While superstitions were prevalent on Earth, most of them remained mere beliefs due to my absence.

However, the superstitions in the Aether World were different.

Though their magical principles couldn't be scientifically proven, many of them showcased tangible effects thanks to the existence of mana.

Hae Tae-Ryung took it upon himself to thoroughly study and compile those mystical arts into a book.

He discovered that all of nature was infused with vital energy known as "Jeonggi" (正 氣), which could be categorized into Yin (陰) and Yang (陽).

These opposing forces harmoniously cycled, giving rise to the infinite energy called "mana."

*{TN:- "Jeonggi" (正 氣) is a term in Korean that translates to "vital energy" or "positive energy." It is a concept rooted in traditional Korean, Chinese, and East Asian philosophies and is similar to the Chinese term "Qi" (氣) or "Chi." Jeonggi is believed to be the fundamental life force that permeates all living things and the natural world.

In traditional Eastern medicine, martial arts, and other practices, cultivating and balancing one's Jeonggi or Qi is considered essential for maintaining health, promoting well-being, and achieving physical and mental harmony.

It is often associated with the concept of Yin and Yang, and the balance of these forces is believed to be crucial for optimal health and vitality.}*

**[Mages harnessed mana in their breaths, but they deviated from the laws of nature. They centered the process around their hearts, possibly due to having smaller containers within themselves.

However, true mana circulation should revolve solely around nature as its center.

Ki (氣) was divided into five elements: Wood (목), Fire (화), Metal (금), Water (수), and Earth (토), collectively referred to as the Five Elements or Wu Xing (五行). As for my utilization of these elements… (continuation).]

Blah! Blah! Blah!

Nevertheless, the text described a unique method that intertwined superstition and magic in the art of breathing.
To be honest, Baek Yu-Seol found it challenging to grasp fully.

Admittedly, his intellect wasn't exceptional.

However, he decided to follow the instructions in the secret manual diligently.

At first glance, it might appear simple, just ordinary breathing technique, right?

Yet, it proved to be incredibly arduous and demanding.

Every inhalation required intense focus, imagination, and the release of energy, all while connecting with the essence of nature.

So, he spent an entire day repeating these intricate movements.

He drew special symbols on the ground, experimented with yoga-like postures, and explored a plethora of peculiar techniques.

After a sleepless night...

[The skill 'Tae-Ryung's Breath Technique' has been acquired.]

Finally, the breathing technique was recognized as a skill.

Similar things had happened during his gaming days, but this was the first time since his return to reality.

[A self-registered skill can be further researched to enhance or refine its power.]

[The skill 'Breath of the Spirit' is now considered a sub-skill of 'Tae-Ryung's Breath Technique.']

[The skill 'Tae-Ryung's Breath Technique’ has been strengthened.]

['Tae-Ryung's Breath Technique’]

[Harmonize breath with the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements for communion with nature's essence.]

[By utilizing this skill, the rate of mana circulation in the bloodstream increases, with proficiency determining the potency.]

[Environmental factors enable the infusion of mana with the attributes of the Five Elements.]

['Tae-Ryung's Breath Technique’ also resonates with other breathing techniques, attuning to the mysteries of Yin and Yang.]

[Breath of the Spirit Lv.1]

This was the effect of 'Tae-Ryung's Breath Technique’.

Though there might not be a significant boost in immediate ability, the rate of mana circulation in the bloodstream governed his overall capabilities and offensive strength.

Until now, elevating that mana circulation rate had been an exhausting endeavor.

No amount of breathing technique could achieve it.

There had to be a reason for this.

It truly amazed him how insightful the ancestors were—Yin and Yang, the Five Elements. He couldn’t fathom how they conceived such profound concepts.

Breath of the Spirit was now registered as a sub-skill of 'Tae-Ryung's Breath Technique’, and its effects had been greatly enhanced.

As he tried to breathe in the ordinary "Breath of the Spirit," he found himself attempting Tae-Ryung’s complex and systematic breathing method.

It was quite challenging at first.

Additionally, it seemed that the Breath of the Spirit itself had a remarkable effect on increasing the circulation of mana in his bloodstream.

If used carefully, it could yield significant results.

However, due to the issue of affinity with familiars, frequent use should be avoided.

Regardless, he successfully acquired the skill and immediately decided to try using Tae-Ryung’s Divine Art.

Of course, it wasn't as simple as shouting "Tae Ryung’s Breathing Technique Activate!"

With his current level of concentration, he had to sit still and focus for quite some time before the effect barely manifested.

[Tae Ryung’s Breathing Technique]

After about ten minutes of intense concentration, Tae Ryung’s Breathing Technique finally activated.

He checked the level of Mana Accumulation Retardation.

[Mana Accumulation Retardation Lv.3]

[Increased Strength: 08% (+17%)]

[Increased Agility: 12% (+29%)]

[Increased Sensitivity: 20% (+25%)]

[Intuition: Activated by consuming the user's mental strength. It detects mana phenomena within a radius of 24 meters and activates 'Cognition Acceleration.' It automatically triggers if the user is in danger.]

[Mana Concentration: Condenses the inhaled mana into one place and releases it.]

[Blood Mana Circulation Rate: 3% (+6%)]

"Unbelievable."

Even though he had just taken his first steps, the increase in abilities was tremendous.

He couldn't stop there.

Despite the pain as if his lungs were tearing apart, tears streaming down his cheeks, and cold sweat drenching his body, he didn't give up.

He activated Argento Sword.

[Mana Concentration]

The target was the Argento held in Baek Yu-Seol’s right hand... or rather, beyond the tip, the Argento itself.

In other words, he attempted to imbue the Argento with mana concentration.

It was challenging, but it was possible.

Aethor World's 'Character Baek Yu-Seol' had already achieved this, and as a Sword Master, he was a genius in swordsmanship, capable of releasing sword energy even without a mana-infused sword.

Crick...!!

From the tip of the Argento Sword, the shape of a sword began to manifest roughly, displaying a radiant afterglow, much like the last flame of a dying sun before flickering out.

"Kek, cough!"

The pain was so excruciating that his consciousness blurred for a moment.

Gasping for breath, Baek Yu-Seol clutched his chest in agony and dropped Argento Sword.

He rolled on the floor while holding his neck. It seemed that focusing on Tae-Ryung’s Breathing Technique and Mana Concentration at the same time was still too much for him.

However...

It wasn't impossible.

Although it required a high level of concentration to use Tae-Ryung’s Breathing Technique and Mana Concentration simultaneously, with gradual practice... someday, he would be able to use it freely.

There were no shortcuts on the path he was treading.

He could only move forward honestly, following the path left by his dear senior, Ha Tae-Ryung.

"Haha."

Perhaps because Baek Yu-Seol pushed himself a little too hard, his consciousness gradually faded.

It was Saturday, so taking a short nap wouldn't hurt, he thought... but it felt like that was just five minutes ago.

"What the..."

When he woke up, it was already Sunday evening.

—————

The Elf King's abode, the White Castle, had been left empty and hidden within the flower-covered ancient mountain range for a considerable time.

Despite being located in a fortress on the deep slopes of the ancient mountains, where most of the duties connecting the Heavenly Spirit Tree and the familiars could be carried out, there were still numerous tasks that couldn't be accomplished.

This was why having someone serve as the "Regent of the White Castle" was absolutely necessary.

The King's advisor, High Elf Orenha.

At the tender age of 10, he was recognized as a High Elf and possessed an extraordinary, quick-learning mind.

He delved into various fields, from magic, politics, and diplomacy to alchemy, design, cooking, painting, music, magitech, security, and many others.

Orenha's impressive array of qualifications made him a true elite among elites.

Although he was only 120 years old, his exceptional capabilities far surpassed anyone else at his young age, making his appointment as the King's regent a natural choice.

… Yet, the truth remained concealed from others.

Orenha's incredible competence was merely the result of a small process he undertook to become the Regent of the White Castle.

He was willing to sacrifice anything, even forsake all his titles and qualifications, for her sake.

"Your presence brings me great joy.”

Florin expressed while graciously serving tea to Orenha.

The curse's impact strictly forbade her from engaging in any outdoor activities, and she refrained from even showing her face to Stella's students.

{TN:- Florin will be consistently pronounced as she/her from now on. I will be editing the previous chapters as well.}

Hearing her voice directly or breathing the same air as her posed a considerable risk.

However, Orenha was immune to her curse. He surpassed anyone else she knew in this aspect.

Despite countless occasions of hearing her voice, his heart remained unfazed.

‘Still, I cannot reveal my face to him....’

Orenha's appointment as the King's regent was not only due to his unmatched abilities, but also because he was the only one able to share the same air and engage in direct conversations with her.

For Florin, he played the role of a stabilizer. These small moments of conversation brought joy to her life, even as she couldn't meet or talk to people freely.

… But how would she know?

Orenha had been under Florin’s curse for quite some time, all due to a minor incident triggered by his pure curiosity.

Florin usually managed to keep herself concealed and maintain her cleanliness within the stronghold.

However, on that particular night when the moon rose, fate led to a complete break in the stronghold's main water pipe.

She had no choice but to secretly head to the lake for a bath.

That day, by the lakeside, Florin was the first to undress and relished the feeling of the cool breeze on her face.

In a fleeting moment, she sensed a gaze directed at her and quickly stood up, on guard.

Thankfully, it turned out to be a passing wild animal.

Then and now, Florin remained unaware.

The true identity of that gaze was young Orenha's.

He had come to find her, having heard that she had ventured out, longing to catch even a brief glimpse of her.

That gaze from beyond her sight...

With the ability to see from a distance, he could easily recognize Florin’s face even from afar.

He was quick on his feet, skillfully avoiding detection whenever she seemed to catch on.

Somehow, he had become the type to steal secret glances at Florin’s face.

Orenha vividly remembered that day; even on a chilly moonlit night, he couldn't tear his gaze away from her.

Her white hair resembled the Bingsu Ice Desert, shimmered with an icy brilliance, and her eyes, like stars, were more enchanting than any celestial body in this world.

Since that day, he hadn't been able to forget her face for a single moment.

On occasion, she would tell Orenha almost out of habit.

"If you see my face, you'll be cursed and die."

At first, he didn't grasp the meaning, but now he understood.

Was it really a curse to fall in love with her if that love could never be realized?

Perhaps, instead, it was destined to become a profound and endless affection that would only ever be directed towards her – a beautiful love beyond comparison.

‘It's futile to attempt it conventionally.’

Yet, he had spent decades trying to win Florin’s heart.

She had never seen him as a man.

Now, it seemed like there were limited options left.

Even if the Fairy Forest were tainted with dark magic, even if the Heavenly Spirit Tree were to be reduced to ashes, and even if all the tribes were to succumb to corruption, none of it mattered as long as he could make her gaze belong solely to him.

As long as he could make her love him...

Orenha was prepared to do whatever it took.

"You could attend the award ceremony this time."

"Yes, it's not a difficult task."

"Hoho, that's true. Unlike me, Orenha is adept even in public settings."

"You flatter me."

He wondered about the face hidden behind her mask. He was curious about the way she smiled.

He longed to seize the mask at that very moment, to confirm the shimmering golden hue of her eyes.

"Are you alright?"

"Ah, it's nothing."

"Thank goodness. Well then, I shall take my leave now."

Already?

Opportunities to be alone with her were rare.

Yet, they had to part so soon.

Regretfully, Orenha tried to detain her.

"Is there something urgent you need to attend to?"

"Ah... yes. It's a personal matter. You don't need to worry about it.”

Florin replied with a somber expression.

Celestia had fallen asleep, and the young boy's whereabouts remained a mystery.

Thus, she had to return to the White Castle before dawn.

But her thoughts were still tangled.

When would Celestia awaken?

She wanted to be there when the time was right.

And how could she uncover the boy's true identity?

It wasn't her place to use the power of the Heavenly Spirit Tree for such personal matters.

... As Florin’s mood settled a bit, Oren gently stroked his chin.

'A personal matter, huh...'

He could sense her emotions shifting, and being sensitive to personal matters, he could make a reasonable guess about what it was.

Perhaps, she was on the hunt for the spirit killer.

That was indeed an intriguing prospect for Orenha as well.

Frankly, whether it was Celestia or any other who had been killed didn't matter much to him.

However, if he could just apprehend the spirit killer...

Would there be a hint of affection in the way Florin looked at him?

Of course, finding the elusive spirit killer, even for someone as skilled as Orenha, wouldn't be an easy task.

Pushing aside these idle thoughts, Orenha rose from his seat.

Stella Academy.

Attending a human magic school was quite a bother, but for Orenha, he would do whatever it takes.

"I'll make my way there."