Chapter 6

- Magic power has increased by 1.

- Mastery of magic power has increased to E rank.

Indeed, the efficiency was tremendous since the training was difficult and his magic power stats and talent rank were low.

“Candidate Han Seong?”

“Yes, Mage.”

“It doesn’t seem like you’re focusing on the class right now?”

“No, I am.”

“Then, let’s solve a problem.”

On the magic blackboard, the manifestation formulas for the very basic magic [Light Orb] and [Fireball] were written side by side.

“If you listened to the explanation just now, you should be able to infer the ‘conversion formula’ of the manifested magic. I explained about 50% of it.”

It was an absurd request.

All hero candidates learn basic magic and practice it as part of their general education. However, since this is just the beginning of their education, it was a formula that only a few hero candidates who received formal magic education knew.

‘Probably just an example.’

If that’s the case, he needs to play along.

The problem was this.

How to convert [Light Orb] into [Fireball].

Canceling the manifested magic and manifesting a new one results in significant mana loss and a long delay. The point is to convert without canceling to compensate for this drawback.

It was naturally not going to be easy.

But who is Han Seong?

He was a player who had cleared this world and reached the pinnacle of magic after 52 years of relentless effort.

“It’s not difficult.”

Han Seong picked up the magic chalk and scribbled.

He slightly modified the magic circle corresponding to the ‘mana control engine’ of [Light Orb], its attributes, and the manifestation method. He added a [Loss Preservation] magic circle to prevent mana loss during the conversion.

The explanation was simple, but the equations filled an entire blackboard.

Click.

He stopped the chalk and looked at Mage Lee Jung-hyun.

He was asking if this was good enough.

“...Did you specialize in magic? It says ‘swordsman’...”

“No, I didn’t specialize in magic, but I have some basic knowledge.”

“I see. Well, it’s more than just a little... Come in.”

“Yes, I understand.”

In fact, it would have been fine to show that he couldn’t solve it.

Since his main weapon was listed as a sword, it might have been better to look a bit embarrassed.

But there’s a connection to a hidden piece that Han Seong knows well.

‘Mage Lee Jung-hyun, lectures on basic magic at the academy but is a person connected to a hidden piece related to special abilities...’

The rewards for hidden pieces range from B to S rank.

An S-rank reward is a unique ability called [Mana Conversion], which assists mental power with mana, or [Mental Power Conversion], which assists mana with mental power.

‘Worth considering.’

Because there aren’t many ways to obtain such abilities right now.

“Wow, can you do all that?”

“...No.”

It was Jin Hoon and Han Byul.

A few other characters also looked over.

‘What’s going on? Wasn’t he the top in the weapon measurement test with a sword?’

‘Amazing. He’s good at magic too?’

‘It might just be theory.’

‘No, look at that speed. He’s at the pro mage level.’

‘Is he perfect except for his face...’

Another misunderstanding was building up.

He genuinely pondered whether to increase his charm stat first.

- You have gained the attention of the candidates and the instructor.

- Your recognition has increased.

- Recognition: 12 Points obtained!

Even if he gets some criticism, gaining recognition points is beneficial.

“Alright, that’s it for today’s class. Review and don’t forget to practice mana control. See you later.”

The next lecture is in the afternoon.

He has about 4 hours of free time.

Han Seong quickly moved, had a simple lunch, and went to the shared physical training room. This place is usually used by 1st-year students with weak physical strength, such as mages and those with superpowers.

Han Seong, with his 10 stats, will find this place challenging.

After 10 minutes of exercise, a familiar face entered the training room.

‘Gil Sung-hyun, and Julia? She’s a mage too, right.’

Jin Hoon and Han Byul have no reason to come here. Their physical abilities have already surpassed human limits.

“I hate physical training. Why do we need to do this when we can just do magic?”

“Shut up. If you’re not going to do it, leave.”

“Tsk. You’re too harsh. I was just talking.”

Julia is a hero candidate from the [Red Tower] in France. I remember she and Gil Sung-hyun’s families know each other.

‘I vaguely remember... Ah, Julia Martin, right.’

A quick internet search revealed that Julia’s father is Kai Martin.

A giant multinational corporation, ‘Martin,’ which not only owns the world-famous ‘Red Sunset’ magic battalion but also produces magic military supplies for a PMC (Private Military Company).

“Isn’t that the kid who wrote that amazing conversion formula?”

“...Amazing? Anyone can do that.”

“No, I don’t think so. It’s a level that requires at least a 3-year basic magic course. Unless he memorized it beforehand.”

“Stop worrying and focus on your exercise.”

Gil Sung-hyun, despite saying that, looked more concerned than Julia.

“Should we try to recruit him?”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“Hehe, just kidding. It’s still a stretch at 500th place. And he’s not even a mage.”

It seemed like a casual remark.

‘If it’s that group, I’d refuse first.’

[Black Rose], a gathering of genius magic hero candidates led by Gil Sung-hyun. The name is quite childish, but remember they are only 17 years old.

Han Seong put aside the uncomfortable feeling and focused on his physical training.

- Strength has increased by 1.

- Stamina has increased by 1.

‘Definitely fast.’

The rapid increase is due to Han Seong’s low stats and the power of the [Low-grade Growth Acceleration Potion] he bought with the money from the casino.

‘I’m even doping now.’

Physical training must not be neglected.

Main quests will progress within the academy, and sub-quests will overlap. In this game with extreme difficulty, can Han Seong, with his 10 stats, survive?

‘Obviously not possible.’

Huff. Huff. Huff.

Han Seong trained until he was drenched in sweat and glanced at Julia and Gil Sung-hyun.

Both are mages, but their weights are much higher than his.

For a moment, he wondered if setting his main weapon as a sword was a mistake.

* * *

After finishing his exercise and having a meal at the cafeteria, Han Seong took a short rest, got an outing pass, and went out.

His destination was the casino.

It was the day to start the work to obtain the barbarian’s bracelet.

After circling the casino, he saw Bake Raymond sitting at a poker table.

‘An opportunity.’

Han Seong sat in an empty seat.

Actually, it’s a bit too much. His luck is exploding, and there’s even a camera. A system that doesn’t belong in the game, literally an out-of-spec system.

This is a game he can’t lose.

“Huh? What’s this.”

Turning his head at the voice calling him, a woman with breathtaking beauty sat there. She had a youthful face, long black hair, and sharp cat-like features... a distinctive scar on her collarbone.

“Cough.”

He almost choked.

He remembered who she was.

He felt a different kind of breathlessness.

“B, nice to see you.”

“Hey, I didn’t expect to see the stormy new student here. Want to play a game?”

She spoke casually, but he had no courage to argue.

Seong Si-yeon. Specialized school. 9th place among all students. She rose to 8th place thanks to the recent measurement test.

But that’s not the important part.

She is the second daughter of a family that specializes in assassination. She has undergone brutal training since she was very young and killed her first person at the age of 5... and so on.

But that’s not the important part.

Her family is one of the world’s top [Black Smoke]. A place where killing people is as easy as choosing candy.

‘If I get involved with this woman, I’ll be done for.’

Han Seong is certain that Seong Si-yeon is the most dangerous person in the academy. Really.

He sighed inwardly and composed himself.

“Talkative. Let’s play the game.”

His legs felt weak, his fingertips trembled, and a drop of sweat trickled down between his erector spinae muscles.

“Hahaha! Right, if you came to play, let’s play.”

Fortunately, she is as generous as expected.

In front of this woman, he can only do things that aren’t cowardly, despicable, or scheming. It’s better if he looks composed.

‘It’s strange for an assassin to care about such things, though.’

What can he do, Seong Si-yeon is the strong one.

“Dealer, let’s start.”

Seong Si-yeon casually said, and the game began.

Han Seong’s strategy was this.

Win Seong Si-yeon’s money while losing to Bake Raymond. Raymond, a gambling addict to the core, won’t leave his seat if he thinks he’s being taken advantage of.

But...

“Why do you have so few chips?”

He asked out of genuine curiosity.

Seong Si-yeon instantly turned demonic.

It was eerie, but he had to stay composed.

“...I’m just having a bad day. Wait and see! I’ll win them all back soon!”

“Sure, I understand.”

Han Seong looked at Seong Si-yeon’s and Raymond’s chips.

Being an assassin doesn’t mean she’s good at gambling. She seemed to have no talent for it at all.

‘Helping her... would be good, right.’

This is also an opportunity.

Seong Si-yeon is dangerous, but if there’s a chance, it’s good to get closer.

“The game will begin.”

The dealer started shuffling the new deck.

The game went smoothly.

He lost the first round cleanly and then lost a few more in a row. In the process, he helped Seong Si-yeon win. It wasn’t difficult.

“...Huh.”

Han Seong suppressed a groan.

“What’s wrong? Bad hand again? Hahaha! You can’t hide your expression like that. You’ll be done for. You rookie!”

His feet felt stiff.

‘Why is that person here?’

This is a place he shouldn’t be.

Black suit, white shirt. Light makeup, deep red lips. He looks very feminine, and his beauty is striking, but the evil (惡) he exudes subtly dominates the surroundings.

Or, at least, that’s how Han Seong feels.

He knows too well how strong and evil this person is.

Tap.

The lights flickered.

‘Something feels off.’

When some people started to get up and back away.

Black smoke rose from the floor.

‘No way, not here.’

A pale face with red lips, ‘Bento,’ smiled.

The chilling smile made his skin crawl.

‘Why today of all days.’

Screams began, and black shadows appeared around, starting to kill people.

This place was chosen by the evil (惡) organization [Night Banquet] to which Bento belongs. It’s also a place where they test new members and enjoy their festivities.

He really didn’t know.

Since it’s a game, every time you play, the elements are not exactly the same.

The timing and location vary. Moreover, he didn’t expect this to be one of the hundreds of casinos in the Under