Chapter 45: The Reincarnated One Does It All

After Louise's public challenge became the top trending post, it didn't take a day for the entire tower to be in an uproar.

[Anonymous 24]: Who is Louise Valentine???

[Anonymous 31]: I asked a senior, and apparently she lost a duel to Gerwin Kruger half a year ago.

[Anonymous 35]: She was the top student in the second year of the Elemental Studies Department, but she was on leave because she was seriously injured in that duel.

[Anonymous 24]: But she's challenging again? That's impressive...

[Anonymous 25]: Overcoming a mana condensation failure 😂 What kind of nonsense is this, posting it as a trending post?

[Anonymous 26]: Seriously, the management is a mess. She couldn't have written it herself, right? Is it a fake?

[Anonymous 28]: There's a student ID verification below. It's real.

[Anonymous 43]: If it's true that she recovered, she could be knight material...

The 25th son of the UD Group's owner, a third-year top student in the Command Studies Department, and one of the special students of the Ivory Tower. Gerwin Kruger was a student with a recognition and influence that rivaled, and in some ways surpassed, the top students of each year.

[Anonymous 26]: The kid doesn't want to be a hero later, lol.

[Anonymous 31]: Seriously 😂😂😂

[Anonymous 33]: Isn't he just going all out before getting expelled?

To challenge such a figure, however, was unbelievable.

Naturally, the students became interested in Louise and began to revisit the duel from half a year ago.

The entire Babel buzzed about the upcoming duel a week later.

"Hey, you crazy bastard!!!"

The subject of the buzz grabbed Is-hun by the collar and shook him.

"It's nothing! I said it's nothing to worry about!!!"

"It's nothing. You didn't even declare a murder attempt."

"Is that what you call nothing?!"

Seeing Is-hun talk without batting an eye, Louise felt her stomach churn.

Thinking it was about overcoming trauma related to the scar on her neck, she was taken aback when he sent the challenge letter on his own. The sudden situation made her not only bewildered but also suspicious.

'Is this kid planning this from the start?'

Even if she could use incantation magic now, she was only at the beginner level. Moreover, her skills had declined over the past half-year of rehabilitation.

To face Gerwin, who had likely grown stronger over the past half-year? It felt like he was trying to get rid of her.

'No... that can't be... but still...'

Unable to understand the situation, Louise had a complicated expression when Is-hun calmly said:

"Calm down. Do you think I would do this without any thought?"

"......Huh."

Sighing deeply, Louise smoothed out Is-hun's wrinkled collar and plopped into a chair.

"Yeah. Of course, you had a reason. How could you not..."

Though she was taken aback by the scale of it, she remembered that he had been this way when teaching her the basics of incantation magic.

Half-resigned, Louise looked at the relaxed Is-hun and asked:

"So, what's your plan?"

"As I said before, incantation magic is more about willpower than precise calculation. It's an instinctive magic, so the subconscious has a significant impact. What do you think this means?"

"......It's sensitive to the user's condition?"

"Exactly."

When creating flames with incantation magic, a fire-loving mage can produce more powerful and colorful flames.

Conversely, a mage with a trauma related to fire might find it difficult to control, or the magic might not manifest at all, as the subconscious reflects the desire to avoid fire.

"You might not admit it, but you developed a fear of using magic after the incident half a year ago. The reason the ancient magic only half-succeeded yesterday, despite your success, is likely due to this."

"......That could be."

"Fortunately, your desire to use magic is stronger, but as it stands, the constraints are too severe. To put it simply... it's like you're running on two legs when you should be running on all fours."

"That's a great analogy..."

"It shows how much your talent is real."

The nightmare of not being able to use magic was overcome with incantation magic, but the emotional shock and psychological unease from that time didn't disappear instantly.

Like a scar that remains after a wound heals, the remnants of the trauma were deeply rooted in Louise's subconscious.

'Besides, if left unchecked, there's a risk of it being exploited.'

Before the regression, the beast who became mana-deficient accepted the offer of an illegal human experiment from a group called 'Dawn' that claimed to cure it.

During the process, his entire mana circuit was modified, and a 'collar' device was implanted, which stimulated trauma by using the eroded mana in his body.

'Given the mana erosion device and the unknown methods they might use, I need to handle this properly this time.'

The best way would be to completely remove the eroded mana, but given Louise's current state, there's a risk of worsening her mana condensation.

So, the best option now is to overcome the trauma causing the issue.

"At the very least, this duel is necessary to overcome the trauma. It'll be tough, but I hope you understand."

Hearing Is-hun's serious words, Louise sighed deeply.

"Yeah. If you say so, I'll do it. I said I'd do anything, after all."

"Thanks for understanding."

"But if I lose, won't the trauma get worse? For something this important, you should have been more careful..."

Seeing Louise's discontented muttering, Is-hun chuckled.

"Stop being ridiculous."

"What?"

"There's no way you'd lose to that guy."

Whether he's the 25th son of the Wurgens or not, the Beast's talent is not something that can be easily matched by a nobody he's never heard of before the regression.

Hearing Is-hun's confident words, Louise stared at him for a moment before smiling wryly.

"Flattery will get you nowhere."

"Stop complaining and get ready. I said it's possible, not that we have time to spare."

"Alright, alright. What are we doing today? Since it's a duel, are we practicing combat-related incantations?"

Seeing Louise's cheerful response, Is-hun took out a pair of sanitary gloves he had prepared and answered.

"Examination."

"......Huh?"

Seeing Louise's puzzled look, Is-hun pulled on the gloves and repeated:

"Oral examination."

* * *

The second ward of Ascus.

People passing in the corridor stopped in surprise and halted their steps as a black-haired girl walked calmly through the gap.

The indifferent figure, who didn't blink at the surrounding gazes, was none other than Erica, the first-year top student of the Ure Department, known only by rumor. Some people whispered among themselves.

"Is that Erica? The first-year top student of the Ure Department."

"Seems so. What's she doing here? She doesn't look injured."

"Probably to see the first-year top student of the Borshifa Department, Is-hun, who's hospitalized."

"Wow. So that rumor...?"

People whispered with interest. Erica's sensitive senses picked up the conversation, but she ignored it and continued walking.

She didn't have the leisure to react to every trivial rumor, and most importantly, she needed to check on Is-hun's condition first.

'He said he wasn't seriously injured, but I need to confirm it properly.'

The spontaneous refinement of the White Light Longsword at the auction.

The 'art of the blade' that sharpened the sword using a quasi-blade spirit, which required an extremely delicate sense that allowed no margin for error.

If he lost that sense due to this injury, it would be a significant loss not only to the blacksmithing industry but also to Erica.

'If that happens... I won't let it go.'

Thinking of Jake, who would break out in a cold sweat every time he met her eyes, Erica's expression grew colder.

"Hey!!!"

A loud shout echoed through the door.

The soundproofing of the room, which had never let in any conversation, was easily penetrated by the thunderous cry. Erica's gaze naturally turned to the nameplate.

[Room 204] [Louise Valentine]

Confirming it was the room she was looking for, Erica immediately opened the door and entered.

Inside, she saw a silver-haired girl sitting in a chair and a black-haired young man standing opposite her.

Although they were sitting close, it wasn't an unusual sight, but the problem was what they were doing.

"Your ears are going to fall off, you know."

Is-hun, who seemed to have no injuries, frowned and was touching the inside of Louise's mouth with his right hand.

"Beetle."

Louise, with her mouth open like she was at the dentist, was trembling with shame and anger.

"......"

Unable to understand what was happening, Erica stood at the entrance, staring. The two people finally noticed her presence.

"What? Why are you here?"

"Whoa! What, what is this?! Who are you?!"

Is-hun looked at her curiously, while Louise's face turned bright red in shock.

Seeing the two extreme reactions, Erica calmly stated her business.

"Meyers had an urgent matter and asked me to deliver something to you."

"Really? He said I had nothing to do today..."

"It came up suddenly."

Erica firmly stated. Realizing what had happened, Is-hun smiled bitterly.

"Alright, alright. So, what did he ask you to deliver?"

"Here."

A small case came out of Erica's subspace pocket. Is-hun took it, unlocked it, and looked inside.

A silver metal ingot with a small flame sealed in the transparent center. Seeing this, Louise, who was standing next to Is-hun, looked puzzled.

"What is it? Is that a projection alloy?"

"Right."

The special metal used during the self-introduction in the first week of school.

Taking the projection alloy out of the case, Is-hun lightly examined it.

[Projection Alloy]

[Grade: High] [Quality: Best]

An alloy with extremely high mana sensitivity.

It can change shape according to the mana given, without the need for smelting, forging, or polishing.

If reprocessed after the transformation is complete, the durability drops sharply.

* Can be reshaped by giving it mana.

"Thanks for sending a good one."

While projection alloy is not suitable for making proper weapons, this quality is good enough to use.

Just as Is-hun was about to praise Jake's work,

"I got it."

Erica firmly stated.

"......Really?"

"Yes. I got it, not Meyers."

Erica spoke firmly, as if to prevent any misunderstanding. Realizing her intention, Is-hun nodded.

"Wow. Impressive."

"......"

"Next time, I'll ask you first for something like this. Is that okay?"

"Of course."

Satisfied, Erica nodded. Seeing her straightforward reaction, Is-hun smiled.

"Hey."

Louise, sitting opposite, tapped Is-hun's arm.

"So, what are you going to do with this? Explain quickly."

"Alright. Why are you in such a hurry... Ah, you can go now. Thanks for the trouble."

"......"

Hearing Is-hun, Erica looked at the projection alloy and the two people, then slowly spoke.

"Are you making a weapon now?"

"Something like that."

"Then I want to watch."

"Hmm? That's..."

"What do you mean?"

The voice that came out before Is-hun's. Louise, frowning, glared at Erica in annoyance.

"Leave if you're done. Don't interfere."

"......"

"Didn't you hear me? Get out of my room."

Seeing Louise's irritated response, Erica looked at her for a moment, then turned back to Is-hun as if nothing had happened.

"I want to watch."

Ignoring her like a transparent person, Erica's response made Louise's expression twist in frustration.

Grinding her teeth,

Click

The air grew tense with the two people's emotions. Seeing this, Is-hun looked at them disdainfully.

"Arguing over something so trivial... If you're curious, just watch."

"Okay."

"Hey!"

Louise shouted angrily, but Is-hun walked over without batting an eye.

"Come on. We're wasting time. Open your mouth."

"Ugh......"

Seeing Is-hun wiggle his fingers, Louise glared at him in protest, then sighed and opened her mouth again.

Putting on a new pair of sanitary gloves, Is-hun inserted his fingers into Louise's mouth and carefully examined the inside.

"To continue the explanation, you don't match with wands or staffs. The activation process is much shorter than regular magic."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

Erica, who was receiving the examination, asked on Louise's behalf. Is-hun explained calmly.

"To use a weapon properly, you need to infuse it with refined mana and use it as an extension of your body. This girl refines mana only in her mouth."

"It's a matter of location."

"Exactly. If she bites a weapon, she can infuse it with refined mana, but then she can't use magic."

Ultimately, those who use incantation magic need either tools that assist their physical abilities or a 'custom weapon' that fits their form.

"And this oral examination is part of the process to create such a custom weapon. Do you understand now?"

"......"

Although she couldn't see how making a custom weapon was related to examining her mouth, Louise nodded slightly, understanding that Is-hun wasn't lying.

'Still, I should get that girl out of here...'

Erica, who was looking at her mouth, which Is-hun was examining, made Louise feel strangely annoyed.

'Why does she bother me so much?'

Maybe it was because of the bad first impression, but just seeing her face made Louise feel annoyed.

Especially after the recent conversation, she seemed even more arrogant, as if she had won.

Just as Louise was about to grind her teeth without realizing it,

"Hey, hey. My hand is in there."

"Ah, sorry."

Louise, startled, opened her mouth again, and Is-hun stroked her molars.

"Try not to grind your teeth. Your teeth will be sensitive to cold things later."

Hearing Is-hun's calm advice, Louise snorted.

"Your advice is like an old man's."

"Old man? This is all for your own good."

"Whatever."

Seeing Louise's dismissive attitude, Is-hun looked at her with a strange expression.

After all, the advice he just gave was something the future him, the Beast, had told him.

'Of course, you don't know until you get old.'

Thinking of the Beast, who used to wrinkle his nose at ice cream, Is-hun smiled, and Louise narrowed her eyes and clenched her teeth.

"Ugh! Hey, you bit me on purpose just now."

"No, I didn't."

"Don't lie. You just..."

"Ugh?! Hey! Don't pull my tongue!"

The two bickered even as Is-hun continued the examination. Erica, watching from the side, had a strange expression.

'...It looks familiar.'

They had only met a week ago, but it felt like they had known each other for years.

Especially, seeing Is-hun, who always kept a certain distance from everyone, show such intimacy, made him seem like a different person.

"......"

Seeing this unusual scene, Erica finally took a good look at the silver-haired girl, Louise Valentine, sitting opposite.

Perhaps the person to be wary of was not Jake Meyers or Professor Ryu Eun-ha, but someone else.

'That girl is looking at me with such disdain.'

The gap between the two grew even wider.