Chapter 23
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: Rumors (3)
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"Everyone, quiet down. Class is now beginning."
The instructor was a striking beauty with a cold demeanor—her blue hair neatly tied up and a pair of glasses perched on her nose.
-That's Instructor Cha Serin. She's an A-Rank Hero, famous for handling nearly every attribute to a proficient level.
I nodded at the mention of all attributes, but that was it.
As I'd said before, I was at the level of a grand archmage, able to manifest magic by projecting my will.
'Attributes are nothing.'
If I put my mind to it, I could turn this whole area into a sea of fire or water.
"Some of you may already be able to use magic. But since this is our first lesson, I'll start with the basics."
Instructor Cha Serin then explained the magic system of this world.
"If you sense the mana dwelling within your body, you'll notice a total of thirty-seven mana acupoints. To cast spells here, you must use the ones in your head and neck."
Sure enough, after sensing mana all through the night before, I'd felt the clusters of mana acupoints scattered throughout my body.
"Magic uses far fewer acupoints than physical techniques, but don't take it lightly. Since it relies on those in your head and neck, a single mistake can lead to disaster."
-That's right. There have been heroes who suffered brain damage from botched spells.
"......"
I reconsidered magic as I listened to Instructor Cha Serin and Lee Seojun.
'Did I pick the wrong path?'
What if I ended up with brain damage, for heaven's sake?
It was a horrifying thought in every way.
"That's why magic-wielding heroes must always stay cool-headed. Keep your head cold and your heart hot. Never forget those words, cadets."
-But it's rare, so don't worry. It just means to use magic carefully. Plus, magic-related skills make it way safer than physical ones.
Lee Seojun, who'd recommended elemental magic to me, assured me the risk was slim.
Come to think of it, the others must have heard about these risks too, yet here they were, taking the class.
'Am I overthinking this?'
Anyway, Instructor Cha Serin dove into the main explanation.
"Now, let me demonstrate a simple spell. First, activate the mana acupoints in your head and neck."
I faintly sensed mana stirring in Instructor Cha Serin's body.
"Next, you need an image in your mind and a chant. Along with that, draw out the appropriate amount of mana for the chant."
It sounded simple at first glance—just imagine and chant.
It might even be simpler than the magic I'd learned in my tenth world.
"Rise, flames!"
Whoosh!
A head-sized fireball ignited in front of Instructor Cha Serin.
"The key here is harmony: imagination, chant, and mana must blend perfectly. Many give up on magic because they can't find the right balance between chant and mana."
The flame soon extinguished at a rapid pace.
"The appropriate mana depends on voice volume and the form of the words. For example, [Fire] versus [Flames]. Same meaning, but more characters mean more mana."
From what Instructor Cha Serin said, the mana cost varied based on what you uttered.
"That said, more mana means greater power. You can adjust with voice volume, but unfortunately, there's a limit."
In other words, shouting "Rise, flames!" packed more punch than just yelling "Fire!"
"For reference, I imagine filling each character with ink as I infuse mana. Picturing it that way might help you all."
Instructor Cha Serin's explanation continued.
"It's also crucial to pick phrases you'll use often, memorize their mana costs, and master them."
At that moment, one student shot up their hand after hearing her.
"Instructor! So, could a total beginner wipe out a gate with a spell?"
"......"
Instructor Cha Serin stared silently at the student.
It might've been my imagination, but her gaze held a hint of pity.
"Yes. If you vividly imagine how to wipe it out and match it with a fitting chant and mana."
The issue was the mana.
I figured even S-Rank mana would struggle.
'Wait—then Lee Seojun with [Infinite Power]...'
I glanced at Lee Seojun, who immediately shook his head.
-It's not that easy. You have to infuse perfect mana into every sentence, and conjure a crystal-clear image in your head too.
I scribbled on my touch pen like in herbology class.
[Still possible, right?]
-It was, but I mixed in other methods too.
Before I could ask about those other methods, Instructor Cha Serin's voice rang out.
"Additionally, there's a way to skip this hassle: acquire spells via [Skill Stone]."
-I combined chant magic with Skill Stone magic for indiscriminate barrages.
Lee Seojun's "other method" was revealed soon enough.
With Infinite Power providing endless mana, it made sense.
'Infinite Power really lives up to its EX-Rank name.'
It was a downright broken ability.
By contrast, my Absolute Clone felt a bit lacking.
-The catch is even maxed-out Infinite Power only lasts ten minutes a day.
[Ah, really? Ten minutes is pretty short.]
-Yeah. If I could've stretched it to thirty, I'd have saved the world and called it a day.
Hearing Infinite Power's daily limit made me reevaluate Absolute Clone.
At least it had no restrictions on use itself.
'It's just tricky to make the most of it.'
As I mulled that over, Instructor Cha Serin brought up practice.
"Alright, time for hands-on. Front-row cadets first—try a simple spell."
I checked my seat at her mention of the front.
Fourth row meant I was fourth up.
'I just barely sensed mana—can I pull this off?'
Lee Seojun seemed to think the same and gave simple advice.
-Focus on the head and neck acupoints. Intend to strengthen them, then cast.
The front-row students went first.
"Start simple: just 'Fire' or 'Water.' Form a clear image in your mind and fill the word with mana."
The students followed her instructions.
Some closed their eyes in concentration, but not everyone succeeded.
"Insufficient mana. Fill the word completely—but don't overflow."
On the flip side, some nailed it perfectly.
Whoosh!
It was Hong Ju-a.
She casually summoned a flame before her.
Instructor Cha Serin nodded approvingly.
"Excellent. You won't learn anything new here, cadet. Feel free to leave if you wish."
Hong Ju-a didn't hesitate, collected her points from the instructor, and exited the classroom.
A few students eyed her early departure enviously, but she wasn't alone.
"You may go as well, cadet."
"Yes."
He was a neatly handsome guy.
-That's Jo In-jun. The top first-year in magic.
"Next, fourth row."
My turn came before I could even worry.
I stepped forward with the others and prepared to cast.
-Lee Seongmin, imagine a match flame and just say 'Fire.' I pictured filling transparent letters with water for mana.
Lee Seojun offered tips, but I figured I'd only get the feel by trying.
'First, focus on the acupoints and intend to strengthen only what's needed.'
Since I'd already sensed mana, I managed to reinforce them somehow.
'Next.'
I pictured a tiny match flame and opened my mouth.
"Fire."
As the word left me, I felt mana flowing from the acupoints in my head and neck.
The problem? Despite the word and mana, no flame—not even the one I'd imagined—appeared.
-Lee Seongmin, low mana. Put in more.
"......Fire."
Mana drained again, but still nothing.
-A bit short. Divide mana into decimals like 0.1 units and try about 9.2.
"......?"
Of course, someone who'd just sensed mana couldn't fine-tune to 0.1 units.
I shot Lee Seojun an incredulous look, and he realized his mistake, correcting himself.
-Ah, right—accounting for what's already used... Pull all your mana and go for it. Should be close.
I nodded slightly, drew all my mana, and tried once more.
"Fire."
Fwoosh!
Shockingly, a flame sparked before my eyes—then vanished in an instant.
Unlike others whose flames lasted seconds, mine was gone the moment it appeared.
-Close on mana, but a tad over, I guess.
'Why is this so damn tricky?'
It hit me then: magic, which I'd thought simple, was no joke in practice.
'Do I have to memorize mana per character?'
Instructor Cha Serin didn't spare me a glance and called the fifth row.