Chapter 90
Chapter 90
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 90
Chapter Title: 17. Teacher
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The classroom was rowdy for a while. Soon, Seonghu Brother calmed the kids down with his usual icy demeanor before a complaint could come from the next class about the noise. Even after hearing that Seonghu Brother had a girlfriend, the girls still blushed and looked at him with excitement. At that moment, a scream erupted from the back— from the direction of the next class.
Kyaaah—!!!
Everyone in the class turned around in shock. Minhee and I whipped our heads back too. Noisy voices kept coming from the next class nonstop. I whispered in Minhee's ear.
“Judging by the girls' voices, maybe the teacher in that class is a hunk too?”
“Looks like it.”
“What if all the homeroom teachers for our year are total babes?”
“That would be fun.”
Seonghu Brother maintained his usual poker face amid the chaos, calmly calling roll in a quiet but clear voice that cut through the noise. The kids raised their hands and responded when their numbers and names were called. I did the same. But when I raised my hand and answered, I got the feeling that Seonghu Brother's expression softened just a bit as he looked at me.
Self-study time passed like that. Seonghu Brother wrote the temporary schedule for the day on the blackboard. First period was magic theory.
“Aw, Teacher! Skip class today and let's play!”
“Yeah! No classes on the first day!”
“If there's time left after class, we'll do that. We've done introductions, so let's get to it.”
Seonghu Brother had a bit of a rigid side. The kids let out disappointed “Aww~”s, but they seemed more excited than usual for a hot teacher's class. I was pretty looking forward to hearing Seonghu Brother's lesson for the first time too. With curiosity all over my face, I looked up at him.
“Today, I think I'll do a lesson outside the textbook. On ‘special attributes.’”
Special attributes? I stopped reaching for my textbook and pulled out my notebook and pencil case from my desk drawer instead. I opened the notebook and took out a mechanical pencil. Special attributes... I'd heard the term a few times. Not long ago, I'd been agonizing over special abilities born from talents. I figured I needed to pay close attention to this lesson.
‘Come to think of it, this world seems to have the concept of superpowers too. Aren't special abilities pretty close to that?’
Minhee's magic nullification, for example. Though she said it hadn't manifested yet?
The kids whispered among themselves before focusing on Seonghu Brother. The others seemed interested in “special attributes” too.
“As you know, magic has attributes. The basics are light and darkness, the natural elements of water, fire, wind, earth, and derivatives like plants and metal from nature, plus lightning. Those are the standard magic attributes. But items that detect attributes sometimes add ‘series’ like mental or special series.”
Mental series and special series. Mental series refers to talent for magic related to the mind, and special covers other attributes that can't be explained by the standard ones.
“For reference, the compatibility levels shown on attribute detection items aren't for the attributes themselves, but for ‘magic of those attributes.’ Everyone basically has all attributes that exist in the world. The reason many don't show up is simply that the compatibility isn't high enough to use them in magic.”
So, everyone has all attributes in the world to begin with. I'd heard that before, so I nodded lightly.
“So, the ‘special series attribute’ on magic compatibility items is completely different from the ‘special attributes’ I'm talking about now. Special series is talent for using various magics outside the standard attributes, without pinpointing one. Very few people have zero compatibility for special series, and even fewer can't use special magic at all— unless they're non-mages.”
Was that right? I made a strange face. I'd thought the special attribute magics and the gem plate's special series didn't quite match up, but I had no details. I nearly scratched my head. Man, I didn't even know this basic stuff. My studying had been a waste. Basics are key in this world....
“And special attributes are those only a very few people can use, almost unrelated to regular compatibility. In other words, ‘attributes usable only by special people.’”
I toyed lightly with my pencil before bringing it back to my notebook. Seonghu Brother teaching seriously with a straight face was pretty cool, but I was more interested in special attributes.
“Today, I'll talk about these special attributes and check your talents related to them. Special attributes have a lot of caveats, so it's good to learn early. Plus, people with special attributes often get noticeable physical changes from mana or ‘special abilities’ tied to mana talent.”
I jotted notes in my notebook like doodling, listing just the key words.
“First, the basics on special attributes. They're exactly that— special. Only a tiny number of mages with unique mana can touch them.”
A tiny number of mages with unique mana... I glanced at Minhee for a second. I'd studied special attributes a bit. I knew she was one of those mages.
“‘Special attributes’ tie into ‘special attribute magic.’ You can't use special attribute magic without all required attributes, so even if it's spell magic, only some mages can. For true magic, you might use it but need tools to supplement mana— and you'd have to draw the formation each time, which is a hassle.”
Saying that, Seonghu Brother wrote on the electronic blackboard about special attribute magic.
『Star Magic | Healing Magic | Seal Magic
Sun Magic | Purification Magic | Barrier Magic
Moon Magic | Poison Magic (+Antidote) | Space Magic
Atmospheric Magic | Illusion Magic (Mental) | Null Attribute Magic
Cosmic Magic | Time Magic』
I stared blankly at the list, eyes widening. Some looked familiar.
“Among special attribute magic, there are lower-tier spells. If the attribute purity or level is low, even ordinary people can use some. But if attributes don't match, even lower-tier ones are impossible. These are examples.”
Seonghu Brother drew vertical lines grouping star magic to cosmic magic, and seal magic to time magic excluding space series. He switched the electronic pen to blue and underlined some.
“Healing magic and illusion magic. These are the most usable among special magics.”
I stared blankly at the underlined words, then quickly copied them into my notebook.
“Of course, there are many other special attribute magics, but these are the most well-known.”
It was surprising. Not just because it was my first time hearing such details on special attributes, but because some of the listed magics were ones I could use. Huh? Wait....
‘Barrier magic is basically space magic, right?’
My curiosity was brief; Seonghu Brother continued.
“Magics like star or cosmic that symbolize natural things but mix multiple attributes can't be used without those attributes. But healing or illusion have lower-tier versions usable with just one matching attribute. Purification attribute mages can antidote poison too— more like ‘purify’ it. And antidote magic is totally different from healing. Remember that.”
He pointed to barrier magic next.
“This is close to space magic but veers off. Depending on usage, it can fit various attributes. Space magic: the most famous are teleport and subspace. But they're high-tier, and other space magics usually require matching attributes.”
Yeah, among people I knew, some had the mana but couldn't teleport. Mom's C-rank but can't. Same for subspace. Inha learned teleport somehow but she's clumsy at it.
‘Communication magic... seems space-related.’
Auntie Seona can do both teleport and subspace. Uncle Jeongmin can teleport but not subspace. I hear Inho Brother can't do subspace either.
‘Space magic feels close to darkness magic?’
Seonghu Brother pointed to null attribute magic.
“Null attribute magic balances darkness and light perfectly— literally no attribute. It belongs to no attribute and can even nullify them. Pretty unique among special attributes.”
Ah, Minhee's eyes changed. I noticed, stopped writing, and looked up. Seonghu Brother's calm face.
“Null attribute is also a symbolic attribute for mages.”
I tilted my head. Symbolic attribute?
“Mages are called by their main magic or highest compatibility attribute. I use ice— water's advanced attribute— so I'm called an ice attribute mage.”
The kids stopped silent and buzzed.
“Oh yeah, I've heard attributes before mage names.”
“Right?”
Yeah, common. Seonghu Brother continued.
“A null attribute mage has all attributes equally. Past a certain mana level, they can nullify magic with mana alone— a special ability.”
“Wow, really?!”
“Amazing~.”
All attributes equally... I glanced at my hand. All attributes equally.
‘Technically, I have all attributes too. Wonder if I can use null magic?’
But null magic narrowly fuses darkness and light equally, broadly all attributes equally. Not easy. Insanely hard.
Still, I noted it.
“Time magic is the hardest here. Lots of restrictions. But it's not just rewinding or skipping time. Some borrow time's power: dawn magic, twilight magic, night and day magic.”
Dawn, twilight, night and day magic....
I suddenly recalled my dream. Dawn immediately brings it to mind.
“Dawn magic is mostly for purification. Twilight is destructive, life-related, very dangerous. Night and day are domain magic. Summoning series too.”
He wrote that and turned to us. I was half-excited learning new magic knowledge. I could use some he mentioned. Maybe more special attribute magics suited me....
“Theory on special attribute magic ends here. Now, we'll use gem plates that detect all these to check your talents. But first....”
“...?”
“If anyone here has both light and darkness compatibility, they can use about half these special attribute magics.”
“...!”
Minhee and I looked up at Seonghu Brother in shock. He continued.
“Being able to use both darkness and light magic is special to begin with. Come up and get one each. No need to share results. Keep it to yourself. If you want lessons on related magic, apply privately.”
Got it.... Classroom rules on secrecy apply here too.
Gem plates passed from front to back. I checked mine. All special attributes listed. It only shows if compatible, not strength. Light strength shows differently, though.
“Alright, then... let's do it.”
Minhee tried first. I watched her plate with a pounding heart.
Results: Null magic lit up, plus atmospheric, moon, healing, seal, space.
“Ooh...!”
“Eunha? You try!”
I nodded and infused mana. Everything lit up except one.
“Whoa....”
The one was poison-related. Ah, staring in surprise, I touched a gem.
“Look, healing is iffy.”
“Yeah. It's flickering.”
“True. But having both light and darkness means half the special magics— seems real.”
I nodded. Minhee and I both have all attributes, but key difference.
When Minhee infuses a gem plate, all show mid-level numbers. If max 10, all 5s.
All equal mediocrity. But mine vary. Except three, all high. So more special magic compatibility makes sense.
“Oh yeah, Hansu had light and darkness too?”
“Light overwhelming. 9 light, 3 darkness?”
“Yeah. But seeing this, it's impressive. Three of us can use both?”
“Yeah. Supposed to be one in ten million for mages.”
We whispered. Dangerous if others heard. We checked kids were focused on their plates.
Amazed, I smiled proudly at mine. Suspected, but not this much compatibility. Heart raced with excitement. More magic to learn. My heart fluttered.
‘Let's see, illusion and space-time— barrier's my unique already.... Great! Star and cosmic first. Like my world. Null too hard, seal! Seal sounds fun! Seals magic too?’
School has tons of magic books. Simulation CDs too. No learning issues. Ask master, Junhwi Teacher, Min Teacher. I'm so lucky. So many reliable teachers. And homeroom's someone I know. Ask Seonghu Brother too?
Face flushing excitedly. Kids noisy with plates, Seonghu Brother asked us.
“Everyone check special attribute compatibilities?”
“Yes!”
“None for me!”
“I got healing.”
“Space for me!”
“I got none!”
Kids chattered. All checked. Seonghu Brother nodded shortly.
“Good. Normal to have none. Now, on physical changes that come with those attributes.”
Kids quieted, turned to teacher. Minhee and I too.
“As you know, strong mages get physical changes. Most common: skin, eye, hair color shifts.”
I stroked my hair unconsciously. It'd darkened to dark brown. Still brown-ish, but expect full black soon.
“Or eyes change only when focusing mana. All mages have mana resistance based on strength. Weaker mana than yours barely affects you.”
Right. Felt that with Auntie Seona.
“Body gets tougher, physical abilities up too. All mages get some: faster healing, sharper senses.”
Agreed. More magic training, tougher body. Faster running, stronger. Healing... no injuries, but eyesight better?
“Transcendents don't just improve a bit— totally inhuman. Strength, speed, instant regen, no food/water a month, hold breath two hours.”
Whoa.... Swallowed. Definitely not human. We call S-rank mages Transcendents for a reason. Proof they've surpassed humanity.
But this world's Transcendent ratio weird. Numbers low maybe. World pop over 7 billion mages? New ones born, die yearly. Magic history near 1000 years. Ranks last 200. Total S-ranks ever: 200, including dead.
Maybe not many. But over 200 living? Special ratio. This world super sturdy.
Meaning Auntie Seona really has that body. Wow, never realized.
While amazed, Seonghu Brother detailed more examples. Common beyond, famous special physiques.
“And... examples of specific physiques. Mages specialized in one attribute... all mana in body turns that attribute.”
Hee....
“Overwhelming attack/defense, but vulnerable to other attributes. Not unable, though.”
Won't happen to me. Most my magic not single-attribute.
“Naturally affects body too... Famous example: S-rank world rank 77, Symphony. Known for strength and healing. Physique: body cures all diseases.”
Eyes widened.
“One drop blood, strand hair cures anything. Amazing mage.”
Drop blood, strand hair....
Wow. Only awe. Gaped in wonder, covered mouth laughing.
“Plant mages feeling plants' moods, talking to them.”
“Waa...!”
“Or flowers bloom where they walk. Super noticeable, troublesome.”
Yeah!
Yelled inwardly, stifled laugh. Feels like something Hansu could do, more real.
“Fire mages immune to real fire/burns. Not just magic— talent-related special abilities too. Prophets, sensors.”
But only at certain talent levels. Seonghu Brother firm. Not all mages have them.
Cool stories. I have several, but haven't seen all these.
“Mage I know understands all languages without magic. Animals, insects too. Reads nature's flow. Like weather soon.”
Wow, fun physique.... Huh? Eyes widened.
Huh....
‘Reads nature's flow... nature magic... Eunhee Sister? Spirit magic.’
Felt right. All languages unsure, but spirits tied to nature. And Seonghu Brother smiled. Few make him smile just thinking.
Seonghu Brother gave more examples. Kids focused amazed. Bell rang. Break time already.
“Class over. Questions? Staff room. Or next class.”
“I have a question!”
“Me too!”
“Ask now!”
Half the kids yelled, followed him out. I watched slightly flustered Seonghu Brother, laughed.
“Thought no one'd talk to you as teacher, scared stiff.”
“Yeah. Me too. Kids bolder than thought.”
“'Cause you're teacher?”
“Maybe.”
Minhee and I chatted, nodded quietly. Yeah, teacher thing.
Hallway crowded following Seonghu Brother. Felt sorry for him. Better stay in class. Tongue click inwardly, Minhee suddenly stood.
“Alright, let's go.”
“Where?”
“Tell Inha, Hansu, Hyunho!”
“Ah....”
Thought, nodded, stood. Minhee excited.
“Plus~! Curious why next class screamed.”
“Yeah... me too.”
“Right?”
Minhee linked arms. Raised other, yelled.
“Depart!”
Arm-in-arm to back door. But through window, I paled.
Hall packed. Seonghu Brother stuck going to staff room. Still, blocking cold-faced Seonghu Brother. Bold kids....
Crowd denser today. Other years too. Minhee yanked door. Bang! Too hard, nearby kids jumped.
“Wah!”
“What?!”
“Whoops....”
Minhee apologetic. Then weird: kids whispered, stared at me silent. Pushed front boy. He frowned at friends, shuffled to me.
“Uh, sorry... were we loud?”
“No, accident... excuse us.”
“Hey! Move! Eunha passing!”
“Huh? Okay!”
“Got it!”
Path split— whoosh. Stunned. Minhee awed.
“As expected of Eunha....”
Kids stared blankly. Silent signal to pass? Even Seonghu Brother looked impressed/amused. Felt pressure, but had to go.
‘Ugh, no choice.’
Head down, stepped. Familiar voice ahead.
“Hey, Eunha? There you are!”
Looked up. As expected. Min Teacher? Minhee gasped beside.
“Huh...? M-Min... Teach...!”
Before I finished, Min Teacher ran, hugged tight. Kyaaah~!! Girls screamed.
Gah, flustered, patted back, whispered.
“Wait, Teacher. Hallway?”
“So happy to see you.”
“Don't hug anywhere. Misunderstandings.”
“Junhwi fine.”
“Not others...!”
Ugh. Troubled whispering. Min Teacher's skinship up lately. Since last year? Hugged comforting few times, increased since.
Flustered, Seonghu Brother's calm voice from back.
“Min Senior. Didn't know you so close with these kids. But Eunha's troubled— let go.”
“Aww~.”
‘No awing!’
Min Teacher sighed, released. Then smack— someone hit his head. Minhee and I looked up. Junhwi Teacher there.
“Ow, why hit sudden?”
“Look like I wouldn't?”
Eyes bulged.
‘Huh? Junhwi Teacher too?’
Looked around, regretted. Kids blushing, squealing. Jealousy-free? Nah, some. Ughhh.... Head down, hands over face.
“Huh? Eunha, what's wrong?”
“...Think her personality. Wouldn't she?”
Ugh, mortified. Thought used to stares....
Then dropped hands. Worse. Girl surrounded, face-covered head-down... most embarrassing. Cheeks pink, looked up at three.
“Um, why here... Junhwi Teacher, Min Teacher....”
“Oh, Eunha here?”
“Wow~ super visible spot... Whoa! Min Teach! And Seonghu Bro!”
“What? Real? Seonghu Bro... Junhwi Teach!”
Friends coming to us spotted them, shocked pointing. Hansu, Inha— beauties— appeared, kids near fainting (figuratively).
Friends sidled close, asked.
“Why Min Teach and Seonghu Bro here?”
“Min Teacher's our homeroom.”
Inha's words shocked us looking. Hyunho next.
“Huh? Junhwi Teach our homeroom?”
Minhee last.
“Seonghu Brother our homeroom....”
Head down thinking.
Seonghu Brother just got teacher cert, our homeroom. Fine. Min and Junhwi Teachers original school staff.
Right. Heard they handle upper elementary magic. Sometimes middle/high too.
Nodded, got it.
‘Yeah. Cool. Understood.’
Then spoke.
“Wanna go my class....”
Can't take stares. Fled to class, slammed door. Dodged stares, stumbled to seat. Muttered.
“What is this....”
Exhausted, head down.