I Became the Younger Sister of the Game's Villain - Chapter 16.2
“The Jongyeonggak (Hall of Honor)* was this way.”
I moved towards the Magic Association.
Regardless of how they were treated.
Oddly enough, many wizards seem to be otakus obsessed with knowledge and racial traits, content with just books and a small lab.
In the vast Seonggyungwan, there’s Jongyeonggak, housing the library.
They said that it would be okay for them to own only a small corner of the city where research could be conducted.
The rest belonged to the Taoists.
Especially, the sage-level magicians, who would spend their entire day in Jongyeonggak (Hall of Honor) reading, didn’t hesitate to visit.
Creak.
I slid open the paper-paneled sliding door.
As expected.
“……”
“……”
They showed no interest in anyone entering.
I walked past wizards engrossed in their books, here to meet the top sage.
Surely, only that person would wear the emblem on their chest…
“Ah.”
Found them.
The sage was trembling atop a ladder, reaching for a book placed on a high shelf.
I caught a glimpse of a five-colored badge on their navy blue wizard’s robe.
“Excuse me.”
Approaching quietly and calling out, the sage paused their reaching hand.
Looking down from the ladder, our eyes met.
And I froze.
“What brings you here?”
Lifting their black-rimmed glasses, they tucked their heavy bangs to the side with a pin.
That, earlier…
“The woman who was preaching on the street?”
Crack.
It felt like my mental state splintered.
Was their earlier comment about a good aura and such actually true?
Were they really skilled in face-reading?
Despite my turmoil, the sage with an innocent face cheerily descended the ladder.
Tilting their head, they stared at me intently, seemingly not recognizing me.
A sliver of hope sparked within me.
‘Right. It’s not like I’m the only one told I have a good aura; how could they remember everyone’s face?’
Clearing my throat softly, I moistened my parched lips with saliva.
The sudden reversal of our positions gave me a headache.
I needed to make a good impression on this sage.
With great caution, I decided to present my request.
“I’ve…. come to acquire a skill.”
Indeed, this place was a sanctuary of magic.
A skill essential to counter Joo Seo Yoon was here.
The tension made me swallow hard.
The sage gave a small nod and nonchalantly gathered some manuscripts before standing up.
I trailed behind her, following her out of Jongyeonggak (Hall of Honor).
“What skill do you need?”
“Mana Wave.”
Mana Wave.
True to its name, this skill allowed for an area effect by laying a mana sheet, enabling wide-range AoE* attacks.
(T/N: AoE is a game term which means ‘all of enemies.’)
Depending on the affinity, the effects could be light for the divinity, fire for spellcasters, or water for the aquatic realm.
Unfortunately, these were merely cosmetic; elemental attacks didn’t actually take effect.
Yet, it was considered a mid-to-high-level skill, and whether Lee Moa could learn it was questionable.
Hmm…
The sage’s lukewarm reaction made me bite my lip.
“Of course, you can learn it.”
That was good to hear.
“Really?”
“Absolutely. Magic is knowledge open to anyone who harbors the elements of nature.”
“So, how do I…?”
Before I could finish my eager question, the sage turned around.
A gentle smile was visible beyond her glasses.
“But you’ll need to prove you have the capability to learn the skill. Just a light test?”
▷ Retrieve the Golden Claw of the Tiger from the Taebaek Mountains.
― Category: Sub
Is this some kind of joke?
I stared at the mission window that appeared before me, my face turning pale.
How is this considered light?
Not just any tiger, but the ‘Golden’ tiger from the ‘Taebaek Mountains’, a creature that’s at least S-rank among Korean mythical beasts.
One of the rare and special beings hardly ever found.
Seeing the shock on my face, the sage seemed to hesitate before letting out a thoughtful groan.
With a snap of her fingers, she proposed another option.
“If that’s too challenging… how about this?”
▷ Fetch the Cloud Mane of a Haechi.
― Category: Sub
‘…This asshole remembers everything.’
That was the only thought in my mind as I was handed yet another daunting task.
Even for a mid-to-high-level skill, this level of testing seemed overkill.
These missions seemed like they’d take days even for an S-rank to complete.
The sage’s once innocent eyes no longer seemed endearing.
A bitter aftertaste lingered, but who was I to complain?
“It seems a bit too challenging for me.”
As I voiced my disappointment, the sage gave a contrived sigh of regret.
Pushing up her horn-rimmed glasses, she said in a low, condescending tone.
“That’s unfortunate. If you lack even this level of perseverance, there’s not much our association can teach you.”
Irritation flared within me as she politely bowed, signaling the end of our encounter.
But if anyone thought I’d just walk away defeated, they didn’t know Yoon Chae Hee.
I murmured precisely as she started to walk away,
“No choice then. I’ll just check out the Sorcery Association.”
Screech.
The sound of footsteps halting against the dirt floor echoed.
“Ah, right. The Taoist side is actually welcoming to newcomers. Quite different from some who confine themselves to their own knowledge and shun newbies. They know what’s more important. Perhaps that’s why they’re considered the most traditional and foundational in Korea…”
Twinkle.
Sharp gazes met through the glasses.
I struggled to suppress a laugh at the sight of flames igniting in her eyes.
‘Typical of mage’s pride, always the same.’
She had taken the bait.
