episode_0015

-Whizz!

From early morning, the loud sounds filled the training ground. Every time the gleaming light and the sword clashed, the sharp metallic sound spread in all directions.

Today was the day when Lee Hyun was leaving for the capital for his entrance into the cradle, and Lee Hyun and Sajaehyeok were having their final sparring match.

Even though both were using wooden swords, the sharp metallic sound rang out as if they were about to tear apart whenever the swords clashed.

-Whoosh!

“Why are you so dull today! Did you have a sleepless night because your heart was racing?”

“Shut up…!”

Sajaehyeok, who narrowly avoided the strike, taunted Lee Hyun. Annoyed, Lee Hyun swiftly aimed the tip of his sword at Sajaehyeok’s neck as he spun around and immediately lunged towards him.

Lee Hyun was confident about the success of his attack by about 90%. However, in the next moment, Sajaehyeok’s voice, who was clearly standing in front of him, suddenly came from behind.

“I always told you to maintain composure.”

“This…!”

Lee Hyun’s words were cut short.

-Crash!

Sajaehyeok forcefully kicked Lee Hyun’s back. Lee Hyun flew and collided with the concrete wall, which shattered into pieces. The sound was as if a bomb had exploded, filling their ears.

*Cough…cough!*

Coughing sounds echoed through the thick dust. After a moment, Lee Hyun pushed away the debris of the wall and got up.

“I could have won this time…”

Lee Hyun looked at Sajaehyeok with a regretful gaze.

“You have no chance until you fix that temper of yours. How many times have I told you that composure is crucial for a mage? Huh? There’s even a meditation course in the cradle, so go there and learn diligently.”

“If I had maximized my predictions, I would have definitely won…”

Lee Hyun muttered as he fiddled with the particles generator on his wrist. The remnants of his competitiveness surfaced without being able to hide.

“Ugh, this guy…”

Sajaehyeok, hearing those words, narrowed his eyes. It was an almost disdainful tone as if he heard something he shouldn’t have.

Over the past two years, Sajaehyeok had been able to grasp quite a lot, including Lee Hyun’s abilities.

Sajaehyeok referred to Lee Hyun’s witchcraft ability as ‘sealing.’

Within a certain radius, the movement of vesel particles came to a complete stop. Both the particles in the atmosphere and those internalized through the pores were the same.

Since magic was the rearrangement of particles to create artificial phenomena, it was impossible to perform magic within that area.

Naturally, until he was informed, Lee Hyun had no idea that he possessed such an ability.

There was no trace of the source being detected either.

Fortunately, after becoming aware of his ability, he could control its manifestation at will. Currently, Lee Hyun was living his daily life with the ability completely sealed.

This was also a point that Sajaehyeok specifically warned him about. So far, it had been fine, but now he was leaving for the cradle to live in close proximity with many mages.

If he continued to manifest his ability in such a situation, it could cause unnecessary trouble.

Although his ability unconsciously leaked out in his sleep, with his skills, he could easily be assigned a private room.

And besides his ability, Lee Hyun also possessed some characteristics of a witch.

While ordinary mages could only use internalized particles for magic creation, he could directly utilize ether particles in the atmosphere to create spells.

Lee Hyun’s particle conversion rate was 100%, just like a witch.

In the past, even his former self had a conversion rate of 27%, which was a staggering figure considering that ordinary magicians have particle conversion rates of 8-23%.

What was even more ironic was the fact that Lee Hyun, born with a completely non-responsive body, had an innate understanding of magic.

At this moment, Lee Hyun had achieved the unique family magic prediction up to the 7th level, despite having only delved into the study of magic for less than two years, an incredibly rapid pace.

Therefore, Sajaehyeok always considered it fortunate that Lee Hyun was not a real witch.

If Lee Hyun were to have ill intentions, there would be no magician in this country who could oppose him, including himself.

Even the powers displayed by witches 15 years ago could not break through his blockade.

However, that did not mean Lee Hyun had become an invincible being.

His body was still that of a complete non-responsive individual.

Even for magicians from very short-lived families, it takes over ten years for a spirit to form and the body to undergo suitable mutations for magic use.

Therefore, it was naturally impossible for someone with a non-responsive body to freely use magic.

Moreover, whether due to the unconscious continuous manifestation of past powers or excessive stress, Lee Hyun’s body had already accumulated significant damage.

Although it had been somewhat restored to normal now, if Lee Hyun used magic for a certain period of time and intensity, he could suffer a fatal overload.

“You don’t need to be so impatient, do you? The reason you lost to me wasn’t because you didn’t release the prediction, but because of your lack of experience. From that perspective, there probably isn’t anyone among your peers who could dare to be your opponent without the help of abilities.”

Upon hearing Sajaehyeok’s words, Lee Hyun asked in a puzzled voice, “Does that make sense? There are many talented students from prestigious families. Don’t just comfort me for no reason…”

“I don’t comfort men. And you have a misunderstanding. In fact, those from prestigious families often lack experience. Because of the possibility of incomplete mutation, parents usually just wrap them up before they fully mutate.”

“Incomplete mutation?”

“It refers to abnormal mutation before the body is fully prepared. It mainly occurs in situations of intense stress, and the higher a magician’s aptitude, the higher the likelihood of incomplete mutation.”

“Ah…”

“If you undergo incomplete mutation, chances are you’ll either die from particle explosion or become a cripple. And those from prestigious bloodlines usually have exceptional potential, making it even more dangerous.”

“I didn’t know. Being from a good family isn’t just easy…”

“Well, living comfortably is true. But if you successfully mutate, then you’re unstoppable. From the moment you enter the cradle until retirement, you’ll be pushed to the limit. When you enter the cradle, it’ll probably be noisy for a while. The sounds of young masters and ladies whining will echo around you all the time.”

After listening to the explanation and pondering for a moment, Lee Hyun asked, “Then did the headmaster whine too? My sisters did, but the headmaster said there were no troublemakers when he was a student…”

“You punk! Do you believe such nonsense? These kids are hopeless. I should just charge them all with contempt…”

Sajaehyeok shouted angrily. His reaction did not seem like that of someone who had just emphasized the importance of composure.

“Is it okay? If I go, there will be vacancies…”

Listening to Sajaehyeok’s rambling for a moment, Lee Hyun muttered. Hearing those words, Sajaehyeok pretended to be unimpressed, as if he were enjoying the situation.

“Where does this brat get off talking like that…Instead of worrying about useless things, think about making friends. You know? In the cradle, neither I nor your sisters will be there.”

“If by any chance I cause trouble for the headmaster and my sisters by mistake…”

Seeing Hyun’s lack of confidence, Sajaehyuk let out a deep sigh.

“Hey. What’s so difficult about making friends and studying hard? Huh?”

“But still…”

“And I told you. Even if you get into trouble, I can cover it up, right? So don’t hesitate and do what you want.”

“…”

“Your captain has that kind of ability. I can even make it seem like nothing happened even if you impregnate one or two female students. But it’s a bit difficult with three… What?”

As Sajaehyuk was in the midst of a heated discussion, a water bottle suddenly flew through the air at an incredible speed.

Sajaehyuk slightly moved his body to easily dodge the water bottle. When he turned his head in the direction it came from, he saw the members approaching. Yoon Chaewon, who was at the front, was full of anger.

“Sajaehyuk! You crazy bastard! What nonsense are you spouting to the kid!”

“Hyuna, block your ears. You don’t need to hear such words.”

“Seriously…disgusting…”

Chaewon growled as if she was about to devour Sajaehyuk. Ryu Sehwa pretended to block her ears while looking at Hyun. Yejin glared at Sajaehyuk with disdain.

“There are things you should say and things you shouldn’t! How can you say something so vulgar, for example?”

“Did I say something wrong? And I just gave an example to make you feel at ease…”

“Hey! Are you calling that an excuse…!”

With a high-pitched voice, Chaewon yelled at Sajaehyuk. Sehwa and Yejin turned their backs on the scene and approached Hyun.

“Hyuna. Think of that as the sound of a monkey barking. Let’s review what the sisters taught you, other than that.”

“You’ve been practicing with that guy since morning, right? Hurry up and drink some water.”

“Thank you…”

For the past few days, the members had put all their efforts into thoroughly educating Hyun. 80% of it was advice on relationships with women.

“…Just reject the sponsorship proposal from the sketchy company. And…if there’s a suspiciously kind woman, be cautious. If you happen to like someone, make sure to consult with the sisters first…”

“Well done! Those are all correct answers.”

“As expected, Hyun is smart. Remember all of that.”

“I was determined to make you a master…”

“Hey. I told you to be quiet.”

Just as Sajaehyuk was about to grumble, Chaewon cut him off sharply.

“This should be enough. If you just remember what the sisters said, there won’t be any problems until graduation…”

-Thud!

Sehwa praised Hyun for memorizing the long list of instructions. And just as she was about to pat his head to show affection…

Suddenly, Hyun swatted her hand away.

“Ah…”

Surprised, Sehwa widened her eyes. Although light contact was fine when he was wearing a mask, Hyun had temporarily removed it for the duel with Sajaehyuk.

It was a mistake due to becoming accustomed to that sight.

“I’m sorry…I didn’t do that on purpose…it’s just…”

Realizing his reaction belatedly, Hyun glanced at Sehwa. His body was trembling lightly.

“I’m sorry…really…”

“No, it’s my mistake…I’m sorry…”

Seeing Hyun’s apology, Sehwa smiled awkwardly.

“Y-yeah…that’s right…Sehwa made a mistake!”

“…Yeah. Sehwa was bad…”

“Ah…ugh…”

Although Chaewon and Yejin tried to lighten the mood, the atmosphere had already cooled rapidly.

Feeling awkward, Hyun looked around. He picked up the mask he had left in the corner and put it back on his face.

Then he approached Sehwa and embraced her.

“Oh my?”

Seeing Hyun’s actions, Sehwa widened her eyes. Then she soon smiled and patted Hyun on the head.

“Wow, when did our Hyun become so cute…trying to make me cry…”

“Hyuna! Me too! Let me do it too!”

“Me too…!”

“Eek…! Hey, it’s heavy…!”

Seeing Hyun in that state, Chaewon and Yejin rushed over. The training ground quickly turned into chaos.

“Tsk tsk. Let them do their thing, seriously…”

Sajaehyuk clicked his tongue as if he couldn’t bear to watch.

“But I’m really worried… Can I make friends wearing that mask…? No, is it even okay to do that in school…?”

Sehwa muttered, having just escaped the cheerful atmosphere.

“It’s something you’ll figure out on your own. And for safety, that’s probably better.”

“But…”

“I’ve got permission from the principal for everything. You don’t need to worry about that.”

“Well then… but if it’s the principal… it’s Teacher Hae, right? Wow, the fact that they’re the principal…”

“Exactly. Always getting in trouble because of the commander… huh? Look over there!”

Chaewon suddenly pointed out. It was time, and in the distance, a car was coming to take Hyun away.

***

“Take care, Hyuna. We have to keep in touch often. Got it? If you forget, I’ll be mad, okay?”

Chaewon said to Hyun.

“I will.”

“My younger sibling is also starting at the nursery this time. Can you get along if you meet? Don’t mention me…”

This time, Sehwa said while patting Hyun.

“We’ll definitely get along well.”

“If it gets too hard, you can always stop and come back. No one will say anything. Understand?”

Finally, Yejin said to Hyun.

“Don’t worry. I won’t disappoint you.”

“That’s not what I meant…”

Yejin smiled wryly and stepped back. Sajaehyuk, who had been making a cool expression from behind, finally walked forward. Hyun, looking displeased, spoke to him.

“…You never taught me.”

“What?”

“Power. You said you’d tell me what that is later. That you’d tell me why I can use magic…!”

“Oh? That?”

Sajaehyuk replied nonchalantly.

“I’ll tell you when you graduate from the nursery. It’s too early for the kid to hear.”

“No…!”

Just as Hyun was about to explode, Sajaehyuk suddenly threw a note. When he unfolded the note, he saw an address written on it.

“Remember this well.”

“…What is this?”

“You’ll find out later. If something happens to you, we’ll come, but if it’s urgent, go to this address for help.”

“…Got it.”

“And don’t go around saying you were part of our unit. You won’t hear anything good. I told you last time, right? Just do as I said.”

“…Got it.”

Even after saying goodbye, Sajaehyuk seemed to have more to say. After clearing his throat for a while, he opened his mouth with a cool voice.

“Hmm, now that you’re not part of the unit anymore, can’t you call me ‘hyung’? Call me that once before you go.”

“What?”

Hyun looked puzzled at Sajaehyuk’s words. Then hesitated for a while.

Sajaehyuk’s face was slightly hopeful. But the next moment, his hope was shattered.

“…Take care, Commander. I’m leaving.”

– Slam!

As Hyun closed the door, the vehicle soon departed. In the rearview mirror, the figures of the members, patting Sajaehyuk’s back and laughing, were getting farther away.