The Boundary Realm
At a glance, it was the same cave interior as before. But the sensation burrowing into his entire body was nothing short of transcendent. Even just sitting still felt burdensome—Maness was being crushed by the sensation itself.
The surrounding air seemed made of volcanic ash. An incomprehensible storm raged in his ears. Maintaining his sanity was overwhelming, but he gritted his teeth and pulled his mind together. As his focus sharpened, the world grew clearer.
Finally, the sight before his eyes was utterly soul-stealing. Hundreds, thousands of souls floated around Maness like a starry galaxy. Beyond the scene that might seem beautiful depending on one's perspective, Maness pinpointed the source of the countless gazes fixed on him.
Souls with self-awareness. Beings clearly recognizing and watching Maness. With awe that transcended fear…
“Maness!”
A sharp pain raced down his cheek, snapping him from the sensation of his soul being dragged away. As his vision flipped, Maness collapsed, gasping for breath. A hand touched his back.
“Are you alright?”
“I… I thought I was gonna die.”
“You went to the Boundary, after all. Half-dead is about right, isn't it?”
Maness shot his teacher a fierce glare at her words, unsure if they were a joke or serious.
“…Not exactly a great experience.”
“It's your first time. You'll start feeling it like a cozy attic once you get used to necromancy.”
“Doubt that.”
“That's one reason necromancy gets such a bad rap.”
Shunned. The word stabbed into Maness's chest. Lately, whether it was illusion magic or necromancy, he'd only been learning the kinds of magic shunned by aspiring mages.
“Still, that's huge progress! I didn't expect you to reach the Boundary on your first try, even with my staff channeling it.”
“That's a compliment?”
“Of course it is. You think it's easy for a living person to slip into the Boundary? If you didn't have that talent for illusion magic, you'd be destined to be my prized disciple.”
Zentina scanned her disciple's face with a wistful glint in her eyes.
“How could I major in something else when I've got talent in illusion magic?”
“That thing on the mountain last time…”
“That was just pointless stubbornness. You know it wouldn't fly with Metaph—that freeloading brother of mine.”
Zentina, dripping with regret, murmured softly.
“That's just how talent is.”
Maness could only blink at his teacher's words, which might have sounded wistful.
No matter how I think about it, I need to prepare more.
The next day, after being drilled by Zentina all day, that resolution lodged itself in Maness's mind as he savored the peaceful view out the window, waiting for roll call.
He'd figured big events could go to main players like Kyle. Until recently.
But Row's visit had jolted him awake. Who knew when someone as dangerous as that bastard—or demons—might take an interest in him?
He'd anticipated some variables from the possession process, but the way things were unfolding demanded thorough preparation. Enough to face the Night Raven, and even demons beyond him.
“By the way, yesterday during my walk, I wandered pretty deep, and there's this area totally off-limits to first-years.”
“I've heard. The Shopping District, right?”
Iris's voice drifted faintly from where she sat, chattering away like the top student she was.
That'll be next.
The Shopping District. A zone packed with shops on Snowrobe grounds. In game terms, an area about to unlock—and more than enough to pique Maness's interest.
Not for rare items or elixirs. The shops mainly served regular residents and students on campus, so their stock was limited.
His target lay beyond the Shopping District. A treasure trove accessible through a hidden secret space. One could snag something priceless there that you'd never find scouring the continent for a lifetime.
The process would be complicated and perilous, but worth it compared to the rewards. Plus, he could build ties with useful contacts along the way.
Dr-r-rk—
As his thoughts wandered, silence suddenly fell over the classroom.
Hiteri, with his usual stern face, swept his gaze over the students before taking his place at the podium.
“You all seem especially excited today. Rumors about the morning schedule?”
At the word “rumors,” the students' faces lit up with question marks—all except Maness.
So it's today.
A schedule to excite students around this time was simple: something free and fun, like a picnic. Definitely about the Shopping District.
“Everyone's here, so I'll announce the decision from the faculty meeting. You might already know.”
Maness's hunch solidified at those words.
“Snowrobe has a points system.”
Points system. The brief name carried an odd weight for Maness. This was at the core of Snowrobe's structure.
“The school and students are inseparably tied to points. But I'm bringing it up because points here aren't just some simple numbers game.”
A floating piece of chalk drew an equals sign between “points” and “currency” in midair.
“You know the campus shop in the dormitory takes outside currency. It's mostly snacks, so it doesn't breed resentment—that's the main reason.”
The school, prioritizing equality among students, sweated the small stuff. There were even limits on money brought in upon enrollment—proven by the pathetic coin pouch tucked away in Maness's wardrobe. The heir to the continent's top trading company wouldn't be stuck with pocket change without restrictions.
Even if you blew through your imported cash, you wouldn't be cut off from the shop forever. Snowrobe's grounds were vast and packed with opportunities. Students could hustle without issue.
Points and currency. The door to Snowrobe's unique system was opening for first-years.
“Iris.”
“Yes!”
“With your wandering personality, you've probably swung by near the Shopping District. Right?”
“I-I did pass by, but there was a sign at the bridge saying first-years strictly forbidden…”
Economic activity at Snowrobe centered on the Shopping District. Maness knew what changed hands there wasn't just money.
“Exactly. Partly because we don't know what accidents you'd cause with your fearless streak, but mainly because you can't do anything there yet.”
The chalk circled the word “points” boldly.
“The Shopping District deals only in student points. Your school life determines your privileges.”
Hiteri paced the podium slowly, giving them time to process.
“Why do you think that is?”
Maness knew the answer but stayed silent. No need for attention, and Class 1 had someone who could answer easily.
“It could cause resentment among students.”
The one who raised his hand was a young man with glossy light brown hair.
“A solid answer, Kyle. Preventing needless incidents is a goal, but what you said is the core reason.”
It wasn't hard—Hiteri had hinted at it before. But piecing it together so quickly showed Kyle's composure.
“You entered Snowrobe as students with a thirst for learning. External factors shouldn't create gaps or discrimination.”
The word “discrimination” appeared on the board, crossed out twice.
“Gaps and discrimination at Snowrobe must stem purely from within-school efforts. Points are the most accessible.”
“So what can we do with points?”
Morras, who'd been listening breathlessly, mustered the courage to ask. As a trading heir, he couldn't gloss over a new economic system.
“Anything, obviously. Buy a new staff, magic materials, or sip drinks at a tavern while chatting.”
As the perks spilled out, excitement buzzed through the class. Even Hiteri let the murmurs slide this time.
“Do professors buy materials with points too?”
The lively mood held until Morras's follow-up.
At the implication that professors earned points for commerce, Hiteri's eyes sharpened. The students' grins vanished, teeth clenched.
“Morras.”
“Y-yes?”
“Looks like you need to learn mouth management first.”
Points were a constraint. For students unable to escape external disparities, for those whose narrow views bred trouble. The system urged maximum effort for full benefits.
Thrusting that at a professor? Peak rudeness.
“S-sorry.”
Hiteri sighed through his nose, eyes closed, and dismissed the floating chalk. Even a sharp personality like his knew when to rein in anger after years teaching. This was when students absorbed Snowrobe's key system.
“Today's morning class is a Shopping District tour. An assistant will wait at Letos Hall's main gate. Assemble there.”
Students bustled out after Hiteri, grabbing their things. Watching leisurely, Maness muttered to himself.
“Time to make my move.”
The moment to deploy his tricks had arrived.
*
“The path's a bit twisty, but see that rock? Looks like a griffon's beak. Remember that, and you won't get lost.”
The trek to the Shopping District was long. Long enough for jokes and a jog—or stroll.
It bordered residential areas for merchants and staff.
“Assistant, can I ask something?”
“Of course.”
“Not every rock is visible from everywhere. How do we find it?”
“Float your third eye upward. Oh, you haven't learned that yet.”
Maness inwardly admired the affable assistant instructor. He led like it was a picnic, not a tour—as if he were one of the students. Ensuring everyone enjoyed the shaded forest path.
“No worries, though. It's quiet now because of class time, but free periods see tons of students. Just follow your seniors.”
Despite his words, plenty of upperclassmen passed even during class—on errands, assignments, or slacking. They glanced fondly at the wide-eyed freshmen marching along, each with their own excuses.
“One more question?”
“Go ahead. Curiosity is the root of a mage.”
“You said 'third eye' earlier. Cool name. Do spells have different naming conventions?”
All ears perked up. Maness had wondered too. Names varied wildly: Sino-Korean terms, proper nouns, full sentences.
“Simple. Not every spell was made by one person.”
Like academic nomenclature? Maness's first thought.
“The first to formalize the structure, effect, and use—and submit to the Magic Tower—gets naming rights. Easiest way to make a name as a mage.”
Casual words, heavy meaning. Creating new magic was the simplest path to fame. The assistant was saying mage academia was no joke.
“Then I'll make the world's greatest Flame Storm!”
“Nah, lame. Something like Rockvita has flair.”
Maness gave a wry smile as students spun wild ideas from new knowledge. How many in the whole school would leave a mark? Even aiming high, most rotted in tower basements. Lucky if they didn't.
The assistant felt the same. A former top Snowrobe student, now content as assistant. Without luck, he'd have less.
“Attention. Cross this bridge, and you're in the Shopping District.”
After some chatter, the procession halted. Beyond lay a new scene.