Time passed quickly, and two weeks went by.
Attending classes at school, drawing people’s attention in the process, earning points, and continuing physical and mana training—my days remained as busy as ever.
And now, after these two weeks, I had gained two valuable rewards.
━━
[Mana Affinity (C)]
[Passive Effect]
▶ Friend of Mana
Increases mana by 3.
Increases mana recovery speed by 50%.
Reduces mana consumption by 10%.
Increases spell power by 5%.
━━
The first was a trait related to mana, obtained through extensive magical training, thanks to the secret of evolution and adaptation.
Although the effect wasn’t particularly extraordinary for all the effort I put in, I was satisfied because it provided a fundamental boost to my abilities.
“Next is…”
━━
[Blessing of Nature (A)] [Rank: 3 (0%)]
[Passive Effect]
▶ Blessing of Nature
When refining mana, additional mana is obtained. Depending on the surrounding environment, up to 170% extra mana can be acquired.
▶ Rest of Nature
Increases mana recovery speed by 65%.
[Active Effect]
▶ Heart of Nature
Increases mana recovery speed by 1000% for 1 minute.
*Cooldown: 23 hours
━━
The rank of Blessing of Nature had increased to Rank 3.
It had taken longer than expected, but considering the overall enhancement of its effects, I was satisfied.
With this, I could probably cast one more small magic orb during battle.
Or I could channel more power into body reinforcement techniques.
“…I wonder how long it’ll take to reach Rank 4.”
Since reaching Rank 3 had already taken quite some time, it would likely take at least two to three more months to advance further.
“Hm…”
I might as well check my stats.
━━
[Stats]
Stamina: 49.02
Strength: 37
Mana: 37.2
Speed: 31.7
Agility: 33
Dexterity: 28.3
━━
Thanks to the trait effects gained from the Secret of Evolution and Adaptation, my stats had increased significantly overall.
My stamina had nearly reached 50, sitting at 49, and my mana had climbed to 37.
If I remembered correctly, my mana was 21 on the first day of regression.
Now it was already at 37.
That was nearly double the growth.
“No doubt, earning points quickly is speeding up my progress.”
Of course, this rate of growth was only possible early in my regression, when many point-earning routes were still available.
Eventually, as I achieved more achievements and fame, I would hit a limit on point acquisition.
“I need to grow as much as possible before that happens.”
Ultimately, the only answer was to work even harder.
Bzzzt.
Just as I was looking at my improved stats, my smart student notebook, resting on my desk, vibrated.
[Next week, from Thursday to Saturday, the 1st Optional Field Experience Activity will take place.]
[Students must select their preferred activity by Tuesday.]
“So it’s starting now.”
The Optional Field Experience Activity—
Unlike the weekly special selection activities, this was a more intensive program where all grades gathered for three days of career experience activities.
Each student chose an activity, formed teams, and spent three days participating.
Over the course of the semester, students experienced two different careers, with one activity per three-day session.
On the surface, it seemed like a simple field experience.
But knowing the original storyline, I was aware that this wasn’t just an ordinary activity.
In the original story, two major incidents occurred during this special selection activity.
One involved an individual with a grudge against the Choi family targeting Choi Seo-yoon.
The other was a disguised request from the terrorist organization Jaun, directed at Lee Seo-jun.
The Jaun episode, in particular, was a complex and serious event, with multiple factions becoming involved.
“Hm…”
If things followed the original storyline, Lee Seo-jun would handle both incidents brilliantly.
But I couldn’t completely rely on him.
With the butterfly effect already altering events, I had no idea how things might unfold differently.
I opened my smart student notebook and accessed the Comprehensive Information System.
A notification on the main screen prompted me to choose an activity for the special selection experience.
The available choices were:
- Mercenary Activities
- Beast Hunting
- Dungeon Raiding
The incident in the original story took place during Mercenary Activities.
If things followed the original timeline, Lee Seo-jun and Choi Seo-yoon would choose this option.
For Lee Seo-jun’s safety, I needed to join them.
[Mercenary Activities]
[Selection Complete.]
“Done.”
With that, my choice was finalized.
Now, I could only hope that Lee Seo-jun also picked Mercenary Activities, just as in the original story.
Somewhere in Seoul, at the headquarters of a guild.
Though it was called a guild headquarters, it was rather small, yet its lack of unnecessary wasted space made it feel practical.
This was the base of Blade of Dawn, the guild led by Yoo Ah-yeon, also known as the Witch of Fire.
At this moment, seven executives of Blade of Dawn were gathered here, engaged in a serious discussion.
“Those Jaun bastards have completely disappeared since then.”
“Yeah. Ever since that terrorist attack in Rome, they’ve vanished without a trace.”
The members of Blade of Dawn were all mages of either A-rank or S-rank.
Everyone here harboured deep resentment toward Jaun—each one of them had suffered at Jaun‘s hands in the past.
“Ah-yeon, what are you going to do now? Are we just going to sit around until they make a move?”
A man in his 30s asked Yoo Ah-yeon.
All eyes turned to their leader.
However, Yoo Ah-yeon had remained silent for some time, lost in thought.
Then, another woman spoke up.
“How about working with the Special Task Force?”
“No.”
“I don’t like that idea either.”
“I’d rather go solo than work with those stiff bureaucrats.”
The mention of the Special Task Force instantly darkened the mood.
Everyone voiced their opposition. It was no surprise—half of them had once worked with the Special Task Force in pursuit of Jaun, only to quit in frustration over the Mage Association’s notoriously slow and rigid decision-making.
“The Special Task Force is not an option.”
Yoo Ah-yeon, who had also worked with them, firmly rejected the idea.
“They’re too preoccupied with the Dark Mage case right now. I doubt they have the capacity to worry about Jaun as well. And as you all know, now that Jaun has gone into hiding, we don’t have many choices left.”
Everyone focused on her words.
“If our options are limited, then we should pick the one with the highest probability of success. Given that Jaun is in hiding, where are they most likely to resurface?”
Her question led everyone to the same thought.
Yoo Ah-yeon looked around at them before finally speaking.
“That’s right. Lee Seo-jun. Keep an eye on him.”
A habitat of monsters.
“Now, that’s the end of today’s lecture. I’ll be giving you your assignment.”
In the second-year Class A classroom, fifty students sat through the dull lesson.
Today’s class was Monster Biology, a theory-based course.
It was notorious for its excessive amount of homework.
“Ugh, another assignment?”
“I hate this class.”
Complaints erupted among the students.
But the Monster Biology instructor, unfazed, continued.
“This will be a group project. You will form pairs of two and choose a monster to research. Your report should cover its habitat, habits, and behavioural patterns.”
“Ugh…”
Groans filled the room once again.
I was no exception.
The assignment itself wasn’t the issue—the problem was that it was a group project.
Working alone would have been far more convenient, but group projects always involved extra complications.
The only silver lining was that it was limited to two-person teams.
“You are free to choose your own partners. The deadline is the Tuesday after next. Your grade will depend on the quality of your report and the rarity of the monster you choose.”
The instructor scanned the room before smiling.
“There are about ten minutes left before class ends. Use this time to form your teams.”
The classroom buzzed as students got up to form pairs.
I remained seated, contemplating who I should team up with.
This Monster Biology project wasn’t just about theory. Since we would have to observe monsters in person, our partner’s combat abilities also needed to be considered.
Someone with excellent combat skills and a strong grasp of theory…
There was only one person who fit that description.
“Kim Sunwoo!”
Just as I was lost in thought, someone called my name.
I looked up to see a male student I didn’t recognize.
“Wanna team up?”
…Who is this?
If I don’t know him, that means he’s just a random extra.
“Hey, move aside. Be my partner instead. I’m ranked 43rd, so I’m doing you a favor.”
Before I could respond, another unfamiliar student stepped up and spoke to me.
‘…What’s this?’
There were only two of them, but it was still surprising that students were actively approaching me to be their partner.
Was it because I ranked first in theory?
Thinking back to the way I was looked at school just a few months ago, the situation almost made me laugh.
Then, a familiar face emerged from the crowd.
“Kim Sunwoo, team up with me.”
A girl with long black hair—Yoo h-ra.
“Ah, it’s Yoo Ara. Guess I’ll find someone else.”
“Yeah, same here.”
The two students who had approached me earlier immediately backed off.
They must have realized they couldn’t compete with Yoo Ara.
In an instant, only Yoo Ara and I remained.
“Hmm…”
Yoo Ara, huh…
She was a solid choice for a partner.
Her magical skills needed no explanation, and her theory grades were also impressive.
Teaming up with her would definitely be beneficial.
However, I hesitated.
Her ranking was second—meaning she was my second-best option.
Should I reject her and aim for my first choice instead…?
“Kim Sunwoo.”
As if on cue, the top-ranked student appeared.
“Lee Seo-jun.”
At his arrival, Yoo Ara’s expression turned sour.
Ignoring her reaction, Lee Seo-jun confidently spoke to me.
“Let’s team up.”
I grinned.
There was no need to hesitate.
“Alright.”
Hearing my answer, Lee Seo-jun smiled in satisfaction.
Beside him, Yoo Ara looked at us in disbelief.
With all the teams formed, the instructor collected the list of pairings.
Since we weren’t given much time, most students naturally partnered with others close to their ranking.
After submitting our team list, the bell rang, signaling the end of class.
“Whew, finally done.”
“What’s our next class?”
Students quickly relaxed in their own ways.
I wanted to rest, too, but there was something I needed to take care of first.
I approached Lee Seo-jun.
“Lee Seo-jun.”
He looked up at me.
“What?”
“When are we doing the assignment?”
“Hmm… This weekend? We’re busy this week with the Special Selection Activity.”
I nodded.
“True.”
Then, as if suddenly remembering, I brought up another topic.
“Oh, right. Which Special Selection Activity did you choose?”
“I’m doing the Mercenary Experience. You?”
“I picked that, too.”
“Really? Huh, we keep making the same choices.”
Lee Seo-jun muttered, sounding genuinely surprised.
His words made me feel a little guilty, so I forced a laugh.
“Oh? Haha, yeah, what a coincidence. By the way, want to team up?”
The Special Selection Activity was always conducted in teams.
This Mercenary Experience was no different.
According to the school announcement, the teams would consist of three to four members.
To get involved in the upcoming event, I had to be in the same group as Lee Seo-jun.
“Hmm. I already have teammates. But there’s an open spot since we’re only three. Want to join?”
“Who’s in your team?”
“Me, Choi Seo-yoon, and Lee Hyun-joo. They should be fine with it.”
I nodded.
This was exactly how things played out in the original story.
In the original, Lee Seo-jun’s team included Choi Seo-yoon and Lee Hyun-joo.
“Alright, then. We’re a team?”
“Yeah, I’ll let them know.”
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