WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Coughing Baby

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◈ Surviving in the Magic Academy

Chapter 185

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185.

It did not take long to persuade Blood Axe in the treasure vault. From Blood Axe’s perspective, it probably had no choice. Life in the tower would become difficult if it did not repay its debt.

Refusing the debt and running away was impossible too. Its main body was trapped in the vault, so where could it go? If it pretended not to know about the debt it owed me, I could simply bind it again beneath the happiness created by Ring of the Sky.

After rotting there for a few more years, it would surely start wanting to pay the debt back. Fortunately, Blood Axe decided to repay it thanks to my persuasion. In other words, it agreed to move however I ordered.

With that, Blood Axe was firmly bound to me. Still, if I used only the whip, resistance was bound to grow fierce. Blood Axe’s power was incredibly strong, so I needed to respect that as well.

In that sense, this job could be called beneficial for Blood Axe too. I gave a small smile to Blood Axe, which was floating in the air and leaking magical power.

“If this matter is resolved smoothly, I will write off about ten percent of your debt. So I hope you will do your best.”

-Slaughter!

Blood Axe shook its body and spat out agreement. It seemed to like the idea of having a whole ten percent of its debt reduced. I stroked my chin as I watched Blood Axe innocently leak magical power. It probably thought it would pay off the debt it owed me soon.

But whether things would really go the way Blood Axe thought was another matter. The debt it owed was growing with compound interest. That was something it had agreed to from the moment I lent Blood Axe points.

The ten percent that vanished inside that compound interest magic would clearly be restored in no time. Blood Axe did not seem to know that yet. I gave a light shrug.

There was no need for me to go out of my way to tell it. I had already warned it several times. I had explained plenty to Blood Axe about debt and work.

But Blood Axe often failed to focus on what I was saying. It was the same now. Blood Axe was looking around and scattering magical power in every direction. I could understand why.

I slowly looked around as well. A vast view of trees and mountains filled my sight. It was the usual scene, nothing especially remarkable.

But to Blood Axe, that ordinary sight was as wondrous as anything could be. This was outside the tower, the place Blood Axe had wanted so badly to leave.

Right now, we were on our way to the city. I quietly stroked the turtle’s head. It let out a lazy yawn with a meeeng.

Blood Axe was fully enjoying the freedom it had not felt in so long. The same was true for me. I stretched out my short arms and legs and let out a satisfied laugh.

How long had it been since I felt this comfortable? As I leisurely stared ahead, I felt magical power ripple. Something was approaching from the opposite side of the path the turtle was taking.

When I filled my eyes with magical power and looked, I saw a group of magical beasts running toward us. They must have sensed the turtle’s magical power and decided it was prey they could hunt.

It made sense for the magical beasts to think so. The turtle was sturdy, but it was not an existence with a huge amount of magical power. Perhaps because of that, the magical beasts moved without the slightest hesitation.

It was the exact opposite of how they had fled after sensing magical power last time. Most likely, that was because the beings with overwhelming magical power were not with me. They really were creatures that instinctively coveted magical power.

I quietly stroked my chin. Mira had stayed in the tower to manage the treasures. She was there to suppress the treasures in case they ran wild while the assignment was underway.

If both she and I left the tower, there would be no one to stop the treasures except Professor. That was why she had stayed in the tower with a regretful look. Thanks to that, I had gained freedom like this.

A quiet smile formed on my lips. Even though I would be tied up in her arms again once I returned to the tower, this brief sense of liberation made me forget even that worry.

It had been a long time since I went to the city like this by myself. Maybe that was why it felt rather new. Of course, saying I had come alone was not quite accurate.

-Slaughter?

Blood Axe smacked its lips while looking at the approaching group of magical beasts. After waking up, Blood Axe had not eaten anything. And now it had been dragged outside in an offshoot body like this. Naturally, it could not help feeling hungry.

Its desire to fill itself with magical power right away was rippling. Perhaps because of that, Blood Axe began filling its axe blade with magical power, as if it wanted to taste blood for the first time in ages.

The magical power swaying along the blade was brutally savage. Blood Axe tried to shoot forward. But its movement was stopped at once. A hand had grabbed its handle.

“Slaughter!”

Rabbit grabbed Blood Axe, which had been floating in the air, and frowned. Then she poured magical power into its body and smacked the side of the blood-red blade. Within Rabbit’s magical power, Blood Axe’s magical power quickly scattered.

“Slaughter, slaughter.... Slaughter!”

I could feel her will telling it not to run wild on its own. Rabbit shook Blood Axe around as if scolding it. Watching that, I let out a small laugh. Rabbit was handling Blood Axe so well that I did not even need to touch it.

I had once torn off part of Blood Axe’s body and made an axe that suited Rabbit. That had also been included in the debt reduction. Of course, it had soon swollen again inside the compound interest magic.

The offshoot body Blood Axe was currently inside had been formed based on that axe. I had tried to breathe Blood Axe into the axe, just as Blood Axe had once performed its own ritual. And now, I had obtained a successful result like this.

I watched Blood Axe flounder while bound in Rabbit’s hand. As that showed, the offshoot body was completely subordinated to Rabbit. That was thanks to the subordinate relationship engraved into Rabbit during the ritual for creating the offshoot body.

And that was possible because Rabbit was an existence with Blood Axe’s power. Things with the same power naturally influenced one another.

If Rabbit had not existed, I would not have thought of bringing Blood Axe outside like this. Blood Axe had also agreed to this subordinate relationship without hesitation. That was because I had brought up the possibility of going outside.

From Blood Axe’s perspective, it was not a losing deal. That was an offshoot body anyway. It could be called a separate existence from the main body in the vault. At the same time, an offshoot body naturally shared memories with the main body.

So Blood Axe was clearly satisfied just being able to see the outside world like this. And that was what I wanted. Nibbling away piece by piece like this.

This was no different from the process of placing Blood Axe under my influence. If I bound its power every time it unconsciously leaked it, later on, I would be able to openly use it however I pleased. At that thought, I let out a light laugh.

Had it sensed something ominous? Blood Axe shuddered. But Rabbit was firmly holding its body. As long as Rabbit stayed by my side like that, Blood Axe would not be able to think of anything else.

No matter how far away it was, the magical power of subordination acted absolutely. Rabbit lightly shook Blood Axe. Behind Rabbit, I could see a small Professor.

That was my other inner demon that had awakened this time, Armor. Wearing thick armor, it was looking around with a blank face.

“How is it? Does it seem all right?”

I approached Armor and patted its head. It slightly lowered its visor and nodded. Facing me still seemed awkward for it.

I gave a light shrug. It had probably only been a short time since it awakened. It could get used to things little by little. I continued stroking its head.

Originally, I had not planned to bring this one along for this matter. We were only going to stay in the city for a short while anyway. But Rabbit, who was supposed to accompany me this time, brought Armor out, saying she would let it see the outside.

At first, I was flustered, but seeing it now, I felt it had been somewhat worthwhile. The visor hid its face, but I could still notice the sparkling eyes beyond it.

This friend had also stepped into reality for the first time after leaving my dream. It was also the first time it had seen the outside of the tower. From Armor, I could faintly feel a delighted will.

Only these two were going with me to the city. Maybe that was why the current group felt a little strange. It had been a long time since I went to the city with only my puppets like this.

I let out a small laugh and sent my will to the turtle. The turtle received my signal and cried, meeeng. I could feel delight from it too.

The turtle increased its speed and charged toward the group of magical beasts. The magical beasts clung to its legs and swarmed over it. The magical power swaying from them was quite fierce.

But their attacks could not pierce the turtle’s shell. Instead, the claws and teeth they thrust out only snapped off. The turtle let out a happy cry and swallowed the magical beasts one after another.

Just like that, the dozens of magical beasts were sucked into the turtle’s mouth. The surroundings became clean in an instant. After cleanly swallowing the magical power as well, the turtle let out a small burp.

Magical beasts at this level were more than manageable for the turtle alone. The magical beasts would be cleanly dismantled and sorted inside the turtle. I lightly tapped the turtle’s head.

I had felt it secretly dissolving a few magical beasts and turning them into its own magical power. Those could all be called points too. So they had to be handled carefully. At my warning, the turtle let out a dispirited meeeng.

I lightly shook my head at the sight. Then I allowed it to have a few. It had been a long time since it ate magical beasts, so it should get to enjoy them too. The turtle let out a satisfied cry and slowly dissolved the magical beasts.

After devouring the magical beasts, the turtle moved with even stronger steps. Its gait had no hesitation at all. Magical beasts continued rushing at the turtle as if bewitched, only to be eaten and vanish in an instant.

I glanced behind me. The path the turtle had walked was stained with broken trees and magical beast blood. It had left a very clear trail.

But that trail would be filled in again in less than a week. The magical power surrounding the university amplified the growth of everything. Even now, I could see new stems rising from the broken trees.

That regenerative power was also the reason a road to the city could not be made. I had not known how something like that was possible before, but after meeting the president, I finally understood. It was because this continent was based on the corpse of a turtle.

The dead naturally wished to be alive. This magical power of growth bloomed from that foundation. It was not easy to overcome that magical power and make a road.

It was a shame. If we could make even one road connecting to the city, interacting with the city would become much easier. But if that had been possible, others would definitely have laid all kinds of roads to the university long ago.

Still, I needed to think of some method. For what came later, a connection with the city was essential. I quietly sank into thought and felt around for possibilities.

And while my thoughts flowed, the turtle quickly moved its feet as well. We arrived at the city after only a few hours. Like that, I reached the city and set foot on the dock.

I felt my heavy shoulder. The turtle was hanging from it, perhaps because my body had grown smaller. After stroking its head, I looked around. The dock was crowded with people.

Was it because it found people fascinating? Blood Axe floated into the air and began giving off magical power. The people who felt Blood Axe’s magical power stopped walking and looked at it. But soon, they ignored it and headed out of the dock.

That was because Rabbit had grabbed Blood Axe again and was scolding it fiercely. The magical power rising from Blood Axe melted cleanly before Rabbit’s nagging.

For some reason, though, I could feel a slight hesitation from Rabbit as well. I stroked Rabbit’s head. Even while scolding Blood Axe, part of her must have wanted to play too.

“Hold back just a little. Once we deliver the item, I’ll let you play as much as you want.”

“Slaughter!”

Rabbit raised a hand high and smiled. Armor, who had been hiding behind her, quietly smiled too. I led the two of them and slipped into the flow of people.

We were heading to the trading company at the center of the city. I was going to meet Hwaryeong, just like before. When I took out the token and went forward, I arrived before a door.

It was Hwaryeong’s office. When I opened the door and entered, my eyes met Hwaryeong’s as she sat at her desk. She smiled and created several chairs across from herself.

I slightly lowered my head and sat down. The other two followed me and sat in the prepared chairs. Hwaryeong tilted her head while looking at us. I could glimpse interest from her.

“You are all cute. You too, Evron. It looks like your childhood appearance. How did you end up in that body?”

“I apologize for meeting you in this form. I have a promise with Mira, you see. I only changed bodies for a short while, so I will return to my original form by our next meeting.”

I shook my head with a bitter smile. At that, Hwaryeong rested her chin on her hand and stared intently at me. Soon, she shrugged and smiled with her eyes.

“That’s a shame. Personally, I like your current appearance more. So, what brings you here this time?”

Hwaryeong drew the Perfect Tea magic and poured it into teacups. A sweet aroma rose from them. She held them out to us. Her gesture was somehow full of goodwill.

I quietly accepted one and smacked my lips. It seemed this childlike appearance had made Hwaryeong like me even more. Why had it turned out like this?

I could not understand it. Giving goodwill just because someone looked immature was not very mage-like.

I glanced down at my body. Was there some effect in this young appearance that I did not know about? Like how Hao made inhuman beings feel fondness. Perhaps it needed a little research.

Of course, right now, there was a more important matter to discuss. I quietly faced Hwaryeong and opened my mouth.

“I came because the treasure’s preparations are now complete.”

“Aha, I was wondering when you would send it. The timing is perfect.”

Hwaryeong narrowed her eyes and felt around her teacup. I nodded while looking at her. I had already entrusted everything about the entrance exam to Hwaryeong.

I knew her competence well, so I had no worries. After receiving the work from me, she often sent progress reports to the tower about how she was preparing. The way she handled things, as I confirmed through those reports, was extremely clean, just as I expected.

From my perspective, there was nothing to touch, nor any need to. The reason I had come to see her again anyway was to deliver an essential element for the exam’s structure. It was something she could not secure on her own.

I glanced at Rabbit. Rabbit, who had been sipping tea, took Blood Axe out from her arms. Perhaps because the hand suppressing it was gone, Blood Axe floated into the air and flashed.

Blood Axe faced Hwaryeong’s magical power, then slightly flashed its blade. Soon, it shook its body with a little fighting spirit. It had clearly judged Hwaryeong to be a suitable opponent for satisfying its desire.

Of course, Blood Axe’s body toppled over in an instant. Rabbit had pulled Blood Axe close and smacked its side. At that, Blood Axe scattered all the magical power that had been rippling and groaned.

I glanced at Hwaryeong. The fact that Blood Axe reacted like that meant she also had excellent talent. Blood Axe only faced those with talent.

As someone from a great family, that talent would not have gone anywhere. Hwaryeong looked at Blood Axe, her eyes sparkling.

“Is that the treasure you prepared? Its power does not fall short compared to the ones I have seen so far. As expected of Professor Irian’s treasure. It almost makes me want to take the class too. I’ve been hearing good rumors lately.”

Hwaryeong smiled slightly at me. Facing her, I nodded. I had invested a lot for this lecture. It seemed my efforts were showing results.

“Unfortunately, the next lecture will also be aimed at the second and third floors. Someday, I will try to prepare a seat for Hwaryeong. For now, please be satisfied with this.”

I jerked my chin toward Blood Axe. Blood Axe felt my gaze and flashed its blade. I could glimpse plenty of expectation from it. Well, that made sense. This time, it would be facing a large number of mages.

Blood Axe was scheduled to handle the conclusion of the entrance exam. Taking the treasure out like this had also received Professor’s permission. Professor was the one in charge of the entrance exam, after all.

The entrance exam naturally showed the traits of the professor in charge. Just as shadows had connected the path in the entrance exam I passed. Because of that, our exam also had to show Professor’s traits.

I could immediately think of what that was. There was clearly nothing but treasures. So we needed to display a treasure. Professor did not strongly reject my idea. Rather, she seemed to enjoy it.

It seemed she wanted to see Blood Axe strike down mages. I had felt this in the tower too, but she definitely loved watching fights. Thanks to that, I did not need to persuade her much.

This exam would display Blood Axe’s main body. Of course, there would be restrictions placed on its power. So I also needed to manage it thoroughly. If it ran away, I would definitely not like what followed.

“That sounds fun. As I felt just now, its power is amazing too. It should grab the viewers’ attention at once.”

Hwaryeong stroked her chin and spoke. I nodded with a smile. There were many problems with taking Blood Axe out. Even so, I had worked to bring it out like this because this could be called a kind of opportunity.

The entrance exam was an event watched by many people. It was meant to judge the talent of those participating in the exam. Although Arcana General Trading Company would take priority rights for recruitment, there were still those who took the lower priorities.

So I intended to turn the entrance evaluation hall into a demonstration site for the treasure. I wanted to show the treasure’s value in advance before the next lecture began. Then more people would definitely become interested in the lecture.

Going further, it would also become a demonstration site for my puppets. I quietly sipped my tea. Somehow, it felt as if the sweet scent of gold brushed past the tip of my nose.

Through this entrance exam, I intended to catch two rabbits at once. Of course, to do that, this exam needed to conclude perfectly.

Hwaryeong seemed to read my thoughts and narrowed her eyes. Deep sadism rippled in those eyes of hers. That sharp look could be called her true nature.

That was why I had personally come to see Hwaryeong like this. I wanted to consult her on what structure would create the best effect when placing Blood Axe, and how much we could torment the mages.

She would definitely think of methods even I could not imagine. I took a paper from my arms. It was something where I had written Blood Axe’s power and desires in detail while researching it. Hwaryeong examined it and stroked her chin.

“With this, how about changing it like this?”

She spoke while taking out the structure diagram of the evaluation hall she had given me before. I nodded along with that gesture. As expected, I had not misjudged her. The structure she newly changed was truly excellent.

I could not afford to lose either. I had to protect my pride as a repeat student. I reached out and created a new structure. Then I met Hwaryeong’s eyes.

“That is good too. Then how about this?”

“Oh my, I think that is good as well. Everyone will suffer.”

Like that, we smiled at each other. The conversation proceeded very smoothly. Beside us, Rabbit stroked Blood Axe with a somewhat disgusted face.

“Slaughter....”

-Slaughter....

I glanced at the two whispering to each other. They were avoiding my gaze and lightly whistling. Why were they acting like that? I stroked my chin for a moment, then turned my head again. There was still much left to discuss.

As expected, talking with someone who understood me was very enjoyable. Like that, we smiled at each other and refined the structure of the evaluation hall. And at the end of it, we obtained a satisfying result.

“I think this much will do.”

I quietly nodded. Then I sent Rabbit a look along with my will. At that, Rabbit handed Blood Axe over to Hwaryeong. Hwaryeong touched Blood Axe and laughed.

Blood Axe’s magical power was needed to construct the evaluation hall. That was why I had brought it in an offshoot body. I could not bring out the main body, after all. Since it was subordinated to Rabbit, it definitely could not run away.

“I’ll handle the rest now, so you can come when the exam begins. This should be very fun.”

“Then I will trust you.”

It had been worth coming after all. After that, I continued talking with her. It was only after a long time had passed that I left the trading company.

I glanced at Rabbit. Rabbit was stroking her side, perhaps because it felt empty after leaving Blood Axe behind. Armor was half-asleep, as if the conversation had been boring.

I stroked both of their heads and looked around. The work was done, so now it was time to play. I needed to give Armor a satisfying enough experience.

And experiences like that naturally came from food. I still had not forgotten the feeling of the food I tasted when I first entered the city.

Like that, after spending points and playing in the city for quite a while, I left the city together with the two, who had enjoyed themselves to their hearts’ content. Half asleep, the two leaned against me on the turtle’s back.

Looking at them, I nodded. Aside from them, there were many inner demons waiting to awaken. I needed to give them this kind of joy too. That was the promise, after all.

The path back to the tower passed peacefully. And the time afterward passed peacefully as well.

The two months given for my assignment had already passed.

And that also meant this long five-year lecture had come to an end.

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