chapter 25
25 – Episode 25 – Captured from the First Day of Education (2)
On the way back to the dormitory after the lecture, Song Ha-eun approached me with concern.
“Yoon, Yoonseong oppa. Are you okay…?”
“….. I’m fine.”
“Just… don’t worry too much. The, the instructor seems a bit… strange.”
“…..”
“Damn it, that bitch…”
Although I’ve never been to college while on Earth, I can’t exactly make a comparison, but it feels like attending my first class in college and getting picked on by the professor. No, my case is probably worse than that.
The fucking memories from earlier started coming back.
“Yoonseong, your magical power seems lower compared to what you acquired during the tutorial?”
“Yoonseong, using magic like that is inefficient.”
“Well… I’m not a dark mage, so I don’t really know even if you ask me.”
“But other people do it well. It’s because they manipulate magic like that.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to make a contract with a demon? Honestly… the magic side is…”
Silence.
“Phew… calm down, let’s calm down.”
Since I arrived in this place, it was the first time I had the thought of wanting to immerse someone in it.
The truly unjust point is that I didn’t do anything to a woman named Ha Yuri.
From the very beginning, I couldn’t fathom why she’d act like this. If she hated sorcerers, she could have just switched classes to learn from a different instructor.
Honestly, I know I lack talent in magic. Even when compared to Song Haeun, who is right beside me, my magical ability stat is significantly lower.
[Name: Lee Yoonseong]
[Age: 26]
[Occupation: Dark Mage (Ordinary Grade)]
[Title: None]
[Unique Trait]
Sorcery Reader (Hero Grade) – Can view and record other people’s status screens. However, it can be seen through due to the opponent’s unique traits or abilities. More functions unlock as the grade increases.
[Traits]
Basic Dark Magic (Ordinary Grade)
Basic Command Magic (Ordinary Grade)
Basic Chimera Research (Ordinary Grade)
Basic Curse Magic (Ordinary Grade)
Understanding of Mana (Ordinary Grade)
[Stats]
Strength – 14 Agility – 15
Stamina – 15 Luck – 20
Magic – 08 Resistance – 13
“… Magic is only at 8.”
On the other hand, Song Haeun and Yoo Hyun beside him…
[Name: Song Haeun]
[Age: 22]
[Occupation: Spirit Mage (Rare Grade)]
[Title: None]
[Unique Traits]
Blessing of the Spirits (Hero Grade) – The spirits have a strong affinity towards you. They are always paying attention to you wherever and whenever.
Flawless Magic Organ (Legend Grade) – Your magic organ is surprisingly clean. You receive high bonuses in all actions involving the use of magic.
[Traits]
Spirit Contract (Rare Grade) – You can form a contract with spirits. Please make a contract with a spirit while you are alone. Spirits are often shy.
[Ability Stats]
Strength – 09 Agility – 12
Endurance – 13 Luck – 17
Magic Power – 18 Resistance – 09
[Name: Lee Yoo-hyun]
[Age: 15]
[Occupation: Priest of Protection (Hero Grade)]
[Title: None]
[Unique Traits]
Guidance of the Lost God (Grade under measurement) – A once glorious deity with radiant light has chosen you.
[Traits]
Healing Light (Rare Grade) – Gather magic power in your hand to heal yourself or others. The healing speed and effectiveness depend on the user’s magic power stat.
Shield of Protection (Hero Grade) – Creates a protective shield in the shape of a 3-meter wide sphere. The user and allies within the range are protected from a certain threshold of impact. The range of the shield and the limit of impact it can withstand depend on the user’s magic power stat.
[Ability Stats]
Strength – 08 Agility – 13
Physical strength – 11 Luck – 30
Magic power – 15 Resistance – 10
Both of them had significantly higher magic power than me.
However, what was strange was that even though the grading for everyone’s unique characteristics had been completed while clearing the dungeon, Yoo Hyun’s unique characteristic remained the same.
Guidance of the Lost God (grading in progress) – A god with once brilliant light has fallen for you.
‘… Why is this still the same?’
I had no idea why Yoo Hyun’s characteristic remained unchanged.
“Yoon Sung, are you okay?”
“Uh, uh?”
“I’m really, really sorry for not answering… Are you okay?”
“Oh, I was just lost in thought. It’s okay. Well, the instructor might not like me.”
“Hyung… but from what I can see, it seems like the instructor is being really harsh towards you…”
I put my hand on Yoo Hyun’s head and sighed.
“It’s fine. If I work hard, things will get better.”
When we arrived at the dormitory, everyone was gathered except for Kangi Seo and Mr. Howon. It seemed like their lectures had ended quickly.
Seo Yujoo asked me.
“Yoon Sung, how was the lecture? Was it okay?”
Perhaps she knew me from the first session, so she seemed concerned, knowing that I lacked talent.
It wasn’t a big deal, so I was about to answer that it was okay when, in an instant, Yuhyeon blurted out, “Nuna, it seems like the instructor doesn’t like Yoon Sung hyung…!”
‘Crazy…!’
I didn’t want to speak about matters involving me, especially because Seo Yujoo tends to be uneasy in such situations, but Yuhyeon just spilled it out.
Seo Yujoo’s expression stiffened, and she asked, “What do you mean, Yuhyeon? Can you explain in detail?”
Apparently, Yuhyeon’s explanation wasn’t enough, as Song Haeun also chimed in.
“Well… Yujoo, Yoon Sung oppa is a dark wizard by profession. Somehow, it seems like that instructor doesn’t like dark wizards…”
“That’s right! He… He ignored Yoon Sung hyung compared to others!”
‘Damn, why are you guys like this.’
“Haha… It’s nothing, Yujoo. You don’t need to worry. It wasn’t a big issue to the extent they’re exaggerating,” I said.
Seo Yujoo lowered her head and began to whisper quietly.
“Ah, yeah… that girl… she used to hate dark wizards. This guy…”
It seemed like others didn’t hear. I just pretended not to hear.
“It’s really not a big deal. So please don’t make a fuss for no reason. I’ll handle it.”
“Please… listen to me…!”
“If Yunseong is fine with it, I’ll let it go for now. However, if that instructor, no, Instructor-nim crosses a line, please be sure to let me know.”
“Yes, of course. I won’t stay quiet in such a case. Don’t worry, Yooju.”
“Don’t just say it’s okay with words. If there’s really a problem, please tell me.”
“Sure.”
Suddenly!
“Yahoo~ Class is over! What’s this? Everyone’s already here? Am I the last one with Ajae?”
Kangiseo and Mr. Howon also returned to their dorms, apparently after their classes ended. I spoke to Kangiseo.
“Hey, did you come with Mr. Howon? Did you meet on your way here?”
“Yeah, our classes ended around the same time, so we came together! Haha~ It seems like I have some talent. The instructor was praising me a lot, you know?”
Somehow, she looked pleased, probably because she received praise during the class.
Well, with her stats and characteristics, she’s undoubtedly talented as an archer.
It seems like the instructor over there is watching.
“Lucky. What was the instructor like?”
“Oh… He was a man, and he seemed decent. What was it again? He came to the training center as a substitute for the Clan Master of the Golden Wing Clan.”
As Kang Iseo finished speaking, Seo Yujoo spoke up.
“The Golden Wing Clan is one of the three major clans.”
“Oh… really? I thought he was just empty talk when he kept praising himself, saying he was looking to recruit from mid-sized or small clans. Surprising.”
It seemed like Kang Iseo had quite liked the Golden Wing Clan. He thought there was a high chance she might subtly offer him a position.
“Anyway, what about you? Was the lecture from Kang any good?”
“…”
Suddenly, the atmosphere became tense, and I could feel Yu Hyun and Ha Eun glancing at me.
“Well, nothing special happened.”
Kang Iseo also seemed to sense the mood and decided to keep quiet.
Seo Yujoo started speaking, trying to lighten the atmosphere for everyone.
“… More importantly, I have some good news to share with all of you.”
Everyone started looking at her with curiosity. This was the first time Seo Yujoo had mentioned good news, so they were all eager to hear it.
Seo Yujoo took out a magnifying glass and necklace and ring that she obtained from her pocket.
“As for the necklace and ring, I’m sure you’re curious about them. To put it simply, this magnifying glass is a one-time use artifact that allows you to read the description of items.”
“…So with this, we can find out what the necklace and ring we obtained are.”
“Yoon Sung is right. I brought the artifact so that we can check the items together.”
“…How did you manage to get the artifact?”
“I asked the instructor, and they found one for me. Since this artifact wasn’t too expensive, they gladly gave it to me.”
They probably agreed because it was Seo Yujoo who asked. They must have recognized her talent. No matter what, she must have wanted to impress her.
“Well, everyone must be curious, so let’s check it.”
With expressions of curiosity, one by one, everyone took the magnifying glass and began to examine the necklace and ring. I was curious too, so I took the magnifying glass and checked the information about the items.
[ Necklace of Redicus’ Mana Circulation (Hero Grade) – A necklace worn by the high-level magician Redicus. It helps the wearer’s mana circulation. Additionally, wearing it increases mana ability by 4. ]
[ Ring of Strength (Rare Grade) – Wearing it increases strength ability by 2. ]
[ Ring of Resistance (Rare Grade) – Wearing it increases resistance ability by 2. ]
“…It’s great.”
Even though it’s just a ring, the necklace’s performance is extraordinary. Considering how valuable a stat increase of 1 is, we can understand how beneficial it is to have a mana ability increase of 4.
Moreover, it’s a valuable accessory that even helps with the wearer’s mana circulation, living up to its Hero Grade name.
‘Well, it doesn’t make sense that the rewards are so awful when the dungeon was that difficult.’
Looking at the others, they all stared at the items with surprise. It seemed no one had expected to obtain hero-grade items since the tutorial.
‘Maybe it’s because it’s a tutorial dungeon, so the items turned out to be good.’
Seo Yoo-joo got to the point.
“Now that everyone has checked the item information, let’s discuss distribution. If you have any items you want or any opinions, please raise your hand.”
‘… Well, I don’t have anything to take.’
It’s not that I’m not interested in the necklace, but honestly… It’s much better for Song Ha-eun or Yoo Hyun to receive it than someone like me who lacks talent.
I raised my hand to give my opinion.
“Yes, Yoon Sung, please speak up. Do you have any items you want?”
Honestly, if I were to say that I wanted an item, Seo Yoo-joo would probably try to accommodate me as much as possible, but those items are like pearls around a pig’s neck to me.
“… I think Yoo-joo should receive the Ring of Strength.”
Regressor seemed extremely taken aback, as if they had no idea they could recommend an item for themselves.
“Uh… me? I mean, I don’t really…”
“When you think about it, if it weren’t for Yoo-joo, none of us would have survived the dungeon. In fact, Yoo-joo has contributed the most to our party.”
“Yes, Sister Yoojoo. If Sister Yoojoo doesn’t accept it, who else would?”
After Hyunjin spoke, Mr. Howon chimed in.
“I also think it’s right for Yoojoo to accept. She is more than qualified.”
“Everyone…”
When Seoyoojoo looked at their faces, she appeared deeply moved.
“… I understand your intentions well. In that case, I’ll shamelessly accept the Ring of Strength.”
“It’s not shameless at all. It’s only natural for you to accept, Yoojoo.”
“… Thank you, Yoonseong.”
After taking the Ring of Strength, Seoyoojoo immediately raised her hand, and Yurim did the same.
“Oh, Yurim. Do you have any specific item you want?”
“No. It’s not something I want, but I was thinking maybe Yoonseong Oppa could take the necklace.”
‘This… isn’t good.’
The necklace would be better suited for Songhaeun or Yuhyun. Yurim decided she needed to steer the conversation in a way that wouldn’t hurt her feelings.
“I agree with my sister. I think it would be better for Yoonseong Oppa to have the necklace!”
I blurted out urgently, fearing that I might end up with the necklace.
“Yurim, Yuhyeon. I appreciate your sentiments. However, I’m sorry but I will decline the necklace.”
Seo Yujoo asked me with a slightly annoyed expression, puffing her cheeks.
“… Why are you not accepting it? Yunsung is a dark magician, isn’t he?”
“While it’s a bit much to say that, it’s true that I am a dark magician. However, honestly speaking, I have very little talent when it comes to magic.”
The others looked perplexed by these words.
I understand. If they think back to when my magic was active during the tutorial, they won’t be able to comprehend what I’m saying right now. They haven’t even seen my stat window.
“This is something I’m saying because you’re all here… But, to be honest, my magical ability is quite pitiful. Even if I were to accept that necklace, it would just be a hindrance. I think it should be given to Ha-eun or Yuhyeon instead.”
Seo Yujoo seemed to be unable to find words to contradict me, as she knew of my lack of talent.
Hyunjin also interjected, perhaps hoping that I would accept the necklace.
“Hyung… You did contribute to this party… You should accept it…”
“Yunsung-ssi, we’re not distributing items based on your abilities. We’re just… saying this because you’re precious to us all.”
I had to firmly refuse. Even if I were to accept this nice necklace, it would be useless. If I thought rationally, it should definitely go to Song Ha-eun or Yuhyeon.
“I understand. I’m truly… sincerely grateful to all of you, but I will decline the necklace. I recommend giving it to Yuhyeon or Ha-eun.”
“….. Oppa.”
Yurim looked at me with a gaze that seemed to be more pitying towards me as a person, rather than the fact that I wasn’t accepting the necklace.
“I’m sorry, Yurim. I’ll just take your heart.”
“… It’s okay. I know you’re thinking about me.”
“… I will respect Yoonseong’s opinion. So, regarding who will receive it between Haeun and Yuhyun…”
Soyoung interrupted and expressed her own thoughts.
“Well, I’m okay. I think it would be better if Yuhyun receives it rather than me!”
“Um… no, Haeun. If anyone should receive it…”
“They’re making a fuss because they can’t compromise with each other. If this were any other party, they would fight over who gets to keep it.”
“Oh… I have a special ability that helps with mana circulation among my attributes. It would definitely be helpful for Yuhyun to receive it instead of me.”
“… If you have that ability, then I understand. So, I will distribute the necklace to Yuhyun. If anyone has any objections, please speak up.”
“……. “
“Okay. I will distribute the necklace to Yuhyun.”
As Sooyoo handed the necklace to Yuhyun, he accepted it with a perplexed expression. He seemed to be unable to understand why he was the one receiving the necklace.
“Now… the last item is the Ring of Resistance. This is just my personal opinion, but honestly, I think there should only be one owner.”
Soyoo handed the ring to Mr. Howon.
“Oh, it’s perfect! Honestly, who else would wear this ring besides you?”
“Don’t worry, just accept it, Mr. Howon.”
This time, everyone was in unanimous agreement. As the one playing the role of the tank in this party was Mr. Howon.
“I will accept it without hesitation. Thank you. Rather than feeling burdened, I’ll repay with better performance.”
It was indeed a response characteristic of Mr. Howon.
“Let’s finish distributing the items. Thank you all for your hard work.”
And thus, the item distribution came to an end.