Chapter 10

King of Spirits Elquines [Revised Edition] - Chapter 10 (10/608)

Chapter 10

Just as warned, Ifrit's lessons, which began the next day, were quite challenging from the start. What was called a lesson was, in reality, a scene of constant criticism and scolding, and a thunderous reprimand would fall at the slightest mistake.

"That's not it!"

"Then, like this?"

"No, no, no!"

Every time Ifrit got angry, his red hair would emit sparks like hot lava. I was worried that the water inside might start to boil.

"Is your head made of stone? Why can't you follow what I showed you twice? Even if you can't match the previous Elquines, you should at least mimic his movements! Do you really have his abilities? Why is the water spirit king, known for the best guard and attack among the four great spirit kings, only this good? Explain it to me, explain it!"

"... Well, if I knew, I would have already laid out a mat on the floor."

"What?"

"No, nothing. Ha ha..."

As a teacher, Ifrit was not a suitable type. He couldn't gauge the student's level at all, taught only from his own perspective, and constantly compared the student to others, which dampened the motivation to learn.

What could I do if he just suddenly created a high-level fire spirit in front of me during a lesson on creating spirits? When I didn't understand, he showed me again, but to me, it looked like a spirit just appeared out of nowhere.

At the very least, he should have taught me about the types of lower-level spirits and how to handle their energies! It's like teaching a child who can't even read to write an essay. When I pointed out that he was asking too much of a beginner, his response was:

"I knew it as soon as I was born?"

"... Ah, really?"

What did I expect? Feeling dejected, I slumped my shoulders, and Ifrit shot me a frown.

"It's strange that you can't do it. If you were human, let me explain in human terms. Does a newborn human need to be told how to eat?"

"... No."

"That's right. When food enters the mouth, they instinctively know how to eat. It's the same here. Why can't you do it? I even showed you a demonstration right in front of you. Ugh, I'm so frustrated! What went wrong?"

I listened to Ifrit's complaints half-heartedly. No matter how frustrated he was, it couldn't be worse than how I felt.

If I had known it would turn out like this, I would never have fled from the spirit realm that day. Even if it meant drinking the solution until my mouth turned sour, I would have finished it.

I never thought I would regret not drinking that terrible drink myself. This is why people say you can't predict your own fate.

"What are you standing there like an idiot? Quickly, do it properly. The previous Elquines was the strongest and most outstanding spirit king in history. You, who inherited his power, can't be a fool."

... You really have to say it like that.

I don't know how many times I've heard him mention the previous Elquines. Even good words can get tiring if you hear them too often, and this isn't even a good story. As a result, I was building up unnecessary resentment towards the previous Elquines, whom I had never met.

'But it's really strange. Ifrit said he didn't get along well with the previous Elquines. So why does he keep comparing me to him?'

Maybe he pretends to dislike him while actually liking him. Given Ifrit's personality, it's possible. But I immediately shook my head. If that were the case, Trovel or Minerva, who knew him longer, wouldn't have described their relationship as simply hostile.

Especially Trovel, who has a somewhat mysterious side... Even though it's just a guess, it feels like he can read people's minds. I still remember how he looked at me meaningfully when we talked about the process of forgetting. It was definitely a look that guessed my story. Even if I'm wrong, if he has such keen insight, it would be hard for Ifrit to deceive him.

'Hmm, then what is it? If he doesn't like him, why does he keep bringing him up? A rival who dislikes him but recognizes his abilities! ... Is that it? But being the successor to such a person, and being as clumsy as me, is frustrating.'

Wow, this sounds plausible. Maybe I have a knack for deduction?

I smiled to myself, and Ifrit's thunderous reprimand fell again.

"Why are you standing there grinning like an idiot? Do you really want to do it like that?"

"Ugh, sorry."

"If you don't want to do it, just quit. Aquadon is already in ruins; who cares if its recovery is delayed by a few hundred years? A few hundred thousand more humans will just die."

"Whoa! No, no! I'll try hard! Really!"

Not only is he bad-tempered, but he's also a master at intimidation. But no matter what, you can't suddenly understand something you didn't know. I pleaded with Ifrit again, despite feeling like I was eating bitter medicine.

"Hey, Ifrit. Can you show me how to create a spirit again?"

"What, again?"

"No matter how many times I see it, I still don't understand. This time, I'll focus more."

"... Hmph, fine. I have no choice. But remember this: if too many fire spirits are created here, it won't be good for Aquadon. Already, because of you, there are three more Ignises, high-level fire spirits. So you need to create more Sirels to balance it out."

"Sirels?"

"High-level water spirits. Don't you even know the title of the spirits under your command?"

I would know if you told me. I avoided Ifrit's disdainful gaze and quietly grumbled to myself. If I argued, I would only hear more about instincts and such.

"Watch carefully."

Ifrit slightly clenched his fist and extended it forward with his palm up. Then, blue flames started from his shoulder, wrapped around his arm like a snake, and gathered on his palm. The flame grew to an enormous size and instantly transformed into a red eagle with two wings full of red flames.

Piiii—!

—My king, my lord, I greet the beautiful and great Ifrit.

Even though it was the third time, the birth of the high-level fire spirit Ignis was still amazing to watch.

Ifrit, with Ignis on his wrist, looked down at me with a proud expression.

"Do you understand now?"

... No, I don't understand at all.

This time, I expected Ifrit to unleash his anger. He had shown me the same movement three times, and I still didn't understand, so it was natural for him to be angry. But when I looked at him, he was smiling. It was a bewitching smile that made me feel dizzy.

"Hehe, yeah. You still don't understand..."

"Sorry."

"No, it's possible."

"Ifrit?"

'Why is he agreeing? He should be angry here.'

Feeling puzzled, I looked up and immediately averted my gaze when our eyes met. I suddenly noticed his appearance.

I had felt it since the first time I saw him, but Ifrit is really beautiful. It's not just his face; his eyes, attitude, and every movement exude a mysterious aura that draws attention. I used to be obsessed with female celebrities like my friends, but none of them were as beautiful and dazzling as the person in front of me now.

To think I'm getting a private lesson from such a beautiful woman. Reflecting on it, I must be incredibly lucky.

I decided to enjoy the situation more. After all, I was once a strong Korean man. There's no way I would dislike being with a beautiful woman. From now on, I would gladly accept any criticism from Ifrit. ... If I hadn't noticed his hand.

"... Hey, Ifrit?"

"Yeah? What is it?"

"On your hand... What's that?"

"Oh, this?"

Ifrit smiled and showed his hand. His hand was wrapped in a blue flame, burning fiercely. Normally, I would have been amazed that his skin wasn't harmed by the flame. But at that moment, I took a step back, feeling a chill down my spine.

And my ominous premonition was right on target.

"It's fire, you idiot! Is your head just for decoration? I'll burn you to ashes right here! You might as well die and contribute to the birth of a new Elquines! Teaching you is a hundred times slower than that!"

"Aaaah! Wait, Ifrit! Relax, relax!"

"What do you mean 'wait'? If you have something to say, say it now! I'll listen to your last words as a final courtesy!"

What kind of courtesy is that!

After that, I had to run around frantically to avoid Ifrit's attacks for a long time. Flames erupted like volcanoes wherever his hand touched.

That was the tumultuous end of my first lesson.

* * *

"So, in the end, there was no progress all day?"

In response to Trovel's question, I shrugged instead of answering. He had just returned after finishing his work in the human world all day.

Every time his gaze swept over me, I felt like I was shrinking. It was like being inspected by a strict teacher. Ifrit, who was also tense, spoke more carefully than usual.

"I did my best. It's not my fault. This guy is just too stupid to follow."

"... You did your best?"

"That's right. Do you know how hard I tried to explain it clearly?"

"Hmm, I see."

Trovel muttered and looked at the furniture. The surfaces were scorched and blackened. He glanced at Ifrit with a slightly scolding look, as if he already knew what had happened. Ifrit, looking uncomfortable, quickly spoke up.

"It was just a brief argument."

"An argument? That implies both parties were involved. This looks like a one-sided attack."

"..."

Unable to find a proper excuse, Ifrit remained silent. Trovel sighed.

"I told you to be careful, Ifrit. Jihoon doesn't even know how to defend himself. I warned you beforehand that treating him like the previous Elquines could be dangerous."

"I know. That's why I used less force than usual."

"That's not the answer I want to hear."

"But, it's just ridiculous. We're both spirit kings, so why do I have to go easy on him? Even if it's a lingering effect from his past life, it's still ridiculous. He's so weak that he can't even defend against such a simple attack! Such a pitiful..."

"Ifrit."

Ifrit stopped grumbling when he heard Trovel's low, stern voice. Seeing his strict expression, Ifrit bit his lip and replied curtly.

"... Tch! Fine. I won't do it anymore. I won't hit him no matter what happens. Happy?"

"Good."

At that moment, Trovel's smile seemed to emit a radiant halo. To think he could handle the wild and fierce Ifrit like a child so skillfully! He's really amazing. How does he do it? Suddenly, my respect for him grew. Of course, Ifrit's expression was full of dissatisfaction.

"You always seem so old, Trovel. Do you have to act so mature?"

"Hehe, that means I'm mature. I'll take it as a compliment."

"Tch! Whatever."

Wow, Trovel is older than Ifrit?

I never would have guessed. After all, Trovel looked younger than me.

"Anyway, what are you going to do now? I can't do it anymore. Whether you're busy or not, you and Minerva should handle it."

"What, giving up after just one day?"

"Teaching should have some effect to be worth continuing. This guy is hopeless. Showing him how to create spirits is useless. At this rate, the number of Ignises will just keep increasing."

"Hmm, that's a problem. I see. It's a shame that it didn't work. I thought seeing the process of creation would stimulate him to some extent."

I watched the two spirit kings' conversation with anxiety. I was worried that Trovel might resort to extreme measures, like killing me and creating a new Elquines.

"Jihoon, I'm sorry, but..."

"Whoa! I'm sorry! I'll really try hard! Please don't kill me!"

"..."

I was already thin, and when Trovel started with an apology, I panicked and shouted. Trovel, who had been silent, now glared at Ifrit with clear disapproval. Ifrit, feeling guilty, looked away.