No Lies, Just Extra

School Life is Freakin’ Spectacular #9

“They call him Ken, it’s the first day I’ve actually talked to him. He got here and instantly gave me this weird nickname, ‘Scream Man.’”

“Scream Man… Pfft!”

You’re laughing?

“Pfftt, hahaha!”

Lee Sihu, the bastard, is cracking up again at the mention of ‘Scream Man.’

“Hey, you’re laughing? Don’t laugh at someone’s nickname…! Don’t you know that a thoughtless stone can kill a frog!”

“Ah! Sorry sorry! I didn’t mean to laugh! It just came to me suddenly, ‘Scream Man!’ Haha!”

—Swoosh swoosh!

Sihu frantically waves his hands as if he really intends to apologize. He’s even turning red. No, well, I wasn’t really expecting such a sincere apology but it seems he’s overreacting a bit.

“Anyway, so, Ken? This guy here is Sihu. You know him, right?”

“Of course, I know him. That monster who fought on par with the top student Ryu Cheon-hwi.”

“Monster, you say?”

Sihu’s expression vanished when he mentioned ‘monster’ but soon returned to a smile. Ken, this guy, might get into big trouble with his habit of giving nicknames.

“It’s nice to meet you, Lee Sihu. I’m Ken. I saw your duel with Ryu Cheon-hwi. You were very strong.”

“Haha… Strong, you say. There’s no way. It was only because Cheon-hwi went easy on me so I could fight evenly with him. That’s not to say that I’m particularly strong.”

“Hmm, you’re quite humble. Cheon-hwi doesn’t seem like the type to hold back though.”

Saying that, Ken crossed his arms and closed his eyes like he was deep in thought.

“Hey. You haven’t known us for that long, have you? How could you possibly understand his personality?”

“How could I? I researched beforehand. All our classmates here will be trained together and become the heroes of the future. It’s better to know in advance because it will definitely help in the future. Isn’t that basic?”

“Oh… Is that so?”

This guy seemed much more prepared than I thought.

He’s already planning for the future. He’s got a veteran’s sensibility, not something you’d expect from a high school freshman. I was taken aback when he suddenly called me ‘Scream Man,’ but maybe he’s alright.

“That said, be careful. It’s not good to get on Ryu Cheon-hwi’s bad side. He’s known for having a nasty personality.”

“Huhuhu, don’t worry. What’s there to be scared of?”

If anything goes down, I just have to find the Director.

“Overflowing with confidence, I see.”

With that, Ken turned back toward his seat. It’s about time for the students to come in. But Ryu Cheon-hwi hasn’t arrived yet.

“By the way, if his name is Ken, is he from Japan?”

“Could be? The name does ring of Japanese naming. But to think he came from Japan to Korea. That must’ve been tough.”

Tough?

“What’s so tough about that?”

“Huh?”

“What? Why?”

Sihu had the expression of someone whose common sense had just been challenged. What’s up? Is it really that difficult to come from Japan to Korea?

“Don’t you know?”

“Hey. Stop reacting like that and just tell me, dammit. I’m curious. What’s up?”

“Oh, well. I wasn’t trying to hide it. I just thought it was common knowledge. Japan, you know, it’s ruled by the Neodaimyo right? I’ve heard they are strict about preventing the exodus of the Awakened.”

“Neo, what?”

Did he just say Neodaimyo?

“Neodaimyo? What’s that?”

This is my first time hearing this shit. Daimyo? Like the medieval Japanese ruling class? I know they called the big landowners who had samurai under them daimyo.

“Ah, well.”

Just as Sihu was about to explain,

—Creak.

The door opened and Instructor Lee Sora entered.

“Good morning. Everyone take your seats.”

“Ah, Geun-chul, let’s talk later.”

“Alright, head to your seat.”

I can just check it on the phone.

—Swoosh.

I was about to take out my phone and search.

“Kim Geun-chul. Pulling out your phone as soon as you see the instructor’s face? Attendance is starting. Put it away.”

“Ah, Instructor. It’s just that suddenly something came up and I wanted to search…”

“Do it later.”

“Understood.”

She really is like a demon.

Does she only see me?

“Now, let’s begin the morning attendance. Hmm… Only one absent?”

The seat behind me was empty. Only Ryu Cheon-hwi was not here. Is this bastard trying to play hooky because he thinks I’ll report him? But reporting and absence have nothing to do with each other. Anyway, I’m going to protest. Swordplay in the classroom is absolutely unacceptable.

“There’s nothing else to report, and conveniently, my class is first period, so we’ll begin now.”

What the hell is happening!!!

“Aaaaarrrgh!”

“Ah, Instructor.”

“Ah.”

Students groaned, but this iron-blooded instructor seemed unfazed and prepared to start class.

“Quiet. We need to move for outdoor class.”

Outdoor class?

I can’t stand curiosity.

Let’s ask right away.

“Outdoor class, Instructor? What kind of class are we having today?”

“Today we will work on strengthening the body using mana. It’s the most fundamental training to turn an Awakened into a superhuman.”

“Oh!”

I definitely have to do this!

A class on directly using mana to strengthen the body! Can just following this class turn me into a superhuman!?

“Your face is full of enthusiasm. Now, let’s all move.”

“Alright, everyone, stand up. Please follow me in an orderly fashion.”

Leona, naturally standing from her seat, voluntarily tried to lead the students. But despite that, she ended up sticking beside the instructor? Is there any point to leading then?

Anyway, as I stand up.

“Let’s go together, Geun-chul.”

“Sure.”

Sihu was tagging along by my side.

“Hey, so Sihu, what exactly is a Neodaimyo?”

“You were about to look it up just now, weren’t you?”

“The instructor stopped me. This is trampling on my right to know.”

“Right to know, ha! A rights violation… Pfftt! Hahahaha!”

Why is this guy laughing so much?

“Don’t laugh, Sihu, are you planning to be one of those laughing audience members they have on shows when you grow up?”

“Pf, pffttt… Audience laughter, what’s that? Geun-chul, you talk so funny haha.”

“What do you mean funny. If I was really funny, I’d be a comedian. Now grant me my right to know. What exactly is a Neodaimyo?”

“The Neodaimyo are a group of high-ranked Awakened individuals ruling Japan.”

“Oho?”

The seven Neodaimyo.

They were also first-generation Awakened and war heroes who saved Japan during the Dimension War, but apparently, due to some event, they fell out and now govern by dividing Japan into seven parts.

It’s described as even more oppressive than the feudal society under the autocratic monarch ruling unified Korea.

And that some event turned out to be a squabble over deciding who would be the emperor. It was so bizarre and outlandish that I couldn’t understand it. So, in essence, these seven Neodaimyo argued over who would be emperor and ended up splitting Japan into seven districts.

“This is almost like some yakuza thugs took over?”

“Almost feels like that kind of culture.”

Ken might have had it tough.

*

*

*

“Using mana is the very foundation. If an Awakened cannot utilize their mana, they are no different from ordinary people. To become a superhuman hero, one must manipulate mana freely.”

Very seriously.

I listen attentively to Instructor Lee Sora’s words, my eyes fixed.

Her class!

I will make all of it part of my flesh and bones!

Since I’m certain that I have mana, if I can learn how to use it, I too can become a superhuman. Seriously, who wouldn’t focus on that? I’ve got to give it my all.

—Sparkling!

As my eyes practically sparkle while looking at her.

“…”

Our eyes met for a moment. Of course, the instructor just hmphed and looked away. Then she started explaining again. Did she feel it? My enthusiasm? This is exactly the kind of student I am.

“Anyway. Today, what you guys will learn is how to use mana to strengthen your body and exhibit superhuman strength. I’ll show you an example. Like this. Concentrate mana on your feet and with one step.”

—Leap!

Suddenly, her body soared into the sky!

“Wow!”

With a single step, she easily jumped almost ten meters high! And she did it with such style, hands casually tucked into her pockets!

“Wow!”

“Amazing, Instructor!”

“She can jump so lightly!”

Cheers burst out. Perhaps they are all students after all? Judging by the superhuman cadets’ amazement, jumping that high is definitely of a high caliber.

—Tock.

The instructor then landed softly. As if gravity had been slightly weakened, the landing was smooth.

“Using mana, you can exhibit superhuman strength like this. Whether it’s jumping high, moving quickly, or exerting strength in a sword-gripping hand. Everything is possible. Similarly, one’s defense can also be strengthened.”

The more I hear, the more I can’t wait for the class…! I immediately want to mimic that!

“Now, let’s start… today’s lesson. Today, I’ll teach you the dash.”

The dash?

“Just like what I showed earlier. Assume this squatting posture, then fill your foot with mana and push off from the ground.”

—Whoosh!

“Wow!”

Just one step.

This time, with a single step, she crossed 10 meters in a flash…! A literal dash! With such movement, even monsters would have a hard time reacting!

—Whoosh!

And just like that, the instructor dashed back to her position.

“Being fast and agile is basic for a superhuman. The dash is a very important skill, be sure to master it.”

I will absolutely master it.

“Wow…”

“That’s so exciting.”

“Such movement…”

Other students chat among themselves, filled with anticipation.

“Today, I plan to check each person’s posture, but before I do that.”

Is there something else?

“Kim Geun-chul? Come out here.”

The instructor nonchalantly called out my name!

“What? Why me all of a sudden!”

This is like a bolt from the blue!

“Kim Geun-chul, come here. Everyone watch your friend and consider it carefully.”

“Why are you asking me all of a sudden instead of those who are good…”

Am I supposed to be the example?

“You can’t be a teaching aid if you can’t do it, right?”

“I never imagined I’d become a human teaching aid, man…”

I must be the neighborhood fool, just a fool.

As I trudge toward the instructor, laughter comes from behind. Shit Man. Scream Man. Discussions are revolving around those words. Somehow, I feel like I’ve become the gag character here, but I should be worlds apart from comedy. I’m the serious and cool Kim Geun-chul.

“Chatterbox, already? Just get into position.”

“Yes. The squatting position you mentioned?”

—Creak.

Instantly, I step forward with my left foot and slightly bend my knee to assume the squatting stance. Having practiced taekwondo, my body can take this stance perfectly.

“Instructor? I’m in position. Ready with this high-difficulty squatting position.”

“What are you stressing about? Just concentrate power in your left foot and move mana there as you feel it.”

“But, Instructor? I’ve yet to learn how to use mana.”

“Training leads to mastery. Everyone heard that, right? No matter who it is, they are like Kim Geun-chul here at first, unable to properly use mana. But, as you train, it becomes possible for everyone. So work hard.”

—Yes!

Students respond.

“But, Instructor. How should I proceed if I don’t know how…”

“Wait.”

—Creak.

Then.

The instructor laid a hand on my firm thigh.

“Krk…!”

“What?”

“It, it tickles! Stop!”

I’m ticklish when someone touches my thigh!

“What kind of kid gets… even if it tickles, endure it.”

“Yes…!”

I can’t concentrate because my thigh tickles!

“Continuing what I was saying, initially, people obviously have a hard time moving mana, like Kim Geun-chul. Many don’t even know the sensation. So I’ll help you feel it. I will inject a bit of mana, so brace yourself.”

“Okay?”

—Zzt!

Suddenly, something zapped me, but it wasn’t an unpleasant feeling, rather an energy lightly pricking the inside of my thigh.

“Oh? What’s this sensation?”

“That’s the sensation of mana passing through. Recall it and try to slowly shift your body’s mana towards your thigh.”

That sensation just now.

“The feeling of that sensaaaation!!!”

—Swoosh!

While shouting out a battle cry, the clear energy seemed to move down to my legs!

“Whoa! Something’s coming! I can feel something! My thigh feels it! My legs are gaining power!!!”

An outburst of excitement!

Mana’s tingling—

“Leg cramp!”

Suddenly I cramp up from tensing so hard!