Chapter 46
Deungjeongno
Dogyeonwoo of the Shingeom Do.
Rumors about him were abundant, yet nothing was definitively confirmed. Due to his young age to venture out into the world, he had been solely active within the Shingeom Do, refraining from external engagements.
Rumors, by nature, carry a certain consistency, allowing one to grasp the essence to some extent through their flow. However, the rumors surrounding Dogyeonwoo lacked any coherence, making it impossible to discern the essence.
“Who is he? Seems quite friendly with the Seventh Witch’s apprentice.”
“Oh, could it be him? The one who’s known the Seventh Witch’s apprentice since childhood. So…”
“The one from the Shingeom Do? What was his name…”
“Number 1532… Dogyeonwoo.”
“He was from the Shingeom Do.”
“Then, is he the one with her? The prodigy of the Shingeom Do…”
“No, that’s a different person. His name was probably Doseungwoo… Oh, his exam number was 2368.”
“What color was his exam badge?”
“Sky blue.”
“So, what about his?”
“It’s… black.”
“If he’s considered a prodigy in the Shingeom Do, doesn’t that mean he’s the most talented among his generation? But now, Dogyeonwoo’s grades are even better than that prodigy’s?”
“Well… that could be possible. Even if one excelled as a prodigy in the past, they could fall behind as they grow older. We usually call someone a prodigy who has worked hard and shown improvement. When talent is added, they become a genius. Prodigies aren’t inherently special.”
“And although their skills are commendable, if they lack distinctiveness, they’re called prodigies by default. Was 2368 in that category?”
“If he truly had exceptional talent, he would have been known by a distinctive name like Dosieun of the same family, like a flash in the pan.”
“Let’s leave the prodigy talk there. So, what are the examinees with black badges called?”
“Rabbits.”
“Young lions.”
“Are you insulting me now?”
“No! They call him a young lion at the Shingeom Do.”
“What nonsense! It’s rabbits.”
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“…So, which is it?”
“Rabbit.”
“Young lion.”
…
The answers from the instructors were conflicting.
Some called Doyeonwoo a rabbit, saying he was a coward who fell behind in the New Sword Competition.
Others denied the rumor, stating he was acknowledged by the head of the New Sword School and called a young lion.
Then there were those who argued that the nickname was derogatory, while others countered it was a form of praise.
And so…
“A rabbit?”
“A young lion?”
“Calling him a young lion! Doesn’t ‘young lion’ sound too derogatory?”
“I heard through reliable sources that the head of the New Sword School referred to him as a young lion.”
“…Hot-tempered.”
Rumors about Doyeonwoo were extreme and inevitably divisive.
In the end, the instructors present knew nothing about his talents and skills.
“We are now attempting to open the gate.”
…
Hence, the instructors focused on Doyeonwoo to definitively verify the truth behind the only rampant rumor.
Through the test of opening the iron gate, they hoped to uncover even a fraction of the truth.
They had no reason to doubt.
Moments later.
“…He’s opened up to the fourth gate.”
“That’s true. Isn’t this quite impressive? Even the Dragon’s Den of the Medical Association has only reached the fourth gate, and the New Sword School is known for its swordsmanship.”
“It’s good to have a high mana level, but since it’s a school of swordsmanship, they won’t use techniques that consume a lot of mana anyway…”
“The basics seem well-established. Muscle response isn’t bad either. Seems like he hasn’t neglected his training.”
Doyeonwoo opened the fourth gate without showing any signs of struggle.
The instructors who glimpsed his abilities showed no negative reactions.
And at that moment.
[Clang…]
“…”
The gate that seemed like it wouldn’t budge suddenly began to stir.
The instructors, who had been watching over the other examinees, were taken aback and couldn’t take their eyes off Doyeonwoo.
“Wait… what am I witnessing?”
“…Did it move?”
It wasn’t a trick of the eye.
All the gates were moving.
The instructors’ eyes widened.
“How did that move?”
“Was there a high amount of mana in their body?”
“No, that wouldn’t be it.”
“If there was a high amount of mana in their body, the fifth iron gate would have reacted from the beginning.”
“So how on earth….”
The fifth iron gate, designed to open only when supported by a certain amount of mana within the body.
The instructors couldn’t find an explanation for the phenomenon they were denying.
It was beyond their comprehension.
“….”
Therefore, the instructors’ gazes naturally turned to the seven-colored witch, Hong Ye-na.
They believed she might know something about her disciple’s childhood friend.
“How is that even possible?”
“Does Instructor Hong Ye-na not know anything about that child? I heard they were very close, even like siblings.”
“Come to think of it, I heard a story somewhere that Instructor taught magic to Do Yeon-woo….”
The instructors questioned Hong Ye-na more persistently than before.
She, who was quietly observing from a corner as someone not involved in the test management, couldn’t hide her awkward expression.
It was a stark contrast to when she talked about Yeon-ha.
“…I’m not particularly close with Yeon-hee, so I don’t know much. I only taught her a little bit of magic.”
“….”
Hong Ye-na tried to remain clueless.
She didn’t want to get involved if possible.
But the instructors’ eyes remained on her.
They were urging her to explain.
‘Well, I guess there’s no helping it.’
In the end, she couldn’t avoid their gaze and had to offer her own interpretation.
“I still think I know how they managed to open the fifth iron gate.”
“What was the reason?”
“Did you see the spark a moment ago? That was a phenomenon caused by conflicting mana with a rebellious nature.”
“Come to think of it, there was something like that. But why did it conflict? There shouldn’t have been any conflicting elements there.”
“I briefly taught her, and I know that her mana has a high affinity for the light attribute.”
“Is it okay to reveal this?”
“It’s not classified information.”
“That’s true. Please continue.”
“Yes, I will. And my disciple has an affinity for the dark attribute. However, when Haneul displayed a high density of mana within her body, the remnants lingered in the air instead of dissipating.”
“So, they conflicted? But what does that have to do with opening the fifth iron gate?”
“From here, it’s just my speculation….”
Hong Ye-na deliberately drew out her words.
She needed to carefully choose what to say and what not to say.
She had to be cautious.
‘If I make a mistake, Haneul might get involved because of Do Yeon-woo.’
To open the fifth iron door, a certain level of internal mana is essential.
However, the fact that the door has been opened means that either the standard of internal mana has dropped, or Do Gyunwoo’s internal mana has increased enough in a short period to meet the standard.
Since it is difficult to increase internal mana, the latter is naturally unlikely.
So, if the standard has dropped, that means…
“Perhaps the internal mana of the heavens somehow caused a malfunction in the iron door.”
That possibility could not be ignored.
It was a situation where there could be suspicions that Young Sky and Do Gyunwoo might have engaged in misconduct.
Of course, they would not have engaged in misconduct.
But to prove that would be quite a hassle.
Misunderstandings could also arise.
“You can’t just slap a label on a bright future and suggest they cheated in the exam.”
Although she didn’t like the idea of having to defend Do Gyunwoo in her heart,
Hong Yena had to dispel the doubts of the instructors to protect Young Sky.
“Could it be that an explosion caused by conflicting forces boosted propulsion?”
“…”
Similar to the nature of the Big Bang when light and darkness clashed and the universe was born…
Hong Yena wrapped nonsensical and absurd statements in scientific terms, leaving the instructors bewildered.
“Huh? But it kinda makes sense, doesn’t it?”
While inspiration dawned on her, she decided to focus on the immediate situation at hand.
Fortunately, her efforts were recognized.
“Well, that seems plausible.”
“There’s some logic to it.”
“Conflict between light and darkness… chaos. Is this something for a research paper? Or something I’d like to explore…”
“Light in darkness, darkness in light…”
“Luminescence.”
“The brightest light often exists in the darkest places…”
Some instructors muttered as if they had realized something from her words.
However, some seemed to agree while raising objections to the exam.
“Is it permissible to use external factors in an exam that purely assesses magical power? It seems to go against the rules…”
“Since the exam only required pushing the iron door with one’s hand, it may not be unreasonable to say that rules weren’t violated, right? The child didn’t use any doping. In a way, that’s also a skill, a talent.”
Although she was just an observer of the exam, Hong Yena immediately countered.
This led the instructors to take sides or start expressing opposing views.
Debates erupted among the instructors.
“That’s enough.”
“…”
At that moment, the Chief Supervisor spoke up.
The instructors did not object but waited for the Chief Supervisor’s judgment.
“As Instructor Hong Yena pointed out, it’s difficult to consider the examinee as breaking the rules. However, before making such a judgment, wouldn’t it be wise to first confirm if there is anything wrong with the iron door?”
The Chief Supervisor asked solemnly.
Upon hearing his decision, Hong Yena felt a sense of unease within her.
“Could someone go and check the iron gate, please?”
“I will go.”
The head supervisor assigned a staff member for the task.
There was no need to wait long for the results.
[There seems to be nothing wrong with the iron gate.]
“I see.”
The staff member who went to inspect the gate reported the results through the screen.
Only then did Hong Ye-na relax her tension.
However, doubts lingered in her mind.
“If the iron gate didn’t malfunction, how on earth did it open?”
Could it be that, in an instant, her mana levels increased, or even her mana efficiency and density rose, allowing her to open the gate?
It was an unbelievable scenario.
It wasn’t like her brain’s limit had been released, and some superhuman power had surged.
Surely…!
Was it implying that she recklessly threw herself into danger for the sake of her own body?
Did she really believe that?
“Seriously…”
She glanced at Do Yeon-woo, shaking her head.
“Isn’t he a complete lunatic?”
Even after knowing him for five years, she couldn’t comprehend.
Thanks to Do Yeon-woo, she felt like she was aging.
She just wanted to live comfortably now.
She thought it might be better to step down from her position as a staff member now and travel around instead.
—
Beyond the iron gate, there was nothing.
Just a wall.
As I turned my body from the wall, I was immediately met with countless gazes.
“It’s as if the sky’s mood is somewhat understandable.”
“…”
From the other side of the iron gate I had crossed.
People were staring at me as if they had made some kind of agreement.
Their eyes, wide open without a word, made me uncomfortable.
“Stop staring.”
Was it because of my mood?
For some reason, it felt like more eyes were on me than on the young Ye-na receiving the attention.
“…”
Deciding to leave quickly, I passed through the iron gate once again.
Staying in the examination room like this, I wouldn’t lose my focus.
Even for that, I needed to receive the pass judgment from the evaluator.
“Evaluator.”
“Oh… Yes, examinee.”
“Am I approved?”
“…I forgot. Examinee number 1532, 5 items, approved. But is everything okay? You were involved in the explosion earlier…”
“As you can see, I seem fine, right?”
“Still, if you feel any discomfort, go to the infirmary for treatment.”
“Yes, thank you.”
I knew my body well.
There were no injuries.
Although there were traces of the explosion on my clothes, even those could be removed with cleansing magic.
Nodding my head to the evaluator and bidding farewell, I approached Yeonhae.
She immediately started worrying.
“No injuries, right? Do you know how surprised I was earlier? No, if the iron door didn’t open, that should have been the end of it. Why did you persist? What if you accidentally triggered mana overflow?”
“I never intended to go that far, and I was confident I could handle it. And if I stopped midway, I wouldn’t have been able to open it up to the fifth one, right?”
“Still, wasn’t it unnecessary to push yourself so hard? Even if you had only opened up to the fourth, it wouldn’t have affected your approval, right?”
“On the other hand, the coins you receive after enrollment might decrease accordingly.”
“Goodness, how much of a difference could it make?”
“Still, the more, the better, right?”
Not only the Geumgang Academy but also almost all academies in the Academy City issued a unique currency called coins and used it in various ways.
For example, at the Geumgang Academy, you could use coins to purchase items or services sold within the academy, make reservations, or gain priority in course registration.
So, it was best to receive as many coins as possible when you could.
‘When else could I easily obtain coins?’
That was the reason I had been aiming to enroll with high grades.
Above all…
“Haneul, think about it carefully.”
“Huh? About what?”
“If I only opened the iron door up to the fourth after you opened up to the fifth, how do you think people would perceive it?”
“Wow, they’d think I’m impressive?”
“Objectively speaking, that might be the case. But wouldn’t you feel overshadowed by comparison with me?”
“Uh, well, that’s… um…”
“‘Dogyeonwoo opened up to the fourth, but still can’t beat Yeonhae.’ Wouldn’t you hear comments like that?”
“Did you do something risky just to avoid looking weak in front of those people?”
“Yeah, exactly.”
“…”
Yeonhae understood well.
I nodded contentedly.
Then her eyes narrowed sharply.
“You seem like you’re not that way, but subtly childish. Is that why you enjoy being in the spotlight?”
“Isn’t it better than being underestimated?”
“Goodness…”
Yeon Haneul seemed incredulous, but to me, it was a serious matter.
‘Just because we’re here, should we just ignore nonsense like whether we’re cubs or lions, young or old, praised or insulted? Absolutely not.’
I couldn’t stand things that seemed trivial.
To prevent any further leeway, it was necessary to draw a line.
So, when the opportunity presented itself, I seized it without hesitation.
“Anyway, since we passed the first test, let’s take a break somewhere until the second test begins.”
“Great idea. I’ve been wanting to leave this place quickly too.”
There was no longer any reason to stay here.
I decided to leave the exam venue with Yeon Haneul.
And that’s when it happened.
“Do Gyunwoo! Gyunwoo!”
“…”
Why is he calling me?
From a distance in the crowd, Yonghae was walking towards me, calling my name.
Looking at his intense gaze, I felt a sense of foreboding.
“You did a great job enjoying the test! Your childhood friend was nice too, but I still prefer you… Huh?”
“Haneul, watch out!”
“See? You’re uncomfortable too, right?”
“Hey! Where are you going? How about having a meal together and chatting!?”
I’m sorry, but I couldn’t hear him.
Quickly, before Yonghae could catch up, I left the exam venue with Yeon Haneul.
—
“The second test is scheduled for 2 o’clock, so feel free to rest until then and come to the designated location.”
“Where do we need to go?”
“All successful examinees from this exam venue should come to Dimension Room 105. You’ll be taking the test at the artificial gate, so you need to wear these in advance.”
“Yes, understood.”
The assistant waiting outside the exam venue informed us about the practical part of the second test.
After expressing our gratitude, we received the items distributed by other assistants.
It was lunch prepared by Geumgang Academy and the artifacts used at the gate.
‘Gate Watch and Screen Choker.’
We knew how to use the artifacts without needing further instructions, having used them frequently in the evaluation battles at the Divine Sword Dojang.
After ensuring that the artifacts were functioning properly, we turned around.
“Where should we eat?”
“True. Is there a quiet and serene place to have lunch around here?… Oh, where are the Triplets?”
“They said they’ll eat first among themselves, so let’s meet at the second examination site.”
“I ditched because I didn’t want to take the drink shuttle.”
“Oh, really. My strawberry milk…”
“If we see a vending machine or store on the way, let’s buy from there.”
“Okay!”
“Oh, look, there’s a vending machine.”
It feels lacking with just lunch boxes and water.
Yeona and I bought drinks from a vending machine we saw on the way.
Then we decided to find a suitable place to have lunch.
“Is that spot okay?”
“Luckily, the bench is empty.”
Exam students who finished the first practical exam were occupying every available spot, making it hard to find a place.
Still, fortunately, one was empty.
We quickly rushed to that spot and sat down to prevent others from taking it.
“Wow, it’s beautiful.”
“Indeed.”
It was a famous spot with a view of the lake.
Sitting on the bench, we quietly enjoyed the view of the lake.
“It’s really impressive.”
A lake of this size was occupying two more spots on the premises.
Realizing the grandeur of Geumgang Academy, I forced a bitter smile.
“I’m hungry, let’s eat.”
“Here, this is yours. Chopsticks are here too.”
“Thanks. Oh, I forgot to bring tissues.”
“It’s okay. I have them in my bag.”
We opened the lunch boxes.
Despite the time that had passed since they were made, the lunch boxes, enchanted to preserve, still retained warmth.
“Oh, there’s a lot of meat?”
“You’re just looking for meat.”
“Of course. It’s the foundation of a meal.”
“Well… okay, I admit.”
The meal was rich and substantial.
Without needing to bring anything extra, it seemed like we could face the second practical exam with a full stomach.
We finished lunch as it was.
“Is it that delicious?”
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“It suits my taste perfectly.”
“Do you want some of my meat?”
“No, it’s okay. You need it for strength.”
“Still, if you want some of mine, just say. Oh, I brought jelly.”
“I can have it after eating rice.”
“Is this vending machine good at making strawberry milk?”
“…Can it go well with rice?”
“This one. Do you drink it in one gulp?”
“Eating snacks while having a meal….”
“Strawberry milk isn’t a snack.”
“Then what is it?”
“…Meat?”
“I’d rather say it’s a carrot.”
“Actually, it’s a carrot. My favorite.”
As we enjoyed the view of the lake, our eyes were delighted, and our mouths were happy while eating.
We spent time sitting on the bench even after having lunch.
Until it was almost time for the second exam to begin.
“You should get your artifacts ready.”
I took out the Gate Watch and Screen Choker I received from the assistant.
I put them on.
But Yeonha struggled.
While the Gate Watch was on her wrist, she repeatedly failed to put on the Screen Choker around her neck.
Yeonha frowned.
“Ugh… my hair keeps getting in the way, I have to put it back again.”
It couldn’t be helped.
I decided to help Yeonha.
“Give it here. I’ll put it on for you.”
“Ah… then I’ll ask for your help.”
“Tilt your head a bit.”
“It’s not head, it’s hair.”
“Anyway.”
Yeonha handed me the Screen Choker.
She held her long hair with both hands, lifting it to reveal her neck.
Standing behind her, I naturally could see the faint hairs on her neck.
My gaze lingered on them subtly.
“….”
“What’s wrong, not doing it?”
“Oh, right.”
“What were you thinking just now?”
“I was thinking about the test later.”
“Lie. You had a strange thought, didn’t you?”
“Just. Your neckline was pretty.”
“….”
“I’ll put on the choker. Stay still.”
“Uh, okay….”
As my hand touched the delicate nape of her neck, she flinched for a moment.
Waiting for her tremble to subside, I carefully fastened the choker around her pure white neck from behind.
“Is the length okay? Not too tight?”
“A little tighter… I think it’s okay to tighten it a bit more.”
“How about this much?”
“…A little snugger.”
“Then, like this?”
“Yes, this feels good. Thank you.”
“Now that it’s on, it reminds me of a collar on a fluffy pet.”
“…Out of the blue?”
“I remember putting a collar on my pet once, I hope I didn’t tighten it too much… I feel oddly sorry now.”
“Um, could you please not talk as if you’re putting a collar on me? It’s… It’s starting to feel strangely nice.”
“If your pet could talk like you, it would probably say to tighten it securely, right?”
“I’m not a rabbit, you know!?”
“Should I write your name on it too? ‘Yeongha’, right. I’ll even add my name and address on the back.”
“Are you going to keep teasing me? I’m getting annoyed.”
“Okay, I’ll stop teasing. So, let me take a bit of the mana. I’m sorry.”
When Yeongha manifested her mana, her hair began to stand on end.
I immediately removed my hand from her neck.
“Are you really going to be angry?”
“Instead, would you like me to put on my choker?”
“What? Hmm… not a bad offer.”
“Really?”
“Why? You said I should go first. Turn around.”
“Okay, do as you please.”
“I’ll tighten it firmly. So you can’t even breathe, can’t think of anything else. So you won’t tease me again.”
“…Are you telling me to die?”
“Well, you should’ve been good to me.”
“You were good to me. Hey, it’s too tig-“
“Alright, let me try it. Lovely, cute, and dear Yeongha.”
“It’s embarrassing coming from your mouth!”
“Lovely, cute, and dear Yeongha.”
“Lovelycuteanddear….”
“There’s no sincerity in your words. Again.”
“Lovely… cute…”
…I feel like my instinct to dodge is about to kick in.
I wish it would kick in.
“Oh! I feel like I’m going to open my eyes.”
“I… feel like I’m going to close mine….”
And so it continued for a while.
We spent time by the lakeside and headed to take the second practical exam.
[Entered the gate.]
[Grey: Foggy Mountain Trail III]