Chapter 25

After the lecture, on the way back to the dorm, Song Ha-eun seemed worried about me and spoke to me.

“Y-Yoon Seong oppa. Are you okay…?”

“….. I’m fine.”

“Um… don’t worry too much. The, the instructor seemed a bit… strange.”

“…..”

‘Damn, that bitch…’

I’ve never been to college back on Earth, so I can’t exactly compare, but it felt like going to college and getting singled out by the professor on the first day. No, my situation is probably worse than that.

The shitty memories from earlier started coming back.

“Mr. Lee Yun-seong, your mana capacity is quite low compared to what you got during the tutorial, isn’t it?”

“Mr. Lee Yun-seong? If you cast magic like that, it’s inefficient.”

“Hmm… even if you ask me, I’m not a Dark Sorcerer, so I wouldn’t know.”

“Everyone else is doing fine. It’s because you’re using your mana like that.”

“Honestly, you might as well make a contract with a demon… Magic-wise, you’re just…”

Ugh.

‘Phew… calm down, stay calm.’

Ever since I ended up here instead of Earth, this is the first time I’ve felt like dunking someone’s head in water.

The really unfair part is that I didn’t do anything to that woman, Ha Yu-ri.

From the very first meeting, she acted like this, so from my perspective, it was just ridiculous. If she hates Dark Sorcerers so much, she should’ve just changed the lecture to someone else.

Honestly, I know I don’t have talent in magic. Even compared to Song Ha-eun next to me, my mana stats are significantly lower.

[ Name: Lee Yun-seong ]

[ Age: 26 ]

[ Job: Dark Sorcerer (Common Grade) ]

[ Title: None ]

[ Unique Traits ]

Scout (Hero Grade) – You can view and save other people’s status windows. However, it can be detected by the target’s unique traits or abilities. More features unlock as the grade increases.

[ Traits ]

Basics of Dark Magic (Common Grade)

Basics of Necromancy (Common Grade)

Basics of Chimera Research (Common Grade)

Basics of Curse Magic (Common Grade)

Understanding of Mana (Common Grade) ]

[ Stats ]

Strength – 14 Agility – 15

Stamina – 15 Luck – 20

Mana – 08 Resistance – 13

‘…. My mana is only 8.’

In contrast, Song Ha-eun and Yoo Hyun next to me…

[ Name: Song Ha-eun ]

[ Age: 22 ]

[ Job: Spirit Master (Rare Grade) ]

[ Title: None ]

[ Unique Traits ]

Blessing of the Spirits (Hero Grade) – Spirits feel an immense affinity towards you. They are always watching you, no matter where you are.

Perfect Magic Organs (Legend Grade) – Your magic organs are astonishingly pure. You receive a high bonus for all actions involving mana usage.

[ Traits ]

Spirit Contract (Rare Grade) – You can contract with spirits. Please contract with a spirit when you’re alone. Spirits are quite shy.

[ Stats ]

Strength – 09 Agility – 12

Stamina – 13 Luck – 17

Mana – 18 Resistance – 09

[ Name: Lee Yoo-hyun ]

[ Age: 15 ]

[ Job: Priest of Protection (Hero Grade) ]

[ Title: None ]

[ Unique Traits ]

Guidance of the Light-lost God (Grade Under Measurement) – A god who once possessed radiant light has taken a liking to you.

[ Traits ]

Healing Light (Rare Grade) – Gather mana in your hands to heal yourself or others. The speed and effectiveness of healing are influenced by the user’s mana stat.

Shield of Protection (Hero Grade) – Creates a spherical shield with a diameter of 3M. You and allies within the range are protected from a certain level of impact. The shield’s range and the limit of impact it can block are influenced by the user’s mana stat. ]

[ Stats ]

Strength – 08 Agility – 13

Stamina – 11 Luck – 30

Mana – 15 Resistance – 10

Both of them had significantly higher mana stats than me.

However, what’s puzzling is that even though the grade measurement for everyone’s unique traits was completed after clearing the dungeon, Yoo Hyun’s unique trait is still the same.

Guidance of the Light-lost God (Grade Under Measurement) – A god who once possessed radiant light has taken a liking to you.

‘…. Why is this still the same?’

I have no idea why Yoo Hyun’s trait is still unchanged.

“… Yoon Seong oppa?”

“Huh, what?”

“Are you really o-okay? You weren’t responding…”

“Ah, I was just thinking for a bit. I’m fine. Well, it’s possible the instructor just doesn’t like me.”

“Oppa… but from what I saw, the instructor was being too harsh on you…”

I patted Yoo Hyun’s head and brushed it off.

“It’s fine. If I work hard, things will get better.”

When we arrived at the dorm, everyone except Kang I-seo and Ho-won was already there. It seemed the lecture ended early for everyone.

Yoo Ju asked me.

“Mr. Yoon Seong. How was the lecture? Was it okay?”

From her perspective, she probably knew me from the first round, so she seemed aware that I lacked talent. She seemed worried and asked.

Thinking about it, it wasn’t a big deal, so I was about to tell Yoo Ju that it was fine when…

“Yoo Ju unnie! The instructor seems to dislike Yoon Seong oppa…!”

‘Damn it…!’

I didn’t want to say anything because Yoo Ju tends to lose her composure when it comes to things involving me, but Yoo Hyun just blurted it out.

Yoo Ju’s expression hardened as she asked again.

“…. What do you mean, Yoo Hyun? Can you explain in detail?”

As if Yoo Hyun alone wasn’t enough, Song Ha-eun joined in.

“Well… Ms. Yoo Ju. Yoon, Yoon Seong oppa’s job is Dark Sorcerer. For some reason, the instructor seemed to dislike Dark Sorcerers…”

“That’s right! She kept comparing oppa to others and ignoring him!”

‘Damn it, why are you guys like this.’

“Haha… it’s really nothing, Ms. Yoo Ju. No need to worry. It wasn’t a big enough deal to talk about like this. Ha-eun and Yoo Hyun are exaggerating.”

Yoo Ju lowered her head and started muttering to herself.

“…. Right, that’s true… that bitch… she hated Dark Sorcerers. That damn bitch…”

The others didn’t seem to hear. I pretended not to hear and continued.

“Really, it’s nothing. So please don’t make a big deal out of it. I’ll handle it.”

‘Please… just listen to me…!’

“…. If Mr. Yoon Seong says it’s fine, then I’ll let it go for now. But… if you feel like that instructor, no, that instructor is crossing the line, please tell me.”

“Yes, yes. Of course. In that case, I wouldn’t stay quiet either. Don’t worry, Ms. Yoo Ju.”

“…. Don’t just say it’s fine. If there’s really a problem, please tell me.”

“Of course.”

Thud!

“Yay~ Lecture’s over! What’s up? Everyone’s already here? Me and the old man are the last ones?”

Kang I-seo and Ho-won also returned to the dorm after their lecture ended. I spoke to Kang I-seo.

“What, you came with Ho-won? Did you run into each other on the way?”

“Yep. The old man’s lecture ended around the same time as mine, so we came together! Kya~ I guess I have some talent. The instructor was praising me like crazy!”

She seemed in a good mood, probably because she got praised during the lecture.

Well, given her stats and traits, she definitely has talent as an archer.

That instructor seems to have a good eye.

“That’s good. What was the instructor like?”

“Uh… it was a man, and he seemed nice? What was it… he came to the training facility as a substitute for the Clan Master of the Golden Wing Clan.”

As Kang I-seo finished speaking, Yoo Ju chimed in.

“The Golden Wing Clan is one of the top three clans.”

“Ah… really? I thought he was just buttering me up to recruit me into some mid-tier or small clan, but that’s unexpected.”

It seemed Kang I-seo really liked the Golden Wing Clan. I thought there was a high chance they might subtly offer her a position.

“By the way, how was it for you? Was the lecture bearable?”

“……”

Suddenly, the atmosphere turned cold, and I could feel Yoo Hyun and Ha-eun glancing at me.

“Well, it was nothing special.”

Kang I-seo wasn’t completely oblivious either.



He felt the atmosphere and kept his mouth shut.

Yoo Ju lightened the mood and began speaking to everyone.

“…More than that, I have some good news to share with you all.”

Everyone looked at her with curiosity. It was the first time Yoo Ju had mentioned good news.

Yoo Ju pulled out a magnifying glass, a necklace, and a ring she had obtained from the tutorial dungeon.

“You might be curious about this magnifying glass, aside from the necklace and ring. To cut to the chase, this magnifying glass is a one-time-use artifact that can read item descriptions.”

“….So, we can find out what the necklace and ring we obtained are.”

“Yoon Seong is right. I brought this artifact so we can check the items together.”

“…How did you get the artifact?”

“I asked the instructor, and they found one for me. Since the artifact isn’t that expensive, they gladly gave it to me.”

It was probably because it was Yoo Ju’s request. They must have recognized her talent and wanted to impress her.

“Alright, since everyone is curious, let’s check it out.”

Everyone, looking curious, took turns holding the magnifying glass and examining the necklace and ring. I was curious too, so I picked up the magnifying glass and checked the item information.

[Necklace of Magic Circulation of Redikus (Hero Grade) – A necklace worn by the high mage Redikus. It aids the wearer’s magic circulation. Additionally, it increases the wearer’s magic stat by 4.]

[Ring of Strength (Rare Grade) – Increases the wearer’s strength stat by 2.]

[Ring of Resistance (Rare Grade) – Increases the wearer’s resistance stat by 2.]

‘…..Nice.’

The rings are great, but the necklace’s performance is insane. Considering how precious even a single stat point is, increasing the magic stat by 4 is incredibly valuable.

Moreover, it aids the wearer’s magic circulation, truly living up to its Hero Grade name.

‘….Well, the dungeon was so tough, it makes sense the rewards aren’t trash.’

Looking around, everyone seemed shocked by the items. It seemed no one expected to get a Hero Grade item from the tutorial.

‘Maybe the tutorial dungeon just had particularly good loot.’

Yoo Ju got to the main point.

“Now that everyone has checked the item info, let’s discuss distribution. If anyone has a preference or opinion, please raise your hand.”

‘….I don’t have anything I want to take.’

It’s not that the necklace isn’t tempting, but honestly… it would be much better for Song Ha-eun or Yoo Hyun to have it than me, who has no talent.

The rings are items I don’t need in the first place.

I raised my hand to voice my opinion.

“Yes, Yoon Seong. Do you have an item you want?”

Honestly, if I said I wanted an item, Yoo Ju would probably try her best to accommodate me, but those items are like pearls on a pig’s neck for me.

“….I think Yoo Ju should take the Ring of Strength.”

The Returner seemed quite flustered, probably not expecting me to suggest the item for her.

“Uh… me? I don’t really need it…”

“To be honest, if it weren’t for Yoo Ju, none of us would have survived the dungeon. She contributed the most to our party.”

“That’s right, Yoo Ju. If you don’t take it, who will?”

After Hyeon-jin’s words, Ho-won also chimed in.

“I also think Yoo Ju should take it. She’s more than qualified.”

“Everyone…”

Yoo Ju looked deeply moved.

“….I understand everyone’s feelings. Then, I’ll humbly accept the Ring of Strength.”

“Don’t say it’s humble. It’s only right for you to take it.”

“….Thank you, Yoon Seong.”

After Yoo Ju took the Ring of Strength, Yoo Rim raised her hand.

“Uh, Yoo Rim. Do you have an item you want?”

“No. It’s not that I want it, but I think Yoon Seong should take the necklace.”

‘This… isn’t good.’

That necklace would be better for Song Ha-eun or Yoo Hyun. I decided to phrase it carefully so Yoo Rim wouldn’t feel hurt.

“I agree with Yoo Rim. I think Yoon Seong should take the necklace!”

At this rate, I might end up with the necklace, so I quickly spoke up.

“Yoo Rim, Yoo Hyun. I appreciate your thoughts, but I’m sorry, I’ll have to decline the necklace.”

Yoo Ju puffed her cheeks and looked slightly dissatisfied as she asked me.

“….Why won’t you take it? You’re a Dark Sorcerer…”

“It’s a bit awkward to say this, but even though I’m a Dark Sorcerer, I honestly have almost no talent for magic.”

The others looked confused, not understanding what I meant.

I get it. Considering how my magic performed during the tutorial, they probably can’t comprehend what I’m saying. They haven’t seen my status window.

“Since it’s you all, I’ll be honest… my magic stat is pretty pathetic. Even if I took that necklace, it would be useless to me. I think Ha-eun or Yoo Hyun should take it.”

Yoo Ju, knowing I have no talent, couldn’t find the words to argue.

Hyeon-jin also chimed in, seemingly wanting me to take the necklace.

“Hyung… but you’ve contributed to the party… you deserve it…”

“Yoon Seong. We’re not distributing items based on talent. It’s just… we all care about you, so we’re saying this.”

I had to firmly refuse. That necklace would be useless to me. Logically, Song Ha-eun or Yoo Hyun should take it.

“I understand. I truly… sincerely appreciate it, but I’ll have to decline the necklace. I recommend Yoo Hyun or Ha-eun.”

“…..Oppa.”

Yoo Rim looked at me with a gaze that seemed more pitying than disappointed about the necklace.

“Sorry, Yoo Rim. I’ll just take your feelings.”

“…It’s okay. It’s your decision.”

“….I’ll respect Yoon Seong’s opinion. Then, between Ha-eun and Yoo Hyun, who should take it…”

Before Yoo Ju could finish, Song Ha-eun voiced her opinion.

“I, I’m fine. I think Yoo Hyun should take it!”

“Uh… no, Ha-eun. You should take it…”

‘They’re arguing over who should give it up. In another party, they’d be fighting to take it.’

“Ah… I have a trait that helps with magic circulation. It’s definitely better for Yoo Hyun to take it.”

“….If you have such a trait, then I understand. Then, the necklace will go to Yoo Hyun. If anyone has objections, please speak up without hesitation.”

“…….”

“Alright. Then, the necklace will go to Yoo Hyun.”

Yoo Ju handed the necklace to Yoo Hyun, who looked awkward as he accepted it. He seemed confused about why he was the one receiving it.

“Now… lastly, the Ring of Resistance. Personally, I think there’s only one person who should have it.”

Yoo Ju handed the ring to Ho-won.

“Old man, congrats! Honestly, who else would wear this ring besides you?”

“Please take it without hesitation, Ho-won.”

This time, everyone was in agreement. Ho-won was the tank of the party, after all.

“…..I’ll accept it without hesitation. Thank you. Rather than feeling burdened, I’ll repay you with better performance.”

A very Ho-won-like response.

“Let’s wrap up the item distribution. Good job, everyone.”

And so, the item distribution came to an end.