoires are records of spells and magecraft. It contained everything a magi has learned and written."
"Whoa... So what is this book written about?"
"Basic and intermediate Runes."
"Runes? Like the Norse?"
"Yes, those kinds of Runes. You should be familiar with it. Since it mostly requires setup, it is the perfect type of magecraft for you."
"Thank you very much, teach. But why don't you give me an advance one as well?"
"Touching a grimore that is unknown to one's knowledge can be dangerous."
"What? Has something happened before?"
. . .
"The story goes like this. A young girl, somewhere around elementary school, found a strange grimoire in her house. She opened it and black hands shot out, attacking her. Luckily, she survived with no permanent damage but not unscathed."
Hajin couldn't bear to imagine what had happened to the girl. Hearing that she survived calmed his heart a little.
"I understand, teach."
"Good, also deciphering a grimoire is like learning a language. You can't write a thesis before you can't even write a sentence."
. . .
"Go back and rest, we will have a quick lesson tomorrow."
"Ok, teach."
I walked back to my dorm holding the magical book in my hand. I laid it on the table and watched it carefully.
"Teacher said if I can decipher this, I can use rune magecraft. But he didn't say that I have to translate it myself."
"Can I use my 'Reading and Observation' to crack the code?"
"It wouldn't hurt to try. The gift should give me clues on solving the scripture. Let's try 'reading' a few pages before going to sleep."
.
.
.
Friday morning. I opened my eyes while in bed. My entire body started feeling weary.
I can't believe I spent all night reading half of the book. After seeing my gift just straight up overwrote the book with Korean, I started reading until it was 3. I should ask Shiki about some of the content.
"Huamm."
Fortunately, today was Friday, so there wasn't a class that required me to use my body. Getting up tiredly, I checked my smartwatch first. There were three unseen messages.
[810,130 won has been deposited.]
[450,270 won has been deposited.]
[Here is the payment for yesterday's monsters. I hope to work with you again. SH Agency Head Manager, Park Soohyuk.]
The payment was quicker than I expected. If I remembered correctly, exclusive contracts had monthly payments. Mine must have been quick because it was a one-time deal. But still, to have them taken care of overnight... he sure was quick with his work. As expected of Park Soohyuk.
Now I can open a brokerage account and start investing in stocks. Buying a million won worth of 'Packhorse Master' guild's stock sounds good to me.
I walked into the shower with various thoughts in my head.
After washing away my remaining drowsiness with cold water, I dried myself, put on my cadet uniform, and headed out to class.
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.
.
Friday's first period class was on 'Phenomenon Realm Analysis.' From what other cadets were saying, it seemed we were assigned the most difficult theory class since we didn't have physical training today. Of course, this didn't apply to me.
I sat down on a random seat and took out my laptop. After finding out that only I could see it, I openly fiddled around with it in class.
My [Master sharpshooter] went up to grade 8 and gained a skill.
Sharpshooter of Reversal, a low-ranked skill I got from defeating a Djinn, was quite decent. Dealing bonus damage to a stronger enemy depends on my luck? It's almost a guarantee for me.
"Sit down."
While I was observing my growth in delight, the professor walked in.
"There is a written exam today like I mentioned last time."
A test was announced out of the blue. Heartfelt groans erupted from the cadets. It seemed I wasn't the only one only now hearing about this.
"Really? I didn't study at all!"
In front of me, Chae Nayun muttered in despair. Kim Suho, who was sitting next to her, promptly showed her the notes I took down yesterday. Chae Nayun coughed in embarrassment.
"Now, now, quiet down."
The professor silenced the cadets in a heartless tone before handing out the exam sheet. After a few scuffling sounds of paper, I also received an exam sheet.
Problem 1. Describe the monster, 'Pygmalion'.
Problem 2. Describe the Nine Evils (Djinns).
Problem 3. State the attributes that humans can manifest in the Phenomenon Realm.
Problem 4....
The problems' difficulty and ambiguity were higher than I had imagined. Other cadets also sighed the moment they glanced at the problems. But I was different. I had answers to all of the problems on my laptop.
The setting itself wasn't changed. Even if it does, my test score wouldn't take a dive since the laptop would give me the answer anyway.
"...What?"
After I was almost done writing all the answers...
"What happened?"
My laptop suddenly shut down. That is, my lifeline shut down. I began to sweat from the unexpected occurrence. And because I was in the middle of an exam, there wasn't anything I could do. Then, blue words suddenly appeared on the LCD screen.
[A month has passed.]
[The laptop's functionality will be updated.]
[Target Kim Hajin's Observation and Reading Gift will be strengthened.]
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.
.
The test was over as the cadets left the class one after another.
Only Shiki, Rachel, and I remained, along with a few cadets in the class.
"As I messaged, this will be a quick lesson so hang with me for a few minutes."
"It's ok, Mr.Shiki. I don't have anything planned today yet."
"Me too, teach. So, what are we gonna learn today?"
We looked at Shiki with anticipation. His lesson has helped both of us tremendously. If I had grown this much, then Rachel must have grown as well.
"It's more like a self-discovery than a lesson. We're gonna find your elements and origin today."
"Our element.... / Our origin.... "
"By the look of it, you two may have figured out something."
"Not really, teach" I said.
"It's ok. I'll tell you what it is now.
Element is self-explanatory. It is the substance that shaped this world. There are a few classifications of elements, but we're going to focus on the five great elements, which are Fire, Earth, Water, Wind, and Void. Finding your elemental affinity will tell which element(s) you have control over well.
On the other hand, Origin is the starting point that defines one's existence. It is one's own driving force given a physical form. A magi awakens with their origin will become nearly impossible to stray from their Origin if it's even possible in the first place. Awakening your origin will ensure you stay on your path."
"Any question?"
No one raised a hand.
"Good, now we just need to find your element and origin and we can be on our way.
Now put out your hands, both of you."
"Yes."
"Okay."
Shiki took our hand and turned it palm down. He had a tight grip on my fingers.
"Now, I want each of you to activate your circuit and make it flow slowly toward your stretched-out hand. Hajin, you go first."
I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. My control over mana is somewhat improved now as I slowly pour my mana into my holding hand. The moment it reached my fingers, I felt a sting.
"Don't let go now, Hajin."
"Yes."
I held on while trying to have a better grasp of my magic power. Then, suddenly, I saw a book; it was a novel. And I know this novel all too well. The story, the scenery, the battles, the bonds. It was everything I had dedicated sketched into the white pages. I let it sink in as I am now living in the world I had once created.
"You can let go now, Hajin."
A voice pulled me back to reality. I woke up from the daydream.
"We're done?" I asked.
"Not yet. There's still Rachel to go."
"Right." I let out a yawn and let go of Shiki's hand.
"Ok, Rachel, just do as I said."
"Yes."
Rachel breathed out and closed her eyes. Magic power spewed out, enveloping her hand completely.
From there, yellow light particles gradually burst out, surrounding both of them.
From my point of view, it was like watching the two basked in a field of fireflies having their own moment together.
It was a scene of a lifetime. If I weren't busy keeping myself alive, I would have tried to write a short story about them.
I looked around and saw that everyone's eyes were looking at us.
Of course, these 'fireflies' would be bound to attract their attention. There might be some rumors about these two soon.
At most, they would spread it across the Cube so I wouldn't worry about that. The only concern is what these two would think about it.
After a few more seconds, they separated.
"Okay, here's what I have found out about you two." Shiki said
"First off. Rachel, your origin is Spirit. And you have a high affinity with wind Elements.
Which means that besides your rapier as a main weapon, you can also attack from range with wind elemental spells."
"Yes"
Rachel exclaimed, with little to no expression.
"Now, your case is a rare one, Hajin."
"What is it, Shiki? I don't have an element suited?"
"No, let me explain.
Normally, origins are used to describe precise details about a Magi, while Elemental Affinity indicates one's general alignment. However, in some cases, one's origin expressed outwardly so much that it became their element as well."
"So what you're saying is that my origin has become my element."
"Yes, that's right. By the way, it's Author."
"It's what?" I was confused.
"Your origin... and element."
"My origin... and element."
I was speechless. How could something like Author become my origin. I could understand if it were 'Gun' or 'Observation'. But 'Author'?
"We'll not talk about your alignment here. If you have any questions, then call or message me later."
"I'll see you tomorrow. Have a nice evening."
Shiki and Rachel soon left.
"Author...Author. Have I changed something major?"
While Kim Hajin is contemplating about his life choices.
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3rd P.o.v
Yoo Yeonha watched the Chae Nayun and Shin Jonghak talk quietly. She didn't think much of it. They were just talking as friends.
But the look on Shin Jonghak's face when he was talking to Chae Nayun, his soft smile, and kind eyes, didn't come to Yoo Yeonha too pleasantly.
Krrk.
Yoo Yeonha lightly clenched her teeth and grabbed the cup of coffee she ordered for Chae Nayun. Because she ordered it thirty minutes ago, it was lukewarm. She released her magic power into the cup, heating the coffee.
"By the way, do you know Kim Hajin?"
But at that moment, her focus completely scattered and her ears opened up. Yoo Yeonha inadvertently joined the conversation.
"Kim Hajin?"
"Yeah."
"...What about him?"
Chae Nayun's face became severely distorted.
"What do you think about that bastard, Yeonha?"
Yoo Yeonha felt her heart drop. Kim Hajin. Normally, she wouldn't have had to think about someone like Kim Hajin. Even if she did, her assessment of him would have been 'I don't care' or 'That crazy psycho.'
But the circumstance had changed.
There was something about him. She wasn't sure exactly what, but he wasn't so simple. But Yoo Yeonha purposefully hid her inner thoughts.
"...What do you mean? He's just an average guy."
"No, nevermind."
Chae Nayun grabbed her cup of coffee roughly. Yoo Yeonha swallowed her saliva at Chae Nayun's strange reaction.
"That bastard is hiding something for sure."
"What are you so angry about?"
This time, Shin Jonghak asked. His face was full of smiles, as though he enjoyed seeing an angry Chae Nayun.
"You don't know? There was a Djinn at the National Weapons Museum during the recent monster incident in Seoul. Then, that bastard..."
With that, Chae Nayun gulped down her coffee. She then immediately spurted it out.
"Aak! Fuck, it's hot! Water! water!"
Panting, she looked for cold water. Yoo Yeonha carefully consoled her, feeling a knot in her heart being loosened.
"...Nayun, that's coffee, not cold water."
"You haven't changed, have you?"
Shin Jonghak laughed, while an employee quickly ran over with cold water.
"H-Here."
Chae Nayun quickly grabbed it and gulped it down.
"Aagh, I burned my tongue."
Then, she caught her breath before continuing where she left off.
"Anyways, that Djinn was stronger than Kim Suho and I thought. Even I..."
At that point, Chae Nayun paused once more and watched her two listeners. Because what happened back then was embarrassing, she didn't want to talk about it in detail.
"...Even I struggled a bit. Kim Suho's a different story, but how can an ordinary cadet like him be able to suppressed a Djinn?"
"What happened exactly?"
"I don't want to explain it in detail. Just know that he stopped a Djinn and a moster. With a gun at that! A gun! How does that make sense?"
Suppressing a Djinn with a gun. Indeed, it was hard to believe without seeing it in person.
Yoo Yeonha pondered as she rubbed her chin.
She'd seen Kim Hajin fight. It was true that he was quick, but it was hard to say he had the attack power to stop a Djinn on track.
"Ah wait."
At that moment, Chae Nayun suddenly put on a serious tone. Her eyes looked nervous and she seemed hesitant to speak. Naturally, Shin Jonghak and Yoo Yeonha's attention fell on her.
"Could it be that he's... a Djinn?"
"...Nayun, if he was a Djinn, he wouldn't have attacked a fellow Djinn."
But Yoo Yeonha quickly broke the atmosphere with a sentence.
"I guess you're right. Anyways, there's something about that guy."
"So you're telling me you don't like him?"
At that moment, Shin Jonghak, who was listening without a word, broke his silence. Chae Nayun and Yoo Yeonha both understood the hidden meaning behind his words.
Chae Nayun pondered on how to answer. She knew Shin Jonghak's personality well. Depending on her answer, that man's future would change noticeably.
After a bit of contemplation, Chae Nayun replied briefly.
"...I'm not sure, but something like that.
But then, there's also Tatsuya Shiki."
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