Chapter 15 : School is a fucking spectacle #10 - No Kidding, I’m an Extra

Damn it! I was trying to sense my mana and tensed up my thighs and calves so much that I ended up with a cramp! "Meeeeeooooowww!!!" The extreme pain! Tears involuntarily welled up! How many seconds have passed since this cramp hit? Just three seconds, damn it! So here I am, screaming and tumbling around, forgetting about the class and everything else! "What the hell, dude!" —Flash! "Stay still!" A clear voice pierced through my ears. "You, you're Leona!" "Don't call me as if Le is my last name! Anyway, stay still!" Leona rushed to me like a bolt of lightning, grabbed my leg, lifted it up, and swiftly took off my shoe to stretch out the cramped muscle on my foot! "Augh!" "Seriously! I knew you'd pull something reckless like that! Kim Geun Chul, you gotta get a grip!" "Damn it, this hurts so bad!" Could she be here to save me? It's certain! She came to take action the moment I fell from the cramp! —Press. Press. Leona held my leg and massaged it, easing the muscles... What is this woman? An angel? "It's okay, it's okay. Just relax, alright?" As she pressed down on my foot, the pain gradually subsided. I was breaking out in a cold sweat, but relief was setting in. "Ah... Ha, ha... It's better now." Soon, my leg recovered. The extreme pain that engulfed my leg vanished like smoke, all thanks to Leona. Looking up at the sky, I saw her beautiful face. —Flash! There was even a halo shining from behind her...! A saint! She's a saint! How can a person be so kind! "Thanks a lot! You really saved me! I thought I was gonna die! You're a lifesaver!" I sincerely expressed my gratitude. "All that for just a cramp..." Leona looked down at me with an expression of disbelief. "It was just painful, not life-threatening. Anyway. Is your leg okay?" "Yeah, it's fine now. Thanks so much. Wow, it doesn't hurt at all anymore. Leona's hands are magical." The peace following the intense pain lifted my spirits to the highest level. I couldn't feel better. "Well then, get up, you scream-man." "What, scream-man?" "The nickname fits you well. Seriously. Why are you so flighty? Pull yourself together." "Sorry, it wasn't intentional. I was just so tense trying to sense mana... who would’ve expected this." It was simply a mistake from trying to experience an unfamiliar sensation. Everyone makes mistakes. I bet everyone here will end up with cramps and scream too. I’d wager on it. "Stop making excuses. Kim Geun Chul, you're quite the character." Though she chided me, there was concern in her words. Maybe she's just naturally kind and looks out for others. Truly an angel. "Compared to me, you're incredibly reliable. You're like an emergency responder, a true angel. Thank you so much. Can I call you Angel Leona from now on?" "Angel, seriously. Don't overdo it." "Then I'll just thank you. Really, thank you. I have a gratitude journal, and today’s events must definitely be recorded in it." "Just thank me once. Once is enough. And stop with the nonsense. Get up already." "Yeah..." —Rustle. I grabbed the hand Leona extended to me and stood up. As I dusted myself off. "...Kim Geun Chul." The instructor was watching me. That gaze was intimidating. "W-well, Instructor. It wasn't intentional, I just made a little mistake..." "It's okay, just stop. A cramp... it happens." "Oh! You're understanding!" "Why wouldn't I understand? Of course, suddenly tensing your leg could cause a cramp." "Instructor!" Still, it was moving! So, they do understand! I thought they were just a cold person, but there's a kind side too! "So, don't be too embarrassed... Hmph!" "Huh?" "Hmph, hahaha...! Cramps, they can happen to anyone. Anyone... Hmph!" "..." Instructor Lee Sora turned away, shoulder shaking while covering her mouth. Instructor, you're a bad person. "Alright, Instructor. Laugh if you want to. Even if it tears my heart apart. They do say laughter brings fortune, so laugh as much as you like." It feels like my heart is breaking. "I'm going back to my place. Only the warm gazes of my classmates can heal me now—" The moment I turned back. "Bwahahahahaha!" "Haha, hehe!" "Ahaha! Ahahahaha!" Even my classmates, who I trusted, were clutching their stomachs, bursting into laughter. Fine! Just laugh! You jerks! "Damn, what are you guys laughing at... It's not cool to laugh when a friend is in pain, okay? I'm disappointed, guys. Let's not treat our classmates like this. It can hurt someone's feelings." "Scream-man." "Ken?" "Your... face is all red. Pfft! Ha, hahahaha!" "Yeah. Laugh, go ahead. Laugh all you want. You heartless jerk. Don't you know the saying 'loving classmates is loving your country'? Just wait." "Sorry! Sorry, man! Hahahahaha!" Ken, you just wait until you make a mistake. I'll be right there, ready to mock you like crazy. "Hoo." Returning to my place. "Hmph... Hey, Geun Chul. You alright?" Even Si Hoo, trying to hide his laughter, asks if I'm okay! "You're laughing too! This guy’s a total Brutus!" "Hahaha!" "I'm disappointed! I never imagined you'd be the kind to laugh at a friend!" "L-laugh! I'm not laughing at you! Hahaha! Geun Chul, you've got it all wrong! Haha!" I can't take this anymore! In times like these, I've got to study to calm myself down! "Instructor! Please, can we move on with the lesson? I'm so eager to study that I'm getting anxious with how slow things are going!" "Kim Geun Chul... such a diligent cadet. Alright. Let’s proceed with the lesson. Remember, excessive tension can cause cramps, so be careful." Good. Let’s just get on with the lesson. "Leona? Good job on handling that situation. Truly fitting for a class president." "It's nothing. As class president, it's only natural to look after my peers who are falling behind. That's true leadership, isn't it?" —Swoosh. Leona spoke confidently, flicking her hair with one hand. Props to her! "I acknowledge you, Leona! You’re genuinely a leader for our times! Please guide our class to greatness!" "Quiet, Kim Geun Chul! You scream-man!" "Yes!" I better listen to Leona’s words! "Now, it would be best to demonstrate. Leona, could you come forward and show them? You can do it, right?" "Of course. This is a piece of cake for me." —Rustle. Leona stepped forward, took a stance for dashing. And then. —Flash! She executed a swift short-distance dash and returned. Her actions were precise and fluid. Watching her makes me want to study her moves. I'm someone who observes and learns well. No one has the thirst for knowledge like I do. But my face still feels warm. Please save me... "Wow... as expected from the Kainas family." "Impressive!" "Indeed, the top student is different." Even those who laughed at me earlier were now in awe. I’ll remember all your faces. "Well done, Leona. A fine example. Everyone, try to implement the dash from your positions." So now it’s time for individual practice. "Your goal is to handle mana freely. When you move your fingers or blink your eyes, you don’t consciously think about it. You do it naturally. It's the same with mana. It should be controlled as naturally as moving your arms and legs." Listening to the instructor, we all took our stances and practiced dashing. Some seemed to get it roughly, while others struggled, like me. —Flash! Ken, for one, seemed to know how to handle his mana. —Flash! And Si Hoo as well. Actually, that’s an understatement; he was doing quite well. "Hey, Si Hoo." "Yeah?" "How do you make it look so easy?" After experiencing a cramp, practicing alone feels daunting. I’m getting the feel for it, but... it’s tough. "Uh... I’m not great at teaching. Just try thinking about transferring the mana." "That’s not exactly helpful advice, Si Hoo. Are you free after school?" "Uh? Af-after school?" He reacted sharply to that question. Got something going on? "I do have plans." "Really? Well, if you’ve got time, teach me how to use mana. I’ll treat you to something at the snack shop. Are you in?" "I'm not sure how well I can teach... but I’ll try to help." "Awesome! As expected! You're a true friend, Si Hoo!" "A, a true friend..." He seemed genuinely pleased with that remark. This guy’s the type to melt at the words 'true friend.' Typical softie. Anyway, that’s how it was. The instructor moved around, diligently offering feedback to the cadets, and I focused on channeling mana to my lower body based on Si Hoo’s advice. Looking at the schedule, it seems this is all we’ll be doing this morning. Even if it's intimidating, I’ll put in the effort to master the dash. Once I learn to dash, I’ll be able to clear the challenge mode in the training grounds. Even if monsters launch ranged attacks, I can dodge and close in with the dash. You know, there’s an enjoyment in pondering this. To conquer the training grounds, I must fully harness the power of mana. * * * Finally, the rigorous training session ended. Results were less than stellar. I could sense mana movement, but actual usage was out of reach. One can't expect success on the first day, after all. Anyway, it’s time to eat. I’m ridiculously hungry, so I’m eager to try the school lunch. It’s my first time, so I’m quite excited. Hopefully, I won’t end up cursing the nutritionist. "Geun Chul, let’s grab lunch together." "Hehehe, sure." "You seem to be in a good mood." "The thought of school lunch makes me so happy. Wonder what's on the menu today?" Back in high school, I used to carry the lunch menu in my pocket. Lately, I’ve been slacking. Need to ask for one when I go to the faculty office after lunch. "Not sure... the menu’s quite extensive since it’s buffet-style." "What, what?! Buffet?!" "Huh?" "A buffet, are you joking?!" Is this for real? School lunches being buffet-style? "Is that true?!" "Y-yes, why would I lie about that!" "I wasn’t accusing you of lying; I'm just honestly surprised—" "Kim Geun Chul." At that moment, Instructor Lee Sora called out to me. "Hey, Si Hoo. Hold on. The instructor is calling me." "Go on." "Yes, Instructor! Coming!" I promptly rushed over to the instructor. "Sorry if I’m holding you up from lunch." "Not at all, Instructor. Your invaluable words are nourishment for my soul. Every word is like life and substance to me." "Heh, always the charmer." Instructor Lee Sora, with her usual cool demeanor, let out a small laugh. "Anyway, Kim Geun Chul? You’re significantly lacking in basic physical strength." I’m aware. Compared to the other cadets, I’m definitely lacking. "I'd strongly recommend exercising." "I was planning to do that. I hit the gym hard yesterday. I even played around with the challenge mode in the training grounds." "Oh, you're working hard, it seems? Not bad for a cadet known for his nickname." —Rustle, rustle. The instructor reached out and patted my head. "..." Well, even though I'm kind of embarrassed, having an older, attractive woman ruffle my hair feels a bit nice. "Well... I'll keep at it. By the way, Instructor Lee Sora?" "What is it?" "I have a question. It's just out of pure curiosity. Is it alright if I ask?" "What are you thinking of asking?" It’s something I wondered about after watching the video of Instructor Lee Sora battling monsters yesterday. "It's nothing major. Instructor, I found some videos of your battles yesterday." "W-what?" "Hmm?" "Saying such things right in front of the person... how embarrassing." She said, keeping a straight face. Embarrassing, she says? "Why feel embarrassed? The video had billions of views. Anyway, my pure question is: Instructor, to put it plainly, I'm a guy and you're a woman, right? So my body weight and height are supposedly more advantageous, aren’t they?" "That's true." "Yet, despite that, you fly around destroying monsters and villains alike. So, isn't the real crucial factor not physical size or basic strength, but the amount of mana one has?" "Oh?" While I plan on exercising, seeing someone as petite as Instructor Lee Sora completely demolishing things convinced me that physical strength might not hold much meaning. "Of course, I’m going to build basic strength, but I'm questioning whether muscle strength or basic physical conditioning is pivotal for combat ability as a superhuman. In reality, muscle strength seems to hold little meaning..." "No. They’re absolutely vital." Her tone was full of confidence. "The foundation is always the body. Mana is used based on the body. Strong mana can't dwell in a weak body." "So then." "And there's something you're misunderstanding, Kim Geun Chul." Suddenly. "Look here." Without warning, the instructor grasped the hem of her shirt. —Swish. She lifted it... revealing her abs to me. "What?" "Does it look like I'm lacking in physical size?" Her abs were akin to that of a female sports star—clearly defined and vertical. Such healthy and attractive abdominal muscles. "Naturally, I devote myself to bodily training... Hmm? Why are you turning so red?" "N-no!!! It’s nothing!!!" —Zoom! I quickly turned around and fled! "Geun Chul?" "Let’s go eat, Si Hoo!" "Ah! Wait for me!" Y-yeah! I’d better exercise diligently! With a body like that, and mana to back it up, no wonder she’s so strong!