Chapter 32: 100% Magic Efficiency

[Translator – Aren]

When we returned to the truck convoy, the captain in front had already finished making preparations to depart.

He watched our Supreme Archmages trio climbing out of the armored vehicle and into the truck, his lips twitching as if he wanted to say something before ultimately keeping his mouth shut.

"Let’s get out of here.”

Even without anyone saying it out loud, everyone seemed to have figured out that something was up.

It had been a grueling mission after all. Even a special forces team would struggle if you told them to clear an entire building in 30 minutes.

The three of us quietly climbed into the back of the military truck and spent a while catching our breath. The damp air from the outskirts of Seoul felt as though it were sticking directly to the inside of my nose.

The sensation was unpleasant enough that I put my gas mask back on.

Around then, a Buddhist monk and a curly-haired middle-aged woman climbed aboard our truck as well. Noticing our confusion, the captain gave a short explanation as he boarded.

"They’ve been confirmed on-site as users of Localized Invasive Structural Alteration phenomena."

With that, the soldiers boarded the armored vehicles, and the convoy quickly began pulling away from Seoul.

The wheels rolled forward amidst the roaring of the engines. The wasp-like buzzing of drones escorted the convoy from above, but I couldn’t relax just yet. The vicious monsters we’d encountered in the abandoned hospital still lingered vividly in my mind.

At that moment, the monk’s chant echoed through the truck.

"Om mani padme hum—."

It felt exactly like it had back at Suwon Station. Memories I’d wanted to forget naturally sank to the bottom of my mind.

The crushing fatigue weighing down my shoulders vanished without a trace. Cold, clear reason returned. My foggy, exhausted thoughts felt as though they had been washed clean with the scent of fresh pine needles.

Only then did I turn toward the monk.

Lee Sejun and Shin Nain were staring at him as well. Lee Sejun’s eyes were full of gratitude while Shin Nain’s face was twisted into a scowl.

"This wicked, cunning monk dares steal away the trial God has bestowed upon me!”

"Nain-ssi, please…Thank you, Venerable Sir.”

Fortunately, Lee Sejun hurriedly stepped in before things escalated.

Thankfully, the monk appeared to possess an exceptionally gentle disposition.

"Not at all, not at all. I simply couldn’t help meddling when I saw young people carrying burdens heavier than they should. Of course, if one can endure such things alone, that too becomes a form of cultivation.”

The elderly monk, his white eyebrows streaked with a few silver stands, smiled warmly at us and introduced himself.

"My Dharma name is Wonhaeng¹ . It carries the meaning of establishing a great aspiration and realizing it. If I am not mistaken, are you members of ‘Aphorism’ who travel alongside Cheonghwi of theJingak Order?”

"Aphorism?”

I was the first to react to the unfamiliar term.

I had no idea what the Jingak Order was, but since he’d referred to Monk Cheonghwi by his Dharma name, he clearly knew who we were. What I couldn’t understand was where this word ‘Aphorism’ had come from.

However, Lee Sejun seemed like he couldn’t care less about this strange name. Without giving it a second thought, he glanced at Shin Nain and me before letting out a sigh.

"You seem like a highly accomplished monk. Do you know us?”

"A highly accomplished monk? Haha…Even at my age, I’ve attained little enlightenment and still wander about until the soles of my shoes threaten to fall off. I’m nothing more than an old monk. Still… Cheonghwi. I find myself curious about the things that child may have said within Aphorism. We share a small connection, you see. Perhaps that is why my thoughts keep drifting back to him. It is merely proof of my lack of cultivation, so I ask your forgiveness.”

"Forgiveness? Why would you ask for something like that when it's not needed?”

Lee Sejun’s tone had softened considerably, seemingly impressed by the old monk’s manner of speaking and his demeanor.

Of course, Shin Nain remained standing there with his gas mask on and his arms folded. He looked like the sort of stubborn man who had already decided to take offense no matter what anyone said. I couldn’t help but click my tongue inwardly.

Still, having someone to talk to while we retreated from Seoul wasn’t a bad thing at all.

The only people riding in the truck with us were the monk or the curly-haired middle-aged woman. The woman had been so tense that she’d practically passed out cold now. Monk Wonhaeng, meanwhile, asked us what kinds of magic we had learned and seemed especially curious about what role Monk Cheonghwi was currently playing.

If I had to guess, Wonghaeng kept calling it a “small connection,” but the relationship he and Cheonghwi shared was probably closer to a master-and-desciple relationship.

At the very least, they were likely senior and junior disciples.

But when I relayed what I’d heard, Monk Wonhaeng’s white eyebrows twisted slightly as he let out a thoughtful hum.

"He’s pursuing complete Korean translations of Sanskrit scriptures and various Buddhist sutras…Is that what the military has been saying?”

"Yes, why?”

"Venerable? Is something wrong?”

Lee Sejun was most unsettled by Monk Wonhaeng’s prolonged silence.

When Lee Sejun turned his head, Shin Nain had removed his gas mask but was busy quietly humming hymns while wearing his earbuds. In the end, Lee Sejun looked toward me, who was still wearing my gas mask. My face was probably just as dark and confused as his.

Hell if I know, dude.

Both of us shrugged helplessly. Only then did Monk Wonhaeng slowly begin to speak.

"Cheonghwi originally belonged to theSeon tradition. He was a child who valued meditation and cultivation above all else. But he became deeply immersed in the practices of theShingon andVajrayana schools of Buddhism and eventually transferred to the Jingak Order. They place great emphasis on the6-Syllable Mantra and advocate immediate Buddhahood and the purification of this present world. Of course, as long as one does not abandon the aspiration to become a Buddha and continues striving to save sentient beings with great compassion, there is nothing inherently wrong with pursuing any path of practice…"

"Is there a particular reason you’re telling us this?”

At Lee Sejun’s question, Mong Wonhaeng finally arrived at the heart of the matter.

"The Korean translations of Sanskrit scriptures and Buddhist sutras were completed long ago for the most part. Interpreting them has been left to individual practitioners for years now. Anyone interested can easily access those materials through libraries or an internet search.”

"But the military told us Monk Cheonghwi was dedicating himself to translating scriptures.”

"Indeed. He is probably working on such things. But that child was always deeply captivated by esoteric practices and mantras. I simply hope he has not strayed too far down that path.”

With that, Monk Wonhaeng quietly pressed his palms together and began praying.

Lee Sejun and I couldn’t help feeling that meeting someone connected to Monk Cheonghwi here, of all places, was an exceedingly strange coincidence. It was obvious Monk Wonhaeng had come here hoping to hear news about him.

Had the military fed him information?

Or had Monk Wonhaeng volunteered as a civilian Operator and requested information in return?

Either way, it had become incredibly clear that the situation at the front wasn’t good. Not if they were running wizards through a dual-track system of civilian Operators and military specialists. 

Around then, Lee Sejun quietly slid over to sit beside me and lowered his voice.

"What should we do, Jemin-ssi?”

"What do you mean, what should we do?”

It was obvious that the relationship between Monk Wonhaeng and Monk Cheonghwi wasn’t a simple one.

And sticking your nose into other people’s emotions and relationships without knowing the full story rarely ended well.

"Pretend we don’t know anything. Just keep it to ourselves. And Sejun-ssi, you do realize we Supreme Archmages already have our hands full just keeping our own affairs in order, right?”

Still, I made a point of remembering this.

Monk Cheonghwi.

Presumed disciple or fellow disciple of Monk Wonhaeng. Displayed a strong interest in the Shingon and Vajrayana schools of Buddhism. Likely possesses an extreme interest in the mysterious.

As I mulled over that information, I finally understood why Monk Cheonghwi had seemed oddly fascinated with mysticism when he and the pastor had been chatting back on the 22nd.

At the same time, a strange implication struck me.

When Lieutenant Shin Hangi had introduced Monk Cheonghwi, he’d described him as someone devoted to translating various Sanskrit scriptures and promoting Buddhism through temple cuisine.

But according to Monk Wonhaeng, complete Korean translations of the Buddhist scriptures had already been finished long ago.

A possibility suddenly flashed through my mind.

What if the thing Monk Cheonghwi was translating wasn’t actually Buddhist scripture? What if it wasn't the teachings left behind by the Buddha at all, but something else entirely?

The behavior of the Korean government and military had been suspicious in its own way. They were organized, methodical, and almost too competent, which was equally weird. It was to the point where I kept wondering if my country had always been this capable.

But what if there was another reason?

What if something like theNecronomicon from the Cthulhu Mythos, the Mysteries of the Worm, or some newly discovered grimoire actually existed? And humanity was currently in the process of translating it into human languages…

"Bullshit.”

"What?"

"No. I’m just talking nonsense.”

"Jemin-ssi. That’s nothing new.”

-Smack!

I whacked Lee Sejun across the back and tossed the thought aside.

We were still in Seoul. The fog was gradually thinning, and I could already see the trenches, tanks, and heavily armed soldiers waiting along the front line. But it wasn’t time to let my guard down.

I raised my eyes toward the north one last time. Toward the colossal fog cloud hundreds of meters thick.

Once upon a time, people across South Korea dreamed of moving to Seoul, but now they only dreamed of escaping it.

Apart from a handful of lunatics, nobody still clung to dreams of making it in the capital. Maybe that was why my thoughts kept wandering into strange directions.

A magical grimoire. Ridiculous. Realizing how foolish I was being, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

A grimoire was something that could only exist in fantasy.

If a magical grimoire really existed…

Then obviously it should have sought me, Baek Jemin, the man born with the makings of a Grand Archmage, out!

* * *

March 1st, 2028, 9:31 AM.

The Supreme Archmages had received a significant amount of MPC for our contributions in Seoul. Not only had we successfully escorted candidates with magical aptitude, we’d also played a major role in identifying the previously unidentified species.

40 MPC for completing the mission successfully and 30 more for successfully identifying the unidentified species, tentatively designated ‘Teratoma.’

So 70 MPC in total.

But more important than the money was how our status had changed.

Didn’t people say the greatest thrill in life came from feeling your rise in rank and authority?

A shallow sentiment held by ordinary folk perhaps. Yet even I, a man steadily walking the path of a Grand Archmage, couldn’t deny it.

Allow me to introduce to you my newest hobby.

As we headed toward the mess hall, I handed MPC notes to the quartermaster. Then, deliberately keeping my poncho on, I straightened it proudly and declared.

"Let’s go, Sejun-ssi, Nain-ssi. It is time for the Supreme Archmages to make their entrance.”

"Amen, amen. Let us once more remind the faithless masses that the army of Jesus Christ has returned victoriously.”

"Fuck, this is so goddamn embarrassing…”

Like the ordinary man he was, Lee Sejun couldn’t abandon the mindset of an ordinary person. He desperately tried to hide his bright red face, but it was hopeless.

His abilities might have been the weakest among our trio, but he was still undeniably one of the Supreme Archmages.

As the old saying goes, “an awl in a sack will always poke through.” No matter how hard you try to hide talent, it eventually reveals itself. So rather than hiding it, you might as well show it off proudly.

Taking that wisdom to heart, I threw open the cafeteria doors with a bang.

We, the Supreme Archmages, had arrived. Instead of the traditional robes of wizards, we wore military ponchos, though. As we strode in with all the dignity we could muster, everyone in the cafeteria turned to look at us and swallowed nervously.

Choosing to arrive right when the soldiers, officers, administrative staff, and civilians were all eating had been absolutely the correct decision.

Silence fell instantly. The entire cafeteria filled with silent clamor. In the stillness where even the sound of spoons hitting trays had ceased, I raised a hand to my ear and quietly asked Shin Nain.

"Shin Nain. Tell me what people are thinking about us.”

"Everyone is shocked and amazed. They’re astonished that we encountered 2 unidentified species, engaged them in combat, and returned without injuries. They’re also busy marveling at the achievement of searching an abandoned hospital in Seoul, overcoming a psychic attack, and recovering the journal left behind by a survivor group.”

"Hmm~. That’s exactly it.”

This was where our Shitmaster Shin Nain’s usefulness truly shone.

There was no better human loudspeaker for picking up the praise, admiration, awe, and whispered thoughts floating around people’s minds.

Meanwhile, Lee Sejun pulled up the hood of his poncho to cultivate an air of mystery. He even tightened the drawstrings until his face was hidden, to emphasize that mysteriousness even further.

"For the love of God, can we stop screwing around and just eat…?”

"Well, if our Sejun says he’s hungry, we have no choice. Let’s go, nutjob.”

"Both of you are heretical in your own ways, but one cannot expect perfection from the start. Your repentance is still lacking, yet you remain worthy warriors of the Lord. Therefore, I shall overlook it.”

The Supreme Archmages were nothing if not humble toward the cafeteria ladies.

"Ma’am, extra cabbage, please.”

"Sure, sure. Just make sure you boys stay alive.”

Looking at the generous pile of soybean-paste-seasoned cabbage she scooped onto my tray filled my heart with warmth. Wasn’t this the very essence of Korean hospitality?

For once, Shin Nain even smiled like a normal human being while making eye contact with the lady.

"Ma’am, have you ever considered attending church?”

"Oh my, I go to a Buddhist temple, so I’m fine.”

"I cannot stand by and watch a kind person like you burn in the fires of Hell. I’ll continue inviting you every day when I come for meals.”

"What the hell is wrong with that guy?”

Once we sat down with our trays, the chatter throughout the cafeteria finally resumed. This time I didn’t even need Shin Nain’s ears to hear it.

The effort I'd spent concentrating with all my might and listening closely was paying off.

"Those are guys from Aphorism, right? Are they fucking insane or something? What the hell’s with those ponchos?”

"They may look insane, but apparently they’re the real deal. During the operation to retake Suwon Station's underground platform, there wasn’t even a single casualty. Against those monsters, too. You know Major Kang Minsu, right? That by-the-book commander at Suwon Station. I heard he’s already filed a request to call them first whenever he needs wizards.”

"Damn…so they’re elite lunatics."

Whatever else they said aside, the one thing the soldiers couldn’t stop talking about was our accomplishments at Suwon Station. Specifically the Predator Spines, the Amalgams, and finally Father Jeong Yonghwan and Bosal Geulmun.

What I especially appreciated was the level of detail.

If people simply said we’d successfully retaken the station, it didn’t fully convey how extraordinary the achievement of the Supreme Archmages had been. But seeing how they mentioned that we accomplished it with 0 casualties perfectly highlighted our achievements.

But was that all?

I jabbed Shin Nain in the side with my elbow so I could eavesdrop on what the officers and administrative staff were saying.

Shin Nain feigned reluctance at first, as if he couldn’t believe he was being used for this again, but before long a smug smile spread across his face and he began relaying what he heard. The officers, huddled together in a corner and talking amongst themselves, were saying the following:

"You know the species found beneath Suwon Station? It’s been confirmed to be one of the previously unidentified species. Command plans to designate it as a ‘Neural-Parasitic Amalgam’ or ‘Blood-Cord Delta.’”

"Does that mean it’s becoming an identified species?”

"No. They’re guessing it partially absorbs the memories and knowledge of the humans it consumes. Command thinks the information’s too dangerous to spread, so they’re postponing official classification for now. We aren’t even supposed to tell the soldiers. Instead, if we absolutely have to enter an indoor area, we are ordered to spray blood-targeting agents or blast the ceiling with grenades.”

"Easier said than done… Actually dealing with that thing is a completely different matter… Wait, those 3 civilian Operators fought one and survived? Against a monster like that?”

"That’s exactly why they're throwing everyone into the fog. They’re desperate to get even one more Operator or specialist out of it.”

Hm~ Just hearing it was enough to fill me up.

On the surface, they sounded like they were merely discussing policy, but hidden beneath those words was a subtle appreciation of just how absurdly awesome we Supreme Archmages were. After all, compliments delivered directly often came off as mockery.

The finest praise is the kind that seeps out subtly and naturally.

The more you chew on it, the more genuine sincerity drips out like juice from ripe fruit.

Lee Sejun, on the other hand, stared at me like I was the biggest idiot alive.

"Jemin-ssi, aren’t you going to eat?”

"I am eating. This is a side dish.”

His expression twisted into pure disgust.

Still, we had important business to attend to, so unfortunately my appreciation of that particular side dish had to end there. Shin Nain, Lee Sejun, and I quickly finished our meal and returned our trays.

We were even considerate enough to finish quickly so that these ordinary mortals didn’t have to spend too long basking in the overwhelming radiance of us Supreme Archmages.

Besides, we had a very important experiment planned for today.

As our Supreme Archmage trio strode through Suwon City Hall in our ponchos, heads turned everywhere we went. Some people quickly looked away with fear in their eyes, while several soldiers snapped into vigorous salutes and shouted at the top of their lungs.

"Attention!”

"We aren’t soldiers.”

"We know, sir!”

Our destination was the makeshift chapel where the Supreme Archmages had agreed to gather.

Pastor Park Yohan and Monk Cheognhwi were already there, arranging tables and chairs while waiting for us. Though Pastor Park Yohan looked thoroughly irritated.

"Do you idiots really have to keep wearing those ponchos? They smell awful.”

I was the first to object.

"Pastor, I’ve spent some time thinking about what our Aphorism really needs.”

"And what’s that? More importantly, do you even know what Aphorism means?”

"Symbolism. We lack a unique symbol of our own.”

Just look at the Taeguk Jesus Brigade.

Everyone avoided talking about them because of how things ended. Lieutenant Shin Hangi sighed every time their name came up. But nobody could deny they made an impression.

With more and more civilian Operators appearing around Suwon City Hall, they were probably the second most famous group after us Supreme Archmages.

The reason for that was their flag capes.

"So what? You’re saying the sacred symbol of our noble Aphorism should be those disgusting ponchos? Have you completely lost your damn mind?!”

The struggle by Pastor Park Yohan to resist this rising trend was already futile.

Over the course of roughly 2 days, our trio had thoroughly branded our existence into the cafeteria’s collective consciousness. Supreme Archmages? The elite civilian Operators who always walked around wearing ponchos.

That image had probably been hammered into everyone’s heads like a wedge.

Only Monk Cheonghwi seemed to understand our decision.

"More important than the virtue of humility is a heart that serves others and the actions that follow. If your words and deeds are helping sentient beings, then what issue could there possibly be?”

In any case, the minor argument was about to lead into a more meaningful topic.

Or rather, it would have, until Hamza arrived late, panting heavily as he dropped into the last empty seat.

"Haah, huff… I’m part of Aphorism, too…”

This bastard, no presence whatsoever, and he’s late on top of that?

The moment I shot him a cold glare, Hamza glanced my way and quickly corrected himself.

"I’m part of the Supreme Archmages, too.”

"Hmm."

I gave Hamza a warm smile.

No matter what anyone said, Hamza was part of us Supreme Archmages. After all, with a remarkable spell like Angel’s Intuition, few people could be more valuable in a crisis.

Besides, we’d already shared precious slices of Richam and Spam together.

Still, Pastor Park Yohan kept looking back and forth between me and Hamza with a bewildered expression, making me wonder if something had happened.

"Pastor, have you come to some kind of realization?”

"Drop dead, you little shit.”

Pastor Park grumbled while absentmindedly adjusting the frame of his glasses.

Around then, Monk Cheonghwi closed the door to the makeshift chapel, checked whether the soundproofing bubble wrap was properly in place, and returned to his seat. Only then did the pastor clear his throat and finally get to the point.

"So. We sent the journal you three found to Pyeongtaek, and the results came back. They specifically requested that only civilian Operators be informed.”

"They told you not to tell the colonel either?”

"Yeah. Headquarters is going to contact him separately, so for now they told us to keep it among ourselves.”

Both the pastor’s and the monk’s gazes turned toward me.

"Baek Jemin. You really did hold back from using the Tongue-branch magic, right?”

"Yes."

Acceptance and Change.

Our investigation into Tongue-branch magic, with all its endless possibilities and horrifying worst-case scenarios, had been put on hold. The decision was to wait until more research into the Alteration-type magic system could be conducted using the newly discovered journal.

And today…

Pastor Park Yohan, having returned from Pyeongtaek, finally shared a small piece of their conclusions.

"For starters, that concept the monk mentioned, the 5 Aggregates. The 5 elements that make up a human being… The Yankees in Pyeongtaek are guessing the five branches of Alteration-type magic are also a kind of esoteric system that defines human nature itself.”

"There’s way too much missing for that theory, though.”

"Magic is, by nature, symbolic. If you spelled everything out completely, it’d be a still-life painting, not a symbol or a script, wouldn’t it?”

The mystics attached to the Pyeongtaek US-Korea Joint Command arrived at the following hypotheses:

Eyes. They symbolize human perception, a human-centered worldview, and the distortions born from humanism andanthropomorphism.

Ears. Since the days of Pythagoras, there has been the concept of theMusic of the Spheres (Musica Universalis). It is a metaphysical idea that the movements of celestial bodies can be expressed as, or even heard as, music. Given the importance of astronomy within mystical traditions and astrology, they believe this is why the journal associated the Ears-branch with fate.

Heart. Since ancient times, it has symbolized life. As the central organ that circulates blood, there is nothing strange about associating it with life itself. In antiquity, it was even believed to be the seat of the soul. It is reasonable to view it as a symbol of human life and existence.

Hand. According to the journal, it symbolizes intelligence and alchemy. The grid-like symbol, resembling two overlapping hands, is nearly identical to theMagic Square of Mars. In mystical traditions, Mars is considered a celestial body aligned with the element of fire and associated with conflict. Given the importance of fire in alchemy, assuming the journal’s interpretation is correct, the connection to alchemy is highly likely. One of the greatest traits distinguishing humans from beasts is intelligence, and numerologically the number 5, often associated with humanity, is heavily emphasized. Because of this, it is believed to symbolize intellect.

Tongue. Acceptance and Change are presumed to symbolize humanity’s adaptability. However, because Acceptance and Change possess the greatest potential to damage human nature and essence, they are considered the most dangerous. It is believed that misreading or misusing them could easily result in an inversion effect, leading to disastrous outcomes. The side effects mentioned in the journal appear to indicate some form of magical reversal phenomenon. Do not experiment recklessly.

"Therefore, with all of Aphorism gathered together, we’re going to begin researching Tongue-branch magic. That’s why I dragged this guy, Hamza, here as well.”

The pastor jerked his chin toward Hamza.

"Hamza, you bastard, keep your head on straight. If things start looking bad, I don’t care if you have to scream your lungs out, stop that guy. Use that Angel’s Intuition spell of yours and make damn sure Baek Jemin doesn't lose his mind. Got it?”

"Yes. Aphorism…Uh, Supreme Archmages…I’ll make sure nothing dangerous happens!”

"Shin Nain, Lee Sejun, be ready to use force if Baek Jemin starts going off the rails. If it looks like a monster’s about to be born in this room, shoot him dead if you have to.”

"Yes, Pastor.”

"Huff, huff… Baek Jemin-ssi, don’t hold it against me when I beat the hell out of you.”

"Venerable, keep chanting. Hold onto Baek Jemin’s sanity.”

"Of course."

And so the preparations began. The desks were moved aside and the chairs neatly stacked, leaving me standing alone inside a circle drawn with salt.

The pastor carefully inspected it, making sure the line hadn’t been disturbed.

"Salt’s laid properly~. Good.”

Then an assortment of objects appeared.

Crosses, prayer beads, holy water, salt…

I accepted them all, wrapping them around my arms before sprinkling salt and holy water over my head.

Candles were arranged densely around the circle. Unfamiliar prayers and chants overlapped, echoing throughout the room. The fluorescent lights had been turned off. Only candlelight illuminated us now.

"Normally you’d do a proper purification ritual for something like this. But with Christianity and Buddhism teaming up and throwing salt everywhere, no spirit ought to get a foothold. If we’re going to use this sinister sorcery, we’d better have some safeguards in place.”

With that, the pastor stepped back.

Now I stood alone, receiving the gaze of everyone else in the room.

"Begin."

Faced with the pastor’s unwavering stare, I slowly stuck out my tongue.

-Bleeeh—.

How should I put it? I started to be able to taste the scent of the candles. I could physically feel my tongue savoring the air as I slowly moved it.

Alteration-type Tongue-branch, Stage 1.

At that moment, my intuition recalled the clue Father Jeong Yonghwan had left behind.

[These magical symbols must have pronunciation marks and tonal accents…]

A true language that could never be fully contained with human speech.

If the gargling groans left behind by the priest monster were magical incantations that only gods and monsters could speak, then perhaps only humanity’s purest language, before it became polluted with layers of secondary meaning, could ever contain those incantations.

Unfortunately, I was an idiot who struggled with even one language.

Therefore, I had to utter a word in its purest possible meaning. The 1st stage of the Tongue-branch was not a standalone spell. The 1st stage of Tongue-branch magic was the process of chewing over a magical language and rendering it into human language. A retrospection viewed through human eyes, something closer to [Downgrading].

Of course, if not for the clue Father Jeong Yonghwan had left behind, I might’ve ended up gnawing on those monster corpses over there instead.

But because I had that clue, I could connect it to language. And thanks to that, I was certain that I was using the 1st Stage of Tongue-branch magic correctly.

Now the important question was what to test it on…

As I considered which spell to use, the one that came to mind was the 1st Stage of the Eyes-branch.

A spell that allowed a human, who could only perceive 3 dimensions, to see more than that.

To complete that 1st stage, I spoke of what I wished to see.

—Time.

At that moment, my tongue heated up.

It began burning as though a branding iron had been pressed against it. My taste buds split apart as dark crimson blood, heated like molten lava, bubbled forth. Drops gathered at the tip of my tongue and began galling one after another.

Even I could hear the soft dripping sound of those scorching droplets striking the floor.

Everyone’s gaze filled with shock and turned toward Hamza, but he, pale as a sheet, nodded.

"No problem…It’s working correctly…No, wait!”

Then I saw something strange.

Hamza’s lips were closed, but I could hear his voice. No…

I wasn't hearing his voice? Was I imagining it simply by watching the movement of his lips?

Only then did I reach up and touch my tongue. It was perfectly normal. I wasn’t bleeding yet.

No. My hand hasn’t touched my tongue yet.

Something else appeared.

I’m sitting down and smiling at Hamza. I can see the pastor’s bewildered face. The images were overlapping.

This is…

Everything was appearing before my eyes in meaningless layers.

The sequence of time no longer mattered.

I was seeing the past, present, and future simultaneously. I shouldn’t have been able to see them, and yet I was.

The moment I realized that, the spell collapsed.

"Bleeeeeaaaaaagh!!!!!”

I immediately doubled over.

Everything I’d eaten for lunch came pouring out.

I could see my hands becoming covered in vomit, but I didn’t even have the mental capacity to feel disgust.

Shit, shit…

I clenched my fists and fought to keep my trembling body under control. Only after a long while did the voices around me begin to register again.

"Baek Jemin, Baek Jemin!”

"Haah, huff…”

"Jemin-ssi! Can I punch you once?!"

"No, you crazy bastard…"

I immediately rejected Lee Sejun’s suspiciously enthusiastic proposal and wiped the mixture of stomach acid and vomit from my mouth.

Was it painful? Only for a moment.

Right now, I was exhilarated beyond belief.

“Thrilling” wasn’t even enough to describe this feeling. My heart was pounding harder than if it had stopped altogether.

It wasn’t out of fear or terror, but pure joy and elation.

This was Alteration-type magic at 100% efficiency.

This…

This was the true power of magic!

_________________________________________________________________________

¹ Won (원) = Vow, aspiration

  Haeng (원) = Practice, action