Erhil (2)
11 p.m. I'd been circulating my Reverse Heaven's Qi to refine the Black Heaven Demonic Art, and before I knew it, the night had deepened.
"How is it?"
"It's amazing."
Reverse Heaven's Qi could somewhat mimic mana, but its nature was fundamentally different. Yet the moment Black Purity was added, its utility started resembling mana quite closely. I couldn't say for sure since I wasn't actually using mana.
Special stat Nian and Reverse Heaven's Qi merge.
Replaced with conceptual stat, Reverse Heaven.
Special stat Nian and Reverse Heaven's Qi replaced with Reverse Heaven.
All related abilities are amplified.
Oh.
I let out a low murmur of admiration, gazing at Reverse Heaven, then froze. The more I read its description, the more bewilderment filled my eyes.
A conceptual stat wasn't something I could acquire right now.
I steadied my mind and circulated Black Purity. The mass near my heart moved more smoothly now. No, it was more like it flowed as naturally as my hands or feet.
"This is…?"
Disbelief lingered in the Black Heaven Demon Sword's voice. Ignoring it, I quietly manifested my power.
Black Scales.
Shaaaaaa!
Black energy writhed, enveloping my hands completely.
"……Impossible."
"Right?"
I thought it was impossible too.
Reverse Heaven. A newly evolved ability as a conceptual stat. Maybe because it was a 'conceptual stat,' it felt markedly different from before—like an extension of my own limbs.
Conceptual stats were unlike special stats. They literally governed concepts themselves.
Even if I'd optimized my route perfectly, this was a power I'd only get by my second year at the earliest—and that was assuming I sacrificed everything for it. Conceptual stats were worth that much, sure. But since you could acquire one by mid-second year without giving up anything else, there was no real need.
Suddenly, it hit me. Choosing the Reverse Heaven Body might actually have been the optimal route for me.
"Even my previous owner needed over five years of training the Black God Martial Art to reach this level. Even if she created it herself, this speed is…"
"How about this much?"
The Black Heaven Demon Sword fell silent.
"Can I learn Black Wings or Black Force? One of the two?"
"Of course. At your current level, you could master either immediately without issue."
I sank to the floor for a moment.
Black Wings and Black Force. Both excellent abilities.
"I'd recommend Black Wings."
The Black Heaven Demon Sword spoke up.
"If Black Scales offers absolute defense, Black Wings provides free mobility and creates variables with its wings. Black Force has absolute penetration, but… for you, Master, generating variables with Black Wings would be better."
"No matter how potent Reverse Heaven's energy, piercing clustered unique abilities, the laws of the world itself, or layered magic would be tough. Tough, but not impossible."
"Your combat prowess is astounding. You learn fast, adapt fast, and apply it to yourself. Even more impressive, you vary your approach based on the opponent."
Honestly, that was just gamer trash habits. Though even in the real world, guys like me were rare. I was the best at tackling boss-level foes, after all.
"That's why I judge Black Wings—which aims for variables—better than the one-shot Black Force. Black Wings are wings made of Reverse Heaven's energy. They move freely at the user's will and grant aerial combat superiority."
I pondered the two options. Honestly, it felt indulgent. Normally, it'd take at least three months to learn either.
"Then I'll…"
I looked at the Black Heaven Demon Sword and quietly opened my mouth.
5 a.m. Time for physical conditioning. I caught my breath and slumped to the ground. I really thought I was gonna die.
Up until Saturday, it had been tolerable, but today Seo Wooju had added a sandbag because I looked fine. And so, Erhil Merhen and Hong Yuhwa were sprawled out amiably beside me.
"Hah, I really hate physical training."
"It's not bad, though."
"Whoa, insane. Look at Hong Yuhwa's midriff."
At the last student's words, I couldn't help glancing at Hong Yuhwa. Her sweat-soaked shirt clung to her body, accentuating her chest. At least D-cup.
'…This is just reflexive.'
I whipped my head away.
"Perverted creeps. Gross."
Kim Seohyeon shot a contemptuous look at the guys who'd just spoken. Luckily, she hadn't noticed me looking. I nodded casually in agreement.
"Huff, heave, seriously, gonna kill you, Instructor."
"Haa, vulgar… well, anyway, huup."
The two were slowly regulating their breathing. Kim Seohyeon handed them water bottles, saying they'd done well.
This was what made someone popular.
"Everyone did great today. Dawn training might feel tough now, but some students are already improving."
Instructor Seo Wooju beamed proudly at me.
"And today, we have a special class."
Seo Wooju grinned at us. It was a chilling smile.
"So make sure you're thoroughly prepared."
He turned and left.
"…Did we train this morning for nothing?"
Someone muttered, and I almost nodded despite knowing skipping dawn training would deduct conduct points.
The Korea Hero School was built over the East Sea. Korea's land was ridiculously narrow, but ley lines flowed beneath it. So even in rural areas, building large facilities cost a fortune. Instead, someone suggested an artificial island at sea would be more practical, and a great hero agreed.
Thus, they made an island in the middle of the ocean. But with the five Chinese nations constantly warring nearby, it wasn't ideal for teaching students. So it ended up over the East Sea.
Its area rivaled Yeouido, with diverse environments inside.
And we'd come to one: an overgrown grassland field.
"Today's class is special. Monster hunting."
Seo Wooju said, surveying the vast plain. A ridiculous hunting ground 4km by 4km. Unique to the Korea Hero School.
Instructor Seo Wooju eyed the students.
"In this grassland field, form teams freely. Cooperate as you like. But everything's monitored by cameras and drones everywhere, so you might not score well. All of it proceeds 'fairly.'"
He emphasized fairness.
"And wear these bracelets. In emergencies, smash the gem in the center, and nearby instructors or assistants will come."
Instructor Seo Wooju had brought a ton of assistants today—over twenty.
"Monster hunting starts in about 20 minutes."
At his shout, students began recruiting teammates.
Monsters were usually ferocious and vicious. Unless you were overflowing with confidence, you'd team up. Or leaders would form groups—like Park Unhyeok.
As soon as we arrived at the grassland, I'd targeted my prey: a monster hiding to avoid others' eyes. Normally I'd ignore it, but yesterday's gains from the Black Heaven Demon Sword made it feasible.
'For that, I need…'
First, Kim Ara for the team. And one of Hong Yuhwa or Erhil Merhen.
I scanned for Kim Ara. Fortunately, no one had seen through her true nature yet.
"Ara. Team up?"
"…With me?"
Kim Ara tilted her head, then nodded.
"…Sure. If you want."
"Of course."
With Kim Ara secured, I looked around. Hong Yuhwa already had followers. Kim Seohyeon was glaring at Park Unhyeok. Kim Seohyeon would go solo anyway, so ignore him. That left…
"Oh my, Lee Seoha, such passionate eyes."
Erhil Merhen grinned playfully.
"…Wanna join?"
"Hmm, first and third place teaming up might mean stingy scores…"
Erhil Merhen smirked.
"But let's do it. If the top student wants me this badly… must be a fun monster, right?"
She nodded.
"Of course. Even splitting points, we'll take first."
"Gasp. Then I'll rely on you, top student."
"…Me too."
Kim Ara cut in as Erhil and I talked.
Me, Kim Ara, and Erhil Merhen. A damn good party.