"Because the flow of my mana is hindered."
'What in the world?'
I stole another glance at her countenance, yet it bore no alteration. The radiant smile she sported clashed against the woeful countenance she had recently revealed.
I reconfirmed her Show Details, yet naturally, nothing had shifted. My initial perception hadn't deceived me.
[Class: Magician (Common Grade)]
Jung Hayan had indeed acquired a new classification. 'From when?'
Almost precisely three days had elapsed since my previous perusal of Jung Hayan's Show Details. This timing almost impeccably aligned with the commencement of my magical tutoring sessions with her.
She had been subtle in her approach, yet it seemed likely that she had acquired a new class right from the moment our discussions on magic began.
[Class: The Path of the Arcane Adept – Heroic Grade] [Attained comprehensive mastery over fundamental elemental magic knowledge. Mana capacity permanently augmented by 2 points. Potential for further advancement heightened significantly.]
'What in the world…' Her newfound attributes were nothing short of extraordinary.
As soon as the core principles of the class became clear to her, she unlocked an attribute of heroic caliber associated with it. It felt like a blow to the ego.
I had never before encountered an individual who not only grasped the rudiments of magic but also secured an entirely new class and attribute in the process. If this method were viable for others, Kim Hyunsung would undoubtedly have pursued it too.
Jung Hayan had to be an exceptional anomaly. As I mused over this for a moment, Jung Hayan's gaze turned toward me, tinged with traces of unease.
"Um… B-Brother?"
"Ah, my apologies. I was lost in thought… You were asking me about mana circulation, correct?"
"Y-Yes! I attempted what you advised, but it still feels incredibly daunting..."
It shouldn't have been this challenging.
"Perhaps it's because you're utilizing a slightly excessive amount of mana… That's rather peculiar."
I noticed her hand inching forward. Gently, I clasped Jung Hayan's outstretched hand and began infusing it with my own modest reserves of mana.
I endeavored to guide and converge her mana flow, yet Jung Hayan's own mana remained utterly unmoved. This wasn't solely due to my own mana's inadequacy.
'She's obstructing me.' My intentional effort to assist her in channeling her mana was deliberately stifled.
Only when a furrow appeared on my brow did I sense Jung Hayan's mana flowing in the precise direction I intended.
"A-as anticipated, you're truly remarkable Miyoung."
'Unbelievable...'
"Envision it, if you will."
"Pardon?"
"Visualize the incantation. Something akin to a blaze emerging from your open palm... Can you replicate what I previously demonstrated?"
"Ah! Y-yes!"
The quantum of mana requisite to fulfill the prerequisites for casting this incantation was flawlessly amassed. Given her progress, it should have been effortless for her to conjure an image of a diminutive flame. However, abruptly, her mana dissipated. This wasn't due to an excessively prolonged delay or a mere fiasco.
Jung Hayan intentionally dismantled it herself.
"I-it's still exceedingly arduous. W-why am I like this...? Kee Miyoung is exerting himself so earnestly to educate me..."
Even her lachrymose performance was a spectacle to behold.
'What's truly transpiring?'
"No, perhaps it's because you remain devoid of a class, thereby it's within the realm of norm to encounter setbacks. If we venture out for a hunt, you will undoubtedly ameliorate. Agreed?"
She offered no reaction to the insertion of the term 'classless.'
"C-could we attempt it once more?"
"Alas, the hour has grown quite late. Let's consider this day concluded. Presently, I must attend to some tasks."
"D-do you have engagements, or might it be... that you have an appointment with Hyae-Hyaeyoung-ssi... for today as well?"
Park Hyaeyoung embodied the woman Lee Jihye had introduced me to. Following that incident, Lee Jihye arranged for an intermediary between us. It had been conveyed that this person could assist me in various ways, yet I hadn't had the chance to validate those claims. Up until now, the narratives shared by Park Hyaeyoung pertain solely to the group's predicaments and its internal dynamics. While pondering the suitable course of action, an additional voice reached my ears.
"Kee Miyoung-ssi, can I have a moment?"
I replied, "Certainly, just give me a second, please." 'Park Hyaeyoung.' I was uncertain if her appearance at this moment was opportune or not. Nonetheless, I observed that Jung Hayan remained notably unperturbed.
"Ah! Y-you already had something planned. I-I wasn't aware..."
"No, I hadn't made any prior arrangements to meet with Hyaeyoung-ssi. Something might have come up. Would you kindly excuse us?"
"Ah... sure."
Jung Hayan slowly vacated her seat as Park Hyaeyoung entered. I hadn't summoned her, so I was curious about her visit. Though I wanted to exploit her jealousy, not in this manner.
"Hayan-ah, I'll catch up with you tomorrow."
"Ah! Definitely!"
Once Jung Hayan was out of sight, Park Hyaeyoung quietly settled down.
"Is there something you need?"
"I've heard something intriguing."
"Such as?"
"I've come across news that the next time you embark on a hunt, you plan to take along a few individuals from here."
"Yes, that's accurate."
"If it's all right, may I be one of them?"
Her directness was striking.
Naturally, I had already scrutinized Park Hyaeyoung using my Eyes' Check, but her abilities weren't particularly remarkable.
[Examining the Show Details and talent levels of player Park Hyaeyoung.]
[Name: Park Hyaeyoung] [Title: None. You could aim a bit higher.] [Age: 27] [Disposition: Analytical Diplomat] [Class: None] [Stats] [Strength: 10/Potential for growth: heroic or lower] [Agility: 11/Potential for growth: rare or higher] [Vitality: 20/Potential for growth: rare or higher] [Intelligence: 10/Potential for growth: rare or higher] [Endurance: 10/Potential for growth: common or lower] [Luck: 09/Potential for growth: common or lower] [Mana: 00/Potential for growth: rare or lower]
[Summary: This isn't the moment to lament the scarcity of individuals with exceptional stats or unique attributes. On the whole, this person is well-balanced. There's a likelihood they could excel as a melee fighter or in a long-ranged class like [Archer].] Her disposition was labeled as 'Analytical Diplomat.' Even without delving deeply into her status, I could broadly deduce her character.
I observed her silently for a time and then responded,
"I'm uncertain. I initially suggested Hayan-ssi, but…"
"Are you inclined towards younger women? I could be an even better choice. Playing with someone so young can't be very exciting, can it?"
"Regardless of your assumptions, that isn't the case."
"Why not give me a chance? I believe our association could be mutually advantageous…"
The concept of the relationship she was referring to eluded me. By all appearances, it seemed she had eavesdropped on our earlier conversation.
Park Hyaeyoung appeared to assume that I had a keen interest in women. Admittedly, her capabilities were notable, and her potential for growth didn't seem insignificant.
If she managed to develop and become stronger, she might be of some use, though I was put off by her 'Calculating' demeanor.
Nonetheless, she should grasp that all agreements need to be reciprocal.
"For what purpose?"
"Because, after all, you require someone who can hold their own in a fight, correct? With Deokgu-ssi and Miyoung-ssi lending aid, the situation here has shifted somewhat since your arrival. Only a few of us are still relying on Hyunsung-ssi to assist. This is a place where women can match men in strength, and the system can augment our physical abilities."
"Yes, that's accurate."
"While fear of the monsters is widespread, more individuals are beginning to believe they can confront them. They're uniting to venture out."
"You're making it sound as though I'm dividing everyone into factions."
"Did I hit the mark?"
"No, I'm not particularly concerned about such matters. Is Jihye-ssi aware of your presence?"
"She probably is. Who can predict Jihye-ssi's thoughts?"
"And the reason for your visit to me is…"
"I simply thought a conversation between us would be beneficial. I find it displeasing that you're exclusively favoring that Jung Hayan girl. If you reject me, then I'll have no alternative but to wait for my chance…"
"I comprehend your perspective."
"Your reasoning so far has been logical."
"It's plausible that we could come to an understanding once Hyunsung-ssi returns. I'll discuss this with him. Nevertheless, if Hyunsung-ssi deems it unfeasible, this proposal may be declined. So, please don't set your expectations too high."
"Hearing you say that is more than I hoped for."
"I anticipate a fruitful collaboration."
"Likewise."
"That's quite amusing. Seriously."
"Hush. Listen. Hey."
Amidst the voices swirling around her, their exact words eluded her.
Her greater concern rested on Kee Miyoung.
"Hayan-ssi! What's occupying your thoughts?"
"Ah, um! I mean. It's nothing…"
"If you're fatigued, take a break. Using your body in such a way must be strenuous… Whew. Won't this job be overly demanding for you?"
"S-sorry?"
"Look at you, pretending not to comprehend."
"I truly don't."
While the meaning behind their words remained unclear to her, their hostility was perceptible. Not overt or exceedingly potent, but she was well-acquainted with this sensation. In hindsight, it had been this way since she was young.
Compared to her two sisters, she had been markedly more naive, slow, and inept.
Her eldest sister had always cared for her, and her second sister had been remarkably astute.
After years of looking out for her, the reason for their severed contact was likely her own inadequacy.
"Ugh… There's an unpleasant smell."
"He has rather peculiar tastes. She isn't that attractive… Pretends to be clueless… Ultimately, she's just cunning."
"Shh. Cease it. Hey, what if he hears you? What will you do if he comes over here?"
"Well, let's find out if he does. He's likely grown tired of her. No, wouldn't it be logical for him to be weary?"
Unconsciously, her hands trembled at those words. 'Kee Miyoung' He was her sole dependable presence in this entire place. Recalling how they had held hands earlier, her body quivered.
Tired of her? He wouldn't treat her in such a manner. He was different.
'My heart is racing.'
Her heart pounded as if about to burst. 'You remind me of my younger sister."
The remembrance of those words brought her a subtle pleasure. It was an unfamiliar sensation, something she had never felt before.
Her heart raced with a badum-badum rhythm, and her legs felt unsteady. Emotions slipped beyond her control. 'We can meet again tomorrow.'
Tomorrow they would reunite. Just the two of them, conversing and her being playfully endearing.
It was akin to the warmth she had once felt from her family.
It was addictive, like a drug.
The concealment of her class and abilities stemmed from her desire to spend more time with Kee Miyoung. The lie twisted her heart, but she dreaded the consequences of his discovery.
As she glanced subconsciously toward Kee Miyoung, disregarding the voices around her,
"Oh my. Have you been waiting?"
Park Hyaeyoung, who had been with Kee Miyoung mere moments ago, materialized.