Episode 23

Crackle.

Flames are flickering around my body.

Within the circle created around my heart.

It was quietly making its presence known, Brilliant Blazing Fire.

This power is different from the Glacial Heavenly Moon.

It is a power that one utilizes to destroy his opponent.

It is a magic that binds the opponent and vividly makes them feel the pain of their body freezing.

It was different from other magics, giving terrible destructive power and horrendous pain.

The Duke of the Moon’s Heavenly Ice was that brutal.

The Heavenly IceI created wasn’t much different.

Anyway, the Glacial Heavenly Moon was famous for its terrible destructive power and the horrendous pain it inflicted on the opponent.

‘Part of the reason why it’s this strong was because I could also wield fire.’

The Flame of the World Tree.

It was inspired by the healing of the World Tree.

I had just begun my foray into magic at that time.

I saw it in the elf village, where my Master, the Duke of Extermination, dwelled.

The moment I saw the World Tree, inspiration struck me like lightning.

With that inspiration, I created the magical formula called Brilliant Blazing Fire.

Since then, I was able to learn about the Duke of the Moon’s Heavenly Ice.

Anyway, Brilliant Blazing Fire is different from other magics.

Even though it’s a Flame Attribute magic, this magic contains the power of healing and harmony.

That’s why I used it with Duke of the Moon’s Heavenly Ice.

‘Originally, it should have been the first magic formula I had mastered.’

But I started with the Duke of the Moon’s Heavenly Ice because Brilliant Blazing Fire is not an attack-type magic.

If I had mastered Brilliant Blazing Fire first, I wouldn’t have been able to kill Nokgwi or Heuksa as quickly.

And in my recent fight with Abel, I may have chosen to flee.

I couldn’t have been too confident in fighting against evil spirits.

“Sigh…”

I took deep breaths.

The purist qi from the Great Sky clung to my heart and ignited a flame.

I began to engrave a magic formula in the circle.

I do not use the circle formulas that others use.

If others’ circle formulas require continuously growing a ring from a single ring,

My circle forms a single circle.

That is my circle.

Just as spirits create their elixirs.

I created a huge circle in my heart.

‘I understand.’

Why the Seven Color Tower wanted only my research results.

We shared different perspectives.

What they aimed for was transcendence through magic.

There were 8 circles, but no realm beyond that existed.

They wanted the legendary 9 circles.

That was their goal.

However, I demonstrated an unparalleled mastery matching his in a single circle

When I killed the Insect Dragon King, my power might have, perhaps, reached the 9th circle.

So they must have thought that I had the answer.

And I, too, think of it like that.

I believe, within me was the answer that everyone wanted.

“Hoo.”

Flames flickered in my breath.

It is solid evidence that the magic formula is being engraved in the circle.

The more the Brilliant Blazing Fire is completed,

The more the Glacial Heavenly Moon began to react as if it had found its other half.

And not long after.

“I’ve completed it.”

I felt the Brilliant Blazing Fire being embedded in my circle.

I hold the position of a professor.

In the academy, the status of a professor is higher than that of a professor in an actual university.

Like handling each class as if a master of elementary school students, so to speak.

It is forbidden to harass students without reason.

However, if it’s for training, the principal said it doesn’t matter, so corporal punishment is also possible.

The students want that too.

So, I’ve been given the right to handle the students as I please.

‘But not these kids.’

I scanned my surroundings.

Those who received the title of ‘professor’ like me are plentiful here.

“Are you the new professor?”

I heard a sweet voice.

Turning my head, I saw a woman with pink hair wearing a white shirt and a pencil skirt.

She seemed somewhat shy.

“Who?”

“Ah, I’m Heo Yeji, a martial arts instructor.”

“Han Seojin.”

“Ah, so you’re Mr. Han Seojin.”

Heo Yeji looked at me with a bright smile.

I just sat down in my place, regardless.

I can feel the gazes from around me.

Eyes that seem impure.

And the looks of caution and jealousy too.

‘Interesting.’

Well, I didn’t expect a warm welcome.

Because I am a special case.

It was strange that I became a professor immediately after applying, and it’s more strange that Professor Alves applied as a student after I got accepted.

Or there are many who think I got lucky with the magic formula I showed.

“Do you know what we’re doing here today?”

“I heard there’s a meeting.”

“That’s right. We’re having a meeting. The principal leads it, and the instructors or professors follow suit.”

“But I’ve been wondering, what’s the difference between an instructor and a professor?”

“Haha, it’s a bit old-fashioned, but those who teach martial arts are called instructors, and those who teach magic are called professors.”

Really old-fashioned.

It was an even more absurd reason than I thought.

“Do you not have a conscience, Heo Yeji?”

“…Pardon?”

“Nothing, he just suddenly became a professor, and more than that, you’re being polite to someone who isn’t.”

A man who appeared to be a professor said with a malicious laugh.

‘Look at this.’

Is this a challenge to a fight?

“Yawn.”

I leisurely yawned and sat down in a chair prepared in the meeting room.

They’re not worth my attention anyway.

‘Since there’s no one of higher status.’

The nature of strength and teaching is different.

But when you reach a higher status, the story changes quite a lot.

‘Even if you can’t teach, authority is created.’

And once you reach a certain status, you can become an entity that carves itself into the world.

Just the fact that such an entity teaches makes the teaching valuable.

‘There are downsides, though.’

Having too clear a set of personal standards.

This is also a problem that arises when those in the upper ranks teach.

But it’s better than being taught by those in the middle ranks.

“What are you thinking?”

“Thinking it’s unpleasant? Coming next to me, intending to surprise me, is displeasing.

“Hehe-. This was my mistake~ Sorry sorry.”

Despite my sharp words, the girl was smiling brightly.

Only then did the people around us stand up with shocked expressions.

“Have you arrived, Principal!”

“Yep, yep. Hello everyone.”

Without any hint, a girl appeared in the center of the conference room.

“…Welcome, Principal.”

She sat at the highest seat.

The professor seated next to her politely greeted the principal.

“Hmm hmm, everyone seems to be full of energy today.”

Suddenly, the principal’s gaze turned to me.

She looked at me with sparkling eyes.

“You’ve grown again in such a short time.”

“It’s because I’m somewhat exceptional.”

I shrugged my shoulders.

Even though it was the first thing she pointed to upon her arrival, pretending to hide it seemed quite despicable.

“Let’s all talk about the issue at hand. Ah, if our Seojini has any opinions, feel free to share~.”

Our Seojini, what’s with that.

‘Well, I do have something.’

But now is not the time to present it.

Because I haven’t proven myself yet.

To bring something forward, strong performance is necessary.

‘Being overpowered is one method, but.’

I can overpower all the professors here.

However, that’s too barbaric of a method.

I had to deeply imprint my existence in their minds.

‘At least one person.’

I need one person to prove my rapid growth.

And Yoo Eunchae was the most suitable for that.

‘It could be the guy named Wi Gunak.’

Or Nam Hyerin, for instance.

Seon Woohyeon is inherently a strong individual, so even if I help him reach the peak, I’ll get little to no recognition for it.

“So, what shall we bring up for discussion this week?”

“Before that, there’s a topic I’d like to talk about first.”

The professor, who was picking a fight with Heo Yeji a moment ago, raised his hand.

“Hmm, good. What topic does Professor Gazel want to talk about?”

“There’s a professor who’s poaching students.”

“Wow.”

I was genuinely amazed.

Poaching students? Did I do something wrong?

It’s just that he couldn’t teach well, so he lost his students to someone else.

At my reaction, Professor Gazel glared at me.

“What’s with that reaction?”

“No, it’s just that your actions seem more like those of a student than a professor~. Principal, I can’t teach very well, but there’s this sly professor who teaches so well~ What should I do~ Wouldn’t it be embarrassing?”

“Pfft.”

Heo Yeji covered her mouth with her hand from beside me.

She seemed to be desperately holding back laughter.

“You, youuuu…”

Professor Gazel was glaring at me as if he wanted to kill me.

But what’s he going to do about it?

With those skills, what does he plan to do to me?

I smirked, mocking him, and I could see him bristle.

So much for a professor showing his emotions like that.

“…That’s why I oppose such a frivolous person taking the position of a professor.”

Snicker.

This time, I genuinely laughed.

A foolish person who believes authority comes from being feared by others.

I looked at the principal.

The principal was still wearing a pure smile.

“Um, you could think that way.”

As the principal spoke up to that point, Professor Gazel’s face brightened.

“Gazel, did you happen to see the class our Seojini taught yesterday?”

“…I was too busy to watch it yesterday.”

“Is that so? That’s a shame. If you had seen yesterday’s class, you might have had a different opinion.”

Having said that, the principal gestured into the air.

Then, a stamp and a document appeared.

“The position of professor does not suit Han Seojin.”

“…!”

The professor’s eyes brightened as the principal agreed with his opinion.

The principal said with a beaming smile,

“Rather than the position of a professor, a senior professor would be better. Everyone should help if Professor Han Seojin asks.”

She slammed the large stamp down onto the document.

“Why that guy…”

He muttered in a hollow voice.

“But what is a senior professor?”

“The senior professor means having the authority to command other professors.”

“Ah, is that so?”

There was no one immediately available to help.

Han Seojin looked at Heo Yeji.

‘She seems to be the better option, at least.’

Martial arts instructor, Heo Yeji.

Her background seems quite useful.

However, there’s a sense of familiarity, as if I’ve seen her somewhere before.

Who was it?

‘Raging Thunder, was it?’

I remembered someone who appeared like lightning when I was dealing with Nokgwi and Heuksa.

They seem to be sisters.

“Then, if there’s something that I need help with, I’ll call you.”

“You’ll call for me?”

“There’s no one else who seemed useful but you.”

Saying so, Han Seojin walked away with heavy steps.

“He really does whatever he wants.”

A female colleague professor approached Heo Yeji.

“But why do you treat him so respectfully, Yeji? Don’t tell me you’re also smitten by looks?”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Then why is that?”

“Well, I’m not sure.”

“You’re not sure?”

At Heo Yeji’s response, her colleague professor looked puzzled.

“Should I say he just feels very familiar? Like, we wouldn’t complain if the principal talks to us informally.”

“No, why is the principal the one being compared?”

At the colleague professor’s words, Heo Yeji just laughed.

I don’t know why it’s the principal.

However, her senses are not ordinary.

‘Since my sister also praised him.’

Raging Thunder, Heo Yoonji.

A famous hero among those affiliated with the association.

Yeji’s sister had praised her senses as special.

To the extent that she trusted Heo Yeji’s senses more than the Raging Thunder’s.

So, Heo Yeji believed in her senses.

And those senses.

‘Absolutely do not antagonize.’

That’s why they were screaming.

On one hand, Professor Gazel was watching Heo Yeji with gloomy eyes from behind.

“Hmm.”

Everyone fell for that guy’s scheme.

This is why women shouldn’t be like this.

Just because someone with a somewhat handsome face shows up, they defend all of his actions.

‘Is it because they didn’t see the first class?’

Classes, I can teach much better.

Students are beings that need to be enlightened.

I am the one who leads such students.

Therefore.

‘It might be a bit early, but shall we start?’

I can only hope that the students will open their eyes properly.

Otherwise, they will only face death.

Professor Gazel smiled.

Brighter than anyone else.

A class must face a crisis.

However, even if that class becomes a crisis, it should not threaten life.

That is the principle I adhere to when teaching someone.

“This class will be about dungeon exploration.”

“Dungeon exploration?”

No, what’s with a dungeon for just a class…

‘Well, special environments do open new eyes.’

But is there a need to train in a dungeon?

New experiences are good.

However, new variables must always be guarded against.

That’s why I don’t like doing things related to dungeon exploration.

Why?

‘Because it’s a variable I can’t control.’

I don’t know what kind of danger that variable could turn into.

‘But.’

These guys are going even further than me?

Still, it’s an academy event, so they must have prepared to some extent.

It may be okay since I’ve also prepared something just in case.

“Attack, it’s an attack!”

I knew this would happen, damn it.