I Became an Academy Overpowered Growth Genius

I Became an Academy Overpowered Growth Genius – 27

EP.27 Mana Training (3)

Looking at the problem written on the blackboard, Lim Chae-Won was astonished.

‘This problem requires using a formula we haven’t learned yet…!’

The problem given by the professor to Kang Seo-Jun was too difficult for the current progress level.

– Tak! –

Nevertheless, Kang Seo-Jun picked up the chalk without a moment’s hesitation.

[The Eye of Providence interprets the formula for mana density.]

Numerous numbers and symbols floated before his eyes.

– Tadak…! Tak! Tak tak! –

Kang Seo-Jun transcribed it directly onto the blackboard.

“Hmm?”

As Kang Seo-Jun unexpectedly proceeded with a plausible solution, the professor scrutinized the blackboard with keen eyes.

However, as expected…

‘Ha! Messed up the first formula!’

The content of the solution was a complete mess.

He thought so for about 30 seconds.

‘Huh…? Wait?’

Although he thought the solution formula was entirely wrong.

‘The intermediate value came out correctly?’

However, the subsequent solution formula was still a mess.

‘Well, it must be a coincidence. The intermediate value fluctuates between -10 and +10, so he probably guessed it.’

– Tak… Tadak… Tak! –

– Huuk. Huuk.

–

However, when Kang Seo-Jun confidently wrote down the final value with a smirk, the professor couldn’t hide his surprise.

‘What, what is this? How?’

It was the correct answer.

With just a teasing motion of his arm, Kang Seo-Jun looked at the professor, breathing heavily as if his breath was taken away.

“Huuk. Huuk. I’ve solved them all.”

“Um, for now, go back to your seat.”

– Thump thump! –

As Kang Seo-Jun returned to his seat, the professor picked up the textbook and chalk.

‘How on earth with such a solution… the intermediate and final values…’

Kang Seo-Jun’s solution formula, transcribed on the answer sheet, was much simpler and clearer than the solution formula on the answer sheet. It wasn’t just a matter of omitting symbols or steps, the solution formula itself was entirely different.

The professor began to compare the answer sheet with Kang Seo-Jun’s solution formula, verifying the problem.

– Tak… Tak tak! Tatak…

–

The blank spaces on the blackboard began to rapidly fill in with the professor’s interpretation and solution.

After about 10 minutes, the blackboard was filled with the professor’s solution, leaving no space for more.

‘This, this formula…! How…!’

The professor took out his notebook and continued writing the solution.

As the solution continued for a long time, the professor’s expression gradually turned from astonishment to disbelief.

‘This is like-!’

The enthusiasm in the solution, without any flaws, was like the precise strike of a master swordsman who had trained for a lifetime, as if embracing the mystery of the universe fully.

‘This formula…!’

It was a mystery that rekindled the half-dead passion of the professor as a mathematician, evoking curiosity and intense anticipation.

‘Absolutely… beautiful…!’

Instead of astonishment in the professor’s eyes, flames flickered.

20 minutes passed. 25 minutes…

The professor set aside the class and focused solely on uncovering the principle behind that formula.

Time flew, and it was suddenly 3 minutes before the end of the class.

For the professor, 30 minutes were too short to understand the principle of the formula.

With a pen filled with complex emotions, the professor tapped his notebook.

Finally, the professor turned away from the blackboard and called Kang Seo-Jun.

“You. What’s your name.”

Kang Seo-Jun, who was openly practicing mana manipulation, opened his eyes when the professor spoke.

“I’m Kang Seo-Jun.”

“I see. Then, Mr. Kang Seo-Jun.”

Fellow students eagerly listened to their conversation.

What on earth was that formula that made the professor delay the class for 30 minutes, wrestling with his pen?

“Where did you get this formula… No, never mind.”

The professor took off his old glasses as he spoke.

“Can I study this formula a bit?”

It was a humble question, laying down the his pride as a professor and asking as a mathematician.

– Murmur murmur.

–

The voices of the students murmured softly at the professor’s serious attitude.

“What is that formula…?”

“I don’t know. Maybe he studied hard with willpower.”

“No, the reaction right now isn’t just that.”

Kang Seo-Jun hesitated for a moment before answering.

“Will you give more points?”

The professor shrugged lightly and chuckled.

“Points? Not only points but also a promise for a patent with your name.”

Not just points but a patent too.

– Murmur murmur.

–

The buzzing in the classroom intensified with those words.

“What’s that formula he’s talking about?”

“He seems to be good at math.”

“Is that the reaction you get just for being good? How many does he have?”

“Well, if your body moves like that, you have to work hard even while sitting.”

“Even a nerd has some talents, it seems.”

“It’s not just talent; it’s the professor’s reaction…”

Most of the students didn’t understand the true value of that formula.

If Kang Seo-Jun patented it, his mana calculation formula could be remembered in history alongside Pythagoras’s theorem, newton’s law of universal gravitation, and Einstein’s theory of relativity.

Of course, significant time and effort would be required for such research, but if the research concluded successfully, the stake in it would be substantial.

However, Kang Seo-Jun didn’t assume all of that. He simply accepted it as inconsequential.

“Well, that’s fine.”

Whether it’s a patent or anything else, additional points were most crucial for him.

– Shivering.

–

– Cough! Cough! –

Park Shin-hoo quietly sharpened his teeth, glaring at Kang Seo-Jun.

‘Kang Seo-Jun…!! You just gave him points…!’

– Cough! Creak! –

His pitiful cough echoed in the back seats.

Meanwhile, sitting in the middle row in the front, Lim Chae-Won, like the professor, was interpreting the formula.

‘What on earth is this…?’

Even she, positioned at the top tier in theory, could vaguely guess the value of that formula.

‘I thought he had physical abilities to stop a dump truck, but… his main weapon is a magic wand…? Moreover, where on earth did he learn such a formula…? No. Did a place even exist that teaches something like this…?’

Jin Se-rin, Park Shin-hoo, Lim Chae-Won.

The three promising students of Class A looked at Kang Seo-Jun with different expressions.

‘How is math even…!’

‘I must bring him down!’

‘What on earth is his identity…!’

– Ding dong dong.

–

Soon, the bell signaling the end of the class rang, and the professor, after selecting one student for a greeting, left the classroom with a rejuvenated look on his face.

====

***

====

During the break, Jin Se-rin sighed in relief, thinking something big had happened to him.

He casually pretending to be half-asleep while focusing on practicing mana manipulation while ignored the question, “Where did you learn math?”

Jin Se-rin murmured quietly, “You’ll find out in three years~,” burying her head in her arms on the desk.

However, unexpected fortune began to unfold from the next class onwards.

[Stealing host’s experience points, increasing mana experience points!]

[Stealing host’s experience points, increasing mana experience points!]

[Stealing host’s experience points, increasing mana experience points!]

Even Park Shin-hoo, sitting at the back, started practicing mana during class, probably trying not to fall behind Kang Seo-Jun.

[Stealing host’s efforts, resulting in the growth of mana! Mana attribute +1!]

Although it might be quite regrettable for Park Shin-hoo, thanks to that, Kang Seo-Jun was able to reach his goal of mana level 6 before lunchtime.

[The trait 《Mana Insensitivity Lv. Lowest》 lowered into the trait 《Mana Insensitivity Lv. Low》]

[Special effect of skill 《Parasitic Growth》 activated! Choose the attribute to steal or transfer to the host.]

Reaching mana point 6 eased the mana insensitivity, and he also gained a trait exchange voucher, which had been in short supply lately.

Now, winning in the training had become an imminent goal, and he now had two characteristic exchange vouchers.

In a sunny park, Kang Seo-Jun contemplated where to use one of the characteristic exchange vouchers while having vegetable porridge with Jin Se-rin.

– Huuk. Huuk.

–

– Crackle. Hwup! –

Throughout the time Kang Seo-Jun ate the porridge, Jin Se-rin couldn’t resist her curiosity.

“What are you thinking?”

“Um…”

No matter how close Jin Se-rin was to being a ‘best friend,’ the secret of Parasitic Growth could never be shared.

“…. Career dilemma.”

It wasn’t entirely a lie.

“Huh? Really?”

However, Jin Se-rin seemed genuinely surprised by that answer.

With an interesting expression, she clattered the empty bowl and smiled.

“Why?”

“I never thought you would have such concerns.”

Her words could be interpreted in various ways.

“… Career is important to me too.”

“But if you’re determined, you can go anywhere. Actually, I already had everything planned.”

Considering the appearances, he had shown so far, it was understandable to make such assumptions. However, the reality was that he had only solved a few months’ worth of lifespan issues, and being an orphan with no relatives or friends added to the complexity. Well, he had the Constellations, so maybe not that much.

Jin Se-rin clattered the empty bowl and muttered as if talking to herself.

“Our side… you can come to our company…. Hehe. Seo-Jun, you will come, right?”

“……”

Seongjin Group was a large corporation. It wasn’t the kind of company that would readily accept someone with that attitude. However, considering Jin Se-rin’s proposal, well, who knows? Later, when thinking about Faction Quests, joining a guild under Seongjin Group might not be a bad choice.

“I don’t know. Seongjin Group is a prestigious company that everyone wants to enter.”

“Oh? Really ……You are not just saying, right?”

“No. Seriously.”

“Should I give you Eun-ha unnie’s contact information?”

“Sure. Send it later through text.”

“Wow. Great. I did well to bring it up.”

For now, he left the possibility open. As they chatted, lunchtime passed without using the exchange voucher they received.

Eventually, even the obtained exchange voucher was put on hold. Passing off trivial matters was too precious for the exchange voucher, and taking Park Shin-hoo’s good trait or pushing off a terrible debuff trait didn’t align well with the efficiency of Parasitic Growth.

It seemed that, in such situations, it would be better to either steal a trait that wouldn’t be noticed when Parasitic Growth efficiency was low or push off a characteristic all at once.

Well, plans might change depending on the situation.

And now, it was already afternoon. The first practical class, the training, had begun.

‘If the opponent is close-range, Counterattack. If it’s long-range or a mage, adapt with the new ability of the Eye of Providence.’

Regardless of the opponent, Kang Seo-Jun was confident.