Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Im Sol (2)
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"No, you have to make it moderately complicated, what the hell is this?"
The old artifact craftsman recently modified a mana auxiliary device for my training, so I gave him one. But it came back like a bomb that could explode at any moment.
I studied it intently for about a week, but I still couldn't figure out how to use it.
To be blunt, if even I can't use it, no other mage could touch it. For him to bring back something like this as training equipment—has the old man finally lost his mind? I just can't understand it.
"Huh, where'd it go?"
Last night, I decided not to leave such a dangerous thing lying around unused for training and placed it on my desk in the office to dispose of it. But it's gone after just one day.
"Ah, damn it. This is why I should clean up regularly."
The bookshelves were packed full except for the door area, papers and documents scattered on the floor, and scraps of paper I'd jotted down whenever magical inspiration struck were rolling around everywhere.
Shuuuuk.
I drew a simple magic circle and started cleaning up.
The books piled on the floor returned to their proper places, the papers and documents were neatly stacked and placed on the desk.
Even the scraps of paper found their way into the trash bin on their own.
"No, where the hell is it? Seriously?"
It was modified, but it's no ordinary item.
The magical formula processed into the mana auxiliary device was twisted in reverse to minimize mana sensitivity, and when mana is drawn up, it creates an internal shock as a backlash.
On top of that, it was imbued with a property that repels mana, overloading the body.
Unexpectedly, the synergy was too good, and I ended up injuring myself just trying to train with it.
In the end, I left it out to dispose of it and went to do other research, and it disappeared in the meantime.
"Well, it must be somewhere. I didn't take it outside."
Knowing how dangerous it was, I wouldn't do something stupid like taking it out. So it must be tucked away somewhere, probably in a hard-to-reach spot like under the bookshelf.
Knock knock knock.
"Professor, are you in there?"
"Yeah~ Come in."
My female teaching assistant, who helps with research, entered the room and spoke in surprise.
"Whoa, what's this? You suddenly cleaned the whole room? You always said the natural state is best for research and refused to clean."
"Yeah, I was looking for something. Hey, did you happen to see a bracelet that looks like a mana auxiliary device?"
"Oh, the mana auxiliary on the desk? I put it back in the practice tools box."
"...What?"
"I figured you'd forget about it while researching, and since the freshmen have practice class today, I tidied it up. Good job, right?"
"Hey, you crazy... Wait, practice class today?"
"Yes. It's probably happening right now? Why?"
I shot up!
I untangled my crossed legs, stood from my chair, shoved the dazed assistant aside, and bolted toward the mana research building.
"Professor, where are you going! You have paperwork to do! Running away again?!"
"Argh, that irresponsible brat."
The mana research building wasn't far from here. It'd be faster to run than prepare a teleport magic circle.
The mana auxiliary device and the modified training version looked extremely similar on the outside.
Of course, a close inspection would reveal something off, but neither professors nor assistants pay close attention to mana auxiliaries, and the students are seeing them for the first time, so they wouldn't notice at all.
If a student happened to put on the modified mana auxiliary... who knows what horrific thing might happen.
Hospitalization from mana circuit damage? That'd be lucky.
They were more likely to end up crippled, unable to use mana for life, or even die.
I couldn't even blame the assistant. I'd borrowed artifacts for research and forgotten to return them multiple times, earning reprimands.
In the end, leaving a dangerous item carelessly was mostly my fault.
'Ugh... Please, let nothing have happened.'
I entered the mana research building entrance. Fortunately, the freshmen class was on the first floor, right in sight.
Bang!
I burst in like I was going to break the door.
I flung open the front door of the classroom in session, so I should have seen the students' faces, but they were all clustered at the back of the room.
"What? What's going on?"
"I heard Lee Ho-yeon suddenly collapsed? Damn, too many people, I can't see."
'Lee Ho-yeon?'
The student I remembered and noted from the last mage specialty class.
'It would've been better if he had no talent at all!'
With mediocre talent resisting mana backlash, he might really end up crippled. Better to collapse unaware, at least allowing for later emergency measures.
"Excuse me! Coming through!"
"Hey, what's this. Whoa... Professor Im Sol?"
Pushing through the crowd, I saw a male student collapsed on the floor.
The first thing that caught my eye was his appearance. I'd seen him last class, but it still felt fresh.
I'd seen plenty of handsome people in my life, but this level made all previous guys look like squid.
And next, I noticed that handsome face twisting and grimacing, letting out groans moment by moment.
'He's still maintaining consciousness?'
He looked like he was about to vomit blood and die, but inside, a fierce battle raged to subdue the rampaging mana.
And at an incredibly high level. Plus, it was a mana operation method I'd never seen before.
'The mana operation... feels off somehow.'
It was a mana operation completely different from known methods.
As if, rather than passive and formulaic, it was active and instinctive...
'Huh?'
Suddenly, Im Sol felt a tickling in her chest. A super-focused state right before enlightenment or a breakthrough realm. A rare phenomenon she'd only felt when awakening herself.
But seeing Mana Research Professor Han Jae-young trying to grab Lee Ho-yeon snapped her out of it.
"What the hell are you doing right now!"
"Professor Im Sol? Why are you here? Perfect timing. We need to give emergency treatment to the patient. It's urgent, so help out."
"No, don't touch him."
"What nonsense is this? This student's internal mana circuits are a total mess. We need to act now."
"I said don't touch him!"
Any external mana interference would just hinder now. This is why low-level professors should all be cut from Victoria. Sigh.
After glaring at the skeleton-like professor, I looked back at Lee Ho-yeon.
But the tickling sensation from before was already gone.
Such opportunities don't come easily, and that crazy professor ruined it. Frustration washed over me, but now wasn't the time for anger.
'If it continues like this... I can't be sure.'
His mana operation was brilliant, but the opponent was too vicious. The modified auxiliary relentlessly rampaged mana and shocked the body.
The more efficiently he drew up mana, the worse the backlash and accumulating fatigue.
How to help...
'Wait, it's speeding up from before?'
The mana operation speed had definitely increased. Clearly higher level than when I first saw it.
"Unconsciously... developing...?"
"Pardon? Professor Im Sol, what are you saying?"
Straightening twisted mana circuits, forcibly clearing blocked paths.
Mana circulated rapidly through the body, capturing the fleeing mana.
"Is mana operation like this... even possible?"
If mana control at this level without formulas...
No, are formulas even necessary? What if we've had the premise wrong from the start?
The student before her was shattering magic's grand premise.
As she entered super-focus again, trying to glimpse the new realm.
Lee Ho-yeon opened his eyes.
"Ah..."
A sigh of regret escaped me unwittingly.
Just a bit more! A little longer, and I'd have seen the new realm!
"Wh... how did you do that!"
"Kuhuk!"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The near-death incident was handled as a simple accident where my research item got mixed into the student practice tools.
From my perspective as the victim, it was life-threatening, but apparently not to others.
They say even simple magic mistakes often cause vomiting blood.
Of course, they got my consent to handle it quietly for the sake of relations with Professor Im Sol.
I received an apology from Professor Im Sol after she came to, and since I had no aftereffects, we let it go.
No need to make enemies of the academy and a professor.
After the incident fizzled out, I was kidnapped by Professor Im Sol.
"Make yourself at home."
Smile smile.
What the hell is this situation?
The genius mage of the century has me sitting like a decorative doll and grinning at me.
"Ah, let me get my head straight. I'll make some tea."
Clap clap.
As her hands clapped twice from under the blue robe, a teacup and set flew from afar onto the desk.
Im Sol personally poured into my cup from the teapot.
"Here, have some tea and relax."
"Yes, thank you."
I picked up the cup and took a sip.
Slurp.
Wait, this is instant coffee.
Glancing ahead, Im Sol stared at my face like a sunflower facing the sun, unconcerned with such trivialities.
"Ahem, Professor? I'm curious why you called me here."
Im Sol went "Ah" with wide eyes, then straightened up as if finally snapping out of it.
"First off, I'm sorry. I feel terrible for the harm caused by my mistake."
Im Sol bowed her head deeply.
"Ah, no. It's fine."
"No, I should have apologized properly, but the academy wanted to bury the incident... I'll compensate you personally for sure."
"Really, it's okay, don't worry."
Normally, saying this makes people feel guilty and want to make it up to you more.
A truly bad person would just shut up, but Im Sol isn't that type.
"Thank you."
"Did you call me just to apologize?"
It felt odd for just an apology.
I already got a nominal one right after treatment.
Calling me again just for that didn't add up.
"I wanted to apologize properly, and I have a proposal for you."
"A proposal?"
Something not in the original story happening suddenly threw me off, but I stayed as calm as possible.
"It might sound sudden, but I want you to help with my research."
"Research? I'd gladly help with anything I can... but is there such a thing?"
"Before we talk, can I clarify one thing? That mana operation you used to fix your twisted circuits earlier. Did you learn it from someone?"
Mana operation? Why bring that up suddenly.
Let me think about Im Sol's character again.
A globally recognized genius mage. An S-rank acknowledged for pushing magic to its limits.
For her to take interest in my mana operation means she saw something in it...
The only thing that comes to mind is [Mana Sensitivity]. She must have seen me intuitively clearing my mana circuits.
"Hello?"
Ah, pondered too long with her right there.
"Sorry. I was thinking. I've never learned any mana operation method."
"So it's 100% your original?"
"Uh... yeah, I suppose so?"
Unless someone else has the perk [Mana Sensitivity] from this world, I'm probably the only one.
"You can believe that answer?"
"Yes, you can."
She seemed dubious, so I affirmed it.
"Ha... sssup."
Suddenly, Im Sol fidgeted like a cat in heat. Breathing deeply alone with "sssup sssup" sounds, her eyes sparkled as she grabbed my hand.
"You... Lee Ho-yeon. You're a genius. Compared to you, every mage or S-rank hunter I've seen is just a sea star!"
"Sea star?"
"Yeah! These sea stars!"
"...No, you're overpraising me."
Why's she suddenly chanting about sea stars? Does she have a grudge against them?
"Not overpraise. With this talent, forget Korea—you'd compete globally..."
"My talent is that good? I thought it was just decent."
It's just skill boost anyway.
"Ha, other sea stars might try to kill you hearing that. For reference, that bracelet you solved? Even I struggle with it."
"Pardon? Really?"
It was genuinely dangerous, but if an active S-rank can't handle it, her reaction makes sense.
My talent, [Mana Sensitivity], was that impressive?
"Yes! So I want your help with my research. It'll surely advance magic greatly!"
"Hmm..."
I have zero interest in advancing magic... but helping would benefit me greatly.
Though not a heroine, Professor Im Sol's abilities are top-notch. Useful for academy life ahead.
No downside to befriending a professor.
But the issue is elsewhere.
Honestly, I have no confidence in helping with research.
The mana operation she's fixated on is just my perk. I lack any knowledge or talent to aid research.
If anything sets me apart, it's mana comprehension, but that's instinctive, beyond words.
After agonizing, I decided to be honest. Haven't even properly strategized heroines yet; can't waste time on uncertainties.
"Will I... be of help? Truthfully, my mana operation is heavily influenced by my skill, so I lack the insight to aid your research."
"I figured that much. Actually, you're one of my research subjects, Lee Ho-yeon."
"Pardon???"
"I have plenty of money saved. Whatever compensation you want."
Hmm, money's nice, sure...
Seeing my interest wane real-time, Im Sol waved her hands frustratedly.
"No, this is a loss for all humanity. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to advance world magic!"
Not calming even after saying it, she yelled "Argh!" and tousled her hair. Truly a magic zealot.
Her wildly shaking hands flipped the hood back, fully revealing her cat-like face.
In the game, she gave a cool, mature adult woman vibe—how does she turn into such a dork?
Does her personality change with magic-related stuff?
"Uh... calm down first, and let's talk slowly."
"Okay. Sssup... haa..."
Im Sol placed a hand on her chest, deep breathing. Her figure visible through the robe was quite alluring.
Ahem, that "anything you want" line lingers. Calm down.
"...You seem very interested in my chest?"
"N-no... Pardon?"
How'd she know? I peeked when the robe fluttered, but caught?
Im Sol pursed her lips, then stood with a resolved gaze.
Swish-
The robe slid down her curves to the floor loosely.
A pink boxy tee draped over her chest rather than fitted, paired with black leggings hugging her thighs—an unfamiliar combo.
Clearly prioritizing comfort, but it accentuated Im Sol's voluptuous figure instead.
She moved to sit beside me in that state.
A sweet, feminine scent unique to women—not fabric softener—wafted up strongly.
"As an apology... if this is what you want, I can bear it."
Why this suddenly? Professor, scary...
Sitting beside me, Im Sol leaned down, looking up from below.
Gazing down at a pretty woman felt oddly off, but a bit thrilling.
From my waist, her slender fingers trailed up my body.
Tap. Tap.
The faint touches felt hypersensitive, arousing.
As I lost my mind to her slowly approaching face and climbing fingers, Im Sol spoke again.
"Ho-yeon. Want to research together?"
"...Thank you for the chance to contribute to world magic development."
"Good choice. Hehe."
Truly, people should live from a pan-humanity perspective.