Second Life of a Dragon Raising Hunter

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Chapter 14

From then until Sunday, Yeon-woo was holed up in the mana training room, determined to gather as much mana as possible. Whether heading to the Seokseong Mountain Range or doing something else, increasing the total amount of mana was a must.

Of course, he wasn’t neglecting physical training either. With mana being more urgent for the time being, he combined gathering mana with some light exercises. The dense mana in the training room served as a suitable weight for him.

And then came Monday morning.

The day had dawned for Yeon-woo to attend his first class at the academy. His body, used to waking up early, opened his eyes on its own.

The normal class was the farthest from the Hunter Department among all the dormitories. This meant that if he didn’t get up early, he might be late. The slight exercise during the commute was a small consolation.

Dressed in an active uniform mixing navy blue and white, he stepped out of his room. Was this what they called semi-formal? Suddenly, he recalled Jung Yu-jin, with whom he had exchanged messages over the weekend. He had received a text asking if he could wake her up just once, since she was likely to oversleep.

Thinking about what it meant to be a good friend, he knocked on Room 307 for about five minutes, but when there was no response, he sent a quick message saying, “I’m leaving first since you’re not awake, see ya” and headed down the stairs.

Now, this was daily training life. Although Shar had joked about him being old, Yeon-woo shrugged it off lightly.

Arriving at the Hunter Department’s building, his light jogging turned into an intense power walk. It felt a bit excessive for a morning workout, but he believed this was just right. He confidently thought his body would adapt after a few months.

[Your stamina is terrible. You need to improve it ASAP.]

“Damn, it’s because I’ve only exercised swinging a sword and running. I was awesome in my past life.”

Though he said this, there wasn’t anything particularly wrong with fifteen-year-old Yeon-woo’s body. In terms of purely physical training, he would surely rank in the middle at this academy.

However, problems arose when mana was mixed in. Especially, the mana pathways were an issue. While it was good that there were no impurities, it meant that the mana pathways were so narrow that no impurities could even get through. Naturally, it was a problem, considering mana had been newly added to a body that lacked it from the start.

When the mana pathways were narrow, no matter how pure the mana, there would inherently be limits.

‘Should I ask Yuri if she knows a decent mana cultivation method?’

Regardless of whether dragons could use mana techniques, something made Yeon-woo think Yuri might have at least one unique method worth mentioning. It might not be a bad idea to enter as her disciple while receiving that.

He checked the time in front of the Hunter Department building. The current time was eight-thirty. There were still thirty minutes left until the morning assembly. What should he do with the remaining time? After a brief contemplation, Yeon-woo spoke to Shar.

“Hey, Shar, that mini-map you used last time… is it also a kind of magic like a bird’s-eye view?”

[Of course! What else could I do in my current state if not magic?]

“Then I can also use it, right?”

With that question, Shar let out a slight groan as if pondering. In a situation where he couldn’t do anything properly, it made him question whether reaching for magic was truly the right path.

However, conversely, he thought that if he didn’t try when he had spare time like this, it would be hard to get around to it again for a while, so Yeon-woo steeled his resolve. He would at least master the basics.

[Hmm…].

“Is it really that difficult?”

Considering that Shar usually responded promptly, the hesitation suggested that perhaps he had a truly dismal talent for magic. As he worried, Shar chuckled.

[No, it’s not that. In fact, with your father’s magical talent, I’d call that a realm beyond what humans can even approach.]

“Can I be honest with you?”

[Of course.]

Damn it, I trusted you, Dragon Heart…!!

Right, to be honest, he had been relying on the Dragon Heart itself. A substance considered one of the greatest in the world, so how could he lack talent for magic with that as his heart! Yeon-woo’s expression brightened.

[However, I can’t promise I’ll be able to teach you well. I’m more of a sensory kind of teacher.]

Damn those genius brats…!!

Yet, thinking that an explanation through sensory experience might actually make it easier for Yeon-woo to understand, considering he was also a dragon.

With this, he thought he could gather mana while practicing magic, nodding his head vigorously.

“Then can you teach me that magic you used last time?”

[You mean the “Domain”? Yes, of course. I’ll assist you until you get used to it, so don’t worry.]

“I can’t even imagine a life without Shar…”

[Ahem!!]

Saying this, Shar made a sound of pretentiousness. Even now, he could feel the egg swaying lightly above Yeon-woo’s head, but after it hatched, it would surely be adorable. Hopefully, it would hatch soon.

I want to see my daughter walking around already….

[I’ll let you know exactly when the time comes for it to hatch. I feel some signs, but… anyway, the Domain?]

Yeon-woo nodded lightly. After all, students were beginning to trickle into the classroom, so he had to minimize his actions.

[The Domain is a magic that creates a space, literally. Not only dragons but all monsters instinctually use this magic. It covers the environment with their own colors, configuring the space to be favorable to themselves.]

“Oh.”

With that explanation, he started to understand. It was like a wizard exerting several levels of power above their abilities in a well-prepared battleground, or a dungeon creating an advantageous environment for monsters, thus dominating the area.

[Exactly. Minotaurs, for example, are strong in their labyrinths. The moment they encounter their enemies, it’s always in a straight tunnel. It’s really rare for a monster that can withstand the charge of a Minotaur running from a considerable distance in that context.]

That’s true. Even an S-rank Hunter would struggle to break through barriers easily. Because that barrier is part of the Domain and has its strength manipulated at will.

Recalling the Minotaurs he had met in his past life, Yeon-woo shuddered at the horrific memories.

A monster that sets up a favorable environment raises its danger level exponentially. If they were capable of establishing such an environment, they would be closely resembling Named monsters.

In that sense, the Minotaurs could be said to resemble Named monsters in that every single one had that capability. They typically appeared in such contexts.

[Right. The realm of Dragon’s Domain is to seize the space around you. Just like the Night Stalker I mentioned last Saturday, it can keenly sense what’s happening in its own Domain, even if it’s a temporary one, and it can completely grasp the internal situation.]

So that mini-map was made from a Domain, huh? But the form was surely created for Yeon-woo’s convenience. If he were to use a Domain himself, it would transform into a more instinctive and immediate form.

[Exactly. A dragon has used a Domain since being an egg, so that’s why you can harness a certain level of proficiency. Your father would do just fine too. It’s not too different from the ‘spacing’ that martial artists hold in a way more familiar to your father.]

Saying this, it seemed sensible. Outstanding martial artists perfectly dominate the area they can reach with their weapons.

Yeon-woo had to mockingly let go of avoiding fights with Hunters because it wasn’t just an uninhabited island; the spacing of an Awakened one was indeed like a fortress.

If familiar, it would surely feel intuitive.

“Really? That’s a relief. Could you use it just around me for now? I want to get a feel for it.”

Not difficult at all! With Shar’s confident claim, the warm energy of the heart pulsated. Slowly, subtly, it spread through the air like body fragrance.

Looking down at his palm, he could see an area colored in light golden hues, about a hand’s breadth. At the same time, he felt like his own presence had grown.

Oh, oh!

[Do you get the feeling now?]

Er, how can I even express this. It felt like my skin had thickened by a hand’s breadth? As if he was touching the space within that breadth with his skin, or without seeing it, he could feel as though he were gazing in that direction.

It was a strangely peculiar sensation, somewhat as if he himself had become huge within that hand’s span. A feeling of being addicted to something…

[What an interesting metaphor. That should be enough. By the way, if you continuously root a Domain in a fixed location, it will eventually truly become a Domain, so keep that in mind.]

So it can also be used like a security camera? That was an interesting topic. It wasn’t too practical for magic used by monsters, was it?

“Good morning, Yeon-woo.”

“Oh, good morning, Seong-ryong. Hey, isn’t Namgung-seong coming with you?”

As he turned to greet the familiar deep voice, he noticed that the usually inseparable duo was separated today, only Seong-ryong was here. Exactly at 9 o’clock. Not a minute before or after, suggesting a dedication that bordered on obsessive punctuality.

Maybe he was the type who liked everything to be perfect…

Greeting Baek In-hwa, who came in behind him, she simply nodded in response. She must have low blood pressure.

“He’s probably coming before the professor. It’ll be alright as long as we keep the window open.”

“The window? Why the window…?”

Seong-ryong didn’t reply, but his words suggested there was some reason, so Yeon-woo opened the window. However, what shocked him more was that Yoo Ha-yeon hadn’t entered the classroom yet. Is everything okay with the professor of Class 5?

“……Duck down───!!”

As he was calming his anxious heart, a voice shot past him, barely keeping up with the speed.

Without realizing it, Yeon-woo’s head ducked just in time as something streaked above him, followed by the shattering of a glass window raining down majestically over him.

Drrrk, yawning widely, Yoo Ha-yeon appeared at the front door, and next to her was Namgung-seong, whose head was lodged against the wall like a cannonball; it was truly an indescribable scene.

The classroom was quiet amidst the chaos. Fortunately, aside from Yeon-woo, who narrowly dodged, no one else was in the trajectory, and the classmates were dumbfounded, staring at the collapsed Namgung-seong. Lifting his head in silence, Namgung-seong glanced around before clenching his fist.

“……On time!!”

“C’mon. You clean that up. Got it?”

With an annoyed face, Yoo Ha-yeon mumbled that, slapping Namgung-seong’s head with a plastic board in her hand.

*

“Today, we’ll have a general test until noon and then after lunch, we’ll proceed with course registration. Anyone with questions, raise your hand.”

With a look that clearly expected questions, Yoo Ha-yeon surveyed the classroom. Namgung-seong was tidying up the area near the seat where Yeon-woo had been sitting. Yeon-woo raised his hand without hesitation. He knew it would likely not be well-received, but honestly, he didn’t care.

“……What is it?”

“I’ve never heard of it, what kind of test is it?”

“……You don’t know? Well, I suppose you might not. Normally, only those who know come. This time is different. The minimum rank is determined by the entrance exam, but before registration, we do a spar to check one more time. No need to be too tense; the result of the spar will be reflected in course registration, and it won’t get you kicked out of class.”

“Ah, I see.”

Apparently, it seemed he was genuinely the only one unaware of this. The other kids were looking at him with curiosity. Shar, what do I do? Dad’s embarrassed.

[Your current attitude is making me embarrassed.]

“That’s a bit much.”

If it were the shameless man Choi Yeon-woo living ten years into the future, he’d be fine, but this delicate 15-year-old boy needed this kind of sensitivity.

“Alright, everyone, get up. Let’s head to training room 3.”

As Yoo Ha-yeon walked out of the classroom while massaging her shoulder with the plastic board, the students all followed in a rush.

As Yeon-woo jogged along at the back of the pack, he noticed Baek In-hwa wobbling behind, and the other students were casting worried glances towards her, but it seemed nobody dared approach her too boldly.

After all, no one would have gotten friendly with Baek In-hwa in the meantime. Yeon-woo poked her gently from behind.

“Hey, hey, wake up. Still sleepy?”

“I’m sleepy….”

There was no helping it. He lightly grabbed Baek In-hwa’s wrist and placed her arm over his shoulder. Carrying her was a bit too much; he planned to make her follow along like a train. This was 15-year-old Choi Yeon-woo’s careful consideration.

“Don’t fall behind.”

“Thanks… so cool.”

She seemed to be drifting away into sleep. Looking back, she only swayed a little, but overall, she stayed upright. Was this skill the result of being a martial artist in a state of enlightenment? It made him feel he’d rather have that than just being useless.

With a sigh, as he maintained the front-row perspective, he caught sight of a strikingly handsome boy with deep red hair staring at him.

Upon making eye contact, the boy clicked his tongue, turning his gaze forward.

‘……Who was that?’

[Darius Blackraven. He’s from the Alkeon continent. His personality is awful, but there’s no denying his abilities, and he’s forming a group around himself. Please remember at least the names of your classmates.]

‘…Ah-, right. That guy was around. A promising talent who would join the ‘Ares’ clan after graduation, right? But why the hell is he tonguing at someone else. So annoying.’

[He’s said to have a crush on Baek In-hwa.]

‘What’s that got to do with him glaring at me?’

[Well, you look more friendly with him than with Je Gal Seong-ryong or Namgung Seong, don’t you think?]

……Ah, damn it. I feel like I’ve been dragged into something annoying.

They may say it’s the forefront of Hunters, but in the end, what gathers here are just adolescents in their prime.

It wouldn’t make sense to tell kids who are grappling with burgeoning desires and love to restrain themselves for the next three years, so nobody pays attention to who’s dating whom. Those kinds of relationships are part of the academy’s education as well.

The problem is that those moderately skilled kids tend to have high standards and become blind to love. Meaning they’re eager to show off and can’t bear to see someone courting their crush.

“Honestly, whether someone likes someone else is not my concern…”

That guy had rumors of school bullying during his last life. Although he wasn’t too worried because the academy was his alma mater, he could roughly guess what led to the incidents occurring.

(To be continued in the next part)