Chapter 947
Chapter 947
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 947
Chapter Title: Academy's Savior
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Following the successful exorcism of the malicious spirits haunting the grounds, Kalles and Namgung Hwa-yeon moved with surprising efficiency. Once the administration received Hwa-yeon’s report on the building's abysmal state, they finally dispatched a cleaning crew to the Spirit Department.
A full remodel would have been preferred, but the administration conveniently claimed a "budget deficit." Whether that was true or just a lack of interest in a department with only two members—myself and Kalles—remained to be seen. To them, investing in us probably felt like throwing money into a black hole.
Kalles, however, seemed perfectly content with the weathered aesthetic.
"The spirits are quite fond of this building," she remarked, as if stating a universal law. "The older the structure, the more mystery it accumulates. And spirits? They absolutely thrive on mystery."
'Not all spirits are created equal,' I thought, my mind immediately drifting to Machina. My mechanical spirit—currently in human form—spent her days in a cycle of gaming, binge-watching TV, and ordering takeout. To my mother, Sung Ha-ri, Machina’s lethargy was "adorable," treating her more like a pampered pet than a person. Unless I summoned her for a specific task, she was essentially a high-tech freeloading bum.
With the Spirit Department officially open for business, I began my first day of formal classes. The walk from the main campus was a bit of a trek, but having a sexy Dark Elf as my sole instructor made the commute worth it.
--- ### **The First Lesson: Spirit Arts**
Swish swish.
I paused in the hallway as a viscous black liquid slithered past my boots. It was a Shadow Spirit contracted to Kalles. It paused, extended a liquid-like hand to wave at me, and then resumed its task. It was essentially acting as a magical robotic vacuum, mopping every inch of the hallway it touched. Another shadow spirit was wriggling along the walls nearby.
Kalles’s trait, Forest of Darkness (A+), clearly gave her an incredible affinity for the dark and the hidden.
"You're here," Kalles greeted me as I entered the classroom.
Since it was just the two of us, her attire was even more relaxed than usual. She wore a shoulder-baring top that accentuated the curves of her chest and a pair of short hot pants. She looked comfortable, cool, and dangerously enticing.
"I’m a bit nervous," I said. "This is technically my first official spirit arts class."
"Oh, stop. Don't play the innocent student with me," she laughed. "You were trained by the True Spirit Singer Family. You’ve had masters better than me teaching you since you could walk."
"True. But this is the first time I’m being graded for it."
I needed to manage her expectations. "Instructor Kalles, just a heads-up: I have absolutely no talent for Spirit Arts."
There was a difference between commanding spirits and Spirit Arts. The latter involved complex spells to channel a spirit's power—like using a water spirit’s essence to heal a wound. While my affinity was "genius-level," my ability to blueprint mana for spells was non-existent. I preferred direct commands; I tell them to hit something, and they hit it.
"I’ve heard the rumors. Let’s keep today simple then. Just a bit of theory and a chat."
She summoned a low-grade shadow spirit, Ril, onto her palm. "The absolute basics involve Transformation. Because spirits are ethereal, they can be molded. Watch."
The shadow spirit wriggled and then fused with her hand, forming a sleek black glove with five-centimeter obsidian claws. She flexed her fingers, the spirit moving as naturally as skin.
"Now you try. Guide your spirit into a mana blueprint."
I summoned Moka, the thunder owl. "Moka. Focus. We’re making a sword."
I tried to design the mana blueprint, but it felt like trying to draw a masterpiece in the dark. Moka’s form blurred like a glitched video feed before snapping back to its original owl shape. A total failure.
"Failed," I noted dryly.
"Mm. Your mana blueprint wasn't solid enough," Kalles analyzed. "It’s a common hurdle for those with high direct affinity. Should we just give up on the 'Arts' side of things?"
"Is it that easy to quit?"
"Clinging to a weakness is a waste of time. You can still command them with brutal efficiency even without the fancy spells. Sometimes, the direct approach is better anyway."
"Suits me fine. I fight my way, they fight theirs." Plus, I still had Spirit Possession as my ultimate trump card.
Kalles hopped off her desk and sat on mine, crossing her legs. Her taut, brown thighs were inches from my face, and the sweet scent of her perfume filled my lungs.
"We still have some time. Any questions for your teacher? Anything at all."
"Why are you being so nice to me? Is it just the Dean's request?"
"The Dean did ask me to watch over you," she said, reaching out to comb her fingers through my hair. "But that’s not the whole reason. I genuinely like you, Yu-jin. As an elf, I’m drawn to your scent. You smell... like the spirits themselves."
I activated Spirit Eye. My pupils glowed a dull gold. Kalles’s expression softened even further, her hand moving from my hair to caress my cheek.
"Such pretty eyes..."
### **The Departmental Tug-of-War**
Just as the atmosphere was turning intimate, the door burst open. Two burly men—the heads of the Sword Arts and Spear Arts departments—marched in.
"Listen here, Spirit Teacher!" the Sword Arts instructor roared. "Yu-jin is a natural-born swordsman! Sending him to this dusty department is like flushing a diamond down the toilet! He’s Sword King material!"
"Nonsense!" the Spear Arts teacher countered. "His javelin throw is world-class. He’s the son of the Sky-Piercing Thunder Star! Spear blood runs in his veins, not some fancy toothpick skill!"
They completely ignored Kalles and turned toward me.
"Yu-jin! Come to Sword Arts! The sword is the true king of weapons!"
"Spear Arts is your destiny! Don't let your mother's legacy go to waste!"
They saw me as a once-in-a-generation genius, unaware that my "genius" was just the result of past-life experience and boosted stats. If they actually taught me, they’d eventually realize I lacked the innate 'spark' they were looking for. Plus, I had no desire to sweat under the tutelage of two meatheads when I could stay here with a dark elf beauty.
"You two," Kalles interrupted, her smile widening in that dangerous way people do when they’re about to snap. "Do you think I’m a pushover just because I’m the new hire?"
The two men flinched as her aura flared, but they held their ground. "We mean no disrespect, but the boy is too valuable. For his future, yield him to a real department."
Kalles sighed. "Fine. Let Yu-jin decide."
I looked at Kalles, then at the two shouting heads. "I choose the Spirit Department."
"Why?!" they shouted in unison.
"Because I’m a spirit master," I said. Before they could argue, I dropped the hammer. "And because my Mom and Grandpa want me here."
Mentioning Sung Ha-ri and the head of the True Spirit Singer Family acted like a localized time-stop. Those names were too big for any department head to challenge. The Sword Arts teacher cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Well... if Sung Ha-ri-nim insists... then Sword Arts respects your choice. My apologies, Instructor Kalles. We’ll be going now."
The Spear Arts teacher bowed deeply and followed him out with his tail between his legs. Kalles watched them leave with a wry smile.
"That worked... but it feels a little cheap."
"Instructor Kalles," I said, standing up. "One more question."
"What is it?"
"What’s your type in men?"
Kalles let out a low, melodic chuckle. "Hmm. Someone exactly like you, perhaps?"