Gwak Chunsik's Aura and Mana Theory
The moment Gwak Chunsik stepped into the academy, a new subject was introduced.
Its name: Aura and Mana Application Theory.
It suited him perfectly.
"There's a phrase that famous heroes and so-called researchers toss around like a habit. 'Aura and mana are living beings.' Well, when you see folks blessed by mana or with high affinity, it's easy enough to understand why they'd say that. Sure, that makes sense. But—"
Bam! He slammed the blackboard with a hand formed from aura.
"In my class, consider all that bullshit."
Gwak Chunsik seized the students' attention in an instant and flashed a grin.
"Aura and mana are tools. Tools wielded by the user. Surely none of you think you can 'befriend' your tools, right?"
At that, Mari Nate shot her hand up.
"B-but, Instructor! Dominating mana... that feels totally different, doesn't it?"
"What's that? You... let me check your name... Mari Nate?"
"Eek!"
Gwak Chunsik strode toward her with heavy steps, scrutinized her closely, then shook his head and spun around.
"Yeah, you can think of it as a friend, then."
"...Pardon?"
"The types those dreamers call 'high mana affinity' or 'mana-blessed.' You're one of them, so no need to think in terms of domination."
"Ah, y-yes...!"
As he'd said, Mari Nate was innately gifted with high affinity, so Gwak Chunsik was spot on.
"Looks like Ji Suhyun didn't just gather average kids, so I'll explain it simpler."
With that, he sketched a human figure on the blackboard.
"This is you. Most Awakeners absorb internal mana vessels—called cores—and external mana or aura for use. No need to explain the difference between mana and aura, right? It's just about the refinement process—don't sweat it."
Tap. Tap. He marked a star in the figure's center and continued.
"The issue is how you take in external energy. That girl who just asked? If she needs it, external energy flows right in without resistance—that's high 'affinity.' We call it talent. And—"
Suddenly, he stopped and looked straight at me.
"The opposite exists too. Willfully pulling in external mana, forcing refinement, then using it. We call that high 'domination.' So, the question is: which are you? For kids like that, here's a simple method."
Huh? Teaching this now?
This was content Gwak Chunsik revealed only late-game in the game. Normally, the recluse from Gangwon Province would've announced it upon emerging to reclaim his lost honor and fortune.
"First, gather mana or aura on your palm. Shape doesn't matter—just make it visible and clear."
At his words, the other kids closed their eyes and summoned sparkling energy orbs onto their hands.
"Boss. Aren't you doing it?"
Jinwoo Bivalt, already compressing a sphere of wind on his palm, stared blankly at me sitting idle.
"I do this every meal."
A slight variation here led to my usual aura training. So for now, I'd just watch the others.
"Now clench your fist tight. The aura or mana will either absorb into your body or scatter. Simple, but it'll tell you exactly what type you are."
The kids started clenching one by one. As Gwak Chunsik predicted, most energies entered their bodies briefly before dissipating—meaning no affinity talent, unlike Mari.
A few exceptions, though.
"Oh, did you see, Eugene? Mine scattered right away, right? I'm a genius, right?"
"Boss, boss! Am I... a genius? My mana just mixed into the wind and vanished?"
Excluding Mari Nate, those with affinity reactions: Jinwoo, Sea-a, and two or three more. The rest absorbed it inward.
...And there was one outlier who fit neither.
"Um... Instructor. What about this case?"
Youngje cautiously asked Gwak Chunsik, his clenched fist still rippling with mana that refused to move—like flickering flame.
"I just explained everything, what—wait, what the hell is this?"
"Pardon?"
He hopped over in genuine shock, crouching to peer at Youngje's fist.
"Mana solidified? No, more like... frozen in place?"
Muttering to himself, he lightly tapped the mana with his finger. It stayed put, unmoving.
"Ha. So that's it. That's what it was."
Nodding as if enlightened, Gwak Chunsik stood and spoke.
"You're in Eugene's club, right?"
"Uh? Ah, yes."
"See you after class."
Clearly, not something to discuss publicly.
Sheesh.
* * *
After class, in the Familia Club Room.
True to his word, Gwak Chunsik arrived, plopped on the sofa, ordered coffee, and eyed Youngje.
"You. Your master that Arcobaleno girl with the chuunibyou nickname?"
"Pardon? Ah, yes."
"Knew it~! My eyes aren't failing with age. Heh heh!"
Delighted his hunch was right, he burst into laughter.
"Coffee's here."
"Thanks... Huh? What's this black sludge? I said coffee!"
He scowled at the Americano Jinwoo brought.
"Pardon? It's coffee. Americano."
"Whatever Americano is, I want instant coffee!"
"Ah."
"'Ah' my ass! Get instant!"
"Y-yes..."
Shaking his head at Jinwoo's dejected retreat, Gwak Chunsik sighed and turned back to Youngje.
"Anyway. Your mana stayed put because you ordered it to 'stay.'"
"...An order?"
"Yeah. Domination, sort of—but as I said, true domination routes through the body. Yours? Direct commands to external mana. And I know only one person who can do that."
"My master, then."
"Bingo."
Sipping the instant coffee now beside him, he continued.
"Direct commands mean no elemental limits, ultra-short casting. Top-tier talent for mages. She called it 'conducting.'"
"Ah..."
That versatility earned her the epithet Rainbow Conductor—Arcobaleno, blending rainbow and conductor.
"Never thought she'd take an apprentice. Heh heh. How's she doing?"
Youngje's face stiffened at the sudden question.
"Master's... trapped in a dungeon."
"What? Trapped?"
"Yes. The boss... Eugene said so."
Gwak Chunsik glanced my way.
"That true? How'd you know?"
"Came across the info by chance. Reliability near 100%."
"Hmm... I see. Trapped, huh... Sounds like she's alive, at least."
"Yes, that's the info."
"Well, no worries then. She'd outlast a dungeon forever. Know which one?"
"No, just that she's trapped. Still tracking."
Well, I do know. But rushing in unprepared would botch it. Need minimum setup.
"Right... Anyway, it'll work out! Time for club activities, eh?"
Draining the last drop, he stood.
"Yeah—"
"Haven't done shit since the review. Just slacking."
Jinwoo cut in before I could answer.
Gwak Chunsik grinned at me.
"Slacking, huh?"
"E-elder?"
"Our Eugene needs training for this week."
"No, that's—"
"Follow me. Good training ground here, right?"
He grabbed my hand and half-dragged me to the Training Room.
I planned to rest before Jeju...
I glared daggers at Jinwoo, but...
"Oh, Recipe Development Club day. I'll patrol. Boss!"
The sharp one bolted.
...That bastard. I'll get revenge.
In the Training Room.
"Alright. Let's start with Jeju monster countermeasures."
"Sorry, elder, but I already know Jeju monsters pretty—"
"Hey! Talking back to your elder? Just say 'Yes, sir!'"
No reasoning with him.
"You know Jeju monsters use aura and mana, right? Go prepared—don't get hit."
Blue light gleamed in his eyes.
"Reading monster energy flow. Need that? Tweak what you learned today."
"...Yeah, that's useful."
Reading enemy aura/mana flow? Game-changer in fights.
Seize the chance.
I followed reluctantly—
"Heard Gwak Chunsik the elder's here? Teach me mana control!"
"Ack! Mentorship quota's used this week, Instructor!"
"Yup~ Club time~ I'm advisor, so quit if you hate it~"
"The world's screwing me!!"
Watching Sea-a dragged in by Ji Suhyun eased my mind.
At least she'll suffer too.
But...
"Now, test it. Dodge my attacks."
"...Pardon?"
Me suffering more? Fuck this shit...
* * *
Screech—! Screech—!
Early morning at Busan Port, sun just rising, was chaos.
Fishermen unloading catches, trucks loaded with ice, auction at the fish market.
And in the midst, some stood out.
"Rice and kimchi over here!"
"Bread and wine this way!"
Unlike rubber boots and gloves, nuns, priests—and black-suited men loaded not fish, but essentials.
[Francesco]
Bound for Hallasan Cathedral on Jeju.
Confirming my ride, I smiled and approached.
Gazes converged— no ordinary fisherman here.
To the lead priest, I extended a hand with a bright smile.
"Hello. Calione hitman here to accompany you."
"——Saber Cloud."