Kkot Seorin dragged her weary body toward Ifanel’s garden.

Though she hadn’t sustained any significant injuries in her fight with Cheoriban, the immense drain on her energy and mana had left her with a throbbing headache. But checking on Ifanel’s condition took priority.

*Is that… a fragrance?*

Upon reaching Ifanel’s garden, Kkot Seorin noticed a subtle change in the atmosphere, tilting her head in curiosity. She hurried into the garden’s depths, but instead of sensing anything ominous, she felt oddly comforted. It was a gentle, pleasant fragrance—surprisingly refreshing, given that the garden was otherwise filled with foul, stagnant energy.

"Ah...!"

There she saw Ifanel, standing with her hands clasped together in silent prayer, still surrounded by the taint but distinctly different from the last time Kkot Seorin had seen her.

“A heart…”

The violet-tinted space around Ifanel now shimmered with a delicate glow of green and yellow, like a small flame flickering over her chest. The aura was faint but undeniably divine.

It was… the sacred energy of Ifanel, a spirit capable of purifying the taint that polluted the World Tree.

“You’ve returned…”

Kkot Seorin approached Ifanel cautiously and gently caressed her cheek.

The mysterious barrier surrounding her had long since vanished.

Though Ifanel didn’t respond and kept her eyes closed, her calm acceptance of Kkot Seorin’s touch was a sign that she welcomed her presence.

Kkot Seorin caressed Ifanel’s face, studying her features. Ever since she was a child, the **Resonating Charm Physique** had kept Kkot Seorin from connecting with others, making true conversation impossible.

Ifanel had been her sole companion, listening to Kkot Seorin’s stories with wise, pure eyes despite her childlike mind.

In truth, they had needed each other.

Ifanel couldn’t leave this place, and Kkot Seorin’s curse prevented her from forming bonds with others.

“I’m so relieved… truly.”

More than anyone, Kkot Seorin was the happiest to see Ifanel’s return.

Though her curse had weakened over time, allowing her to meet new people and connect sincerely with others, the reunion with her most cherished friend—the one who’d shared her lonely days—was more precious than anything.

And…

Kkot Seorin’s face softened into a smile as she thought of the young man who had brought Ifanel back.

As she stroked Ifanel’s cheek, she savored the soft texture of her skin.

Though Ifanel couldn’t speak just yet, Kkot Seorin knew that would change soon. Now that her heart had returned, she’d recover in time and return to her former self.

“Just like before… I’ll tell you stories. And this time, I’d love to hear your stories too, Ifanel.”

Kkot Seorin pressed her lips gently against Ifanel’s forehead, her heart filled with hope for the day they’d meet again as before.

---

When Baek Yuseol opened his eyes, it was the weekend.

The last date he remembered before passing out was also a weekend, so this felt like a stroke of luck. But soon, he frowned, massaging his forehead.

From the second semester onward, practice sessions counted toward his grades, and absences could be a serious setback.

For someone like Baek Yuseol, who aimed to graduate without studying too hard, practice was essential.

“…Ugh…”

Looking around, he saw a familiar room welcoming him.

The infirmary at Stella Academy.

The usual Stella hospital gown.

As always, after a fierce battle and collapse, he ended up back here.

It was strange that the academy hadn’t imposed any restrictions on him, considering he often caused trouble outside the school.

*I survived… again…*

Baek Yuseol lifted his gaze to read the floating system message.

It congratulated him on clearing an episode ahead of schedule and promised a “something special” reward.

But that wasn’t what mattered to him now.

Baek Yuseol recalled the moment right before he blacked out, and a thrill ran through his entire body.

*I landed a blow on Cheoriban.*

The weak, frail Baek Yuseol had done it.

Though Cheoriban’s invincibility had been disabled, he was still a formidable black mage, a warrior who had honed his martial skills to survive using just his body before he gained a protective blessing.

Although players had often underestimated his magical attack power, Cheoriban’s physical attack prowess was significant.

After all, he was a high-level black mage. His skills wouldn’t fade so easily.

And Baek Yuseol had managed to drive a sword into his chest.

That moment…

He remembered that sensation clearly.

It was as if…

Time had slowed to a crawl. Every falling leaf seemed frozen in place, every ripple in a droplet caught mid-air as if suspended.

The swirling sand, the trembling in Cheoriban’s pupils, the twisting of his muscles and joints…

Baek Yuseol could see it all.

In that frozen world, Baek Yuseol focused solely on Cheoriban.

Though his attack appeared flawless, Cheoriban had calculated every angle, even predicting Baek’s teleportation and closing all avenues of escape. But Baek Yuseol had spotted an opening.

An instant felt like eternity, and in that split second, he controlled his teleportation to exploit Cheoriban’s vulnerability.

*I’ve won.*

The thought crossed his mind—a perfectly timed strike.

But in the end…

*I didn’t hit his heart.*

In the critical moment, Cheoriban had deflected Baek Yuseol’s sword using his dark energy—a response so fast it defied logic.

Until now, no one had been able to react to Baek’s teleportation speed.

*I could’ve won if only…*

If he’d had a bit more experience.

If he’d mastered the **Full Focus** ability of the **Spring Blessing** he’d received from Yeonhong Chun Samwol.

It might sound arrogant for someone with only 3-4 stars in ability to think so, but in this world, power wasn’t everything.

Just as a 3rd-class mage could defeat a 6th-class mage with the right strategy, experience was key.

Baek Yuseol lacked experience.

While his extensive PvP experience in *Aether World Online* might have worked against younger mages, it was ineffective against the real deal—Cheoriban.

From now on, Baek Yuseol would be facing opponents of Cheoriban’s caliber.

*I must master Full Focus…*

The Full Focus skill seemed too unique to be a mere byproduct of Yeonhong Chun Samwol’s blessing.

In that timeless world, he’d vaguely sensed the presence of Eunsae Shibilwol.

*Combining two blessings to create a single derived skill…*

He’d never heard of such a case, but it wasn’t impossible. Baek Yuseol was certain.

If he combined the blessings he held—Cheongdong Shibiwol, Eunsae Shibilwol, and Yeonhong Chun Samwol—he could gain a unique power on par with the main characters.

*I can’t sit around like this.*

Baek Yuseol leaped out of bed and rushed toward the S-Class training ground.

“Oh? S-Sir, you need more rest!”

“There’s no time for that.”

The nurse tried to stop him, but he hastily discharged himself and left.

“Oh dear…”

Seeing him stubbornly head to the training grounds despite his injuries, the nurse could only shake her head in exasperation.

Soon, word spread through the academy about “the lunatic who trains despite his injuries,” and Baek Yuseol’s name was on everyone’s lips.

“So, he’s even crazier than I thought.”

Upon hearing the news, Pung Harang, an S-Class student, let out a bitter chuckle.

After skipping classes for a week, he’d heard that Baek Yuseol had suddenly fought a black mage and ended up in the infirmary. It was beyond ridiculous.

No one knew the identity of his opponent, but given that Baek Yuseol had been injured, the students speculated it must have been a formidable black mage.

“Even though he’s started training, I doubt he’ll participate in the League of Spirits with his injuries, right?”

Pung Harang didn’t respond to his friend Mac, who genuinely hoped Baek Yuseol wouldn’t enter.

“Honestly, I hope he doesn’t. He takes all the glory whenever he competes.”

“He wasn’t on the official list of participants anyway. It’s impossible for him to join now.”

“Well, you never know. Maybe he’ll pull a move like Flame, who didn’t plan to participate but was forced in by that Skalben prince.”

“Oh, man, I’d love to team up with someone like Flame. Why is my team all sweaty guys?”

Hearing Mac’s muttering, Pung Harang glared at him.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that? You look scary with that scowl.”

“...Sorry.”

“You… you don’t have a thing for Flame, do you?”

Pung Harang’s eyes widened in genuine surprise.

“No, mind your own business.”

“Oh, fine. Could you relax that glare? I’d rather not go down as Stella’s first cadet killed by a stare.”

Mac quickly excused himself, claiming he had another class.

Pung Harang figured it was more likely that he just wanted to tease him.

Grabbing his books, Pung Harang headed to the study room. Saturdays were for self-study, but even on weekends, they kept up with their studies.

As he walked toward the exclusive S-Class building, Pung Harang noticed

 a familiar face.

“C’mon, trust me, just try it once?”

“Hmm… I’m not really into sports.”

“Seriously? With that build? Angel, back me up here.”

“Well… I’m not really interested…”

“Oh, no, you have to!”

“Why, though…?”

“Because you’re gorgeous!”

Angel, Flame, and Mayuseong—the top students, each consistently ranking within the top five. Their presence drew attention, with passing students sneaking glances their way.

*League of Spirits…*

Mac’s words were true. Flame was indeed gathering team members.

“Then, how about this? I’ll make you an irresistible offer.”

While Angel and Mayuseong initially resisted, Flame seemed to know how to pique their interest. Eventually, they nodded in agreement.

“Great! Fill out this form, I’m off!”

Flame handed them the participation forms and hurried toward the inner S-Class training ground.

Pung Harang was about to ignore it and head to the study room, but knowing she was headed to the training ground stirred his curiosity.

*If it’s the training ground… it must be Baek Yuseol.*

No point denying it now.

If it were Flame, of course, she’d go to him.

*...In that case…*

Now was the perfect time for him to challenge Baek Yuseol fairly.

After all, as a participant in the League of Spirits, he was also a contender for the championship.

*I can’t let this opportunity slip by.*