133 – Learning Something from a Genius -1-
Under the dim lights.
Sitting at the desk, I was organizing my thoughts under the soft moonlight.
‘How should I live without doing anything.’
Ever since I transmigrated into a novel, my goal was set. Enjoy a peaceful and happy unemployed life. I wanted to enjoy things I couldn’t in my past life to the fullest.
That’s the way humans are.
Avoiding conflicts.
Wanting to watch fights from the sidelines.
Because humans want to earn a lot of money and enjoy luxuries.
And.
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As the novel progressed to the latter part, there were many things I couldn’t just laugh off, so I didn’t want to get involved.
The incidents surrounding Yuria became so much more cruel than before, and the bullying at the academy intensified, making it unbearable.
Watching what happens in the novel from the sidelines might be interesting, but I never once thought of giving up my happy unemployed life just for that.
The growth trajectory of the main characters will steepen over time, and I doubted whether an ordinary transmigrator like me could keep up with them.
If I were to watch over the main characters’ story from the sidelines, I needed to be prepared with the ability to avoid sudden death. This was also a concern.
Of course, I currently have a significant difference in power from the sub male leads, but it was within the range where I could catch up sufficiently.
So, my dream is to be unemployed.
I didn’t want to do anything.
But, this wasn’t an easy task.
Even with the slow growth of the sub male lead and the time when the disciples of the Eumji spread their wings in the underworld, as a possessor, I had to show at least some courtesy.
It was a role that couldn’t be ignored like a bum, as providing a little help within the limits that didn’t hinder growth was a repayment for enjoying the game.
It wasn’t a problem that the growth of the main characters in the story didn’t focus much on the game, but rather on the enlightenment, but at least some courtesy towards the rolling snowball had to be shown.
And.
I had to protect the lady.
I felt it was Hans’ job.
I had to become strong enough that I couldn’t be overlooked, in order to not endanger my people.
So, what should I do now?
I needed to reconsider the things I had slowly forgotten.
When the disciples hiding in the underworld revealed themselves in earnest to the surface, about the events that would unfold.
And I thought it was time to think about my revealed powerlessness.
At the moment, I could classify myself as a strong one. I would rate myself as an A+ grade in a fantastical ranking.
I had a power level enough to face off against a solo archbishop of the disciples, though not as strong as S+ grade Rowen or Darbav. Ruin and Mikhail were far below at B grade. Maybe Yuria was around C grade.
An archbishop was at a similar A grade level as me.
There were various ranks among the disciples.
Broadly divided into 5 categories.
The most numerous were the ‘fanatics.’
The ‘inquisitors,’ who were acknowledged for their faith and beliefs, learning dark magic. And the ‘archbishops’ and ‘apostles,’ known as monsters, who were a few elite possessing outstanding power.
Finally, their leader. ‘Pope’
I think I can sum it up to this extent.
If we were to choose opponents we can face…
I cautiously opened my notes and scribbled down some words.
Methodically circling individuals I could rationally confront with a red pen.
‘Fanatic.’
‘Inquisitor.’
‘Archbishop.’
And…
‘This side seems impossible.’
‘Apostle.’
If I were to summarize about the Apostles, all that comes to mind is the word ‘monsters’.
With overwhelming power.
They reside in the empire’s upper echelons.
Sometimes spreading heresies from within the Goddess Church.
Hiding in the mountains.
Or being a well-known figure to all.
The Apostles’ might ranged from being treated just below Royen or slightly lower, each possessing unique abilities befitting their distinct characteristics. If I had to categorize them, they would probably be around S-rank.
‘I still have a long way to go.’
I thought I had become strong enough by now, but I am starkly reminded of my arrogance.
Deep in contemplation, I once again scribbled with my pen.
This time, let’s write about the villain.
○ Archbishop of Madness: Pascal
● Abilities: Body control · Swordsmanship (C)
● Personality: xFaith
● Compatibility: Medium
“Hmm…”
Lost in thought as I inked the notes.
Pascal.
A character resembling an insect, a villain who left a strong impression in the novel as Mikhail’s archenemy.
A lunatic who manipulated innocent civilians and children, going around massacring them.
● Location: Prison
Of course, now he must be bringing joy to many people in prison, so he wasn’t worth worrying about.
“Next… could it be Hans?”
○ Archbishop of Greed: Hans
● Abilities: Plunder · Disguise · Magic (B)
● Personality: Gentleness · Inferiority complex · Dislikes comparisons · Greed
● Compatibility: Overwhelmingly dominant
A friend of Ruen, a disciple of the Tower of Magi.
As long as we focus on his ability to strip the powers of those who understand everything, there shouldn’t be much to worry about, but things are never as easy as they sound.
As time passed, the threat of creating numerous variables grew, and indeed, the Archbishop, who was notoriously difficult to deal with after the Apostle, was as challenging as they come. Moreover, fitting his name ‘Greed,’ he was a formidable individual who could strip abilities as soon as they came, making him a formidable figure with limitless potential for growth.
He could steal the abilities of the fanatics he belonged to, and as seen in the novel, he could also take away the Tower Worship’s unique abilities.
Recalling his previous visit to the mansion as Ruin, it seemed like the ability hunt had truly begun…
“Should I have killed him…”
I must be insane to trust in Tower Worship.
So far, Hans’ abilities that I’ve discerned are three.
One is magic he studied before turning dark.
The second is dark magic that steals unique abilities.
And the last is magic that copies a person’s appearance.
Honestly, Hans was a worthy adversary.
From the moment he gained Tearing, Hans couldn’t defeat me, and our compatibility was so extreme that even if the later Hans from the novel came, I could crush him.
However.
For our protagonists, it will be nothing short of a disaster. Especially for Ruin, Hans must have become a monster to bring back the worst memories.
After writing a lot more and filling the notebook, I noted about the imminent events in bold letters.
– Next Story: [The Person Who Lost Their Face]
Subtitle: The Frog Prince
“This seems doomed.”
I don’t know.
I’ve decided not to worry about it now, but it seems the story of the novel is bothering me, which is probably a side effect of being a possessed person.
As someone who loved the novel, missing out on the exciting parts was quite regrettable.
Well, I trust you all to do well.
I believe in you, my vultures.
With a light smile, I carefully wrote down ways to increase our power in the future.
First, let’s learn magic.
***
Another peaceful day in Lady Agassi’s room.
Wearing glasses with no lenses, Lady Agassi furrowed her brow, wearing a serious expression. Adjusting her glasses arrogantly, she let out a deep sigh and said,
“Fool.”
“…”
“Idiot.”
“…”
“Scoundrel.”
“Isn’t that a bit harsh? How can you compare a person to an animal?”
At the indignant response, Lady Agassi covered her mouth and let out a small chuckle, saying, “hehehehe.”
“But what can I do if Ricardo is a fool?”
“He’s not a fool, just inexperienced.”
“That’s what a fool is.”
Lady Agassi’s assessment was harsh.
Today was the day to receive magic lessons from Lady Agassi.
In order to enhance our concealed power, after considering various methods, I reluctantly asked Lady Agassi for lessons, concluding that magic was the fastest way to achieve significant results within a short period.
Teach me magic.
– No.
– Just this once, please.
– How can I teach you magic when I can’t use it myself?
– Miss, you are magic just by existing.
– hehehehe… That’s true.
The lady who crossed the line.
Though she did go overboard with the chocolate, fortunately, she was able to hire a competent magic teacher.
Learning magic from the lady who was certified by the author as having the greatest magical talent in the novel was incomparable to any other teacher.
I approached the lessons with joy, and the results were as they are now.
The lady continued her verbose explanation while looking at a piece of paper on the desk.
“Let me say it again.”
“Yes.”
“In magic, there are five main attributes: fire, water, wind, earth, and nature. Once you learn these five, you can use them right away.”
Suddenly, the lady seemed intellectual.
Indeed… Is she a genius?
I had always thought she was just a fool who loved chocolate, but in her field of expertise, the lady speaking intellectually seemed different.
Encouraged by the excellent lady’s eloquence, I raised my hand to ask the question I had in mind. I could ask such a question to the teacher I hired with a large amount of chocolate.
“What is the dazzling lightning magic? I want to use that.”
“That’s something Ricardo can’t use.”
“Does magic discriminate against nobility? What a filthy world.”
“Well… it’s not exactly discrimination, but it’s considered a rare attribute. Spells like Ricardo mentioned, with ‘雷’ properties or light·space·summoning·lightning attributes, only manifest in special individuals. Mine is summoning magic.”
“Oh… Was the headless knight you showed at the academy last time a summon? I thought it was a demon and was quite surprised.”
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“…Yes.”
“Indeed.”
“What’s ‘indeed’ about it!”
“Nothing. Just talking to myself.”
The arrogant magician was embarrassed about her summon.
Truth be told, I’ve known about the lady’s rare attribute from before. I just said it to tease her.
Leaving that aside, there might be hidden magical talents within me, so it’s a bit hurtful to be judged so easily like that.
Frustrated, I raised my hand to the lady and threw another question her way.
“It’s possible I might have an incredible attribute, right? Like light magic or space magic.”
“Hmm…”
Pursing her lips and pondering, the lady let out a deep sigh and shook her head reluctantly.
“Unlikely, given your looks.”
“…?”
“Yes.”
“Do you realize that’s discrimination based on appearance?”
“No, it’s discrimination by Ricardo.”
“That’s even more heartbreaking.”
“hehehehe…”
The young lady, who was about to transition into a giggle, found it unpleasant and tried to pinch her cheek, but now, in the position of a student, she decided not to infringe on the teacher’s authority.
Instead, she would torment him like crazy after class.
Ahem. The lady cleared her throat to focus on the lesson and set the mood. It seemed she didn’t want to make excuses for servant discrimination.
Feeling discriminated against, I pouted openly, protruding my lips.
“Don’t pout.”
“I’m not pouting.”
“Lies.”
“I have no reason to pout because I’m not an outstanding servant.”
“No. Ricardo…”
Blushing, the young lady fidgeted with the pen in her hand.
“You’re good at cooking.”
“…Hmph. Is that really outstanding?”
“Ricardo’s cooking is delicious. It’s fine even without anything flashy.”
“No… Ahem! Alright. Since you said so. I feel good.”
As embarrassed as when receiving praise, the young lady blushed, nodded her head, and lightly tapped the desk.
-Thud!
“S-so, next. I’ll show you the easiest magic you can learn.”
Pointing at the paper on the desk, the young lady spoke.
A paper with a red magic circle drawn on it.
It was a magic circle I had seen often.
The most basic of spells.
A common magic that 98% of the Imperial citizens could use. Fireball.
I chuckled as I flicked a small piece of paper with my finger, lying on the desk, at the sight of it.
Who did they think I was, practicing with just a simple fireball?
Even if I lacked talent in magic, not being able to cast a fireball didn’t make me a fool.
“What do you take me for? I can do this much.”
The lady stared at me sharply.
– Pffft….
“I know I can do this. Probably.”
“You can’t.”
“…”
As obeying the teacher’s words was a student’s duty, I swallowed any retort that might pop out and focused on the lady’s guidance.
“Now… imagine the drawing on this paper in your mind…”
“In my mind?”
“Yes. Like this.”
“No, if you do it like this and show me nothing, how am I supposed to do anything?”
The lady furrowed her brow, tapping her temple with a finger. Making subtle gestures as if sending telepathy to an alien. It was almost laughable.
“eeek… Heeeheee! Imagine it like this…!”
Despite the notebook and pen on the desk, seeing her tapping her temple and manipulating the magic circle was… It was really hard to hold back laughter.
“Imitate me!”
“Pfft… Yes.”
“Place your hand on your head and focus…!”
“Focus…”
“That’s right! And bam!”
“Bam!”
Along with a roaring energy, crimson magic circles began to appear in the air, and flames started pouring out.
Crimson flames, akin to the sun.
-Peyong…
It vanished without lasting even a second.
I looked at the lady with a proud expression. Though it was just a tiny flame, I gazed into the lady’s eyes, filled with pride for the success.
“Inhale…”
“…”
“Pfft…”
The lady held back a smile that seemed about to burst.
Her cheeks puffed up, and she shrugged her shoulders.
The fervor burning in my heart for academic achievement faded away.
“Don’t laugh. To me, it was like a meteor.”
“Meteors aren’t that small.”
“…”
“And then, Meteor…”
“Stop it.”
“Okay.”
Hmm. I was certain I had thought everything through perfectly, so what went wrong? Simple magic like a fireball doesn’t require elaborate planning, and yet I can’t figure out where I went astray.
It seems the teacher-turned-miss is having trouble pinpointing the issue with the dim-witted student, staring intently at the face of the underachiever with a subtle expression.
“Ricardo.”
“Yes.”
“Are you lacking imagination?”
“…?”
“Ricardo lacks imagination.”
“But Meteor is exceptional in imagination.”
“…Well.”
With a serious expression, the miss furrowed her brow and asked, “What’s the problem?”
“I don’t know either.”
“I’m clueless too. I’ve never seen someone so foolish.”
“Weren’t there times when even you struggled, miss?”
“Me?”
The miss smirked arrogantly and chuckled.
“I’ve never had such times.”
“Ah. Unlucky.”
“I know.”
It was foolish to learn something from a talented person.