I Became the Only Non-mage in the Academy

TL/Editor: looloo

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[Interesting,] the Heavenly Demon remarked, observing my struggles with a mischievous smile.

Its attire differed from the norm - an off-shoulder blouse, black skirt, and black stockings.

"Why the sudden change in clothes?" I asked.

[It's part of a mood shift,] it replied. [The clothes here satisfy my aesthetic desires quite well.]

The Heavenly Demon sat on the bed, its mouth curled in a smirk.

[It's intriguing to see that even you, the master, can't do everything.]

"I'm not a genius," I admitted. "You said my talent was just average."

[Master, men who dwell on the past aren't popular,] the Heavenly Demon teased, leaving me stunned.

[It's not that you lack talent. From my viewpoint, your talent is so unusual that I can't quite rate it.]

"Unusual, huh?"

[It's your 'targeting' strategy. You adapt your battle style to your opponent. I can't speak for other things, but it seems you're uniquely skilled in that. Unusually so.]

Feeling somewhat comforted, I broke eye contact with the Heavenly Demon and examined my arm. My right index finger was dyed black.

The Black Scales ── the Black Heavenly Demon Sword's defensive power.

[It resists the physical force affecting all supernatural abilities and the material world by surrounding inverse energy. In essence, you become virtually invincible the moment you use Black Scales. It's the ultimate defense ability.]

But it wasn't perfect. The Black Scales' range was limited, covering only my hand at present and at best, extending to both arms.

[Why is the range so limited? Demonic Qi disrupts all talents. It can't influence physical strength,] the Heavenly Demon explained.

[So, the previous owner's solution was to create the Black Scales. But they cover only the arms at best. If you try to extend their range by thinning them out, it destabilizes the Black Scales, rendering them useless.]

That was fine. If I obtained 'that' later, I could enhance the Black Scales' effects.

[It's not a bad idea to learn defense. You can gradually learn Black Wings and Black Abyss. Despite being defensive techniques, the Black Wings can make you practically invincible when used offensively. The only issue is...]

The Heavenly Demon sighed.

[The issue is that your Body Against Heaven is acquired, not innate,] it continued. [If it were natural, you'd have no problem mastering up to the Black Wings.]

"Actually, that's better," I interjected.

Had I been born with the Body Against Heaven, I would only be able to handle the Demonic Qi appropriate for my physical age.

But I saw that as a constraint.

'Instead, I have more potential for another kind of 'strength'.'

Not a power like talent, but a 'physical strength' similar to Kim Ara's power.

[Let's continue. What's more important than your swordsmanship?] it asked.

"Footwork," I responded instantly.

In the game, there were numerous times when mastering footwork proved crucial. It allows you to evade most attacks, and landing crucial hits can significantly deplete your opponent's health.

Moreover, once you master high-level footwork, your travel distance becomes incredibly far.

'I can't ignore this.'

"If you fully master Black Wings, footwork isn't crucial. Once you've fully mastered the Black Divine Martial Art, you can engage the enemy in aerial combat. However, since you still lack the skill for Demonic Qi, you must learn footwork."

"I understand."

[Don't fret, master. The previous owner developed footwork techniques for situations like this. It isn't a leaping technique specialized for long distances, but it's decent for evasion.]

That day, I trained in footwork until I was utterly drained and collapsed.

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Raei Translations

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With a sigh, I accompanied Ersil to the Occult Research Department.

The department was a considerable distance away. Ersil joined me halfway.

"It seems they're genuinely researching the occult," Ersil observed, eyes sparkling. "We're still outside, yet there's so much negative mana."

"How do you feel, Mr. Seo-ha?" she asked, her star-shaped pupils seemingly twinkling even brighter. "Aren't you excited? This eerie ambiance, where a ghost could pop up at any moment. Uh, are you afraid of ghosts?"

"No."

Her incessant babbling was making my ears bleed. "Did you know? Instructor Woo-joo likes Professor Song Rahee. But she rejected him because she prefers younger men... Oh, isn't that Hong Yuhwa?"

"Hong Yuhwa?"

Following Ersil's gaze, I spotted Hong Yuhwa. Her red hair and eyes were unmistakable, and she wore a white skirt reaching down to her thighs.

That was fortunate.

The encounter with Ersil, whom I'd just met, had been a bit awkward, but seeing a familiar face in Hong Yuhwa eased my discomfort.

"Hello, it's been a while. Are you also in the Occult Research Department?" I asked.

"I was interested in the connection between negative energy and magic. But I didn't realize you were involved here as well," replied Hong Yuhwa with a touch of condescension in her voice.

However, I knew better. Hong Yuhwa carried an immense sense of self-pride. She typically followed in Kim Seohyun's footsteps, feeling it was her rightful place. I had assumed she'd join the Mint Chocolate Debate Club...

'Is she more conscious of me than Kim Seohyun?'

"Since we're headed the same way, shall we go together?" I suggested.

"Well, sure," she agreed, still maintaining her haughty tone before leading the way.

"What's this~? Is Hong Yuhwa interested in Mr. Seo-ha? I love stories like this~."

"That's not true," I retorted.

Ersil chortled from the sidelines.

Seeing this, Hong Yuhwa looked ready to blow a fuse but instead let out a sigh. She seemed to understand that anger would only entertain Ersil more.

"Oh, I think it's true~? Well, what's the harm? We're young, after all. No one will object to a little romance. Why not be honest and tell me? It'll be our little secret," Ersil continued, giggling.

"That's not true!" Hong Yuhwa shot back, shooting a sharp glare at Ersil before increasing her pace.

It was quite a sight, seeing Ersil tease the wielder of the Crimson Flame.

"You saw that, right? I told you, she's interested!" Ersil laughed, elbowing me gently.

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Raei Translations

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The Occult Research Club was decidedly gloomy.

"Ah, hello," greeted the head of the club, a rather morose figure with a hairstyle reminiscent of Kim Ara, bangs partially veiling their eyes.

Regardless of their appearance, this individual was an expert in curses, which made them a valuable acquaintance.

"The head of the club, despite appearances, is a curse specialist. They're good to befriend," Hong Yuhwa whispered from behind.

"But why is your anti-magic resistance so high? I can't even send magical messages to you."

"That's just my Physique."

"You didn't block Professor Song Rahee's magic with your Physique, did you?"

"No, that was my power."

Although it was indeed my Physique, there was no need to clarify that to Hong Yuhwa.

"And, I don't require an exorcist, so you should try to get along."

"Your confidence is striking. Or do you mean to say that a student wouldn't be able to break a curse that affected you?" she questioned, a note of incredulity in her tone.

She wasn't wrong, though. No curse could penetrate my Body Against Heaven. Most magic, not to mention curses, buffs, or debuffs, couldn't breach it; they would be absorbed by my Body Against Heaven instead.

As I took in my surroundings, it was evident that this was indeed the Occult Research Club. The room was filled with all sorts of objects, each emanating its unique curse.

"This is quite impressive. Even a rookie from the Korea Hero Academy could be tormented by a weak curse, enough to keep them awake for a week if they mishandle these objects," Ersil remarked with awe.

Was that what was classified as a 'weak' curse?

"Ah, please don't touch that. It's one of the professors' favorites…"

"The professors like it?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, they say that if the graduate students lack talent or effort, they should at least be kept awake to work hard…"

"But graduate students are human too," I mumbled.

"Were they human?" Ersil replied with a burst of laughter.

"Can we take a look around for a bit?" I asked.

"Yes, please, but be cautious. Many of these objects are cursed. If you're not careful, you might end up under a curse that turns you into a graduate student," the head cautioned.

A curse that sounded truly horrifying.

Using my Talent Reading, I examined various objects, uncovering many intriguing finds.

There were items that, when used by men, transformed them into women, significantly boosting their charm.

I also found a bracelet that increased fire attribute dominance but sapped energy from the wearer's body.

Cursed items typically held such dual characteristics – they could confer power, but at a significant cost. However, my case was somewhat different.

Ignoring Ersil's protestations, I picked up the energy-sapping, fire-enhancing bracelet.

"I'm not affected by curses," I reassured her as I put on the bracelet. A black energy attempted to seep into my body, only to be devoured by the energy of my Body Against Heaven.

Snap.

A flame blossomed from my finger flick.

Impressive.

"Do you have more items like this?" I asked.

"Are you okay?" the head asked, astonished.

"Yes, curses don't affect me. If you have items you're struggling to dispose of, I'll take them," I replied.

Stunned by my unique Physique, the head allowed me to acquire several other items.

[This is a good haul.]

I agreed with the Heavenly Demon's opinion.

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