Chapter 129: Sex is Magic (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 129: Sex is Magic (3)
The research on mana transfer is progressing steadily, step by step.
However, there wasn't much for me to do in the actual research phase. After dropping Ellie off, I spent most of my time either practicing mana elsewhere or just killing time.
My daily routine has become a cycle: waking up to work out with Juna at the Center, heading to the Magic Tower for mana training, and then going to the Clan for tactics and conquest drills.
Hmm... Even though it’s only been a few days since we started digging into mana transfer in earnest, the research is moving fast.
In particular, Ellie’s ability is a rare, high-tier version of the mana transfer skill, so her demonstrations are proving to be a massive help.
The Magic Tower is a global organization, so their research capabilities are quite impressive. Since magic research is conducted in various countries and they share their findings, their technological prowess is naturally top-tier.
The level of knowledge is on a completely different dimension compared to a single clan hoarding and researching things in secret.
I could probably copy the spells I used in my previous world if I set my mind to it, couldn't I?
I should be a bit careful.
I can't do offensive magic, but when it comes to support magic, I’m the best here, no matter what anyone says. However, I don't have the depth of knowledge required to create entirely new spells from scratch. If I show my full hand too early, my value will drop. If I’m going to have my techniques copied, I’d rather trade them for magic from this world.
But these bastards are crawling out again.
While browsing community sites on my smartphone, I find more posts praising Black Unicorn while bashing me.
There are countless insults and mocking comments, but the gist is simple.
They’re calling me a "Male Lion."
For context, you can think of a "Male Lion" here as having a similar nuance to a "Queen Bee." It refers to a selfish guy who uses his position as a man to gather women around him, leeching off them and taking all the benefits for himself.
Before being called Daimonas, Anna was a prospect who had reached C-9. Lee Yuna, though overshadowed by her sister Lee Ru-da, was also one of Korea’s top prospects and had reached C-6.
The posts argue: does it make sense for me, a mere C-rank, to recruit two prospects who clearly don't belong in C-1?
I have plenty I could say in my defense—like how Anna wouldn't even be active as a hero if I hadn't stabilized her, or how Lee Yuna started over from scratch after switching her role to a supporter—but I suppose people can raise questions if they don't know the details.
However, I can't accept the points made in the following posts.
They claim that all the records Black Unicorn achieved—the speed of breaking through C-rank, the dungeon clear times, the number of conquests, and the fact that we never used a single Treasure Orb—were all things I obtained by clinging to talented women.
Hey, do you have any idea how much effort I put into scouting and raising Kwon Ye-jin? I’m the one who developed Yoon A-young to this point when her talent was rotting away at the Break Line.
Sure, it’s true they all have talent. But talent only turns into skill when the environment supports it.
Anyway, the narrative is that they’re the ones doing well while I’m just hitching a ride. It’s a "wonderful" piece of writing that perfectly reflects the current era, even calling my role as a supporter "trash-tier."
And below that wonderful post, a gladiator pit had opened up.
I don't know if they’re fans of Black Unicorn or just people who view us favorably, but there are many people attacking the author with harsh insults. At the same time, quite a few people agree with the post, nodding along to the idea that I’m a Male Lion.
When those two groups meet, it’s only natural for things to turn into a clusterfuck.
I skim through it and turn off my phone.
Since it’s the internet, there can be all sorts of opinions, but lately, the posts bashing me have been particularly noticeable. It’s natural for the number of antis to grow as your fanbase does, but there’s a sense of dissonance in these posts.
The tone and structure of the writing vary, but the content is almost identical.
Is it one person stirring the pot, or a whole group?
Probably the latter, right?
If these kinds of posts keep getting exposure, they’ll stick in people’s memories regardless of whether they agree or disagree. Then, the moment I make even a single mistake, they’ll bite down hard, screaming about how they were right all along.
Hanseong Group has a stake in the broadcasting stations, don't they? They sure know how to use the internet and the media.
It’s just a hunch, but for some reason, Han Byeong-sin’s face pops into my head. I contact the Clan to report the situation.
Han Ju-hee, who is currently managing Black Unicorn since we aren't recruiting additional members, says she understands and will keep an eye on it.
Good. I can trust Han Ju-hee’s competence, so I just need to wait and rely on her.
I really need to crush Han Byeong-sin and his lackeys again, but the opportunity just hasn't presented itself.
Anyway, that’s that, and I have my own work to do. I need to help Seol Ga-yeon with her research.
I head toward her room with a light step.
"Hello, I’m here for my training today."
She still treats me coldly, but I approach and greet her brightly before starting the session.
It’s not my fault, but Seol Ga-yeon—who started disliking me after I was publicly ridiculed online—always treats me with a chill. Still, she’s an excellent teacher. I’m glad she’s not the petty type who would teach less or give poor explanations just because she dislikes someone.
Lately, she’s been so busy juggling my training and her research that her room is a total mess.
"You look busy. Should I help you clean up?"
"Do I look like some incompetent fool who can't even clean her own room?"
Well, you're actually not doing it.
Seol Ga-yeon frowns, her elegant eyebrows twitching as if her pride was wounded.
"Leave it. Even if you are my discip... no, even if you're just a student, cleaning is my job."
No, no. Since I’m used to working in organized environments, I can't focus in a cluttered space like this.
"You haven't been sleeping much lately. Just sit down; I’m good at cleaning."
Ignoring her grumpy stare, I begin tidying up the room.
When cleaning someone else’s room, you have to be careful not to earn their ire. Even if it looks disorganized, everyone has their own habits and preferences for where things go. If you mess with that recklessly, it just feels like someone intruded on your space, which only causes irritation.
The things to be careful with are personal items and current research materials.
I clean lightly, and instead of moving the documents scattered everywhere, I just straighten them so they look neat. I wash the teacups and mugs piled in the sink and thoroughly organize that area. I don't put the haphazardly stacked books back on the shelves; instead, I align them right where they are so they’re easier to identify.
Despite having a great tool like a computer, she seems to be the analog type. There are so many paper documents that even after cleaning, I can't shake the feeling of clutter, but it’s much better than before.
"I didn't want to interfere with your work by touching the data, so if you find any unnecessary documents, just pile them in one corner. I’ll take care of them later."
"Thanks."
When I speak with a smile, Seol Ga-yeon looks away toward her documents with an awkward expression.
Good. The "favor-building" is going well.
As I practice the mana circuits she taught me, I steal a glance at her. Regardless of gender, someone focused on their work looks impressive.
Seol Ga-yeon’s face, as she sips her tea and stares at the document in her hand, is beautiful. Her thick, black, straight hair is tucked behind her ear, falling like silk. Her sharp eyes, which suggest a bit of a stubborn streak, pair well with her distinct features, exuding a certain charm.
Although they are doing joint research, she is currently competing with another professor. While they fundamentally help each other, there’s an underlying tension in the lab over who will be the first to develop an efficient theory.
I don't know if they’re rivals, but there’s one professor in particular who’s been having a power struggle with Seol Ga-yeon. Right now, they’re in a battle of pride over who will produce more results in mana transfer research.
If I help her here, she’ll become a complete ally.
You think you can act tough just because you have Hanseong Group behind you? Let’s see what you can do once Square Garden and the Magic Tower are backing me.
Watching for an opening, I stand up and approach her.
"What is it?"
"I don't have enough knowledge to conduct research yet, but..."
As I start speaking humbly and pretend to hesitate, Seol Ga-yeon lets out a small chuckle and sets her papers down.
"Did you discover something? It’s fine. Anyone can do research, and brilliant inspiration doesn't discriminate."
Ooh—that’s a damn cool line. I should use that later.
She doesn't discriminate based on knowledge, nor is she arrogant. Eom Soo-hyun, you found yourself a good teacher.
I hand her the tablet I brought.
As Seol Ga-yeon sips her tea and looks over the content on the tablet, her expression gradually turns serious.
As it should. Even though I tweaked it a bit to my liking, it’s a solid mana transfer technique.
I waited for the research to progress to a certain point, but I also needed time to train until I was proficient in the technique myself. It was a struggle to dig through my memories and organize the techniques from when mana transfer was first being developed—back when I was still a complete rookie—and adapt them to the theories of this world.
"How did you discover this?"
"Is it helpful?"
"Helpful? It’s at a level where we could start experiments right now."
When I speak with a naive tone, Seol Ga-yeon stands up excitedly and leads me to the sofa.
As I wait for her to read through the material meticulously, I maintain an expression of total ignorance.
The positioning is important: I’m not presenting a finished technique, but rather a "lead." I intentionally omitted a few key parts of the theory on the tablet. Now, as we experiment together, we’ll complete the theory. Seol Ga-yeon will be the authority who created the technique, and I’ll get close to her while assisting the research.
Do I feel it’s a waste for it to go up under Seol Ga-yeon’s name?
Why would I? It’s a fifteen-year-old technique.
Based on the personality I’ve seen so far, I don't think she’d do this, but even if she acts selfishly, I can just produce an even more advanced technique. Well, not "produce," just "reveal."
From my perspective, I want the technique to spread quickly so the role of supporters expands.
After reading everything, Seol Ga-yeon ponders for a moment before speaking.
"According to the theory you wrote, the more physical contact area there is, the more mana can be transferred."
"That’s right. I thought of it simply after seeing Son Chae-ha put her hand on someone every time she transfers mana."
"It’s simple, but it’s a part we were overlooking."
Seol Ga-yeon nods, praising me.
"However, it lacks practicality in its current state."
She’s right. Who would suddenly strip off their clothes and rub bodies in a dungeon? Even outside of dungeons, mana replenishment is often needed in emergencies, so the content I gave her was quite impractical.
"But it’s great for recording or developing the process of mana transfer."
Yes, it’s like the foundational science needed to move to the next step.
As expected, she sees it immediately.
My plan is to go through refinements and developments here to create a better mana transfer technique. And I’ll be doing the experiments with Seol Ga-yeon.
I flash a bright smile to hide my devious grin.
"Will it be helpful?"
"I told you, it’s more than just helpful; it could be the foundation of transfer technology. Give me your hand."
When I hold out my hand, Seol Ga-yeon interlaces her fingers with mine. I can feel her soft hand, but Seol Ga-yeon is focused entirely on the tablet. I can feel her mana being transferred to me, slowly.
It’s a bit of a ticklish sensation. If I play this right, I could use this for other things too, couldn't I?
"Is the mana being transferred?"
"Yes. Let me try sending some too."
When I transfer my mana, she seems to feel the ticklish sensation as well, as her hand twitches. As I slowly send mana, Seol Ga-yeon looks back and forth between the tablet and our hands, then tries pressing her forearm against mine while still holding my hand.
"As expected, the fabric in between is blocking the transfer."
"Yes. Let’s roll up our sleeves a bit more and press them together."
I roll up my sleeve and press my forearm against her bare skin. I feel her warm body heat, and the mana flows.
"... ..."
Sitting side-by-side with our arms pressed together, we end up quite close.
Feeling embarrassed, Seol Ga-yeon pulls her arm away and clears her throat.
"Th-this doesn't seem like the kind of thing a man and a woman should be experimenting with."
No! I spent days refining this just so I could experiment with you!
"No, I want to experiment with you, Professor."
Did I say that too bluntly? I quickly follow up.
"It’s a bit awkward to experiment in front of a lot of people... and women pressing their bodies together might lead to strange misunderstandings."
Just as people hated gays in my previous world, lesbians aren't viewed favorably here either. Seeing how much Park Su-jin hated it when I had her and Kim Yun-ah on top of each other during sex in the hospital, I can tell without even asking.
"But it’s uncomfortable for you to be skin-to-skin with me. Or you could experiment with So-hyun, since she’s around your age."
"Why? You're beautiful, Professor. And besides, it’s for research."
Once I frame it as research, Seol Ga-yeon seems to be swayed.
Why would I be uncomfortable touching your skin? I want to press our crotches together right now.
You have to beat that annoying professor, and this is how you do it.
After a moment of thought, Seol Ga-yeon nods.
"Alright, I understand for now. Can you send me the data on the tablet?"
Yes! She fell for it.
I flash a radiant smile and tell her I’m ready to help whenever she needs.