[69 days left until Alvorna's Rite of Asecension]
[8 days left until the Odyssey's commence]
Today, it rained before dawn even appeared… as if the sorrow the day before permeated their surroundings and refused to dissipate. Having decided to remove Aquarius’s restraint that he placed before now that she regained her strength, these binding threads made of incandescent light would do little to stop her with her raw merfolk strength.
Better that they started to get used to each other’s present sooner than later.
Jihoon summoned his Doppelganger again which never stopped surprising her because of how out of the left field such a Magic that he is using which she doesn’t even recognize in both practice and textbook.
“So… is the Doppelganger just you but… emotionally stunted?”. Aquarius asked as she took shelter under his built camp.
“I supposed… But you saw his judgment and decision-making for yourself, right? I doubt that even the best personnel assigned to guard you could last against him for long either”. Jihoon said as he seems somewhat proud of this capability.
The search operation that is looking for the princess hasn’t yet discerned this location with how important someone like her is baffled him somewhat but, he sees that his stay with her is lengthened again.
“So… about the Forgotten Melody… It felt… familiar yet so out of this world. Whoever made such a simple yet profound musical piece like this has to be so attuned with the melody itself”. Aquarius said as she hummed the melody that Jihoon taught her last night.
Hearing her saying that again, his thought drifted back toward the place where he first met the little goddess and received the power of Song Magic from her. A sword grave amidst a lake of ankle-deep water, white-rose vines crept upon each blade.
At the center of it all under the sole shining light, a little girl with a large span of wing playing a harp.
Aquarius’s remark about it might as well be the truth. Someone whose musical prowess so out of anything humanly imaginable yet easily comprehended, nonetheless.
“Do you want me to teach more of it?”. Jihoon asked.
Aquarius nodded eagerly, her eyes brightening for the first time since he'd met her. "Yes, please. There's something... soothing about it. How did you feel when you first learned it?"
Jihoon paused, considering her question carefully. "Well, I first learned the Forgotten Melody like way before, but only when I was at my lowest point that I tried to recreate it. It felt like a lifeline, something to hold onto when everything else was slipping away from your grasp. How about you? What did you experience as you played it?"
Aquarius closed her eyes, her fingers moving slightly as if plucking invisible strings. "It's hard to describe. At first, it was just notes, but as I kept playing, it felt like... like a gentle current, washing away some of the heaviness inside me. For a moment, I could breathe easier."
Jihoon nodded, a small smile forming on his face. "That's exactly what it's meant to do. It doesn't solve your problems, but it gives you the strength to face them."
"I think I understand," Aquarius said softly. "Thank you for sharing it with me. I... I'll keep practicing it once I have the chance."
Hearing her words, Jihoon felt a sense of relief wash over him. The Forgotten Melody had been a precious gift to him in his darkest hour, and now he could see it working its magic on someone else. Even if Aquarius's situation was far from resolved, this small step towards healing was far significant.
"I'm glad," Jihoon said. "Music has a way of reaching us when nothing else can. Keep it close, and let it be your anchor when things get tough."
As he watched Aquarius hum the melody to herself, her posture slightly more relaxed than before, Jihoon felt confident that he could leave this piece of himself in her care. She might still have a long way to go, but this small step of responsibility towards her own well-being was a promising start.
Leaving her on her own for a moment, Jihoon sat next to the Doppelganger again and listen to what it could share on its usage of Light Magic despite his proficiency only at Initiate.
Even if without lethality, Light Magic if focused enough could disrupt concentration of other casters. It is because its lack of immediate lethality that it is most effective. That’s what makes it able to bypass the disparity of Aquarius’s innate magic defense.
The ability that Jihoon saw most promising so far is [Sol Corona], the strands of incandescent light that refused to be broken. It has no additional ability but there is something promising about it that Jihoon can see that the Doppelganger felt the same.
Then next is [Illusion], that goes without saying although some folk with sufficiently powerful or proficiency with their own element and Mana Attunement could discern the illusion although the barrier is high due to being Light in the first place.
Then there’s mental link technique performed with their Light Magic that they just come to creating without a name to assign.
And the rest is simply just flashbang and its variations. Now that he is seeing it, having a one-of-a-kind power certainly is a disadvantage if he couldn’t just create an appropriate spell for it out of thin air.
Jihoon stood at the edge of their makeshift camp even under the rain, his eyes fixed on the cloud-covered horizon. The gentle sound of Aquarius humming the Forgotten Melody drifted through the air, providing a soothing backdrop to his thoughts.
Grasping at straw of how to even advance to even at least Novice-class so that his Light Magic isn’t just there for the sole purpose of making a lightshow. But it wasn't enough. Jihoon knew he needed to push further, to elevate his Light Magic beyond mere parlor tricks.
As he grappled with this challenge, his thoughts drifted back to his world, to the Hunters and the perilous existence they led.
He remembered how Hunters were glorified, painted as invincible heroes that can’t be defeated. So much so that the attention of the media and its people steered totally toward them. He once loathed them so much because he wanted a reason to shift the blame, anything to be the target of his loathing.
Yet the reality was far grimmer once he had become one. No matter their rank, death lurked around every corner. Each Gate dive, each monster encounter could be the last. In such a world, the simple act of witnessing another dawn became a precious gift that everyone took for granted, a poetic reminder of survival against overwhelming odds.
When light and darkness is but a thin edge away, when orders are upheld on a shaky foundation against the encroaching chaos.
This realization struck Jihoon like a bolt of lightning. The key to advancing his Light Magic or even Magic in general wasn't just about understanding or imagination—it was about infusing it with personal meaning.
If it was just that, he would have become the fastest Grandmaster-class Light Magician from just the sheer plethora of knowledge about light itself and its potential applications.
If he had tried to use the dawn as a natural phenomenon for his imagery, it would just be another variation of flashbang. But if it was a symbol of hope, of perseverance, of life itself in a world constantly threatened by darkness then the potency of the spell becomes much more concrete than otherwise.
And he suddenly understands why people here with the same Magic proficiency can have wildly different Magic potency and range.
With this epiphany, Jihoon felt something shift within him. He raised his hand, focusing on this new understanding of light and its significance. Incandescent light once again began to coalesce around his fingertips, taking on a form he'd never achieved before.
Dawn’s Edge
A blade of pure light materialized in his grasp, its edge sharp enough to cut through shadow itself. This wasn't just an illumination spell or a simple projection. It was his first true Novice-class Light Magic, born from his experiences and the weight he placed on each new day.
As he held the radiant sword in hand, Jihoon felt a surge of accomplishment. More than just a step forward in his magical abilities, it was a testament to his growth, the lessons learned from his world and his journey in Absence.
Its light that it cast was as warm as daybreak. And as he situated it right across the horizon in the distance, it mimics the actual dawn. It was substantial unlike other spells before his advancement to Novice, as he could feel the weight of his experiences placed upon them.
A proud smile appeared on his face, before he dispels the sword of light away. Returning to the camp as if nothing noteworthy had happened.
Time passed for a moment as their thoughts inevitably turned toward the matter of the Odyssey. She can’t run forever, and it spoke of the immense weight of uncertainty to willingly make her return.
Even if she could do so, what’s there to stop her father from just continuing this arranged marriage?
Jihoon didn’t fail to notice her distraught as he timely intervened instead of just waiting for it to pass like before. How his slothfulness from earlier days led to the regretful event which its effect still lingers upon him till now.
"What's on your mind, Aquarius?" he asked gently.
She sighed deeply before responding. "The Odyssey... and what comes after. Even if I return now, what's to stop my father from proceeding with this arranged marriage? I've thought about the potential victors, and each possibility terrifies me more than the last."
Even if she is lucky enough to have someone from outside Calphennis to win, the chance of it happening in the entirety of Odyssey’s history was rare enough to be considered as flukes or outliers. For purpose of reliability, she must prune that out.
And then the merfolk candidates, a lot of them… didn’t seem to have a good head on top of their physique. Nearly all of them have that one weird personality trait which makes every other good thing about them rendered moot. Which is surprising because of how merfolk is often lauded as the fairest amongst many races with the exception of the Harpies.
She shook her head, despair evident in her eyes. "I know it's too late to prove my independence now. I've played the role of the dutiful princess for too long. Who would believe I've suddenly found my voice?"
Jihoon listened intently, his mind racing. He had his own reasons for needing to win the Odyssey. The access to the forbidden area that contains the Grand Mural fragment, which was crucial for unraveling the mysteries of this world. But now, he realized, there was another compelling reason to emerge victorious.
After a moment of contemplation, Jihoon made his decision.
"Aquarius, I promise you this: I will win the Odyssey." Jihoon said, his voice firm with resolve.
Her eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of hope and confusion crossing her face. "You... you will?"
"Yes," Jihoon nodded. "Even if there are underhanded advantages given to others, I'll find a way to overcome them. I have my own reasons for needing to win, but I give you my word: If I'm victorious, you won't be forced into a marriage you don't want."
For a moment, Aquarius stared at him, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Are you... are you declaring your love for me?"
Jihoon had a surprised expression before he blinked, then chuckled softly.
"No, I'm not. I already have someone else in mind, actually." His thoughts briefly drifted to Alvorna before he refocused on Aquarius. "This promise is about your freedom, not about me. You've started to grow, to take responsibility for yourself. I don't want to see that progress undone by circumstances beyond your control."
Aquarius's expression softened, a mix of relief and gratitude washing over her features. "I... Thank you, Jihoon. That means more than you know."
Jihoon nodded, a small smile on his face. "We'll face this challenge together. You focus on continuing your personal growth, and I'll do everything in my power to win the Odyssey. Deal?"
"Deal," Aquarius agreed, her voice stronger than it had been in days.
As they shook hands, sealing their pact, Jihoon felt the weight of his promise settle on his shoulders. The Odyssey would be no easy feat, but now he had even more reasons to emerge victorious.
Now… the next problem lays in his actual participation. Now that he had crossed blades with the merfolk guards, he realized that he didn’t truly have any experience fighting other races in combat. Karim had suggested him to get the chance once he registered but with this unfortunate detour, he wouldn’t even be able to spar with any participant.
Aquarius, noticing his furrowed brow, spoke up. "What's troubling you now?"
Jihoon sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just realized... I have no real experience fighting against the various races of Absence. Karim had suggested I practice before the Odyssey with other participants, but with our detour..." He trailed off, frustration evident in his voice.
Aquarius was quiet for a moment, then her eyes lit up with an idea. "I think I can help with that," she said, a hint of excitement in her voice. "As a princess, I've studied the history of the Odyssey extensively. Even directly witness at the front seat of many recent ones so I know about many of the honored past participants, not just merfolk."
She stood up, moving closer to the water's edge. "Watch this," she said, her hands moving in intricate patterns as she called upon her Water Magic.
Intermediate-class Water Magic. Mirror of Water.
The water before them began to ripple and rise, taking on humanoid shapes. Within moments, a small army of water clones stood before them. Not only of just merfolk, of course, but also representations of other races: dwarves with stocky builds, lithe elves, towering beastfolk, and more.
"These are recreations of some of the most notable Odyssey participants from over the years," Aquarius explained. "I can control them to mimic their fighting styles and abilities. It's not perfect, but it should give you a good idea of what to expect."
Jihoon stared at the shimmering figures before him before a sense of amazement started to visibly appear on his expression. This was an unexpected boon, a chance to gain invaluable experience before the real challenges began. Suddenly, all of his grievance toward her is casually put aside without care.
"Aquarius, this is... incredible," he said, genuine gratitude in his voice. "Thank you."
She smiled, a hint of pride in her expression. "Well, your success in the Odyssey affects me too, doesn't it? Besides, I'm curious to see how you'll fare against these legends of the past."
Jihoon nodded, a determined glint in his eye as he readied his halberd. "Alright then. Let's begin."
As the first water clone moved into a fighting stance, Jihoon motioned in his stance in the same way. He would be lying if he said that he didn’t feel excited fighting against the echoes of Calphennis’s hall of fame themselves. Regardless of victory or defeat, he would at least become more prepared to face the trials ahead.
With a mental gesture sent toward the Doppelganger, it soon also appeared by his side. The two of them, confronting a small army on their own that supposed to be overwhelming but not so much anymore with another him by his side.
“Together?”. Jihoon said for the thematic of the scene he is in.
It nodded. No further words were needed. Jihoon didn’t really expect another last-minute training arc either, but he has come to accept what he is given.
Soon, the sound of combat started to fill the air.
The first water clone, a representation of a past merfolk champion, surged forward with incredible speed. Jihoon met its charge, his halberd clashing against the clone's watery trident. The exchange was brief but intense, and Jihoon found himself pushed back, barely holding his ground.
As extended combat ensued, it quickly became apparent that Jihoon's real-world fighting experience, while impressive for his background, fell short of the Odyssey's demanding standards. His movements, though determined, lacked the finesse and adaptability required to face such a diverse array of opponents.
As more clones joined the fray, Jihoon's lack of experience against Absence's diverse races became painfully apparent. He struggled to anticipate their movements, and often caught off-guard by abilities he'd never encountered before in practical combat.
A dwarven clone's earth-shaking stomp nearly toppled him, while an elven archer's impossibly quick shots kept him constantly on the defensive. A beastfolk cunning instinct seemingly stays ahead of him in every step, a yokai whose life-imbued strike overpowering even with simple received strikes.
His performance would have looked pathetic in actual proving ground.
The Doppelganger meanwhile was a different story entirely. With access to Jihoon's newly created Novice-class Light Magic ‘Dawn's Edge’, it manifested two swords of pure light, one in each hand. The water clones, formidable as they were, found themselves hard-pressed against this dual-wielding opponent that seemed to anticipate their every move as the disparity in power didn’t matter in the slightest.
Where Jihoon faltered, the Doppelganger excelled, its emotionless efficiency allowing it to analyze and exploit weaknesses in real-time.
Jihoon, catching his breath after a particularly challenging bout, began to observe his duplicate more closely. It was both fascinating and enlightening as he further examines what his clone is capable of.
The Doppelganger wasn't just fighting. It was analyzing, adapting, and exploiting in real time. Against a dwarf clone, it used quick, high strikes to overcome the opponent's low center of gravity. When facing an elven recreation, it disrupted the fluid movements with unpredictable changes in rhythm. For beastfolk, it targeted areas where their enhanced physical abilities couldn't compensate completely for vulnerabilities.
Most impressively, the Doppelganger seemed to identify the core racial abilities each opponent relied on, then systematically undermined them from there. Not only just countering strengths, it goes beyond exposing the flaws that arose when fighters became overly dependent on their innate advantages.
Against a beastfolk clone's overwhelming strength, it used the creature's momentum against it. When faced with a yokai's illusions, it relied on its Light Magic to cut through the deceptions.
Jihoon had nothing so the only thing he can rely on is himself. That alone has no apparent weakness on its own.
Most intriguingly, Jihoon noticed how the Doppelganger consistently exploited the very abilities that made each race formidable. It used the merfolk's affinity for water against them, turning their fluid movements into predictable patterns. The dwarves' sturdy defenses became liabilities when the Doppelganger targeted their less-protected joints.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"Are you seeing this?" Jihoon called out to Aquarius, his voice a mix of awe and realization.
Aquarius nodded, her eyes wide with surprise. "It's incredible. Your... other self is fighting in ways I've never seen before. It's as if it's breaking down each race's strengths and weaknesses in real-time."
A surge of understanding overcame Jihoon. He recognized that it is not just raw power or speed that matters, but adaptability and tactical insight. The Doppelganger, unencumbered by preconceptions or ingrained habits, was showcasing the ideal approach to the Odyssey's diverse challenges.
He knew already that he must learn a lot of different subjects to suitably adapt to the Odyssey but in doing so, he missed so many minor details that were no less crucial to him in the long term.
Determination renewed a bit more, Jihoon joined the fray again, undaunted by the setback that he received. He began to mimic his Doppelganger's approach, not just reacting to his opponents but actively looking for the flaws in their seemingly perfect techniques.
For example, a dwarf’s pride is as much of a boon as it is a setback. This extends not only into their craftsmanship but also reflects in combat as they put their all into every individual blow and never resort to deception for any amount of advantage. This makes each of their attacks consistently powerful but leaving them vulnerable should they overextend.
Jihoon managed to weave through the offense of a dwarven construct as he landed a decisive blow with his halberd. His first true claimed victory. He is nowhere near the Doppelganger’s in its ruthless efficiency, but he could keep approaching it with consistent efforts.
Paying close attention to the lessons his Doppelganger was inadvertently teaching. He began learning to read opponents more effectively and exploit the gaps in their defenses. Even if an insurmountable wall presents itself in front of him, he must not falter and keep pushing for a gap inevitably shows.
The Odyssey still shows itself as a monumental challenge, but he believed that as long as he holds its key, it will not be something that can stop him in his track.
Aquarius watched from the sidelines, a mix of admiration and hope in her eyes. Perhaps, she thought, Jihoon's promise wasn't so far-fetched after all. With this innovative approach to combat, he might just stand a chance against the best warriors Absence had to offer.
The training goes on, from early morning through even afternoon. But the overcast sky concealed any sense of time from them as Jihoon in his trances completely disregarding the perception of time. Now, he and his Doppelganger stood back-to-back as they are encircled by numerous water clones, all seemingly going for the kill.
The glove is off, and gauntlet is now on, the beginning of Jihoon’s assumption that the merfolk king has decided to break the rules for the sake of his daughter’s marriage arrangement.
Throughout the entirety of this continuous onslaught of attacks, the difficulty has been consistently rising as this battle goes on. Now, they will slowly remove each guideline that separates the Odyssey as a good-spirited tournament from a death game.
All rules and regulations are written in blood. And by removing them, one needlessly creates preventable bloodshed. This applies everywhere regardless of worlds.
One of the major guidelines, no ganging up on downed participants. Removed. What should be a test of skill transformed into a potential bloodbath.
This is what he had arranged for Aquarius to do, because a thumb rule of Hunter has told him. Always be wary and assume of worst-case scenarios in unfamiliar places.
The simulation of the gradual erosion of the Odyssey’s guideline. Begin.
This scenario mirrors the ruthless tactics the merfolk king might employ to ensure his daughter's arranged marriage.
As the encircling clones tensed, ready to charge, Jihoon spoke quietly to his Doppelganger. "We need to break out. Divide and conquer won't work here."
The Doppelganger nodded imperceptibly, its grip tightening on the twin blades of light.
In that split second before the onslaught, Jihoon formulated a plan. "On my mark, create a light barrier. I'll use it as a springboard."
The water clones surged forward, a tidal wave of simulated warriors converging on the pair. Just as they were about to make contact, Jihoon shouted, "Now!"
The Doppelganger reacted instantly, forming a dome of solid light around them. Jihoon, timing his move perfectly, used his halberd to vault himself high into the air, breaking through the top of the dome.
From his elevated position, Jihoon unleashed a barrage of Light Magic, raining down [Sol Corona] strands to ensnare and divide the mob below. The Doppelganger, seizing the moment of confusion, burst through its own light barrier, its blades carving a path through the disoriented clones.
Jihoon landed nearby the Doppelganger as the encirclement has greater width than just one personnel, then he immediately engaging the nearest opponents. Fighting fiercely with newfound adaptability, switching between wide sweeps of his halberd to keep multiple foes at bay and precise strikes to disable individual threats.
The Doppelganger, meanwhile, became a whirlwind of light blades, its movements fluid and unpredictable. It used the chaos of the melee to its advantage, pitting opponents against each other and exploiting every opening.
Despite their initial success in creating a path through the encirclement, Jihoon and his Doppelganger are still constantly on the move. The water clones, relentless in their pursuit, showed no hesitation in striking at vulnerable moments or targeting a downed opponent. Much like what happened if every participant is replaced with savages.
"We need to thin their numbers!" Jihoon called out to his Doppelganger. "Focus on disabling for now! Not defeating. We can't match their total stamina in a prolonged fight!"
Understanding flickered between them. They began to synchronize their movements, creating openings for each other and maximizing the impact of every attack. Jihoon's "Dawn's Edge" flashed brilliantly, temporarily blinding groups of opponents, while the Doppelganger's precision strikes disrupted the clones' water-based forms.
Through intense combat and bravery in face of death, Jihoon’s control and advancement of his Light Magic made quick progress as he could conjure more Dawn’s Edges at once. At certain point, he believed that he could perform Blade Spam with it, but he hasn’t yet reached such mastery.
When was the last time he felt truly overwhelmed? It isn’t even like his first Gate delve when the Gate becomes inescapable, and that he must confront the Gate Boss to leave. He had reliable allies and Song Magic at use. But here neither he nor the Doppelganger can use while beset at all side and he felt powerless without the melodic enhancement.
Even in the face of direst strait, his heroic spirit didn’t fail to push him against the unrelenting horde. The idea of one man alone fighting against an entire army and winning has been the fantasy of many. But to accomplish it, was an entirely different thing.
Jihoon thrust his decayed halberd forward, creating a momentary gap in the seemingly ceaseless wall of attackers. The Doppelganger capitalized on this opening, its light blades flashing as it carved a path through the clones. They pushed outward, back-to-back, rotating to cover each other's blind spots.
Water splashed and reformed around them as they fought, the clones relentless in their assault. Any clone that fell was quickly replaced, the onslaught never ceasing.
They continued to press their advantage, slowly widening the gap they'd created in the encirclement. Water clones fell and reformed around them, but the relentless duo continued to push outward, refusing to be boxed in again.
As they fought, Jihoon's mind raced, analyzing each opponent, each movement in complete overdrive. He began to see patterns in the chaos. In the way that certain clones would prioritize targets, how others would try to flank or distract. It was a complex dance of strategy and instinct, formulating with each passing moment, Jihoon felt himself adapting, improving as he begins to see the combat in the way that the Doppelganger did.
"Break for the edge!" Jihoon called out, identifying a slight weakness in the encirclement.
The Doppelganger understood immediately. It dropped low, sweeping its light blades in a circular motion to clear a path forward to finally reach a clearance. Jihoon vaulted over his duplicate, using the momentum to drive his halberd into the ground and pole-vault through the final gap.
As soon as they breached the circle after what could be perceived as an unbelievable amount time passed, their strategy quickly shifted. Back-to-back no longer, they now flanked the group from opposite sides. Jihoon's halberd kept the clones at bay while the Doppelganger's agile swordplay picked off stragglers.
They then wove through the melee, never staying still long enough to be overwhelmed. When one clone fell, they didn't hesitate - moving on to the next target immediately, denying their opponents the chance to gang up on a "downed" fighter.
Jihoon felt his muscles burn with exertion, but his mind remained sharp even with exhaustion tinge its essence. The overcast sky rumbled ominously above, a fitting backdrop to the relentless battle unfolding on the shore.
Aquarius looked in worry and anticipation since this is exactly what he had asked for of her. But at this pace, she worries more about Jihoon’s well-being than the chance of him attain victory the actual Odyssey. Yet with anxiety, she still heed his wish to raise the stake even higher.
Another major guideline removed. No permanent maiming or lethal force upon other participants.
As Jihoon and his Doppelganger continued their relentless dance of survival, Aquarius's voice cut through the chaos, her tone laced with both concern and determination.
"Jihoon! The next guideline removed: No use of lethal force or permanent maiming!"
The implications hit Jihoon like a literal physical blow. In an instant, the already dangerous training scenario escalated to a potentially deadly one. The water clones, as if sensing this shift, became even more aggressive. Their attacks now aimed for vital points such as throats, eyes, joints, etc… with devastating precision.
Jihoon barely dodged a spear of water aimed at his heart, the projectile grazing his side and drawing blood. "Adapt!" he transmitted his thought to his Doppelganger through their mental link made by Light Magic, his mind racing to formulate a new strategy.
The Doppelganger, understanding immediately, shifted its fighting style. Its wielding light blades elongated, creating a greater reach to keep opponents at bay. Then it began targeting the water clones' legs and arms, no longer to disable, but to disperse their watery forms entirely.
Jihoon, following suit, channeled his Light Magic through his halberd. With each swing, arcs of searing light extended his reach, vaporizing portions of the water clones on contact. No longer aimed to simply knock opponents down, each strike was now meant to completely neutralize a threat much like the Hunters do in his world.
Aquarius could stop the whole thing at any time she deemed the situation too dangerous. But she doesn’t know which to place her faith more, her trust in Jihoon or her own judgment. And with how catastrophic her recent actions were, her idea of trusting her own actions seems too much to ask of her.
"We can't hold back any more like this," Jihoon panted, his back pressed against his Doppelganger's as they found themselves momentarily surrounded again. "If this is how the real Odyssey might turn out, we need to be prepared to... to do whatever it takes."
The Doppelganger made no response, it simply acted accordingly to the situation no matter how dire with complete stoicism. No fear or hesitation dragging its actions behind, only logical development for the best possible outcome drives everything. Every potential that Jihoon has, it quickly makes complete use as the situation pushed its limit.
[Sol Corona] manifested once again, strings of incandescent light weaved together as it formed into tightly bonded rope then from rope refined and condensed into a searing whip. Extracting from Jihoon’s memories, a personal meaning and experience applied transforming its lethality into something much more concrete.
“Ardor of the Sun!”. The Doppelganger that has mostly been silent and never once spoken out loud break its stoic character. Something that spoke weight of how dire the situation is that it must make full use of everything.
This is Jihoon’s second Novice-class Light Magic, or more exactly the Doppelganger’s.
The once harmless strands of light now coalesced into a blazing whip, pulsing with intense heat and energy like solar flare.
The personal meaning behind this evolution stemmed from Jihoon's memories of his world's relentless battles against monsters emerging from Gates - the constant struggle for survival, the burning desire to protect, and the searing pain of loss of his own failure.
He recalled the dusk when Jin died. Ever so peaceful after so much time in torturing agony. To Jihoon, that pain of his death passed on to him as he must now live and survive for his sake. One of the original reasons he set out for Absence to begin with.
As the Doppelganger wielded this new weapon, its effects were immediately apparent. The water clones that came into contact with [Ardor of the Sun] didn't just disperse but also evaporated instantly, leaving behind wisps of steam. The whip cut through the battlefield like a ray of concentrated sunlight, carving a path of destruction through ranks and clusters of enemies that meant their demise.
The Doppelganger transmitted the casting formula directly to Jihoon's mind using their Light Magic. In an instant of shared consciousness, Jihoon grasped the intricacies of the spell. Without hesitation, he manifested his own [Ardor of the Sun], and realizing its wide reaches and range, he did the next unthinkable thing.
Mentally threading the searing whip’s end at his halberd’s shaft, the two of them combined into something a bit more devastating than individually.
With a mighty swing, Jihoon unleashed a devastating arc of solar energy. The battlefield lit up as if dawn had suddenly broken if ever briefly, the scorching light vaporizing a wide swath of water clones. For a moment, the onslaught paused, the remaining clones seeming to reassess their approach.
Panting heavily, Jihoon and his Doppelganger stood back-to-back once more, his decayed halberd humming with power while his clone manifesting numerous light-based weapons. They had survived this latest escalation, but both knew the reprieve would be brief.
As if on cue, Aquarius's voice rang out again, her tone now trembling with a mix of awe and fear. "Jihoon... the next guideline. It's... it's worse than just the risk of death."
Jihoon's heart sank. What could possibly be worse than lethal force being permitted? He braced himself, readying [Ardor of the Sun] for whatever new horror awaited them.
"The next guideline removed," Aquarius continued, her voice tremble as she starts to feel that Jihoon is going too far with his personal request, "No use of civilians or hostages as leverage or blackmail against other participants."
This doesn’t exactly reflect or portray well in this simulated battleground since there’s no innocent to take advantage of. But with no incentive, the clones’ behavior started to become very deranged even in just idle stance. In this very moment, this had cease being a battle of warriors with the honor discarded in the two previous guidelines, and it is now just a complete catastrophe in total sense.
Then another guideline is removed… Then another one… It goes on until it completely devolved into total anarchy where one doesn’t even register what part of the Odyssey this is supposed to be. That’s when Aquarius realized something… Jihoon is obsessing over something so extreme that it could never happen.
As the simulated battlefield descended into chaos, Aquarius found herself watching Jihoon with growing concern. The water clones, now unbound by any semblance of rules or honor, began to act in increasingly erratic and vicious ways. Yet Jihoon and his Doppelganger continued to fight, adapting to each new horror with grim determination
Suddenly, a realization struck Aquarius as she had borne witness to the total duration of this increasingly punishing session. This wasn't just training anymore. This had become something else entirely, a manifestation of Jihoon's deepest fears and anxieties.
If one were to think about it and reflect totally of Jihoon’s journey so far. It… was rife with terrible scenarios that really shouldn’t have happened to someone who just entered the Hunter industry like him. There’s true misfortune, and then there’s his life. Each experience had reinforced Jihoon's belief that the worst would always happen to him.
She saw the tension in Jihoon's jaw, the haunted look in his eyes that spoke of more than just physical exertion.
From the beginning, or at least to anyone’s thought… Jihoon never had any intent on training for the sake of self-improvement. Although he resolved the matter with the identity of what he wanted to be, solving one issue won’t suddenly make one the pinnacle of perfection.
This whole increasingly brutal training session was Jihoon's way of punishing himself, of preparing for the absolute worst-case scenario that he had convinced that would inevitably befall him.
Aquarius's mind raced back through their interactions. Jihoon's insistence on pushing harder, on removing more and more guidelines, wasn't just about being prepared. It reflected his deep-seated belief that everything would go wrong, that he needed to be ready for the most catastrophic outcome possible.
She finally realized with a start that Jihoon was in a constant state of self-penance, blaming himself for events far beyond his control. He carried the weight of every tragedy, every setback, as if it were solely his responsibility.
It was Jihoon's way of trying to atone, to prove to himself that he could handle anything the world threw at him, no matter how dire or unfair. Absence may still be far from the utopia of equality, but he didn’t see himself as having any place to belong to. In his view, he himself is the scum of earth that deserves no one’s affection or empathy.
Aquarius made a decision for herself. This had gone too far. Jihoon's obsession with preparing for the worst was pushing him to dangerous extremes of no return. Where was the man who raised her up from the darkest part of her life, now succumbing to a different pitfall of his own emotional turmoil?
"Enough!" she cried out loud, her voice cutting through the cacophony of battle. With a wave of her hand, she dispelled all the water clones, leaving Jihoon and his Doppelganger standing alone on the now-quiet shore. Bringing the chaotic simulation to an abrupt end.
Jihoon turned to her, confusion and a hint of frustration in his eyes. "Why did you stop? We need to be ready for—"
"Jihoon," she said softly, seemingly on verge of crying for his plight, "I think... I think we need to talk. About all of this. About you."
The look of confusion on Jihoon's face only confirmed her suspicions. He didn't even realize the extremes to which he had pushed himself, the unrealistic standards he had set.
"This... this isn't about being ready anymore. What you're doing, it's not healthy. You're punishing yourself for things you couldn't control." Aquarius interrupted as gently as she could but her anger toward his own self-disregarding sickens her in way she couldn’t empathize.
Someone so kind harbors such disgusting self-loathing. Empathic toward others yet apathetic toward oneself the most.
I see it now. You're carrying so much guilt, so much fear of what might go wrong. But Jihoon, not everything is your fault. Not everything will turn out for the worst." Aquarius said as her eyes filled with understanding and concern.
Jihoon's shoulders slumped, the weight of his self-imposed burden suddenly visible. "But if I'm not prepared for the worst..."
"Then we'll face it together," Aquarius said firmly. "But we can't live assuming the worst will always happen. That's not preparation, it's self-destruction."
As the overcast sky began to clear, letting through the first rays of sunlight, Aquarius reached out to Jihoon. "It's time to stop punishing yourself. Let's prepare for the Odyssey, yes, but not like this. Not by tearing yourself apart."
Yet as her words sank in, Jihoon's demeanor began to shift. Instead of relief or understanding, his expression hardened, a stubborn glint appearing in his eyes.
"You don't understand," he said, his voice low and intense. "I have to do this. I must be ready for everything, for anything. It's the only way to ensure—"
"To ensure what, Jihoon?" Aquarius interrupted, her concern growing. "That you'll never fail again? That you can control everything?"
Jihoon's fists clenched at his sides. "I have to be strong enough. I must be able to handle it all myself. If I rely on others, if I'm not prepared for the absolute worst..."
Aquarius could see Jihoon spiraling, his obsession with self-reliance and preparation reaching a fever pitch. She realized that simply talking him down might not be enough. Force wasn't an option either – it would only delay the inevitable, pushing the problem to another day without addressing its root.
Then, a memory stirred. The Forgotten Melody. The song Jihoon had taught her, the one that had brought her a measure of peace in her darkest moment. Perhaps now it was time for her to return the favor for someone so lost in delusion of self.
Taking a deep breath, Aquarius began to hum the melody. Soft at first, then growing in strength and clarity. The notes hung in the air, a gentle counterpoint to the tension radiating from Jihoon.
As the familiar tune reached his ears, Jihoon's rapid-fire justifications faltered. His eyes widened, a flicker of recognition passing across his face.
Aquarius continued and then she began to vocalize, weaving her Water Magic into the song, creating subtle harmonies and countermelodies. She poured her emotions into the music – her gratitude for Jihoon's help, her concern for his well-being, and her hope for a future where he didn't have to carry the weight of the world alone.
Even if this connection is unlasting or meant to fade. She will not allow it to lessen the impact of her actions done for his sake.
Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, the rigid set of Jihoon's shoulders began to soften. The frantic energy that had been driving him seemed to ebb, replaced by a look of confusion, then dawning realization.
"I... I taught you that," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aquarius nodded, not breaking the melody. She reached out, gently taking Jihoon's hand in hers. As she did, she guided his fingers to move as if playing an invisible instrument, helping him reconnect with the music he had created.
Gradually, Jihoon's breathing steadied. The wild look in his eyes faded, replaced by a sheen of unshed tears. As the last notes of the Forgotten Melody faded away, Aquarius finally spoke.
"You showed me that there's hope, even in the darkest times," she said softly. "Now it's my turn to remind you. You don't have to do everything alone, Jihoon. You don't have to be perfect or invincible. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is accept help, to trust that not everything will go wrong."
And so Jihoon’s self-imagery as an invincible paragon shattered when it took only day for someone to feed back the lesson he taught. He was far more fragile than he thought, and a single character development likely won’t be enough to cover everything that is wrong with him, let alone properly addressed.
As the facade crumbled entirely. The weight of his self-imposed burdens, the constant strain of trying to prepare for every worst-case scenario, came crashing down. He sank to his knees on the shore, tears finally falling freely. His Doppelganger only turn his back toward, letting Jihoon to his own device with Aquarius.
Aquarius knelt beside him, her hand still in his. "We'll face the Odyssey together," she promised. "Not as infallible heroes, but as people who are willing to try, to support each other, and to believe that sometimes, things might just turn out okay if you just believe."
And so… the cloud slowly disperses, revealing the time to them. The final hour of day as the radiance shown in soft golden glow that felt relief and uplifting. Unlike the usual incandescent color that does nothing to soothe their spirits.
The Golden Hour. The most majestic period of the day that has never once failed to enrapture the spirit of many. This world is no different in that sense and here, it felt cathartic for Jihoon to the point that he has no words to describe.
While still kneeling on the shore, felt a sudden urge to capture this moment, to imprint it as deeply in his mind as possible. The beauty of Golden Hour, with its warm hues and long shadows, stirred something within him. An idea began to form, a new understanding of his Light Magic and its potential.
Without a word, he stood up, his movements slow but deliberate. Aquarius watched curiously as Jihoon began to manifest multiple Dawn's Edges, planting them in the sand in a pattern reminiscent of a magic circle. As he worked, his mind raced with new insights into the nature of magic proficiency that his System and this world categorize.
"The levels of magic... they're not just about power, but about understanding and connection." Jihoon murmured, more to himself than to Aquarius.
Aquarius titled her head, intrigued by what he was saying.
The distinctions between magical proficiency levels that had once seemed arbitrary now made perfect sense:
Innate was understanding the element in its raw form, seeing it as it exists in nature and the imagery that convey it.
Initiate was learning to manipulate that element, to make it work according to one's will. In his world, that would be general physics that he learned.
Novice was infusing personal meaning into the magic, giving it depth and power beyond mere manipulation.
And now, as he stood surrounded by his circle of light blades, each catching and refracting the golden twilight in unique ways, Jihoon understood what it meant to reach the Intermediate level.
Intermediate… was connection. Taking all the elements that so far being the constitute of his Light Magic. The imagery, the technique and the personal meaning… All of them being simply just stacked atop one another without structuring. But it all changes once he grasped the method.
As if responding to his epiphany, the Dawn's Edges began to pulse in unison, their light intermingling with the golden rays of the setting sun. The magic circle he had created started to glow, not with the harsh light of combat, but with a warm, encompassing radiance that seemed to reflect the peace of the twilight hour.
Magic becomes stronger is the side effect of it becoming more complete and attuned to the nature around them.
As he spoke, the light from the magic circle began to spread, creating a domain of soft, golden light around its perimeter. Within this space, both Jihoon and Aquarius felt a profound sense of calm and clarity. And due to the nature of how Magic Circle works, Jihoon could modify it to do anything he wanted it to do within the range of his Light Magic.
“It’s… beautiful”. Aquarius said as she looked around in awe.
Jihoon realized something after so long spending his time not ever fully placing his faith in trustworthy allies. That his approach to life isn’t just to prepare for the worst but to make the best out of all given situations.
Anticipate for the worst but hope for the best. Don’t let that pessimism control him so terribly like that anymore.
When the sun finally dipped down below the horizon and the sky entered its blue hour. Jihoon took a step back to reorganize the battered spirit and assess everything that is still wrong with him. But even then, self-investigation doesn’t turn out anything meaningful and all he could hope for is when he is pushed again, he would be able to fare better next time.