LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 19: Reward (1)
TL/Editor: looloo
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Hong Yuhwa wore a complex expression as she stared at me. I could tell she felt wronged, but resignation dominated her features.
"That method of alchemy looks familiar, did a master teach you?" She asked. A master is a renowned figure in the alchemy field. Hong Yuhwa likely asked because she often asserted that the line between poison and medicine was thin.
"No, I taught myself," I replied.
"You taught yourself?" she echoed, disbelief clear in her tone. It was indeed self-taught.
In the game, you could acquire recipes, but they always missed one or two ingredients, making it difficult to complete them. Many people sold alchemy, but among the early community members, I was the only one.
"It's been about five years," I informed her.
"Five years? Just five years?" Hong Yuhwa's eyebrows twitched in surprise. Disbelief flooded her features. But soon, she closed her eyes, and her face returned to its usual state, pride evident in her gaze.
"You've only studied for five years? The skill you showcased earlier seems beyond that," Professor Song Rahee voiced, her tone skeptical.
The alchemy professor next to her merely stared at me, eyes twinkling. She looked like a woman who had discovered a treasure.
"Do you, by chance, plan to donate potions, student Lee Seoha?" she asked.
"Donate?" I questioned. Here it was.
A distinctive system at the Korea Hero Academy.
"Let's start with an explanation," she said.
"Oh, you don't know! I'll explain specifically. The donation system is something that only those with exceptional talent in alchemy or blacksmithing can access. In simple terms, the Korea Hero Academy offers unlimited materials, and students only need to supply a set number of potions."
She added that you could receive a large sum of 2 million won monthly, and if you chose to devote yourself to academia in the future, you could also work under a professor.
"What do you think? Would you like to give it a shot?" Her smile was quite irritating.
"I'll consider it," I replied, turning her down for the time being. That should increase her anticipation.
"From my observation, student Lee Seoha seems to have a natural gift for alchemy. I'd like to collaborate..." The Alchemy professor hinted, accentuating her cleavage subtly as she spoke.
Her chest was noticeably large.
An average student might be swayed by this, but I merely smiled faintly and said, "In that case, can you provide a private room for my use?"
"Alone?" The Alchemy professor paused momentarily.
I was aware of this professor's schemes.
She exploited her graduate students like underlings, using her authority to confiscate the valuable materials and recipes they found. To get promoted, they were forced to surrender recipes worth millions to her.
She had managed to stay afloat due to her own talent so far, but she had been lured by the Mines and their tempting recipes, choosing to align with them.
She also posed as a clear villain, pretending to be close friends with Professor Song Rahee while secretly undermining her out of jealousy.
'She probably plans to sneakily use my recipes.'
To her, morals were as insignificant as trash tossed aside on the street.
It was because of her nature that she likely stole the shadow serpent scales I had given to a graduate student under her watch.
"Yes, I find it hard to focus when others are around," I stated.
At my words, Song Rahee's expression shifted. It was a look that said, 'But just a moment ago you were creating potions surrounded by onlookers-'
"Then, I'll discuss this with the school separately. As an exceptional student like Lee Seoha, you should be able to secure a private room. And if there are any materials you need, the school should be able to supply them. Of course, nothing overly expensive," she assured me.
"Thank you for that," I responded.
At my words, the Alchemy professor's eyes sparkled.
"Do you not plan to become a graduate student? I believe you, Lee Seoha, would be an excellent one," she proposed.
"I'm not interested," I declined.
"Oh my, you're quite firm," she commented, obviously stepping over the line.
Just as I expected, her character was no different from that of a villain.
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Raei Translations
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I inspected my uniform in the mirror, trading my usual hoodie for it.
Black slacks, a white shirt, and a white vest with a standout blue tie.
'I look good,' I thought.
Although I slightly, very slightly, adjusted my looks, I was pleased with my appearance.
[You look good. But, master, your trousers are creased at the back.]
After the Heavenly Demon's advice, I smoothed out my pants' hem.
"Are you ready?" Instructor Seo Woojoo asked in his deep voice.
I nodded to signify I was prepared.
"Not yet!"
"Give me a moment……"
Ersil Merhen and Kim Ara were fussing over their hair for some reason.
The reason was simple.
They were about to meet the principal of the Korea Hero Academy.
Even though she's known as the principal, her power equals the Suzerain's, so she's rarely at the school.
Most of the time, she's at a place named the 'border', repelling monster and Mines invasions.
"So, how much is the reward?" Kim Ara asked while toying with her hair.
Although she grew up surrounded by luxury, she had brought a certain amount of artifacts and precious metals to live independently from the Suzerain's influence.
"The reward is ten million won each. Plus, one item that can be used in school is also provided."
"I wonder how good the item will be……"
"It will be about a C-rank item. You can sell it outside too. The items created by the Principal are of high quality, so if you plan to sell it, do so at a high price," Instructor Seo Woojoo advised.
"Is it okay to suggest that?"
"There's no need to worry, it's the principal's idea. Mainly students with debts at home do that. Poverty can drive people to desperation. But being born poor isn't a crime," he added.
"But the moment you misuse that money for frivolous parties and your grades drop, or you get involved in crime, you will discover how terrifying the principal can be."
"Then I have nothing to worry about~," Ersil replied with a cheerful smile. Instructor Seo Woojoo chuckled at Ersil's nonchalant demeanor and said.
"You guys better get ready quickly. If you're too late, who knows where the principal might go."
"Whew, we're all set~."
"Me too!"
Ersil Merhen and Kim Ara declared. Ersil had added some volume to her hair, while Kim Ara had moved her hair to the side and pinned it in place.
"Oh, Ms. Kim Ara, you're so pretty~. I knew you'd be beautiful even without hiding behind your hair."
"You're pretty too."
"Hmm. Let's get going then."
With a forced cough, Instructor Seo Woojoo interrupted the girls' chatter and stepped forward. We followed him.
"But is it okay for me to accept this?"
"That's right. Lee Seoha did all the work."
"Just call me Seoha for convenience. I wouldn't have caught it without you guys either."
At my words, Kim Ara and Ersil made peculiar expressions.
"Eastern culture values humility and modesty, but it's interesting how too much humility can appear arrogant."
"Hmm."
They don't believe my words at all.
Well, the power of the Heavenly Demon was beyond imagination.
"We're here."
Instructor Seo Woojoo stopped in front of an old-fashioned, grand door.
He always had a stern, collected demeanor that earned him the nickname Iron Lion... but right now, he was uncharacteristically appearing very anxious.
"Don't all of you get too nervous. The great and mighty Principal is rather merciful. Unless you're a Mine or a villain."
Instructor Seo Woojoo stated with a shaky voice.
The most nervous person seems to be you.
Giggles.
As Instructor Seo Woojoo took one more step, the door automatically swung open.
Inside, a woman was sitting with her legs crossed on a chair.
Hair radiating a brilliant golden light. Violet eyes that seemed to pierce through everything.
A black suit with a pure white coat draped over it.
Even in Epic World, where the inflow of power reaches out to space, she is one of the strongest beings whose strength never wavers.
Seo Yebin.
The absolute being gazed at us, her chin propped on her hand.
"Instructor Seo Woojoo, Student Lee Seoha, Ersil Merhen, and Kim Ara, give our greetings."
Instructor Seo Woojoo greeted with a tense expression. We respectfully bowed our heads.
When I lifted my head, I found myself under Seo Yebin's violet gaze. It felt like an entity beyond human comprehension was scrutinizing me.
"Interesting," she stated with a slight smile. Instructor Seo Woojoo faltered.
"I was going to give you ordinary items, but I've changed my mind. Instructor Seo Woojoo. Summon the vice principal."
"Should I call for the vice principal?"
"Yes."
At Seo Yebin's command, Instructor Seo Woojoo nodded and quickly started to walk away.
"You're the progeny of the Suzerain, aren't you?"
Seo Yebin fixed her gaze on Kim Ara.
"I can already sense your potential. The Suzerain wasn't able to awaken his lineage at your age. You may surpass the Suzerain in less than a decade."
"Th, thank you."
Ersil's eyes widened at her words.
"And you... you don't seem to need any advice."
"....Can you see it?"
Ersil asked in a stiff voice. It was an abrupt question, but she must be referring to the soul that resided within her.
The Transcendent who ruled a world for a thousand years.
"A woman like me cannot help but see it. And it's best not to place too much trust. Souls seek a 'vessel' to fulfill the 'desire' they couldn't achieve in life. If you can't fulfill that desire, it's common to be devoured."
"...I'm aware."
Seo Yebin subtly indicated the danger that a Transcendent named Melanie could take over Ersil's body.
"And..."
Her violet eyes shifted to me.
"You truly are intriguing."
Her eyes curved into a crescent shape.
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