<h4>Chapter 163</h4>


    Within the main building of the Department of Spells, a ss was urring in a practice room. Pairs of students were facing each other, with a barrier formed around each pair.


    <i>Woong~</i>


    The barriers were all domed-shaped, and the floor of each one was drawn with a maze-like, intricate path. The task for each pair was to maintain the barrier together, with one standing in front of the path entrance and the other standing at the exit.


    <i>“Hmm...”</i>


    <i>“Ugh...”</i>


    Nearly every student was staring intently at their barrier’s path, all of their barriers trembling faintly as they worked to make their paths increasingly moreplex.


    And passing by one such pair, who were diligently working on their barrier, was Professor Robert.


    <i>Thump! Crackle!</i>


    With a light stomp of his foot, red lightning-like magic struck the floor, impacting their path and instantly altering its form.


    <i>“Ah, ah...!”</i>


    “Hey! Hold on tight!”


    Unable to resist, their previouslyplex path copsed in an instant, causing the dome of their barrier to begin to dissipate.


    Observing the two struggling to hold the half-copsed barrier together, Robert calmly gave them some feedback, saying, “You two should have reinforced the supporting axis before expanding the internal structure. Also, try to adjust the path to respond to external attacks next time.”


    Done with this pair, Robert continued to walk around the practice room and evaluated the barriers of each pair.


    <i>The freshman this year seem to have at least the basics down. At this level, the midterm exam should be...</i>


    Still somewhat lost in thought, he arrived before another pair of students and lightly sent another red lightning bolt.


    <i>Crackle-</i>


    This time, however, the red lightning waspletely absorbed into the barrier and dispersed harmlessly. Surprised, Robert exited his thoughts and looked up.


    <i>Ah, it’s these two.</i>


    Se-Hoon and Erika were reinforcing their barrier as if nothing had happened. Now intrigued, Robert observed theplexity of their barrier’s internal structure—the path—and was slightly impressed.


    <i>It wouldn’t have been easy to match her pace... impressive.</i>


    The barrier the students were tasked with creating had a bnced structure, needing two individuals to hold the entrance and exit as focal points. That meant that if one of the two had even a slight superiority in knowledge or skill, it would be clearly indicated by the barrier.


    <i>He might actually be quite talented in this field.</i>


    Finding no major ws in their barrier, Robert put away his thoughts and moved on without further feedback.


    Left behind, the two continued to reinforce their barrier. When it was finallyplete, Se-Hoon sighed and took his eyes off the barrier.


    “<i>Phew.</i> That was tough...”


    It was his first attempt at reinforcing a barrier. It was confusing due to its unfamiliarity, but he still managed to shape it as desired.


    “So, how is it?”


    Prompted by Se-Hoon’s question, Erika examined the barrier’s structure. After a moment, she answered, “There are quite a few techniques that are used in reinforcing buildings.”


    “Ah, really?”


    Se-Hoon smiled wryly; he had likely inadvertently applied the techniques of the security systems he’d seen while working with the Special Operations Division.


    “Even considering that, it’s not too bad,” Erika added, seeing his wry smile.


    “<i>Hmm</i>. I see.”


    Even though it was his first properly constructed barrier, it was free of any major ws.


    With nothing left to do, they just watched their finished barrier. And since that was the case, Se-Hoon took the chance to ask, “Are you able to take control of this in reverse?”


    ncing at him, Erika turned back to face the barrier and indifferently asked, “How would you like me to do it?”


    “It would be better if it’s a subtle method.”


    “Okay.”


    Starting, Erika reached out her hand, and her mana began to spread slowly throughout the entire barrier. Although Se-Hoon could see the mana moving, because it felt like nothing was happening, he focused harder on the movement of the mana.


    “Done.”


    <i>Crack!</i>


    With a light twist of Erika’s extended hand, the entire maze began to shake. Simultaneously, the interior twisted andpletely changed.


    The overtaking had happened in just an instant, leaving Se-Hoon stunned.


    “How did you do that?”


    He was sure he hadn’t missed any movements of mana, yet the barrier had still been taken over.


    Erika pointed to an area inside the barrier. “See those pirs?”


    Following her finger, Se-Hoon saw a few silvery, glowing columns and squinted to get a closer look.


    “I just connected them before reversing the flow of mana, allowing me to seize control of the barrier in one go,” exined Erika.


    “Reversed, huh...”


    Seeing Se-Hoon staring at the barrier while pondering her exnation, Erika became curious. So she asked, “Is something wrong?”


    “Huh? Oh, nothing much. I just might be in a situation soon where I''ll need to use something like this.”


    “Are you going somewhere far away, likest time?”


    Realizing Erika was referring to their trip to ck Arms, Se-Hoon shook his head.


    “No, it’s not that big of a trip.”


    “<i>Hmm...</i>”


    Musing over his answer, Erika pointed to another part of the barrier after a few seconds.


    “Do you see the pir there?”


    Upon seeing that Se-Hoon’s eyes followed her finger to a pir at the center of the barrier, she flicked her finger downward.


    <i>Crack!</i>


    Unable to resist, the central pir copsed and created a hole. A secondter, silver mana swiftly infiltrated through it to form a new pir.


    <i>Rumble-</i>


    Reversing again, the barrier shook.


    Having watched the whole process, Se-Hoon’s eyes gleamed.


    “You recreated the central pir in a reversed state and forcibly synchronized the entire barrier to it?”


    “That’s right. It’s a bit of a rough method, but even if you aren’t able topletely take control of the barrier with this, you’ll still be able to partially interfere with it. Depending on the situation, it can be useful.”


    “<i>Hmm...</i> I see.”


    Unlike the former method which was tricky because it required subtlety to avoid detection, this method could be attempted anytime as long as one had a rough understanding of the barrieryout.


    Thinking both would be useful, Se-Hoon engrained them into his memory. And just as he finished, the bell announced the end of the ss.


    “That’s all for today. Make sure you remember that the midterm exam isn’t far off and prepare thoroughly for it.”


    Done addressing them, Robert left the room first. Soon, he was followed by the students heading to their next ss.


    Se-Hoon turned to Erika.


    “Thanks for the quick lesson today. If your methods work out well, I’ll treat you to something next time.”


    “Sure. I’ll be waiting.”


    Thanking her again, he parted ways with Erika and checked the date on his phone when he stepped outside.


    <i>Thursday... two days left.</i>


    The n to visit the old main residence of the me Sect was scheduled for Saturday morning. And since it was in a mountainous area, he had to first travel via the Void Space Terminal. After that, he would take a car—which he suspected would be when there was the highest possibility of an ambush.


    <i>I wonder how far they’re going to go this time.</i>


    Given his growing amount of impact, there was a chance that they would send an S-rank hero to deal with him. If so, he would need to n ordingly. Deep in thought, he was soon interrupted by his phone.


    Ma Kwang-Soo: If you have no sses right now, drop by my lecture hall.


    <i>Hmm? What’s this old man up to?</i>


    With no clue, Se-Hoon sent a reply and headed straight to the Physiology Controls lecture room.


    ***


    <i>Creak-</i>


    Upon opening the door to the Physiology Controls lecture room, Se-Hoon immediately saw Kwang-Soo sitting in a chair, looking unusually serious.


    Even more curious now, Se-Hoon approached him.


    “I’m here, sir.”


    “Sit down.”


    Finding Kwang-Soo''s serious demeanor a bit odd, Se-Hoon brought over a chair and sat down.


    When he had, Kwang-Soo earnestly told him, “Don’t go out for the meeting this weekend.”


    “Why? What’s this about all of a sudden?”


    Seeing Se-Hoon''s genuine confusion, Kwang-Soo frowned.


    “What do you mean all of a sudden?! Have you forgotten the current situation you are in?”


    “Uh... you mean all the attention I’m getting?”


    “Yes! You’re a big target right now, and the Demon Force is especially eager to get you. If you leave Babel this weekend, what do you think will happen?”


    “Hmm... it could be a bit troublesome.”


    “<i>Troublesome</i>? You’ll either end up dead, kidnapped and tortured, or turned into a material or a ve.”


    Kwang-Soo’s tone was like he was trying to scare a naive child.


    Unfortunately for him, rather than fear, Se-Hoon became interested. It was due to it being the first time he saw Kwang-Soo worry so much about him.


    <i>Looks like the establishment of a Rtionship is having an effect.</i>


    Wondering how valuable he was to Kwang-Soo now, Se-Hoon decided to test it. He slyly asked, “If you’re <i>that </i>worried, why don’t youe with me?”


    “...What?”


    Seeing Kwang-Soo’s frown, Se-Hoon pressed forward, acting nonchntly.


    “As long as youe with me, I’m sure I’ll be safe. Besides, you’re an old friend of Yeom Jin-Hyun, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”


    “You...”


    Though clearly annoyed, Kwang-Soo didn’t outright refuse and fell into thought instead. After a long pause, a sigh rang out.


    “Do as you like.”


    “Does that mean... you’reing along with me?”


    “Yes! Do I have to repeat myself?” confirmed Kwang-Soo irritably.


    <i>Huh. He’s morepliant than I thought...</i>


    Se-Hoon’s eyes lit up at the thought that he could make use of Kwang-Soo’s unexpectedly cooperative attitude in many future situations.


    “But promise me one thing,” Kwang-Soo abruptly added.


    “A promise?”


    “You are to work with me on something this summer break.”


    It was a rather vague request, but Se-Hoon agreed without much hesitation.


    “Sure, why not.”


    It might turn out a bit troublesome, but it meant Kwang-Soo would protect him until then. On top of that, it was a chance for Se-Hoon to ensure Kwang-Soo''s help in the future.


    Satisfied, Se-Hoon moved on, “Is there anything else you need from me?”


    “...No, that’s all.”


    “See you this weekend, then.”


    Bowing, Se-Hoon left.


    “Nothing goes as nned with that kid...!”


    Feeling as if he was somehow being used, Kwang-Soo scratched his head in frustration. Eventually, he let out a deep sigh of resignation and began preparations for the weekend trip.


    ***


    In front of the Void Space Terminal, Jin-Hyun, Sung-Ha, and Se-Hoon had arrived first. Kwang-Soo had appearedte, looking as if he had been dragged there reluctantly.


    “Professor, why the long face?” snorted Se-Hoon.


    Grumpy, Kwang-Soo curtly told Se-Hoon, “Shut up.”


    At that moment, Se-Hoon noticed the object strapped to Kwang-Soo''s back—a long box wrapped in cloth. It made no sound as he walked, but he was still able to recognize it.


    <i>That should be Celestial Night.</i>


    Having seen Kwang-Soo carry his legendary sword like that several times before the regression, Se-Hoon was certain.


    <i>I didn''t think he’d bring it...</i>


    Had Kwang-Soo judged the threat level to be high, or did he just want to ensure Se-Hoon’s protection? Either way, it was a good thing that Kwang-Soo had brought Celestial Night along.


    “Well, since everyone is here, let''s get moving.”


    It was Jin-Hyun’s voice. He, whose health had deteriorated further in the past few days, was being pushed in a wheelchair by Sung-Ha.


    The four of them headed to Gangwon-Do in South Korea via the Void Space Terminal.


    <i>Whoosh-</i>


    Upon exiting the terminal, a cold wind blew. Heroes with a certain level of physical ability wouldn''t react to such a temperature difference, but Jin-Hyun was different.


    “I''ve arranged a car for us,” Jin-Hyun quickly said.


    Walking out of the terminal, they found arge sedan. Before getting in, Sung-Ha helped Jin-Hyun into the car. Naturally, Se-Hoon took the seat on Jin-Hyun’s left, while Kwang-Soo sat in the passenger seat.


    <i>Vroom~</i>


    The car started toward the mountains normally, prompting Se-Hoon to look around the interior.


    <i>Given the possibility of the driver making a sudden move, Kwang-Soo should be in the front seat, but...</i>


    Now, he and Sung-Ha were ced with the ticking time bomb, Jin-Hyun, between them. Normally, it would be a situation to avoid, but Se-Hoon didn''t mind.


    <i>“Whew...”</i>


    Turning toward Jin-Hyun, Se-Hoon noticed he appeared drowsy from the pills he had taken moments ago. Currently, Jin-Hyun was ncing around slowly. Eventually, he focused on Se-Hoon.


    “Lee Se-Hoon.”


    “Yes, sir.”


    “Thank you foring today...”


    All of a sudden? Se-Hoon looked at him and shook his head.


    “We haven''t even arrived yet.”


    “Right. Huh, I wonder why I’m feeling this way...”


    Soundingpletely dazed, Jin-Hyun seemed as if he were about to nod off.


    “I''m going to take a quick nap.... Please wake me up when we arrive...”


    Closing his eyes, Jin-Hyun fell asleep with his head slightly bowed. Seeing him like that, Sung-Ha checked his condition and ced a pillow behind his neck.


    At that moment, his limp hands fell and came into contact with Sung-Ha.


    <i>Buzz-!</i>


    His eyes glowed purple and thepressed dream mana in his heart exploded.


    <i>p!</i>


    Countless purple butterflies burst out in all directions, filling the inside of the car and breaking through the emergency protective barriers. Sitting in the passenger seat, Kwang-Soo’s eyes widened a beatte.


    <i>Damn...!</i>


    He hadn’t expected there to be a problem inside Jin-Hyun. Hesitating, he was wondering whether he should draw his sword and kill his old friend when another abnormality urred.


    <i>Vroom!</i>


    The driver, whose eyes rolled back, floored the elerator toward arge truck barreling toward them in the oppositene.


    Kwang-Soo was torn over which to deal with first. Then, just as he was about to decide, Se-Hoon, surrounded by purple butterflies in the back seat, decided for him.


    “I''ll handle the one next to me.”


    Gazing at the back seat engulfed in a purple haze, Kwang-Soo hesitated. But a brief momentter, he turned his attention outside.


    He focused on the oing truck, rushing at them with cold determination.


    <strong><i>Celestial Infinity de: Wave Cleaver</i></strong>


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    Before it could collide with the car, therge truck was sliced into thousands of pieces, scattering in all directions.


    <i>Bam!</i>


    Knocking out the driver with a kick to the jaw, Kwang-Soo used Sword Control to bring the car to a screeching halt.


    <i>Screech!</i>


    When the car fully stopped, Kwang-Soo got out and surveyed the surroundings.


    Demons from all sides surrounded them, all seemingly having been waiting for this moment. At a nce, there were over a hundred of them.


    Taking in the sight, Kwang-Soo unwrapped the cloth around the box on his back and ced it on the ground.


    “Come forth, Celestial Night.”


    <i>Swish-</i>


    A starry night sky enveloped the road.