Chapter 14

Chapter 14

I Became the Only Non-mage in the Academy.

Episode 14: Ershil (2)

11 PM.

As I operated the Energy of Defying Heaven, enhancing the Black Aura, the night deepened outside.

“How is it?”

“It’s fascinating.”

Though the Energy of Defying Heaven behaved somewhat like mana, its nature differed from mana.

Yet, when I infused it with Black Aura, its effectiveness became quite similar to mana.

I couldn’t be certain since I didn’t use mana myself.

Ding.

As I was lost in thought, a blue window popped up before my eyes.

[The special stat Nyeom (念) and the Energy of Defying Heaven combine. Replaced by the conceptual stat, Defying Heaven (逆天).]

[The special stat Nyeom (念) and the Energy of Defying Heaven are replaced by Defying Heaven (逆天), amplifying all related abilities.]

Oh.

I murmured in admiration and paused as I examined Defying Heaven. The more information I absorbed, the more my eyes widened in astonishment.

Concept stats weren’t something you could just obtain.

Regaining my composure, I manipulated the Black Aura. The Black Aura near my heart flowed more smoothly.

No, it was more precise to say that it moved naturally, as if it was my own limbs.

“This is…?”

Confusion laced the voice of the Black Heavenly Demon Sword.

Ignoring the sword’s remark, I silently summoned my power.

Black Scales (黑鱗).

Ssshhh!

Black energy surged and encased my hands completely.

-…This is impossible.

“Right?”

I agree that it seemed impossible.

Defying Heaven.

A newly evolved ability as a concept stat.

As a ‘concept stat,’ it felt intrinsically different than before. It moved as if it was an extension of myself.

Concept stats differed from special stats.

They literally controlled the concept itself.

Even with the most efficient planning, this was a power I would have only acquired in my second year at the earliest.

That’s assuming I sacrificed everything just to attain a single concept stat.

Concept stats were indeed valuable. But since I could obtain this power by the middle of the second year without giving up everything, there was no need to do so.

Suddenly, I had a thought.

Choosing the Heaven Defying Body, perhaps that was the optimal route for me.

-With this power, even my previous owner would need over five years of training in Black God Martial Arts to attain it. Even though she created the martial arts, this speed is just…

“How about this level?”

The Black Heavenly Demon Sword stopped talking.

“Black Wing (黑翼) or Black Energy (黑勁). Can I learn one of those?”

-Of course. With the master’s current level, you can learn either Black Wing or Black Energy right away without any problem.

I briefly sat down on the ground.

Black Wing and Black Energy.

Both were great abilities.

-I recommend Black Wing.

The Black Heavenly Demon Sword spoke.

-If Black Scales possess absolute defensive capabilities, then the ability of Black Wing lies in its freedom of movement and the unpredictable situations created by the wings. Black Energy

has absolute penetration ability, but… for the master, creating variability with Black Wing seems better.

-No matter how powerful the Energy of Defying Heaven is, against a special ability formed of a powerful concentration of Nyeom (念), the laws of the world itself, or layers of magic, it would be difficult to penetrate.

It was tough.

But not impossible.

-The master’s combat ability is remarkable. You learn quickly, acquire skills rapidly, and apply them to yourself. What’s more astonishing is how you change tactics depending on your opponent.

Honestly, that’s just because I was a gaming nerd.

Well, it was rare to see someone like me even in the real world.

I was the best at conquering boss-level beings.

-That’s why, instead of Black Energy, which aims for a single powerful strike, I think Black Wing is better.

Black Wing literally manifested wings—wings made with the Energy of Defying Heaven.

They moved freely at the user’s will, providing the advantage of aerial combat.

I was lost in thought between the two options. Honestly, it felt like a luxury.

Originally, I should have learned them at least three months later.

“Then I will…”

I quietly opened my mouth while looking at the Black Heavenly Demon Sword.

5 AM.

Time for physical training. I sat on the floor, regulating my breath.

I felt like I was really going to die.

Until Saturday, it seemed manageable, but today, I looked fine, so I added a sandbag.

Perhaps because of that, Ershil and Hong Yu-hwa were sprawled out beside me.

“Ah, I really hate physical training.”

“But it’s not too bad.”

“Wow, crazy. Look at Hong Yu-hwa in the middle.”

At the last student’s remark, I involuntarily looked at Hong Yu-hwa. Her shirt, soaked with sweat, clung to her body, accentuating her chest. At least a D-cup.

‘…This is reflexive.’

I quickly turned my head away.

“Perverts. Disgusting.”

Kim Seo-hyun looked at the students who had just spoken with a tone of contempt.

Fortunately, it seemed she hadn’t noticed me looking. I nodded along appropriately to join in.

“Gasp, pant—really, I’m gonna kill—gasp.”

“Sigh, vulgar—well, pant.”

The two were slowly catching their breath. Kim Seo-hyun handed them each a bottle of water, praising them for their good work.

This was what it meant to be an insider.

“Everyone did great today. Training from dawn might be tough now, but some students are already showing improvement.”

Instructor Seo Woo-ju looked at me with a proud expression.

“And today, we have a special class.”

Seo Woo-ju smiled mischievously at us.

That smile sent a chill down my spine.

“So everyone, be thoroughly prepared for today.”

Seo Woo-ju turned and left.

“…Did I train this morning for nothing?”

Someone’s muttering almost made me nod involuntarily, despite knowing that skipping morning training would result in a deduction of attitude points.

The Korean Hero School was built over the East Sea.

Korea had a crazily narrow territory, but beneath it flowed a dragon vein.

That’s why, even in rural areas, building large sites cost an absurd amount of money. It’s more realistic to create an island over the sea. This idea was endorsed by a great hero.

-For this reason, an island was constructed in the middle of the sea, and it was established over the East Sea due to the incessant wars in the Five Countries of China (中國五國), making it unsuitable to teach students nearby.

The area was comparable to Yeouido, with a variety of environments created within.

And we arrived at a field overgrown with weeds.

“Today’s lesson is special. It’s monster hunting,”

Seo Woo-ju said this while looking over the vast plain.

An incredible hunting ground stretched 4km in both length and width.

This was a sight unique to the Korean Hero School.

Instructor Seo Woo-ju looked at the students.

“In this field, you’re free to form teams. Cooperation is encouraged. However, remember that everything is monitored by cameras and drones scattered around, which could affect your scores. Everything will be conducted ‘fairly.’”

He emphasized fairness.

“And everyone, carry this bracelet with you. In an emergency, breaking the gem in the center will immediately alert nearby instructors or teaching assistants.”

Instructor Seo Woo-ju brought a large number of teaching assistants today.

As many as twenty.

“Then, in about 20 minutes, we’ll start the monster hunt.”

At Seo Woo-ju’s call, students began to look for partners to team up with.

Monsters were usually ferocious and brutal. Only the very confident would choose to act alone. Or those in leadership positions would form groups. Like Park Woon-hyuk, for example.

As soon as I arrived at the field, I began looking for a monster to hunt. Now, I’m hiding from the other students’ eyes to find a hidden monster.

I wouldn’t have bothered normally, but yesterday I made significant progress with a technique learned from the Black Heavenly Demon Sword.

‘To do that…’

I needed Kim Ara for my team, and either Hong Yu-hwa or Ershil Merchen.

First, I followed Kim Ara with my eyes. Luckily, no one had yet recognized her true potential.

“Ara, want to team up?”

“…With me?”

Kim Ara tilted her head but then nodded.

“…Sure. If you think it’s good.”

“Of course.”

After recruiting Kim Ara, I scanned the others. Hong Yu-hwa already had followers.

Kim Seo-hyun was having a staring contest with Park Woon-hyuk.

Kim Seo-hyun tended to act alone anyway, so it was best to ignore him.

That left…

“Oh my, Lee Seo-ha, you look so passionate.”

Ershil Merchen appeared with a playful smile.

“…Want to team up with me?”

“Hmm, if the first and third rank team up, they might give us lower scores…”

Ershil Merchen said with a sly smile.

“But let’s do it. Seeing how desperately the top student wants me… it seems like we’ll be hunting some really interesting monsters.”

Ershil Merchen nodded.

“Of course. Even if we split the score, we’re definitely going to be first.”

“Gasp. Then I’ll trust you, top student.”

“…Me too.”

While I was talking with Ershil, Kim Ara joined in.

Me, Kim Ara, and now with Ershil Merchen.

It was really a good party.