Chapter 38 – Performance Test (1)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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A long wait.

That was something to be surprised at even for the master who spent almost all her time with her.

The pointed hat heaved.

Is this really her own disciple.

While spitting out a sigh.

-……Disciple. Do you know the emotion called discouragement.

“…….”

The master’s question.

However, there was no return answer either out of her mouth or in her head.

Jesse’s gaze was fixed on the smartphone screen.

Exactly, fixed on the man in the video.

The master, the pointed hat, sighed once again.

-My heart collapses. Collapses……!

A pointed hat imbued with the wisdom of a Great Mage.

In fact, it is no different from the Great Mage’s alter ego.

-So this is what they call ‘post-nut clarity’ in the language of this world…….

Such a pointed hat was exaggerating.

Everything was because of the man in the video, Ho-yeol.

The man who had changed her one and only disciple.

It was definitely a surprising matter.

Even just looking at the current video shows that.

While he is definitely an adventurer, he freely manifests magic.

The stereotypical manifestation unique to an adventurer could not be seen.

That appearance was enough to purely draw the interest of the disciple who had doubts about magic.

“……How did he understand it?”

Even that alone would have been enough.

But to suddenly appear at the regular academic conference.

Pointing out the presentation of the Senior Mage, Marcelo.

He even went as far as manifesting his magic following him.

That meant search, interference, manifestation.

It meant he perfectly understood the concepts of magic that even her own disciple couldn’t easily accept.

-……No, beyond that.

A talent that is beyond a genius.

Of course, the pointed hat did not voice that impression out loud.

Whatever the reason was.

Jesse had finally erased her doubts about magic.

That was the disappointing point as a master.

To not believe me no matter how many hundreds of days I said it.

But how could she change her mind exactly as soon as she saw a man?

-My lovely disciple. All men are wolves!

Of course, it was a joke.

Not because he is a man, but because he is a fellow adventurer.

Because an adventurer like herself perfectly understood the concept of magic.

Jesse was also able to break the wall of prejudice.

-I can tell just by looking. That sharp gaze and arrogant tone. It is certain. That one is definitely a cold-blooded bastard. Surely he will make women suffer…….

Tick

A sudden sound heard.

The pointed hat, who had been unhesitatingly spitting out gossip, flinched.

And it was now.

“Wow! I’m jealous! Lord Ho-yeol!”

Exclamation marks returned to Jesse’s pupils.

Jesse, who was performing the Mage Class Quest.

Entering and exiting the Mage Tower, she naturally got to look around the laboratories of Mages.

“It is much better than the laboratories of the Skilled Mages!”

However, even Jesse was only passing through the lower floors of the Mage Tower.

In other words, entering the laboratories of Apprentice and Skilled Mages was her utmost.

It was not strange to be surprised at Ho-yeol’s laboratory.

“Have a seat and wait for a moment.”

“Ah, yes! I will wait!”

“It’s a pity, but I don’t have any tea to offer you.”

“……Tea?”

“Rocket delivery does not reach the Mage Tower.”

……What kind of tea is he talking about?

Americano? Black tea?

Rocket delivery?

Is the rocket delivery a new magic?

Curiosity arose, but Jesse endured it.

‘A well-thought-out question……!’

She couldn’t blow her chance to ask a question on such a trivial curiosity.

Jesse sat at the reception table and waited for Ho-yeol.

Staring intently might be against etiquette, right?

Glance

Jesse rolled her pupils sensibly under the pointed hat.

Scribble, scribble

As soon as Ho-yeol sat down at the desk, he grabbed a quill pen.

Then he began to unhesitatingly scribble something on the parchment.

Jesse flinched.

‘Is he doing research as soon as he returns?’

She wondered if she had interrupted him for no reason.

‘Still, he told me to wait……!’

Risking being rude, Jesse sat quietly and waited.

Lest she disrupt him.

She didn’t even turn her eyes towards Ho-yeol anymore.

However.

“?”

……Somehow it’s too quiet.

Since when was it?

Even the scratching sound of the quill pen could not be heard.

Even so, it felt like she had waited quite a long time.

Glance

Looking at Ho-yeol, he was exactly the same.

A back straightened tight against the backrest of the chair.

The angles of the jaw, neck, and arms forming a perfect balance.

Yes, the posture hadn’t changed even a little bit from earlier.

“!”

Those eyelids were closed.

A posture that looked uncomfortable just seeing it.

At first, she couldn’t even imagine he had fallen asleep.

Just guessing whether he was meditating was her utmost.

However, as she focused her attention, the sound of breathing could be heard.

……Yes, Ho-yeol was asleep.

In a proper posture without even a little bit of dishevelment.

‘As expected, today won’t work.’

Jesse carefully got up from the chair.

Then she was about to stealthily slip out of the laboratory before she stopped.

In front of the desk where Ho-yeol was sleeping.

Glance, Jesse looked at Ho-yeol’s face.

The appearance of the sleeping Ho-yeol was definitely refreshing.

Shake, shake

Even that was for a moment as Jesse shook her head.

‘……This was against etiquette!’

It’s a relief I wasn’t caught!

Softly

Jesse took a deep breath only after closing the laboratory door.

Jesse whispered to her master, the pointed hat.

“What do you mean cold-blooded. He’s so human like that.”

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.

.

……Did I doze off.

When I opened my eyes, the posture remained exactly the same.

I keenly feel again that I overdid it.

Since the work I did was actually nothing more than picking up a spoon at an already prepared dining table.

I am this frail, to the point of not even having the strength to pick up a spoon.

‘……Wait.’

By the way, I feel something is empty.

As if I cleanly forgot something…….

Right, Jesse Heinness.

“Oh dear.”

Jesse was nowhere to be seen in the laboratory.

To think I didn’t even notice her slipping out.

Just how deeply did I sleep.

When I checked the time, roughly five hours had passed.

……I slept for five hours straight in this uncomfortable posture?

Even so, there is not a single sore spot.

This is at a level where formality controls the body.

Anyway, it became a sorry matter for Jesse.

To think I fell asleep while saying I would take her question.

‘This is not good.’

Jesse Heinness.

My relationship with her is more important than with any other Player.

Although there is nothing good about making enemies with a top ranker anyway.

Aside from her level, Jesse was an existence that gave me inspiration.

‘To be exact, Jesse’s skills are what give inspiration.’

Anyway, let’s answer as kindly as possible when we next meet.

Because whether for the sake of pride or not, my personality is one that cannot live while in debt.

“It is a pity I don’t have tea.”

……Let’s stock up on some green teabags for reception too.

At what point did I fall asleep?

I could know when I looked at the parchment.

Still, I requested appraisals before I fell asleep.

The reply for the request floated on the parchment.

-Understood.

I will analyze in detail to report on what magic tools can be produced with the items you’ve requested appraisal for and whether they can meet your requirements.

My requirements were simple.

Above all, level restrictions.

Because even if it meant compromising on their effects, I needed magic tools and items I could use right away.

Still, the fortunate thing is that 50 levels rose in one breath as I defeated the Seven Deadly Sins Greed.

I added one word to the reply.

-I do not care how much the cost is.

……Isn’t this the worst line for a bargain?

However, wealth and glory were as meaningless to Mages of the Mage Tower as they were to Granfel.

I don’t know about ripping off an adventurer, but surely they wouldn’t fleece a fellow Mage of the Mage Tower.

I shifted my gaze from the parchment.

Towards the pile of books stacked heavily on one side of the desk.

Those were magic books I had requested from Marcelo under the pretext of research.

When I opened the book at the very top, really, there are still unfamiliar words.

“I see.”

Of course, what’s more unfamiliar is my appearance understanding such a book.

It didn’t even require much effort to understand.

The magics and concepts that had been presented at the regular academic conference.

Because compared to those, this was at a childish level.

Even so, the reason I needed such low level magic books is simple.

Because my level is pathetic.

Simply put, a bottomless pot.

Because that’s exactly me.

Float

A sphere of magic power floating in the air.

The basic magic of Pure Magic, Light.

The most beginner of beginner skills that lights up the surroundings.

The moment one changed classes to a Mage lineage class.

It was one of the beginner skills they came to learn.

The reason I came to learn such a basic skill only now,

And as a magic rather than a skill on top of that?

It is simple.

Because I am a Demon Hunter, not a Mage.

Of course, even the great Mages of the Mage Tower wouldn’t even be able to imagine that I am a Demon Hunter.

Suddenly, my class identity comes to mind.

However, let’s think of it positively.

‘It means building up fundamentals.’

Let’s think of it as plugging the hole in the bottomless pot.

Someone might say this.

Isn’t entering the beginner level belatedly definitely inefficient.

It is natural for such doubts to arise.

However, that is a story applicable only to skills.

Magic is different from skills.

Unlike skills, a creative manifestation is possible for magic.

Like right now.

Floating

I repeatedly manifested Light.

Soon, dozens of magic power spheres floated in the air.

Even if it’s a beginner magic, its essence is a lump of magic power.

Once again, search, interference, manifestation.

If those course of processes are gone through…….

Woosh

A magic power sphere could become a fireball.

Bzzzt

Could become an electrical sphere.

Whoosh

Could even become a small storm.

‘Of course, within the line that my magic power can handle.’

Magics of different attributes.

Is it because I manifested dozens simultaneously.

……The consumed magic power was no joke!

At this rate, I thought I couldn’t freely use it even when the Natural Enemy is in effect.

I realize again.

I am still far too weak.

Even if I rose quickly, I am merely level 226.

It is a low level to the point where it wouldn’t be strange to sink at any time due to the heavy pride.

In other words, this side was also lacking fundamentals.

‘I seriously will have no time to rest.’

I mean if I have to plug the bottomless pots on both sides.

What if I even get cramps while struggling.

It was while I was having a worry without nutritional value.

Knock, knock

“?”

Someone knocked on the door.

Who is it.

There was no need to ask.

Because simultaneously with that, the quest window blinked.

[Quest: Marcelo’s Research]

The Mage’s Tower, Senior Mage Marcelo.

In order for him to reach magic that has advanced to the next dimension.

He desires to be with you.

─Accept Marcelo’s proposal. (Success)

─Prove your abilities. (In Progress)

●Persuade a majority of the Chief Mages. (0/20)

Right, no wonder it felt quiet.

Senior Mage.

No matter how much he was a powerhouse of the Mage Tower, not all Mages would be persuaded by Marcelo’s decision.

Furthermore, am I not a parachute, the very embodiment of one.

About a parachute performance test.

I had been expecting it.

I spoke.

“Come in. Senior Mage Marcelo.”

The door opened and Marcelo entered.

For some reason, he looks more gaunt than before.

As soon as he opened the door, he seemed intentionally surprised.

……Is it because of the smell?

Because up until just a moment ago, fireballs had been swaying in the air.

If it’s because of the smell of something burning, I can understand him being surprised.

By any chance, let’s say I ended up burning down the borrowed laboratory.

Whether it was me or Marcelo.

It is already terrifying to think of the amount to be compensated.

I quickly changed the topic.

“You know for what matter you came looking for me.”

“……Ah, by any chance, have you heard? I have no face to show.”

Marcelo seemed genuinely sorry.

He caught his breath for a moment and continued his words.

“Everything is due to my position as the Senior Mage. To take the seat of the Senior, the Chief Mages wish to continuously have the Senior Mage prove his qualifications. This case is also the same. Due to my lacking…….”

I shook my head.

To receive an apology from the person who gave me a parachute ride.

“No, what is lacking is not you, but their faith.”

……Well, although it might be a little cringe.

I am not an ungrateful bastard.

Besides, did he say it was a position where one must continuously prove themselves?

『For underestimation, it took proof. For overestimation, he always managed to turn it into reality.』

Since that was also a position familiar to Granfel.

I got up from my seat with an exceedingly calm heart.

I added to Marcelo.

“Be familiar with that position. Senior Mage Marcelo.”

.

.

.

Marcelo stopped blankly for a moment.

Magic traces.

The traces left by manifested magics.

The magic traces that were still scattering in the laboratory,

Were telling him how complex a search and high-level interference had been repeated and manifested in this place.

The moment he stepped into the laboratory.

That was precisely the reason Marcelo flinched.

‘……To think he simultaneously manifested this level of magics?’

A comprehension of magic so ‘bizarre’, regardless of how high or low his magic power is.

However, Marcelo did not think deeply.

-No, what is lacking is not you, but their faith.

Because he himself couldn’t become someone lacking in faith.

Marcelo urgently followed behind Ho-yeol.

“I will guide you.”

It hadn’t been like this even when publishing any results,

For the first time, he was looking forward to the Chief Mages’ reactions.