Chapter 1

There is a game called ‘Exorcist Academy.’

Despite its simple title, it gained immense popularity through its high quality, charming character roster, and immersive story.

Consequently, overseas versions, media mixes, and numerous sequels and spin-offs were released, which also generally received high praise, spreading its name to people worldwide over time.

Thus, 25 years after its initial release, it now possesses a legacy and reputation comparable to other famous game series.

Having made a name for itself even as a virtual reality online game, dominating a corner of the modern gaming market, it had said all there was to say.

“…….”

After organizing my thoughts, a familiar Status Window, one I had always seen within that virtual reality game, floated before my eyes.

【Han Kangyoon】

▶Level 24

▶Stats

【Stamina : C-】

【Spiritual Power : D】

【Cursed Technique : C】

【Mental Strength : C】

▶Traits(2/10)

【■■■■(-)】

【Intracranial Spell Repository(B)】

Han Kangyoon.

A character who appears as a senior one year above the main party in the first work of the Exorcism Academy series, commonly known as the Exorcism Academy series.

He is also an Extra in the talentless position, a minor character who sacrifices himself for the story’s plot and the main party’s resolution of events.

“……Hah.”

And now, that was me.

I don’t really know why I entered the game or why I became Han Kangyoon.

My memory only goes as far as yesterday, diligently grinding Ranked Matches in the latest series installment, a virtual reality game, to climb the PVP rankings.

However, after a day passed and the confusion subsided, I ultimately had to give up on understanding and seriously contemplate the future.

‘Of all people, Han Kangyoon.’

Putting everything else aside, I can only say my luck is terrible regarding this.

The reason was easily understood just by looking at the identity of the character ‘Han Kangyoon,’ occasionally mentioned in the Exorcism Academy community.

• Biggest victim of Part 1.

• Kept hearing his name mentioned while clearing the story, wondered what was up, turns out he ended up as the protagonist’s sacrificial lamb.

• Spent his whole life supporting others only to die as a sacrifice, the girl who liked him got taken by the protagonist, truly no one got their spine sucked dry as much as this guy.

Han Kangyoon is a senior one year above the main party, who will soon enter the Academy, essentially an extra character.

Then why is he classified as an extra? The reason was simple and clear.

‘Because he’s weak and insignificant.’

It’s not that there are absolutely no extra characters with formidable personal combat prowess.

Unfortunately, however, Han Kangyoon perfectly follows the standard specs of an in-game extra.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding.

【Han Kangyoon】

▶Level 24

▶Stats

【Stamina : C-】

【Spiritual Power : D】

【Cursed Technique : C】

【Mental Strength : C】

▶Traits(2/10)

【■■■■(-)】

【Intracranial Spell Repository(B)】

Using Appraisal, the only function granted to me, a semi-transparent Status Window familiar from the game greeted me.

One Unidentified Trait, and the B-Rank trait Intracranial Spell Repository.

Setting aside the Unidentified Trait, which can only be unlocked by meeting specific conditions, the fact that a mere B-Rank trait is all I have leaves me speechless.

‘Decent level for his age, yet below-average stats. And the traits… hopeless.’

Looking at the status, the estimate was clear.

Given the current state, it’s a level where expecting any significant combat performance anywhere would be difficult.

“What am I supposed to do with stats like these?”

I knew. With these specs, navigating the various incidents that will unfold at Cheonghwa Academy, where Han Kangyoon is currently enrolled, is practically impossible.

‘Then leave the Academy?’

That’s absurd.

As is always the case with these types of games, a global-scale crisis arrives in the latter part of the story.

If I can’t grow stronger, I absolutely cannot survive that period of chaos.

‘Moreover, Han Kangyoon, even as an extra, has his own significant role.’

Sometimes there are characters in such positions. They may not possess impressive specs, but they are noble sacrifices who burn themselves to greatly contribute to resolving events.

Han Kangyoon is the same.

In the story, he gets caught up in the schemes of the Chapter 1 boss Bihyeong and becomes a sacrifice for a resurrection ritual, but realizing this, he secretly becomes an ally to the main party from within.

And, in the process, loses his life.

‘Complicated.’

If I avoid such a role, it would mean one key to resolving the incident disappears.

In that case, what would happen to the original protagonists is, of course, unknown.

“That won’t do.”

Not just for the sake of this world’s future, but personally, I cannot accept such a thing.

No matter what anyone says, I was a concrete user who loved the Exorcism Academy series from the depths of my heart.

In fact, I was such a big fan that I even participated in the production of the game’s sequel series, utilizing my specialty.

‘Characters I’ve watched over and cherished from the sidelines countless times.’

Although I wasn’t directly involved in the initial work, given the series’ immense popularity, there were opportunities to handle characters from the early works in sequels or spin-offs.

Therefore, the characters from Exorcism Academy Series Part 1, where I’ve ended up, also held irreplaceable value to me.

Truly comparable to life itself.

‘Then, what should I do from now on?’

Exorcism Academy is a considerably hardcore game.

The difficulty itself is on the high side, and the number of so-called bad endings is also countless.

In other words, if I can’t perform at least as well as the original Han Kangyoon, there’s a sufficient possibility of facing a terrible outcome right from Story Chapter 1.

‘Ultimately, I must somehow play my part in the Yeongwoldo Incident, the endpoint of Act 1.’

However, I didn’t want to choose the same path as the original Han Kangyoon.

Sacrificing myself to pave the way forward? That may be a noble act, but it is by no means a rational choice.

“I’ll pass on being a meat shield role.”

Although I feel sorry for the original Han Kangyoon, I was confident I could handle the situation much more smartly.

“January 4th, 2020…….”

I muttered softly, glancing at the calendar hanging in a corner of the dormitory room.

Judging by the date, it’s clearly the vacation period after finishing the first year and before starting the second-year life.

The point when Han Kangyoon gets caught up in Bihyeong’s plan is just before the new semester starts, meaning there is still plenty of time to turn the situation around.

And.

‘Not to boast, but I have mastered all series of Exorcism Academy.’

The place I’ve fallen into is the initial work of the Exorcism Academy series.

Yet, I am thoroughly familiar with the content and settings of the numerous subsequent series as well.

To exaggerate a bit, it feels like a modern person dropped into the medieval era.

‘In short.’

I possessed the knowledge to change everything.

My mental preparation was complete. Then, there was the very first thing I had to do.

‘I need to find a sponsor.’

You might wonder why I’m suddenly talking about this, but it’s closely related to the flow of Story Chapter 1 mentioned earlier.

Han Kangyoon is from an orphanage.

And he decided to become an Exorcist to support the orphanage where he grew up.

Given the worldview where people’s lives are constantly threatened, it’s only natural that Exorcists, who protect citizens at the risk of their lives, receive appropriate support and compensation.

‘However, Han Kangyoon hits a wall far too quickly.’

Despite entering the Academy with excellent grades, his growth slows down afterward, and he quickly becomes a burden.

He was the first person in the school’s history to fall from A-Rank to D-Rank, which says it all.

‘That’s when the tragedy began.’

Disappointed sponsors turned their backs one after another, and naturally, supporting the orphanage’s maintenance costs also became increasingly impossible.

To make matters worse, his skills remained stagnant, so it was a foregone conclusion that Han Kangyoon would be driven into a mental corner.

And seizing that opening, a man appeared before Han Kangyoon.

It was none other than Bihyeong, also the boss of Story Chapter 1.

Lured by his sweet words about knowing a solution to his growth stagnation, Han Kangyoon helplessly took the bait.

“Without even knowing it was a rotten rope.”

If coincidences keep happening, they are no longer coincidences. But Han Kangyoon, who was mentally cornered, wasn’t in a state to make proper judgments and ultimately played right into the man’s scheme.

‘As a result, he unknowingly becomes involved in a plot targeting the Academy…’

The Yeongwoldo Incident, which signals the end of Story Chapter 1.

There is such a backstory behind Han Kangyoon being chosen as one of the sacrifices for the resurrection ritual to be performed there.

‘Therefore, first, I must get out of Bihyeong’s sight.’

At this point, I am probably already marked by Bihyeong in some way.

There was mention that Bihyeong had been observing Academy students for a long time for his plan.

Han Kangyoon has the clear goal of needing to support the orphanage, but as it becomes difficult, he is the perfect prey. There was no reason to refuse.

‘If I cannot change the situation I’m in, Bihyeong will undoubtedly try to contact me.’

That would be troublesome.

Unlike the original Han Kangyoon, I have absolutely no intention of taking Bihyeong’s hand.

‘Even if I refuse, it’s unlikely to end well. In fact, meeting him and hearing such a proposal itself is already a bad situation.’

With my current specs, I absolutely cannot oppose Bihyeong. It’s best if I have no association with him.

Then how exactly can I avoid his reach? That’s where the same answer from before comes in.

‘I just need to find a new sponsor.’

That alone would essentially eliminate my reason to accept Bihyeong’s proposal.

If I do that, my information, which is already marked, will soon reach Bihyeong, and Bihyeong, who only needs simple expendables, will unhesitatingly look for another pawn.

That newly created pawn might become a headache, but that’s a problem for later.

“Then, this next part is the main point……”

Generally, providing sponsorship also means sensing potential in that individual for the future.

Naturally, to find a sponsor, I need to appeal my potential in some way.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding!

【Han Kangyoon】

▶Level 24

▶Stats

【Stamina : C-】

【Spiritual Power : D】

【Cursed Technique : C】

【Mental Strength : C】

▶Traits(2/10)

【■■■■(-)】

【Intracranial Spell Repository(B)】

Even looking again, no answer comes from these specs.

‘Let’s set aside the Unidentified Trait for now.’

If I put my mind to it, finding a way to unlock it isn’t impossible, but that requires time and resources. At least for now, it’s out of the question.

‘…Then only one thing remains.’

Intracranial Spell Repository.

That single trait is the only card I can play right now.

‘It’s a fairly decent trait, though.’

A valuable trait that allows you to recall the deployment method of any Art Formula you’ve successfully used once, anytime from your mind.

Considering that the required amount of knowledge becomes vast as the level of Art Formulas increases, it’s certainly a helpful trait in many ways.

But.

‘When you think about it, Intracranial Spell Repository is a trait focused on convenience. Without other traits supporting it, it’s meaningless.’

In the end, the expected potential didn’t explode, and even stat growth slowed, leading to being discarded by sponsors—that’s the current Han Kangyoon.

Considering the high difficulty of acquiring new traits, it’s quite regrettable.

‘Well, even so, it helps me at this point.’

Although I know a lot of information, it’s ultimately ‘game’ information. Now that it has become reality, I can’t even properly use the most basic Art Formula called Nightmare Repulsion.

‘Although it’s only two months, if I utilize the Intracranial Spell Repository, I should be able to somehow learn the minimum Art Formulas.’

Finding a sponsor comes after that. No matter what, if I can’t learn even basic Art Formulas, taking action would be a distant prospect.

Clicking my tongue briefly, I dismissed the Status Window. It’s not to my taste, but it’s clear I’ll have to devote myself to studying Art Formulas for a while.

Right then, a thought crossed my mind on a whim.

“……Wait, if that’s the case, can’t I actually use it now too?”

I don’t know how the system judgment for the Intracranial Spell Repository trait works, but probably before I entered this body, ‘Han Kangyoon’ learned and used various Art Formulas.

And the Intracranial Spell Repository trait is a perfect memory ability that allows you to recall and use any Art Formula you’ve successfully used once, whenever needed.

Of course, now that the body’s owner has changed, there’s a possibility they might be treated as if they never happened. But it’s not a completely unreasonable story.

‘Certainly, it was said that if you try to use an Art Formula, the specific details come to mind.’

I focused my mind and visualized an Art Formula in my head. One of the most basic Art Formulas that anyone can use if they learn it, even if not an Exorcist—’Nightmare Repulsion.’

And.

Fizzle.

‘Seems like that’s the answer.’

Soon after, following the result, a smile naturally appeared on my face.

The specific structure of the Art Formula, the flow of Spiritual Power to be infused, and even the operation method.

All of it flowed into my mind, organized almost perfectly.

Following the recognized content, I formed a Hand Seal with three fingers and softly recited the Incantation Trigger for the Art Formula’s complete activation.

“Nightmare Repulsion.”

At that moment, a clear-colored light spread throughout the small dormitory room.

The path forward. It was the moment a way forward for my future life became visible.

Fizzle.

Fizzle.

“As expected, can I use it up to here?”

Fizzle.

Fizzle.

“Oh, better than I thought……”

Fizzle.

Fizzle.

“He succeeded in using this one too?”

After succeeding with Nightmare Repulsion, I’ve been repeatedly checking to identify the currently usable Art Formulas.

At least all the Basic Arts I knew were usable, and even Intermediate-Rank Art Formulas, which are not easy to learn at this age, came to mind without a hitch so far.

This means the previous Han Kangyoon succeeded in deploying all these Art Formulas at least once.

‘……Is this possible?’

He’s smart. It’s not something that can be explained by just saying he worked hard a lot.

No matter how much one theoretically masters Art Formulas, there are countless cases where they can’t be used without the corresponding stats and sense.

At least at Han Kangyoon’s current level, it shouldn’t be possible.

‘Something’s strange.’

With a bewildered mind, I started deploying an Intermediate-Rank defensive Art Formula that came to mind, as a test.

Clang!

But it ended in failure. The amount of Spiritual Power I possess couldn’t keep up with the amount required for the Art Formula’s deployment.

“What the, it’s not working?”

I could sense it intuitively. That this current situation is not normal.

The moment even other Intermediate-Rank Art Formulas I tried on a whim failed to deploy, I couldn’t help but realize.

‘Don’t tell me, this is…’

It seems I misunderstood the applicable target of the Intracranial Spell Repository trait.

‘It’s not Han Kangyoon. There’s no way he succeeded in deploying Intermediate-Rank or higher Art Formulas with just these stats.’

Then who is it?

Frankly, it was absurd, but the answer was simple.

“Me?”

All works of the Exorcism Academy series. And in the latest virtual reality game, I had used countless Cursed Techniques as skills.

Checking wasn’t difficult.

Frowning, I tried to recall a ridiculously large-scale Grand Art that appears in a future installment, one that doesn’t exist at this point in time.

Fizzle.*

‘Ugh.’

Given its scale, a considerable headache ensued, but the information of the Art Formula flowed into my mind without obstruction.

“…This is absurd.”

The Intracranial Spell Repository trait, which seems to have its focus misaligned, apparently considers the Cursed Techniques used by ‘me,’ not Han Kangyoon, as ‘successfully used techniques.’