◈ Episode 151

In the Polaris world, spells are classified in detail.

For example, there are nature manipulation series, body support series, material creation series, etc. They are not simply divided into combat and non-combat.

Ishrad played a major role in popularizing such detailed classification criteria. Of course, this was before 2000, so things are a little different in each country now.

In any case, Ishrad was a nation that was so absorbed in the study of spells that it established international standards. Even before the disaster began in earnest, the development of spells was its main research topic.

In such a history, the Association of Abilities has grown steadily. The rating evaluation conducted by the Association boasts tremendous credibility, at least in Korea.

In other words, it means that money was thrown at the judge.

'That's amazing.'

The judging took place outdoors.

Smoothly paved roads and lined buildings. A view reminiscent of downtown Seoul. Kim Lee-hyun, standing in the waiting position, looked around.

"Is there anyone else besides me?"

Being alone makes me feel like I'm on a drama set. This is not an open street, but a place managed by an association. Chelsea and Asterique are on the other side.

Before the examination, there was a simple procedure to cast spells. It was explained that each person would be placed in an appropriate examination room according to their individual characteristics. In other words, there are many other places like this.

The judge's voice flowed out from the ear.

- Do you think you're lucky? Usually, you can't afford this luxury. The original screening system isn't one where you can get it right away just because you want to. It takes a lot of people...

"But why today?"

-I don't know. If you criticize from above, you have to criticize.

After listening to the story, I got a rough idea.

'I guess the elders put their breath into it.'

It was a kindness that was almost burdensome. Almost 90% of the time, I came here to kill time. I also didn't want to see the stages I had been playing in the game in real life.

'IS-TR4.'

Memories came back vividly. This is a place used not only for examination but also for spell development programs. You must use the cover located throughout to defeat the target.

-I'll adjust the difficulty, so don't be too nervous... ... ?

The judge paused for a moment and then asked curtly.

-Why are you laughing?

"No, not really."

I couldn't help but laugh at the words that he was going to adjust it.

Anyone who has played Polaris would have thought so. There are many stages in the game, but among them, there are a few that users are particularly skilled at.

The roundabout stage is just like that.

'This stupid game is so annoying because auto is paid….'

There were many times when I just turned it by hand. I cleared the IS-TR4 more than 100 times, no matter how bad I was.

In addition, there is a trick to gaining experience or skill proficiency when doing grinding. You should keep in mind that the rewards do not change even if you reduce or increase the number of agents you organize.

therefore.

'Usually it's one-person class.'

If you play solo every time you draw a new character, your proficiency will quickly increase. For users who have reached a certain level, solo clearing of the spinning stage is a must.

Kim Lee-Hyeon's user level is 200.

The maximum level from which there is nowhere higher to go.

He was the type of user called 'Grandpa' in the community.

Newbies try to burn the cart whenever they get the chance.

-You can start.

The signal was dropped.

Kim Yi-hyeon started to run leisurely from the starting point. He was aware of the cameras positioned everywhere. The judging video is recorded in Ishrad's database.

'So what?'

Now, we have come too far to hide the spell. There is nothing left to oppose in Ishrad. The capital is particularly safe, and there are no common criminal organizations.

There's no harm in being careful, but today is a cheat day.

I would also like to try incorporating 'Kim Lee-hyun's' performance into the game.

widely.

[Browning] was caught in the empty hand. The corner was right in front of him. Kim Yi-Hyeon stopped moving for a moment and aimed to the right. After a short interval, he fired his gun into the air without hesitation.

Toodoodoodoo!

The flying drones were shot down immediately after they appeared around the corner. Clean shots. The judges who were watching indifferently looked puzzled.

'It looks like it was shot before it even came out?'

What? Did you hear a plane noise?

What if we break that in the first place…?

-This is crazy! They're not sending them out to hit everything! They're meant to hide, run away, confuse, or do something like that against drones equipped with thermal sensors!

"How would I know that? You should have told me in advance."

-I didn't know it would break as soon as it came out! No, and there's no way regular bullets would work?

"I guess it's not a regular bullet. Isn't it the examiner's job to check that?"

-That's... true. Hmm.

The shock and disappointment were only temporary.

The judges' voices began to get excited.

-Would you like to continue?

Kim Yi-hyeon snickered to himself. As far as he knew, the Ishrad people had one thing in common: they had a stronger passion for learning than others.

'It's a prejudice, though.'

At least most of those who have secured a position in the capital city of Wizma are like that. Since politics alone has its limits, one must be an expert in one's own field.

Even though Kim Lee-hyun is not at the level of Asterike.

It seemed like it was enough to pique the judges' interest.

Bang, bang bang!

[Browning] fired repeatedly. Drones using high-strength materials crashed down helplessly. It was the moment when ground-surveying drones belatedly emerged from the alley.

bang!

Before I knew it, a fragmentation grenade that had rolled down exploded. The expensive precision machines were instantly turned into scrap metal. Even the machines that were still intact had their sensors hit by bullets one after another.

-Ooh! Can you show me something else?

"Try sending out more."

-Oh, I don't know if this is okay… … .

"What can't be done after coming all this way?"

-That's true too!

19 hours left until the judges hand down their disciplinary action.

* * *

"Ha, that was fun!"

Asterike, who had finished her examination, had a bright expression. This time, she did not equip [the vibranium composite sword]. It was her own will, not Kim I-Hyeon's.

"It feels a lot better than it used to be."

Now, Asterike no longer needs the Spell Suppressor from Cellbrox Lab. Without the [Vibranium Composite Sword], she can no longer use Skill 2, but she can now control up to Skill 1.

"What should I say? I think I know the line."

It was a huge improvement in itself to not lose consciousness due to the power of the spell. It seemed that the effect of the AP-116 administered previously was fully apparent.

It was helpful just to be evaluated without having to go into a full-fledged program. The evaluation itself may not have had much meaning, but at least it gave me a chance to find out about my condition.

"I'm jealous. I'd probably pass out if I spent just a little bit."

"Chelsea is weak. She needs to exercise."

"Even if you exercise for a hundred days, you won't end up like Mr. Asterike."

"I told you, those are all excuses. Anyone can do it, fighting!"

"Ugh. It's burdensome. But if it's just running...."

Unlike Kim I-hyeon and Asterique, who were running wild in the refereeing room, Chelsea looked gloomy. It seemed like the result was not good, but in a way, it was natural.

"It's only been a while since you got the spell and you're already crying. Go train."

"Was it hard for you at first too, boss?"

"It wasn't even a big deal after throwing up. You told me to work hard. When I was younger…."

"Ah, ah! This damn duo, please!"

"Even if you tell them the truth, these days they just get annoyed, ugh, tsk tsk."

"Chelsea are also very noisy."

There was also an incident where Chelsea trembled under mental attack.

On a different note, a few days later I received a proposal from Leila.

"surgery?"

"Yes. It was difficult to touch it in the lab, but Ishrad has advanced medical technology. Of course, it's only a recommendation. If you don't like it, you don't have to take it."

Kim Yi-hyeon caressed my neck for no reason. He felt light gray crystals. There was no particular pain, but it was bothersome in the most trivial moments of daily life.

"I think we'll proceed in the direction of removing the decision and then transplanting the skin. I said that because I thought it would be a good opportunity if Mr. Hyun was feeling uncomfortable."

Leila's attitude conveyed only good intentions. You could say that it was just a pointless meddling. However, seeing her take it seriously as if it were her own business made me smile bitterly.

"Okay, thank you."

There was no reason to refuse.

Although Asus General Trading Company's Laonis is not wearing prosthetic legs because of his stubbornness, Kim Ihyeon is not stubborn at all, but rather feels uncomfortable with the signs of mutation.

The operation was performed in secret.

"This is the first time I've seen this symptom. When did it start to happen?"

"well."

"Is it a genetic disease? Does anyone in your family have it…."

"I don't know because I'm an orphan."

Coincidentally, the surgeon was a familiar face. Not an agent. A doctor who appeared in the side story of a character from Ishrad. He was a person of considerable fame in the ivory tower.

'I don't like that person.'

Edward Frerick. A man with a mad scientist streak. He's not crazy enough to play pranks on the elder's guests, but he's someone you can't let your guard down against.

'I'll take the restrained decision with me.'

Maybe you will realize the truth. The fact that your body is mutating like a dangerous number. The information that 'Kim Lee-hyun of Dustborne is turning into a monster' must not be revealed.

But don't worry.

"Hey, hey! Hey, sterilization bag…!"

I heard a small commotion while I was anesthetized and in a dazed state. The decisions turned to dust as soon as they were removed from Kim I-Hyeon's body. Eventually, they turned into smoke and completely dispersed.

Kim Lee-hyun was aware of this phenomenon in advance. As he lived, sometimes parts of his decisions would fall off. Like a scab on his skin.

I couldn't help but think about it every time.

It's literally like a parasite.

The surgery was completed successfully.

Even though there were quite a few areas where the decision was distributed, it was surprisingly easy to finish. It was a result that proved the excellence of Ishrad's medical technology and Edward's skills.

"It's neat. Thank you, teacher."

"...Thank you for your hard work. Since pigmentation may occur, you should use sunscreen and avoid sunlight for 3 months at the shortest and 6 months at the longest. After returning to the Cellbrox Lab, you should consult with a medical professional and monitor the progress."

His expression was quite dark. It seemed like he couldn't keep his decision. Kim Yi-hyeon smiled to himself and checked his skin again.

'It's definitely not visible on the outside… .'

There was no change in the mutation rate. It was just that it was literally invisible. The parasite was still coiled in the body. You have to think carefully when using Helixivir.

Still, whatever.

"Hyun, let's go eat!"

"...."

"Uh, Hyun? Huh."

Asterike, whose cheek was suddenly pinched, made a strange sound. She blinked and then smiled faintly. It had been a while since Kim Yi-hyun had made the first physical contact.

Asterike quickly grabbed his hand. The feeling was vivid because the gloves he always wore were gone. She wasn't stupid, either, and knew that Kim Yi-hyun had been reluctant to expose his skin.

It seemed okay now.

"What do you want to eat? Hyun will decide today."

"Should we just go to the hotel and eat?"

"Ugh, all the romance is gone."

"Who taught you to speak like that?"

"Who else but Chelsea?"

* * *

November 11, 2044.

Before leaving Ishrad and returning to the lab.

The operation team took a detour for a moment at Kim I-Hyeon's behest.

I had business in the kingdom of Shamalshina. It wasn't something urgent. Since our directions coincided, there was just someone I wanted to get to know in advance.

When I reached the border with a light heart.

Kim Lee-hyun couldn't help but notice.

"What is this...."

The end was beginning in an unexpected place.