Chapter 28 - Darkmtl
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Chapter 28

Meanwhile, at that moment.

While Ulan was staring at the Source of Magic.

Not far away, about twenty students appeared. They were the students from Class 2 who had been on the field trip earlier.

“Ugh, I’m sorry! Professor Miel.”

A sudden unfamiliar voice.

At the front was the professor in charge of Class 2. She bowed her head with a helpless expression.

“Some students felt dizzy, so we were a bit late. I’m really sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. If that’s the reason, it can’t be helped.”

Professor Miel forgave them generously.

It was only about ten minutes late, after all.

“Was everything okay inside?”

“Yes! Aside from what I mentioned earlier, it was fine.”

“How about the magic levels?”

“They’re 0.8% below last week’s average.”

“Hmm, nothing to worry about too much.”

The two professors conversed about Zone 1.

Suddenly, a sharp gaze was felt. Noa reflexively turned her head and soon discovered a young man staring in their direction.

A look of contempt and pity.

Noa was quite flustered. Because it was a face she had never seen before. So, to confirm the young man’s identity, she pulled up his status window.

━━━

[Name]: Himel Deorg

[Age]: 19

[Grade]: B+

[Trait]: Grace of the Sword

━━━

Himel Deorg.

A name she remembered. The Deorg Count family was already famous. It was even related to the main scenario.

‘And…’

Himel is the official heir of Deorg and Ivella Elea’ad’s half-brother.

Realizing this, Noa understood.

The man wasn’t staring at her, but at Ivella.

‘Something must have happened between them.’

But she couldn’t recall what.

As she furrowed her brow, trying to remember Ivella’s character story step by step.

“Then we’ll head back first.”

“Yes, thank you for your hard work.”

The conversation between the two professors ended.

The students of Class 1 began to move.

Only then did Himel retract his fierce gaze.

Soon after, as Ivella let out a sigh that echoed in her ears, Professor Miel’s shout was heard.

“Alright, from now on, we’ll enter the Source of Magic, Arsen’s Zone 1! Move in groups as instructed earlier.”

Finally, we’re going in.

The students gulped dryly.

Their faces clearly showed tension. Following Professor Miel’s words, they gathered in groups of three to five. Ulan’s group was the same.

The moment they crossed the protective wall.

The students tilted their heads in confusion.

“Huh? What’s this?”

“Nothing’s happening?”

It was different from what they expected.

They thought there would be some significant change, but surprisingly, nothing seemed different. So, as they kept tilting their heads in confusion.

“Wait, my body feels a bit heavy.”

“Ugh! Why does my back suddenly itch?”

“What? It itches? Mine feels tingly!”

Some students began to twist their bodies.

At first, it was three or four, but soon it spread to about ten. As the students panicked, Professor Miel calmly explained.

“It’s evidence that the flow of magic has become unstable. From itching to tingling, everyone feels something different.”

Professor Miel’s tail wagged back and forth.

He must be feeling something special too. Then, a student asked curiously.

“Professor, what does it feel like for you?”

“Similar to when it’s time to shed my skin.”

Wait, how are we supposed to know that?

The student who asked made an awkward face. Then, Professor Miel continued.

“Don’t use magic, and each of you, focus on the flow of magic within your bodies.”

As soon as he finished speaking.

The students closed their eyes and concentrated.

And soon, they made surprised expressions.

“I-It’s completely different from usual!”

“It feels like the magic is scattering everywhere.”

“That’s the phenomenon caused by being swept up in the unstable flow of magic. If you use magic now, the chance of failure increases.”

Magic requires a certain amount of magic power to flow through a specific path accurately to activate properly.

But when influenced by an unstable magic flow like now, it’s natural that proper magic can’t be produced.

“This isn’t just for mages. Anyone who handles mana experiences the same symptoms. Blacksmiths, craftsmen, warriors, it’s the same.”

Professor Miel’s gaze turned to Ulan.

“So, there’s no need to force yourself to endure. You must be itching or feeling tingly to the point of madness by now.”

“No, I’m fine.”

Ulan silently shook his head.

Professor Miel looked unconvinced.

“Well, it’s not bad to endure it for a while. If you can endure until we leave Zone 1, I’ll give you some points.”

Arsen Academy has a point system.

Collecting points gives various benefits, while accumulating penalty points leads to cleaning the restrooms or being dragged to the Student Council.

“Then I’ll do that.”

There was no reason to refuse.

It was a chance to earn points for free.

As Professor Miel and Ulan made a sort of bet, a student raised their hand.

“Professor, are there any exceptions?”

“Exceptions?”

“Yes, I read in a book that those who reach the level of a High Mage can use magic even in places with unstable magic flow.”

“Exactly right. Those who reach the level of a High Mage or a Master don’t suffer from the symptoms even in Zone 1.”

His answer was correct.

Because Ulan was exactly like that.

Unlike the students twisting their bodies, Ulan truly felt nothing.

‘From the level of a Master, the Spirit, or rather, the nature of mana changes.’

Mana circulates endlessly within the body, similar to water.

But upon reaching the level of a Master, its nature changes. To explain, it’s like water turning into ice.

‘Though I don’t know the exact reason…’

The mana of a High Mage or Master remains in a solid state unless activated.

This means they aren’t much affected by the magic flow unless they use specific techniques.

“By the way, aside from High Mages and Masters, there’s another group unaffected by Zone 1’s effects.”

“What group is that?”

“Those blessed by mana.”

Professor Miel’s eyes sparkled.

“They establish their own flow of mana, independent of the surrounding magic flow. So, they aren’t much affected even in Zone 2.”

A typical example is Delia Arpen.

And Noa Darshen is the same.

She, like Delia, is a Named Character blessed by mana.

But unlike Delia, who flaunts her talent, Noa thoroughly hides hers.

‘Because I don’t want to be found out.’

If it were revealed that she has the same talent as Delia, she’d attract unnecessary attention. That’s not what Noa wants.

So, Noa glanced at the other students and pretended to feel itchy.

“But the two groups I mentioned earlier have nothing to do with ordinary people like us. So, just give up and let your body be swept by the unstable magic flow like me.”

As Professor Miel muttered in resignation, some students burst into laughter.

This eased the stiff tension. He probably said this to relax the students.

As the tension eased, the students started asking questions.

They poured out various questions about the Source of Magic. Professor Miel, though gruff, answered kindly.

How much time had passed?

The group soon reached a dead end.

“Alright, this is the end of Zone 1.”

Of course, strictly speaking, it wasn’t a dead end. Beyond that, another path existed.

“Beyond that is Zone 2. But unless something special happens, you won’t need to go there, so don’t worry.”

Looking at the green-tinted lake.

The students’ faces showed tension again.

The warnings from Professor Miel and the characteristics of Zone 2 came to mind.

“If the sightseeing is over, let’s head back. Class 4 will arrive soon, so we’ll answer the remaining questions on the way back.”

“Yes, Professor!”

The students answered brightly.

Unlike when they first met, their reactions were much friendlier. As they walked towards the entrance together.

Suddenly, an anomaly occurred.

Boom! Rumble!

A heavy object struck the ground, and a strong shockwave followed by intense vibrations.

“W-What’s that?”

“An earthquake? Or…”

Everyone’s gaze turned to Ulan. Probably recalling what happened in the auditorium.

“It’s not me.”

Ulan shook his head.

Then where did the vibration start? As everyone looked around.

“……! Look over there!”

A student pointed to the center of the lake.

As if they had discovered something unusual. Along with that, everyone, including Ulan, turned their gaze.

Soon, what came into view was the entrance of a cave.

Surrounded by a faint mist, it looked like a giant beast opening its mouth and exhaling.

“Huh? Was that there before?”

“I don’t think I saw it earlier…”

As they exchanged opinions.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Suddenly, a pair of flames erupted from the cave entrance. As if looking in their direction. And the moment their eyes met.

Shiver!

Goosebumps rose all over.

They didn’t know why. Only the thought of danger dominated their minds.

As the students’ faces turned pale.

Noa’s eyes sparkled alone.

‘Great, just like in the strategy guide.’

That’s the start of a hidden event that occurs under specific conditions. And the specific condition is as follows.

‘Having three or more Named Characters of A-rank or above in Arsen’s Zone 1.’

As expected of a hidden event, the condition is quite strict.

Gathering three A-rank or above Named Characters in one place within the limited space of Arsen Academy is no easy task.

But Noa was lucky.

‘It’s all thanks to Ulan.’

Because he didn’t follow the main scenario and enrolled in the academy, things became a bit easier.

Also, luck was on her side.

Ulan, Noa, and Ivella being in the same class was quite a stroke of luck. So, Noa slightly bowed her head towards Ulan.

A small gesture of thanks.

‘The rewards for this event are quite good.’

Among all the rewards in Arsen Academy, it’s within the top five.

Moreover, the rewards aren’t just one.

There are three. Among them, there’s a reward Noa desires.

‘A treasure that increases stamina.’

Specifically, a treasure that enhances physical abilities. With this, the cursed stamina penalty would somewhat disappear.

Noa clenched her fist.

‘Of course, I heard it’s quite difficult…’

But she wasn’t worried.

After all, there’s Ulan, an SS+ rank Named Character here. Plus, the future Sword Maiden.

‘So, let’s move on to the next pattern!’

The next pattern is a massive wave. After being swept by the wave, entering that cave is part of the hidden event’s sequence.

Soon, Noa’s wish became reality. A massive torrent began to surge from the center of the calm lake.

“Uh, uh-uh?”

“Doesn’t that look dangerous?”

“Seems like it’s coming this way…”

The students slowly stepped back.

Instinctively sensing something. And at that moment, the torrent turned into a massive wave, rushing towards Zone 1.

Crash! Rumble!

With the force to split the lake in half.

As the students froze at the sudden change, Professor Miel sharply shouted.

“Use the Return Stones! Right now!”

Did they snap out of it at his words?

The students infused their Return Stones with magic. Soon, they were enveloped in a white light, disappearing one by one.

The male student in Ulan’s group did the same.

He used the Return Stone with a panicked face. But the problem was, he was separated from the other four.

“Ah, no! I need to go too…!”

The gray-haired girl urgently shouted, but it was already too late.

Whoosh!

A flash of light, and the male student disappeared.

As a result, only Ulan, Noa, Ivella, and the gray-haired girl were left behind.

A truly desperate situation.

The girl’s complexion turned pale instantly. But not all hope was lost yet.

“Everyone, come here! Quickly!”

Because Professor Miel was still there.

He must have been waiting for all the students to evacuate. The girl hurriedly tried to head towards him but was soon hindered.

Crash! Rumble!

The wave swept through Zone 1 in an instant.

The wave precisely divided Ulan’s group and Professor Miel. At the sudden despair, Professor Miel’s face turned as hard as stone.

Meanwhile, Noa inwardly cheered.

If they were swept by the wave, they could naturally move to the cave.

‘She wasn’t part of the plan…’

Noa looked at the gray-haired girl.

But such a variable should be fine.

With that thought, Noa smiled pleasantly. Then, she let herself be swept by the rapidly rising wave.

That was the plan.

But suddenly, her body floated.

“Huh?”

What’s happening?

As she tried to grasp the situation.

“Gasp!”

Suddenly, her breath was cut off.

So much that she couldn’t breathe. The reason soon became clear. Ulan had abruptly grabbed her by the collar.

‘W-What are you doing!’

She wanted to shout, but her breath was cut off, and no voice came out. Feeling uneasy, Ulan bent his knees.

Then, he threw Noa with all his might.

Whoosh!

Noa flew swiftly through the air.

She was about to crash headfirst into the ground, but thankfully, she didn’t. Professor Miel quickly caught her.

“Cough, cough!”

After coughing violently.

She blinked blankly.

Suddenly, she was alone, far from the wave’s influence. Meanwhile, the remaining three were swept away by the wave towards the cave.

‘No, I need to go too!’

Of course, she understood Ulan’s intention.

He must have done this out of concern for her.

But this was unnecessary worry. Being swept by the wave was just part of the event sequence. She wouldn’t die.

So, she hurriedly tried to jump into the wave. She judged that as long as the torrent hadn’t stopped, there was still a chance.

But her body wouldn’t move.

“No! It’s dangerous!”

Because Professor Miel grabbed her wrist.

Noa’s attempt to jump into the wave must have looked like she was trying to save Ulan and her friends.

“Let go! I need to go too!”

“I said no! It’s already too late to save them.”

“No, I’m not trying to save them…!”

“I understand you’re worried about your friends. But if you go now, you’ll be in danger too!”

“That’s not it!”

Frustrated, she shouted.

That’s not a natural disaster but a very special hidden event! She wanted to shout that, but she suppressed the urge.

Whoosh!

Another wave came.

This must be the last chance.

Noa forcefully shook off Professor Miel’s hand. And as she was about to jump into the wave.

“…Huh?”

The scenery changed.

The wave disappeared without a trace.

Instead, students sitting on the ground, crying, came into view. As she blankly looked around, a familiar structure caught her eye.

“W-Wait…”

The main gate of Arsen Academy.

This meant Professor Miel had used the Return Stone. Simultaneously, the light of hope in Noa’s eyes vanished into nothingness.

Whether he knew or not.

Professor Miel used a communication spell.

“Emergency situation! In the Source of Magic, Zone 1, three first-year students have disappeared due to a magic disaster. Requesting immediate support!”

After finishing the request.

Professor Miel approached Noa. Then, he patted her shoulder as if to comfort her.

“Don’t worry. Your friends will be safe.”

“……”

“Let’s head to the infirmary first. You almost got swept by the magic disaster, so you need to be examined…”

“…I think I messed up.”

“What?”

“Waaah! Everything’s ruined!”

As Noa sat down and burst into tears, Professor Miel was quite flustered.

But only for a moment.

He spoke again, trying to comfort her.

“Don’t give up. There’s still hope…”

“Nooo! It’s all over!”

Noa began to wail loudly.

Thick tears fell.

It was a cry filled with the bitter sorrow of missing the hidden event she had longed for, right at the brink.

Chapter 10. Isolation


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The Academy’s Barbarian

The Academy’s Barbarian

아카데미의 야만용사
Score 9.6
Status: Ongoing Type: Author: Released: 2021 Native Language: Korean
Arsene Academy – the best educational institution on the continent. A place that’s famous for nurturing many talented people. A warrior from a barbarian tribe enters the academy.

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