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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: bchen3
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A moment later, at the administrative office.
“Thank you for your hard work, Instructor Jin Taejin.”
A man with a friendly demeanor warmly greeted Jin Taejin, who had just returned from private tutoring.
“Instructor Kim Hanseok.”
None other than Kim Hanseok.
He was the homeroom teacher of Class 1-B and an instructor in charge of general magic subjects.
Jin Taejin gave him a simple nod and then went to find his seat.
As soon as he sat down, Kim Hanseok approached and spoke to him.
“You didn’t seem to come to the cafeteria earlier. Did something happen?”
At his words, Jin Taejin recalled one cadet.
Along with that, he naturally remembered the unexpected side the cadet had shown during the recent private tutoring session.
‘If he obtained a skill of such value, it would be easy to get caught up in a mishap.’
The cadet didn’t show any signs of that at all.
Rather, with an open-minded approach, he had carefully considered and eventually found the correct answer that he had in mind.
Thinking that far, a faint smile naturally formed on his face.
“I was giving some advice to one of the cadets I’m in charge of, so the timing became awkward.”
“If it’s a cadet, was his name possibly An Ilhan? Is that right?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“He must be quite a talented cadet? This is the first time I’ve seen you paying so much attention to someone.”
“He’s an unprecedented friend. In many ways.”
At Jin Taejin’s unhesitating response, Kim Hanseok made an exclamation with a curious expression.
“Wow, to that extent? I thought Yoon Seolha was the only talented one in Class A.”
Kim Hanseok, who had been talking to himself, seemed to remember something and continued.
“Which weapon did that cadet choose? The advanced weapon training classes start tomorrow, right?”
“Gauntlets.”
“If it’s gauntlets, then surely that person will…”
Just as Kim Hanseok was mumbling with a flinching expression.
“What did you say about gauntlets?”
A rough voice echoed from the entrance of the administrative office.
Jin Taejin recognized the identity of the speaker just by the voice and immediately stood up.
Then he gave a respectful greeting.
“Senior Go Taesik, you’ve arrived.”
In response to his greeting, a middle-aged man with quite an impressive appearance slowly approached.
Wild hair like a lion’s mane and a mountain-like build.
Finally, scars crossing both forearms like diagonal lines.
This was none other than the A-rank superhuman known as “Fierce Tiger,” Go Taesik.
“Well, you two. What were you talking about?”
At Go Taesik’s deep voice, Kim Hanseok stepped forward to answer.
“We were discussing the advanced weapon training course for first-years that starts tomorrow. There are many talented cadets, so we have high expectations.”
Kim Hanseok recited the names of the cadets with a friendly face.
Go Taesik smirked at this and responded.
“Instructor Hanseok, you really have a great interest in talented individuals.”
“There should be one cadet in the gauntlet category as well. His name is Sim Inwook. The son of the Earth’s Soul Guild leader enrolled this year.”
“Earth’s Soul? Sim Cheoljin? Well, he must have potential.”
Go Taesik casually mentioned the leader of one of the four major guilds.
Then he added with a snort.
“But he’s still just a snot-nosed kid.”
“Haha, that’s true.”
Kim Hanseok merely laughed in response, but then he seemed to remember something and continued.
“Now that I think about it, there’s one more. A cadet named An Ilhan.”
“What? An Ilhan? Is that a name?”
To Go Taesik, who responded as if it was strange, Jin Taejin answered instead.
“Yes, he’s a cadet in my class.”
“Instructor Jin Taejin seems to really cherish this student,” Kim Hanseok quickly added.
To this, Go Taesik spoke with a strange gleam in his eyes.
“A disciple cherished by Instructor Taejin.”
His blazing gaze turned directly toward Jin Taejin.
“I’m quite looking forward to it. I’ll see tomorrow. So, do you have anything to tell me?”
Go Taesik asked with a fierce smile.
Jin Taejin simply shook his head calmly in response.
“You’ll know when you see him.”
“Are you saying I’ll recognize him at a glance? Kha-ha! That makes me even more curious!”
Go Taesik returned to his seat with hearty laughter.
Looking at his back, Jin Taejin tilted his head.
It was because he felt that the meaning had been delivered somewhat strangely.
‘It doesn’t matter.’
He thought it wouldn’t be much of an issue.
An awl in a pocket will eventually poke out.
So there seemed to be no need to correct it.
‘Although the beginning will be tough.’
If the cadet received recognition from him, he would surely be able to obtain the power he wanted.
‘If he continues as he has been, he’ll be able to receive sufficient teaching.’
As if conveying it to someone, Jin Taejin repeated this to himself.
*
The next day.
“For the seventh period, I will conduct a theoretical lecture on the utilization of magical stats. The utilization of magical stats, or mana, is divided into three stages.”
As always, the seventh period class began with the instructor’s explanation.
Even though I had already heard this content during private tutoring, I listened carefully to review.
“The first is physical enhancement through internal mana circulation, the second is protection through external emission, and the third is combat power enhancement through mana typification.”
Physical enhancement, protection, and finally combat power enhancement.
From the protection stage, that is, the external emission of mana, was where the true utilization of magical stats began.
Perhaps because of this.
“The final exam for the first semester on magical stat utilization will cover up to the external emission of mana. Since I’ve already explained physical enhancement, I’ll skip it. For external emission, we’ll test how long you can maintain protection.”
A physical enhancement test through stat circuit training.
Additionally, external emission and the duration of protection were included in the exam.
“While the technique for emitting mana externally is important, the key is the amount of mana. So even after acquiring the fifth level mana skill, don’t neglect mana breathing.”
Mana quantity – given that the test would evaluate maintenance time, this was natural.
At the same time, for the strong-type mana breathing technique.
For me, who possessed the Hyeoncheon Ganggi that consumed extreme amounts of mana, this was nothing short of an unfavorable condition.
However.
‘If it was only Hyeoncheon Ganggi, that is.’
I didn’t mind.
That was because I had found a solution yesterday evening.
“Now, everyone will practice according to their progress. If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime. That’s all.”
While others opened their textbooks or began mana breathing at the instructor’s direction.
I also took out the “Samjae Gigong” textbook that I had prepared in advance.
Samjae Gigong was the key point that would solve the limitations stemming from Hyeoncheon Ganggi.
‘Filling the constraints of Hyeoncheon Ganggi with Samjae Gigong.’
Fierce circulation speed, and destructive power based on powerful output.
Hyeoncheon Ganggi was truly a skill with tremendous strengths and potential.
But should I call it the price?
It came with the constraints of difficult control and extreme mana consumption.
‘I solved the control issue with precise manipulation, but the mana consumption will be difficult to solve right away.’
Therefore, although not to the point where it was completely unusable, even just maintaining physical enhancement had a woefully short duration.
So external emission, which was part of the final exam, was naturally out of the question.
That was precisely why I thought of Samjae Gigong.
‘As a fluid-type mana breathing technique, Samjae Gigong is good for sustainability and efficiency.’
So I would use Samjae Gigong as the foundation for mana operation.
And then use Hyeoncheon Ganggi additionally, applying its explosive power at necessary moments.
This would not only fill the constraints but also allow me to use Hyeoncheon Ganggi as a secret weapon.
This judgment.
-Using Hyeoncheon Ganggi’s mana based on Samjae Gigong’s mana. An excellent idea.
It was acknowledged by the instructor.
Though it was an E-grade skill, its excellent stability meant it could harmonize even with Hyeoncheon Ganggi.
Moreover, the instructor explained benefits that I hadn’t even considered.
-The two breathing techniques will soon harmonize within your body. Samjae Gigong’s mana will seep into the skills you possess.
-That harmonized mana will become your sharp spear and sturdy shield.
From the second stage of mana utilization, protection, to the final stage and the mana typification that the instructor had demonstrated himself.
It meant that I could exert power beyond what Hyeoncheon Ganggi originally possessed.
If that happened, not only would the final exam on magical stat utilization be manageable.
‘It will be a great help for the advanced weapon training course that starts today, especially in practical combat.’
The thought alone brought a smile to my face.
‘Plus, the mana load of Samjae Gigong is said to be simple.’
I could achieve skill acquisition before long.
Thanks to this, I gladly studied the textbook.
*
Two hours later.
“With this, we’ll end the eighth period. As announced, the ninth period will be conducted under the guidance of weapon-specific instructors, so move to your designated locations on time. That’s all.”
The magical stat classes that spanned the seventh and eighth periods had ended.
As everyone began to move one by one, my friends approached me.
The first to speak was Yoon Seolha.
“We’ll be moving separately for the ninth period.”
At her somewhat regretful tone, Cha Eunwol nodded.
“Yeah, Seolha, since you chose the sword, you’re on the first floor, right?”
“Yes. What about you, Eunwol?”
“I’m on the third floor. It seems there’s a separate classroom where we can simulate magic.”
Perhaps because we had always stayed together since forming our team initially.
Both of them showed signs of regret.
Lim Gangcheol laughed heartily at the two and said.
“Let’s meet again at dinner time!”
With an expression devoid of even a speck of regret.
Cha Eunwol puffed out her lips as if to make some comment but stopped.
Then she moved ahead first.
“See you later!”
It seemed she wanted to move early as she had to go up to the third floor.
Thinking it was time for me to move as well, I opened my mouth.
“Yoon Seolha, do well.”
“Yeah.”
“Let’s go, Lim Gangcheol.”
“Alright!”
With anticipation, I moved to the small training room on the second floor.
About 70 cadets were already gathered there.
Not only were there members of Class A, but also some unfamiliar faces who seemed to be from other classes.
‘Since the advanced weapon training course is a concept of mobile classes.’
While I was quietly looking around, a familiar face caught my eye despite being from a different class.
‘Sim Inwook. So he chose gauntlets too.’
He stood out in many ways.
Not just because of his background, but also his behavior.
While others were subtly wary of their surroundings, he showed no interest in anyone.
‘Should I call it dignified, or pretending to be refined… Hmm?’
While I was having these trivial thoughts, our eyes suddenly met.
Zing-
He glared at me for a moment, then quickly turned his head away.
‘…What’s his deal since last time?’
As I was tilting my head in confusion.
“Tsk, as expected, this year is full of youngsters too.”
A rough voice echoed from the entrance of the small training room.
When I turned my head, a middle-aged man with an overwhelming visual presence caught my eye.
His build, hairstyle, it all reminded me of someone.
‘…Middle-aged Lim Gangcheol?’
With that thought, I glanced to the side.
“Oh, he’s an amazing person!”
Lim Gangcheol’s eyes were sparkling.
It seemed as if he was captivated by the man’s build, especially his muscles.
The middle-aged man opened his mouth with an expression of annoyance.
“I’m Instructor Go Taesik, in charge of gauntlets. Gather by class.”
He casually gestured to divide the cadets into Classes A, B, and C.
Then he began to scrutinize the cadets of Class C with a disapproving gaze.
He stopped in front of one cadet among them.
“Are you Sim Inwook?”
“Yes, Senior. I’ve heard a lot about you from my father.”
“It’s Instructor. I’ve never been a senior to a youngster.”
“Yes, Instructor!”
Despite his previous imposing demeanor, Sim Inwook showed a respectful attitude.
Just from that, the middle-aged man, the gauntlet instructor, seemed extraordinary.
‘He must be an incredible person.’
Someone who has connections with the Earth’s Soul Guild leader.
While I was thinking that, the instructor quickly moved from Class B to Class A.
His gaze, which was slowly scanning, stopped at one point.
‘…Is it me?’
It seemed strangely directed towards me.
This didn’t seem to be just a feeling.
Twitch-
Twisting his lips, he strode toward me.
The instructor stopped right in front of me and spoke.
“With such a stout frame, I can recognize you at a glance, just as Instructor Taejin said! Are you An Ilhan?”
“…I’m Lim Gangcheol.”
He was talking to Lim Gangcheol, not me.
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