Chapter 66

The unidentified wraiths confronting us face to face.

One took the form of a woman I’d never seen before, while the other perfectly mimicked Adrian’s appearance.

However, the one copying Adrian seemed particularly unusual.

“Is it just my feeling? I sense an aura from that side that doesn’t seem inferior to the original.”

Indeed, as Cheong Haram said. While I couldn’t tell about the woman, Adrian’s wraith was definitely emitting a considerable presence.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding!

【Lee Jimin’s Shadow】

▶Level 17

▶Stats

【Health: -】

【Spiritual Power: -】

【Art Formula: -】

【Mental Strength: -】

▶Traits (2/10)

【Strong Body(-)】

【Literacy Enhancement(-)】

【Adrian’s Shadow】

▶Level 36

▶Stats

【Health: -】

【Spiritual Power: -】

【Art Formula: -】

【Mental Strength: -】

▶Traits (4/10)

【Windborne(-)】

【Swift Blade Through Chaos(-)】

【Growth Acceleration(-)】

【Sociability(-)】

The woman was at the level of an ordinary civilian, but the one imitating Adrian possessed considerable power as expected.

‘Even all the traits are the same?’

Of course, there was the difference that the ranks weren’t classified, but they were clearly the same traits that Adrian himself possessed.

Only then could I realize the identity of these wraiths.

‘So they’re inferior copies mimicking their originals.’

The trigger conditions were unknown, but it was an extremely troublesome phenomenon.

There was already plenty to worry about, and now we had to deal with shadows copying someone.

“Even the preparatory stance for a sword strike is identical. Mimicry? I’ve never seen a Cursed Technique like this before.”

Adrian, holding his sword raised high while staring ahead, and the copycat doing exactly the same as him.

Since the characteristics of such enemies were obvious anyway, I gave Adrian some advice.

“They’re probably weaker than the originals. In a one-on-one fight, you should be able to win without issue.”

“Then go ahead first. I’m worried about the children.”

Indeed, with the resistance of the middle school students, they likely couldn’t endure the erosion of Gu Poison for very long.

We needed to move them to a shelter with basic protective measures as quickly as possible.

“Be careful. We still have too little information about the current situation.”

“This much isn’t a problem. I’ll catch up soon, so don’t worry.”

Though I felt a bit uneasy due to his image as a power gauge in the original work, there didn’t seem to be any particular reason for Adrian to be outmatched spec-wise.

Leaving the aftermath to Adrian, Cheong Haram and I resumed moving with the observation students.

At the same time, Cheong Haram stuck close to my side.

“So, what do you mean the Yangcheolkoong escort escaped?”

“The professor contacted me. The level is 1st-Rank, and there’s a high possibility of a collaborator who aided the escape.”

“I don’t understand, are you saying just the two of them barged in here and are causing this disturbance?”

Given the recent Yeongwoldo Incident, it might seem manageable, but of course, the Academy’s own defense system was incomparable to that.

Fundamentally, response systems were established throughout, and there was a separate guard unit dispatched when problems arose.

On top of that, considering the timing, there were safety measure teams drawn from the Guard Unit and High-Ranking Exorcists who came as guests.

Even if a commotion this large occurred, given time, it should be manageable without much difficulty.

‘And now, Yoo Hyeyeon has likely lost all the subordinates who could serve as her strength?’

Since the form of the incident had already diverged from the original work, to be honest, even I, who was saying this, didn’t know the exact situation.

After moving for a while, the entrance to the nearest 3rd Shelter finally came into view.

“Han Kangyoon, as expected, you came here.”

“Hello, everyone. Fortunately, the observation students seem safe.”

I had roughly anticipated it, but there were indeed guests there. Sophia, Hwang Jihak, and Shin Sora’s group, who had been escorting observation students from a nearby point.

Glancing inside the shelter, not only observation students but also cadets and civilians had gathered.

It seemed they had guided and brought all the people around them even in that urgent situation. Truly, the titles of top and second seat were well-deserved.

“Quite a scare, right? Don’t worry, everyone, please go inside quickly. We’ll guard the entrance.”

Sophia, maintaining her characteristic smile even amidst the chaos, reassured people as she guided them.

Afterwards, we quickly exchanged information.

“I heard about the attackers from the professor. It seems a rather troublesome Cursed Technique has been activated.”

“Didn’t you encounter any strange enemies on the way?”

“You mean the shadow humans? One definitely had the vaguely familiar face of a graduating class cadet.”

It seemed Hwang Jihak had also encountered a shadow and engaged in a battle.

While it was equally still an incomprehensible situation, with this much combat power gathered, there probably wasn’t a need to move from this spot.

“There are many combatants in the Academy now superior to us. We probably don’t need to worry too much.”

“I think the same as Jihak. Since a rather absurd Cursed Technique is laid out, moving around outside right now is dangerous.”

My opinion wasn’t much different.

No matter how dangerous the Seed of Solitude was, considering the combat power currently at the Academy, Yoo Hyeyeon alone, without even subordinates, likely couldn’t protect the curse’s epicenter.

‘Thinking logically, the incident would probably be resolved even if we just stayed put.’

However, on the other hand, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of doubt.

This attack incident targeted the Academy itself, but it was also prepared for the protagonist Yoo Haon’s trials and growth.

At least, that’s what I thought.

‘And story events, whether their impact is large or small, are rarely resolved without the protagonist’s active involvement.’

No matter how much this was a Hell Difficulty world, that basic framework would undoubtedly take a form not significantly different.

Then, does that mean nothing can be concluded as things are?

As if proving that thought, Adrian, looking quite exhausted, appeared from afar.

And he spoke towards us.

“…So everyone’s gathered.”

“What’s with you? You were so confident staying behind, why do you look like that?”

“I encountered the shadow of a High-Ranking Exorcist.”

Adrian, plopping down with his sword resting on the ground, continued with a clearly fatigued expression.

“And not just one.”

“Is that true? Even they become targets of the Cursed Technique?”

Cheong Haram’s doubt was justified.

No matter how powerful the Cursed Technique, was it plausible to easily create copies of Exorcists of that level?

At least, it was impossible by conventional means.

‘Weren’t there special conditions for the shadow’s creation?’

I definitely thought so initially. I had judged in my mind that such a degree was an appropriate difficulty increase.

However, this gave rise to ominous imaginings.

Could the added effect of the Seed of Solitude possibly be to create copies of every person within the curse’s range?

If that were true, it would be an extremely dangerous type of curse.

‘…There’s a limit to upgrades.’

Of course, the Seed of Solitude was sufficiently dangerous originally, but it definitely wasn’t to this extent.

Certainly, with such conditions, it made sense the situation wouldn’t calm down easily.

While many Exorcists were gathered here now, that had ironically become a poison.

“…Hmm. Everyone, step back for now.”

At Sophia’s sudden words, everyone looked at her. She then raised a finger and pointed in one direction.

“It seems we have a tail.”

“Ah, really! Adrian, you’re so careless. They smelled and followed you.”

“Sorry, sorry. I was too busy escaping to notice.”

The shadow of a middle-aged man in a military uniform, and Hwang Mansoo, known as a professor from the graduating class and a member of the Hwang Family.

And they were.

【Baek Sangwoo’s Shadow】

▶Level 50

【Hwang Mansoo’s Shadow】

▶Level 48

They were clearly formidable enemies that couldn’t be ignored.

Thud!

Crash!

“This is insane. What are those Guard Unit Exorcists we met earlier doing?”

“They probably don’t have the leeway, busy taking care of those who couldn’t evacuate in time. The situation is that chaotic.”

A location somewhat distant from the 3rd Shelter where Han Kangyoon’s group was.

Among the cadets and civilians hiding in the 5th Shelter, Yoo Haon’s group was pouring all their effort into defending its entrance.

Whoosh.

Bang!

Crash!

Baek Eunseo, who had been reinforcing the entrance’s Barrier with a Cursed Technique learned from her family, shouted at the man beside her.

“You’re from the graduating class, right? Do something! Anything!”

“No, well. Even if it’s an inferior copy, it’s still Sophia. It’s impossible for me.”

“Quite the boast!”

What had been continuously pounding on the door since earlier was none other than the shadow of Sophia Sallet, the 2nd-year top seat cadet.

Honestly, with the relentless assault—who knows where it was drawing Spiritual Power from—it seemed the door’s Barrier would break soon.

“We’re in trouble…”

Although quite a few people had gathered, unfortunately, there weren’t many combatants in this 5th Shelter.

The Guard Unit Exorcists on standby as safety personnel had also left this place to guide people to shelters.

If the shelter’s Barrier were breached, honestly, I had no confidence in stopping the unidentified shadows outside.

“The door breaking would be problematic.”

“Should we go out ourselves and intercept the enemy?”

“With the three of us, it might be possible…”

Han Seoa, Yoo Haon, and Baek Eunseo, who possessed high skill even among 1st-year cadets.

If those three combined their strength, even if it was Sophia’s copy, there was a high possibility they could somehow subdue it.

“Ugh, I don’t know. Then I’m going first!”

Just as Baek Eunseo hastily cast reinforcement Cursed Techniques on herself and was about to charge, suddenly, a loud explosive sound and the noise of battle began to be heard from outside.

Thud.

Crash.

Whoosh!

Boom—!

At times, a roar like a bomb exploding echoed, and due to the continuous intense impacts, the door slightly buckled.

A battle whose ferocity could be anticipated just from the sounds.

After a few minutes passed, the noise had vanished and silence began to flow. From Baek Eunseo’s perspective, who had been watching, it was truly unbelievable.

“What should we do?”

“I learned you shouldn’t open it in situations like this. When I was a 2nd-year, I had a similar experience…”

“You, just stay quiet. It’s not like you’re going to fight up front anyway.”

Baek Eunseo, who had scolded the graduating class senior, exchanged glances with Yoo Haon and Han Seoa and shared opinions.

“…Then, shall we open it?”

Creak.

Creeeak.

In front of the door they opened stood a small-statured girl with golden short hair and a black bird perched on her head.

The girl, with a dazed expression, stared at Baek Eunseo who had appeared before her and uttered just one low word.

“…Burned.”

Their identities were none other than Kongsami and Black Yin, moving under Han Kangyoon’s command.