I Became the Only Non-mage in the Academy-Chapter 271: Transcendence (3)

“It’s so crowded with people.”

“…I feel like throwing up. Too many eyes are on us…”

“Well, it can’t be helped. Some of us naturally draw a lot of attention.”

Ershil glanced at me briefly.

As if I were the reason all these people had gathered.

‘Not wrong, though.’

I sighed inwardly.

The blame for this situation largely fell on me.

It was because I had performed too well during the Black Sun War.

Every hero present there praised me endlessly and rumors started spreading that I might become the youngest Transcendent ever.

[The emergence of the world's youngest Transcendent. Discover the rookie the world is watching…]

[The UK is wary, Japan is in a panic, and the US is courting this hero…]

Even for a nation far removed from humility and modesty, the extent to which they were elevating me was embarrassing.

“By the way, what will you do?”

“…First, I’ll head to the guild.”

“Think you can get through?”

“Seo-ha… Sorry, but I’ll stop here.”

Seo Ga-yeon’s face turned even paler.

It wasn’t just seasickness or physical discomfort; she simply hated crowded places. Using that as an excuse to slip away would feel a bit cowardly.

I scanned the surroundings.

The massive crowd filled every corner.

What was truly intimidating was that this crowd, which packed a space three times larger than a typical airport, mostly consisted of people with some level of status.

From Koreans to Indians and Westerners, the place was teeming with them. Most were influential figures or their escorts.

Having lived among the upper echelons for the past six months, I could estimate at a glance—most of their belongings were luxury items.

‘And some of their escorts are even using handcrafted items made by the Vice Principal of Korea’s Hero School…’

Their level was higher than I’d expected.

“Welcome, Lee Seo-ha.”

A sturdy man approached me with his aides.

His face was familiar.

…It had to be. He was someone often featured on TV and the internet.

In the game, he was a character who played a significant role, assisting Kim Seo-hyun when villains schemed to bring him down.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. President.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Lee Seo-ha.”

The President of Korea.

“I was deeply impressed by your achievements. Just as you’ve aided other nations, we’ll also provide considerable support.”

“Exactly how…?”

“You’ve earned a substantial amount this time—enough to warrant a maximum tax rate of 45%. But given the circumstances, we’ll apply a tax reduction this time.”

“…Thank you.”

The President extended his hand. I shook it while maintaining eye contact.

Though I felt like bowing deeply in gratitude, as a leader myself, I stood tall and shook hands firmly.

“Wishing you the best of luck.”

The President headed toward the exit.

But this was only the beginning.

“You’re always surrounded by noise. Not to mention, many women…”

“Haha…”

“Well, it’s good to see you looking healthy.”

From Kim Seo-hyun’s grandfather, the Thousand Sorcerer…

“You always exceed expectations.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Will you? By the way, when will you undergo Molting?”

“Probably soon, but I’m not certain.”

“Let me know if you need help.”

“Yes.”

I wasn’t sure.

One thing was clear—Seo Ga-yeon or Kim Seo-hyun might need it, but for me… it was uncertain.

‘Because black negates mana.’

Blue enhanced mana absorption, so strengthening blue would be beneficial.

“I always thought you’d achieve greatness.”

“Is your injury healing well?”

“Utilizing the Energy of Defying Heaven was a monumental feat, but the wounds it left still haven’t healed. If you have time, could I research that power a little further?”

Ah, these sorcerers…

I gave a vague nod and moved past him toward the Celestial.

“You look in even better shape than the last time I saw you.”

“……”

The first comment was quite bold.

“Your achievements were impressive. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

“Thank you.”

“You look puzzled. Wondering why we’re treating you so well?”

I knew why.

When one became a Transcendent, their body underwent Molting, completing their existing powers.

‘It’s not all good, though.’

A Transcendent was, quite literally, someone who transcended—practically a walking nuclear weapon.

However, there’s little concern about them causing chaos, as there were restrictions that bound them.

Though not complete suppression, of course.

And there was another reason they were treated so well.

‘The Gate of the Beyond.’

If the dragons blocked the apostles…

Then the Transcendents were tasked with stopping disruptive elements from crossing over through that gate.

This kept them perpetually busy.

“…At least my daughter won’t be abandoned.”

The Overlord nodded in satisfaction, though I wasn’t sure why.

While I was lost in thought, I simply nodded back, slightly confused.

After passing the President and the Transcendents…

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Assemblyman Kim Sang-hyun.”

“Oh, yes.”

I greeted him with a polite smile, feigning familiarity.

As I moved past him, I noticed corporate figures and guild leaders approaching.

“……”

“Seo-ha, I’m so tired….”

“Ga-yeon, could you pretend to be even more exhausted?”

“Okay…!”

“You have no filter in front of kids, do you? Fine, just tell everyone else to visit later.”

Just as I was about to use Seo Ga-yeon as an excuse, Ershil stepped in to manage the situation.

“Mr. Lee Seo-ha is still recovering from the aftereffects of the Black Sun War, so he needs to rest. Please contact him later.”

She expressed this meaning with an exceptionally long-winded explanation.

“Well, considering the rumor that you subdued the true form of the Evil God…”

“And now they say you’re about to undergo Molting? I heard the Transcendents and the Association are already gathering the materials for it.”

Thankfully, the people made way.

Even the reporters kept their distance, nervously snapping photos from afar.

“It’s because you’re the youngest Transcendent.”

“Huh?”

“Your strength already surpasses that of other Transcendents, so what happens when you actually become one? You’re likely to dominate Korea in the future. And since you’re still young, they probably think crossing you now would make living here impossible.”

“Ah…”

Ershil’s explanation made their behavior understandable.

“Let’s head to the guild quickly. I heard there’s someone there who handles things brilliantly.”

“…Y-Yeah.”

After introducing Ershil to the Electronic Witch,

I quickly escaped to the training hall.

Something about the atmosphere felt off.

It reminded me of when my ex-girlfriend and another ex met, with one becoming the ex during the process.

‘Is she aiming for the secretary position?’

But I wouldn’t pursue the Electronic Witch.

She was incredibly competent. Someday, Ershil would likely acknowledge her abilities.

Thinking this, I headed toward the training hall.

The training hall was equipped with top-tier facilities and was durable enough to withstand most attacks.

‘But this isn’t enough.’

A more open space would be better.

Combining the forces of black and blue, and practicing the unnamed martial arts passed down by the Heavenly Demon and Kim Seo-hyun, required such a place.

As I trained my body and took moments to rest, I thought about Transcendents.

A Transcendent…

They were those who transcended a specific field, achieving unparalleled mastery.

The powers I possessed were refined to near perfection. In gaming terms, it was akin to the final job advancement.

“And it’s done in a public space, like a public execution.”

Not only that…

The “Will of the World” seemed to bestow a fitting title upon you.

The Emperor, who was once the Puppeteer, and the Overlord, who earned his current name, were prime examples.

Visit fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm for the best novel reading experi𝒆nce.

“At least I don’t have to worry about the Black Flame Dragon anymore.”

The materials weren’t an issue either.

The process of gathering the materials required to become a Transcendent was usually quite a hassle, but since other Transcendents had agreed to help, they’d take care of it.

Enhancing the power of Blue can be managed solely through dragon veins.

The issue lay with Black power…

“Black is a bit tricky.”

Black negated mana.

It could only be enhanced through powers related to Defying Heaven, Boundaries, Forms, and the Abyss.

Alternatively, it could be enhanced through divinity.

I still had some divinity left from what I took from Zeus. Perhaps I could use that for enhancement…

“A god?”

Now that I thought about it, there was also a god slumbering inside me.

The Black God.

The being that once tried to take over my body.

The Absolute Stat of Black consumed the Black God’s mind on its own and has been digesting it within me.

If I use the remnants of the Black God left in my body for enhancement, it might not be much of an issue.

…Then.

Just as I reached that thought, I sensed two presences approaching the entrance of my training hall.

“Ershil and the Electronic Witch?”

Why were those two together?

Before I could ponder further, the Electronic Witch knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

I opened the door using Nyeom.

Time passed quickly.

The Transcendents gathered the materials necessary for my Molting.

While spending my time training in the hall, I managed to acquire a few items they couldn’t.

“Just borrowing it for a little while, okay?”

“H-Hah…my, my treasures…”

During the process, I borrowed treasures from the dragonkin.

And exactly one month after I arrived in Korea.

The Dragon Vein.

I was ready to undergo Molting there.