I Became the Only Non-mage in the Academy

TL/Editor: looloo

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There's a game called《Epic World》.

The narrative is rather typical.

A crisis befalls the continent, prompting the protagonist, assisted by their youthful companion, to muster their strength and protect the world.

Though challenging, the game isn't impossible to clear.

Playable characters populate Epic World.

As a player, you get the chance to play as the main character or any of the equally powerful characters.

As was my routine, I booted up the game to immerse myself in Epic World.

Hitting 'Y', I passed the time browsing the patch notes while the game updated.

Nothing out of the ordinary, merely a list of minor bug fixes.

But, something piqued my interest as I continued to scroll.

The patch notes revealed a new version that extended beyond the regular characters. It introduced a new feature, the capability to create custom characters.

I wasted no time in hitting the character creation button.

[The difficulty in character customization mode is fixed to Hell level. Would you like to continue? (Y/N)]

'Hell difficulty?'

In Epic World, the maximum difficulty level had always been 'Hard'.

To be honest, I had grown a tad weary of this Hard level and yearned for a fresh challenge.

‘This sounds exciting.’

Swiftly, I moved my cursor to 'Y' and clicked.

Then, a status window appeared.

▼

BN2141966-386985385

Strength: 2, Agility: 2, Stamina: 2, Magic: 0, Spirit: 2, Talent: 2

◈Talents

-None

◈Skills

-None

◈Physique

-None

The layout of the character creation window was simple.

[For the new customizable character, you can freely choose one item from Talent, Skill, or Physique.]

'So I get to choose one thing.'

I discovered I could select anything that fell under the S rank, Ex-class talents being the only exception.

'Well, if there were Ex-rank skills, the game would be too easy.'

Under S-rank, there were compelling options like the highly coveted hidden potential (S+) and the Watcher's Eye (S+), which provided insights into a monster's weakness or a character's profile.

There are many appealing choices.

However, I had already obtained and experimented with most of these. As tempting as a speed run seemed, I yearned for a more fun experience.

As I mulled over what talents, skills, or physiques might prove entertaining, I recalled a combination I had once jotted down in a corner of my notepad.

‘Is it possible to apply that combination now?’

I had stumbled upon a pathway that was 'theoretically' possible.

In truth, it was deemed theoretically unattainable and had been disregarded. But none of that mattered now. Given the chance to instantaneously select the physique - the beginning and the end - I chose a physique.

──────────────

【Body Against Heaven (S-)】

A physique that defies the heavens.

This body defies all logic for those who possess it.

: The energy of 'defiance' against heaven pulses within your body.

: The owner of this body cannot use mana.

: The owner of this body has absolute resistance to any interaction with mana.

──────────────

However, 《Epic World》 operates on a principle of risk and reward.

The Body Against Heaven, due to the special energy it harbors, has the handicap of being mana-nullifying.

'And with this, I could learn that.'

This unique 'martial art' is something the owner of the Body Against Heaven can learn. This inability to use mana also proves beneficial as it blocks any mana-related abilities.

Yet, while mana isn't everything in 《Epic World》, it comes pretty close.

I might miss out on the experiences others relish. It's not always a blessing.

Following the selection of Body Against Heaven, the character customization window popped up.

“…….”

A figure, bearing an uncanny resemblance to me, stood there.

It appeared to be a character made in my image.

'It must be a coincidence.'

I only made a few tweaks to the character.

The skin paled, the nose bridge elevated, height slightly increased, the face shrunk, legs extended. Midway through the alterations, I found the shoulders lacking in breadth, so I widened them and crafted a lean yet muscular physique.

'......Pretty good.'

On the monitor stood a strikingly handsome man, featuring piercing eyes, black hair streaked with brown, an impressive smile, and towering at 185cm.

Then, I clicked the character creation button.

[Please enter a name.]

I was pondering what name to choose, but without much thought, I typed in my usual nickname, 'PineapplePizzaIsDelicious.'

No, I was on the verge of typing it.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, my hands automatically typed out my name.

Lee Seoha.

▼

[Name: Lee Seoha]

Strength: 2, Agility: 2, Stamina: 2, Magic: 0, Spirit: 2, Talent: 2

◈Talents

-None

◈Skills

-None

◈Physique

-「Body Against Heaven(S-)」

Would you like to create this character? (Y/N)

I directed my mouse towards 'Y' and clicked. The monitor then flashed.

...and that's how the incident ended.

Upon reopening my eyes and regaining my consciousness, I found myself within the game. A development is reminiscent of typical academy-themed narratives.

However, when I assume the role of the protagonist, the narrative takes on a much darker tone.

"Is a development like this even possible?"

I was just playing a game.

I didn't write a piece extending to 5,500 characters, and although I did occasionally complain in the community, isn't that something anyone can do?

The sinking feeling prompted me to bang my head against the table, but reality remained unchanged.

Three days.

For three days, I strove to understand the situation I was in.

For some reason, I found myself in a hotel where they covered the costs of my stay and even prepaid all my meals. So, I had no immediate concerns about my survival.

'The real issues lie beyond the temporary sustenance.'

The hotel reservation wasn't indefinite; it would only last for about two more weeks. Once that period elapsed, it was over.

Without enrolling in the Korea Hero Academy, I'd have to scrape by bare-handed.

There seemed to be one silver lining, though.

I inhabited the body of an extraordinarily handsome man.

This, I deemed a stroke of good luck. Given my good looks, I felt certain that survival strategies would present themselves.

I also had an identification card.

I rummaged through my wallet and pulled out the ID. It featured a photo of me with a blank expression.

After verifying the card balance on my phone, it was clear that I had around 10 million won in cash.

'This amount might make starting over outside a bit of a challenge.'

I drew the curtains and pushed open the window. A clear sky stretched out before me.

"Huh? Is it already time for the Sky Island to appear?"

"Time really does fly..."

People paused in their tracks and tilted their heads skyward.

Soon, a giant shadow started to eclipse the ground.

The end.

An island floated in the sky.

Sky Island.

Quite literally, an island suspended in the air.

"Sigh."

A sigh escaped my lips.

I covered my face with both hands.

This spectacle cemented the fact that I had plunged into the game world.

In this world, I was marooned with a phone carrying 10 million won in cash and a solitary identification card.

'This is really hopeless.'

The situation felt overwhelming.

If I had been graced with an Ex-grade ability that could evolve, an insanely outstanding latent power, or an eye that functioned as a crazy tuner instead of the Body Against Heaven, I might have found a way to survive.

But with the Body Against Heaven, I was set on a path riddled with hardships right from the get-go.

If only I could rewind time.

In that case, I would have definitely chosen and nurtured a latent ability.

'No, I wouldn't have engaged with this game in the first place.'

I heaved a deep sigh and slumped onto the sofa.

Since tumbling into this world,

I had pondered quite a bit. Could a playable character, like a protagonist, truly save this world?

Kim Seohyun.

Maybe he could save this world. However, my intervention would likely lead to an array of uncertainties.

Especially because this place harbors villains known as 'Mines'.

It seems unlikely that this world will guarantee my safety. There are kind and righteous heroes, but at the end of the day, they are strangers.

In the end, I am my own savior.

'So, enrolling in the school seems to be the most viable solution, by any means necessary.'

Fortunately, I'm not entirely out of options.

One method does exist to ace the entrance exam with the Body Against Heaven.

Yet, I can't solely depend on that. I need a safety net, even if it requires spending all of my 10 million won... Considering it as a price for my life, it feels like a steal.

The moment I make a firm decision,

Ding.

A mechanical sound resonates, and a blue window materializes within my retina. Sentences, formed of black letters, start to populate the window.

[You are the chosen one to save this world.]

[We will grant you a special privilege. You will be able to view the status window of items or other subjects. You have acquired the ability 'Talent Reading (-)'.]

──────────────

Main Quest Chapter 1: Enroll in the Korea Hero Academy.

◈Reward: 5,000P Additional rewards depending on the content, ability to purchase talent, skills, and Physique from the multi-dimensional paid store.

◈Failure: Death.

──────────────

"......"

A quest window appeared in front of my eyes.

I cast an uneasy gaze at the quest window. The timing between the quest window's appearance and my decision seemed uncannily perfect.

I scanned the content within the quest window.

In my current situation, worrying about whether I can do it is worthless.

I have to accomplish it by any means necessary.

I attentively read through the quest window.

My eyes lit up with intrigue.

It says I can purchase talents, skills, and physiques?

This might enable me to shorten the path I initially envisioned.

To be honest, at this stage,

it seemed quite achievable.

enjoy! :)

BODY AGAINST HEAVEN RAHHHHH

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