NOVPUBNayoung closed her eyes tightly, feeling the warmth of Seojun's palm against her back. His voice was calm and steady. "Feel the threads... one by one," he repeated.
She took a deep breath, focusing as hard as she could. At first, everything was blurry—like trying to see through thick fog. But then, something clicked. Her eyes snapped open in shock, though she couldn't actually see it, she could feel it—tiny threads of energy running wildly inside her, tangled and bouncing everywhere.
"I... I can feel it," she whispered breathlessly, her hands slightly trembling.
"Good. Now, follow them. Slowly," Seojun's voice guided her, firm but gentle.
Nayoung's mind was fully immersed. She imagined her mana as threads, all twisted up, knotted in places, clashing with one another. With each breath, she tried to follow a single strand, pulling it gently, trying to untangle it. Sweat began to form on her forehead, her breathing growing heavy.
Minseok watched from the side, his eyes wide with both amazement and concern. "She's really doing it..." he whispered, but then he noticed how pale she was getting.
Nayoung's hands started to shake. "Just... a little more... just... a little... more," she muttered through gritted teeth, her face scrunched up in concentration. 𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑝𝑢𝘣.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Minseok's eyes grew wide with alarm. Sweat was pouring down her face, her breathing was ragged, and her hands clenched tightly. He could see it—she was pushing herself too hard. "Nayoung..." he murmured, starting to step forward.
Suddenly, Nayoung grabbed her chest, her eyes flying open in pain and closed it back. Her body swayed, and she gasped sharply. Her knees gave out, but before she could hit the ground, Seojun's arm was already around her, catching her with ease.
"Nayoung!" Minseok shouted, running to her side in a panic. He looked up at Seojun with worry. "She's pushing herself too much! She's not ready yet!"
Nayoung's breathing was still ragged, but she struggled to stand up, pushing away Seojun's support. "No... I can still do it, Prof... I still" she whispered, her voice shaky but determined.
Minseok's eyes widened in shock. "Nayoung, are you crazy? You almost collapsed! You need to rest," he said, his voice full of concern as he knelt beside her.
She shook her head stubbornly, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "I-I was so close... I want to try again... I have to try again," she insisted, her hands trembling.
Minseok grabbed her shoulders, his grip gentle but firm. "Nayoung, listen to me! You're going to hurt yourself! It's not worth it if you push too hard!"
Nayoung bit her lip, her eyes glistening with frustration. "But... but I have to... I want to catch up... I don't want to be left behind..." she whispered, her voice cracking.
Seojun watched her silently for a moment and placing a hand gently on her head. "You've done enough for today," he said softly.
"But...!" Nayoung began to protest, but before she could say another word, a warm, soothing sensation spread from where Seojun's hand touched her. Her eyes grew heavy, her body swaying slightly.
"W-Wait... what are you...?" she mumbled, but her voice was already fading.
"Rest now," Seojun said, his voice soft and commanding.
Nayoung's eyes fluttered shut, and she fell forward—but Seojun caught her easily, cradling her gently as she sank into a peaceful sleep. Her breathing became even, and the tension melted away from her face.
Minseok stared in amazement. "Did you... just put her to sleep?" he asked, blinking rapidly.
Seojun nodded. "Her body needs rest. Forcing it any further would only hurt her."
Minseok released a deep breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Thank you Master... still, she's really stubborn," he said, scratching his head.
Seojun glanced down at Nayoung, who looked almost serene as she slept. "That stubbornness will be her strength... if she learns to control it," he replied calmly.
Seojun carried Nayoung effortlessly in his arms, her head resting gently against his shoulder. Minseok followed behind, glancing back at her with concern. They walked through the hallway until Seojun stopped in front of a door labeled Infirmary.
The room was bright and clean, with a few beds neatly lined up. Seojun gently laid Nayoung down on one of the beds, pulling the blanket up to her shoulders.
"Let her rest fully," he said firmly, turning to Minseok. "I'll talk to her other professors to let them know she won't be attending classes for the day. As for you, it's time for your next class."
Minseok straightened up and nodded. "Yes, Professor."
Seojun then looked at Sui, who had been bouncing lightly beside him. "Sui, stay here and watch over her," he ordered.
Sui saluted with his tiny dark limb. "Okay, Master! Kyuu~!" he chirped, hopping onto the small chair beside Nayoung's bed.
Seojun gave a final nod before stepping out of the infirmary, with Minseok following closely behind. As they walked around the campus, students greeted Seojun.
Minseok walked a little ahead, turning back to Seojun. "I'll be going now, Mas—" he paused, correcting himself quickly. "I mean, Professor."
Seojun just gave him a nod, and Minseok grinned before jogging off to his next class.
At that same moment, Alexa appeared, walking confidently toward him with her arms crossed. "How's your class going?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It's fine," Seojun replied simply.
Alexa scoffed, rolling her eyes. "How is that fine when you only have two students attending your class?" she asked, clearly unimpressed.
Seojun just shrugged. "I'm not forcing them. If they want to attend, they will," he replied calmly.
Alexa shook her head, clicking her tongue. "You're way too relaxed about this, you know that?" she said, crossing her arms tighter. "Most professors would be freaking out if their class attendance was that low."
Seojun looked at her, unbothered. "I'm not like most professors," he said plainly.
Alexa paused, then laughed a little. "Clearly," she replied, a small smirk appearing on her face. "Well, good luck with that method. You might need it."
Alexa suddenly remembered something. "Oh right, let's watch the mock battle!" she said with a smile.
Seojun looked at her and asked, "this afternoon right?"
"Hmm, the schedule says so but the time changed. Why not go now to the training field?" Alexa suggested.
Seojun nodded. "Okay," he agreed.
They started walking together down the hall. Some students were running fast in the same direction. They were talking loudly, excited about the mock battle.
Alexa stopped them quickly and said, "No running in the hallway!"
The students looked shocked and quickly said sorry. Some of them also greeted Seojun and Alexa politely, then walked fast but calm after that.
They arrived at the training field. The sun was bright, and many students were already there, watching and talking excitedly.
Professor Park smiled warmly as they approach him and said, "Ah, Ms. Alexa! Good to see you. And you must be Professor Jihoon."
Alexa smiled and said, "Good day to you too."
Seojun smiled a little and nodded. "Yes, Nice to meet you Professor Park."
Alexa looked around at the students. "They look very energetic today."
Professor Park laughed softly. "Yes, the fight with Mr. Daewon yesterday in the new island gave them new energy and hope. They were so inspired that they asked for a mock battle today. It will be a good chance for them to practice what they learned."
Alexa smiled and crossed her arms. "I've heard that the mock battle is between your top students?"
Professor Park chuckled, nodding proudly. "Yes, that's right. They've been working hard lately. I think yesterday's fight really lit a fire under them."
Seojun listened quietly as Professor Park walked to the center of the field, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention. His voice boomed through the area. "Alright, everyone! The mock battle is about to begin! Please take your seats!"
Suddenly, the ground rumbled slightly, and rows of stone seats rose from the ground like they were part of a hidden mechanism. They formed a semi-circle around the field, sturdy and polished, resembling a small coliseum. The students quickly rushed to grab the best spots, excited murmurs filling the air.
At the edge of the field, a woman stood, a bit far from the main crowd. She held a wand in her hand and raised it gracefully, her eyes focused. She waved the wand in a smooth arc, and a faint shimmer of light spread across the field. She lifted her hand, signaling completion, and Professor Park nodded back with appreciation. "Thank you, Professor Ha!" he called out.
The shimmering light solidified into a dome-like barrier, transparent but firm, covering the entire battlefield. "We've upgraded it since last year—stronger and more stable."
Alexa raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. Seems like you're well-prepared."
Professor Park laughed. "I have to be. These kids are getting stronger by the day."
The students settled in their seats, anticipation thick in the air, their eyes fixed on the field where the fighters would soon appear. The energy was electric.
Professor Park raised his hand, signaling the beginning of the mock battle. "Let's begin!" he announced loudly,
