Ch. 101 - Tae Ryeong’s Godly Technique (4)

I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy

Chapter 101: Tae Ryeong’s Godly Technique (4)

Earth also had many superstitions, but due to the lack of mana, most superstitions remained just that—superstitions.

However, the superstitions in the Aether World were different.

Though their magical principles couldn't be scientifically proven, many of them showcased tangible effects thanks to the existence of mana.

Hae Tae-Ryeong took it upon himself to thoroughly study and compile those mystical arts into a book.

Qi, divided into yin and yang, was the energy that dwelled in all things. Although yin and yang were opposites, they circulated harmoniously to create infinite energy, which was referred to as mana.

Mages breathing in mana didn’t follow natural principles. Their hearts were the center, and they also had a small vessel within them. However, it was different with Tae-Ryeong’s godly technique. Instead of using oneself as the standard, mana was to be circulated according to nature.

Qi was divided into five categories: wood, fire, metal, water, and earth. These were collectively called the five elements.

The manual explained this concept in detail. In any case, it instructed the user to breathe in a very special way that mixed superstition and magic.

Baek Yu-Seol found it challenging to grasp fully.

Admittedly, his intellect wasn't exceptional.

However, he decided to follow the instructions in the secret manual diligently.

At first glance, it appeared simple. It was just an ordinary breathing technique, right?

Yet it proved to be incredibly arduous and demanding.

Every inhalation required intense focus, imagination, and the release of energy, all while connecting with the essence of nature.

So he spent an entire day repeating these intricate movements.

He drew special symbols on the ground, experimented with yoga-like postures, and explored a plethora of peculiar techniques.

After a sleepless night...

[The skill 'Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique' has been acquired.]

Finally, the breathing technique was recognized as a skill.

Similar things had happened during his gaming days, but this was the first time since his return to reality.

[A self-registered skill can be further researched to enhance or refine its power.]

[The skill 'Breath of the Spirit' is now considered a sub-skill of 'Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique.']

[The skill 'Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique’ has been strengthened.]

['Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique.’]

[Harmonize breath with the principles of yin and yang and the five elements for communion with nature's essence.]

[By utilizing this skill, the rate of mana circulation in the bloodstream increases, with proficiency determining the potency.]

[Environmental factors enable the infusion of mana with the attributes of the five elements.]

['Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique’ also resonates with other breathing techniques, attuning to the mysteries of yin and yang.]

[Breath of the Spirit Lv.1]

This was the effect of [Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique].

While there was no noticeable increase in stats, the mana circulation rate in the bloodstream determined his overall specs and attack power.

Until that moment, elevating that mana circulation rate had been an exhausting endeavor.

No breathing technique could achieve it.

There had to be a reason for this.

It truly amazed him how insightful the ancestors were. He couldn’t fathom how they conceived such profound concepts.

[Breath of the Spirit] was now registered as a sub-skill of [Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique], and its effects had been greatly enhanced.

As he tried to breathe using the ordinary [Breath of the Spirit], he found himself attempting Tae-Ryeong’s complex and systematic breathing method.

It was quite challenging at first.

Additionally, it seemed that the [Breath of the Spirit] itself had a remarkable effect on increasing the circulation of mana in his bloodstream.

If used carefully, it could yield significant results.

However, due to the issue of affinity with familiars, he had to avoid frequent use.

Regardless, he successfully acquired the skill and immediately decided to try using [Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique].

Of course, it wasn't as simple as shouting, “Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique, activate!”

With his current level of concentration, he had to sit still and focus for quite some time before the effect barely manifested.

[Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique]

After about ten minutes of intense concentration, it finally activated.

He checked the level of mana leakage delay.

[Mana Leakage Delay Lv.3]

[Strength: 08% (+17%)]

[Agility: 12% (+29%)]

[Sensitivity: 20% (+25%)]

[Intuition: Activated by consuming the user's mental strength. It detects mana phenomena within a radius of 24 meters and activates cognitive acceleration. It automatically triggers if the user is in danger.]

[Mana Concentration: Condenses the inhaled mana into one place and releases it.]

[Blood Mana Circulation Rate: 3% (+6%)]

‘Unbelievable.’

Even though he had just taken his first steps, the increase in abilities was tremendous.

He couldn't stop there.

Despite the pain wracking his lungs, and tears streaming down his cheeks, he didn't give up.

He activated the Teripon sword.

[Mana Concentration]

The target was the Teripon held in Baek Yu-Seol’s right hand.

In other words, he attempted to imbue the Teripon sword with mana concentration.

It was challenging, but it was possible.

Aether World's Baek Yu-Seol had fully accomplished this and was a genius in swordsmanship, capable of emitting sword qi with bare hands even without a mana sword.

Crick!

From the tip of the Teripon Sword, the shape of a sword began to manifest roughly, displaying a radiant afterglow, much like the last flame of a dying sun before flickering out.

"Kek, cough!"

The pain was so excruciating that his consciousness blurred for a moment.

Gasping for breath, Baek Yu-Seol clutched his chest in agony and dropped the Teripon sword.

He rolled on the floor while holding his neck. It seemed that using [Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique] and mana concentration at the same time was still too much for him.

However...

It wasn't impossible.

Although it required a high level of concentration to use [Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique] and mana concentration simultaneously, with gradual practice, he would be able to use it freely.

There were no shortcuts on the path he was treading.

He could only move forward honestly, following the path left by his dear senior.

"Haha."

As his consciousness began to fade, he realized he had pushed himself too far.

‘Thank goodness it’s Saturday.’

"What the..." When he woke up, it was already Sunday evening.

The Elf King's abode, the White Castle, had been left empty and hidden within the flower-covered ancient mountain range for a considerable time.

Despite being located in a fortress on the deep slopes of the ancient mountains where most of the duties connecting the world tree and the familiars could be carried out, there were still numerous tasks that couldn't be accomplished.

This was why having someone serve as the regent of the White Castle was absolutely necessary.

The King's advisor, High Elf Orenha.

At the tender age of 10, he was recognized as a high elf and possessed an extraordinary, quick-learning mind.

He delved into various fields ranging from magic, politics, and diplomacy to alchemy, design, cooking, painting, music, magitech, security, and many others.

Orenha's impressive array of qualifications made him a true elite among elites.

Although he was only 120 years old, his exceptional capabilities far surpassed anyone else at his young age, making his appointment as the king's regent a natural choice.

Yet the truth remained concealed from others.

Orenha's incredible competence was merely the result of a small process he undertook to become the regent of the White Castle.

He was willing to sacrifice anything, even forsake all his titles and qualifications, for her sake.

"It's fortunate that you're here," Florin expressed, graciously serving tea to Orenha.

The curse's impact strictly forbade her from engaging in any outdoor activities, and she refrained from even showing her face to the students from Stella Academy.

Hearing her voice directly or breathing the same air as her posed a considerable risk.

However, Orenha was immune to her curse. He surpassed anyone else she knew in this aspect.

Despite hearing her voice on countless occasions, his heart remained unfazed.

‘Still, I cannot reveal my face to him....’

Orenha's appointment as the king's regent was not only due to his unmatched abilities but also because he was the only one able to share the same air and engage in direct conversations with her.

To Florin, he played the role of a stabilizer. These small moments of conversation brought joy to her life as she couldn't meet or talk to people freely.

But how would she know?

Orenha had been under Florin’s curse for quite some time, all due to a minor incident triggered by his pure curiosity.

Florin usually managed to keep herself concealed and maintain her cleanliness within the stronghold.

However, on one particular night when the moon rose, fate led to a complete break in the stronghold's main water pipe.

She had no choice but to secretly head to the lake for a bath.

That day, by the lakeside, Florin first removed only her mask, savoring the cool breeze on her face for a long time.

In a fleeting moment, she sensed a gaze directed at her and quickly stood up, on guard.

Thankfully, it turned out to be a passing wild animal.

Then and now, Florin remained unaware.

The true identity of that gaze was young Orenha's.

He had come to find her, having heard that she had ventured out, longing to catch even a brief glimpse of her.

[The Gaze from Beyond]

With the ability to see from a distance, he could easily recognize Florin’s face.

He was quick on his feet, skillfully avoiding detection whenever she seemed to catch on.

Somehow, he began to steal secret glances at Florin’s face.

Orenha vividly remembered that day. Even on that chilly moonlit night, he couldn't tear his gaze away from her.

Her white hair resembled ice-covered mountains shimmering with an icy brilliance, and her eyes, like stars, were more enchanting than any in the world.

Since that day, he hadn't been able to forget her face for a single moment.

On occasion, she would tell Orenha almost out of habit.

"Anyone who sees my face will be cursed and die."

At first, he didn't grasp the meaning, but now he understood.

The curse of falling in love just from looking at someone so beautiful. If that was a curse, then he too must have fallen under it. He couldn't control his wildly beating heart when he was in front of her.

But it was okay. The cure for lovesickness was simple. Lovesickness occured when one fell in love and the love couldn’t be fulfilled. If he could have her, then love sickness would no longer be an illness but rather a deep and profound love, wouldn't it?

'A normal method won't work.'

He had already spent decades trying to win Florin's heart. She never saw him as a man. Now it seemed there weren't many methods left.

Even if the fairy forest were tainted with dark magic, even if the world tree were reduced to ashes, even if his kin all fell into corruption, it wouldn’t matter as long as he could get her to look at him. He was willing to do anything if it meant her loving him.

"You can attend the award ceremony this time."

"Yes, it's not a difficult task."

"Hoho, that's true. Unlike me, Orenha is adept even in public settings."

"You flatter me."

What kind of face was behind that mask? He was so curious about her smiling expression. He wanted to tear off that mask and see her sparkling golden eyes.

"Are you alright?"

"Ah, it's nothing."

"Thank goodness. Well then, I shall take my leave now."

Already?

Opportunities to be alone with her were rare.

Yet they had to part so soon.

Feeling regretful, Orenha held her back.

"Is there something urgent you need to attend to?"

"Ah... Yes. It's a personal matter. You don't need to worry about it,” Florin replied, her expression somber.

Leafanel had fallen asleep, and the young boy's whereabouts remained a mystery.

Thus, she had to return to the White Castle before dawn.

But her thoughts were still tangled.

When would Leafanel awaken?

She wanted to be there at the right time.

And how could she uncover the boy's true identity?

It wasn't her place to use the power of the world tree for such personal matters.

As Florin’s mood settled a bit, Orenha gently stroked his chin.

'A personal matter, huh?'

He could sense her emotions shifting, and being sensitive to personal matters, he could make a reasonable guess about what it was.

Perhaps she was on the hunt for the spirit slayer.

That was indeed an intriguing prospect for Orenha as well.

Frankly, whether it was Leafanel or any other who had been killed didn't matter much to him.

However, if he could just apprehend the spirit slayer...

Would there be a hint of affection in the way Florin looked at him?

Of course, finding the elusive spirit slayer, even for someone as skilled as Orenha, wouldn't be an easy task.

Pushing aside these idle thoughts, Orenha rose from his seat.

Stella Academy.

Going to a human magic school was quite a bother, but Orenha would do whatever it took.

Ch. 101 - Tae Ryeong’s Godly Technique (4)

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