Became the middle boss’s childhood friend (135)
34. Thorn Vine
Midterm exams are approaching.
There are already about two weeks left, and the academy grounds, which were usually bustling with students, have become quite quiet recently.
The atmosphere of trying to build friendships or attract new students to clubs at the beginning of school has disappeared as if it had never happened before.
They decided to become friends with each other, form stable relationships, and become faithful to their daily lives.
Also, they may be putting off playing for a while and preparing for the midterm exam.
“Eunbi and Lisa decided to go to the library and study. Do you want to come too?”
We also started preparing for the midterm exam.
Since it is a matter of grades, we have been spending less time playing these days and focusing more on studying for exams.
As I waited for Yeon Ha-neul to finish her class and went to school with her, I received an offer from her.
My answer was decided.
“Really? If there’s something you don’t know, heaven can learn it from you. “I’ll take care of you.”
“I don’t know if it’s just asking sometimes… . “Are you going to say you don’t know everything and ask me to tell you?”
Yeon Ha-neul, with her red eyes blinking and purring as if it were obvious.
I shrugged my shoulders calmly.
“They say it’s easier to understand if you explain it to someone else, right? So please use me.”
“What is use…?” . “Am I the tutor who teaches you to study for every exam?”
“Yes, heavenly teacher. You know that. “I only have you.”
From when we first met until now.
I received help from Yeon Ha-neul during the exam period.
As she entered the academy at the top of her class, she studied very well and, above all, had an excellent accuracy rate when guessing questions that would appear on the exam.
Thanks to this, I was able to study efficiently and achieve satisfactory grades.
“Ugh… . “When are you going to study alone?”
“Am I going to study with you for the rest of my life? “How can I study alone?”
“baby?”
“wah wah.”
“Kick, don’t make weird noises.”
“I buy strawberry milk and dinner as tuition money.”
“Why don’t you put a straw in it?”
“Of course, I should also add a straw. Should I feed it myself? “You just keep your mouth shut.”
“hmm… . If Eunbi and Lisa weren’t there, I might have been in trouble. That’s embarrassing, so I’ll drink it myself. And again?”
“also… .”
“Is that the end?”
“I’ll massage your shoulders whenever they feel stiff.”
“Okay, Cole. “Just try not to do it.”
“Shall I do it now?”
“Go to the library later. Oh, and let’s buy strawberry milk on the way.”
It’s not that I’m particularly bad at studying.
However, strangely enough, what Yeon Ha-neul teaches me is easier to remember.
It is a study for both me and her.
We headed that way to the library.
* * *
Thursday 8th and 9th period self-defense mountain march.
According to the curriculum, classes were held to develop the skills necessary for mountain marching before the midterm exam.
Kang Han-byeol and I, who were taking the class, visited the training center instead of the dimension hall that day.
“Today we will conduct a class based on the training we experienced on the first day. It’s training to last a long time in a rubber ball. Of course, I’m not trying to rehash the exact same content.”
“… .”
Su Ho-guk, who instructed the students to wear the bracelets distributed by the assistants, turned to the audience and said.
We quietly listened to the explanation.
“The colors of the rubber balls used in this training are different. Among them, you must hit balls of a designated color with your body, avoid balls of other colors, and hold out for a limited time.”
“… .”
“Everyone, touch your bracelet.”
It was a bracelet that looked like a gate watch.
I lightly touched the disk on the bracelet with my finger.
Then the black disc turned red and the number ‘0’ appeared.
On the other hand, the disc of the bracelet with Kanghan Star was stained blue.
The numbers were the same as mine.
“Once training begins, the bracelet will randomly display colors. All you have to do is hit the ball corresponding to the indicated color. When that happens, the number is added to 1, and the color changes randomly again.” Conversely, if you hit a ball of a color not shown on the bracelet, the number will decrease.
At this time, the displayed color remains the same and the number does not fall below 0.
Guardian explained in a calm tone.
“Avoiding is not the only solution! Sometimes, blocking it to create a way out can be one way. The gist of this class is right there. I hope you learn how to fit in.”
“… .”
“I plan to give extra points equal to the tens of the number on the bracelet you submit after completing the training. So, I hope that I can dodge as hard as I can and be able to hit hard.” Suhoguk explained his purpose in an easy-going manner.
After hearing the explanation, the students, including me and Kang Han-byeol, couldn’t help but be embarrassed.
‘Getting hit is also a way… .’
It’s not just a wrong teaching.
If the damage is minor, it may be beneficial to accept the damage and allow the opponent to attack.
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This is because it can shorten the battle process or outwit the opponent.
Even if it is risky, you can make a difference by acting boldly.
We didn’t know the reason either.
But even if I knew it in my head, there was no way I could have done it with a reasonable amount of willpower.
‘You can’t just hit any ball, you have to hit a specific ball.’
You had to be able to distinguish between balls to avoid and balls to hit.
It could be said to be a very difficult task in a situation where rubber balls were flooding in.
Not only did it require visual acuity, but also judgment skills.
‘I think I can do it if I use my avoidance instinct well… .’
All you have to do is control the gift.
It won’t be easy, but at current levels it’s not impossible.
When the right moment comes, you just have to go against it for a moment.
It’s about giving up your body like that… .
It was then that the guardian nation called.
“Kang Han-byeol, Do Gyeon-woo.”
“yes?”
When my name was suddenly called, I tilted my head in confusion.
Even Kang Han-byeol seemed to not know English.
The guardian nation approached us and held out some bands.
“The two will go to training wearing these specifically. You can wear it on your head, chest, both elbows, stomach, hips, and both knees.”
“… .”
Although the sizes and lengths of the bands were different, they were similar in shape to the bracelet worn on the wrist.
Feeling something wasn’t right, I asked cautiously.
“that is… “What is it?”
“These are artifacts that are linked to the bracelet. Like this… It is set to light up in the same color as the bracelet. “You should only hit the area where the light comes on.”
“why… “Just us?”
Shouldn’t an instructor be someone who treats students fairly?
I did not wish for this favoritism.
However, the Protectorate ignored my question without paying any attention to it.
He answered with a grin.
“Because you guys are particularly good at avoiding things. That’s why we took special measures.”
“… .”
“If you train like other kids, I think you’ll learn how to get hit without pain or with less pain. I can’t say it’s wrong, but this class is aimed at learning how to ‘fit’. So, we must teach according to the purpose.”
“ah… .”
“It’s a class you pay a lot of money to take. “If you’re going to learn, shouldn’t you learn properly?”
“It’s not my money anyway.”
“Didn’t you want to become a hunter? “Don’t say anything and wear it.”
It seems like this is the end of accepting pranks.
Guardian Guk, whose expression hardened, threatened.
I wanted to maintain a good relationship with him, so I ended up wearing belts.
‘Did I say I was getting a hard skin for no reason? I should just get strong stars… .’
It was too late to regret it now.
This is the class I chose.
I had to endure it with evil and tenacity.
So I threw myself into hard training with Kang Han Byeol.
* * *
Deep at night, Geumgang Academy Library.
With the midterm exams just around the corner, I didn’t know that the lights in the library that brightened the dark night would go out.
The students were concentrating on studying for the exam even though it was almost midnight.
Min A-rin, who was studying among them, stepped onto the rooftop.
“… “Is there no one there?”
When I opened the door and went out, a breeze blew.
She held onto her wildly flowing hair and looked at the rooftop.
In the starless night sky, only the full moon was peeking out.
The moonlight shining brightly between the clouds illuminated the rooftop and the surrounding area.
There was no one around but myself, and the view of the grounds unfolded beyond the railings.
I could see buildings with lights on in the vast darkness.
“I guess I’m the only one.”
I didn’t come out to get some air.
After making a decision, Min A-rin locked the rooftop door behind her and went to the center.
The sound of shoes clicking sounded, and the hem of clothes fluttered in the wind.
‘Today is the right time as there is a full moon. ‘We have to finish it quickly before others find us.’
On nights when the moon is rising, atmospheric mana is at its best.
Several factors, including concentration and purity, become superior.
Additionally, the temperament becomes rough.
Nevertheless, it can be said to be an appropriate time to activate magic that requires a large amount of mana.
The reason why Min Arin came to the rooftop was also not unrelated to that.
She took out the magic book she had brought.
“If only I had this…” .”
A theoretical book on ascending the hierarchy, devised by the previous head of the Demon House.
Inside the thick cover was content that could instantly elevate you from the 3rd level to the 5th level.
‘… I can become the fifth rank.’
According to public opinion.
Those of first rank who have created a ring around their heart are not much different from those who know how to manipulate mana.
You have to be level 2 to be able to confidently say you have entered magic.
From the 3rd rank onward, one can be evaluated as playing a role as a full-fledged wizard.
Wizards who graduated from the High Academy usually belong to the third rank.
The 4th rank is easily preferred in any party.
And those in the 5th rank are respected by the world for being well-versed in a field.
This is precisely why Hong Yena is envied as the Witch of Seven Colors.
This is because he uses 5-level magic in not just one field, but seven fields.
To that extent, the five ranks were considered important to those who pursued magic.
‘The theory is perfect.’
Currently, Min A-rin was staying in the 3rd rank, on the verge of reaching the 4th rank.
She intended to surpass the 4th rank and rise to the 5th rank through the vision of the previous head of the family.
By doing so, he wanted to prove his excellence to the world.
‘You can do it, it’s okay.’
Of course, the magic to be developed in the future was dangerous as it skipped two levels.
Although it was theoretically possible, there were no successful cases in reality.
Therefore, the theory book that Min A-rin held in her hand was designated as a banned book by the family.
It was a forbidden book that she would have fallen asleep reading if she hadn’t discovered it when she was young.
‘Just wait and see, I’m Min A-rin.’
I am fully aware of the risks.
Nevertheless, desperation, impatience, and impatience took precedence.
While I was suffering from a terrible inferiority complex, this was the only thing I could trust.
And the odds were not lost.
‘If it’s my eyes, I’ll be able to succeed.’
The Eye of the Wise, a gift that any wizard would envy, capable of understanding almost all mana phenomena.
As the head of a private family in Madou, her eyes were sure to be helpful as she was able to monopolize the love of her grandfather.
Phew.
Min A-rin was proud of her eyes, skills, and qualities.
She soon regained her composure and finally activated her magic.
───!!
The magic activated through the magic book gave off a dazzling light.
Min A-rin did not take her eyes off the light and concentrated on performing the technique.
Her eyes helped us understand the phenomenon and contributed to the completion of the magic.
The three rings around her heart reacted passionately.
It was then that I felt something strange.
‘… what!?’
You can’t control the rampaging rings.
The link that was firmly connected suddenly falls off.
Min A-rin, embarrassed, tried to hold on to the rings that were about to scatter.
As a result, my concentration was disrupted.
The magic that escaped her control began to run wild.
‘no… .’
The world seen through the wise man’s eyes was already filled with failure.
All information coming into the yellow eyes led directly to failure.
I couldn’t find a glimmer of hope.
Min A-rin’s face was greatly distorted.
Snort!
It was then that the magic book reacted.
Thorn vines suddenly grew from the torn apart magic book.
The thorny vines, wriggling like living creatures, rapidly expanded in strength and attacked Min A-rin.
“ah… .”
Looking at the thorny vines filling my field of vision.
Min Arin, who admitted failure, suddenly remembered the first sentence written in the magic book.
“Arrogance creates magic. It also brings about destruction.”
He was foolishly arrogant.
It was only after Min A-rin was eaten by thorn vines that she realized the fountain.
* * *
It was difficult to consciously hit it, but hitting a rubber ball of a specific color was not that difficult.
Moreover, it had to hit a specific area.
After completing the Guardianship Authority training, I felt as if my head and body were playing separately.
When I managed to control my avoidance instinct and tried to hit a specific area with the ball, I ended up allowing other attacks at the same time.
Eventually, the number written on my bracelet converged to 0 by the end of class.
‘On the other hand, Hanbyeol learned the trick in a short time… .’
Kang Han-byeol’s learning ability was outstanding.
Thanks to this, I was able to benefit in some way.
‘I’m glad I have the sharing know-how. I think I have a rough idea.’
Kang Han-byeol and I were sharing experiences through artifacts.
This means that the experience he gained in this class was applied to me as well.
In any case, the guardian country praised him for his quick results.
On the other hand, he gave me advice.
―From what I have observed of you, you are prioritizing avoidance. I can’t say for sure that it’s a bad thing, but it shows a tendency to prioritize avoidance even in situations where avoidance is not necessary. It’s an inefficient habit that just wastes stamina.
The Guardian’s evaluation was something I learned a lot about while taking the class.
Although Gift may have been involved, it could not be denied that a bad habit had developed.
I wanted to change my habits if possible, so I decided to train as he instructed me from now on.
The fact that I was wearing the mitt now was part of my training.
“I can’t say no to being my training partner. Dogyeonwoo, are you ready? Be careful, I won’t just swing my fists, I’ll also use my legs. Even if you wear protective gear, it will still hurt a lot.”
“after… . “I hope you don’t get sick.”
“Is training something you do without getting sick? “As a member of the chivalrous family, I have no intention of training sloppily!”
The training ground in the Emerald dormitory.
Yong Yong-rang, who had taken off his top and was wearing gloves, scolded the statement, saying it was absurd.
As his mitt training partner, I had no choice but to endure the constant barrage of attacks.
“Don’t you think it’s rewarding to end the day with training!? Pasha! Dogyeonwoo! “Tonight, you’re going to sweat a lot with me!”
“Haerang, I know you’re excited, but can you hit me gently?”
“After finishing, we go into the large public bath and strengthen our friendship among the men!”
“Okay, so hit me gently…” .”
Because I didn’t know where Yongyangrang’s attack would come from.
I couldn’t relax even for a moment and had to block the attack.
It felt like my hands were shaking from the feeling of hitting the mitt.
The more it happened, the more the avoidance instinct reared its head and announced its presence.
“Don’t avoid it! Even if you get hit, you won’t die!”
I know.
However, the body does not respond well.
My feet kept trying to move back, and my body showed signs of turning.
Directly defying the Gift was different from the previous method of coordinating reason and instinct.
Nevertheless, I tried to steady my body by strengthening my legs.
“after… . “Take a break!”
“okay… .”
I think I finally understand why Yong Yong-rang took off his top.
By the time the training session was over, I was sweating profusely.
I took off my sweaty jacket and lay down on the floor.
‘It’s not like there is no income at all.’
A message appeared before my eyes, as if to remind me that my efforts were not in vain.
[The body has broken through its limits.]
[Durability has increased by 1.]
This brings durability to 57.
After drinking the water Yongyang brought, I felt relieved.
This means that the direction of training is not wrong.
I decided to continue training like this.
It was at that time that something strange happened.
────!!!
The building shook as if there had been an earthquake.
At the same time, a wave of mana exploded from somewhere.
It was a huge wave that could not be easily ignored.
“W-what!?”
Even people around him noticed the energy.
They lowered their bodies and waited for the vibration to stop, then moved in the direction believed to be the source of the wave.
‘What’s going on?’
Sensing something unusual, I went out to the balcony with Yong Yong-rang.
And when I looked into the darkness, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Kugugu… .
While the lights of the buildings brightly illuminate the darkness.
The lights in the library were slowly going out from the top floor.
“… .”
No, it’s not going off.
Something sprouted from the roof of the library and is covering the exterior walls.
I could see a squirming shape like a snake emerging from the surrounding light.
It was the stem of a plant with thorns.
They were forming a vine.
“why… .”
Thorn vines block out all the lights, and the library is plunged into darkness.
Now the shape could barely be seen through the lights of nearby buildings.
I was speechless as I could not take my eyes off the night sky.
No matter how much I thought about it, there was only one thing that this fleeting scene could suggest.
The Min A-rin episode occurred earlier than scheduled in the game.
fantasy,
