Chapter 11
Chapter 11
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: Scandal
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Lucy had picked Lee Ho-yeon as her sparring opponent, but none of the cadets seemed interested in the actual fight.
"Five thousand won says Lucy ends it in 30 seconds."
"I'll bet ten thousand on 25 seconds."
"Come on, at this rate, no one's gonna bet."
Some cadets were even wagering on how quickly Lee Ho-yeon would lose.
"Is Lee Ho-yeon really that weak? He's in A-Class too."
"Heard he switched from swordsmanship to magic less than a month ago."
"What? For real? Why'd he do that?"
"No idea."
Not many students knew that Lee Ho-yeon had taken down a Level 7 Scrap Iron Giant during the morning's simulated monster training.
Even those who saw it chalked it up to luck. No one recognized his mana control.
So, no one thought Lee Ho-yeon stood a chance against Lucy, the top first-year prospect.
"Lucy's a one-trick pony with attacks, but damn, she's strong."
"But what's her deal? She's not the type to hate on someone."
"Yeah, weird. Maybe she's into him?"
The A-Class students were chatting about the matchup between Lucy and Lee Ho-yeon.
"I mean, look at that face. Who wouldn't be interested?"
"Fair point. Heh."
"Hey, it's starting. Focus up."
"Oh, this could be fun."
The cadets who claimed zero interest suddenly locked in as the spar began.
A mana barrier enveloped the arena to keep attacks from spilling outside.
"3, 2, 1. Begin!"
It started with a cautious probe, each testing the other's level.
"Nah, Lucy's going easy. Playing favorites 'cause he's hot."
"But it's only been a month since he switched, right? His mana control's pretty good for that."
"Not even a month—two weeks tops. And it's just average. Why the hype?"
"Huh, yeah, when you put it that way."
A few cadets analyzed sharply amid the chatter, but once an impression stuck, it was hard to shake.
As the spar dragged on, though, the students' reactions flipped.
"What? Did you see that?"
"Whoa, he dodged that on pure luck."
They called it luck at first.
"Damn, he just happened to dash into an opening."
"No, wait... that looked deliberate."
"Hold up, I saw it too—his eyes didn't leave the spell for a second."
Even in A-Class, top tiers and bottom feeders existed.
Han Su-won and Ha Hyun-seung, who'd ranked high on the entrance exam, spoke up, and others started stirring.
"Nah, no way. His physicals aren't that great—how's he tracking it?"
"Yeah, total coincidence."
"Wait, why are his eyes glowing gold like that?"
Someone finally noticed the change in Lee Ho-yeon's eyes.
His golden irises shimmered faintly, blending with his striking looks to create an otherworldly aura.
"A skill? Never heard of one that makes your eyes glow."
"Eyes glowing? Those are badass... like CG."
Everyone watching intently could see it now.
His dodges weren't luck—they were all intentional.
"Holy shit, insane."
"Those eyes have to be a unique ability. Something like seeing through magic?"
"Yeah, doesn't look like any skill I've seen. The feats don't add up."
Lee Ho-yeon's impossible evasions continued, leaving students speechless.
But most overlooked one key fact: he hadn't used magic since the spar began.
Just once at the start—to block her fire arrow with a barrier.
After that, only body strengthening and raw physicals, fueled by mana.
Only Nam Da-eun and Elise saw through that far.
The highlight came last: Lee Ho-yeon pressed a dagger to Lucy's throat. The stands went dead silent.
"Instructor? Winner declaration, please."
"Uh, y-yeah. Winner: Lee Ho-yeon. Both of you, come down."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Insane. For real."
"Gotta be a unique ability. He read every spell."
"I saw him take down that Scrap Iron Giant with fire magic this morning."
After sparring class ended, the classroom buzzed with talk of Lee Ho-yeon.
Elise and Nam Da-eun's dominant shows shone too, but Lee Ho-yeon was the star.
His graceful movements captivated, and his handsome face had star quality.
"Handsome face, eyes glowing gold, then that dagger to Lucy's throat—like a movie scene."
"I recorded it. Uploading to EveryDay for sure."
"At this rate, won't he snag first-year top spot?"
"Hey, watch your mouth."
"Oh? Uh..."
Nam Da-eun had overheard from the back row.
"Uh... we weren't really talking about you... sorry..."
"..."
She ignored the apology, staring at her phone without a glance.
As if she couldn't care less about the chatter.
And amid it all, the man himself stayed composed.
Lee Ho-yeon propped his chin, blankly staring ahead.
"Go talk to him."
"That intense gaze... what's he thinking?"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Fuck, what's wrong with my eyes?
Scary.
After the spar, amid the noisy classroom, I had plenty to mull over alone.
Thankfully, the golden glow faded soon after it ended.
'Unique ability this, unique ability that—they're losing it.'
Abilities are powers awakened through personal talent and effort, not formalized spells or mana techniques.
Genius types here usually manifest their own unique ability—a "unique ability."
Most people never do.
As the protagonist, Lee Ho-yeon has a solid one.
⚔ STATUS ⚔ ▶ Unique Ability
「 Combat Sense 」
Grants corrections to all actions deemed 'combat.'
Effect increases with combat danger level.
A combat-focused unique ability granting innate combat sense and instincts in all battle-related actions.
And then, [Clairvoyance].
⚔ STATUS ⚔ ▶ Unique Skill
『 Clairvoyance 』
Concentrates mana in the eyes to maximize visual acuity.
Maximizes ability to perceive and distinguish mana-infused entities or forms.
'Unique skill.'
A one-of-a-kind skill unique to the user. Usually a mix of abilities and skills, but here it's ability plus perk.
The reason I pulled off those insane dodges to beat Lucy? [Clairvoyance].
My perk [Mana Sensitivity] synergized with his unique trait for a boosted effect... or so I figure.
Never imagined this combo, but good thing I went mage route.
"Impressive."
"Huh? Oh, thanks."
Kim Young-han approached.
He's got no reservations. Others hesitate to approach me, but his personality—and face that holds up to mine—gives him confidence.
"Looked badass. Eyes like polished gold; thought it was straight out of a comic."
"You weren't half bad yourself."
"Psh, nothing next to your impact. So, those golden eyes—what's the deal? Everyone freaked. Your unique ability?"
Kim Young-han asked with his usual bright grin.
"Eh, trade secret."
It's not even a unique ability, and no need to spell out [Clairvoyance]'s details myself.
Better to keep the unique ability shield for any weird shit later.
"Bummer. Dinner after class? Found a killer chicken spot."
"Sorry, got plans."
Dinner with a guy? Total energy sink. Ironclad no.
Too busy chasing girls for that.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Skip training today."
Condition's off. Proper rest fuels growth.
"Yeah, rest up. This is my reward."
On impulse, I headed out of the dorm.
Not for training—snackless room, time for shopping. Gotta splurge sometimes for the gains.
The shopping district unchanged since two days ago.
Strolled the park, sat on a bench, gazed at the sky. Still doesn't feel like a game world.
After wandering aimlessly for half an hour, I spotted a cafe with big windows.
Falling Moon Cafe
The place I met Moon Soo-rin. Peeked in—no sign of her.
"Might as well check it out."
Memories of game info resurfaced after meeting her here.
She loves this spot. Never know when I'll return—scope the layout.
Marts and convenience stores still open anyway.
*Ding~*
"Welcome~!"
Inside: scattered tables, stairs to a second floor.
Cute decor asserted itself in every corner—girl-friendly vibe.
"One Clair Rose Latte, please."
"Yessir~"
(No clue what Clair Rose is—probably some dungeon plant.)
"One Clair Rose Latte up~."
Grabbed the drink, settled in a dim corner. Faint rose scent.
*Slurp.*
Sweet rose at first, then minty cool... then suddenly spicy.
"Whoa, what the hell's this flavor?"
Wake-you-up taste, sure... but why?
Amazed, I lifted the cup. Pale green and white layers, unmixing even when stirred—visually appealing.
*Ding~*
New customer. Glanced over.
Moon Soo-rin ordering coffee.
"Gulp!"
What? For real? Timing this good?
She finished paying, scanned for a seat... our eyes met.
Quick nod hello—and she headed my way.
Huh?