Chapter 151 – Inferior Beings (Four)

At the same time? You want us to challenge you all at once?

Are you in your right mind?

‘He should be a 2nd Circle, though.’

‘There’s no way he would have lied to the Head of section.’

A 2nd Circle at such a young age.

It was undoubtedly a tremendous achievement and proof of a genius-level talent.

After all, most ordinary wizards couldn’t break through the 1st Circle Barrier even after a lifetime of effort.

“I’m jealous. So jealous.”

“I’m so jealous I could die.”

“I wish I were a 2nd Circle too.”

It was a dream-like state for all of the current Class A.

But right now, the fact that the Mage Tower’s uninvited guest was a 2nd Circle and the outcome of the match were two separate issues.

He has many Rings.

But that didn’t necessarily mean his ability to handle Mana was outstanding.

‘If skill were determined simply by the number of Rings, then that dull-witted Ayla from Class B would have taken first place in both theory and practicals every time, not me.’

The sharp-featured young man in the front row sneered at Ray.

It was Tennan, who had tried to voice his opinion to Binjin at the start of class but had backed down.

‘A stupid bitch who can’t even utilize her blessed talent.’

Tsk.

Unconsciously, Tennan clicked his tongue just like his Seonbae.

It had only been a year since the siblings Ayla and Ain entered the mansion.

Among them, the older sister, Ayla, had achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the 2nd Circle, the same stage as the Seonbae, in just three months.

Because of that, she had monopolized the Seonbae’s unusual expectations and attention, but…

‘That didn’t last long. 2nd Circle, that was the end of it.’

Ayla was hopeless at magic.

The completion level of her spells was high, but her ability to utilize them was extremely poor.

Her skills were always stuck in place.

Her sparring results were permanently in the lower ranks.

The consensus was that if it weren’t for the superior Mana quantity from her two Rings, she wouldn’t even have been able to maintain that ranking.

It was the fall of a genius.

And everyone felt a thrill.

Even now, remembering the time Ayla was miserably defeated in her first sparring match made their bodies tremble with excitement and exhilaration.

Truly, a stupid bitch.

It was all due to a lack of foundation.

Since her 2nd Circle was built through rapid construction, it would have been more strange if it didn’t creak.

And.

‘That guy over there is probably the same.’

He didn’t know exactly what the Mage Tower’s curriculum was like.

But considering he looked to be about the same age as Ayla, he probably didn’t have a solid foundation either.

On top of that, moving a Mana Sphere was strictly a matter of practical experience.

‘When it comes to practical experience, I’m several steps ahead.’

Could the young master of the Mage Tower even imagine the experience of fighting street gangsters with his life on the line?

To compare, the opponent was a hothouse flower raised under all sorts of overprotection.

They were tough weeds that grew enduring harsh winds and rain.

Amidst the confused silence, Tennan raised his hand, representing everyone.

“You have something to say?”

“Yes. Hwacho… uh, I mean, Heiler-nim. May I say one thing?”

Ray nodded.

“Just now, I didn’t quite understand what you meant by having everyone challenge you simultaneously.”

“It’s exactly as I said. Try to take the Mana Sphere from me. All of you, at the same time.”

Tennan’s eyebrow twitched.

He felt his temper flare at the young master’s reckless audacity and ignorance.

“Of course, I did hear that strange story about how ten people from Class B lost yesterday.”

“So the rumor has spread.”

“Yes. Rumors tend to be exaggerated and inflated, after all.”

Since he didn’t know how the rumor had spread, Ray remained silent.

“Well, regardless of win or loss, I can believe you might have been able to handle ten opponents at once. But we are Class A.”

So you’re Class A.

Ray couldn’t understand why the other person was stating the obvious.

“I’m saying we’re different from Class B, those inferior… no, those friends who need a lot of effort.”

“How are you different?”

At Ray’s retort, Tennan’s eyebrow twitched again.

“We are all wizards who have trained for a long time under our Seonbae. Having Rings means we are not apprentices but official wizards. I guarantee it.”

He took a brief breath—

“At the start of the match, the Mana Sphere will be pulled toward us and smashed against the wall.”

—and spat out.

While the opponent couldn’t say anything, he continued with the rest of his speech.

“I think Heiler-nim said that because you don’t know much about the world outside the Mage Tower. But as a Seonbae in life, to correct your mistake, it’s right to decide the order and challenge you one-on-one.”

Tennan cheered inwardly.

He hadn’t fallen for the enemy’s provocation and had calmly said everything he needed to say.

Furthermore, the surrounding lackeys were nodding with looks of satisfaction on their faces.

But he still couldn’t let his guard down.

He couldn’t let the first challenge opportunity be snatched by someone else.

The first challenger had to be him.

And that would also be the last challenge.

If he defeated the Mage Tower’s top student, and in his prime state at that, with an overwhelming difference in skill, he would surely leave a deep impression on the Seonbae.

His confidence was overflowing.

‘I entered the mansion at age ten and have been learning magic for eleven years now. My foundation is solid.’

Although he had only recently constructed his Ring, thanks to the rigorous foundation he had built over time, he had experienced explosive growth repeatedly.

As a result.

He was now first in both theory and practicals.

Everyone unanimously said it.

That the next person to head to the Mage Tower with a letter of recommendation, the next in line for glory, would undoubtedly be him.

‘Right.’

Whenever he heard through the Seonbae’s mouth about the recent status of those who had gone to the Mage Tower, how angry and resentful he had felt.

‘Me too.’

But now it was his turn.

‘The one going to the Mage Tower is this Tennan-nim.’

After a long time of hardship and humiliation.

The time to scatter envy and jealousy around him had finally come to him.

Soon, an announcement about who would receive the letter of recommendation was scheduled.

…In fact, he thought it was practically already decided.

But there was no harm in standing out even more in the Seonbae’s eyes.

In other words, this was the work of turning a 99% possibility into 100%.

‘Of course, I’ll also monopolize that hothouse flower’s blind money, and before going to the Mage Tower, I’ll snag the vacant position of head disciple. And also…’

Just as Tennan was happily spreading his wings of imagination.

“It seems you’re the one who doesn’t know much.”

A calm voice was heard.

“Excuse me…?”

“Come at me all at once. That’s the path that gives you even a slight chance of winning.”

“No. I mean, we’re considering Heiler-nim, so one-on-one…”

Ray used a secret technique he learned from Philip.

“You’re slow on the uptake. Is it because you’re from the streets and didn’t get an education?”

At that moment, a cold silence descended.

“What… did you just say?”

“You’re asking again, so you really are slow. Is it because you’re from the streets?”

The faces of the Class A disciples hardened stiffly.

They were all people struggling desperately to escape their lowly street lives and somehow join the upper class.

From the streets.

That phrase, insulting just to hear, was like a red-hot needle stabbing their complexions.

Grrind!

“If you get hurt… we won’t take responsibility.”

The start of the match would be the moment the second hand pointed to twelve.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

……

……

……

Only the sound of the second hand echoed in the air.

Everyone held their breath and waited for the moment, but no particular tension flowed.

Only the anger emanating from the Class A disciples surged like waves.

‘There’s a limit to bluffing.’

‘Where does this pampered brat get off…’

The winner was already decided anyway.

What was important was how big of a lesson they could teach that arrogant brat.

Among them, a few.

‘I’ll pull with all my might. I’ll make sure he gets internal injuries.’

Like Tennan, harbored hostility.

Normally, the basic principle was to compete in strength while maintaining gentleness, to avoid injuring each other.

But that wasn’t their concern.

Accidents could always happen during a match.

Also, with ten people, no one would be able to figure out who used excessive force.

‘Arrogant hothouse flower, I’ll make you feel in your bones how rough and harsh the wild fields are.’

Thus, time passed.

Tick.

The moment the second hand pointed to twelve.

────!

The entire Class A simultaneously focused their minds on the Mana Sphere Ray held.

Their lips curled up involuntarily.

In everyone’s mind, an image was drawn of the Mana Sphere flying toward them like an arrow.

Some added on top of that an image of the young master coughing up blood and collapsing.

But.

“Huh, huh?”

“Th-this?”

The situation that unfolded immediately afterward was far too different from their expectations.

The Mana Sphere showed no intention of moving.

Not even a single millimeter of movement.

“Eeeek!”

“Aah, it’s not moving!”

The Class A disciples’ faces turned bright red as they strained, but the Mana Sphere remained as peaceful as an object in a still-life painting.

And its owner was equally peaceful.

The opponent simply gazed at them with his characteristic dry, expressionless eyes, showing no sign of strain whatsoever.

“Try attacking from the left!”

“Three of you, focus on the right!”

The Class A disciples were greatly flustered, but true to their abundant practical experience, they quickly assessed the situation and attempted a combined assault.

Sweating cold bullets.

Pouring all their energy into it.

Of course, that didn’t make the Mana Sphere move.

‘Is this possible?’

‘Why, why won’t it move?’

At first, they thought there might be some external interference or trick.

But as time passed, they couldn’t help but realize instinctively.

That this was superiority stemming from a pure difference in skill.

‘It’s impossible.’

‘Is the gap this big?’

It was their first encounter with a true genius.

Goosebumps rose all over their bodies, and a shudder ran through them.

Ray was a high, thick Wall, simultaneously casting a shadow of helplessness and inferiority upon them.

And.

That feeling was.

‘Goodness…’

The same kind that Binjin, who had also subtly applied pressure to the Mana Sphere, was feeling.

Unable to resist the sudden competitive spirit and curiosity, he had joined in, but he wasn’t having the slightest effect on the match’s progression.

It was just, just a small Mana Sphere.

But from the perspective of those opposing it, it was like facing a massive boulder.

“Eeeek…!”

“Move…! I said move…!”

Just as the Class A disciples were nearing exhaustion.

Clap clap clap clap clap!

Binjin stepped forward, applauding.

“As expected, you are amazing. It seems the match is decided. Stop! Stop it, you useless lot!”

With those words, the Class A disciples all collapsed onto their desks.

Their faces and necks were completely drenched in sweat, and rough breaths wheezed from their mouths.

Binjin, who clicked his tongue while looking over the disciples, bowed his head toward Ray.

“Thank you for the valuable lesson. It seems it was a very good opportunity for the disciples to realize their own insignificant skills and cultivate humility.”

Ray gave a small nod.

Humility… he wasn’t sure about that, but it seemed the total amount of inferiority distributed in the classroom had definitely increased.

However, the manifestations were slightly different for each person.

For some, next to the inferiority that had stopped expanding at some point, various emotions mixed together, forming a sense of elevation and competitiveness.

For others, next to the inferiority that showed no intention of stopping its expansion, various emotions mixed together, forming a sinister malice.

And in Binjin’s case.

The emotion that arose next to the inferiority was…

‘Anticipation and desire.’

It was quite interesting.

The fact that even facing the same situation, people’s emotional destinations could differ.

Also, there was something he could grasp about Binjin’s anticipation and desire.

While Ray was thus focused on observing emotions.

“Tsk, useless lot. Do you finally understand how pathetic and insignificant your skills are?”

Binjin walked among the disciples, pouring out insults that chipped away at their self-esteem.

Thud.

Then he stopped in front of Tennan.

“Tsk!”

He passed by.

Tennan, who had been the only disciple still holding on, finally collapsed.

His face was extremely pale.

The remaining class time was replaced with rest and self-study.

It was partly because the entire Class A was in a state near exhaustion, but also because Binjin had something that required him to leave.

“My apologies. It seems a dispute between organizations has suddenly arisen like this. The scale appears to be not insignificant enough that I need to step in. I will resolve it as quickly as possible and return.”

Binjin bowed his head.

Ray stared at the slightly thinning spot on the crown of his head and spoke.

“It’s fine. Instead, on your way, pass a message to Amon for me.”

“Yes, what message?”

“Tell him to arrange for one vehicle.”

After hearing the detailed conditions, Binjin spoke in a bewildered voice.

“Uh… that’s not a car, it’s a tank… are you planning to start a war somewhere… hmm, no, anyway, understood. I will convey that.”

Binjin bowed his head again and left.

The sound of his footsteps faded away.

Ray peered inside the classroom through a small hole in the door.

“……”

He saw the Class A disciples quietly resting or studying.

It should be fine to leave them like this.

Ray, thinking to look around the mansion a bit, used Stealth Magic.

And just as he was about to take a step.

Squeak….

The door behind him opened with a very timid force.

One disciple looked around and then spoke toward the inside.

“Uh… it seems the Seonbae has completely left? I don’t see that black-haired guy either.”

With those words, other disciples came rushing out in a crowd.

“It’s true. Did he leave with the Seonbae?”

“Wow, my hands are still shaking.”

“Earlier, during the match, maybe the Seonbae secretly helped that brat?”

“Probably not. The Seonbae couldn’t beat ten of us either.”

They were the ones who, during the match with Ray, had harbored malice along with inferiority.

Having confirmed their safety, they roamed the mansion, tormenting the Class B and C disciples who were doing chores.

“Hey, you, come here.”

“Tsk, useless thing. Can’t you even clean properly?”

“What are you looking at, fuck. Is it your first time seeing a human walk on two legs?”

Ray watched the scene for a moment, then turned away.

What they did was none of his concern.

Rather, the target he was currently looking for was something else.

‘Blue Mana, and Sky Blue Mana.’

The boy diligently roaming the mansion soon found one of them at the window at the end of the second-floor hallway.

A Vessel and Ring containing Blue Mana.

A blue-haired girl was creating a house model with ice formed on her hand.

Even from a distance, he could see.

The falling precision of the house model.

Ray, who hurriedly approached with quick steps, dispelled his Stealth Magic and spoke.

“That’s not how you do it.”

Crash clatter!

Startled, Ayla rolled to the side, performing a breakfall.