Chapter 49: Kim Seohyun (5)
TL/Editor: looloo
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“Ah.”
A single scream escaped my lips.
Every part of my body jarred in pain. Every joint seemed to shriek in agony.
I had activated Black Divine Martial Art, stabilizing my body.
The state of my body was dismal. If it had been an average hero's physique, they would've been dead by now.
‘...Is this the backlash of the Abyssal Technique?’
[It's obvious. And I haven't fully honed my body using the Black Divine Martial Art. The Abyssal Technique was so powerful that even its former user only harnessed it in dire situations.]
‘...’
I'm on the verge of transitioning from a lower state to an intermediate state.
However, the sole reason I can use the Abyssal Technique lies in a single attribute.
Conceptual Stat: Against Heaven.
Because this stat, which controls concepts, has increased.
I thrust the Black Sword into the ground, catching my breath. I felt like I was about to collapse at any moment.
My head was spinning. I used Black Divine Martial Art to realign my physical state.
I took deep breaths, trying to calm my mind. If not, I would collapse right there and then.
I glanced at the spot where Swordmaster Na Bakcheon had perished. All that remained was a lone sword, no ash or remains to be found.
Probably a spare sword he had kept.
‘Getting the Demonic Sword would have been ideal, but...’
In this state, Na Bakcheon was at his prime.
Although the reward is minimal, capturing Na Bakcheon, who has lost more than half of his limbs, was a feat. Asking for more would be sheer greed.
Just as I was about to black out, a sound rang in my ears.
Ding.
A translucent blue window appeared before me.
[A remarkable achievement.]
[Calculating achievement...]
The voice was different, more composed than before.
[Achievement details.]
[Swordmaster: You have successfully escaped from Na Bakcheon. Acquired 5,000p.]
[Swordmaster: You have defeated Na Bakcheon. Your reward is upgraded.]
[Main Quest Chapter 3.5 completed perfectly. Your reward has been further upgraded.]
[Relationship update.]
[Admiration. Kim Seohyun feels admiration towards you.]
[You've made a strong impression on Kim Seohyun. She will push herself harder when she looks at you. The more she admires you, the faster her growth.]
[All rewards calculated. Total 75,000p acquired!]
As I stared at the blue window, I fell into unconsciousness.
---
Raei Translations
---
“A strange ceiling.”
I murmured to myself as I gazed up at the unfamiliar hospital ceiling, finally voicing a thought I’d often wanted to.
My body felt restricted, as though I were wrapped from head to toe in bandages.
...Actually, that was exactly the case.
[Master, are you awake?]
‘Yes.’
I forced my aching body to sit up and scanned my surroundings.
The hospital room was luxurious.
It looked to be over 100 square meters, and it was all for me.
‘Isn't this too spacious?’
But, I figured it was better than being in a cramped space.
Closing my eyes, I began to channel my inner energy, practicing the Black Divine Martial Art.
‘I’ve recovered quite well.’
After the face-off against the Mines, I had been on the brink of death, but now, I felt considerably healed.
Slowly, using my inner energy, I tuned into the Black Divine Martial Art, harmonizing with it.
Damaged muscles regenerated quickly, and my blood flowed smoothly. Broken bones began mending.
The mastery of one’s physique begins with understanding it. The Black Divine Martial Art grants its wielder the power to refine, tune, and control their physique at will.
After about five hours of this attunement, I felt healed enough that the bandages could be removed.
‘Not that I’m planning to.’
One reason I was so tightly wrapped was because of the injuries inflicted by the Mines — wounds that were resistant to both ‘magic’ and ‘holiness’. Another reason was my body’s special affinity with the Black Divine Martial Art.
Though the bandages provided minimal effect, they were still better than having none at all.
After making minimal adjustments to my physique, I summoned my inner energy.
‘What happened?’
-Hmm, quite a lot.
He then gave me a brief overview.
Immediately after I passed out, Kim Seohyun had sought external assistance. The heroes had confirmed the absence of my name from the Mines and the ‘Tower of Trials’.
The academy was now preparing a grand celebration in recognition of my contributions.
From the sporadic external updates, there were also rumors that renowned guilds in Korea were eager to ally with me.
Hearing all this, my thoughts were simple.
‘…Such a hassle.’
They would probably hold a grand award ceremony.
That was Principal Seo Yebin’s style.
She always tried to guide outstanding students, but her twisted beliefs and determination drove many away.
-Only I... solely I can save this world!
I recalled her desperate cry from the other side of the screen.
Suddenly sensing someone’s ‘gaze’ on me, I looked out of the window.
“...”
“…Hello.”
A man clad entirely in black stood there.
After a moment of stunned silence, I addressed him, “You seem to recognize me.”
“In Korea, who wouldn’t know you?”
“Is that so?”
The man chuckled, seemingly amused.
“Hmm, you seem almost fully recovered? I had noticed your impressive physique long ago, but... you possess something even I find hard to gauge.”
“...Yes.”
I responded hesitantly. Indeed, hiding anything in front of this man seemed impossible.
"But why am I here?"
"I've had my eyes on you."
The man said, looking straight at me.
"From the moment just before you entered the dungeon."
His eyes shimmered with curiosity.
It was then I realized why the main quest was about escaping.
'...It was a test.'
A sinking feeling washed over me.
No, if the man called 'The Sorcerer of Heavenly Vision' had wanted to see me, there was no way I could have avoided it. After all, from Korea, he could even see the place called the 'Divine Throne' in the US.
To exaggerate a bit, it felt as though the entirety of Asia lay under his watchful gaze.
"I'm just glad I kept an eye on you. Lately, the Mines and the Apostles have been acting up. While monitoring them, you caught my attention."
A smirk played at the corners of his mouth.
"I've observed you closely. Rejecting all power, and even though it's not magic, denying the very authority of that external force. It's truly fascinating."
"Maybe you've wasted your time."
"If that was the level of your skills, except for the top ten heroes, everyone else would have bitten their tongues in envy."
He said, seemingly pleased.
"But, why are you here?"
"Hmm."
The Sorcerer of Heavenly Vision appeared a bit troubled by my question.
"This might seem sudden, but how about becoming my disciple?"
"Your disciple?"
I looked at him with a surprised expression.
To be a disciple of The Sorcerer of Heavenly Vision.
The title itself was tempting.
...But there isn't much I'd gain from being his disciple.
Becoming his disciple would mean wealth, connections, and power.
He's someone who has transcended, having understood the ways of the world. There are very few in the world who are on his level.
It might sound arrogant, but I wouldn't learn much from him.
He might have seen magic, the rules of the world, laws, and even gods, but he couldn't possibly teach better than Heavenly Demon.
'Heavenly Demon teaches me the Energy of Demonic Qi best.'
-Of course. I understand Demonic Qi the best since I've been its master for generations.
And he has a nature closer to that of a mage.
He'll be too busy researching the Energy of Demonic Qi, and that would take up too much of my time.
...I should decline.
It's a shame, but it's the right choice.
"I'm sorry but..."
"Actually, I've already decided to take Lee Seoha as my pupil."
A refreshing voice chimed in. Brilliant golden hair, piercing purple eyes.
She appeared as she always did, in a black uniform topped with a white coat.
"Isn't it not official yet?"
"What does it matter? As the principal of this academy, that's my decision."
Seo Yebin smiled slyly.
"He cannot become a 'Star', can he?"
"In this world, sometimes the things that can't be, become the most valuable."
"Do you think he'll follow you?"
"He will. I'll make it so, and the world will make it so."
"That's arrogant."
"I've always been this way."
Seo Yebin and The Sorcerer of Heavenly Vision continued their conversation.
However, the air was filled with tense conversations.
“Hmm.”
“Then, I shall teach the child of the stars.”
“…….”
Seo Yebin looked at The Sorcerer of Heavenly Vision.
“Did you forget our agreement?”
“How could I possibly forget? But that child is special. We'll need her for the upcoming threat. Just as you saw something unique in her, so did I.”
“I see. What do you think?”
Seo Yebin turned around.
With a creak, the door opened on its own. Seo Gayeon appeared, trembling like a frightened hamster.
“...Where's Seoha?”
“Lee Seoha is still in the academy. You, however, will come with me to learn ‘magic’.”
“Leave the academy?”
“Yes. The educational environment here is good... but there's a separate place better suited for you.”
“Then, I choose to stay here.”
“Sigh, what a headache.”
The Sorcerer of Heavenly Vision glanced at me.
The Heavenly Demon nodded.
The corner of Seo Yebin's mouth lifted in a smile.
Everyone's attention was on me.
‘This is overwhelming.’
Ding.
──────────────────
Main Quest Chapter 4: Seo Ga-yeon’s Growth.
Having awakened the power of the starlight, Seo Gayeon is now a beacon for humanity.
Guide her down the right path.
◈ Reward: 3,000P. Additional rewards depending on progress.
──────────────────
Suddenly, a semi-transparent window popped up.
“For now...”
I organized my thoughts.
When I thought calmly, I could see the best course of action.
However, there was one thing that needed to be addressed first.
“Gayeon hasn’t chosen her weapon yet, shouldn't we do that first?”
“You're as assertive as ever.”
Seo Yebin smiled warmly at my words.
“I see. Let's take care of that first.”
Seo Yebin and The Sorcerer of Heavenly Vision led the way.
I spoke with Seo Gayeon.
“What do you want to do?”
“What do you want me to do?”
Seo Gayeon asked, as if my opinion mattered more than hers.
“I want to be with Seoha.”
“…….”
Caught off guard by her direct statement, I hesitated.
It hit me harder than I expected.
“Do... does Seoha not like me?”
She never gave up, even in despair, leading humanity with unwavering resolve.
While others might not understand, there was no way I could dislike her.
“How could I ever dislike you?”
I said with a smile.
Seo Gayeon stared blankly at me.
enjoy! :)
wow look at this relationship progression
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