Chapter 74
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 74
Chapter Title: Academy (25)
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Training Sanctuary.
Not all dimensional erosions disadvantaged humans. A rare few were actually beneficial to them.
The sanctuary was one such place.
A peculiar spot with higher mana density than anywhere else and virtually no threatening vegetation.
It even earned the nickname of a heaven-sent training ground.
Two days passed, and the day to enter the sanctuary arrived.
Helena looked a bit haggard.
‘Haa...’
She had ultimately failed to pry her aunt's mouth open. Her aunt had just teased her with a wicked grin and messed around. She absolutely refused to reveal who the summer fling was.
She examined her reflection in the transparent glass window. Long straight hair with a bluish tint, and breasts that asserted their presence despite being tightly bound.
Flawless snow-white skin and exquisite features to boot. Anyone would see her as a beauty.
‘It could be me, right? She even asked to grab a meal...’
She glared at Amelia, who was blankly trailing after Si-woo, then let out a sigh.
‘This isn't the time...’
The training sanctuary had abnormally high mana density compared to other places. That made it the optimal spot for consuming elixirs and breaking through realms.
High mana density went beyond mere quantity—it was mana of a higher realm altogether.
A place where one could artificially experience mana slightly above one's own level.
She planned to seclude herself in closed-door training to push her realm higher this time. Her family had even provided elixirs for it.
Si-woo deliberately stuck close to Amelia.
Kang Su-ho alternated glances between her and Ann behind them, then grimaced. He glared at Si-woo with eyes brimming with jealousy.
“You—you, why are you here?!”
“Why? Problem?”
“Obviously! I got first place...!”
“If you're unhappy, take it up with the dean.”
Entry to the training sanctuary was originally a reward for the top team in rift training. Yet both his team and Kang Su-ho's were here.
Professor Lilyne, serving as escort, spoke up.
“Cadet Choi Si-woo's team earned this for their major role in resolving the terrorist incident. So quit complaining.”
Only now realizing his appearance, Kang Su-ho belatedly tried to salvage his image.
“Ah, no, absolutely not! Complain? Nah... Amelia, it's not that I hate you being here. Actually, I'm glad. What I mean is...”
“Whatever. I don't care, so no need to apologize.”
Amelia truly wasn't bothered. Her nonchalant attitude made Kang Su-ho's face stiffen.
“Enough chit-chat. Follow.”
They followed Professor Lilyne into a building. Dozens of guards eyed them sternly.
After several security checks, they reached a sealed room. Magic circles covered the floor and walls from bottom to top.
This was the sanctuary's entrance.
‘A bidirectional teleportation circle...?’
The sanctuary had no physical gateway—only magical transit was possible.
Once everyone was aboard, the circle activated.
Flash.
A touch of dizziness, and the scenery shifted.
“Everyone, get your bearings. Hm... all present. Follow.”
The first sight was a massive lake, so vast the horizon stretched endlessly. Crystal-clear water sparkled, reflecting the sunlight.
Two buildings flanked the entrance—like scenic lakeside villas.
This was the training sanctuary.
‘Denser than I thought.’
The mana density he felt was immense. Energy so thick it was nearly palpable.
Just breathing in made him feel stronger.
It was a place restricted to a tiny elite to preserve the peak concentration.
‘No wonder.’
The vast, beautiful lake wasn't ordinary water. It brimmed entirely with mana-infused spirit water.
Dense mana poured from it.
“Your stay is five days. And good news: tomorrow, the Sword Saint will visit for a day to offer guidance.”
Kang Su-ho's eyes nearly popped out. He was a die-hard fan of the Sword Saint.
“W-wait, the Sword Saint?”
“Yes. She'll arrive around lunch tomorrow. Want guidance? Head to the central clearing.”
“No way... the Sword Saint...!”
Ignoring Kang Su-ho's hysterics, the professor continued.
“For closed-door training, use the building on the right. Perfect for undisturbed focus.”
Seeing Helena's gaze drift there, Si-woo asked.
“Closed-door training?”
“Yeah. Aiming for the next realm.”
“Catch you in five days, then?”
“Yes. But... um... hey...”
“Yeah?”
“N-nothing. Later.”
After Helena left hesitantly, Si-woo mulled it over and opted for the general training area.
The Mixed Origin Qi Art was a dual cultivation technique, after all—he needed a partner.
He eyed Amelia curiously scanning her surroundings, wondering what it'd feel like here.
‘No way it's five times the pleasure...?’
The dense mana prickling his skin stirred faint anticipation.
And the Sword Saint coming tomorrow.
‘She seemed like an expert, but the Sword Saint?’
She was the idol of countless cadets—a living legend, superhuman revered nationwide.
It checked out. Her brief lesson had already yielded progress.
‘First, the elixir.’
Professor Lilyne assigned rooms; they toured the modern facilities—sparring hall, training rooms, and more.
After poking around with Amelia, he returned to his room.
“You good?”
“Yeah. Blood Replenishing Pill bolsters the body over mana, so low risk. You okay... Si-woo?”
His mana core's regenerative trait alone made serious danger unlikely. The internal regeneration was especially potent against inner wounds.
“Don't worry. Catch you after elixirs.”
“Okay.”
They exchanged farewells and entered their rooms.
A simple setup with a bed; energy bars stacked in one corner for meals.
‘Nice and clean.’
He surveyed, then settled cross-legged in the center.
From his inventory came an ornate wooden box—to preserve the elixir's energy intact.
Click.
Cool air wafted out. On plush silk lay snow-white petals.
Without its chill aura—even from afar—it'd pass for a mere pretty bloom. Moonlight Herb.
He plucked it up without pause. Peeled off petals one by one, then swallowed the calyx whole.
‘Tasteless.’
No initial reaction—just a faint coolness. But in under ten seconds, his body felt encased in ice.
“Ugh...”
Bone-piercing chill, no metaphor. Frost rimed his exhaling breath.
Even his blood seemed frozen—razor-sharp ice shards surging instead.
Instinct screamed to conjure fire energy against it. His body rejected the unfamiliar qi as foe.
‘No.’
Reason overruled: resistance would yield only partial absorption.
He accepted the frigid energy wholly. It seeped through without barrier.
‘Don't label it cold. It's just energy.’
Despite his freezing flesh, Mixed Origin Qi flowed ceaselessly. He consciously ignored the pain, fixating on the circulation.
The Mixed Origin Qi Art's essence: wielding qi in its myriad transformations. This chill was but one form.
He dropped forced absorption, pouring focus into the Mixed Origin circulation.
Trance.
Time dissolved. After an eternal instant, he noticed his breath warming.
Storm-tossed seas grown serene.
In the tranquil mindscape, realization dawned.
The Moonlight Herb's tormenting energy had long blended into his Mixed Origin Qi, vanished.
“Fuu...”
Exhaled thinly, eyes opening.
Consumed spiritual herb: Moonlight Herb ().
All stats increase by 20.
Mana additionally increases by 11.
Perfectly absorbed. Acquired blessing: Yin-Yang Body.
• Gain resistance to fire and ice attributes.
• Receive bonuses when handling yin and yang energies.
He would've known even without the system alert.
From navigating vast oceans, he'd taken a step forward. Far off, his goal loomed clear.
Not reachable yet—but instinct told him touching it meant pinnacle realm.
‘Ice.’
Bluish qi beaded on his fingertip. Ambient temperature plunged. The recent chill had etched cold into every fiber.
While at it, he formed sword qi too.
Eyes closed, he pushed to his limit. The Sword Saint had said: with will strong enough for residual intent, sword qi could grow.
Humm.
Focused utmost, sword qi quivered. A speck—tiny, but definite—increase.
‘Ah...’
He paused another try as stabbing headache hit. Mental fatigue weighed heavy.
Quelling impatience: pinnacle wouldn't come in a day or two.
‘What time is it?’
Checked his watch, mildly shocked. Felt like moments, but a full day gone.
It was already lunch the next day—the Sword Saint's arrival.
Stepping out, he spotted the Sword Saint teaching Amelia something.