Chapter 13
Chapter 13
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Master and Disciples (2)
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Over the next few days, in the serene confines of Seong Hyun-woo's private training room, I passed on the mana circulation method to my three new disciples.
Hyun-woo, who had an exceptional amount of mana to begin with, had already reached four circles. Seo-yoon had less mana but outstanding talent, managing two circles.
"Ughhh! Damn it—why can't I get this right?!"
And Jeong-woo still hadn't fully stabilized his circles.
"Don't rush it. First things first, you need to shed those ingrained bad habits."
"Haa... This is driving me insane... Ar, help me one more time."
I nodded and placed my hand on Jeong-woo's back as he assumed the cross-legged position again.
"Jeong-woo, you first need to get accustomed to the sensation of moving the mana within your body."
"That's what I'm saying is so hard..."
"Hmm... Then I'll clear the path for you. Remember the sensation."
I forcibly stirred the stagnant mana inside Jeong-woo, sweeping through every nook and cranny.
Jeong-woo had been using his mana only to make his body slightly tougher, without ever circulating it properly.
"It might hurt a bit. I've never seen mana channels this blocked before."
Even as cold sweat poured down, he endured without a single groan.
Jeong-woo must be the type who learns best through his body.
I widened the paths to a certain extent, then spun the mana once more to form a circle.
"Keep focusing. Once you're used to it, with your mana capacity, four circles will come quickly."
"Four circles... what're those...?"
"It's the stage where you form circles in your heart. That's when you can truly be called a mana expert."
As I spoke while watching Jeong-woo groan with his eyes closed, concentrating on the sensation, I noticed Hyun-woo approaching from where he'd been sitting quietly in the corner.
"Hoo... The circle positioned in my heart has fully taken root. The feeling is definitely different."
"Mm. Drawing out and using mana from your body should feel much smoother now. With your mana reserves, you're already at the master's level—you need to refine it further."
Hyun-woo wiped the sweat from his forehead with his shirt.
There, sharp, well-defined six-pack abs came into view.
...I'm jealous.
I glanced down at my own belly, which stayed soft no matter how much I trained.
"So, what exactly is this 'master' level? Can you explain?"
"Mm. Three circles in the lower abdomen, three in the heart, and one at the midpoint between them. When all seven interlock and rotate, that's the 'mana master' realm."
I nodded with arms crossed as I explained.
"Then are you at seven circles too, Ar?"
"I'm at nine. My body is special, allowing me to reach that height. Aim for seven, Hyun-woo."
A realm impossible for humans. Nine circles were only achievable because my body was crafted by the goddess.
If I hadn't wandered Elantara's lands with death ever at my side after letting the Demon King escape, even that might have been out of reach.
The bastard who swore to conquer the world and turn every race into undead under his command had slunk away like a coward when he sensed he couldn't win.
He might have heard the news of me reaching nine circles while hiding. What an expression he must have made.
Imagining the Demon King's dumbfounded face brought a grin to my lips.
"Let's call it here for today. I've taught you the essentials, so you should be able to figure out the rest on your own."
"Yeah. I've been away from the guild a lot lately, so work's piled up."
"Mm. Didn't I tell you to rest a bit?"
"Learning the 'Gelrud Breathing Method' means I don't really need rest anymore. I love it."
That's not what I taught it to you for...
I let out a small sigh and turned to leave.
"Ar~ Heading home?"
"Mm. Yeah."
"Then I'll come too. I've been learning to cook lately."
I nodded slightly, and Seo-yoon excitedly followed behind me.
Ever since training started, she'd been spending more nights at my place, even sleeping together.
According to her, it's her 'healing time'—she likes hugging me to sleep.
"Everyone, hop in. I'll drop you off on the way."
Hyun-woo called over even Jeong-woo, who was still sitting motionlessly in concentration, and loaded us all into the car.
"Stop groaning already. You're distracting my driving."
"Ah— I think I'm almost there... Bro, can I use the guild training grounds today?"
"Do whatever."
Jeong-woo kept fussing in the passenger seat, still focused on stabilizing his circle.
Hyun-woo's private training room was about fifteen minutes from the guild.
The White Wolf Guild had spacious underground training facilities, but he apparently bought up an entire nearby mountainside because too many eyes made it hard to concentrate.
Soon after setting off, the guild dorm building came into view. Hyun-woo pulled up to the entrance and let us out.
"Good work today. Text if you get stuck or have questions."
As we got out and said our goodbyes, the two headed off toward the guild.
"Oh right! If I'm cooking for you, Ar, I should've bought ingredients first. Should've asked to stop at the mart nearby..."
"Mm. Can't be helped. Let's walk together then."
Seo-yoon, who usually seemed insecure about cooking, was insisting on making it herself today.
Come to think of it, this would be my first time grocery shopping since returning. With a mix of anticipation, I followed her lead, and soon a large supermarket appeared.
"Mm... But is it okay...?"
"Something wrong?"
"Worried about crowds. It's fine when I'm alone, but..."
Seo-yoon glanced at me, looking concerned.
Crowds? I hadn't done anything noteworthy yet.
"No big deal. Let's go in."
I brushed off her worries and led the way into the mart.
Fortunately, once inside, no one seemed to recognize us or approach.
"Anything you want to eat?"
"Nothing in particular. Make whatever you're confident in, Seo-yoon."
"Okay! I practiced spicy pork stir-fry watching videos yesterday. It'll be delicious."
Seo-yoon headed to the refrigerated foods section. Following her, I spotted ice cream chilling in the fridge.
"Pork, onions... what else was it... Huh? Ar, want ice cream?"
"Mm. Not really, just found the fridge fascinating."
Staring intently at it, Seo-yoon came over from where she'd been picking ingredients.
Keeping food frozen year-round like this.
In Elantara, even getting ice in summer meant freezing it with magic myself.
"Aww—so cute, you're amazed by the fridge?"
She finds the weirdest things adorable.
Seo-yoon stroked my head as she spoke.
"Anyway, got everything you need?"
"Uh... Forgot some ingredients, so I subbed in stuff that looked okay. All set now."
"Mm. Then let's head out. Starting to feel tired."
Subs for spicy pork stir-fry?
She seemed confident, so I didn't pry.
Back at the dorm after shopping, Seo-yoon spread out the ingredients in the kitchen and got to cooking.
"I'll have it ready quick, so rest a bit."
I nodded, sat at the table, and turned on my phone.
The routine lately: posting comments.
'Gu So-yeon's Hunter Life Guide'.
A B-Rank hunter who mainly used fists.
Her advice should be practical, but every video had the same unchanging flaws.
I wanted to comment on other hunters' videos too, but for some reason, my account couldn't post anymore.
Typing had become second nature, shortening the time it took.
Feeling accomplished, I pocketed my phone and walked to the kitchen, where Seo-yoon was busy cooking.
"A lot of smoke... is it okay...?"
"Yeah...? Oh, it's fine~ Happens sometimes when cooking. Almost done."
"Mm... I see."
Why tomatoes, though?
A peek at the counter showed all sorts of ingredients scattered about.
"Mmm~ Fire off now. Let's eat!"
A bit dubious, but Seo-yoon confidently transferred the stir-fry from the pan to plates, and we moved to the table.
One bite of the spicy pork stir-fry. Wait, is this even spicy pork...?
"How is it? Tried a fusion Korean style."
"Uuum... Quite unique..."
"You don't eat much, so I thought my heartfelt cooking might tempt you. Put a lot of effort in."
I didn't want more, but with those sparkling eyes staring right at me, I couldn't say a word.
It took ages of forcing it down, but I finally polished off the bizarre dish.
From now on, when with Seo-yoon, I need to always think of what I want to eat.