I Became the Only Non-mage in the Academy

Chapter 59: Pillager (2)

TL/Editor: looloo

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"Hmm."

Ersil stared at the documents with a contemplative frown.

It was a proposal from the alchemists, expressing a desire to collaborate with her mages.

The reason was straightforward.

There was a sudden emergence of a mysterious figure named "Veritas."

This entity named Veritas appeared out of the blue and gave a lecture. Word was that the alchemists were utterly captivated by it.

'What could have possibly impressed them so much?'

Ersil tapped on her tablet, searching for the video of the lecture.

On the screen, a masked man stood, passionately teaching.

"Hooh."

With each passing moment of the lecture, Ersil found herself increasingly astonished.

The lecture content was groundbreaking. It was about manipulating magical power to enhance the potential of ingredients. Drawing out opposing properties to transform them into explosive weapons, or using toxins as potent elixirs.

Even from the perspective of a mage, the lecture was filled with jaw-dropping revelations.

'What do you think?'

-It's incredible.

Melanie's comment made Ersil nod in agreement. If this amazed even a mage, she wondered how profoundly it affected the alchemists.

-It's probably on par with the advent of Circle Magic.

'...That significant?'

-Yes. This figure will be a turning point for alchemists. The entire field of alchemy might evolve around him.

"Hmm."

If that's the case, they needed to win him over.

However, the challenge was that those in the know were probably already making their moves.

Korea. And the United States.

Though England is referred to as the land of mages, it pales in comparison to these two countries. If we assumed these two nations battled the world, they possess the might to dominate it.

"Perhaps it's best to let this go for now. I'll just instruct my subordinates to find out his identity."

With that, Ersil switched off her tablet.

-What did you just say?

'What?'

-That person, Veritas. You know him.

'...Excuse me?'

Melanie's shocking revelation left Ersil momentarily stunned.

-Lee Seoha. Isn't he the one you've taken an interest in?

'...'

Ersil ignored Melanie's teasing and refocused on the screen.

Indeed, when she excluded the lecture's content and solely observed the man, his aura felt familiar.

More than anything, the sense of pressure she felt from the man named Veritas when he initially appeared in the video was something Ersil had experienced before.

Lee Seoha.

It was when he chose his weapon. The moment he grasped the Black Heavenly Demon Sword, she felt a similar imposing aura.

'Such a fascinating man.'

Every time she felt she understood him, another layer of his character would reveal itself.

Just like now. He was like an onion, revealing layer after layer with each peel.

"We'll need to adjust our approach then."

Ersil quickly issued a few additional orders.

She had intentionally prepared a grand gift to put Lee Seoha in her debt. But now, it seemed that might not be enough.

After adding a few more gifts to the list, Ersil smiled.

How would he react? Would he nod nonchalantly as if expecting it? Or would he look surprised? She was expecting a calm acknowledgment, but part of her hoped to see a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Ersil leaned back in her chair, imagining the scene.

---

Raei Translations

---

Where am I?

Hong Yuhwa gazed at the sky with a blank expression. The sky was clear, devoid of any clouds, with the sun shining brightly. My future, however, seems bleak.

"Time's up."

Lee Seoha said with a faint smile.

Every inch of her body screamed in pain.

Muscle soreness.

Such pain was somewhat expected on the path to becoming a hero. However, this felt different. A pain that made every muscle in her body ache uniformly.

"Is it too tough? You can take a break if you need."

Lee Seoha said in a subtle tone.

Hong Yuhwa was irritated but couldn't move.

Physical training with Lee Seoha.

It's extremely beneficial. After all, Lee Seoha was adjusting the regimen to train all her muscles.

Yet, Hong Yuhwa wondered. How was this related to enhancing her talent?

Although Hong Yuhwa was annoyed, she managed to get up.

"Ready for more?"

A girl beside Lee Seoha, with a hint of mischief in her voice, asked.

Seo Gayeon.

Black hair and black eyes. She had a cute appearance, but Hong Yuhwa found her annoying.

"Do you think there's a point in a mage like Yuhwa doing such physical training?"

Look at her.

Always trying to subtly scratch at one's pride.

However, Hong Yuhwa ignored Seo Gayeon's words. Because she could sense the unease in the girl's eyes.

'If you give up...'

Lee Seoha would adjust for Hong Yuhwa, probably reducing the intensity. And the expectations he had for Hong Yuhwa would decrease as well.

Seo Gayeon knew her own feelings well.

Jealousy.

Hong Yuhwa was immensely talented.

The evidence was her securing the 4th spot in the Tower of Trials despite being a mage in the academy. A prodigious talent matched with a prestigious lineage. Jeok Tapju has been mentoring her since she was five. As for magic, the only one in the school who could rival Hong Yuhwa was Ersil.

So, there wasn't even a need for Lee Seoha's help.

Seo Gayeon hid these feelings.

She liked being the center of Lee Seoha's attention. She felt like she could do anything if only he looked at her. If he knew her feelings, it'd be too embarrassing.

Seo Gayeon didn't want to be a burden to him.

What she could do. She needed to try harder.

If she could further hone her magic, Lee Seoha would surely pay more attention to her.

'Is this really okay?'

Meanwhile, Lee Seoha observed both Seo Gayeon and Hong Yuhwa, contemplating.

Training Hong Yuhwa was a good decision, but agreeing to let Seo Gayeon join might have been a mistake.

'Is it jealousy?'

Seo Gayeon had a clingy nature.

It's true she approached Hong Yuhwa, offering to help unlock her potential.

However, he didn't want their relationship to be strained due to Seo Gayeon's jealousy.

He didn't like that.

A strong feeling welled up, as if he could see right through her emotions.

[This is odd.]

[That child, what's with him? How is he resonating with the Body Against Heaven?]

Heavenly Spirit seemed confused.

'Resonating?'

"Yes, that child, Lee Seoha, is resonating. This is truly an extraordinary event."

Resonating.

It was something he was aware of.

There exist magical energies that particularly align well with one another.

For instance, the Dream Magic of Illusion that Ersil possesses and the Dream Magic of Reality that Melanie has.

Although not yet introduced, there are heroes who resonate with the power of lightning and the power of flames.

However, the energy of Seo Gayeon and his own were somewhat different.

Seo Gayeon's magic drew from the power of starlight.

He himself possesses the Body Against Heaven, which rejects and negates all other magic.

And this resonates?

But the sharp emotion he felt moments ago definitely belonged to Seo Gayeon.

This was... a matter to be looked into.

It would be good if they could resonate. Combining two energies to use a deadly skill.

Anyway.

Lee Seoha watched ahead. Hong Yuhwa was looking at him with fiery eyes while working out.

Hong Yuhwa has a strong competitive spirit.

Yet, sometimes she becomes unnaturally powerful. Even though she isn't as outstanding as Ersil, she directs her competitive drive towards him. And that feeling has never once faded.

Influenced by the talent known as 'Pillager'. Or perhaps this influence created the Pillager talent in the first place.

'It might be time to move on to the next stage.'

The reason for physical training was simple.

To fulfill the wish she unconsciously desires.

'Where was that suitable Mines base nearby?'

Lee Seoha recalled the location of an appropriate Mines base in his mind.

---

Raei Translations

---

Weekend, Saturday.

While weekends usually see the school deserted, today was an exception. Perhaps due to the upcoming final exams, all club activities were stopped and everyone remained at the school for self-study.

"Training again today?"

Hong Yuhwa asked with a weary tone.

Lee Seoha quietly nodded in agreement.

'She looks really tired.'

Now's the right moment.

The topic of the Pillager is especially sensitive when it comes to Hong Yuhwa.

She stands firm in her principles.

In competition, she doesn't resort to any dubious methods. She won't even use tactics that a villain might consider.

She competes with integrity and, when defeated, she gracefully accepts her loss.

That's why she's so well-liked. Her admirers follow her mainly because of this nature.

However, the power of the Pillager is in direct conflict with her character.

Pillager.

A force that literally steals from its opponent.

That's why she's been pushed to her limits.

She needs to confront herself for this power to truly respond to Hong Yuhwa's will.

"Let's move from training to actual combat today."

"Real combat?"

"Yes, it's about the right time."

After all, there's a significant event right after the final exams.

One of the villainous factions, the 'Legion of the Sky', attacks the Tower of Trials. The tower's guardian suffers grievous injuries.

In the fray, Hong Yuhwa is also attacked, either risking her life or losing it.

While playing as a player, I could only save Hong Yuhwa.

This time, I won't stand by idly.

---

Raei Translations

---

A space enveloped in a dark aura.

Upon the throne, a figure watched a projection.

A battle.

The footage captured as those entities retreated. There, a being with black wings moved at its own will.

Tianma.

It was said to be the being shown in the footage. The most noble creature under the protection of the Legion of the Sky. Rumored to be a demon that could engulf the sky.

This being was famous.

Whispers among some transcendent beings. They said the Tianma possessed the power of Demonic Qi, negating everything in existence.

There were no exceptions.

Whether a transcendent being or an entity that had obtained alien power.

"Is that the prophesied entity?"

It didn't seem so.

It negates everything.

Magic, alien powers, abilities. Although not every mystery, it disregards the laws of the world. Even those beyond the world. It's not the prophesied entity.

Yet, that being is a significant threat to them. Despite currently being at a student's level, its growth rate is steep. Soon, it could become a dagger plunged into their hearts.

"It doesn't seem like an Ascendant."

There were no records of such a uniquely powerful being. An Ascendant was such an entity, resonating its presence with the world, and the world responded in kind.

The Mines felt the same.

No being could evade this law.

Ding-Ding-Ding.

A bell rang. Even within the boundaries established by the so-called greatest hero in human history. But there was no bell here.

This was the law activated when an entity transcended and shook the world's rules.

Ascension.

It signified the emergence of a new Ascendant.

"Your Majesty."

A shadow surged, taking on a human form. It kneeled and spoke to its king.

"One from the Legion of the Sky has ascended."

"Is that so?"

"Shall we utilize them?"

"Hmm."

The Legion of the Sky.

Though comprised of villains, their strength was distinct from other Mines.

Most were of Ascendant level or higher. No, by now, all of them should be Ascendant-level beings.

"Yes. Request their assistance."

The entity known as the king shifted his gaze.

"The mission... Yes, target Lee Seoha. Capture him if possible, but his death is also acceptable."

The subordinate nodded in acknowledgment.

enjoy! :)

nah it's over for seoha

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