Chapter 51

After making plans with Seo Jian, I headed to the training ground to kill time until evening.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to rest, but with the second act of the main story approaching, I couldn’t afford to waste time like that.

‘The Hell Difficulty variable is more than I expected.’

If I had failed to capture Sorisoe at this point and let it get away, it would have undoubtedly affected the future story both directly and indirectly.

I keenly realized that if I didn’t develop the power to respond to these changes, I had no future.

Whoosh—

“Come forth.”

Fwoosh!

As I formed the hand seal and recited the Jooeon, a creature with mottled yellow fur sprang from my shadow.

It was Sorisoe, who had formed a Shikigami contract with me after taking over the body of a wildcat.

[What is it, human?]

“…You look exactly like a pet now.”

[Are you saying that to me right now?]

Honestly, I hadn’t expected things to turn out like this.

From what I’d asked before, it seemed that because its soul was bound through the contract, it couldn’t escape this body.

Sorisoe was clearly a capable Specter, but I wondered how much of its power it could actually exert in this state.

[Hmph. A pointless worry. I won’t grow weaker just because of a difference in host.]

Even as it said that, it didn’t feel convincing. After all, according to the original setting, Sorisoe’s abilities were influenced by the level of its host.

“…Can’t be helped.”

Well, even if it became my Shikigami using a devoured human as its main body, that would be problematic in its own way. If it got connected to the victim’s family or something, it would be downright embarrassing.

Resigned, I began testing Sorisoe’s abilities one by one in the training ground.

“Let’s fight.”

First, I summoned one Fierce Wolf and pitted it against Sorisoe, who had taken over the wildcat’s body.

Thud.

Crunch!

[Nothing special. A trivial opponent.]

The result was a straightforward victory for Sorisoe.

No matter how much it lacked direct combat Traits, the strength derived from the basic Level difference couldn’t be ignored.

So, for a more accurate measurement, I summoned Kongsami, who was skilled in direct combat.

The result was miserable.

Sorisoe was completely subdued by Kongsami in less than a minute after the fight started.

“As expected, it can’t properly demonstrate its strength.”

[…….]

That was only natural, of course.

▶Traits (6/10)

【Existence Devouring (A+)】

【Assimilation (A-)】

【Mimic (B)】

【Tyrant (B-)】

【Precision Control (C+)】

【Researcher (C)】

It was originally a Specter with strengths in utilizing Art Formulas; how could it possibly do well if forced into a straightforward brawl?

I tested it a bit more, but its direct combat abilities were indeed only slightly above those of a lower-rank Shikigami.

As if its pride was hurt, Sorisoe thumped its tail on the ground and conveyed its will to me.

[Transfer your Spiritual Power to me.]

Hearing that, I sent Spiritual Power through the contract’s connection. Sorisoe tested something for a while, then soon began activating an Art Formula with a confident expression.

[It seems possible. Watch closely.]

Whoosh.

Sssssss.

My shadow seeped into the ground as if flowing into Sorisoe, soon enveloping its body and increasing its size.

What was created was Sorisoe, transformed to the size of something like a leopard.

‘…Is this the power of the Assimilation or Mimic Trait?’

This was definitely an ability not mentioned in the original work. As I looked at it with an interested gaze, Sorisoe continued with a satisfied expression.

[I hate to admit it, but your abilities and mine are compatible.]

Listening to the explanation, it seemed my Phantom Body Trait and Sorisoe’s abilities had combined to create harmony.

Anyway, if something like this was possible, it seemed it could be utilized in quite diverse ways depending on how it was used.

Satisfied, I sent Sorisoe back into my shadow.

While briefly testing my own Art Formulas, someone appeared at the training ground. It was Hwang Jihak, the second-year’s second rank.

“Han Kangyoon, you’re diligent.”

“Long time no see.”

Since I didn’t need outstanding facilities right away, I had settled in a rather outdated facility. It seemed Hwang Jihak also used this place.

“Don’t mind me. I just came out to organize my thoughts for a bit.”

We’d faced each other a few times in the Advanced Comprehensive Combat Practice class, but it was still quite awkward. However, Hwang Jihak didn’t seem to care and began staring intently at me.

“…Why?”

“As I thought, it wasn’t just my feeling. Your Spiritual Power has become much denser than before the vacation.”

Well, someone of Hwang Jihak’s level would have noticed at a glance that I had grown dramatically.

Since I had planned to check the growth of major characters after the vacation anyway, I also examined Hwang Jihak’s information.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding!

【Hwang Jihak】

▶Level 40

▶Stats

【Stamina : A+】

【Spiritual Power : A】

【Art Formula : A-】

【Mental Strength : S-】

▶Traits (6/10)

【Immovable Fortress (S)】

【Iron Wall (A+)】

【Damage Resistance (B+)】

【Growth Acceleration (B)】

【Cold Reason (C+)】

【Strong Body (C-)】

Truly splendid specs. With this, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he had already surpassed the level of an average graduate. As expected of the second-year’s second rank.

‘…Just looking at it takes my breath away.’

By now, anyone would know that Hwang Jihak’s specialty is his uniquely high defensive power.

Since he basically possesses an incredibly sturdy defensive posture, most opponents wouldn’t be able to easily break through Hwang Jihak.

Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s solely focused on defense. Rather, in actual combat, he’s the type to engage in battle with very flexible thinking.

Anyway, it was clear he was someone I didn’t want to face as an enemy.

“As I thought, my eyes weren’t wrong. I believed you would definitely rise to greater heights.”

“…….”

I’d thought this since last time, but Hwang Jihak’s attitude toward me is very favorable. It’s probably related to the favor he received from Han Kangyoon before I possessed him.

“With this level, we might meet in A-Rank soon. Are you thinking of taking the Promotion Exam?”

“Hmm. I’m still considering it.”

However, my mind was leaning in that direction. Especially when thinking about the upcoming second-semester Presentation.

The Academy’s public event where various notable figures visit to identify raw gems and discover talent.

To achieve what I want there, it would be better to obtain the title of A-Rank in advance.

‘The application deadline is within a week after School Opening, right?’

Recalling the information I checked on the student Terminal, I sank into thought with a serious expression.

And so, before I knew it, the time for sunset approached.

Although I didn’t frequent them much, there were naturally various convenience facilities within the Academy grounds.

Among them, the most notable were the restaurants reputed to gather cuisines from around the world.

‘I was too busy thinking about the next incident to consider visiting them myself.’

Heading to the place Seo Jian had called me to, I saw a restaurant with a suitably upscale exterior.

I recall it was a steak-specialty restaurant that was quite popular among the students.

Creeeak.

Jingle.

Jingle.

“Welcome!”

Opening the door, I greeted the staff at the counter and went straight up to the second floor.

At the table by the window at the far end, Seo Jian was there in casual clothes.

“…….”

Seeing Seo Jian dressed quite neatly, I somehow felt my own simple attire was lacking.

Should I have picked out some clothes to wear?

As that thought crossed my mind, Seo Jian spoke to me as if it didn’t matter.

“…Stop standing there and come sit down.”

“Excuse me.”

Thud.

Taking a seat opposite her, a question came flying immediately.

“What do you like?”

“I’ll have the Set Menu No. 1.”

“Got it.”

Click.

Beep.

Seo Jian skillfully placed the order using the device on the table.

Honestly, I hadn’t thought much about it, but sitting face-to-face like this in a private setting felt quite peculiar.

It struck me anew—Seo Jian was a character who, despite being treated as an Extra in the first part of Exorcism Academy, gained popularity solely for her looks.

As a subtle sensation rose within me and I searched for a conversation topic, Seo Jian began speaking first.

“I got a call from Jiha’s attending physician.”

“…….”

“They said she can now return to daily life without difficulty.”

That was certainly good news. I nodded and asked Seo Jian.

“So, what are you planning to do now?”

“Well… Jiha seems to want to enter the Academy, but honestly, I’m not sure.”

Of course, from Seo Jian’s perspective, it was natural to be worried. However, it didn’t seem like a bad idea, so I casually offered my opinion.

“It might be okay. If she learns Cursed Technique herself, it could help maintain her physical condition.”

“…Really?”

After all, half of Gangcheol’s remains still exist within Seo Jiha’s body. If she can learn to control it through growth, she won’t be swayed by its power anymore.

Seo Jian nodded seriously, taking my opinion to heart.

Amidst the aroma of food filling the air, a strangely refreshing scent briefly brushed the tip of my nose.

Struggling to hide my awkward feelings, I subtly changed the topic.

“How’s the situation with the succession competition?”

“It’s completely settled with my older sister. She won’t be able to make a comeback.”

Although I had expected it from reading articles related to Daejin Industries, it seemed this fight had indeed ended in Seo Jian’s victory.

Her opponent was probably preparing for a lonely prison sentence around now, paying the price for the exposed corruption.

With that, the eldest daughter would be eliminated from the successor competition, leaving the eldest and second sons.

“I’ve decided to form an alliance with my eldest brother. Our goals align. At least until then, he won’t be able to betray me.”

And then, Seo Jian revealed that common goal to me.

“…I intend to overthrow my father and take Daejin Industries.”

“Overthrow?”

That expression was a bit odd. If the successor competition ends, wouldn’t the remaining person become the owner of Daejin Industries?

When I asked about that, Seo Jian answered like this.

“The successor he speaks of isn’t in the literal sense.”

Just a substitute to fulfill his purpose in case of emergency.

As Seo Jian calmly explained this, perhaps recalling past memories, she frowned slightly and continued.

“I can’t tolerate that person. So, I intend to completely take everything away with my own hands.”

This was the first time I was hearing such detailed circumstances from Seo Jian.

Seeing my slightly surprised expression as I looked at her, Seo Jian showed a somewhat embarrassed look and spoke.

“…Anyway, since we’re properly involved now, I thought I should explain properly at least once.”

After that, we mainly exchanged light small talk rather than serious conversation.

Honestly, since we had only discussed necessary matters or conversations related to Cursed Technique until now, it felt surprisingly fresh.

After finishing the meal, Seo Jian and I left the area without doing anything else in particular.

But that was enough.

I had understood it intellectually until now, but I felt a small lingering awareness that had remained in a corner of my heart disappear.

This was no longer the world inside a game.

Likewise, Seo Jian, Yoo Haon, and all the others were not game characters but ordinary people.

As I blankly reflected on this, Seo Jian bid me farewell calmly, as if to a simple friend.

“Next time, it’s your treat.”

“…Sure.”

And so, we each moved on for our own goals once again.