Entering the Game with a Cheat Physique

Episode 26 Elemental Magic

Episode 26 Elemental Magic

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【Twelve Constellation Fists】

2. Fist(拳) : Element Infusion (Uncertain State)

[Acquisition Condition : When you understand ‘Elemental Magic’]

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Elemental Magic.

As Margaret said in the previous [Theoretical Magics], Elemental Magic is the very foundation among the numerous schools of magic.

A must-pass, mandatory course for all wizards, and the most mainstream form of magic.

The problem is, that doesn’t apply to me.

‘Understand Elemental Magic, you say.’

Of course, having played ＜Sword and Magic Song＞, I know full well what Elemental Magic is.

Not just what Margaret taught, but even the later revealed settings are all stored in my head.

But that’s just the knowledge I possessed beforehand as a transmigrator.

If you ask whether I truly understand the Elemental Magic of *this* world, that’s a whole other story.

*ddakji – a traditional Korean game involving folded paper tiles.

‘This ain’t easy.’

A concept that doesn’t exist in the modern age, magic.

How am I supposed to understand a completely new concept I’ve never encountered before?

If I could understand this, I could prepare for the duel with Apollo much more easily—

“Herak!”

The voice snaps me out of my reverie.

I turn my gaze from the status window. There, my classmates were surrounding me, looking at me.

Clear skies, pure white fluffy clouds.

Softly trampled grass and a cool breeze.

The second-year students of the Magic Department, gathered for the [Introduction to Elemental Studies] lecture, are talking to me.

“What were you thinking so deeply about?”

“Probably thinking about the duel, right?”

“You need that much preparation to face Apollo.”

Their noisy chatter doesn’t feel distant.

Just until recently, they were all calling me a backup and whatnot.

Now, they’re treating me without hesitation.

Come to think of it, they’re still young.

‘That’s just how students are.’

They distance themselves from their peers and ostracize them for trivial reasons.

It’s not because of any particular grudge.

They just do it out of immature thoughts, like someone’s grades being exceptionally low or being ashamed to be with them.

Conversely, it also means it’s easy for their behavior to change.

Just because someone’s grades suddenly jumped up, or they show something impressive that others want to learn.

Their thoughts change, and their attitude shifts with just such insignificant triggers.

A time of immaturity that allows for mistakes, and therefore, a time of coexisting growth potential.

That’s what being a student is all about.

“Herak. You’re really something.”

I was listening to them talking when someone, their eyes sparkling, asked me.

What was her name again? Sophie, was it?

“How did you even think of dueling with Apollo? He might have a rotten personality, but he’s the real deal when it comes to skill.”

“Well, there were just circumstances. It’s not like I’m some battle maniac.”

“Hmm. I see.”

As I calmly state the facts, Sophie nods.

Then, she meets the eyes of her peers beside her, and it’s quite strange.

Like she’s saying, ‘You know?’

They nod to each other like that, then switch to a different topic.

“But can we go see the duel? It’s been so long since I’ve seen one, I don’t even remember.”

“I think so? Anyway, both departments have instructors coming as referees. There’s no problem if the students go too.”

“Then I definitely have to go. It’s a chance to crush the knight department’s noses. Should we take popcorn?”

The duels at Olympia also serve as a kind of entertainment.

You can tell by the fact that the venue for the previous inter-grade competition was the ‘Colosseum.’

Everyone in this academy is obsessed with competing against and winning against the other departments.

Their expectations are understandable.

“Herac, are you okay with it? Ahem, it’s a bit awkward for us to say this.”

As the conversation continues with excited voices.

Suddenly, realizing their previous behavior, one student cleared their throat.

The guy who was called Sampson.

“Uhm… what I mean is, we used to treat you a little rough, I guess? Like, ignoring you. Now it feels a bit awkward to get excited and go watch, you know?”

Everyone nods in agreement with Sampson’s words.

Some meet my eyes, others subtly avoid them.

But without exception, they all seem to be ashamed of their actions.

“Do what you want. I don’t care.”

“……! Okay, thanks.”

With a nonchalant gesture and a wave of my hand.

They all sigh with relieved faces.

Then, as if feeling much better, they start raising the energy again.

“Ah, I really hope Herac stomps him. That annoying b*stard.”

“Why does that greasy, dickhead have long hair? And slicked back too. Ugh.”

“If he wins this time, Herac’s gonna be the top student in the second semester, right?”

“Of course! He’s consecutively crushed the 7th and top student. It’s a given.”

“Huh? What’s all this commotion? Everyone, back to your seats.”

Just as the decibel levels were reaching a peak,

*Thump, thump.*

Angelina, instructor for [Introduction to Elemental Studies], appeared, and the situation was resolved.

*

“First, congratulations on completing all of the last assignment. Just clearing it within the time limit is a job well done.”

Angelina recites the introduction to the lecture in a flowing voice.

The assignment given since the first week, ‘Crush the Rock’.

Actually, even just making a scratch was acceptable, but even that took a long time.

In the end, it’s a good thing that everyone managed to make at least a scratch without failing.

“Of course, we can’t deny that Herak’s skill was the most outstanding. To think you’d crush a rock in the first week. Now, everyone, let’s give him a round of applause?”

Clap, clap, clap… as if they had been waiting for it, applause immediately followed.

The students clapped enthusiastically as if they themselves had accomplished it.

Thanks to that, I ended up with a rather awkward expression.

‘Seriously, it’s not like “let’s give him a round of applause” is a thing…’

It’s been a while since I’ve been this hyped up by those around me at my age.

“Well then, we should move on to the next step, right? The magic we’ll be learning today is ‘Point Burst’.”

And with that, she wrapped up the previous lecture.

After lining up the students, Angelina looked at them and raised her hand.

Then, with a simple flick of her hand, she created dozens of holes in the field.

*Thud, thud*… the sight of the earth settling.

“The element is fire, the grade is intermediate, and the nature is explosive. Now that you’re second years, it’s time to learn intermediate-level magic.”

“Ooh…!”

The students’ faces lit up at Angelina’s words.

They had only learned low-level magic in the first year, so finally raising their grade boosted their excitement.

They must have felt like they’d become full-fledged mages.

‘Well, there’s already a guy who handles intermediate-level magic from first year though.’

Mostly that girl with the twin tails who’s the successor to the Magic Tower.

It’d be painful information for them, so I kept my mouth shut.

“I’ll demonstrate the magic, so please watch carefully. By just watching closely and following along, you should be able to learn it easily.”

Angelina reaches her arm toward the pit of dirt.

Not with any particular motion, like with the previous Wind Gun.

But something must be visible to the mages, because the students are watching with their eyes practically popping out.

Then.

“Point Burst.”

*Whoosh*—*BANG!*

A spark seems to flash in the center of the dirt pit, and then, with a huge explosion, dirt flies everywhere.

*Thud-thud….* She uses wind magic to blow away the billowing clumps of soil.

“It’s a magic that focuses on a localized point to create an intensive explosion. If you just master it, there are so many ways to use it.”

“Whoa…”

The students exhale awed groans.

Looking at them with satisfaction, Angelina wrapped up her lecture.

“This time again, I will give you a few weeks. To make your Point Burst as perfect as possible within that time. That’s your assignment this time.”

“……”

“Everyone can do it, right?”

“Yes!”

“Good. This assignment will also be in groups. I’ve already randomly made 4-person groups, so students, please listen carefully and gather together.”

A list emerges from Angelina’s arms.

She calls out the names one by one.

“……Penel, Berry. Now, gather together.”

“Ah….”

Penel makes a rather regretful expression as soon as she hears her group.

Her glances towards me are frantic.

She must have wanted to be in the same group as me.

“……Lastly, Samson, Thomas, Sophie, Herak. This is the last group.”

“Um, Instructor.”

“Yes. What is it?”

Thomas, who was grouped with me, raises his hand.

Angelina nods with her chin, and he cautiously opens his mouth.

“Wouldn’t it be a little… off, for Herak to be with us? Wouldn’t pairing him with Pennel be more helpful for improving his skills…?”

Hearing him, he seems to feel burdened.

I guess he feels sorry for being in the same group as me, the promising student who’s recently been the talk of the town as a battle mage or whatever.

He probably means to pair me with the top student, Pennel, to boost my skills even more.

But Angelina just smiled and rejected his suggestion.

“No can do. Herak doesn’t use magic originally, so it’ll be pretty much the same no matter which group he goes to. Besides, he’s exempt from the practical assessment anyway.”

“But…”

“And.”

Angelina cut herself off there and turned her head.

At the end of her gaze is Perry, his eyes sparkling with subtle expectation.

But Angelina instantly wiped that look off Pennel’s face.

“…You have a duel with the Knight department coming up, no less. You shouldn’t be wasting time on socializing with your fellow students, should you?”

“I-instructor?!”

“Hehe. I’m just kidding. It’s student camaraderie, after all.”

Compared to Angelina, who was smiling leisurely, Pennel’s face was beet red.

He probably hadn’t expected the instructor to openly say ‘Are you and Herak… involved?’

He quickly waved his hands, showing his surrender, and went back to his group.

“…….”

A strange undercurrent flowed through the training grounds.

The expressions of my group members, who belatedly gathered around me, were incredibly awkward.

Like I said before, there were their past behaviors towards me.

It wouldn’t be easy to pretend they didn’t happen like flipping a coin.

But it’s moments like these when small talk is needed to lighten the mood.

I was about to step forward and say something when…

Samson, Thomas, and Sophie stood by my side and cautiously poked their heads in.

As if it were a topic that shouldn’t be revealed to others.

“……?”

I looked at them with a puzzled feeling.

Sophie, the girl, whispered to me.

Like it was a secret.

“Hey, Herak. You know. Can you tell me just one thing?”

“What?”

“Well, it’s… ah, it’s hard to say it out loud…”

She twists a strand of her hair, hesitant.

I glance at Samson and Thomas, their eyes meeting mine, and they nod resolutely.

Finally, Sophie seems to have made up her mind.

She asks me, her gaze firm,

“Are you, like, two-timing?”

“What?”

“Are you dating Penelope *and* Berry at the same time? I mean, sorry if that’s rude. But I’m just so curious…”

…What the hell kind of nonsense is *this*?