NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9
9 – Special Tutoring.
Ding.
As soon as I opened my eyes, I heard an unexpected sound.
Upon opening my eyes, a window of blue color reflected on the retina.
[You can now utilize the system.]
I can use the system?
‘Status window… is that what I should call it?’
Ding.
The moment I thought about it, a window of blue color appeared.
▶
Name: Han Seojin
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Stamina: 5
Magic Power: 5
Mind: 5
Skill: 5
◈
Unique Trait: Eternity永劫
Attribute: x
“Hmm.”
The first thought that came to mind as I looked at the status window was intuitive.
And then, I realized one more thing.
‘This…’
I quietly closed my eyes and focused on my body.
Until just now, my feeble body has undergone some kind of ‘evolution.’ I can feel the magic more vividly.
The muscles of my body have increased, and my reflexes feel more evolved.
It’s a bit difficult to measure my mental and physical abilities, but I think they have increased.
The change went through such a natural process that it was hard for me to notice it immediately.
‘The term “ability” is not really a wrong word.’
This is closer to a power that defies the usual laws.
Perhaps the people of Earth learned martial arts and magic through this.
Normally, a person with no innate abilities should not be able to properly learn martial arts and magic due to their complexity. But this is more like making it ‘easier to learn.’
If that’s the case.
It might be possible to understand why the martial arts and magic realms were pushed onto the people of Earth.
These are not powers that operate normally.
‘But it’s an innate attribute.’
I recalled the two punks I saw yesterday.
The one called Nok-gwi and the one called Heuk-sa.
Each contained an orc and a shadow snake.
And then, the one known as Kwangrae Huyoonji, the person referred to as the Thunderstorm, came to mind.
‘His ability is quite impressive.’
Inherent characteristics.
It’s a power close to the individuality each person possesses.
If a hundred people were to awaken to this ability, there would be no one awakening with the same ability.
While abilities might be similar, obtaining the exact same one is impossible.
It’s because each person has a unique personality, that’s what they used to say.
This power itself is difficult to manifest, but if manifested, it’s a power that can elevate one step further.
As difficult as it is to awaken, and as diverse as it may be.
I pressed my hand on the characteristic called Eternity.
[Eternity永劫]
: Bestows eternal attributes to magical power.
I scrutinized my unique characteristic.
What was called Eternity was merely adding eternal attributes to my magical power.
‘I remember them saying that unique characteristics are the form in which abilities are opened up.’
Unique characteristics are said to be a form in which abilities are gradually opened up, one by one.
And
By the way, hmm…
“Eternal attributes, huh.”
Many speculations arise.
Eternity.
It means lasting for a long time.
I witnessed its virtue when I first embedded the Tao of emptiness and purity into my body.
And when I first encountered Mohican and muscle pigs.
In reality, the magic should have been precarious if it followed the original flow of my mana.
The magic endured much longer compared to the mana I possessed.
“I guess knowing roughly this much should be sufficient.”
I can only grasp this much for now.
Sitting on the bed, I began cultivating my vital energy.
The Tao of emptiness and purity naturally gathers the purest internal energy even without doing anything. However, doing it diligently allows me to accumulate it faster.
《Mana has increased by 1.》
“This is… “
I sense a slight increase in the mana gathering within.
The Tao of emptiness and purity is not a martial art that allows one to gather mana so easily.
“By taking action, one easily gathers mana.”
The reason why the martial arts realm and the magical realm are displaced started to make some sense.
Actually, it’s not completely beyond speculation.
While the magical realm might be unknown, the martial arts realm is busy fighting each other.
“I should start preparing slowly.”
I started preparing to go out.
Because I received a message from Yoo Eun-chae.
Yoo Eun-chae＞ I’m going to the forge today, so get ready.
Me＞ The forge?
Yoo Eun-chae＞ Yes, it’s a top-notch forge as you mentioned.
She seemed genuinely excited about it.
I went out with a fluttering heart.
*
“How do I look? I’m quite stylish, right?”
“This is the forge.”
“No, why are you being dismissive.”
Ignoring the grumbling Yoo Eun-chae, I looked around the forge with my arms crossed.
Swords, knives, hammers, and blades were being made in the forge.
“That’s right. This is the Iron Chamber, where the most promising individuals from the Academy have created.”
“Hmm.”
Seeming displeased, I glanced around.
It was well-balanced and the blades were well-sharpened.
“Not bad.”
In short, that’s how I would describe it.
“This is where the promising ones are.”
I let out a deep sigh.
I respected the fact that it was a remote place, but introducing me to a location like this when my pride was at stake.
“Oh, no. Are you that displeased? How high are your standards, exactly?”
“Maybe your standards are just low.”
I spoke, surveying the inside of the blacksmith shop.
As expected, there was nothing particularly satisfying…
While looking around, my eyes lit up.
“Is this it?”
If the items a moment ago were defective, this one was worth taking a look at.
I listened closely, and not only was the finish well done, but it had a balance and liveliness to its design.
“hehehehe, it’s one of the reasons I brought you here.”
“…Inexperienced.”
I said that even so.
In my past life, I had encountered blacksmiths in the martial world.
They wanted rare minerals from the celestial mountain, and the martial artists wanted good weapons from secluded places, so an understanding was reached, and they could stay there.
Despite the title of the celestial demon’s subordinate, I had the opportunity to appreciate the weapons they made.
After learning martial arts to a certain extent, I even received the knowledge of how to craft weapons from them.
“Well, I couldn’t follow the chief, but being a sergeant was enough for me.”
“Inexperienced, you say?”
The sharp voice of a woman.
She is short. About 150cm in height.
Although she seemed slender on the outside, the unique earthy energy that only dwarves possess and the compressed, distinct muscles were visible in her arms.
“A dwarf?”
“Yes, I’m the only one left. Based on your accent, you seem to be from the Mureem clan….”
“Are dwarves rare here? Or is there no interaction?”
“Yes, they are. Most dwarves and fairies have perished…”
“So that’s why the standards are so low.”
She clicked her tongue disapprovingly.
No wonder the standards were too low.
“…Who are you to be so rude…”
“You couldn’t handle the Sungkwang iron properly, huh? The temperature got too high for a moment. To think that someone called a dwarf can’t handle this temperature.”
“… “
“Remarkable confidence. To present such a failure with pride. The pride of a dwarf must be hurt.”
The haughty dwarf, in accordance with her demeanor, remained silent when pricked.
Looks like it’s the same here.
Well, it’s not all bad.
Dwarves usually act in tribal units, so self-taught to this extent is quite impressive.
“I’ll take a look at this place later.”
From Noble mtl dot com
Dwarves are a grateful race, so once they receive help, they become obsessed with repaying the favor.
If they don’t repay that favor, they believe they won’t receive the ear of the land god they worship.
I grinned and picked up four iron rings and a sword.
“Calculate.”
“…Yes.”
“Is that guy your boyfriend, by any chance?”
“…Yes.”
“No, he’s not.”
I looked at Yoo Eun-chae in disbelief.
Chul-juk was staring at us with a strange look in his eyes.
“It seems like he’s the pillar guardian no matter how you look at it.”
“He may have his own abilities, but seeing him caught like that… Come to think of it, humans have a peculiar taste for those who are down on their luck.”
Perhaps that’s what he’s thinking.
I thought about teaching him a lesson since he seems a bit arrogant, but should I just let it go?
*
“My, my 50 million won…”
Yoo Eun-chae looked distressed.
The sword and four iron rings. They were worth more than I had thought.
“It’s quite cheap if you think of it as Chul-juk premium.”
I thought it was decent among Chul-juk who lacked skills, but apparently not for Yoo Eun-chae.
Well, it’s not my money after all.
“But isn’t that iron ring heavy?”
“Whoosh, snap, speak, hang, stop.”
Each iron ring weighs 20kg.
With a total of four iron rings, it’s not an exaggeration to say that it’s the weight of carrying a person. However, to quickly master the Taehumushin-gyeol, which is not yet perfected and has weak magic, it’s best to exercise by lifting the iron rings.
“Here, I can probably escape faster than I thought because of the ley lines.”
The quickest way to achieve that level is ultimately through exercise.
Every time the body forcibly moves the iron rings, the muscles throughout the body are stimulated. Mana begins to seep into the body. The seeping mana soon strengthens the blood vessels, bones, and muscles.
This is the effect of the martial art known as Taehumushin-gyeol.
“Shall we talk about basic knowledge then?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“…First, let me explain about the academy here.”
Following that, Yoo Eun-chae’s explanation continued.
Roughly summarized, it’s said that an artificial island was created in a location that seemed to be a good training ground, as it penetrates the ley lines between Korea and Japan. The academy is home to numerous multinational giant companies, and those who attend this academy are globally recognized prodigies.
“…Me, a prodigy?”
The thought crossed my mind for a moment, but considering the potential evolution of the characteristic called Yeongeop, it might as well be considered a prodigy.
Looking at Yoo Eun-chae, I thought to myself.
“She’s treated as a prodigy too.”
She seems to have her own talents.
Using a sword doesn’t quite sit well with me.
“But are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
Feels like I might collapse.
My body is gradually losing strength.
But strangely, I feel good.
‘Because I’m getting stronger.’
The first life was obsessed with games.
The second life was obsessed with magic.
The third life was obsessed with martial arts.
From the second life onwards, I was obsessed with magic to forget the ties of my past life.
But I also enjoyed magic.
In the next life, I even enjoyed the study of martial arts.
It seems I can enjoy this life as well.
The unique traits of the Nokgui and Black Snake were peculiar, but the traits of the Gwanglei and Heoyunji were tempting enough for me.
Walking with Yoo Eunchae while exercising, I felt a strange sensation in my senses.
“…What should we do? It seems like we’ve lost our way.”
She’s pretending to be nervous, but there’s a strange calmness about her.
“hehehehe, have you heard the rumors? There’s a vampire living in this alley. It’s a recently reformed vampire, you know.”
“A vampire?”
“Yes, they say there’s a species that sinks its teeth into people’s necks, drawing blood.”
“And you led the way because you know the path well?”
“Heh, heh. Well, I’ve been exercising hard, you know?”
He spoke while keeping an eye on his surroundings, his voice trembling.
It seemed he was ready to fight at any moment, not just mere gossip.
‘Could this guy have brought me here for a reason?’
In the midst of seriously contemplating whether to break his head, a man appeared, walking steadily.
“Oh dear, uninvited guests causing trouble.”
A casually dressed man appeared, tapping his cane on the ground and blocking our way.
His eyes, as sharp as real eyes, glowed ominously. Silvery hair gleaming with a lustrous sheen.
The man in a gentleman’s suit politely took off his hat and greeted us.
“My name is Abel Vlad Chepesh. Feel free to call me Abel.”
The man introduced as Abel was smiling brightly.
A shiver ran down my spine unpleasantly.
“Abel….”
“Do you know him?”
“He’s a vampire. A vampire with the title of the Princess of Blood, known as the first bloodsucker of the Jinjo. His ability is to manipulate a substance like blood.”
Why does this guy know so much, like some walking encyclopedia?
“Ho ho.”
The man’s complexion changed.
The scarlet eyes, shining like red jade, stared at Yoo Eun-chae.
“Our princess wouldn’t have leaked that information. How did you come to know about it?”
It was filled with vitality.
It seemed that, if necessary… No, it looked like they were willing to kill us just for the information.
“…I have a quite reliable source of information.”
“Hmm, vampires wouldn’t betray us. The possibility of leakage… seems unlikely. How did you obtain it? This seems quite a troublesome matter…”
Crackle!
In an instant, a surge of vitality burst towards us. The man with scarlet eyes, addressed as Abel, opened his eyes narrowly and looked at us.
“I don’t particularly enjoy dealing with force, but it can’t be helped. Bloodline boundary, activate.”
Thud!
Behind Abel, a net made of blood strands appeared, enveloping the surroundings. It began to tighten like a spider web, filling every direction.
“…Is this some kind of anomaly in this world?”
Each strand of the net carried considerable lethality. Just touching it could cut through like a veil.
“…What do we do about this?”
“Did you do it without thinking?”
“You seemed quite confident over there…”
In other words, they trusted me and got us into this mess.
“Tsk.”
“Apologies to your gentleman, but this time, it seems unavoidable. We’ll have to silence you quietly.”
Twisting my lips at the bothersome words.
“This time, the price for your life will be steep.”
“No, even in this situation… “
“I’ll teach you magic.”
“Magic?”
“Yeah. Consider it part of the tutoring fee.”
Hands clasped.
The pure energy closest to the essence that seeped through my entire body froze intensely cold.
The magic formation, “Moon’s Ice Enchantment.”