Chapter 109
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: This Isn't How It's Supposed to Be (1)
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Friday morning's class was dedicated to specialized weapon training.
Next. Kang Seoyul. To your position.
Yes, sir.
At the instructors call, I stood up and walked to the shooting lane.
What training level?
Level 10, please.
At my words, the archery instructors eyes widened slightly.
The highest difficulty, eh? Youre full of confidence.
Of course.
This training didnt require high stats. All you needed was skill.
I had every reason to be confident.
The name of the training was Clay Shooting.
It was a very simple exercise where you just had to accurately hit targets flying in from all directions.
Alright, well begin in ten seconds. Focus on the countdown on the screen.
After finishing the setup, the instructor took a small step back.
Simultaneously, a countdown appeared in the air.
[10]
I took a deep breath and gently gripped my bow.
Id called it simple training, but at level 10, the story was a bit different.
The targets themselves flew faster, and instead of straight lines, they moved in various trajectories.
Even the number of targets increased, and consequently, the interval between shots shortened.
Normally, even clearing level 5 was enough to be considered a promising talent.
The fact that Jias limit was level 8 said it all.
[4, 3, 2]
Of course, none of that mattered to me. How many bow-related traits did I have?
I drew the bowstring and took aim.
[1, 0]
[Start!]
The moment it began, I released the string.
*Whoosh!*
Along with the sound of the arrow cutting through the air
*Clang!*
The sound of the reinforced glass target shattering echoed.
Without even a moment to re-aim, the next target flew into the sky.
It was launched so quickly that it felt as if two targets had risen at the same time.
I nocked two arrows on the string simultaneously.
And let them fly.
*Clang, Cla-ang!*
I heard the sound of both targets being destroyed at the same time.
Whoa!
Thats insane!
Exclamations of awe erupted from the onlookers.
I ignored them and focused on the next shot.
Crazy!
Three this time!
This time, three targets flew through the air.
This wasnt a matter of intervals; they were launched at the exact same time.
Whats more, they were twisting like snakes. It was like watching the fierce assault of a venomous cobra.
Even Kang Seoyul cant hit this.
Yeah, no way.
Hearing their comments, I twisted my lips into a smirk.
Guardian of the Bow.
Arrow of the Wind.
Master of the Weapon.
I guess Ill have to show them just how ridiculously overpowered the collaboration of these traits is.
I nocked three arrows on the string.
And fired.
As if each arrow had a will of its own, they painted the sky, then
*Clang, clang, clang!*
They struck their targets with perfect accuracy.
At the same time, the next set of targets was launched.
This time, there were four.
Well, now.
As far as I knew, there wasn't a four-target simultaneous launch in level 10.
I glanced at the archery instructor beside me. He was smiling.
Aha. He wants to see my limit?
I let out a soft laugh.
Hes needlessly provoking my pride.
I nocked four arrows on the string. A subtle wind seeped into each one. The faint breeze, nestled between the blue glow of mana, seemed to laugh playfully.
I released the bowstring.
*Whoooooosh!*
My arrows, each with its own will, flew towards their respective targets.
Like sleek snakes, or swift hawks. My arrows pierced the empty air precisely, and
*Craaaang!*
They shattered all four targets at the exact same moment.
Thats enough! Kang Seoyul, specialized archery training evaluation: S!
The next moment, a powerful round of applause burst forth.
***
Lunchtime.
Seriously, isnt Kang Seoyuls form insane lately?
I heard he rose to 13th place this week, right?
Yeah. The guy who was 32nd used his challenge right and got totally wrecked.
Lately, Id been hearing conversations like this often. Dont people usually hold their tongues when the subject of the rumor is in the classroom?
Hah. Im so jealous.
I think I heard his physical stats all went up to C-rank at once, too.
Man, if Id known Kang Seoyuls stock would skyrocket like this, I wouldve gotten on board sooner.
Yep. Youre in the top 60 percent of faces.
...Could you refrain from stating facts?
The praise was so over the top it was making even me, the one listening, blush.
I subtly lowered my head. It was uncomfortable.
Seoyul. Lets go get lunch.
Siyeon brought a packed lunch.
Jia and Siyeon approached me with smiles. Perfect timing. I was feeling awkward sitting here anyway.
Alright. Lets go.
I quickly made my way out of the classroom.
Why are you in such a hurry? Are you that hungry?
Ha Siyeon, who was following me, tilted her head.
Oh. Are you feeling peckish? Should we run, then?
The look in Jias eyes was frightening.
If I nodded, she looked ready to pick me up and sprint right this instant.
No. Im fine.
Aha.
Jia quickly returned to her usual gentle expression.
Shes so intimidating I cant say anything.
Ah~ I get it. Seoyul, you. Seeing how your face is red, you were uncomfortable listening to the other kids praise you earlier, werent you?
Ha Siyeon grinned with a sly expression. For someone as clueless as Ha Siyeon, she sure said something sharp for once.
No, I wasnt.
Having my inner thoughts read by Ha Siyeon hurt my pride, so I denied it out of spite.
Reaaally?
Her eyebrow arched slightly.
She looked utterly convinced.
Just as I was about to retort out of annoyance,
Siyeon, do you really think our great Ancestor is someone who gets worked up over such trivial talk?
Jia stepped in first.
Hmm I guess not?
Of course not. He is the descendant of a great hero. Hes used to being revered by others, so why would he feel uncomfortable!
It was as if the words Adoration and Respect were written in each of Jias eyes.
Thats true. Then why did you leave in such a hurry?
I dont know about that! But Im sure he has a reason we cant even imagine.
No, I dont.
Right?
Huh? Uh, yeah. Of course.
Jia looked at me with eyes full of adoration.
My conscience pricked, and I subtly averted my gaze.
We soon arrived at the grassy area where we usually ate lunch.
By the way, Seoyul, dont you think your rise has been a little too steep lately?
Me?
Yeah.
Ha Siyeon casually brought up the topic as she spread a mat on our usual spot on the lawn.
Its only been three months, but going from F-rank to C-rank already Im just worried its too much.
Hmm
Ha Siyeon looked at me with a worried expression.
Its a good thing that the seals refinement is going well, but Im worried that you know, the Demon God or the Fallen might notice
From Ha Siyeons perspective, it was a perfectly reasonable thing to say.
Both Jia and Siyeon currently believed my growth was due to my innate abilities being restored as the seal was refined.
Hey. Do you really think our Ancestor would make such a careless mistake?
Jia chided Ha Siyeon with the eyes of a fanatic.
I think its probably a needless worry, too. But they say there are no absolutes in this world. It would be a disaster if something like that that Disaster-grade gate? The Vaccine, was it? If something like that popped up again
...Thats.
Jias expression turned serious as well.
It seemed she was recalling the incident with the Vaccine program.
Its fine.
I reassured the two of them.
Theres no way the Demon God or the Fallen will notice my existence and rush things.
Their appearance was still a long way off in the future.
How could they show up when their seals havent even been broken yet?
Besides, the very idea that breaking my seal would put me on the enemys radar was a complete lie, so what was there to worry about?
As long as the tattoos on my body didnt turn black or I didnt wear multiple trait-restricting items at once, the Vaccine program wouldnt appear either.
Therefore, I could say with certainty.
The things Ha Siyeon was worried about would not happen!
So dont worry and just focus on your training.
That way, you can stand by my side and rip the demons heads off later.
I let out a soft laugh.
***
Saturday afternoon.
I was practicing magic in the living room with the princess.
Princess?
Rena whipped her head away from me. Her lips were jutted out in a pout, a clear sign to anyone that she was sulking.
Do not speak to me. I have no desire to talk with you.
Did I tease her too much?
I replayed the things I had said just a moment ago.
Heh. This is easy!
This is easy, too.
If I just had a bit more mana, I think I could catch up to your level in no time, Princess!
Isnt this one of two things? Either the princess wasnt really a genius, or Im not just a genius but a super genius. Haha!
No, stop joking around, Princess! Im telling you to show me something actually difficult. You didnt seriously show me this thinking it was hard, did you? I dont have time for jokes!
Hmm.
Yeah, I might have gone a bit too far.
Uh, Princess. Im sorry. Please forgive me just this once.
Hmph. How could I possibly converse with a super genius. Pay me no mind.
Wow. Shes really, properly mad.
I need to reflect on my actions.
I got too excited.
After succeeding in using Fire Arrow for the first time, I immediately got the hang of it, and my magic acquisition speed accelerated.
I succeeded in Double Casting, then Triple Casting, and even Memorize, all in a single day.
That had stimulated the princesss competitive spirit and pride.
Since then, every night, the princess began to teach me every high-level spell she knew.
How about this one!
This one will be difficult!
This is a spell that took even me a whole month!
And I absorbed all those spells like a sponge.
Princess. Wouldnt it be better to do it like this?
I dont have enough mana to demonstrate it myself, but no matter how I look at it, this seems more efficient.
I even went as far as to improve upon them.
It was fine up to this point.
W-well! You are not as good as I, but you are quite competent!
Ah! I remember now! In truth, I was able to use this spell in just five minutes!
Th-that improved spell is actually the original! Youve done well to pass my test! I praise you!
In the process, the little princesss reactions were so amusing that I unknowingly crossed the line.
It was then that the princess shouted a strange phrase in Korean.
Daddy, I really like you!
Pfft. Ahem. Hrm.
I almost spat out my drink but desperately swallowed it down.
Using that at this timing is just cheating.
You did you just laugh?
N-no. Its just that hearing you say that hurts my heart so much.
Hmph. You deserve to be hurt a little more.
The Korean phrase Princess Rena just used, Daddy, I really like you!, was something I had taught her half-jokingly.
Daddy meant bad guy.
Really meant the same thing.
And I like you! meant I hate you!
In short, what Rena just said to me was, Bad guy! I really hate you!
But now that I think about it, wont she be super mad again later when she finds out about this too?
Anyway, Princess. Im really sorry. I wont do it again. Okay?
Well, Ill figure something out later.
The important thing is to resolve the current situation.
I desperately tried to improve Renas mood.
Master! Please bestow your teachings upon this unworthy disciple!
Master?
And finally, I got a reaction.
You call me your master?
Of course! Youre the genius master who taught me magic! Without you, someone like me wouldnt have been able to do anything!
Ho, hooh.
Her lips just twitched for a second.
Looks like her mood has improved a bit.
Good. Ill go with this method.
Isnt it also a masters virtue to generously forgive a disciples mistakes? Right?
Hmm. That is not incorrect.
The princess nodded with a faint smile.
Then she looked at me and cleared her throat with a solemn expression.
Ahem. Very well. I shall grant you my special forgiveness.
A proud smile was a bonus.
Her expression seemed to say, Im so cool for being this magnanimous
Ah. I want to tease her.
But I cant.
If I tease her now, her sulk-stack will max out and explode.
I have to hold back.
I desperately suppressed my desires.
Then, Master. What magic will you be teaching me today?
Considering what Ive done so far, I should probably try to humor our little princess today.
Hmm. Today, we shall move on to the advanced stages of fire-attribute magic.
The princess, whose mood had instantly brightened, smiled cheerfully.
The primordial mana you possess is that of flame.
Primordial mana.
It refers to the quality of mana that non-human races are born with.
You can use other attributes with effort, but their power will be slightly weaker. You surely remember this, yes?
Of course.
In truth, what I had wasnt primordial mana but the Flame of Engraving. But it was a pain to explain, and it felt similar enough, so I decided to just let it be.
Your talent is quite outstanding, allowing you to handle three attributes already, but they are ultimately just offshoots of the fire attribute.
The attributes I could currently handle were fire, wind, and lightning.
Fire from the Spirits Flame.
Wind from Arrow of the Wind and Path of the Wind.
Lightning from Heavenly Punishment.
Since they were all energies I had handled before, they were easy to use again.
Therefore, you should first focus on fire magic
It was at that moment.
Hey, kiddo~ you alive?
I mean, you werent answering your phone, and you didnt respond to the doorbell, so I was worr ied?
The front door opened, and two women walked in.
Silence fell.
Why were Yuhwa and Meiden here right now?
Hmm. Im pretty sure Meiden had a spare key to this house.
I think she said it was to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.
Anyway, the doorbell rang and my phone went off? Why didnt I hear it?
Princess. Did you happen to cast a sound-blocking spell?
Mm. Geumho and Baekho were sleeping so soundly, so I did. Why do you ask?
Just as I thought.
I placed a hand on my forehead.
Kiddo. This isnt why I bought you a house, you know.
Seoyul
Was it my imagination?
The two pairs of eyes staring at me seemed to be tinged with disappointment.
Perhaps not liking their gazes,
Rena scowled and said.
Daddy! I really! Like you!
Bad guy! I really! Hate you!
She had used the only Korean curse (packaged as such) I had taught her on Yuhwa and Meiden.
Hey, you!
My eyes went wide.
Shes using it at a time like this?
...Seoyul?
Kiddo?
The two womens gazes grew even colder.
Who was it that said it?
What goes around, comes around.
My karma has come back to bite me.
< This Isn't How It's Supposed to Be (1) > End